Collection: Spirituality & Religion

"Tóibín is at his lyrical best in this beautiful and daring work" (The New York Times Book Review) that portrays Mary as a solitary older woman still seeking to understand the events that become the narrative of the New Testament and the foundation of Christianity--shortlisted for the 2013 Man Booker Prize.

In the ancient town of Ephesus, Mary lives alone, years after her son's crucifixion. She has no interest in collaborating with the authors of the Gospel, who are her keepers. She does not agree that her son is the Son of God; nor that his death was "worth it"; nor that the "group of misfits he gathered around him, men who could not look a woman in the eye," were holy disciples.

Mary judges herself ruthlessly (she did not stay at the foot of the cross until her son died--she fled, to save herself), and her judgment of others is equally harsh. This woman whom we know from centuries of paintings and scripture as the docile, loving, silent, long-suffering, obedient, worshipful mother of Christ becomes a tragic heroine with the relentless eloquence of Electra or Medea or Antigone. Tóibín's tour de force of imagination and language is a portrait so vivid and convincing that our image of Mary will be forever transformed.

In this beautifully written work, one of America's most beloved meditation teachers offers discerning wisdom on understanding faith as a healing quality. Through the teachings of Buddha and insight gained from her lifelong spiritual quest, Salzberg provides us with a road map for cultivating a feeling of peace that can be practiced by anyone of any tradition.

The classic guide to the ageless heritage of Judaism

Embraced over many decades by hundreds of thousands of readers, To Be a Jew offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to traditional Jewish laws and customs as they apply to daily life in the contemporary world. In simple and powerful language, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin presents the fundamentals of Judaism, including the laws and observances for the Sabbath, the dietary laws, family life, prayer at home and in the synagogue, the major and minor holidays, and the guiding principles and observances of life, such as birth, naming, circumcision, adoption and conversion, Bar-mitzvah, marriage, divorce, death, and mourning.

Ideal for reference, reflection, and inspiration, To Be a Jew will by greatly valued by anyone who feels that knowing, understanding, and observing the laws and traditions of Judaism in daily life is the essence of what it means to be a Jew.

More than two dozen tales of ghosts, unexplained phenomena, and other spooky happenings in Savannah, GA, the city of legendary ghosts. Includes information so readers can check out the spirits themselves -- if they dare.

"I will tell you how I grew up and how I was trained, about the great sages with whom I lived and what they taught me, not through lectures and books but through experiences."- Swami Rama

Reading it, you will discover the human side to this yogic master. He is a young boy, full of mischief. He is a teenager, full of curiosity and adventurous zeal. He is a seeker, with certain strengths and weaknesses. Just like us, he sometimes fails to distinguish the fake gurus from genuine masters, mistaking magic for spiritual achievement.

Living with the Himalayan Masters is one of those rare books that contains the seeds of transformation within its pages--sowing those seeds in the heart of the reader, and creating the potential for true spiritual upliftment. These stories record Swami Rama's personal quest for truth and enlightenment--inspiring, illuminating, entertaining, mystifying, and often droll and humorous.

This life-changing book will bring you face-to-face with some great twentieth-century masters, including Mataji of Assam, a ninety-six-year-old sage who never slept; Gudari Baba, who taught Swami Rama the value of direct experience; Yogi Sri Aurobindo, who integrated meditation with action; Uria Baba, who demonstrated that every human being has the potential for healing; and Mahatma Gandhi.

Read the humbling story of the man who founded the Himalayan Institute, and the great teachers who molded him into a Himalayan Master.

