The Origins and Practices of Yoga: A Weeny Introduction (revised edition)

The Origins and Practices of Yoga: A Weeny Introduction (revised edition)

Author: Matthew Clark

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2018-01-29

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13: 0244964939

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Since 2002, Dr. Matthew Clark has been giving talks on the history, background and philosophy of yoga; to date (2018) to twenty-five different yoga groups and organizations around the world. The aim of this book is to provide for the non-specialist a very short and concise introduction to the origins and practices of yoga. It is particularly aimed at students on yoga teaching training courses, providing a short, handy introduction to the essential topics of yoga philosophy. Nearly all of the information presented may be found in other publications; some that I have found most useful have been included in the Bibliography. Several friends and colleagues who are very knowledgeable in this field have kindly suggested some minor corrections, which have been incorporated in this edition, which is a revised version of the book that was first published in 2010. Dr. Matthew Clark, Hove (January, 2018) Post-Graduate Research Associate, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.


The History and Mythology of the Kumbh Mel_: A Weeny Introduction

The History and Mythology of the Kumbh Mel_: A Weeny Introduction

Author: Matthew Clark

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2018-02-02

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 0244665885

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The Kumbh Melā, which takes place in India approximately every three years, is the largest festival in the world. This short introduction to its history and mythology was originally published as an appendix to my study of a sect of Indian sādhus, the Daśanāmī-Saṃnyāsīs (The Daśanāmī-Saṃnyāsīs: The Integration of Ascetic Lineages into an Order. Leiden/Boston: E. J. Brill, 2006). It has been reprinted in this small booklet to enable easy access to the information. This booklet is slightly out of date, as only a few publications on this topic have been consulted since this article was first published, in 2006. Dr. Matthew Clark, Research Associate, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of Lon


The Tawny One

The Tawny One

Author: Matthew Clark

Publisher: Aeon Books

Published: 2020-03-30

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1913274411

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A modern exploration of ancient wisdom relating to psychoactive plants. The ancient ritual drink used in religious ceremonies and known as soma in India and as haoma in the Zoroastrian tradition is praised in the highest terms - as a kind of deity - in both Zoroastrian and Vedic texts, which date from around 1,700 - 1,500 BCE. It is said to provide health, power, wisdom and even immortality. Many theories have been published about the possible botanical identity of this 'nectar of immortality', a plant which appears to have psychedelic/entheogenic properties. Matthew Clark spent several years researching and travelling widely in his quest of soma and in his fascinating, original and highly readable book, Clark reviews scholarly research, explores mythology and ritual and shares his extensive knowledge of psychoactive plants and fungi. The author suggests that the visionary soma drink was based on analogues of ayahuasca, using a variety of plants, some of which can now be identified.


Indian Asceticism

Indian Asceticism

Author: Carl Olson

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 0190225327

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Using religio-philosophical discourses and narratives from epic, puranic, and hagiographical literature, Indian Asceticism focuses on the powers exhibited by ascetics of India from ancient to modern time.


Alternative Healing in American History

Alternative Healing in American History

Author: Michael Shally-Jensen

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2019-07-19

Total Pages: 490

ISBN-13:

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This book examines alternative healing practices in American popular culture. From traditional folk approaches to more recent developments, it discusses the rise and fall of more than 100 popular approaches to addressing both physical ailments and mental health needs. Offering insightful accounts of everything from aging prevention to voodoo & Santería, Alternative Healing in American History: An Encyclopedia from Acupuncture to Yoga situates each popular approach in the history and culture of health and wellness in America. Moreover, the book shows that "orthodox" medicine and unconventional approaches may have more in common than many people think, because both are subject to the changing nature of the medical understanding and the strength of their appeal to consumers. While the main focus is on remedies lying outside the medical mainstream, the book also highlights how many widely accepted therapeutic treatments of the past—for example, "the water cure" (hydrotherapy) or lobotomy (psychosurgery)—fell out of favor and were quickly forgotten. Besides examining popular healing techniques, the book also explores the changing nature of the medical marketplace and how once-standard treatments (e.g., leeching, psychoanalysis) have had their ups and downs. The book comprises five chronological sections covering time periods from pre-1900 to the present.


Why Study History?

Why Study History?

Author: John Fea

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2024-03-26

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 1493442708

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What is the purpose of studying history? How do we reflect on contemporary life from a historical perspective, and can such reflection help us better understand ourselves, the world around us, and the God we worship and serve? Written by an accomplished historian, award-winning author, public evangelical spokesman, and respected teacher, this introductory textbook shows why Christians should study history, how faith is brought to bear on our understanding of the past, and how studying the past can help us more effectively love God and others. John Fea shows that deep historical thinking can relieve us of our narcissism; cultivate humility, hospitality, and love; and transform our lives more fully into the image of Jesus Christ. The first edition of this book has been used widely in Christian colleges across the country. The second edition provides an updated introduction to the study of history and the historian's vocation. The book has also been revised throughout and incorporates Fea's reflections on this topic from throughout the past 10 years.


Big Summer

Big Summer

Author: Jennifer Weiner

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2020-05-05

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1501133535

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A deliciously funny, remarkably poignant “beach read to end all beach reads” (Entertainment Weekly) about the power of friendship, the lure of frenemies, and the importance of making peace with yourself through all of life’s ups and downs—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Good in Bed and Best Friends Forever. Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favor to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless. Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song. A sparkling, “insightful page-turner” (Real Simple) about the complexities of female relationships, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.