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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Aspects of religions (non-Christian) > Worship > General
In this landmark book, first published in English in 1958,
renowned scholar of religion Mircea Eliade lays the groundwork for
a Western understanding of Yoga. Drawing on years of study and
experience in India, Eliade provides a comprehensive survey of Yoga
in theory and practice from its earliest antecedents in the Vedas
through the twentieth century.
A new introduction by David Gordon White provides invaluable
insight into Eliade's life and work, highlighting the key moments
in Eliade's academic and spiritual education, as well as the
personal experiences that shaped his worldview. "Yoga" is not only
one of Eliade's most important books, it is also his most
personal--the only one to analyze a religious tradition that he had
truly lived.
Michael Wolfe's "exemplary" (Library Journal) collection of
historical writings on the Hajj, now updated with a new
introduction by Reza Aslan. Since its inception in the seventh
century, the pilgrimage to Mecca, or the Hajj, has been the central
theme in a large body of Islamic travel literature. Beginning with
the European Renaissance, it has also been the subject for a
handful of adventurous writers from the West who, through
conversion or connivance, managed to slip inside the walls of a
city forbidden to non-Muslims. One Thousand Roads to Mecca collects
significant works by observant travel writers from the East and
West over the last ten centuries. The two very different literary
traditions form distinct sides of a spirited conversation in which
Mecca is the common destination and Islam the common subject of
inquiry. Excerpted works include travel narratives by Ibn Jubayr,
Ibn Battuta, J. L. Burckhardt, Richard Burton, the Begum of Bhopal,
John Keene, Winifred Stegar, Muhammad Asad, Harry St. John Philby,
Lady Evelyn Cobbald, Jalal Al-e Ahmad, Malcolm X, and Michael
Wolfe.
This brief introduction to Judaism is designed to help readers
understand this important religious tradition. With both nuance and
balance, this text provides broad coverage of various forms of
Judaism with an arresting layout with rich colors. It offers both
historical overviews and modern perspectives on Jewish beliefs and
practices. The user-friendly content is enhanced by charts of
religious festivals, historic timelines, updated maps, and a useful
glossary. It is ideal for courses on Judaism and will be a useful,
concise reference for all readers eager to know more about this
important religious tradition and its place in our contemporary
world.
The book examines the history of the genesis of those texts in the
Old Testament where a oeThe Ark of the Covenanta occurs. In these
texts, fewer sources have turned out to be historically reliable
than was hitherto assumed. It can be assumed that the Ark never
stood in King Solomona (TM)s Temple. Rather, the majority of the
texts bear witness to the struggle of nascent Judaism with the old
traditions. This can be seen in exemplary fashion in the
(unsuccessful) research into the contents of the Ark. One final
chapter is then devoted to the incidence of the Ark in the texts
from Qumran on the Dead Sea.
Over the centuries, observances of Muharram, the first month of
the Islamic calendar, have traveled far from their origins at
Karbala--a windswept desert plain that is now a town in present-day
Iraq--where, according to tradition, Hussein, the beloved grandson
of Prophet Muhammad, was brutally put to death together with
seventy-two of his male companions on the tenth day of the month.
For this reason, Muharram is synonymous with both the first month
and the tenth day. Hussein's passion and death are considered the
ultimate example of sacrifice for Shia Muslims and scores of
rituals devoted to Muharram have developed during the last thirteen
centuries, especially in Iran where Twelver Shi'ism became the
state religion in the sixteenth century.
As Peter Chelkowski describes in "Eternal Performance," many of
these rituals were exported to other lands over time. They crossed
boundaries and cultures from Iran and Iraq to Lebanon, the Indian
subcontinent, North America, and the Caribbean. Yet all Muharram
rituals, no matter where or how they are performed, have their
origins in Karbala. The transformation and transmission of these
observances to their present-day forms around the world are the
result of the intersection of multiple races, religions, and
artistic traditions. "Eternal Performance" explores the social,
political, cultural, artistic, and religious significance of
Muharram rituals for millions of global observers.
Giving to God examines the everyday practices of Islamic giving in
post-revolutionary Egypt. From foods prepared in Sufi soup
kitchens, to meals distributed by pious volunteers in slums, to
almsgiving, these acts are ultimately about giving to God by giving
to the poor. Surprisingly, many who practice such giving say that
they do not care about the poor, instead framing their actions
within a unique non-compassionate ethics of giving. At first, this
form of giving may appear deeply selfish, but further consideration
reveals that it avoids many of the problems associated with the
idea of "charity." Using the Egyptian uprising in 2011 and its call
for social justice as a backdrop, this beautifully crafted
ethnography suggests that "giving a man a fish" might ultimately be
more revolutionary than "teaching a man to fish."
The routines explained here are easy to learn, enjoyable to
practice, and produce satisfying results. Learn why meditation is
so beneficial and how its regular correct practice can enhance your
life. Whether you are presently interested in marginal
self-improvement or more accelerated spiritual growth, meditation
can be helpful to your purposes. Experience the
consciousness-clearing influences of these time-tested meditation
techniques which have been proven effective for thousands of years;
open your mind and your being to all the good life can and will
provide for you.
In this fast-paced world of over-stimulation and distraction,
keeping a private space for meditative retreat and spirituality is
essential. Creating an altar using the power of numbers allows you
to achieve spiritual stillness in a personal and meaningful way.The
numbers one through nine each carry a profound symbolic history and
significance. Harness this energy and apply it to your life by
selecting the number that best resonates with your intention and
using it as a guide to your altar design.Deepen your spiritual
practiceExplore your inner worldWith meditation techniques and many
examples of prayers, practices, and rituals from all major faiths,
popular author and Celtic scholar Sandra Kynes offers a new
approach to altar-building. Using representations of elements from
myth and nature as focal points, you can create an altar that best
suits your spiritual needs. Straightforward and practical, with
easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations, this unique
book allows you to experience the restorative benefits of
altars--and ultimately reconnect with that sacred space within
yourself.
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