In the final chapter to The Art of War, Sun Tzu writes, "There are five classes of spies-Local spies; Internal spies; Turned spies; Expendable spies; and Surviving spies. When these five kinds of spy are all at work, none can discover their secret system. This system is called The Divine Threads, and it is the sovereign's most precious faculty." Sun Tzu chose this metaphor to convey how a variety of spies, who deceptively appear to be unrelated, are in fact connected to the same general or ruler in a manner not easily discernible to the unsuspecting enemy. Centuries later, this and other teachings of the Chinese Strategist would serve as the basis for Ninjutsu-the Way of the Ninja-and the deadliest art to have evolved in Feudal Japan.
For more than 100 years, Vancouver has been home to a vibrant and thriving Cantonese opera scene. As a performance art carried out by transient troupes, it is an ephemeral medium that rarely leaves a trace in the historic records. However, an extraordinary treasure trove of early 20th-century Cantonese opera costumes, props, and stage dressings made its way to the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC. In the first book-length study of this little known collection, April Liu retraces the arduous journeys of early Cantonese opera troupes who began arriving along the west coast of North America during the mid-19th century. A close examination of the costumes and props reveal the moving songs, stories, performances, and ritual practices of early Chinese migrant communities who struggled to make a home in a foreign and often hostile land.
Exploring the Tapestry of Faith from Antiquity to the Modern Age Dive into the profound exploration of human spirituality with "Divine Threads: Unravelling the Origins of Divine Beliefs" a captivating journey that traverses the corridors of time, unraveling the intricate tapestry of divine beliefs that have woven through the fabric of human existence. In this illuminating odyssey, the author a seasoned explorer of the human soul, takes readers on a spellbinding quest to understand the roots of our sacred connections and the evolution of beliefs that have shaped civilizations. Chapter 1: Echoes of Antiquity The journey begins in the hallowed halls of Ancient Mysticism, where the seeds of sacred connections are sown. The author delves into the rich tapestry of mythologies and cosmogonies, exploring how these ancient narratives birthed the boundless imagination of the divine. Chapter 1 serves as a gateway to the origins of our spiritual yearnings, unveiling the enigmatic forces that have guided humanity through the eons. Chapter 2: In the Footsteps of Faith Embark on a pilgrimage through the annals of faith as we tread the Tribal Traditions and Ancestral Pathways to the Sacred. Traverse the landscapes of Revealed Religions, encountering prophets and divine revelations that have shaped belief systems. The Quest for Meaning takes center stage, intertwining philosophy, and spiritual inquiry, offering readers a panoramic view of the diverse avenues humans have explored in their pursuit of the divine. Chapter 3: Wired for the Divine Uncover the secrets of the human psyche in Wired for the Divine. The author navigates the realms of Evolutionary Psychology, unveiling the God Instinct imprinted in our evolutionary journey. Delve into the Cognitive Science of Religion, exploring the intricate connection between the mind and the sacred. Journey through the corridors of Neuroscience and Spirituality, where the divine is mapped within the very fabric of our brains. Chapter 4: Societal Sanctuaries Enter the hallowed halls of Religious Institutions, and the guardians of faith, and explore the rituals and symbols that channel the sacred in Societal Sanctuaries. Witness the intricate bonds of belonging fostered by faith communities, as the author sheds light on the societal structures that have perpetuated and sustained divine beliefs through generations. Chapter 5: Contemporary Contemplations Navigate the challenges of modernity in Contemporary Contemplations. From the secularization and skepticism challenging traditional beliefs to the emergence of New Age Spirituality blending old and new, the author explores the dynamic landscape of beliefs in the face of globalization and the coexistence of diverse belief systems. "Divine Threads" is not just a book; it's a voyage through the epochs of human spiritual evolution. The author invites readers to reflect on the universal human quest for the divine, offering a panoramic view of our shared spiritual heritage. Immerse yourself in the pages of "Divine Threads," and discover the enduring threads that connect us all to the sacred tapestry of existence.
