In this book, we explore the many shades and nuances of his towering and unique persona. The wisdom and skill with which he has managed his whole life is astonishing, and worth the time spent in appreciating and understanding it. Sri Ram teaches us to respect and obey our Guru and parents, love our brothers and reach out to our friends and well-wishers (indeed, all of society) selflessly. His is the rare (indeed, the only one of its kind) personality that will even risk his life to keep a promise, and to protect those who have approached him for shelter. Humble, sensible and far-sighted, Sri Ram abides by his duties and the call of truth and righteousness his entire life and continues to captivate, charm and guide us by the near-divine judiciousness and perfection of his many-layered nature.
“A must-read for anyone interested in incorporating meditation into their lifestyle.” ––Sanjay Gupta, MD, chief medical correspondent for CNN Heartfulness is an ideal, a spiritual way of living by and from the heart that is inclusive of all ideologies, beliefs, and religions. In this heart-centered book, a student in conversation with his teacher, Kamlesh D. Patel—affectionately known as Daaji, the fourth and current spiritual guide of the century-old Heartfulness tradition—present a unique method of meditation with the power to facilitate an immediate, tangible spiritual experience, irrespective of a person’s faith. Our modern, fast-paced world can be an overwhelming place. Every day, we’re bombarded with messages telling us that in order to be happy, fulfilled, and worthy, we must be better, do more, and accumulate as much material wealth as possible. Most of us move through our busy lives with our minds full of these ideas, multitasking as we strive to navigate the responsibilities and expectations we must meet just to make it through the day. But what if there is another way? What if, rather than letting the busyness of life overtake our minds, we learn to be heartful instead? Based on Daaji’s own combination of approaches and practices for the modern seeker—which draws from the teachings of Sahaj Marg, meaning “Natural Path”—Heartfulness is a contemporized version of the ancient Indian practice of Raja Yoga, a tradition that enables the practitioner to realize the higher Self within. While many books describe refined states of being, The Heartfulness Way goes further, providing a pragmatic course to experience those states for oneself, which, per the book’s guiding principle, is “greater than knowledge.” Heartfulness meditation consists of four elements—relaxation, meditation, cleaning, and prayer—and illuminates the ancient, defining feature of yogic transmission (or pranahuti), the utilization of divine energy for spiritual growth and transformation. Using the method, detailed practices, tips, and practical philosophy offered in this book, you’ll reach new levels of attainment and learn to live a life more deeply connected to the values of the Heartfulness way—with acceptance, humility, compassion, empathy, and love.
Hanuman, the devoted monkey helper of Rama and Sita, has long been recognized as a popular character in India's ancient Ramayana epic. But more recently he has also become one of the most beloved and worshiped gods in the Hindu pantheon - enshrined in majestic new temples, but equally present in poster art, advertising, and mass media. Drawing on Sanskrit and vernacular texts, classical iconography and modern TV serials, and extensive fieldwork and interviews, Philip Lutgendorf challenges the academic cliché of Hanuman as a "minor" or "folk" deity by exploring his complex and growing role in South Asian religion and culture. This wide-ranging study examines the historical evolution of Hanuman's worship, his close association with Shiva and goddesses, his invocation in tantric ritual, his physical immortality and enduring presence in sacred sites, and his appeal to devotees who include scholars, wrestlers, healers, politicians, and middle-class urbanites. Lutgendorf also offers a rich array of entertaining stories not previously available in English: an expanding epic cycle that he christens the "Hanumayana." Arguing that Hanuman's role as cosmic "middle man" is intimately linked to his embodiment in a charming and provocative simian form, Lutgendorf moves beyond the Indian subcontinent to interrogate the wider human fascination with anthropoid primates as boundary beings and as potent signifiers of both Self and Other.
Cutting-edge science and spirituality tell us that what we believe, think, and feel actually determine the makeup of our body at the cellular level. In Zen and the Art of Happiness, you will learn how to think and feel so that what you think and feel creates happiness and vibrancy in your life rather than gloominess or depression. You’ll learn how to adapt to life’s inevitable changes, how to deal with stress in a healthy way, and how to nurture a mindful happiness in your daily life. Most importantly, the gentle wisdom of Zen and the Art of Happiness will show you how to invite magnificent experiences into your life and create a personal philosophy that will sustain you through anything. A timeless work about the art of happiness, the way of happiness, the inner game of happiness.
The followers of the Aghora path try to cultivate a state of mindand social practice totally non-discriminatory. Seeing the Divine ineverything and everybody, they transcend all category distinctions,all prescriptions and proscriptions of the normal social structuresuch as high and low, purity and pollution, pure and impure, or maleand female.In the 20th century, Aghoreshwar Mahaprabhu Baba Bhagwan Ram(1937-1992) was the greatest avadhut in the Aghora tradition. Heattained enlightenment at the age of fourteen or fifteen. People feltthat Baba truly loved everyone who went to him. Hundreds ofthousands of devotees, simple villagers, spiritual seekers and highdignitaries would flock around him.Baba s teachings were imparted more through everyday conversationsrather than through sermons. On his advice, his wordswere compiled into a book. Thus was written Aghor Vachan Shastrain Hindi and this book, its English translation.
This is a Punjabi gratitude journal. It is a daily journal with space to write 3 things you are thankful for each day, as well as, a self-discovery question. The purpose of this journal is to encourage you to be grateful for what you have and discover who you are along the way. We hope you make it a daily habit!
