A young boy has a pumpkin seed. A very small pumpkin seed. A very small but special pumpkin seed. And what will become of this very small but special seed? He'll only find out if he lets it grow… and grow… and grow! Because sometimes the smallest things can lead to the biggest adventures! In a world full of immediacy and instant gratification, author Mary Ann Fraser plants the seed of patience in her playful picture book about the life cycle of a giant pumpkin and the rewards of letting it grow.

A new perspective on the relationships among colleges, universities, and the communities with which they are now partnering. Colleges and universities have always had interesting relationships with their external communities, whether they are cities, towns, or something in between. In many cases, they are the main economic driver for their regions-State College, Pennsylvania, or Raleigh, North Carolina, for example-and in others, they exist side by side with thriving industries. In The New American College Town, James Martin, James E. Samels & Associates provide a practical guide for planning a new kind of American college town-one that moves beyond the nostalgia-tinged stereotype to achieve collaborative objectives. What exactly is a college town in America today? Examining the broad range of partnerships transforming campuses and the communities around them, the book opens by detailing twenty characteristics of new American college towns. Subsequent chapters invite presidents, provosts, planners, mayors, architects, and association directors to share their views on how college town relationships are shaping new generations of students and citizens. The book tackles urban and rural institutions, as well as community colleges, and closes with predictions about what college towns will look like in twenty-five years. Contributors include presidents from Lehigh, Portland State, New Jersey City, and Connecticut College, along with five college town mayors and the current or former executive directors from the International Town-Gown Association, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and others. The book also traces how town-gown relations are expanding into innovative areas nationally and internationally, moving beyond familiar student life programs and services to hundred-million-dollar downtown developments. The first comprehensive, single-volume resource designed for leaders on both sides of these conversations, The New American College Town includes action plans, lessons learned, and pitfalls to avoid in developing transformative relationships between colleges and their extended communities. Contributors: Robert C. Andringa, Aaron Aska, Beth Bagwell, Katherine Bergeron, Kelly A. Cherwin, Phillip DiChiara, Lorin Ditzler, Mauri A. Ditzler, Kevin E. Drumm, Erin Flynn, Michael Fox, Joel Garreau, Susan Henderson, Andrew W. Hibel, Patrick Hyland, Jr., Jay Kahn, James Martin, Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Fred McGrail, Kim Nehls, Krisan Osterby, Tracee Reiser, Stuart Rothenberger, Kate Rousmaniere, James E. Samels, Rick Seltzer, John D. Simon, Jefferson A. Singer, Allison Starer, Wim Wiewel, Eugene L. Zdziarski II

"Without wanting to hurt delicate susceptibilities in any way, we must emphasize the basic idea that a variety of venerable institutions coexist within the cultural-spiritual environment of contemporary humanity that very sincerely believe they know the Secret Path. Nonetheless, they do not know it. "In all the books of ancient times, the Secret Path is cited. This Path is quoted and mentioned in many verses; yet people do not know it. "Beloved reader, to unveil, to show and to teach the esoteric path that leads to the Final Liberation is certainly the purpose of this book that you have in your hands. This is one of the books of the Fifth Gospel. "The great German initiate Goethe wrote, "Every theory is gray and only the tree of the golden fruits of life is green." "Certainly, what we deliver in this new book are transcendental lived experiences. It is what we have verified, what we have directly experienced." For the first time in the history of humanity, the path of Initiation has been explained from beginning to end. This is not a collection of references from various spiritual treatises: this is the direct experience of the author. In this work Samael Aun Weor explains the essential outline of the Direct Path to the realization of the Being. The Direct Path is the only way to reach the heights of spiritual development, and was indicated with precision by Jesus of Nazareth: "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." - Matthew 7:13

Now, with the knowledge written in this book, anyone can have the precious experience of talking to their own inner 'divine mother' and be prepared for the birth of Christ within which is the beginning of the direct path to absolute liberation."

