A contemporary interpretation of the foundational text for the practice of yoga. Patañjali’s Yoga Sutra (second century CE) is the basic text of one of the nine canonical schools of Indian philosophy. In it the legendary author lays down the blueprint for success in yoga; now practised the world over. Patañjali draws upon many ideas of his time; and the result is a unique work of Indian moral philosophy that has been the foundational text for the practice of yoga since. The Yoga Sutra sets out a sophisticated theory of moral psychology and perhaps the oldest theory of psychoanalysis. For Patañjali; present mental maladies are a function of subconscious tendencies formed in reaction to past experiences. He argues that people are not powerless against such forces and that they can radically alter their lives through yoga—a process of moral transformation and perfection; which brings the body and mind of a person in line with their true nature. Accompanying this illuminating translation is an extended introduction that explains the challenges of accurately translating Indian philosophical texts; locates the historical antecedents of Patañjali’s text and situates Patanjali’s philosophy within the history of scholastic Indian philosophy.

Anekant is a new political philosophy with ancient spiritual roots. It derives from the teachings of the Jains in India, but is relevant to all cultures and all times. Anekant literally means 'Many-Sidedness'. It recognises that there are an infinite variety of paths towards the same truth and so the search for truth must be undertaken with humility. Practising Many-Sidedness is about realising that society means more than just humans, because it embraces all forms of life. We should learn to co-operate instead of competing with each other, and work with nature rather than pointlessly attempting to conquer it.

"Acaranga Sutra" from Hermann Jacobi. German Indologist (1850-1937).

In this book, over 30 prominent scientists, theologians, and philosophers explore three main convergences: the convergence of different sciences to give a coherent story of mankind, religious convergence whereby different traditions work together toward global harmony, and the convergence of science and religion.

Plants have a remarkable mythology dating back thousands of years. From the ancient Greeks to contemporary Indigenous cultures, human beings have told colorful and enriching stories that have presented plants as sensitive, communicative, and intelligent. This book explores the myriad of plant tales from around the world and the groundbreaking ideas that underpin them. Amid the key themes of sentience and kinship, it connects the anemone to the meaning of human life, tree hugging to the sacred basil of India, and plant intelligence with the Finnish epic The Kalevala. Bringing together commentary, original source material, and colorful illustrations, Matthew Hall challenges our perspective on these myths, the plants they feature, and the human beings that narrate them.

Near-Death Experiences and Sacred Scripture: The Parallel Messaging examines striking similarities and parallels between messaging found in accounts of those who have written about their near-death experiences and in accounts contained in the sacred scriptures of the world's great religions. This symmetrical and mutually reinforcing messaging is timeless in nature, and is arguably more relevant today than in any previous period in human history, as humanity continues to face existential threats to its survival. In an era of rampant materialism and consumerism, armed conflict, environmental degradation, species extinction, global warming, as well as an obsessive preoccupation with self rather than others and a devaluation of the life's sanctity. It's timely to spark a revived interest in, and knowledge of, God and the afterlife, and in seeking answers to life's larger religious, spiritual, philosophical and metaphysical questions. This book will provide assurance and solace to those who are terminally ill or fear the death of their physical body, for those who are suffering a difficult bereavement, and for those who feel lost and confused about the meaning and purpose of life and what lies ahead of them.

Kurt Titze invites the reader, after acquainting him or her with the main tenets of the world`s classical religion of non-violence, to join him on a fascinating pilgrimage. The past glories of India have been and still are a favourite subject in books and films. In this book with its 350 illustrations spread over 280 pages, Kurt titze enfolds a sequence of glories which have been kept alive to the present-day. The aim of this book is to entice the reader to ask his way to spots and sites that are not mentioned in tourist guide books. To the Digambara Meru temple in Old Delhi, for example, or to the Veerayatan Ashram on the outskirts of Rajgir run by Jaina nuns, or to the rock-cut twenty-four Tirthankaras near Gingee in Tamilnadu. That an increasing number of people who pick up this book may do so instead of climbing the ramparts of yet another fort or of gazing at yet another collection of horrifying weapons.

Challenges readers to reconsider the moral standing of plants.