"Body is our first environment," writes Andrea Olsen. "It is the medium through which we know the earth." In a remarkable integration of environmental science, biology, meditation, and creative expression, Olsen, a dancer who teaches in the environmental studies program at Middlebury College, offers a guide to a holistic understanding of person and place. Part workbook, part exploration, Body and Earth considers the question of how we can best, most responsibly inhabit both our bodies and our planet. Olsen displays an easy command of fields as diverse as geology, biochemistry, ecology, and anatomy as she explores the ways in which our bodies are derived from and connected to the natural world. But Body and Earth is not just a lesson, it is also an investigation. Arranged as a 31-day program, the book offers not only a wealth of scientific information, but also exercises for both exploring the body and connecting with place; illustrations and works of art that illuminate each chapter's themes; and Olsen's own meditations and reflections, connecting the topics to her personal history and experience. Olsen insists that neither body nor landscape are separate from our fundamental selves, but in a culture which views the body as a mechanism to be trained and the landscape as a resource to be exploited, we need to learn to see again their fundamental wholeness and interconnection. Through hard data, reflection, exercises, and inspiration, Body and Earth offers a guide to responsible stewardship of both our planet and our persons.

This book follows up on the foundation provided in Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology and delves into questions such as impulses likely to be generated by the planets in different signs and houses of the natal chart. The author makes this subject eminently readable and cuts through the obscurity of the centuries to present a clear and effective science with a deep psychological background and underpinning.

This volume offers 59 of the world's great myths--including selections from The Iliad and the Odyssey, Beowulf, King Arthur and Quetzalcoatl. Each myth is accompanied by an introduction that offers historical background and suggests avenues for literary analysis.

The Emerald Tablet--an ancient document that contains the essence of the alchemical teachings--has had an important influence on many Western spiritual and religious traditions. Ostensibly concerned with turning base metals into gold, alchemy was in fact dedicated to transforming the lead of self into the gold of spirit. This brilliant history of alchemy traces its sources back to ancient Egypt, and presents alchemy as a useful, practical system of self-transformation. Each of the seven steps of alchemical transformation is explained, with hands-on techniques and exercises, treating alchemy as a living discipline for achieving a spiritual awakening.

Hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of India's population, and by some seventy million people outside India. In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twenty-first century. She discusses key preoccupations of Hinduism such as the centrality of the Veda as religious texts, the role of Brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, and the cultural and moral importance of epics such as the Ramayana.

In this second edition Knott considers the impact of changes in technology and the flourishing of social media on Hinduism, and looks at the presence of Hinduism in popular culture, considering pieces such as Sita Sings the Blues. She also analyses recent developments in India, and the impact issues such as Hindu nationalism and the politicization of Hinduism have on Hindus worldwide.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Peter Adamson presents a lively introduction to six hundred years of European philosophy, from the beginning of the ninth century to the end of the fourteenth century. The medieval period is one of the richest in the history of philosophy, yet one of the least widely known. Adamson introduces us to some of the greatest thinkers of the Western intellectual tradition, including Peter Abelard, Anselm of Canterbury, Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, William of Ockham, and Roger Bacon. And the medieval period was notable for the emergence of great women thinkers, including Hildegard of Bingen, Marguerite Porete, and Julian of Norwich. Original ideas and arguments were developed in every branch of philosophy during this period - not just philosophy of religion and theology, but metaphysics, philosophy of logic and language, moral and political theory, psychology, and the foundations of mathematics and natural science.

Praying scriptures from the Bible is a powerful force for change. In this book, you will discover, meditate and pray God's Word to see a difference in your circumstances. This book is a handbook that categorizes scriptures under subjects for prayer. First John 4:14 says that when we ask God anything according to His will (His Word), He hears and answers us! In this expanded edition of their original "Scriptures for Prayer," you will see an even more significant impact on your prayer life. As you familiarize yourself with God's Word and send it forth, God will "perfect that which concerns you."

"You Anthem" takes readers on an immersive journey through the highs and lows of Tori Franklin's life as an Olympic track and field athlete. Amidst her incredible achievements on the field, Tori's path is also marked by profound challenges, including experiences of depression, abandonment issues, professional setbacks, and the shattering effects of sexual assault. In the face of these adversities, Tori finds herself grappling with the depths of despair, yearning to reclaim her sense of self and the joys that once defined her existence.

