The first collection of Thomas Merton's nature writings serves as a primer on eco-spirituality. Thomas Merton: millions know him as the author of The Seven Storey Mountain, the international bestseller and a modern spiritual classic. Now, in the first collection of his writings on nature, Merton is revealed as a man whose spirituality is rooted in nature, an environmentalist ahead of his time. These writings reveal Merton's approach to ecology as a spiritual issue that exposes the degree of human alienation from the sacredness of the planet. Kathleen Deignan, has skillfully grouped over 300 of Merton's nature writings into thematic sections on the seasons, elements, creatures and other topics and has added an informative introduction. A foreword by renowned environmental and spiritual mentor Thomas Berry and art by John Giuliani complete this important compilation.

A new 'The Doors of Perception' for the 21st century? A visionary journey from cynicism to shamanism by a brilliant young US writer. Daniel Pinchbeck was an essentially sane and rational person, living the life of a sophisticated urbanite. But one disenchanted day he felt he'd exhausted the shallow aspirations of the contemporary scene. So he went on a quest. And he went all the way: to West Africa to test Iboga, a psychedelic herb which can cause such profound insight that one dose equals twenty years of psychoanalysis; to the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert where cutting-edge technology meets radical self-exploration; to Mexico and to the Amazon where shamanic traditions are practised daily. Sceptical but curious, following in the footsteps of Aldous Huxley and Terence McKenna, Daniel Pinchbeck guides his readers on an astonishing journey around the world and through the mind. Are you brave enough to suspend your post-modern cynicism and break open the head with him?

This volume answers many of the questions often asked by seekers of inward illumination. It also includes the author's commentary on a poem concerning inner wayfaring which speaks of the most exalted stations of the path and goes on to explain a number of paradoxes of the Way. These points are illustrated with references to the famous mystical poems of Ibn al-Farid and Abu Madyan.

With more than 700,000 books sold and over 500,000 social media fans and followers, anticipation is high for Bob Goff’s next book and Bible study.

As followers of Christ, there is question we need to be asking ourselves every day: How do we prove who we are? This doesn't refer to what our driver's licenses say we are, or what our careers suggest about who we are, or who other people tell us we are. Rather, this refers to what Jesus said we should be-and he said that his followers would be identified simply by how they loved people. Love isn't something we just haphazardly fall into; it is someone we become. Jesus wants us to love everybody, always.

In this five-session video study (DVD/digital downloads sold separately), bestselling author Bob Goff shares some of the stories from his life that have helped him understand what it truly means to love everybody the way Jesus loved them-without fear, insecurity, or restriction. This begins by loving people right where you are through serving and helping the neighbors God has placed into your world. It means loving people when they mess up and helping them move past the place of shame to acceptance. It continues by being courageous and following where God leads one step at a time-even if you feel you are flying blind. Above all, it means not just agreeing with Jesus but actually stepping out and doing what Jesus said.

This little volume (the result of meditation and experience) is not intended as an exhaustive treatise on the much written upon subject of the power of thought. It is suggestiive rather athan explanatory, its object being to stimulate men and women to the discovery and perception of the truth that...'they themselves are makers of themselves' by virtue of the thoughts which they choose and encourage; that mind is the master weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance, and that, as they may have hitherto woven in ignorance and pain they may now weave in enlightenment and happiness.

In this comprehensive manual, a radically new way to make the Spiritual Exercises is presented to retreat directors, spiritual guides, parish leaders, and other pastoral ministers. Michael Hansen, S.J., provides vast background and wise counsel in showing leaders how to direct The First Spiritual Exercises.

