Dive into the captivating story of Indrani, hailed as the queen of gods, yet harboring an untold secret—a warrior of unparalleled strength. But this tale isn't just about Indrani's valor; it's a revelation of the often-overlooked strength of the wives of Agni Dev, Pawan Dev, Varun Dev, and the nine planets. In this compelling narrative, witness not only Indrani's remarkable bravery but also the untold saga of these divine heroines. This is the chronicle of Indrani: the divine warrior, where queens and goddesses reveal their warrior spirits, standing united in an epic battle against unseen adversaries.
How do you live a life of spiritual awakening as well as outer abundance, inner freedom as well as deep intimacy? How do you serve the world selflessly, yet passionately celebrate your life? The sages of Tantra have known for centuries that when you follow the path of Shakti—the sacred feminine principle personified by the goddesses of yoga—these gifts can manifest spontaneously. Yet most of us, women as well as men, have yet to experience the full potential of our inner feminine energies. When you know these powers for what they are, they heighten your capacity to open spiritually, love more deeply and fearlessly, create with greater mastery, and move through the world with skill and delight. In Awakening Shakti, you will learn how to recognize and invite: Kali, bringer of strength, fierce love, and untamed freedomLakshmi, who confers prosperity and beautySaraswati, for clarity of communication and intuitionRadha, who carries the divine energy of spiritual longingBhuvaneshvari, who creates the space for sacred transformationParvati, to awaken creativity and the capacity to love With a wealth of meditations, visualizations, mantras, teachings, and beautifully told stories, Awakening Shakti provides a practical guide for activating the currents of the divine feminine in every aspect of your life. “Sally Kempton's new book is a treasure that brings myth, meditation, and everyday revelation together in a way that will allow every woman to embody the divine feminine in her life. Sally enlivens the full spectrum of the goddess—from independent protector, to lover, to dynamic and powerful creatrix. I highly recommend this soon-to-be classic!” —Shiva Rea, yogini “Sally Kempton has given us a mythic manual for a new kind of feminism—a feminism of the soul. And this is a good thing, because humanity needs feminine power now as both a healing tonic and a source of reinvention.” —Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of the Omega Institute, author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
Presents the mystery of the Divine Mother in all her manifold aspects • Explores more than 30 different goddess aspects of the Shakti force, both beneficial and malefic • Includes Sanskrit hymns and classic verses by Sri Auribindo for each of the goddesses Shakti is synonymous with the Devi, the Divine Mother or divine power that manifests, sustains, and transforms the universe. She is the womb of all creatures, and it is through her that the One becomes the many. Our first and primary relationship to the world is through the mother, the source of love, security, and nourishment. Extending this relationship to worship of a cosmic being as mother was a natural step found not only in the Shakti cult of Hinduism but also in ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Babylonian cultures. Shakti presents more than 30 goddess incarnations of the Divine Mother that represent both the beneficial and malefic aspects of the Shakti force. From Lakshmi, Parvati, and Saraswati to Durga, Chandika, and Kali--each of the different functions of the female goddesses in the Hindu pantheon is revealed, accompanied by traditional Sanskrit hymns, classic verses by Sri Auribindo, and discussions of tantric philosophy. The author draws from the Devi Bhagavatham, which describes all the stories of Shakti, and the Devi Mahatmyam, the most powerful scriptural text that glorifies Shakti in her form as Durga. Using these texts she shows that through the power and grace of the Divine Mother we may be released from the darkness of ignorance and taken to the abode of knowledge, immortality, and bliss--the source from which we have come.
"Divine Dawning: The Saga of Ramayana" presents the timeless tale of Lord Rama. This poetic journey delves deep into the essence of virtue, epitomized by Rama, a figure revered across ages for his adherence to ethical and moral principles. Throughout the epic, we witness Rama navigating a life filled with trials, yet standing unwaveringly tall against the tempests of adversity. He embodies the ideal son, a devoted husband, a just ruler, and a compassionate brother, showcasing an exemplary character in every aspect of life.The book portrays Rama not just as a legendary hero but as a beacon of ethics, whose actions and decisions provide a guiding light through life's complexities. His conduct in the face of war and conflict highlights his honor and divine nature, even towards his enemies."Divine Dawning: The Saga of Ramayana" transcends mere storytelling to become a vessel of profound life lessons, offering wisdom that resonates beyond religious and temporal boundaries. It encourages the modern reader to explore, internalize, and emulate the virtues exemplified by Rama. This book is not just a recount of an epic; it is a journey through the virtuous saga of a timeless hero, whose ideals continue to inspire and guide humanity through the ages.
Durga, as this powerful warrior-goddess is known, Has nine special forms-each one unique, not just a clone. Shailaputri, Brahmacharini and Chandraghanta, Kushmanda and Skandamata, Katyayani and Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri . . . They are the Nava Durga, Worshipped during Navaratri, The festival of nine nights and nine days That's celebrated across India and the world in myriad ways To praise the goddesses and their glory. This is their story!
"This rich and engaging book looks at instances of sanctified violence, the holy wars related to religion. It covers it all, from ancient to present day, including examples of warfare among Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists, as well as Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is a comprehensive and readable overview that provides a lively introduction to the subject of holy war in its broadest sense—as ‘sanctified violence’ in the service of a god or ideology. It is certain to be a useful companion in the classroom, and a boon to anyone fascinated by the dark attraction of religion and violence." —Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa Barbara Contents: Introduction: What Is Holy War? Chapter 1: Holy Wars in Mythic Time, Holy Wars as Metaphor, Holy Wars as RitualChapter 2: Holy Wars of Conquest in the Name of a DeityChapter 3: Holy Wars in Defense of the SacredChapter 4: Holy Wars in Anticipation of the Millennium Epilogue: Holy Wars Today and Tomorrow Also included are a description of the Critical Themes in World History series, Preface, index, and suggestions for further reading.
The concept of a Divine Feminine, the Goddess, was central to the spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. Yet today, many people are still unfamiliar with Her. In Her Sacred Name: Writings on the Divine Feminine contains a collection of essays about the Goddess from historical origins through to specific aspects that the Sacred She was known by around the world. Discover the Sacred She as found within cultures including Egyptian, Greek and Roman, Celtic, African and ancient Mesopotamian. Learn how to (re)establish a deeper connection with various aspects of the Goddess in the 21st century. Honour the Divine Feminine through the construction of altars and shrines. Engage in meditations and learn how to perform specific rites (including a full moon rite).
