Bücher veröffentlicht von Aeon Books Ltd

A comprehensive guide to the understanding and practicing Buddhist meditationThe very idea that the teachings can be mastered will arouse controversy within Buddhist circles. Even so, Ingram insists that enlightenment is an attainable goal, once our fanciful notions of it are stripped away, and we have learned to use meditation as a method for examining reality rather than an opportunity to wallow in self-absorbed mind-noise.Ingram sets out concisely the difference between concentration-based and insight (vipassana) meditation; he provides example practices; and most importantly he presents detailed maps of the states of mind we are likely to encounter, and the stages we must negotiate as we move through clearly-defined cycles of insight.Its easy to feel overawed, at first, by Ingram's assurance and ease in the higher levels of consciousness, but consistently he writes as a down-to-earth and compassionate guide, and to the practitioner willing to commit themselves this is a glittering gift of a book.In this new edition of the bestselling book, the author rearranges, revises and expands upon the original material, as well as adding new sections that bring further clarity to his ideas.

A new paradigm that delivers a genuine transformation of occultism.The author of Advanced Magick for Beginners assumes no previous knowledge, only a willingness to explore what magick offers, yet it is apparent to anyone with a background in the subject that Alan Chapman is drawing on a wide range of experience, from classical Crowleyean Magick, to eastern metaphysics, and back again to Discordianism and Chaos Magick.Chapman's writing-style is humorous, direct, seductively logical, and his enthusiasm for the benefits of magick is both tangible and infectious.The novice magician will indeed find themselves equipped to commence all sorts of magickal operations: trance work, enchantment, divination, and even some of the higher forms of spiritual development. To experienced magicians, Chapman offers a subtler challenge: he revitalises magick by cutting it free from the extreme relativism Chaos Magick bequeathed, provocatively redefining it as: the art, science and culture of experiencing truth.

Embark on the most rewarding and illuminating journey of your life, with this step by step guide to mastering internal reflection

The Secret Life of Chocolate is a book about chocolate. Not the sweet, mass-produced fatty confection most of us are familiar with. This is about old-school chocolate: pre-Colombian, Central American, bitter-spicy-foamy, intense, blow-your-socks-off chocolate. Chocolate beverages made with roasted beans, water, spices, and indigenous plants. Delving into the ancient history of the human relationship with the cocoa bean tree, Theobroma cacao, it dissects the pharmacological properties of chocolate to the fullest possible extent; and divulges the mythical and magical associations of human interactions with this incredible plant.

The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage is a 15th-century grimoire, or book of magic, that includes instructions on how an individual can make contact with their Holy Guardian Angel. Although the instructions may seem quite simple, few have managed to complete the operation - even the highly experienced occultist Aleister Crowley failed to do so.Over a six-month period in 1977, Ramsey Dukes attempted this Abramelin operation. The challenge was to adapt the ritual to twentieth century conditions, and The Abramelin Diaries is his record of the struggle and the outcome. Looking forward, the book offers practical advice for anyone wanting to attempt this notorious operation themselves. Looking back, the author comments on the operation's legacy: what happened after, how it changed - and continues to impact - him and his life.Is spiritual retirement still relevant today? Or is it just nostalgia for a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle? Why does technological empowerment threaten our sense of purpose? Many intriguing questions are raised as we read of one man's struggle to shape a simple, significant lifestyle routine from the chaos of normality.