What do modern multiverse theories and spiritualist seances have in common? Not much, it would seem. One is an elaborate scientific theory developed by the world's most talented physicists. The other is a spiritual practice widely thought of as backward, the product of a mystical world view fading under the modern scientific gaze. But Christopher G. White sees striking similarities. He does not claim that seances or other spiritual practices are science. Yet he points to ways that both spiritual practices and scientific speculation about multiverses and invisible dimensions are efforts to peer into the hidden elements and even the existential meaning of the universe. Other Worlds examines how the idea that the universe has multiple, invisible dimensions has inspired science fiction, fantasy novels, films, modern art, and all manner of spiritual thought reaching well beyond the realm of formal religion. Drawing on a range of international archives, White analyzes how writers, artists, filmmakers, televangelists, and others have used the scientific idea of invisible dimensions to make supernatural phenomena such as ghosts and miracles seem more reasonable and make spiritual beliefs possible again for themselves and others. Many regard scientific ideas as disenchanting and secularizing, but Other Worlds shows that these ideas-creatively appropriated in such popular forms as C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, the art of Salvador Dali, or the books of the counterculture physicist "Dr. Quantum"-restore a sense that the world is greater than anything our eyes can see, helping to forge an unexpected kind of spirituality.

This book explores the wise and conscious use of spiritual resources within counselling and psychotherapy. Written by veteran clinicians from different spiritual perspectives, and from various therapeutic schools of thought, this book provides a broad view of how the spiritual is present within therapeutic practice. The work of counselling and psychotherapy is increasingly seeking to ground its efforts within the richness of spiritual traditions. One of the surprising developments of the contemporary psychotherapeutic scene is a growing reliance on both hard, objective sciences - such as, for example, neurology or Genetics - whilst at the same time engaging very subjective, "soft" sciences - such as states of consciousness studies, psychology of religion, clinical or Pastoral Theology, and the over-arching tasks of meaning-making. Written by and for clinicians who are also teachers in the field, this collection offers a variety of viewpoints in terms of the diverse spiritual traditions they draw from, theoretical sources that guide and inform them, or the spiritual applications they bring to their work. This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health.

This title presents an introduction to the spiritual pathways of the major world religions, exploring the core beliefs, values and practices of each tradition. "Spiritual Pathways of the World Religions" is an insightful guide to the diverse ways that religious faith is practiced and spirituality is understood. Discussing contemporary issues such as post-modernism and the emergence of a 'new paradigm', the new realities of geopolitics, globalization and global warming, this book explores the importance of religion in people's lives to provide direction in the society today. This book demonstrates the common quest among the world religions for a deeper and more profound spirituality. Describing the spiritual pathways of the various world religions, it assesses the ways that the beliefs, values and practices of these traditions can be life-giving, leading to personal and social responsibility and transformation, but also sometimes harmful and divisive, even used for dangerous purposes. Promoting constructive engagements between the world's religions, this book will connect social justice and ethical engagements with core religious practices and spiritualities. This is an ideal introductory text for students of world religions, spirituality and interfaith relations, broadening their understanding of these lived faiths.

Bob Dawson has had a vast of experience, spanning over 35 years, with both the Spirit World, and the Spiritualist Movement and its periphery. During this time he has developed as a Healer and a Spiritualist Medium, and he has taken Spiritualist Church Services, workshops, and demonstrated Mediumship throughout the North West of England. In the past he was a committee member and former President of Rawtenstall Spiritualist Church, and is the Founder and Trustee of Rossendale Spiritualist Centre, which was established in 2003. During his life Bob has witnessed an array of what people would describe as paranormal events. Many would consider these magical, or even impossible, but in fact they are a reality, and adhere precisely to the Laws of Creation. He describes these events as life changing, in particular the physical phenomena that he has witnessed, and these are documented and critically examined within his book. In recounting these experiences Bob adds his own thought-provoking insight into the workings of Creation, and the function of the Spirit World through the evidence they have provided. He also explains the manifestation of our Spirit incarnation and reason for our progressive experiences in this world. This book provides the reader with an insight to what the Spirit World can achieve and demonstrate at our physical level, and points the way towards the self-discovery of who you truly are, which is not who you think you are. You Can't Die for The Life In You is a fascinating account which will continue to stimulate the readers' curiosity about the evidence, their identity, and life itself.

