"New Reformated Edition The Mind of J Krishnamurti is a must read for those who want to know the brilliant mind of J. Krishnamurti. Call him what you like, a philosopher, theosophist, psychologist, spiritualist or a teacher he has carved a place among the greats. The book contains a collection of commentaries, reviews and evaluations of his thoughts. It is a compendium perceived and understood by his many admirers among who were Aldous Huxley and Henry Miller."
"New Enlarged Edition Swami Vivekananda is regarded as the patriot saint of modern India and an inspirer of her dormant national consciousness. His inspiring personality was well known both in India and the West. This spiritual leader of India leapt into fame at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, and colourful personality evoked popular interest in Hindu philosophy. He introduced the philosophy of vedanta to the west and preached the ideal of a strength-giving and man-making religion. Service to man as the visible manifestation of the Godhead was the special form of worship he advocated. In this volume Gautam Sen pieces together the representative portions of the Swami’s philosophy along with a running commentary of his own."
"New Enlarged Edition Though he is considered one of the foremost of India’s philosophers, Shankara is also one of the most misunderstood. Much of the misunderstanding of Shankara’s position may be due to the absence of a lucid presentation of his life and works in a comprehensive and readable form. This short monograph is an attempt to meet that need for the benefit of those who have no previous acquaintance with philosophy. Shankara was one of the most subtle of Indian philosophers, and though for him intellectual dexterity was not an end in itself, the reader will find some reasoning worthy of his steel in the following pages."
"A UNIQUE SAINT SAI BABA OF SHIRDI IS A PHENOMENON. In all of India’s history, there has never been another like him. He is not a conventional saint. He wrote no critique of the Bhagvad Gita or the Upanishads or any other holy work. He made no pretensions to scholarship yet he had a profound insight into both Hindu and Islamic scriptures. He founded no ashram or peetham, wrote no tome, initiated no disciple to take over from him. He performed ‘miracles’ but in no manner of means to impress anyone, devotee or otherwise. Sai Baba in every way remains unique. Born about 20 years before the ‘Sepoy’ mutiny in the 19th century in Marathwada, the home of medieval saints of Maharashtra, he came in his late 20’s to Shirdi, an insignificant hamlet in Ahmednagar district and spent the remaining 50 years of his life there until his mahasamadhi. Today Shirdi is a centre of pilgrimage for lakhs of Sai Baba’s devotees. This book is a complete account of his life and mission."
"Now in Telugu A UNIQUE SAINT SAI BABA OF SHIRDI IS A PHENOMENON. In all of India’s history, there has never been another like him. He is not a conventional saint. He wrote no critique of the Bhagvad Gita or the Upanishads or any other holy work. He made no pretensions to scholarship yet he had a profound insight into both Hindu and Islamic scriptures. He founded no ashram or peetham, wrote no tome, initiated no disciple to take over from him. He performed ‘miracles’ but in no manner of means to impress anyone, devotee or otherwise. Sai Baba in every way remains unique. Born about 20 years before the ‘Sepoy’ mutiny in the 19th century in Marathwada, the home of medieval saints of Maharashtra, he came in his late 20’s to Shirdi, an insignificant hamlet in Ahmednagar district and spent the remaining 50 years of his life there until his mahasamadhi. Today Shirdi is a centre of pilgrimage for lakhs of Sai Baba’s devotees. This book is a complete account of his life and mission."
"Based on M.’s English Text, Abridged Foreword by Alexander Lipski Introduction by Swāmī Vivekānanda Edited by Swāmī Abhedānanda & Joseph A. Fitzgerald This original version of The Gospel of Rāmakrishna is based on the author M.’s own English translation from the Bengali. A classic but until recently neglected work, it is presented here in an edited form for the contemporary reader. It is introduced with a comprehensive biography of Shrī Rāmakrishna (1836-1886), written by his most famous disciple, Swāmī Vivekānanda. Also included are several b/w photographs of Rāmakrishna and his disciples. “The story of Rāmakrishna Paramahamsa’s life is a story of religion in practice. His life enables us to see God face to face.... His sayings are not those of a mere learned man but they are pages from the Book of Life.... They, therefore, leave on the reader an impression which he cannot resist.” MAHATMA GANDHI “Rāmakrishna’s teachings on the essential unity of the great religions comprise Hinduism’s finest voice on this topic.” HUSTON SMITH, Professor Emeritus, Syracuse University, author of The World’s Religions “The fervent love of God, nay, the sense of complete absorption in Godhead, has nowhere found a stronger and more eloquent expression than in the utterances of Rāmakrishna. How deep he has seen into the mysteries of knowledge and love of God we see from his sayings.” MAX MÜLLER, Oxford University, general editor Sacred Books of the East “The spirit of Rāmakrishna, as given in his reported conversations, and his life . . . constitute a unique and absorbing document for any serious student of the philosophy of religion. Rāmakrishna is revealed as that rarity, the real thing in metaphysical mysticism and saintliness. He belongs in the great tradition of classic religious leaders.” IRWIN EDMAN, Columbia University, author of Four Ways of Philosophy “Rāmakrishna shows Christians like myself a way to respond to the mystery, beauty, and holiness of non-Christian religious experiences.” FFRANCIS X. CLOONEY, Harvard Divinity School, author of Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders"
"Private Passion and Perennial Wisdom J. Krishnamurti was a revolutionary in the deepest sense of that word. To the world at large, he was a renowned philosopher, orator, author and educator, whom the theosophists regarded as World Teacher – a messianic figure who would bring about world enlightenment. But who was he in his private life? Krishnamurti broke away from the Theosophical Society in 1929 declaring the need for complete spiritual freedom through self-awareness. To further his cause around the globe, he established the Krishnamurti Foundation. For over 60 years, he publicly shunned belief systems and presuppositions of any sort. However, evidence suggests that his life was saturated with the esoteric, with frequent episodes of hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. Krishnamurti’s personal life is a strange and sublime story, not the least because most of it was kept secret for more than five decades. The Inner Life of Krishnamurti is the ripened fruit of author Aryel Sanat’s 30-plus years of meticulous research into the life and works of the enigmatic truth-seeker. Aryel Sanat (Miguel Angel Sanabria) has been interested in Theosophy since his teens and has lectured and written on J. Krishnamurti since 1964. Having received a bachelors degree in humanities from the Instituto de la Habana at the age of 16, Sanat also attended the University of Miami, and received a B.A. in philosophy there as well. He has presented several lectures and papers on various Theosophical topics. "
"Hinduism means incorporating all forms of belief and worship without necessitating the selection or elimination of any. This book incorporates literature from ancient sacred texts of India considered as the Kernel of Hinduism. Jaico’s 366 Gems Series is the first comprehensive collection of the spiritual literature of the whole world presented in accessible form. It is aimed at people who wish to broaden their spiritual outlook, and also at the much larger group who have little or no attachment to a religious community, but seek spiritual wisdom. Each volume in the series contains major writings of one of the world’s spiritual traditions, presented in the form of an annual cycle of daily readings. 366 Gems from Hinduism includes: • The Vedas, the ancient hymns which form the basis of Hindu spirituality • The Upanishads, the collection of meditations and stories embodying Hindu thought • The Bhagavad Gita, the sayings of Krishna which embrace all spiritual life • The original instructions in the practice of Yoga, and its underlying philosophy • The devotional poems and meditations of the Indian mystics"
"Buddha means ‘enlightened person’. A Buddhist is someone who follows the teachings of a particular enlightened person, called Gautama. Jaico’s 366 Gems Series is the first comprehensive collection of the spiritual literature of the whole world presented in accessible form. It is aimed at people who wish to broaden their spiritual outlook, and also at the much larger group who have little or no attachment to a religious community, but seek spiritual wisdom. Each volume in the series contains major writings of one of the world’s spiritual traditions, presented in the form of an annual cycle of daily readings. 366 Gems from Buddhism includes: • Teachings of the Buddha, taken from the Pali canon compiled soon after his death • The Dhammapada, the famous summary of the Buddha’s wisdom • Stories, poems, sayings and spiritual insights of the Mahayana sages from Tibet, China and India • Jokes and stories from Zen"
"Islam means ‘submission to God’. A Muslim is someone who has submitted to God, recognizing Muhammad as a prophet of God. Jaico’s 366 Gems Series is the first comprehensive collection of the spiritual literature of the whole world presented in accessible form. It is aimed at people who wish to broaden their spiritual outlook, and also at the much larger group who have little or no attachment to a religious community but seek spiritual wisdom. Each volume in the series contains major writings of one of the world’s spiritual traditions, presented in the form of an annual cycle of daily readings. 366 Gems from Islam includes: • The life of Muhammad by Ibn Ishaq, written soon after the prophet’s death • The Quran, received by Muhammad, which is the sacred text of Islam • Stories, poems, sayings and spiritual insights of the Sufi mystics • Philosophical reflections of the great Arab thinkers"
"75 PEOPLE WHO CHANGED THE WORLD is a wonderful, provocative collection of short biographies of reformers, scholars, martyrs and mystics – of many faiths – who shook up religious thought and practice in the twentieth century. The short profiles make interesting reading – and, often, discovery – and the quotations and bibliographies following each profile make this an even more valuable resource. It’s an admiring and instructive survey of influential spiritual practitioners and pioneers. A celebration of the human spirit, ideal for both seekers and believers, the curious and the passionate, thinkers and doers, 75 People Who Changed The World is an authoritative guide to the most creative spiritual ideas and actions of the past century – a challenge for us today. "
"Now in Telugu 75 PEOPLE WHO CHANGED THE WORLD is a wonderful, provocative collection of short biographies of reformers, scholars, martyrs and mystics – of many faiths – who shook up religious thought and practice in the twentieth century. The short profiles make interesting reading – and, often, discovery – and the quotations and bibliographies following each profile make this an even more valuable resource. It’s an admiring and instructive survey of influential spiritual practitioners and pioneers. A celebration of the human spirit, ideal for both seekers and believers, the curious and the passionate, thinkers and doers, 75 People Who Changed The World is an authoritative guide to the most creative spiritual ideas and actions of the past century – a challenge for us today. "
"Snacks For The Soul is a collection of stories that offer emotional, intellectual and spiritual nourishment. The ‘snacks’ come in a variety of flavors – the sweet, the bitter, the sad, the joyous, the spicy and the pungent! There are tastes to suit every palate, tastes that will linger long in your mind! This collection is not to be read at one sitting; nor is it for idle page-turning; read these stories for inspiration and guidance; read them to have your mind and spirit uplifted. They are slices of life and they strike a chord that is rarely heard in your heart; they make you feel instinctively “this might have happened to me!” "
"Rev. Dada J P Vaswani has always been a raconteur par excellence. His informal discourses as well as his books have always been liberally interspersed with thought-provoking stories, interesting anecdotes and tales from our myths and scriptures, chosen judiciously to bring home the point that he wishes us to absorb. These stories are so memorable, that they linger long in our hearts, allowing us to internalize the message or the value that he has so creatively put across to us! In this book, we bring together 100 stories chosen from his recent talks and books, neatly packaged with Rev. Dada’s thoughts offered for your reflection, and his trademark practical exercises in the form of tips for you to follow! Happy reading – and happy reflections! J P Vaswani needs no introduction to readers of inspirational literature. He is regarded as one of the leading spiritual luminaries of India, a practical philosopher and a man of God whose grace has influenced thousands all over the world. A gifted writer and brilliant orator, Dada, as he is lovingly called, has addressed distinguished audiences worldwide, communicating only as he can, the positive messages of love, faith, joy and peace. J P Vaswani is the recipient of several honors, including the prestigious U Thant Peace Award. He has written over 80 books, many of which have been translated into various foreign languages."