This revealing compilation of essays by prominent practitioners and well-informed scholars lays to bear one simple truth: One must be a vegetarian to properly practice Yoga. Bringing together the work of nine distinguished scholars and practitioners of Yoga and Eastern thought, Food for the Soul: Vegetarianism and Yoga Traditions is organized around the fact that, although vegetarianism is a natural and inescapable part of the Yogic tradition, many Yogis and Yoginis today remain blissfully unaware of that fact. The essays gathered here explore the important and much-debated subject of vegetarianism in the major Yoga traditions, looking at what diet has to do with the practice of Yoga and whether ahimsa (harmlessness) is a prerequisite for achieving Yoga's goals. The contributors draw on history, philosophy, ancient Yoga texts, Hindu scriptures, comparative religion, contemporary practitioners, the words of sages, and the teachings of Yogic masters to forge illuminating insights into the subject. Readers, whether students of Hinduism, practitioners of Yoga, vegetarian or animal rights advocates, or simply people with an interest, will find both the questions and the answers provocative—and edifying.

Preface 1. Jainism: An Introduction 2. History The Ancientness of Jainism, Origin, Early History, Medieval History, Modem History, References 3. Philosophy Basic Philosophy, Divine Laws, Primary Beliefs, Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksh, Ethics, Metaphysics, Jainism: A Scientific Religion, Difference between Jainism and Vedic Hindu Religion, References 4. Concept of God Defining God, Arihant, Siddha, Dimensions of God, Deities, Yakshas and Yakshanis, Philosophy of God, Messengers of God, Tirthankar, Nirvana, References 5. Main Figures Main Figures in Early Period, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandannatha, Sumatinatha, Padmaprabha, Suparshavnatha, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Sheetalnath, Shreyansanath, Vasupujya Swami, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Main Figures in Medieval Period, Unisuvrata, Naminath, Neminatha, Parshavanath, Bhagwan Mahavir, Main Figures in Modem Period, Kundakunda, Acharya Hemachandra, References 6. Scriptures Divine Words, Namokar Mantra, Religious Scriptures, Agam Literature, Ang-agams, Ang-bahya-agams, Classification of Angbahya- agams, Digambar Jain Literature, Shatkhand-agam, Kashaypahud, Four Anuyogas, Details, Non-Religious Scriptures, References Faith & Philosophy of Jainism 7. Teachings Spiritual Teachings, Redemption, Devotion to God, Ethical Actions, Message of Harmony and Love, References 8. Moral Value System Moral Values, Morality in Life, Moral Values for Leader, Moral Duties of Subjects, Moral values in Society, Pratimas, Practical Aspects, References 9. Movements Religious Movements, The Sthanakvasi, Terapanth, The Kanji Swami Panth, Shrimad Rajachandra, Reform Movements, Reform Movements in the Digambar Sect, Reform Movements in the Shvetambar Sect, Revivalist Movements, References 10. Reformers Reformers in Early Period, Kundakunda, Acharya Bhadrabahu, Tiruvalluvar, Siddhasen Diwakar, Reformers in Medieval Period, Pujyapada, Haribhadra, Acharya Hemachandra, Reformers in Modern Period, Acharya Bhikshu, Acharya Rajendrasuri, Acharya Tulsi, Acharya Mahapragya, References 11. Major Sects Digambar Sect, Sub Sects, Shvetambar Sect, Sub Sects, References 12. Demographic Propagation Origin, Early Rise, Factors Responsible for Rise, Jainism in other Parts of World, Demographics, References 13. Socio-Political Influence Socio-Political Identity, Jainism and Politics, Fundamentalism, Contemporary Politics, References 14. Religious Rituals and Traditions 15. Society Social Order, Social Conduct, Social Ethics, Traditional Values, Caste System, Status of Women, References 16. Festivals Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti, Paryusana Parva, Diwali, New Year, Gyan Panchami, Paush dashami, Akshay Tritiya Tapa, Maun-agiyaras, Navapad Oli, Yaksha Puja, Snatra Mahotsav, Atthai Mahotsav, References 17. Religious Places 18. Art and Iconography 19. Mahatma Gandhi, Jainism and Indias Freedom Struggle Gandhis Life, Gandhi and Jainism, Gandhi & Jainism Principle of Ahimsa, Doctrine of Ahimsa and Freedom Movement, References 20. Jainism in Modern World Diaspora, Modem Religious Movements, Spiritual Revolution, Future, Jainism as a Global Religion, Great Mens Views on Jainism, References Bibliography Index