Ancient Religion

A groundbreaking dive into the role psychedelics have played in the origins of Western civilization, and the real-life quest for the Holy Grail that could shake the Church to its foundations.

Here is one of the world's most hallowed works of sacred literature, the grand, sweeping epic of the divine bowman and warrior Rama and his struggles with evil, power, duplicity, and avarice. The Ramayana is one of the foundations of world literature and one of humanity's most ancient and treasured ethical and spiritual works. Includes an introduction by scholar Michael Sternfeld.

The Rule of St. Benedict arose from an era when a great civilization was threatened by violence, economic forces that favored the wealthy, political leaders that lacked the trust of the public, and rampant xenophobia. In How to Live, Judith Valente explores the key elements of the rule and clearly demonstrates how incorporating this ancient wisdom can change the quality and texture of our lives offering a way forward from the divisions gripping our country.

In 2011, Christine Toomey met an unforgettable group of Tibetan Buddhist nuns. After hearing their stories - of prison, extreme hardship, and ultimately fleeing into exile - she resolved to learn more about the private, courageous women of Buddhism: who they are, their experience of suffering, what motivates them to seek enlightenment, and what stands in their way. Toomey's quest took on even greater urgency with the sudden deaths of her father and mother and her own search for healing wisdom in the aftermath of loss.

Find God in Nature Pray for Our Endangered Planet Long before they had heard about Christianity, the Celts knew that Nature was their portal to a great spiritual reality. Wells, mountain crags, caves, and lochs were “thin places” that allowed access to the realm of spirits. In these temples of Nature, the Celts sought physical and spiritual healing, as well as revelation. The salmon, the eagle, and even the tiny hazelnut, all were allies in helping humanity access the mysterious magic that underlay physical matter. I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of ...

How did mythology and religion first begin? Where did the ideas of “God,” “spirit” and “soul” come from? The author takes us to ancient times, showing us how early humans struggled to make sense of the world around them. Drawing on history, geology, volcanology, anthropology, chemistry, astronomy, archeology, oceanography, biology and cognitive science, the author reveals the surprising true meaning of our most sacred stories. "Bill Lauritzen is some kind of genius." Sir Arthur C. Clarke. "Lauritzen has some good ideas ..." Daniel Dennett, Philosopher, Author. "Anyone interested...

Have you ever pondered the accuracy of Jesus' story? Perhaps you’ve encountered skeptics who dismiss the events and characters in the Bible as mere fiction. Could they be right? On the other hand, Christianity is the largest religion on the planet. Could they be wrong? There is evidence. So, did Jesus exist? And if so, what did Jesus say more than two thousand years ago that is still debated today? More importantly, what did Jesus mean? Real or not, Jesus was the most influential spiritual teacher in human history; he was also severely persecuted. Why? This book covers these topics and ...

The Book of God reads like a novel, dramatizing the sweep of biblical events, bringing to life the men and women of this ancient book in vivid detail and dialogue. From Abraham wandering in the desert to Jesus teaching the multitudes on a Judean hillside, this award-winning bestseller follows the biblical story from start to finish.

Far from being an engaging fable, the account of Job in the Bible is one of the most historically and scientifically accurate records of the ancient world. Perhaps the oldest book in the Bible, the Book of Job touches on many subjects of science and history. This commentary on the controversial Book of Job is very different from most of the seminary and church teachings so prevalent today, for it attests to the historicity of a man named Job who understood at the end of his life that God cannot be "figured out", but He can most certainly be trusted.

Unlock the Secrets of Two Mystical Traditions Are you ready to embark on a journey that will transform your understanding of the spiritual world? Sufi and Druze Mysticism: Exploring the Unknown invites you to discover the hidden wisdom of two ancient paths that have intrigued and inspired seekers for centuries. Dive into the profound teachings of Al-Hallaj, a Sufi mystic whose timeless wisdom continues to echo across the ages. Experience the power of his words, the intensity of his devotion, and the daring courage that led him to the ultimate truth. Explore the enigmatic Druze faith, a ...

A complete Guide for those wishing to explore the old ways. This volume is not path specific but general information as well as a complete reference volume of what you should know. it is considered a base for entering into the Pagan Paths. It features historical data on many aspects of Christianity vs. paganism. as well as a step by step guide to begin your journey into the world of Paganism.

Many Christians today divide ancient Jewish and Christian literature into two categories: what is in the Bible and what is not. The Christian East, however, has traditionally described a third category considered beneficial for Christians to listen to in the home: “apocrypha.” These texts, from the centuries before and after the Incarnation of Jesus Christ—beyond even the larger canons of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Old Testaments—reveal to us the religious world and theological framework of the apostles and early Church Fathers.

Psychiatrist Judith E. Pentz, MD, travels to Nagpur, India, to study 5000-year-old Ayurvedic Panchakarma detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in a quest to provide enhanced holistic wellness treatment for her patients. A change at the cellular level. Part travel memoir and part spiritual guide, Cleanse Your Body and Reveal Your Soul is one woman’s transformative quest with Ayurvedic Panchakarma (a fivefold detoxification treatment involving massage, herbal therapy and other procedures) and the profound shifts that led to some sustainable, substantial life changes.

This remarkable work paints a comprehensive and colorful picture of the world that Jesus knew. From detailed, convincing portraits of John the Baptist, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Jesus himself, and other key figures, to the Jewish and Hellenistic leaders often ignored in scripture, Who's Who in the Age of Jesus is a critical, in-depth look at one of the most tumultuous eras in human history.

The Roman Republic was the most remarkable state in history. What began as a small community of peasants camped among marshes and hills ended up ruling the known world. Rubicon paints a vivid portrait of the Republic at the climax of its greatness—the same greatness which would herald the catastrophe of its fall.

Each of us are alive for a very limited time. Or are we? What if we could live not just for a century, but for millennia? What if there were a way for us to never die? Is such a thing even remotely possible? It may not only be feasible; it may very well have been achieved in the distant past. Ancient aliens may well have uncovered the secrets behind slowing, and ultimately completely stopping, the aging process.

You recite it. But do you understand it? The Apostles’ Creed has become so familiar to us that we don’t think about what we’re saying. Christians from different times, places, and traditions have been united by its eternal truths. We believe them, we recite them, but do we build our lives on them? The fact that so many in the early church died for their faith means they were caught up in something greater than themselves. What were those truths? How did they empower a revolution?

The four Vedic Samhitas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda) are Hindus' most revered writings. .The Vedic Samhitas are typically regarded as shruti, or divinely given. 'Shruti' literally means 'that which is heard,' therefore the composers 'heard' these passages, given to them from some holy source. The Samhitas themselves tell diverse stories about their mysterious origins. In this book we overview and examine the ritualistic context, content, and meaning of the four Samhitas.

Modern Physics and Ancient Faith argues that the great discoveries of modern physics are more compatible with the central teachings of Christianity and Judaism about God, the cosmos, and the human soul than with the atheistic viewpoint of scientific materialism.

Kori Hahn has always done life her way - living off the grid as a young woman in Alaska; studying with spiritual teachers and soul guides in Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Morocco; surfing around the world. Whether she was seeking adventure, sunshine, or the perfect wave, her primary, perennial quest has been an inner one. To that end she evolved the practices she shares here, simple daily steps that create a veritable "stairway to heaven" and allow any listener to do life their own way, with maximum meaning and joy.