"The essence of powerful mantras such as: Guru Mantra, Gayatri Mantra Ganapati Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Shanti Mantra and many more Mantras have been close to the heart of Hinduism since time immemorial. For too long, taboos and restrictions have made the lay person, the ordinary individual and the uninitiated seeker slightly wary of this potent talisman that has been left for our benefit by the ancient rishis of India. In this book, JP Vaswani demystifies mantras of their abstraction and esoteric aspects and brings them closer to us for our use. He has chosen to share some of his own favourite mantras, in his characteristically lucid and eloquent expositions about the significance of each. Also included in the book are answers to questions on the use of mantras and their effects. His wisdom, his insights and his profound scholarship are freely offered to us so that we may move onward, forward, Godward! JP VASWANI was one of the leading spiritual luminaries of India. A gifted writer and brilliant orator, Dada, as he was lovingly called, addressed distinguished audiences worldwide on love, faith, joy and peace. He was the recipient of several honors, including the prestigious U Thant Peace Award. He penned over 80 books and many of them have been translated into various foreign languages. "
"In these modern times, spirituality is a guiding light, an anchor to hold onto amid the mounting challenges and difficulties of the age. In the backdrop of a frenetic world, Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani is a soothing presence who radiates love like a powerful beacon, effecting change in anyone who comes within his sphere. A mystic philosopher, he is a saint to some people, but to countless others he is simply Dada. Dada Vaswani: A Life in Spirituality offers an unusual viewpoint – a nonbeliever’s perspective, it takes a fresh look at spirituality. The author creates a mischievous being who flits about and hovers – doubting and cynical – observing Dada as he follows his own convictions with implicit courage and faith. Known for her adventure and thriller novels, Shobha Nihalani says that meeting Dada J, as she calls him, was a turning point in her journey as an author. His open heart and inner strength inspired her to grow spiritually and take on the immense task of penning the story of his life. Through this book, we are welcomed into Dada Vaswani’s life to witness his selfless service and dedicated mission to build love, forgiveness, and unity. Shobha Nihalani has previously been the author of adventure and thriller novels. She decided to take a slight shift from writing suspense, turning towards the spiritual with Dada Vaswani: A Life in Spirituality. Writing from the perspective of a novice, she brings out Dada J.P. Vaswani’s keen wisdom with wit, logic, and soulful sensitivity."
"The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu Isvarah paramah krisnah sachid-ananda-vigrahah Often in this fractured world, we are filled with self-doubt and apprehension. But the brief powerful moments of kindness and compassion are what carry us through. In a constant pursuit of positivity, Dada J.P. Vaswani writes this charming narrative of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the God of Protection and the Supreme Being. Radiating warmth, this exquisitely crafted collection of stories reveals the author’s boundless love for human beings. With endless enthusiasm, Dada’s narrative soothes and pleases the curious reader. He draws you in and captivates you as he introduces each magnificent avatar and reveals its core essence. His words are a breath of fresh air in the tedium of a fast-paced life. They invite you to look within and give you a freshperspective on this unpredictable world. J. P. Vaswani is one of India’s most loved and respected spiritual leaders. He is the living, moving life force at the helm of the renowned Sadhu Vaswani Mission, an international, non-profit, social welfare and service organization with its headquarters in Pune and active centres all over the world. A scientist-turned-philosopher, Vaswani is also a fluent, powerful and witty speaker, an inspired writer and is the youngest 99-year-old you will ever meet. "
"A journey of self-discovery You may have conquered the whole world, but if you have not mastered yourself... Do you know where you are going? And perhaps the more important question is, where do you wish to go? ‘Tatah kim? Tatah kim?’ asked Adi Shankara, centuries ago. What then? Is making money the be-all and end-all of life? The answer to that question cannot really be found in our diary entries or our schedule of appointments! Our activities cannot indicate the answer either. It is a question that forces one to reflect on the ultimate goal one has set for oneself. In What Then, J.P. Vaswani expertly illustrates the importance of taking a step back and evaluating life. Are we living in order to die? Or are we living to exist? Or to eat, drink and be merry for we may die soon? Even in the frenetic pursuit of targets and goals, we need to pause and reflect on where we are headed, where our life is taking us, or, where we are trying to reach with our hectic efforts! What then? Where does one go from here? J.P. Vaswani was one of the leading spiritual luminaries of India. A gifted writer and brilliant orator, Dada, as he was lovingly called, addressed distinguished audiences worldwide on love, faith, joy and peace. He was the recipient of several honors, including the prestigious U Thant Peace Award. He penned over 80 books and many of them have been translated into various foreign languages. "
"In Worlds in Harmony, the Dalai Lama explores the nature of suffering and its release through compassionate action. It focuses on the understanding that a deep awareness of our shared desire to avoid pain leads to an awareness of our responsibility to relieve others of suffering. Worlds in Harmony offers the reader insight into the relation between awareness and right action, and bridges personal consciousness and global concerns. With the knowledge that insight is of no use unless it results in action, the Dalai Lama teaches ways of being, thinking, and acting in the world that are based on equanimity and understanding. This book can be a key guide to the practice of healing and compassionate action in daily life."
"DISCOVER THE SPIRITUALLY INCISIVE STRATEGIES FOR PEACEFULLY RESOLVING CONFLICT IN THIS MASTERPIECE OF MILITARY STRATEGY. Written 2,500 years ago by Chinese general Sun Tzu, The Art of War is a poetic and potent treatise on military strategy still in use in war colleges around the world. Yet its principles transcend warfare and have practical applications to all the conflicts and crises we face in our lives – in our workplaces, our families, even within ourselves. Thomas Huynh guides you through Sun Tzu’s masterwork, highlighting principles that encourage a perceptive and spiritual approach to conflict, enabling you to: — Prevent conflicts before they arise — Peacefully and quickly resolve conflicts when they do arise — Act with courage, intelligence and benevolence in adversarial situations — Convert potential enemies into friends — Control your emotions before they control you Now you can experience the effectiveness of Sun Tzu’s teachings even if you have no previous knowledge of The Art of War. Insightful yet unobtrusive facing-page commentary explains the subtleties of the text, allowing you to unlock the power of its teachings and help prevent and resolve the conflicts in your own life. "
"The Transformative Power of The Goddesses of Yoga How do you live a life of spiritual awakening as well as outer abundance, inner freedom as well as deep intimacy? How do you serve the world selflessly, yet passionately celebrate your life? The sages of Tantra have known for centuries that when you follow the path of Shakti — the sacred feminine principle personified by the goddesses of yoga — these gifts can manifest spontaneously. Yet most of us, women as well as men, have yet to experience the full potential of our inner feminine energies. In Awakening Shakti, you will learn how to recognize and invite: • Kali, bringer of strength, fierce love, and untamed freedom • Lakshmi, who confers prosperity and beauty • Saraswati, for clarity of communication and intuition • Radha, who carries the divine energy of spiritual longing • Bhuvaneshvari, who creates the space for sacred transformation • Parvati, to awaken creativity and the capacity to love With a wealth of meditations, visualizations, mantras, teachings, and beautifully told stories, Awakening Shakti provides a practical guide for activating the currents of the divine feminine in every aspect of your life. Sally Kempton has been studying and teaching the wisdom of yoga for 45 years. A highly regarded teacher of meditation and spiritual philosophy, she writes the popular Yoga Journal column “Wisdom.” Sally teaches retreats, teleclasses and workshops internationally. She resides in Carmel Valley, California. Illustrator Ekabhumi Charles Ellik is a poet, artist, husband, student, and teacher of Classical Tantric Hatha Yoga. A student of Nepalese master painter Dinesh Charan, he also studied painting in the lineage of Harish Johari."
