Religion

About the author: Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker (1846-1920) has become one of the most well-known and much beloved Orthodox Christian saints of the contemporary age since his saintly glorification in 1961. Born in Selymbria in the Ottoman Empire, he was educated in Constantinople and in Athens. At the age of 30, he was tonsured a monk and given the name ''Nektarios'' on the island of Chios and then ordained as a deacon three years later. It was during his years as a deacon and student of theology in Athens that Saint Nektarios first honed his skills as a preacher, for which he would later be renowned. The ten homilies compiled in the present book were delivered towards the end of this period, during and around Saint Nektarios''s final Great Lent as a deacon. With topics ranging from the free will of man, repentance, confession, and the Holy Eucharist, these sermons bring to light the emerging brilliance of the saint as a young man. Not only do they demonstrate his deep knowledge for the Holy Scriptures and an understanding of the human person, which can only come from a grace-filled spiritual life and devotion to God, but his sharp intellect and familiarity with subjects outside of scripture and patristics, as he draws examples from history, literature, and the Greek and Latin philosophers with great ease, bringing everything together to craft practical pastoral exhortations. These sermons were, without a doubt, immeasurably beneficial to the souls who heard him in person, as they will be to anyone who reads these words today.

Have you ever closed your Bible and thought, What did I just read? In an easy-to-understand way, popular podcaster of The Bible Recap Tara-Leigh Cobble walks readers through a one-year chronological Bible reading plan, explaining each day's passage to help you both understand the entire narrative of the Scriptures and fortify your faith.

A witty, inspiring reckoning with the ancient Greek and Roman myths and their legacy, from what they can illuminate about #MeToo to the radical imagery of Beyonce.

The author of the international bestseller Shantaram takes us on a gripping personal journey of wonder and insight into science, belief, faith and devotion.

'The monk who taught the world mindfulness' TimeOne breath, one step is all we need to feel at home and comfortable in the here and now In this enlightening series world-renowned spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh shares the essential foundations of mindful practise and mediation.

The history of the Emerald Tablets is strange and beyond the belief of modern scientists. Their antiquity is stupendous, dating back some 36,000 years B.CThe author is Thoth, an Atlantean Priest-King who founded a colony in ancient Egypt, wrote the Emerald Tablets in his native Atlantean language which was translated by Dr. Michael Doreal. This edition of the Emerald Tablets is unique in that it includes both the translation and interpretation by Dr. Doreal. Because of the tablet's reference to the Egypt and sacred geometry they became a priority reference for those studying the Flower of Life and the Merkaba meditation. As requested by the Flower of Life Organization, this edition offers Dr. Doreal's translation and interpretation in a side-by-side study format.

How do you relate to God?If you could sit down and talk-honestly-about God with someone you trusted, would you say that God seems distant and out of reach? Do you wonder how it might be possible to "Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (from the Shema, the foundational tenant of Judaism)?You''re not alone. Join author Michelle Beadle on a journey through Scripture to discover how God, through Messiah, enables us to actually know Him, and to experience His love, peace, and joy.  Since Michelle discovered God through Messiah in Scripture more than 40 years ago, she has been passionate about helping others find Him as well.Now the information she shares with people in one-on-one discussions is available to you in an 11-week study that can be used with one other person, in a group setting, or for self-study.Author Michelle Beadle, the daughter and granddaughter of German Jewish Holocaust survivors, has served as an outreach worker with CJFM in New Orleans, for more than 25 years. She leads Scripture studies and hosts celebrations for the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. She is often invited to speak in the U.S. at conferences, in congregations, and at home gatherings; she is also interviewed for TV, radio, podcasts, or online content. To connect with Michelle, visit MessiahinJewishScripture.com.