Wherever there is motion, there is sound. At every level of the universe, creation is movement, sound, a vibration of energy. That is why all the ancient scriptures exclaim that creation begins with a sound, symbolized by the Word of God that says, "Let there be Light." Spiritual light-insight, understanding, and personal experience of the Divine-is also created by means of sound, by the motion of energy within us. Spiritual elevation depends upon laws of nature that humanity ignores. Learn how the forces of creation flow in all of nature, especially within us. By conscious use of the energy that pulses within us, we can open our spiritual eyes and ears to the creative power of sound. This leads us to personal experience of the truth: genuine spiritual experience.

'The Pistis Sophia' is a sophisticated and deeply mystical teaching given by Jesus about the suffering of Sophia as she attempts to ascend to the highest spiritual truth. This scripture is remarkable for its profound mysticism, its clear rebuke of unethical behaviour and its perspective on the spiritual role of women. Having read this text, it becomes very clear why the established religious powers attempted to obliterate the Gnostics, but failed. Study of this teaching, also, inspires a re-evaluation of how the Christian Gospels have been interpreted for centuries.

Although modern culture laughs at the mere mention of "the devil" and "hell" while simultaneously indulging deeply in them via popular music, movies, and television, the practical reality remains completely unknown to the general public. Clearing away centuries of dogma, illogical beliefs and foolish theories, Samael Aun Weor discusses his personal, conscious experiences of the inferior worlds and the beings who reside there. By application of ancient techniques preserved by the Gnostic tradition, anyone can confirm with certainty what exists in the subtle dimensions of nature, whether "above" or "below." Learn the true identity of both the "Devil" and Lucifer, and how to harness the forces of nature in order to propel yourself towards a higher way of life.

Since the economic recession of 2008, colleges and universities have looked for ways to lower costs while increasing incomes. Not all have succeeded. Threatened closures and recent institutional mergers point to what might be a coming trend in higher education. The long-term economic weakness of colleges and universities means schools need to become more strategic about how they consider previously unthinkable options. This provocative book will be their indispensable guide to managing the crisis. In Consolidating Colleges and Merging Universities, James Martin and James E. Samels bring together higher education leaders to talk about something that few want to discuss: how institutions might cooperate with their competitors to survive in this economic climate. Barring that, Martin and Samels argue, some will shutter their campuses. But closing, they emphasize, is a complex process that involves more than just sending the students home and turning off the lights. The first one-volume resource for presidents, trustees, provosts, chief financial officers, and faculty leaders planning to partner, merge, or close a college or university, the book offers specific guidelines and action steps used successfully to create multiple forms of partnership between higher education institutions. The book includes contributions by twenty nationally recognized leaders in partnership and strategic planning, as well as an appendix detailing key college and university mergers and closures since 2000. Each chapter includes informative responses from practitioners who answer the question, "What is the single most important lesson you would share with a planning team designing a partnership or merger this year?" Responding to many daunting questions now being raised nationally about institutional fragility and sustainability, Consolidating Colleges and Merging Universities is an honest and practical guide to the possibilities and pitfalls of downsizing American higher education.

For thousands of years, the great spiritual adepts from all corners of the globe have guarded the secret teachings of the divine science, the systematic and exact process that awakens the mystical capabilities of the human soul. Now, anyone can receive these teachings, and cultivate the high spiritual levels needed in order to bring humanity out of suffering. Samael Aun Weor wrote three important books about the power of sacred words, and how spiritual aspirants use prayer and mantra to awaken consciousness and benefit humanity. All three are included in this book. Logos Mantra Theurgy: This is probably the most densely packed book of spiritual exercises on the planet. Includes hundreds of techniques, such mantras for protection, awakening chakras, astral projection, healing, and much, much more. Best of all: they work. Esoteric Treatise of Theurgy: Samael Aun Weor reports his findings after an extensive investigation in the internal worlds regarding the ancient "Conjuration of Solomon," from which we learn about the types of awakened beings in the internal worlds, and how to work with them safely. The Seven Words: Explains many details about the development of the Astral Body, and how by means of the Eucharist (Unction) anyone can receive help from the root energy of spiritual awakening.

Dive into the world's wildest oceans, lakes, and rivers, and get ready for an underwater adventure! Embark on the journey of a lifetime to 20 of the world's wildest waters! Explore each environment and learn about the people who are working to preserve them for future generations. Meet the creatures who call these watery worlds home and discover how you can take active steps to make a difference. Featuring colourful original illustrations and stunning photography, The World's Wildest Waters brings the excitement of the high seas and the mystery of the ocean's dark, hidden depths to your lap.

What does it mean when consumers "shop with a conscience" and choose products labeled as fair or sustainable? Does this translate into meaningful changes in global production processes? To what extent are voluntary standards implemented and enforced, and can they really govern global industries? Looking behind the Label presents an informative introduction to global production and ethical consumption, tracing the links between consumers' choices and the practices of multinational producers and retailers. Case studies of several types of products-wood and paper, food, apparel and footwear, and electronics-are used to reveal what lies behind voluntary rules and to critique predominant assumptions about ethical consumption as a form of political expression.

This practical manual gives hundreds of techniques and practices to awaken consciousness, perform healing for oneself and others and return to the core medical knowledge of the ages. It features treatments for an incredible variety of illnesses and conditions, such as cancer, asthma, the common cold and leprosy.

Discover the wildest places on earth, and meet the amazing people dedicating their lives to conserving them. The World's Wildest Places engages adventurous and curious children with the action being taken to combat the human impact on Planet Earth. Young readers can embark on the journey of a lifetime to 20 of the world's wildest places! Explore each environment, and learn about the keepers who are working to preserve them for future generations. Meet the animals and plants who call the wilderness home, and discover how you can take active steps to make a difference. Featuring colourful original illustrations and stunning photography, The World's Wildest Places brings the excitement of the jungle and the adventure of the rainforest to your lap. This striking conversation book for kids features: - 20 incredible locations across six continents, from tropical rainforests to deserts - Combines stunning illustrations and photography to bring the places, people and animals to life - Accessible text providing young readers with an easy introduction to conservation and the environment - Hide and Seek / Search and Find activities for every location make reading fun - Highlights the conservation work that is underway across the globe This awe-inspiring environment book is the perfect addition to the library of curious 6+ year olds with an interest in animals, adventure and exploration, alongside caregivers seeking to empower children to bring about positive change to the planet. Celebrate your child's curiosity as they dive into the wild and wonderful scenes of the world's most stunning habitats, with clear and accessible text that offers young readers an entry-point to conservation and the environment. Featuring a foreword by WLT patron and well-known naturalist Steve Backshall, this amazing animal book was developed in collaboration with World Land Trust, a conservation charity protecting the world's most threatened habitats.

This book begins by asking the questions, "Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? What are we living for? Why are we living?" The answers to these questions can be discovered if one knows where and how to look. No matter who we are, we feel fulfillment, happiness, and purpose inside of ourselves. These qualities are not felt outside of ourselves, and cannot be found in external things or circumstances. Similarly, knowledge of ourselves and our purpose cannot be found in external things, but are found inside. By knowing what is in our hearts and minds, by seeing what we usually ignore, we learn not only what we are capable of, but also what prevents us from developing our full potential. By knowing ourselves, we acquire the knowledge of how to change for the better. As we improve ourselves and awaken to our true nature, we spontaneously begin to radiate the light of divinity in everything we do, increasing our own happiness, and spreading it to others. This is how we begin to live the Gnostic message, which states that the light of the Divine is within us. By knowing ourselves, we also learn about that light, and can bring it into the world to benefit everyone. "All things, all circumstances that occur outside ourselves on the stage of this world, are exclusively the reflection of what we carry within. With good reason then, we can solemnly declare that the 'exterior is the reflection of the interior.' When someone changes internally-and if that change is radical-then circumstances, life, and the external also change." - Samael Aun Weor This book reflects and illuminates the spiritual psychology of all genuine religions and mystical traditions. With the practical guidance in this book, anyone can awaken to see the light for the Divine for themselves.