The heart of the narrative lies in Tori's unwavering determination to rise above her struggles and restore her inner harmony. With remarkable courage, she embarks on a transformative journey toward rediscovering love, self-compassion, and authentic joy. Through introspection and resilience, Tori begins to piece herself back together, gathering strength from the depths of her soul to emerge as an empowered woman, guided by the light of her own anthem.

Within the pages of "You Anthem," Tori shares not only her personal struggles but also the invaluable insights she gains along the way. With sincerity and vulnerability, she opens her heart to the readers, offering profound wisdom and practical tips on maintaining mental well-being. Tori's journey becomes a beacon of hope, encouraging others to embrace their own paths of healing and self-discovery.

Beyond the physical prowess that has brought her recognition and acclaim as a professional athlete, Tori embarks on a profound spiritual exploration. With courage and curiosity, she delves into the depths of her soul, seeking solace and understanding amidst life's tumultuous journey. Her quest becomes an odyssey of self-discovery, and she discovers a profound connection to her inner self and the universe that surrounds her.

"You Anthem" serves as more than a memoir; it becomes a guidebook for personal growth, offering readers the tools to embrace their own transformative experiences guided by Tori's wisdom and the universal truths she uncovers. Tori's journey becomes a catalyst for self-reflection and growth, urging readers to recognize their own strength and resilience in the face of challenges.

The essence of "You Anthem" lies in the celebration of growth and the unwavering pursuit of self-expression. Tori's narrative breaks down barriers and inspires others to confront their fears with courage and love becoming a testament to the power of self-love, demonstrating that even amid the darkest moments, the human heart can find solace and healing.

In this powerful memoir, readers discover the power of embracing one's authentic self and the joys that lie in reclaiming one's anthem.

"This powerful trinity of Black authors invites us into the living room of their hearts, affirming who we are with earthy straight talk, textured diversity, and wise tenderness."--Ruth King

Real talk on living joyfully and coming home to ourselves--with reflective self-care practices to help us on our interconnected journeys of liberation

Join three friends, three Black women, all teachers in the Plum Village tradition founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, in intimate conversation, touching on the pain and beauty of their families of origin, relationships and loneliness, intimacy and sexuality, politics, popular culture, race, self-care and healing. No subject is out of bounds in this free-flowing, wide-ranging offering of mindful wisdom to nourish our sense of belonging and connection with ancestors.

Authors Valerie Brown, Marisela Gomez, MD, and Kaira Jewel Lingo share how the Dharma's timeless teachings support their work for social and racial equity and justice in their work and personal lives. The book offers insights in embodied mindfulness practice to support us in healing white supremacy, internalized racial oppression, and social and cultural conditioning, leading to a firm sense of belonging and abiding joy.

The perfect way to settle down and chillax for the evening so grab some "buds", some junk food and get lost in this trippy Psychedelic dream.-This book features 35 designs featuring cute, stoner creatures with big glassy eyes- Each page is printed single sided and on both black and white pages so there are 72 pages in all.Tags: coloring book, adult coloring book, cannabis coloring books, stoner coloring book, adult coloring book, stoner gifts, coloring book for adults, weed gift, ganja art, funny gift

Imagine a silent world where one "hears" differently...

...a world where the "hearing ear" is not used but rather a "listening heart." Through the author's personal stories and experiences, Heart Language brings to life key ways in which God communicates with mankind.

The author shares these life experiences because he grew up in a home where his parents were deaf. Their deafness did not hinder communication but rather gave him insight into different ways of communicating.

When you look at how this book portrays the deaf and how it shines the spotlight on how God communicates, you may learn that many of us have been doing it all wrong. Here's a chance to peer into the deaf world and the Bible to learn to communicate with Heart Language.

Heart Language can change lives. Let us learn it! Let us live it! Let us become fluent users of this unique language, and let us change the world!