Have you ever stopped to wonder if a chance encounter had meaning? Or perhaps you have felt an urge to speak to a stranger who crossed your path, or have had a nudge to call an old friend? These promptings and gentle pricks of your heart are more than mere passing thoughts. Follow along on Mary's journey to see how the threads of her real life stories are woven together to create incredible relationships. The year was of 2011. It would prove to be a year of spiritual awakening and discernment for Mary. Her seemingly normal and somewhat random and "chance encounters" culminate into a remarkable friendship between three women from remarkably different backgrounds. Over the course of that year, it became crystal clear to Mary that many of her divine appointments were not merely chance meetings. She came to realize that God was using the very people he was planting in her life to encourage her to place more of her trust in Him; to act and submit upon those promptings and nudges. You will see for yourself how God weaves those seemingly small and insignificant details of our day to day lives into His plan for us: to reach out and connect with those around us. Those connections will grow you in your faith and character. Words matter. Actions matter. Don't wait for circumstances to be just right. Our words have the power to give life to someone's dream, their calling or their passion. God has uniquely designed each one of us with a specific plan and purpose for our lives, I challenge you to open your minds and your heart and God will begin to use you in ways you could never imagine! Mary Hicks is a wife, mother to two sons, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a Mimi to a precious grandson and soon arriving granddaughter. She lives in Newnan, Georgia where she helps with the family travel business. She never meets a stranger and has a way of listening and connecting on a deep level. This is Mary's first book. Follow on Instagram @ maryhicksauthor.
Drawing from the pre-Christian and Christian 'Celtic' story, the collection moves through the wonders and the darknesses of the Celtic tradition. It asks: Is Celtic spirituality soul food or junk food? How can it be of value today? Why is the archety
Use this spiritual guide to equip yourself with the tools needed to tear down anxiety and build inner peace. Spiritual people often find that their own expectations of living a life dedicated to a higher power makes them more susceptible to high-functioning anxiety. Sometimes, traditional relaxation techniques either do not work, don’t last, or, in some cases, actually increase their anxiety. Psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and interfaith minister Rev. Connie L. Habash has helped hundreds of spiritual people overcome fear and anxiety, regain happiness, and feel calmer. In over twenty-five years as a counselor helping spiritual people overcome anxiety, Rev. Connie has taught that it takes more than chanting mantras, stretching, or relaxation techniques to calm anxiety. It requires a transformation in perception, moment-to-moment body awareness, and a conscious response to thoughts and emotions. Awakening from Anxiety provides valuable psycho-spiritual tools to deepen spiritual awakening and calm fears:Learn what anxiety is and when it becomes a problemUnderstand the six mistakes spiritual people make that increase anxietyDiscover the seven keys to a more calm, confident, courageous lifeKnow how to break through the old patterns of stress, worry, and fear into a new perception of your true selfExplore spiritual principles and yoga philosophy to cultivate inner peace If you enjoyed Stop Anxiety from Stopping You and First, We Make the Beast Beautiful, Awakening from Anxiety will take your healing and renewal from anxiety to the next level. “A book I will recommend to many for both practical advice and spiritual insights for handling stress, worry, and anxiety.”?Becca Anderson, author of Prayers for Calm
Can they find a way to stitch their suffering into hope and embrace an uncertain future? Tally Smucker's quiet life of reading and quilting hides her sorrow over her mother's declining health and the lack of a fulfilling future for herself. When her daily life is shaken by her free-spirited neighbor Danielle--who grew up Plain but joined the Army at eighteen--Tally's instinct is to distance herself. Yet she finds she can't turn away when Danielle's brother, Kenan, specifically asks for her help. She invites Danielle to visit Plain Patterns quilt shop with her, where the story of the plight of a WWI soldier and the girl he left behind resonates with both Tally and Danielle, but for different reasons. When Tally's mother suffers a setback at the same time Danielle's PTSD becomes unmanageable, it seems Tally's efforts to aid them only make things worse. Can the soldier's story, along with the care of Kenan, help Tally accept the hope that waits just around the corner? From the talented pen of Leslie Gould comes a moving tale of restoration and renewed hope within the Amish community.