Investigating the question 'can theology, description of the divine reality, be made truly scientific?', this book addresses logic and human knowledge alongside experimental religion. An important philosophic work by a prolific theologian also known for his later court case regarding conscientious objection, this book describes how it is possible to relate theological theory with religious experience of the divine the way that the sciences relate to human acquaintance with things and people in social experience.

A guided tour of spiritual autobiography that grants readers new insights and appreciation of the genre The genre of spiritual autobiography has flourished ever since Augustine essentially invented it in the fourth century. In Our Hearts Are Restless, Richard Lischer-himself the author of two spiritual memoirs-takes readers on a guided tour of the genre, examining the life writings of twenty-one figures from the expected (Thomas Merton) to the surprising (James Baldwin); from the sublime Julian of Norwich and Emily Dickinson to the outrageous Anne Lamott. Lischer is a perceptive reader and an engaging guide in the art and craft of spiritual writing. Our Hearts Are Restless shows readers how history's most brilliant spiritual writers have sought and found a pattern of meaning in the face of tragedy, conflict, and the responsibilities of daily life.

SPANISH EDITION. In this classic testimonial, the author presents God's attributes with words that touch our hearts. This masterpiece helps readers strengthen and deepen their spiritual lives.

An exploration of the culture of those who believe they are only partly human... "Fantasy and Belief takes the reader on an engaging journey into an under-researched corner of our haunted culture, a corner inhabited by the Otherkin. Along the way it explores several important trajectories for the study of the sacred and popular culture in the modern world. It should have broad appeal both inside and outside the academic community." - Christopher Partridge, Lancaster University Religion and spirituality are being transformed in our late modern and secularising times. New forms of belief proliferate, often notable for not being limited to traditional systems of reference or expression. Increasingly, these new religions present worldviews which draw directly upon popular culture - or occulture - in fiction, film, art and the internet. Fantasy and Belief explores the context and implications of these types of beliefs through the example of the Otherkin community. The Otherkin are a loosely-affiliated group who believe themselves to be in some way more than just human, their non-humanity often rooted in the characters and narratives of popular fantasy and science fiction. Challenging much current sociological thinking about spirituality and consumption, Fantasy and Belief reveals how popular occulture operates to recycle, develop, and disseminate metaphysical ideas, and how the popular and the sacred are combining in new ways in today's world.

Many regard religious experience as the essence of religion, arguing that narratives might be created and rituals invented but that these are always secondary to the original experience itself. However, the concept of "experience" has come under increasing fire from a range of critics and theorists. This Reader presents writings from both those who assume the existence and possible universality of religious experience and those who question the very rhetoric of "experience". Bringing together both classic and contemporary writings, the Reader showcases differing disciplinary approaches to the study of religious experience: philosophy, literary and cultural theory, history, psychology, anthropology; feminist theory; as well as writings from within religious studies. The essays are structured into pairs, with each essay separately introduced with information on its historical and intellectual context. The ultimate aim of the Reader is to enable students to explore religious experience as rhetoric created to authorize social identities. The book will be an invaluable introduction to the key ideas and approaches for students of Religion, as well as Sociology and Anthropology. CONTRIBUTORS: Robert Desjarlais, Diana Eck, William James, Craig Martin, Russell T. McCutcheon, Wayne Proudfoot, Robert Sharf, Ann Taves, Charles Taylor, Joachim Wach, Joan Wallach Scott, Raymond Williams