In this uplifting and practical book, written in collaboration with his biographer, Austen Ivereigh, the preeminent spiritual leader explains why we must-and how we can-make the world safer, fairer, and healthier for all people now. In the COVID crisis, the beloved shepherd of over one billion Catholics saw the cruelty and inequity of our society exposed more vividly than ever before. He also saw, in the resilience, generosity, and creativity of so many people, the means to rescue our society, our economy, and our planet. In direct, powerful prose, Pope Francis urges us not to let the pain be in vain. He begins Let Us Dream by exploring what this crisis can teach us about how to handle upheaval of any kind in our own lives and the world at large. With unprecedented candor, he reveals how three crises in his own life changed him dramatically for the better. By its very nature, he shows, crisis presents us with a choice: we make a grievous error if we try to return to some pre-crisis state. But if we have the courage to change, we can emerge from the crisis better than before. Francis then offers a brilliant, scathing critique of the systems and ideologies that conspired to produce the current crisis, from a global economy obsessed with profit and heedless of the people and environment it harms, to politicians who foment their people's fear and use it to increase their own power at their people's expense. He reminds us that Christians' first duty is to serve others, especially the poor and the marginalized, just as Jesus did. Finally, the Pope offers an inspiring and actionable blueprint for building a better world for all humanity by putting the poor and the planet at the heart of new thinking. For this plan, he draws not only on sacred sources, but on the latest findings from renowned scientists, economists, activists, and other thinkers. Yet rather than simply offer prescriptions, he shows how ordinary people acting together despite their differences can discover unforeseen possibilities. Along the way, he offers dozens of wise and surprising observations on the value of unconventional thinking, on why we must dramatically increase women's leadership in the Church and throughout society, on what he learned while scouring the streets of Buenos Aires with garbage-pickers, and much more. Let Us Dream is an epiphany, a call to arms, and a pleasure to read. It is Pope Francis at his most personal, profound and passionate. With this book and with open hearts, we can change the world.

In order to be known, the Divine created a sublime treasure for all of creation - the glorious light and soul of the Insan al Kamil, Prophet Muhammad . Vast universes, including every particle in existence, came into manifestation through this all-encompassing ocean of perfection. In his inimitable style, Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi reveals the secret realities within the holy attributes that form the most noble and perfected soul. This book serves as a source of inspiration, reminding the reader how Prophet's essence is truly within each of us, constantly empowering us with his light, and purifying our souls to be brought into the Divinely Presence. With over 1,000 full-colour images and customized diagrams, the reader journeys to understand deep mystical truths, resulting in a compelling, soul-awakening read. It is through this understanding that the student seeks guidance from those who reflect the true essence of the eternal Universal Perfect Being .

A festive, delightfully-illustrated compendium that features holiday traditions from around the world. From Jolabokaflod (Christmas Book Flood) in Iceland to Festa dei sette pesci (Feast of Fishes) in Italy and Christmas lanterns in the Philippines.

Humberto Maggi surveys the historical developments that influenced the creation of the concept of the Queen of the Seven Crossroads in the Brazilian magico-religious system Quimbanda that emerged in the first half of the 20th century, as well as the ideas and techniques inherited both from Europe and Africa. He looks at how various myths, historical figures, and misunderstandings combined to create one of the most powerful pombagiras - what elements shaped her, what and who inspired her legend, and how to work with her in your own practice.

What you believe about God actually changes your brain.

In direct and experiential language, Dzogchen Pema Kalsang Rinpoche explains clearly how to put Shabkar''s classic verses on trekch├╢ meditation into practice, so we may realise the true nature of mind. These profound instructions may only be read by those who have been authorised and empowered into the main Dzogchen practices by a genuine master."For a living breathing human being, is there anyone to whom thoughts do not arise? Thoughts occur, but it does not matter. Thoughts are the dynamic energy of true nature. If they arise, allow them to arise. If they do not occur, allow them not to occur. When abiding, this is the essence of true nature. When thoughts stream forth, this is the manifest dynamic energy of wisdom. Do not pursue thoughts. If we chase after them we become confused, like water turning into ice. Leave thoughts naturally and they become self-liberated. Unload the mental burden of activities and remain in unwavering equipoise of effortless non-meditation."One of the most eminent lamas in Tibet, Dzogchen Pema Kalsang Rinpoche is widely recognised as a brilliant scholar and highly realised master of the Great Perfection. His insight brings an authenticity to the teachings which can only be present in the words of a realised master.