The people of ancient times were inclined to give their attention not only to the external world of inert matter, but also to the world within, the vital world of consciousness. Those sages who understood the importance of such contemplation comprise the prime subject matter of this book. Especially in the troubled world of today, it is by the conscientious study of their activities and teachings that we may come to understand the Absolute Truth, or the Ultimate Reality, and attain lasting peace and joy. The pastimes of such great, sagely personalities have been narrated in detail in an ancient collection of works known as the Puranas, as well as in timeless epics such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other Vedic literatures. In this book, Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Goswami Maharaja, a bona fide self-realized representative of the bhakti (devotional) lineage, has narrated important episodes and addressed salient points from these literatures. Thus, the avid reader may understand their inner meaning and apply this knowledge to their search for real happiness. Ultimately, such unadulterated, permanent happiness, according to the devotional tradition, is realized as the attainment of pure love of God, Sri Krishna.

In Wisdom of the Ancient Sages, Swami Rama shares with the modern world the powerful and inspiring teachings of one of the worlds greatest spiritual texts: the Mundaka Upanishad. This beautiful translation and commentary affirms human nature as peaceful, creative, and transcendent. Its message will assist anyone who seeks to walk the path of personal and spiritual development.

"Gods, Sages and Kings presents a remarkable accumulation of evidence pointing to the existence of a common spiritual culture in the ancient world from which present civilization may be more of a decline than an advance. The book is based upon new interpretation of the ancient Vedic teachings of India, and brings out many new insights from this unique source often neglected and misinterpreted in the West. In addition, it dicussses recent archaeological discoveries in India whose implications are now only beginning to emerge."--Publisher.

Ancient Iranian literature / James R. Russell -- The functions of the sage in the Egyptian royal court / Ronald J. Williams -- The sage in Mesopotamian palaces and royal courts / Roanld F.G. Sweet -- The scribe (and sage) in the royal court at Ugarit / Loren R. Mack-Fisher. - The social significance of Solomon as a patron of wisdom / Walter A. Brueggemann -- The sage in the Israelite royal court / R.N. Whybray -- Sages and scribes at the courts of ancient Iran / James R. Russell -- The sage in Hellenistic royal courts / John G. Gammie -- The sage in family and tribe / Carole R. Fontaine -- The sage in school and temple / André Lemaire -- The female sage in ancient Israel and in the biblical wisdom literature / Claudia V. Camp -- The sage in Proverbs / James L. Crenshaw -- The sage in the Psalms /.

The two famous stories of Dhruva and Prahlad tell of the difficulties of the spiritual path and the determination necessary to achieve self-realization. They contain universal truths applicable to all times and ages, inspiring people to pursue an authentic spiritual life. The stories of Dhruva and Prahlad are well known to adults and children throughout India. Dhruva was a young, first-born prince, who was neglected by his father, the king. Dhruva resolves to attain an elevated position in the universe not even his father or grandfather could aspire to. He transforms his wounded pride into genuine self-realization. Prahlad was a saintly boy who happened to be born the son of a powerful demon king, Hiranyakashipu. Though the demon king tried everything to convert the boy, Prahlad held fast to his faith in Vishnu. Includes b&w illustrations and a Sanskrit pronunciation guide and glossary.

A complete introduction to Sanatana Dharma, the spiritual science of the Hindu sages • Examines how many core concepts of Hinduism, including Brahman, Atman, bhakti, karma, and reincarnation, relate to modern science • Explores the scientific discoveries of the rishis, ancient Vedic sages, and how they have only recently been rediscovered by Western scientists • Reveals the concepts of quantum physics hidden within the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Puranas Called “the scientists of Hinduism,” the rishis of ancient India were the scribes of the Vedas. They developed the spiritual science of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, as their way of ensuring the constant renewal and progress of India’s spiritual tradition and culture. Sanatana Dharma permeates every aspect of Hindu culture, from religion to the arts to the sciences. Woven within its Vedic texts lie all of the essential concepts of quantum physics and other modern scientific discoveries. Providing a complete introduction to the science of Sanatana Dharma, Vanamali reveals how the core concepts of Hinduism, including Brahman, Atman, bhakti, karma, and reincarnation, relate to modern science and how the scientific discoveries of the ancient rishis have been recently rediscovered by the West. She examines the scientific principles within the classic stories and texts of India, including the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Puranas. Within the teachings of the ancient Puranic sages and saints such as Valmiki and Vyasa and legendary physicians and mathematician-philosophers such as Aryabhatta and Varahamihir, the author reveals great scientific truths--not those believed by the ancient world, but truths still upheld by modern science, particularly quantum physics. She explores Desha and Kaala (Space and Time), Shankara and his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, and the Hindu sciences of mathematics, astronomy, and Vedic astrology. In illustrating the scientific basis of Hinduism and the discoveries of its sages, Vanamali provides a window into the depths of this most ancient spiritual way of life.

Stuart S. Miller addresses a number of issues in the history of talmudic Palestine that are at the center of contemporary scholarly debate about the role rabbis played in society. In sharp contrast to recent claims that the rabbis were a relatively small and insular group with little influence, this book demonstrates that their movement was both more expansive and diffuse than a mere counting of named rabbis suggests. It also underscores some of the dynamics that allowed rabbinic circles to spread their teachings and to ultimately consolidate into an effective and productive movement.Many overlooked terms and passages in which rabbis and the members of their circles appear in the Talmud Yerushalmi are investigated, and special attention is given to the identity of persons who are collectively referred to after their places of residence (Tiberians, Sepphoreans, Southerners, etc.) While the results confirm the insular nature of the interests of the rabbis, they also point to the definition and coherence that this insularity provided their movement. Therein lies the secret of the success of rabbinic Judaism, which never depended upon sheer numbers but rather on the internal strength and sense of purpose of rabbinic circles. Subjects that are considered include: rabbinic households, the identity of the 'ammei ha-'arez and their relationship to the rabbis, village sages and their connection to urban rabbis, and the venue of rabbinic teachings, instructions, expositions, pronouncements, and stories.

The foundations of Hinduism are the eternal and super sensuous truths discovered by ancient Indian sages. Most of them are unknown. The truths discovered by them are known as the Vedas. Sages are the great souls who have found out the truth and devoted their life, energy and experience for the welfare of the people. They are extraordinary human beings having great wisdom, vast experience and character worthy of imitation. They gifted everything to the world without seeking fame or any kind of gain. Welfare of the world was their sole objective. According to Hindu chronology, the period of the ancient sages is till the end of Dwapara Yuga, which is about 5000 years back. The penetration of these sages in the subjects they dealt with is very profound and clear. The later generation just interpreted their work and followed their footsteps. India has been blessed from time immemorial by the advent of innumerable sages. In this book you can read the stories of some of these known sages.