Many regard religious experience as the essence of religion, arguing that narratives might be created and rituals invented but that these are always secondary to the original experience itself. However, the concept of "experience" has come under increasing fire from a range of critics and theorists. This Reader presents writings from both those who assume the existence and possible universality of religious experience and those who question the very rhetoric of "experience". Bringing together both classic and contemporary writings, the Reader showcases differing disciplinary approaches to the study of religious experience: philosophy, literary and cultural theory, history, psychology, anthropology; feminist theory; as well as writings from within religious studies. The essays are structured into pairs, with each essay separately introduced with information on its historical and intellectual context. The ultimate aim of the Reader is to enable students to explore religious experience as rhetoric created to authorize social identities. The book will be an invaluable introduction to the key ideas and approaches for students of Religion, as well as Sociology and Anthropology. CONTRIBUTORS: Robert Desjarlais, Diana Eck, William James, Craig Martin, Russell T. McCutcheon, Wayne Proudfoot, Robert Sharf, Ann Taves, Charles Taylor, Joachim Wach, Joan Wallach Scott, Raymond Williams

A timeless message of ancient wisdom

bestselling author and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh transforms an ancient folktale into a timeless parable of a young woman who dares to risk her life and her faith. with this elegant teaching, he reminds us that we all face our own injustices and suffering. By connecting with compassion, love, and the boundless heart of the Buddha, we can discover a mind and heart that are peaceful, happy, and free.

An inspiring meditation on the intersection of science, nature, and spirit that shows readers how to deepen their connection to the natural world. Science. Nature. Spirit. They do not, need not, and should not overlap completely. But at that center where they do intersect? When we stand in that singular, curving triangle looking upon our troubled, beloved earth? At that crossroads there is intelligence, and sacredness, and wildness, and grace. There is clear-sighted hope in a time of despair. There is resistance. There is joy. In this beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring book, ecophilosopher, naturalist, and award-winning author Lyand Lynn Haupt offers serious invitation to ecological consciousness and action - a swift and beautiful manual inspiring readers to stand in a new way for the natural world. With Haupt's own changing and growing perceptions as a life-long student of nature as a through-line, FROG CHURCH offers an antidote to the plagues of modern life based in science, spirituality, and nature. In this mystifying time of climate upheaval that affects the earth so dramatically, people are afraid and uncertain of where to turn, where to direct their inborn love of nature. FROG CHURCH delivers much-needed solace while inspiring readers to engage with the wild earth in new ways. The intertwining of science, nature, and spirit shows readers how to get grounded and move forward on our beloved, imperiled world.

Nobel Peace Prize nominee, internationally renowned Zen master and bestselling author Thich Nhat Hanh shares his mindful techniques in mastering the art of living. 'Thich Nhat Hanh is a holy man, for he is humble and devout...a scholar of immense intellectual capacity' -- Martin Luther King '[He] shows us the connection between personal, inner peace and peace on earth' -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama 'The father of mindfulness' -- Irish Times 'Easy to read and understand' -- ***** Reader review 'Uplifting, questioning, and reaffirming' -- ***** Reader review 'An enlightening book by a truly enlightened being' -- ***** Reader review 'Compulsive reading' -- ***** Reader review ''The Art of Living' is probably the best Buddhist book I've read so far' -- ***** Reader review ************************************************************************** Master the art of living from one of the world's most revered spiritual leaders. Thich Nhat Hanh, the world's most renowned Zen master, turns his mindful attention to the most important subject of all - the art of living. The bestselling author of The Miracle of Mindfulness presents, for the first time, seven transformative meditations that open up new perspectives on our lives, our relationships and our interconnectedness with the world around us. He reveals an art of living in mindfulness that helps us answer life's deepest questions, experience the happiness and freedom we desire and face ageing and dying with curiosity and joy instead of fear. Stimulating and inspiring, this book teaches us the importance of looking inside ourselves and developing compassion, before we can turn to our relationships at home and in the wider world. Full of remarkable stories from Thich Nhat Hanh's own experiences and mindful practices for engaging with life, this will be a book that will help us generate happiness, understanding and love so we can live deeply in each moment of our life, right where we are. Thich Nhat Hanh is the subject of the major documentary Walk With Me narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch