About a millennium ago, in Cairo, someone completed a large and richly illustrated book. In the course of thirty-five chapters, our unknown author guided the reader on a journey from the outermost cosmos and planets to Earth and its lands, islands, features and inhabitants. This treatise, known as The Book of Curiosities, was unknown to modern scholars until a remarkable manuscript copy surfaced in 2000. Lost Maps of the Caliphs provides the first general overview of The Book of Curiosities and the unique insight it offers into medieval Islamic thought. Opening with an account of the remarkable discovery of the manuscript and its purchase by the Bodleian Library, the authors use The Book of Curiosities to re-evaluate the development of astrology, geography and cartography in the first four centuries of Islam. Early astronomical 'maps' and drawings demonstrate the medieval understanding of the structure of the cosmos and illustrate the pervasive assumption that almost any visible celestial event had an effect upon life on Earth. Lost Maps of the Caliphs also reconsiders the history of global communication networks at the turn of the previous millennium. Not only is The Book of Curiosities one of the greatest achievements of medieval map-making, it is also a remarkable contribution to the story of Islamic civilization.

An utterly unique and accessible introduction to the ancient principles of Taoism with the world's favourite bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and his friend Piglet.

Winnie-the-Pooh has a certain way about him, a way of doing things that has made him the world's most beloved bear, and Pooh's Way, as Benjamin Hoff brilliantly demonstrates, seems strangely close to the ancient Chinese principles of Taoism. And as for Piglet, he embodies the very important principle of Te, meaning Virtue of the Small.

"It's hard to be brave,' said Piglet, sniffing slightly, "when you're only a Very Small Animal."
Rabbit, who had begun to write very busily, looked up and said: "It is because you are a very small animal that you will be useful in the adventure before us."

Benjamin Hoff's explanations of Taoism and Te through Pooh and Piglet show that this is not an ancient and remote philosophy but something that you can use, here and now. Beautifully illustrated by E H Shepard.

Find out how to lead without conflict with these ancient bestselling personal development guides. These luxury hardback editions are now available in a set as a keepsake for yourself or as a present for your friends and family. Containing essential advice for leaders and managers that still resonates 2,500 years later The Art of War brings a different way of seeing conflict, teaching us that with enough intelligence, it is possible to conquer with a minimum of force and little destruction to gain a win-win outcome, not just defeating a person in an argument but bringing them over to our way of thinking. Tao Te Ching focuses on attunement, rather than mindless striving, offering an alternative to command-and-control leadership and a different way of seeing personal success a position that has led to this ancient Chinese text becoming an internationally bestselling leadership guide. Sun Tzu and Lao Tzu: The Ancient Classics Collection: The Art of War and Tao Te Ching offer: * Lessons for managers and business leaders * Strategies for survival and success in difficult times * Advice on how to conquer with minimal destruction and conflict * An introduction from Tom Butler Brown, the personal development literature expert

Deftly introduced and enriched by the remarkable ink paintings of Stephen Addiss, this new translation of Tao Te Ching captures the terse and enigmatic beauty of the ancient original while resisting the tendency toward interpretive paraphrase found in many other editions. Along with the translation of the complete work, Lombardo and Addiss provide the reader with a measure of interaction with the Chinese text found in no other edition, by furnishing one or more key lines from the original Chinese for each of the eighty-one sections, together with a transliteration of the Chinese characters. The appearance and sounds of the Chinese character displayed, enhance the reader's appreciation of how the Chinese text works and feels and the many different ways it can be translated into English.

"What's this you're writing?" asked Pooh, climbing onto the writing table. "The Tao of Pooh," I replied. "The how of Pooh?" asked Pooh, smudging one of the words I had just written. "The Tao of Pooh," I replied, poking his paw away with my pencil. "It seems more like ow! of Pooh," said Pooh, rubbing his paw. "Well, it's not," I replied huffily. "What's it about?" asked Pooh, leaning forward and smearing another word. "It's about how to stay happy and calm under all circumstances!" I yelled. "Have you read it?" asked Pooh... Winnie-the-Pooh has a certain way about him, a way of doing things that has made him the world's most beloved bear, and Pooh's Way, as Benjamin Hoff brilliantly demonstrates, seems strangely close to the ancient Chinese principles of Taoism. Follow the Pooh Way in this humorous and enlightening introduction to Taoism, with classic decorations by E.H. Shepard throughout.

HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.`Opportunities multiply as they are seized.'Written in the 6th century BC, Sun Tzu's The Art of War is a Chinese military treatise that is still revered today as the ultimate commentary on war and military strategy. Focussing on the principle that one can outsmart your foe mentally by thinking very carefully about strategy before resorting to physical battle, this philosophy continues to be applied to the corporate and business world.Sun Tzu's timeless appraisal of the different aspects of warfare are laid out in 13 chapters, including sections on `Laying Plans', `Waging War' and `Terrain'. Words that are as resonant today in every aspect of our lives as they were when he wrote them.

This yearbook from husband-and-wife duo Danielle and Olivier Foellmi reveals the spiritual wisdom of the Far East. Each of Olivier's photographs is accompanied by the thoughts of a great master, including Confucius, Lao-tzu, Dogen Zenji, Chuang-tzu, Hong Zicheng and the Buddha. Their words have guided generation after generation for thousands of years, and they continue in this volume to enrich our views and lives with thoughts on nature, self-awareness, family and society. The photographs take us to captivating temples in Thailand, the lavishly mystic nature of Cambodia, mist-enshrouded landscapes in Myanmar, bamboo forests in Vietnam, rice paddies in China and Zen gardens in Japan. The book as a whole teaches us, one day at a time, the wisdom of the East.

This remarkable yearbook presents the wise words of a great master, philosopher or poet for every day of the year, accompanied by Olivier Foellmi's beautiful and moving photographs of Indian people and places. The effect is transcendental and transformative, awakening our senses and preparing our souls to receive these simple yet profound teachings. Contemporary specialists on Indian culture have also contributed to Indian Wisdom 365 Days, which draws on such timeless sources as poems by Rabindranath Tagore and Krishnamurti; the longest epic in world literature, the Mahabharata; and the most significant of the Hindu sacred writings, the Vedas. Danielle and Olivier Foellmi have written fifteen books, including Buddhist Himalayas, also published by Thames & Hudson. They are the Dalai Lama's official photographers.

The first yoga text to outline a step-by-step sequence for developing a complete practice according to viniyoga--yoga adapted to the needs of the individual.
- A contemporary classic by a world-renowned teacher.
- This new edition adds thirty-two poems by Krishnamacharya that capture the essence of his teachings.
Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who lived to be over 100 years old, was one of the greatest yogis of the modern era. Elements of Krishnamacharya's teaching have become well known around the world through the work of B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, who all studied with Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya's son T. K. V. Desikachar lived and studied with his father all his life and now teaches the full spectrum of Krishnamacharya's yoga. Desikachar has based his method on Krishnamacharya's fundamental concept of "viniyoga," which maintains that practices must be continually adapted to the individual's changing needs to achieve the maximum therapeutic value.
In "The Heart of Yoga" Desikachar offers a distillation of his father's system as well as his own practical approach, which he describes as "a program for the spine at every level--physical, mental, and spiritual." This is the first yoga text to outline a step-by-step sequence for developing a complete practice according to the age-old principles of yoga. Desikachar discusses all the elements of yoga--poses and counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and philosophy--and shows how the yoga student may develop a practice tailored to his or her current state of health, age, occupation, and lifestyle.
This is a revised edition of "The Heart of Yoga."

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. The ancient Chinese art of warfare written by military strategist Sun Tzu in the 5th century BC.

Jane Alexander is inspired and inspiring. I trust her advice completely' - Sarah Stacey, Mail on SundayIn this fast-paced, social media-filled world, people are looking for clarity and inner calm, as well as an escape from the digital overload. This book offers a comprehensive lowdown on the ancient wisdoms from around the world in an accessible way, so we can harness this wisdom and use it in our contemporary environment. The book will be broken down into five major sections. The first gives an overview to the various forms of ancient wisdom covered in the book. The following four sections will each cover a season with information and practical exercises on: Nutrition (adapting your diet throughout the year); Body (different seasonal exercise, including simple yoga and qiyong flows, healing forms of breathwork and bodywork); Emotional life (seasonal emotional shifts and advice on natural approaches to dealing with everyday stresses and anxiety); and Spiritual life (powerful soul-work, including crystals, sound healing and oracles).

A luxury, keep-sake edition of an ancient Chinese scripture

This ancient text, fundamental to Taoism, has become a source of inspiration and guidance for millions in modern society. It's focus on attunement, rather than mindless striving, offers an alternative to command-and-control leadership and a different way of seeing personal success - a position that has led to this ancient Chinese text becoming an internationally bestselling personal development guide. Now the text has been given a makeover and this deluxe, gift edition is set to become the market leader, following in the footsteps of the other bestselling Capstone Classic editions.

Includes: Paints a picture of a person in full attunementIllustrates how fulfillment and peace, without struggle, can deliver to us what we need and desireAn alternative way to view personal successA new introduction by Tom Butler Bowdon, the classic personal development expert

In India, statues of Ganesh are placed at the inner gates of many temples, symbolizing his role as 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.

A Japanese-inspired guide to living a happier, more fulfilled life. Japonisme explores the Japanese art of finding contentment and includes practical tips and tricks to live a happier, healthier, more thoughtful life. What is your ikigai (purpose)? How do you practice mindfulness in the unpredictability and chaos of everyday life? From shinrinyoku (forest bathing), calligraphy, ikebana (fl ower arranging) to tea ceremonies and their approach to food, the Japanese have found contentment through traditions,philosophies, and the practice of art. This book shows how we can all incorporate aspects of Japonisme into our daily lives. Enhance your lifestyle and enrich your mind by looking at life through the lens of wabi-sabi (the transient nature of life), kintsugi (repairing broken ceramics with gold) or kaizen (habit-forming techniques), in an accessible, practical way.