"Is Maya a sly antagonist determined to keep us shackled in our own inner chains? Or is she another name for the game of life, where we could be a master player or a hapless pawn? Be it the common man who finds Maya synonymous with materialism, or the spiritual man who accords Maya some esoteric imagery, all fail to comprehend her. She is elusive by definition. Spirituality today has largely become another form of entertainment. However, Acharya Prashant takes us towards a genuine understanding of Maya as she plays out in our daily lives. Drawing on Vedantic seers and philosophers from all ages he makes age-old wisdom accessible in a modern-day context. If you have the courage to let go of your old beliefs, willingness to pay the price for an authentic life and love for the naked truth, this book is for you. TO BE FREE OF HER, SET HER FREE ACHARYA PRASHANT is a champion of socio-spiritual awakening in today's world. He is an acclaimed Vedanta exegete and author of over 70 books, including the national bestseller Karma. An alumnus of IIT-Delhi, IIM-Ahmedabad and a former civil services officer, he is an exponent of pure Vedantic wisdom, a campaigner against superstition, a proponent of spiritual veganism, and an expounder of essential human freedom."
"WITH A BRAND NEW LOOK! ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Gujarati ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Hindi ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Malayalam ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Marathi ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Tamil ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Telugu ON FEBRUARY 22, 1980, KHORSHED AND RUMI BHAVNAGRI’S WORLD WAS SHATTERED. ONE MONTH LATER, A NEW ONE OPENED. Khorshed and Rumi Bhavnagri lost their sons, Vispi and Ratoo, in a tragic car crash. With both their sons gone, the couple felt they would not survive for long. They had lost all faith in God until a miraculous message from the Spirit World gave them hope and sent them on an incredible journey."
"Now In Gujarati This fascinating book of M.V. Kamath helps to answer the most crucial question of existence “What is the meaning of death?” Drawing from the wisdom of major religions and cultures of the East and West, he presents a clear, highly, informative study on the experience of Life and Death. Included are the thoughts and reflections of 55 famous men and women during their experience of dying, who tells us what we ought to know or intuite, that those who are well integrated die bravely, calmly and at peace with themselves. To mention a few names like Socrates, Madame Curie, Queen Elizabeth, Swami Vivekananda – these are people whose deaths tell us how to die. "
"Now In Gujarati This fascinating book of M.V. Kamath helps to answer the most crucial question of existence “What is the meaning of death?” Drawing from the wisdom of major religions and cultures of the East and West, he presents a clear, highly, informative study on the experience of Life and Death. Included are the thoughts and reflections of 55 famous men and women during their experience of dying, who tells us what we ought to know or intuite, that those who are well integrated die bravely, calmly and at peace with themselves. To mention a few names like Socrates, Madame Curie, Queen Elizabeth, Swami Vivekananda – these are people whose deaths tell us how to die. "
"The Bhagavad Gita : A Melody Divine Michelangelo said that inside every block of stone dwells a beautiful statue. The Bhagavad Gita is a divine song that helps unravel the beauty within you. It helps you to discover the magic potency of self-governance. It enriches you from within. Carl Jung said, Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes. The world converges to that rare person who has empowered himself and tapped his inner resources. Such a person achieves success effortlessly. He is happy and evolves to his full potential. Without cultivating your inner resources you feel inadequate, incomplete. It is only with inner unfoldment that you experience true power. You are not the human being going through a spiritual experience; you are the very Spirit. The Gita brings you back to the cognition of your true potential. You become a Perfect Person. "
"NEW REVISED & EXPANDED EDITION The Secret Teachings of the Vedas provides one of the best reviews of ancient Eastern philosophy and summarizes some of the most elevated and important of all spiritual knowledge. This timeless and enlightening information is explained in a clear and concise way and is essential for all who want to increase their spiritual understanding and awareness. This is a book that can give you a new perspective of who you are and where you fit into the scheme of things. This book supplies the straightforward answers to questions that are not resolved in other religions or philosophies, and condenses information from a wide variety of sources that would take a person years to assemble. It also uses many quotations from numerous Vedic texts that will show you the lofty insight and wisdom they have held for thousands of years. "
"UNDERSTANDING VEDIC HINDU DIVINITIES Understanding the assorted divinities or gods and goddesses of the Vedic or Hindu pantheon is not so difficult when it is presented simply and effectively. And that is what you will find in this book. This will open you to many of the possibilities and potentials of the Vedic tradition, and show how it has been able to cater and fulfill the spiritual needs and development of so many people since time immemorial. This book explains the nature of the Vedic divinities, their purposes and powers, and the ways they influence and affect the natural energies of the universe. It also shows how they can assist us and that blessings from them can help our own spiritual and material development and potentialities, depending on what we need. The divinities include Lord Krishna, Vishnu, their main avatars and expansions, along with Brahma, Shiva, Ganesh, Murugan, Surya, Hanuman, as well as the goddesses including Radha, Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi. We find explanations of their names, attributes, dress, weapons, instruments, the meaning of the Shiva lingam, and some of the legends and stories connected with them. "
"Authentic narration of the epic with life lessons Turning Bad into Good The Ramayana is not a story. It is a way of life. It is the game of life. A good game is full of twists and turns at every stage and this magical epic arms us with valuable tools to deal with anomalies in our own lives. These quirks turn us into valiant warriors in the face of the most challenging situations. Each one of us falls into three categories in this game: • Positive contributor. The sages headed by the iconic Vishwamitra strive to contribute positively to society. • Negative destroyer. Demons headed by Maricha and Subahu try to cast spells of intense negativity. • Protective meditator. Rama and Lakshmana work hard to protect the positive from corrupting influences. So which role do you want to play in this game? Roar with Courage is the first book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series. A modern retelling of the Bala Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, it presents the realities of life with far-reaching and thought-provoking lessons. With deep wisdom, author Shubha Vilas explains the timeless values that will be relevant to the contemporary world. Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values."
"Authentic narration of the epic with life lessons Managing Reversals and Letting Go The Ramayana is not a story. It is a way of life. It is the game of life. Life should be predictable and smooth — this is what most of us are comfortable with. In reality, we face stress, hard times and unexpected upheavals that can knock our breath out. Every situation in the Ramayana is a reflection of our modern dilemmas, and teaches us to: • Face challenges positively. The enigmatic Rama is unwavering in his many acts of valour. • Deal with temptation. A judicious Bharata’s decisions and subsequent help in making decisions. • Step out of the comfort zone. Resolute in her faith, Sita is an inspiration to anyone willing to explore beyond their usual confines. How do we cope with a sudden turn of events without losing hope? Conquer Change is the second book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series. A modern retelling of the Ayodhya Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, the book is all about facing the reversal of fortune and moving on. Author Shubha Vilas reveals profound rules of human relationships and conduct – what works, what fails to work and how to navigate through this amazing labyrinth. Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values."
"Authentic narration of the epic with life lessons Building Trust and Gaining Trust The Ramayana is not a story. It is a way of life. It is the game of life. Feeling frustrated over events that are out of our control is a waste of energy and time. Rama and his army survived the grim years of exile by being patient and persistent, trusting each other with their lives. The characters’ determination reflects our own set of values and judgment during challenging situations and how we must: • Cut through the chaos. Rama’s righteousness helped him stay his course, undeterred. • Adhere to your principles. Laxman’s loyalty ensured that he remained where he needed to be for good to triumph over evil. • Remain calm in the face of adversity. Sita’s resilience allowed her to endure her terrible predicament. Do you have the patience to stick with your goals till the end? Adopt Patience is the third book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series. A modern retelling of the Aranya Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, this volume explores the dynamics of the complex games of power and greed, mirroring our own dilemmas in the modern world, and prompts us to overcome them using the wisdom spilled over these pages. Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values."
"Authentic narration of the epic with life lessons Keeping Faith and Conquering Fear The Ramayana is not a story. It is a way of life. It is the game of life. Life is a constant reminder that nothing, however powerful in one season, remains so in the next. These endless cycles of change could really spook someone who is unprepared to face the realities. Remember that situations of helplessness are always created by one’s own limited imagination. • Perception appears larger than reality. Many were afraid to battle the Lankans, but grounded in reality, Rama and his army managed to free Sita. • Fear results in pain. Lying broken and bruised, Sampati did not believe he could help until he did and it made all the difference. • Clarity leads to freedom. Rama never wavered in his single-minded pursuit, and eventually got exactly what he wanted. Do you have the courage to face your fears? Stand Strong is the fourth book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series. A modern retelling of the Kishkindha Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, it reminds us through the tragic story of brothers Vali and Sugriva that life is like a dangerous treasure hunt. One must be resilient while running through confusing, zigzagging paths to acquire essential wisdom. Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values."
"Being Patient and Finding Success THE RAMAYANA IS NOT A STORY. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE. IT IS THE GAME OF LIFE. How one expands one’s scope of action with confidence and calm under extremely challenging circumstances is what separates the extraordinary from the ordinary, just like Hanuman did. His selfless determination to stay the course with steadfast focus and faith to accomplish his mission makes him a worthy and inspiring protagonist. Here are some invaluable lessons from his life on overcoming obstacles: Be confident. With unwavering faith in himself, Hanuman jumped across the ocean to find Sita in an unfamiliar land. Say no to distractions. Absolute focus helped him prioritize his course of action. Know your rivals. Competing with Surasa would be futile, so he realized that it was wiser to take on a humbler approach. Are you confident and fearless enough to achieve your goals? RADIATE CONFIDENCE is the fifth book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series. A modern retelling of the Sundara Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, this book highlights Hanuman’s devotion and heroics. Replete with lessons on faithfulness, loyalty, self-confidence, self-belief, fearlessness and all the attributes that help counter challenges and find success, the author, Shubha Vilas, illuminates the path to success. A spiritual seeker and motivational speaker, SHUBHA VILAS helps people in dealing with modernday life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world."