Converging and diverging views on the mind, the self, consciousness, the unconscious, free will, perception, meditation, and other topics. Buddhism shares with science the task of examining the mind empirically; it has pursued, for two millennia, direct investigation of the mind through penetrating introspection. Neuroscience, on the other hand, relies on third-person knowledge in the form of scientific observation. In this book, Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk trained as a molecular biologist, and Wolf Singer, a distinguished neuroscientist-close friends, continuing an ongoing dialogue-offer their perspectives on the mind, the self, consciousness, the unconscious, free will, epistemology, meditation, and neuroplasticity. Ricard and Singer's wide-ranging conversation stages an enlightening and engaging encounter between Buddhism's wealth of experiential findings and neuroscience's abundance of experimental results. They discuss, among many other things, the difference between rumination and meditation (rumination is the scourge of meditation, but psychotherapy depends on it); the distinction between pure awareness and its contents; the Buddhist idea (or lack of one) of the unconscious and neuroscience's precise criteria for conscious and unconscious processes; and the commonalities between cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation. Their views diverge (Ricard asserts that the third-person approach will never encounter consciousness as a primary experience) and converge (Singer points out that the neuroscientific understanding of perception as reconstruction is very like the Buddhist all-discriminating wisdom) but both keep their vision trained on understanding fundamental aspects of human life.

The definitive work by B.K.S. Iyengar, the world's most respected yoga teacher. B.K.S. Iyengar has devoted his life to the practice and study of yoga. It was B.K.S. Iyengar's unique teaching style, bringing precision and clarity to the practice, as well as a mindset of ‘yoga for all', which has made it into the worldwide phenomenon it is today.

Light on Yoga is widely called ‘the bible of yoga' and has served as the source book for generations of yoga students around the world. It is the classic text for all serious students of yoga.

• B.K.S. Iyengar's own photo-illustrated, step-by-step guides to every yoga routine.
• Week-by-week development plan – with a total of 300 weeks to allow gradual progression from novice to advanced technique.
• B.K.S. Iyengar's unique and inspired guide to Pranayama – yoga breathing techniques.
• B.K.S. Iyengar's yoga philosophy for life and an introduction to the spiritual aspects of yoga.
• Yoga sequences and asanas to help heal a range of specific illnesses and conditions.

'Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion - putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.' This book will help you embrace omoiyari and bring joy and happiness into your own life and the lives of others. Care, consideration and empathy underpin all aspects of daily life in Japan and are essential to the social spirit. From Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), Kirei (cleanliness and organisation) and Mottainai (reducing waste) to Zakka (finding beauty in the mundane) and Senbazuru (the origami art of folding one thousand paper cranes), there are so many different ways that the Japanese emphasise the importance of community and helping others. With practical and actionable advice throughout, you can learn how to incorporate Japanese culture and the art of compassion into your daily life, because even the smallest of considerate actions can make a world of difference.

A systematic historical survey of Chinese thought is followed by an investigation of the historical-metaphysical questions of modern technology, asking how Chinese thought might contribute to a renewed questioning of globalized technics. Heidegger's critique of modern technology and its relation to metaphysics has been widely accepted in the East. Yet the conception that there is only one-originally Greek-type of technics has been an obstacle to any original critical thinking of technology in modern Chinese thought. Yuk Hui argues for the urgency of imagining a specifically Chinese philosophy of technology capable of responding to Heidegger's challenge, while problematizing the affirmation of technics and technologies as anthropologically universal. This investigation of the historical-metaphysical question of technology, drawing on Lyotard, Simondon, and Stiegler, and introducing a history of modern Eastern philosophical thinking largely unknown to Western readers, including philosophers such as Feng Youlan, Mou Zongsan, and Keiji Nishitani, sheds new light on the obscurity of the question of technology in China. Why was technics never thematized in Chinese thought? Why has time never been a real question for Chinese philosophy? How was the traditional concept of Qi transformed in its relation to Dao as China welcomed technological modernity and westernization? In The Question Concerning Technology in China, a systematic historical survey of the major concepts of traditional Chinese thinking is followed by a startlingly original investigation of these questions, in order to ask how Chinese thought might today contribute to a renewed, cosmotechnical questioning of globalized technics.

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

We all have an ikigai.

It's the Japanese word for a reason to live or a reason to jump out of bed in the morning .

It s the place where your needs, desires, ambitions, and satisfaction meet. A place of balance. Small wonder that finding your ikigai is closely linked to living longer.

Finding your ikigai is easier than you might think. This book will help you work out what your own ikigai really is, and equip you to change your life. You have a purpose in this world: your skills, your interests, your desires and your history have made you the perfect candidate for something. All you have to do is find it.

Do that, and you can make every single day of your life joyful and meaningful.