"Dare to Transform Your Life THE RAMAYANA IS NOT A STORY. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE. IT IS THE GAME OF LIFE. How one responds to difficult situations when faced with challenges determines the outcome. The ability of Rama’s army of vanaras to envision building the bridge from the mainland to Lanka to rescue Sita is one of the many lessons on faith. Here are some invaluable lessons on overcoming obstacles. Think big. The tiny squirrels contributed in their small ways to build the mammoth bridge to Lanka. Aim high. Sugriva, leading a vanara army, dared to win a war without any armor or training against a sophisticated demon army. Recognise opportunities and adapt. Hanuman could expand his size or contract, focusing on his goal to serve Rama. Are you thinking big to succeed in life? THINK BIG TO WIN is the sixth book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series. A modern retelling of the Yuddha Kanda of Valmiki’s epic, this book highlights the efforts of the various characters who irrespective of their size, stature or abilities, succeeded in helping Rama rescue Sita from Lanka. Teeming with lessons in self-belief and daring to take up tasks which may seem beyond your capacity and accomplishing them, the book evokes progressive attitudes to help you overcome self-perceived limitations and achieve your dreams. A spiritual seeker and motivational speaker, SHUBHA VILAS helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world. "
"Features 4 National Bestsellers Ramayana: The Game of Life – Book 1: Roar with Courage Ramayana: The Game of Life – Book 2: Conquer Change Ramayana: The Game of Life – Book 3: Adopt Patience Ramayana: The Game of Life – Book 4: Stand Strong Authentic narration of the epic with life lessons The RAMAYANA is not a story. It is a way of life. It is THE GAME OF LIFE. A good game is full of twists and turns at every stage and this magical epic arms us with valuable tools to deal with anomalies in our own lives. These quirks turn us into valiant warriors in the face of the most challenging situations. Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values."
"50 Stories of Wit & Wisdom from Ancient India In Timeless Tales to Ignite Your Mind, national bestselling author Shubha Vilas revives our ancient tradition of sharing wisdom through storytelling. Dive in and marvel at BIRBAL’S INTELLIGENCE TENALI’S BRILLIANCE VIKRAMADITYA’S COURAGE BRAHMA’S ASTUTENESS That’s not all. This collection is replete with enthralling tales of kings, commoners and even animals (and they can talk!) who face life’s troubles but emerge victorious with the help of their intelligence and wit. Each story ends with engaging questions that will help you reflect on the anecdote and the lessons inside. These folktales may have been forgotten in this digital era but they still retain their relevance and charm, thanks to their priceless practical insights. SHUBHA VILAS is a lifestyle coach, storyteller and author. He studied patent law after completing his engineering degree but finally chose the path of a spiritual seeker. He’s authored many books and Ramayana: The Game of Life is his bestselling series. The focus of his work is the application of scriptural wisdom to daily life and addressing the needs of corporates and the youth through thought-provoking seminars."
"Life lessons from sacred texts for a brand new you! Ancient Wisdom to Elevate Your Mind is a collection of fascinating tales from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Upanishads, the Puranas and other scriptures with valuable messages at its core for you to imbibe. In his characteristic style, bestselling author Shubha Vilas uses these stories to show you how to overcome weaknesses, prioritise self-care and have faith in human strength and generosity. Funny, sharp and filled with unexpected twists, these tales make you reconsider your approach to life and its many challenges. Explore the realm of immortals, mortals and beasts to understand human nature and the ways of the world; face tomorrow with a fresh perspective."
"An 18th-Century Epic In the mid-1700s, the famed poet of Kerala, Kunjan Nambiar, composed an eloquent work on the heroics of Krishna in the literary style called Mani-Pravalam — a composite of the two languages, Sanskrit and Malayalam. Titled Krishna Charitam, this epic begins with the birth of Krishna, meanders through his loveable pranks and later, through his amorous interludes with the milkmaids of Vrindavan. The fast-moving narrative takes readers through many of Krishna’s other adventures, such as his fight with the giant serpent Kaliya; his defeat of the evil king Kamsa; his marriage to the beautiful princess Rukmini; his encounter with Jambavan, King of the bears; and his many efforts to establish dharma. Many lesser-known stories are also told, such as the episode where he retrieves ten dead children from the land of Vishnu. All these narratives are interspersed with abundant humour, delightful descriptions of nature as well as numerous proverbs and pithy urgings. For many years, this great poem remained locked in the language of Mani-Pravalam, enjoyed only by a regional community. Now, this English translation opens up that enchanting world of Krishna to a wider audience. Ram Varmha, the translator of this epic, hails from the royal family of Cochin. Varmha has had a lifelong interest in the literary heritage of his country. His previous works include the translation of the famed 16th-century Sanskrit text, Narayaneeyam. Varmha was the first to transcribe this work into English and copies of it have since been accepted into many leading libraries in the US."
"In Colour These tiny treasures of metaphysical and mythological knowledge serve as enlightening rubrics for understanding Indian tradition and theology. Exquisitely illustrated, this series serves as a contemporary matrix for illuminating our human experience and offers insightful access into Eastern spirituality. Krishna’s life, his beauty, and his virtue are the basis of a great mystical tradition that stretches back to antiquity. Though supremely powerful, he is carefree, full of love and charm. At the same time, he shares some of our most basic human qualities and lives in ways familiar to us. The tales of his divine life inspire insight into the apparent contradiction between human and spiritual love. These enchanting stories follow the youthful Krishna through his many pastimes. From dancing on the head of the serpent-demon Kaliya to sheltering the cowherd villagers from Indra’s wrathful rain, Krishna: Lord of Love speaks about life, love and devotion in a most intriguing way. James H. Bae is a practitioner of both Hindu and Buddhist yoga systems. For years Bae has lived in India investing himself in his spiritual study and training as a monk. His primary areas of study include Oriental medicine, Hindu and Buddhist art, and Eastern philosophy and culture."
"In Colour These tiny treasures of metaphysical and mythological knowledge serve as enlightening rubrics for understanding Indian tradition and theology. Exquisitely illustrated, this series serves as a contemporary matrix for illuminating our human experience and offers insightful access into Eastern spirituality. In India, statues of Ganesh are placed at the inner-gates of many temples, symbolizing his role as a keeper of sacred spaces. Here, pilgrims and passersby pay homage and seek his blessings. It is this symbolic presence at the entrance of our most holy places that makes Ganesh such a vital figure in our lives. Stationed at the threshold of sacredness and awareness, mediating between the possibility of the profound and our often habitual, mundane perception of the world, Ganesh is the guiding force behind this very moment of experience – where desire meets possibility. Ganesh: Removing the Obstacles offers practical and meaningful interpretations of folk narratives and sacred texts concerning the larger-than-life elephant-headed god, Ganesh. James H. Bae is a practitioner of both Hindu and Buddhist yoga systems. For years Bae has lived in India investing himself in his spiritual study and training as a monk. His primary areas of study include Oriental medicine, Hindu and Buddhist art, and Eastern philosophy and culture."
"In Colour These tiny treasures of metaphysical and mythological knowledge serve as enlightening rubrics for understanding Indian tradition and theology. Exquisitely illustrated, this series serves as a contemporary matrix for illuminating our human experience and offers insightful access into Eastern spirituality. The timeless story of Hanuman, the monkeygod, is that of a valiant superhero best known for battling the demon Ravana in the classic tale Ramayana. But there is much more to know about Hinduism’s bravest, most endearing figure. As a youth, Hanuman’s pranks often led him into trouble with the village elders. Eventually they cast a spell, causing him to forget his immense powers. In a cursed state of ignorance, young Hanuman believed himself to be just an ordinary monkey. He realized his potential as a warrior only later, while rescuing Sita, the kidnapped wife of Rama, from the clutches of Ravana. Although Hanuman developed mesmerizing mystic abilities as he matured, it is his sensitivity and devotion to King Rama that make him such a memorable character."
"In Colour These tiny treasures of metaphysical and mythological knowledge serve as enlightening rubrics for understanding Indian tradition and theology. Exquisitely illustrated, this series serves as a contemporary matrix for illuminating our human experience and offers insightful access into Eastern spirituality. This attractive addition to Mandala’s bestselling minibook series explores Hinduism’s most enigmatic figure in all of her glory. A wide range of vivid illustrations, both traditional and contemporary, showcases the paradoxical and often shocking imagery of Kali, whose outrageous appearance and behavior shatter all social conventions. These intense tales recount Kali’s origins as the shadow self of Durga – a goddess who appears in the world in order to save the terrified gods from the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. Brandishing weapons of destruction and cackling madly, she annihilates an ever-increasing number of miscreants who try her patience. She comes not only to restore balance within the universe, but also to help humanity cut through the bonds of illusion and attachment."
"In Colour These tiny treasures of metaphysical and mythological knowledge serve as enlightening rubrics for understanding Indian tradition and theology. Exquisitely illustrated, this series serves as a contemporary matrix for illuminating our human experience and offers insightful access into Eastern spirituality. From Gandhi in the East to Emerson and Thoreau in the West, accomplished writers, reformers, poets and intellectuals the world over have turned to the Bhagavad Gita for mystic insight and inspiration. Like the Tao Te Ching or the Dhammapada, its timeless wisdom remains surprisingly fresh and relevant. The Essential Gita culls together some of the most potent verses from this enduring classic, addressing provocative subjects like birth and death, desire, leadership and yoga. From the path of right livelihood to the ocean of unconditional love, the sage advice offered within these pages imparts invaluable teachings on life and how to live it."
"The Buddha was the first most active missionary in the world. He wandered from place to place for forty-five years preaching His doctrine to the masses and the intelligentsia. Till His last moment, He served humanity both by example and by precept. His distinguished disciples followed suit. Penniless, they even travelled to distant lands to propagate the Dhamma, expecting nothing in return. This treatise, written by a member of the Order of the Sangha, is based on the Páli Texts, commentaries, and traditions prevailing in Buddhist countries. The first part of the book deals with the Life of the Buddha, the second with the Dhamma, the Páli term for His Doctrine. "
"In this extraordinary celebration of spirituality The Energy Of Prayer demonstrates the relevance of prayer in our daily lives. Thich Nhat Hanh reveals how the energies of prayer and meditation allow us to reconnect with our higher selves while satisfying our basic need to connect with the world as a whole. With a generous spirit that acknowledges the many different types and functions of prayer, The Energy Of Prayer provides a guide for deepening our spiritual practice through the use of prayer. Thich Nhat Hanh introduces the reader to several meditation methods that re-envision prayer as an open, inclusive, and accessible practice that helps create healthy lives through the power of awareness and intention. This book includes visualization and breathing exercises, as well as a rich sampling of prayers, chants, and invocations from the Buddhist tradition. "
"In this book Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how we can instill the habit of happiness in our consciousness. With humour and compassion, Buddha Mind, Buddha Body explores how the mind functions and how we can train ourselves to more effectively create the conditions for our own happiness. Buddha Mind, Buddha Body emphasizes the importance of creativity, visualization, and meditation, and offers concrete exercises to improve mental clarity and restore our mind/body harmony. Punctuated by stories from the life of the Buddha, as well as stories and observations from Nhat Hanh’s own life."
"Essential Mindfulness Practices Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s key teaching is that through mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present moment and develop a sense of peace. Accessible to those new to Buddhist teachings as well as more experienced practitioners, Happiness is the only book that collects all practices adapted and developed by Thich Nhat Hanh in his more than 60 years as a Buddhist monk and teacher. With sections such as Daily Practice, Relationships, Physical Practices, Mindful Eating and Practicing with Children, Happiness is a comprehensive guide to living our daily lives with full awareness, whether we are working, eating, parenting, driving, walking or simply sitting and breathing. “Enjoy your practice with a relaxed and gentle attitude, with an open mind and receptive heart... Joy and happiness will be available to you in the here and now.” THICH NHAT HANH"
This book contains excerpts of the unusually beautiful and inspiring words of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. His message of the universal need for kindness and consideration at every level of human relations, from person-to-person to global concerns, is one that transcends all cultural and religious boundaries. The book has been compiled from talks the Dalai Lama has made at various universities, monasteries, and interfaith services around the world. His thoughts are at once both lively and profound, for, surprisingly to some who first meet him, His Holiness has a refreshingly wonderful sense of humor. The crucial necessity for world peace, including the overriding threat of nuclear weapons, and the need to show concern for the environment are also interwoven in these Guidelines for Living which should be read by anyone who cares about the fate of our increasingly interdependent and imperiled Earth.
"LOSE YOURSELF IN THE BUDDHIST EXPERIENCE INDIA IS THE GUARDIAN OF a rich and ancient culture, and the seat of Buddhism. Mystic monasteries on Himalayan slopes, richly carved stupas amid lush gardens, cavernous dwellings with exquisite paintings –India is home to all these and more. In this, her seventh book, respected historian Aruna Deshpande travels the length and breadth of the country to track down the imprints of Buddhism. Never before has any historian presented every major Buddhist site located in India in one book. Here are the architectural gems of Lumbini, the lesser known Tawang Monastery of Arunachal Pradesh, the unparalleled Bodh Gaya and a reliable guide to visiting all these places. A boon to pilgrims, travelers and armchair explorers alike, Buddhist India Rediscovered will fire the imagination and carry you on a memorable journey. “A remarkably thorough catalogue of India’s Buddhist sites. Whether their interest is in history and culture or Buddhist pilgrimage, I am sure many readers will find this work of great value.” From the foreword by HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA"
"Understanding the Ecstasy of Enlightenment Tantrism, often misunderstood, is one of the most elaborate and colourful forms of Buddhism. Believed to have originated around the 5th-century-AD in Old Bengal, Tantric Buddhism has far more to do with the sacred than the sexual. It focuses on a particular style of meditation and ritual. The Secrets of Tantric Buddhism presents translations of 46 classic texts from Caryagiti, a collection of teachings from Tantrics and Siddhas who lived during the Pala dynasty (10th and 11th century). These teachings emanate from one of the most dynamic sources of international Buddhism, at the height of its religious development. A translator of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Muslim classics, author Thomas Cleary provides detailed commentaries on these ancient teachings, making them fresh and contemporary. Thomas Cleary is the preeminent translator of classic Eastern texts, such as The Essential Tao, The Essential Confucius, The Secret of the Golden Flower and the bestselling The Art of War."
"WISDOM FROM THE EARLY TEACHINGS Don’t chase the past Or long for the future. The past is left behind; The future is not yet reached. For one who knows, who has no agitation, There is no karmic accumulation. —from ‘The Discourse on Being Violent’, The Book of Eights Gil Fronsdal’s The Buddha before Buddhism is an elegant translation of Buddhist poems from the Atthakavagga or The Book of Eights, which is believed to be part of the Buddha’s first teachings. In this anthology, reality is not divided into a conditioned, worldly realm and an unconditioned, transcendent realm far removed from ordinary human life, which is a deviation from the usual Buddhist texts. Instead, the teachings point to peace that can be found in this life, in this world. This collection of 16 poems points to a direct and simple approach for attaining peace without requiring an adherence to any specific ideology. In contrast to later Buddhist teachings that are predicated on the belief in rebirth, this book’s central theme is the joy that comes from recognizing and letting go of attachment to the illusory views that create suffering. Gil Fronsdal is co-teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California. He received his PhD. in religious studies from Stanford University. He has published a highly praised translation of the Dhammapada, as well as two other books: The Issue at Hand and A Monastery Within. "
"Simple Lessons You Can Use from a Buddhist Monk Why are we here? What is goodness? Is there any value in goodness that an ordinary person – the sort who can be lured into foolish behavior – can make use of in this world? Is there a God, and if so, can we depend upon Him or Her? These are the questions that plague the wakeful moments of a common man. A penetrating mind won’t find satisfaction in looking at these questions conventionally. These questions have to be seen from the bottom up, so to speak. In Questions from the City, Answers from the Forest, Buddhist monk and author Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu explores the human mind and the causes behind humankind’s suffering. Written on a well-traveled, battery-powered laptop in a meditation cave in Thailand, this distillation of Buddhist wisdom answers the questions of “city” people who sought out the Buddhist in his forest retreat to obtain his answers to life’s most basic questions. Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu is ordained in the Buddhist tradition of Ajahn Chah. Since 1998, he has been traveling throughout the world, leading retreats and spreading his dream of establishing a spiritual park outside of Bangkok that would bring together all the world’s religions in the spirit of unity and peace. He has written many books, including The Brightened Mind and Meeting the Monkey Halfway."
The Quran: Essential Teachings explains major Quranic terms, concepts, and themes in a simple language. The work is intended to help readers gain a clear idea of the Quranic worldview, particularly the articles of Islamic faith, God-man relationship, reli
OSHO continues to inspire millions of people worldwide in their search to define a new approach to individual spirituality that is self-directed and responds to the everyday challenges of contemporary life. His unique perspective encompasses both the timeless wisdom of the East and the highest potential of Western science and technology, and he was named by The Sunday Times of London as one of the “1000 Makers of the 20th Century.” The American novelist Tom Robbins has called him “the most dangerous man since Jesus Christ.”
A new vision is needed in the world - a new vision which will be as scientific as possible and as religious as possible. That I call revolution. The world is waiting for that revolution, the world is hungry for that revolution - where religion and science can disappear into each other, where East and West can become one for the first time, where the materialist and the spiritualist are no more enemies but are holding hands in deep friendship. Because that is what is happening in life itself: matter is holding hands with spirit. The materialist need not be against the spiritualist, nor need the spiritualist be against the materialist. That is stupid. And that stupidity has lasted really too long and man has suffered too much.
"Discourses on Fragmentary Notes of Bodhidharma’s Four Disciples The White Lotus is a beautiful symbol. White represents multidimensionality, because white contains all the colors of the spectrum. That is the most strange, unbelievable quality about white: it contains all the colors yet it seems to be colorless. But it contains all those colors in such synthesis, in such harmony, that they all disappear. They dissolve into oneness and that oneness is white. White represents the ultimate synthesis and harmony. And the lotus also is a great symbol, particularly in the East. The lotus represents the essential meaning of sannyas. The lotus lives in the lake and yet the water cannot touch it. it lives in the water and yet remains untouched by the water. The lotus represents the witnessing quality of your being: you live in the world, but you remain a witness. You remain in the world and yet you are not part of it. You participate and yet you are not part of it. You are in the world, but the world is not in you. When you become a calm and cool observer of life you are going to laugh -- not ordinarily laughter but a belly laughter like a lion’s roar. And white lotuses will start showering on you. "
"“Singing and dancing, all is the voice of truth. Wide is the heaven of boundless Samadhi, Radiant the full moon of the fourfold wisdom. What remains to be sought? Nirvana is clear before him, This very place the Lotus paradise, This very body the Buddha.” “Remember the word ‘this’. This very place the Lotus paradise… And once you have known your source, wherever you are, you are in the Lotus paradise. This very place the Lotus paradise, And this very body the Buddha. And whatsoever you do—whatsoever, without any conditions—is the expression of truth.” Osho"
"Talks on Zen AUTHENTIC TRUTH CANNOT BE SAID WITH WORDS, IT CAN ONLY BE LIVED In The First Principle, Osho captures the unique, colorful, seemingly crazy spirit of Zen through talks on a collection of Zen stories – anecdotes of the often-bizarre interchanges between a master and disciple in the quest for truth. From these anecdotes, Osho distills Zen’s pragmatic essence for the reader and conveys an alive understanding of its message – “the first principle.” Speaking to the contemporary, modern reader without robbing these old tales of their magic, charm and humor, Osho reminds us: “You are the shrine for the first principle. So the only way is to go within. Turn in. That is what meditation is all about.” Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"Talks on Ko Hsuan’s The Classics of Purity “Osho is certainly a highly renowned international expert of singular importance in the fields of psychology, philosophy and religion. His work has contributed to my bestselling books and to the medical and psychiatric work that I do.” —HAROLD H. BLOOMFIELD, MD., psychiatrist and author “Tao seems to be the only life vision which is total. It does not deny the earth, it does not deny the sky. It accepts both, it accepts the unity of both. It says the man who has come to know spontaneous purity and stillness, who has become relaxed with the whole, with the law of the ultimate – in him heaven and earth are united. I believe in the whole. To me, to trust the whole is the only way to be holy and to trust the whole is the only way to be whole. And when you are whole, life is bliss, life is benediction, life is celebration.” —OSHO Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"To be able to celebrate life is religion — in that very celebration you come close to God. If one is able to celebrate, God is not far away; if one is not able to celebrate life, then God does not exist for him. God appears only in deep celebration, when you are so full of joy, that all misery has left you. — Osho "
"Talks on the Isha Upanishad Osho goes into the depths of these eternal questions while speaking on the sutras of the Isha Upanishad – the most ancient words of wisdom available to mankind. For over 35 years, Osho spoke to international audiences of seekers, addressing their essential questions and concerns. The international press calls him “A 21st Century Prophet” and “an oracle of modern times.” His books and audio lectures are international bestsellers. Osho himself says that he is neither a prophet nor a philosopher; he is simply sharing his own experience. The Sunday Times of London described him as “one of the 1000 makers of the 20th century” and American author Tom Robbins has called him “the most dangerous man since Jesus Christ” – both comments reflecting the profound influence of his revolutionary approach to the science of inner transformation. Spoken with authority, clarity, sharpness and humor, his insights address both the timeless and timely concerns that tend to escape our notice in the clamor and overload of daily life. Osho is an Indian mystic, guru and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"This quest has been going on for countless lives. Sometimes you call it the search for truth. But you have never known truth, so how can you lose it? And sometimes you search for God. But your meeting with Him has never taken place, so how can you be separated from Him? You go in search to the temples, to the mosques, to Kashi and to Mecca; you knock on every door you come across in the hope you will find what you have lost. But as long as you do not know exactly what it is you have lost your search cannot be fulfilled. Love is the ability to experience. Love is sensitivity. Love is the experience in which all your impurities are washed away and you throw open all your doors, all your gates. Then whosoever stands at your door is no longer an enemy or a friend but a beloved, and you open your door to him. When you begin to feel the whole world is yours, when you begin to see the beloved in whosoever comes to your door, when you no longer see strangers or enemies, when you begin to see only friends everywhere – when this phenomenon takes place in you, know that you have found love. "
"Discovering Your Inner Beauty This book is a pilgrimage in search of that indefinable something that all of us, at some time or other in our lives, feel is missing – what Osho describes as our “hidden splendor.” “You go on missing something – something that you had known but you have forgotten – a faded memory, a lost remembrance. And the gap is not only a gap, it is a wound. It hurts, because you had brought something with your birth into the world and you have lost it somewhere. And it seems impossible to find it in this crowded universe. But unless it happens, your life has been in vain, a misery, a suffering, a futile longing, a meaningless desire, a thirst that you know cannot be quenched.” — Osho "
"Entering into the Unknown This question and answer book tells a true story of great trust, love, and humor between Osho and those who have gathered around him again after a long separation. Fresh from their adventures and experiences as seekers alone in the marketplace, this book is full of genuine, pertinent questions and enlightened responses from Osho that will inspire each one of us to live our full potential and risk walking on the razor’s edge of life. “You have taken the first step towards reality, now never look backwards, however dangerous it seems – because as questions and answers and I and you start disappearing, you will find yourself entering into a more and more unknown space. This I call ‘the razor’s edge’.” —OSHO Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"Talks on the enlightened woman mystic, Daya The last morning star symbolizes all that is ephemeral in the world. Talking on the playful and provocative poetry of Daya, Osho takes us on a journey from the transient, outer world to the eternal, boundless world within. This is a journey of the heart – the joyous, spontaneous, and at times uncompromising way of an enlightened woman mystic. “If someone clings to the last morning star, how long will their happiness last? It is like catching a bubble of water. The bubble will burst before you can even hold it. You can try in thousands of ways to make it stay, but it will not stay. And this is what we are always doing – the whole world does it. What are the things that we try to hold on to? Relationships, attachments, love, our husband or wife, sons and daughters, wealth and riches, fame, position, prestige…” — Osho"
"Talks on Mabel Collins’ Light on the Path In this book, Osho says of Light on the Path, “It is born out of those few essential words that man discovers again and again, and loses again and again. Mabel Collins says that she is not the author of the words that are collected in this booklet, that she has only seen them in the depths of meditation. She says, and rightly so, that these words are from a lost Sanskrit booklet.” “Once you have heard the inner voice there is no more going astray in life…. The one who travels and the one who guides are one and the same.” —OSHO Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"Talks on the Kenopanishad THE UPANISHADS CAN BE READ TODAY AS CONTEMPORARY SOURCES OF WISDOM Despite being many thousands of years old. They are direct transmissions of truth – and truth is eternal, above religious dogma and tradition – but because of their antiquity, they can appear cloaked in a mysterious language, which can be hard to understand. Osho, with his fresh and sometimes irreverent approach, brings the Kenopanishad up-to-date. Because Osho can so easily go beyond the intellect, his presentation of this ancient treatise is unlike anything coming from the academic world. For those familiar with exploring ideas through the intellect, this book could be an ideal way to discover what they have been missing. One can open the book to almost any page and be astonished by the brilliance of the insights. “When you fall within yourself, sooner or later the form will be lost, the name will be lost, because they exist only on the surface. The deeper you drown the more you come nearer to God – God as existence, not as a person.” —OSHO Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"REDISCOVERING MEDITATION The forgotten treasure of India “IF WE WANT MANKIND TO BECOME HEALTHY; if we want the terrorism that is increasing everywhere and becoming more and more explosive and violent to end; if we want the flames of fire to turn into flowers, then there is only one way. That way is called samadhi, enlightenment. Become natural, become ordinary; live in equanimity, and do not remain unacquainted with the secret that is hidden within you. The moment you become acquainted with it, a great revolution will take place, the revolution which turns dirt into gold, which turns an ordinary man into a buddha, which picks you up from the ground and takes you to the heights of the stars in the sky. I have moved around the world saying only this one thing, and have been amazed and astonished that people are not ready to hear it. People close their doors, countries close their doors, because what will happen then to their religions, to their religious scriptures? I know only one scripture. That is you.” — Osho IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS from individuals and members of the press, Osho speaks on the essential and timeless path of meditation – focusing on India’s ancient heritage of inquiry into transforming human consciousness, of going within ourselves rather than looking to the outer world for fulfillment and recognition. Set against the backdrop of his return to India after having been illegally deported from the United States, and after a subsequent “World Tour” where he was denied entry to 21 countries, Osho uses those recent experiences to highlight his essential message for the whole of humanity – to grow in consciousness, to discover individual freedom and truth through tapping into our inner treasure of awareness."
"HERE ARE WORDS LIKE FIRE FROM A TRULY REBELLIOUS MAN Here is a book for today, a much-needed declaration that for humans there is hope, there is a way forward! Osho offers a revolutionary approach to the eternal quest that mankind carries within. As he says: “Life has intrinsic value, there is no goal outside it. Hence my whole effort is to change everything into playfulness. To me that is real spirituality.” “Awake and claim your birthright. Religion is not anybody’s monopoly, it is everybody’s birthright. It has no name, no church, no organization. It is a sheer rebellion against all churches, all organizations, all scriptures. It is meeting existence directly and immediately, in innocence, in gratitude, in love, in a deep communion. This is the prayer I would like to spread all over the earth. Because this is the only prayer that can save it.” —OSHO Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"Talks on Adi Shankara’s Bhaj Govindam “Shankara is a unique person. And it is very easy to misunderstand the unique person because he is beyond your common understanding. It seemed to people that he was a logician, a great logician. But can a great logician say, ‘Sing! Dance! Sing the song of the divine’? It is just not possible for him to say so. Such words can be spoken only by a lover of the divine from the depths of his heart.” —OSHO The eighth-century enlightened mystic, Adi Shankaracharya, traveled across India arguing, debating and defeating all the renowned scholars, theologians and religious leaders of the time, but at the same time he never forgot to sing his song of ecstasy and live his joy in life. Shankara is a man close to Osho’s heart – a man who has an enlightened consciousness, a towering intellect, but who also came to understand, from his own experience, the opportunities for awareness and self-understanding that living each moment “in the marketplace” can give. As he comments on Shankara’s Bhaj Govindam, his song of ecstasy, and responds to related questions, Osho introduces his vision of the New Man, the whole man – joyous, silent, ecstatic; repressing nothing, delighting in and watching everything. "
"EXPLORING THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE AND DEATH In The Art of Dying, Osho talks about how to live a rewarding life so that every individual can experience and accept death as a completion of a life well lived. He explains that fear of death exists only when there are regrets. When life is lived consciously and to the full, death is not a catastrophe, but a joyous climax. Osho, through Hasidism, reveals that each exhalation is a small death; each inhalation, a rebirth. Through this book, we understand that the Hasidic way is a life of color, music and inner transformative experience. Osho brings this to the contemporary world in a fresh and relevant way. A comprehensive and captivating read, The Art of Dying carefully explains that death is not an event, but a process, one that begins with birth. Perceptive and knowledgeable, Osho also helps us understand that our fear of death is based on a misunderstanding of its nature; it is only an illusion."
"Talks on the Sarvasar Upanishad “Brahman, the ultimate reality, is truth. It is infinite and the abode of knowing. Truth is indestructible.” The meaning of Sarvasar, of the Sarvasar Upanishad is: the quintessential essence, the most foundational of all esoteric knowledge that has ever been discovered. In The Way beyond Any Way, Osho explains that understanding this one Upanishad will open doors to the ultimate truth. However, he also cautions that it is dangerous, like playing with fire, because an Upanishad cannot be completely understood without the reader becoming transformed. Look at it like this: some topics can be learned even if we remain as we are. No inner revolution is required to become a historian or a mathematician or a scientist. But religion is an entirely different matter. In religion, a transformation is needed before the knowing can be acquired. To encounter truth, even a little bit, is not a game; it is dangerous, because truth will not allow you to remain as you are. It will change, demolish, destroy and renew you. And this is what the Sarvasar Upanishad aims to do, to give you a new birth. Certainly there is pain in the birth, but without pain how can there be a new birth? Osho is an Indian mystic, guru and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads."
"The Chinese master Yoka Daishi was said to have been in a state of perfect repose while walking, standing, sitting and lying down. According to legend, he attained complete realization in one night, and was called: “master of the enlightenment attained in one night.” Osho describes Yoka as a Zen master of great skill; his words being tremendously beautiful, yet uncompromising. His deep respect and compassion for the individual is such that he wants you to wake up now; he shatters all your dreams. Osho walks hand in hand with Yoka’s insistence that the man of Zen is extraordinary in his ordinariness: he walks in Zen, he sits in Zen. In combining Yoka’s sutras with personal questions from seekers, Osho’s responses are uniquely tailored, travelling like razor-sharp arrows to the heart of the questioner. Thus he brings alive the ancient Zen master’s words that can only be heard with a deep love for truth and the courage to go through radical transformation. Osho is an Indian mystic and philosopher. He has spoken on major spiritual traditions including Jainism, Hinduism, Hassidism, Tantrism, Christianity, Buddhism, on a variety of Eastern and Western mystics and on sacred scriptures such as the Upanishads. “Zen has both the beauty of Buddha and the beauty of Lao Tzu; it is the child of both. Such a meeting has never happened before or since.” Osho"
"3 Volume Set India’s timeless and most practical scripture, set on a battlefield in a mythic war between good and evil, has pragmatic advice for modern times. It is a manual for everyone who aims for goodness in a world of conflict and change. This verse-by-verse translation and commentary illustrates the Gita’s lofty insight with everyday events and contemporary problems familiar to all of us. Full of insights, stories and practical spiritual exercises, each volume of this set covers six chapters of the Gita and can be read on its own. The three volumes of The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living together form a comprehensive manual for living a spiritual life. VOLUME I: THE END OF SORROW The End of Sorrow, the first volume of The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, concentrates on the individual: the nature of our innermost Self, how it can be discovered in the depths of consciousness and how this discovery transforms daily life. The introduction includes instructions in Easwaran’s universal method of passage meditation. VOLUME II: LIKE A THOUSAND SUNS Like a Thousand Suns, the second volume of The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, bridges scientific knowledge, spiritual understanding and the indivisible unity governing all creations. Easwaran illustrates the steps we can take to realise this unity and heal divisions within society and in ourselves. VOLUME III: TO LOVE IS TO KNOW ME To Love Is to Know Me, the third volume of The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, is global in scope but its emphasis is on individuals: what you and I can do. Easwaran presents life as a field where actions and desires are sown like seeds, which germinate, grow and yield fruits that eventually scatter more seeds. This vast network of cause and effect is what the Sanskrit word Karma denotes, and Easwaran offers many examples to illustrate its immense reach and “how everyday choices, taken together, can lead a society to violence and waste or to a higher way of living.” EKNATH EASWARAN is respected around the world as one of the great spiritual teachers. He was Professor of English Literature at the University of Nagpur, India, and an established writer, when he came to the United States on the Fulbright exchange program in 1959. As founder and director of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and the Nilgiri Press, he taught the classics of world mysticism and the practice of meditation from 1960 till his death in 1999."
"NEW EDITION The Story of a Great Soul: the Power of Nonviolence Gandhi’s face is instantly recognizable. But who was he? How did this young lawyer transform into the ‘great soul’ who led 400 million Indians in their nonviolent struggle for independence? Easwaran, who grew up in Gandhi’s India, offers answers which are important both historically and personally. He gives a moving account of the turning points and choices in Gandhi’s life that made him not just a great political leader but also a timeless icon of nonviolence. Gandhi’s inner transformation, the essence of this biography, contains an urgent message for us today. Non-violence, Easwaran explains, is a practical method for resolving problems, healing relationships, and raising the quality of our lives. It is a skill that is essential for the evolution, and perhaps even the survival, of our civilization."
"Every moment is precious. There is so little time: not a day to waste on quarreling with those we love, no time for anything that robs our lives of joy, hope and meaning. Dialogue with Death is not a book on death and dying. It is a book about life and living: what life is for, who we are as human beings, why we are here. Yet it is death that forces these questions on us. If we could live forever, there would be little urgency in finding answers. But the fact is that whatever our age or the status of our health, none of us has time to waste in learning what life is for. We begin to take life seriously when we take death seriously. Otherwise, as Thoreau said, we run the risk of discovering, when we come to die, that we have never lived. This is not a negative observation. It is completely positive, for it brings life into focus. Fulfilling the purpose of life becomes our overriding priority, and that brings joy, hope, love and meaning to us and to those around us. Let this book be your guide."
"The Lord is everything, everywhere – he dwells in every heart The Constant Companion is a book of daily inspirations - short, personal reminders that divinity can be found all around us, if we will only look. In each piece, Eknath Easwaran selects one of India’s traditional Thousand Names of The Lord and shows its universal significance: that these are not only names of God, but also aspects of the spark of divinity within us. In the Thousand Names, the Lord is called our Constant Companion, an inner friend whose love and support we can never lose. This book, too, will serve as a constant companion for those who want to see God in the faces and events of everyday life. "
Life today can feel so fragmented! Often we face enormous pressures both on the work front and at home. Irritable and drained at the end of a long day, we wonder what it was all about. But if we look at our choices through Easwaran’s eyes, it’s surprising how quickly we begin to discover patience, peace and meaning. In Take Your Time, Easwaran shows us through his timeless stories that we could try something different next time we’re feeling stressed.
"Bringing the deep wisdom of the heart into your daily life Meditation is a systematic technique for training the mind, especially attention and the will, so that we can set forth from the surface level of consciousness and journey into the very depths. With meditation you train your attention, drawing together the scattered threads of what you think, say and do. The Principle of Meditation is simple: You are what you think. By meditating regularly, you find yourself becoming wiser, kinder, with greater sense of purpose and connection to others. This book is a complete guide to a program of meditation developed by Eknath Easwaran. — Universal and dogma-free, meditation fits within any religious practice or nonreligious philosophy; it is used by counselors and yoga teachers, as well as health and education professionals. — Eknath Easwaran taught meditation to thousands of people for over 40 years, including a course at the University of California. — Thoroughly tested, consistent and clear, the instructions in this book are all you need to start meditating. With Easwaran’s help, choose words or passages that appeal to you, from one spiritual tradition or many, poetic or intellectual, lofty and inspiring or warmly practical. Keep meditating, and your words or passages will become lifelines, taking you to the source of wisdom deep within and then guiding you through the challenges of daily life."
"From a Tradition of Blood Revenge Comes One of History’s Greatest Peacemakers When Mahatma Gandhi roused millions in a peaceful revolution against colonial rule, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan seemed an unlikely man to enlist. Yet from the ruthless Pathan tradition in Indian’s rugged North-West Frontier Province, Khan raised history’s first nonviolent “army” of 100,00 men. Many cautioned Gandhi against involving in his nonviolent struggle these people with such a record of brutality. But under Khan’s leadership the Pathans proved that it is often those who are capable of great violence who have the courage to stand unarmed against injustice. "
"Eknath Easwaran points out, the Gita is not what it seems – it’s not a dialogue between two mythical figures at the dawn of Indian history. “The battlefield is a perfect backdrop, but the Gita’s subject is the war within, the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage” To live a life that is meaningful, fulfilling and worthwhile. The Bhagavad Gita, ‘The Song of the Lord,’ is the best known of all the Indian scriptures, and Eknath Easwaran’s reliable, readable version has consistently been the bestselling translation. The Bhagavad Gita opens, dramatically, on a battlefield, as the warrior Arjuna turns in anguish to his spiritual guide, Sri Krishna, for answers to the fundamental questions of life. Easwaran’s introduction places the Gita in its historical setting and brings out the universality and timelessness of its teachings. Chapter introductions give clear explanations of key concepts, and notes and a glossary explain Sanskrit terms."
"In the ancient wisdom texts called the Upanishads, illumined sages share flashes of insight, the results of their investigation into consciousness itself. In extraordinary visions, they experience directly a transcendent Reality which is the essence, or Self, of each created being. They teach that each of us, each Self, is eternal, deathless, one with the power that created the universe. Easwaran’s translation is reliable and readable, consistently the bestseller in its field. It includes an overview of the cultural and historical setting, with chapter introductions, notes, and a Sanskrit glossary. But it is Easwaran’s understanding of the wisdom of the Upanishads, and their relevance to the modern reader, that makes this edition truly outstanding. Each sage, each Upanishad, appeals in different ways to the reader’s head and heart. In the end, Easwaran writes, “The Upanishads belong not just to Hinduism. They are India’s precious legacy to humanity, and in that spirit they are offered here.” "
"Dhammapada means “the path of dharma,” the path of truth, harmony, and righteousness that anyone can follow to reach the highest good. Easwaran’s translation of this classic Buddhist text is based on the oldest, best-known version in Pali. Easwaran’s introduction to the Dhammapada gives an overview of the Buddha’s teachings that is reliable, penetrating, and clear – accessible for readers new to Buddhism, but also with fresh insights and practical applications for readers familiar with this text. Chapter introductions place individual verses into the context of the broader Buddhist canon. Easwaran is a master storyteller, and the introduction includes many stories that make moving, memorable reading, bringing young Siddhartha and his heroic spiritual quest vividly to life. But Easwaran’s main qualification for interpreting the Dhammapada, he said, was that he knew from his own experience that these verses could transform our lives. This faithful rendition brings us closer to the compassionate heart of the Buddha."
"Take charge of your thoughts and reshape your life through meditation Feeling trapped by unwanted thoughts and emotions can seem an inevitable part of life. But Easwaran, who taught meditation for nearly forty years, shows a way to break free. Just as a fitness routine can create a strong, supple body, spiritual disciplines can shape a secure personality and a resilient, loving mind. Writing as an experienced, friendly coach, Easwaran explains how we can train the mind not just during meditation but throughout the day. Working with difficult colleagues, choosing what to eat, and listening to a child’s needs are all opportunities to try out different, wiser responses. To shed light on the thinking process, Easwaran takes the timeless teachings of the Buddha and other mystics and illustrates them with scenes from contemporary life. He offers practical exercises for taking charge of our thoughts, along with instruction in his own method of passage meditation. Easwaran shows how training the mind is a glorious challenge - one that brings joy and purpose to life."
"A Contemporary Guide to Yoga, Meditation and Indian Philosophy The Bhagavad Gita is India’s best-known scripture – a dialogue between a warrior-prince named Arjuna and his charioteer and spiritual guide, Sri Krishna. For Easwaran, a foremost translator of the Gita, who taught classes on it for over 40 years, the Gita’s epic battle represents the war in our own hearts and Arjuna’s anguish reflects the human condition: torn between opposing forces, confused about how to live. Sri Krishna’s timeless guidance, Easwaran argues, can shed light on our dilemmas today. Placing the Gita’s teachings in a modern context, Easwaran explores the nature of reality, the illusion of separateness, the search for identity, the meaning of yoga, and how to heal the unconscious. This book is his distillation of the Gita’s teachings from the end of his life, based on talks given to his close students and published here for the first time. Easwaran shows how, through the principles of yoga and the practice of meditation, the Gita can point a way forward for us, both as individuals and in society today. "
"A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Mantram and Calming Your Mind THE MANTRAM A KEY TO CALMING THE MIND AND FINDING GRACE The mantram, or mantra, is a short, powerful spiritual formula from the world’s great traditions, repeated silently in the mind, anytime, anywhere. Use it when you’re ill or anxious, tired or restless, and the mantram will guide and comfort you like a true friend. The mantram can help you to: — Steady the mind and focus your thoughts — Replenish your energy and willpower — Free your mind from anxiety, anger, or resentment — Access your deepest resources of strength, patience, and love. FOREWORD BY DANIEL H. LOWENSTEIN, MD"
"EXPLORING THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY UNDERSTANDING LIFE’S LAST GREAT CHANGE What is the greatest mystery in life? That although we see people die every day, we never believe we will die. The “theater of death” confronts us everywhere: in the newspaper, by the roadside, with the loss of a family member – and most personally as we face our own aging. And yet, how many of us see through life’s passing show to learn what death can teach us about how to live? In this engaging book, Eknath Easwaran shows how we can learn from death – and what we can do now to fully understand life’s last great change."
"The Buddha’s call to Nirvana Eknath Easwaran, translator of the best-selling edition of the Dhammapada, sees this powerful scripture as a perfect map for the spiritual journey. Said to be the text closest to the Buddha’s actual words, it is a collection of short teachings memorized during his lifetime by his disciples. Easwaran presents the Dhammapada as a guide to spiritual perseverance, progress, and ultimately enlightenment – a heroic confrontation with life as it really is, with straight answers to our deepest questions. We witness the heartbreak of death, for instance – what does that mean for us? What is love? How does karma work? How do we follow the spiritual life in the midst of work and family? Does nirvana really exist, and if so, what is it like to be illumined? In his interpretation of Buddhist themes, illustrated with stories from the Buddha’s life, Easwaran offers a view of the concept of Right Understanding that is both exhilarating and instructive. He shares his experiences on the spiritual path, giving the advice that only an experienced teacher and practitioner can offer, and urges us to answer for ourselves the Buddha’s call to nirvana – that mysterious, enduring state of wisdom, joy, and peace. EKNATH EASWARAN was Professor of English Literature at the University of Nagpur, India, and an established writer, when he came to the United States on the Fulbright exchange program in 1959. As Founder and Director of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and the Nilgiri Press, he taught the classics of world mysticism and the practice of meditation from 1960 till his death in 1999."
"Daily wisdom for modern times The Buddha • Mahatma Gandhi • Ramana Maharshi • Swami Vivekananda • Bhagavad Gita • Sri Ramakrishna • Saint Matthew • Meher Baba • George Bernard Shaw • Mother Teresa • William Wordsworth • Ralph Waldo Emerson • Benjamin Franklin • Anne Frank • Mark Twain • Rabindranath Tagore • Spinoza • Rumi • Oscar Wilde • Lao Tzu • Kabir • Mira Bai • Omar Khayyam Words have exceptional power. They can transform lives. In Great Thoughts of Great People, Eknath Easwaran frames the words of brilliant philosophers, poets and sages, with insights that make the age-old wisdom relevant to the contemporary world. This book provides an easy way for those seeking a spiritual path to get on track. Each day’s reading is thought-provoking and focused. Consult it every morning to plant an idea that can act as a touchstone for the day’s events, or refer to it each evening as a way to quieten the mind. Change your life, one day at a time. Eknath Easwaran is respected around the world as one of the great spiritual teachers. He was a professor of English Literature at the University of Nagpur and an established writer. He was Founder and Director of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and the Nilgiri Press, and taught the classics of world mysticism and the practice of meditation from 1960 till his death in 1999."
"An anthology of sacred text for modern times The Bhagavad Gita • Saint Francis of Assisi • The Dhammapada • Hazrat Inayat Khan • Psalm 100 • Kabir • Jewish Liturgy • Tukaram • Lao Tzu • The Upanishads • Saint Paul • The Rig Veda Gems from World Religions is a collection of sacred pieces of literature from the religious traditions of the East and the West. It has the power to change your life. Positive and practical, inspiring and life-affirming, these pieces are filled with the charge of mystical awareness. They sweep aside time and borders to speak with one voice, confirming the unity of all creation. In this book, you will find crystal clear instructions on how to apply these pieces in meditation and shed unwanted habits. If you are ready to make that change, all you have to do is turn the page. Eknath Easwaran is respected around the world as one of the great spiritual teachers. He was a professor of English Literature at the University of Nagpur and an established writer. He was Founder and Director of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and the Nilgiri Press, and taught the classics of world mysticism and the practice of meditation from 1960 till his death in 1999."
"The thousand names of Vishnu reiterate a single message: the Lord is everything, everywhere. His names evoke the qualities that elevate our lives: forgiveness, beauty, tenderness, compassion and love. Every religion in the world worships their God with a different name. Words like ‘Holy, Merciful, Compassionate, Truth, and the One’ appear in all these religions, emphasizing that however we worship, the Lord is one and the same. In India, one of the most popular litanies is the thousand names of Vishnu. He is worshipped by millions in his incarnations as Rama and Krishna. Eknath Easwaran comments on a fraction of these names and what each one means in our daily lives. This is a book for daily inspiration, full of personal reminders of what it means to see God in the faces and events of everyday life. Eknath Easwaran is respected around the world as one of the great spiritual teachers. He was a professor of English Literature at the University of Nagpur and an established writer. He was Founder and Director of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and the Nilgiri Press, and taught the classics of world mysticism and the practice of meditation from 1960 till his death in 1999."
"India Today What he teaches is essentially a mix of psychological, yogic and meditation exercises tinged with the latest management jargon. Business World He is the latest Guru on the corporate scene. And his program on Stress and Creativity are being lapped up by executives from top-notch companies. The Times of India TOI does a poll on who talks the talk best. Swamiji tops the list on all counts. This is one man who has the abillity to reach out to every member in the audience. Swamiji is erudite, often lyrically so. His programs have been consciously designed to suit the widest spectrum of people, to keep metaphysical and semantic speculations to the minimum. "
"The Gita teaches us the art of being total. Use your actions in an attitude of karma yoga, use your feelings in devotion in bhakti yoga, use your intellect for right understanding in jnana yoga and use your being in silence in dhyana yoga. The Bhagavad Gita helps us to tune to our inner pure state and denounce the illusion of security. Clarity, courage and wisdom are true security. Bhagavad Gita helps us to learn to draw energy from our inner state and achieve personal excellence. Swami Sukhabodhananda is the founder Chairman of Prasanna Trust. He is also the founder of the research wing of Prasanna Foundation, which focuses on the scientific aspects of meditation. His books have made many discover a new way of living life and his self-development programs have benefitted many in the corporate sectors and reputed institutions. "
"India Today What he teaches is essentially a mix of psychological, yogic and meditation exercises tinged with the latest management jargon. Business World He is the latest Guru on the corporate scene. And his program on Stress and Creativity are being lapped up by executives from top-notch companies. The Times of India TOI does a poll on who talks the talk best. Swamiji tops the list on all counts. This is one man who has the abillity to reach out to every member in the audience. Swamiji is erudite, often lyrically so. His programs have been consciously designed to suit the widest spectrum of people, to keep metaphysical and semantic speculations to the minimum. "