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Ocean Of Amrita: A Vajrayana Mending and Purification Practice
by Padmasambhava Guru RinpocheThe main focus of the Ocean of Amrita, a hidden teaching of Padmasambhava, is mending and purifying the vows that one has taken. Just like it is important to wash our clothes regularly to keep them clean and mend them when they are in need of repair; no matter what level of Buddhist practice you might be involved in, it is also important to regularly mend and purify your commitments. It is practically impossible for ordinary people like ourselves to keep any of the three levels of precepts, whether those of individual liberation (pratimoksha), the bodhisattva trainings or the samayas of Vajrayana. The tendency to go against the precepts constantly increases due to strengthening the habit of breaking promises and not sticking to what we have committed ourselves to. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to atone for our failings by regularly doing a mending and purification practice.Within the collection of Chokgyur Lingpa's termas is a cycle known as Tukdrub Barchey Künsel that contains great accomplishment practices (drubchen). The one I am going to discuss here is entitled The Ocean of Amrita (Ngakso Drubchen), the main purpose of which is the mending and purification of one's Vajrayana commitments. The text for this ritual is included in the seventeenth chapter of The Essence Manual of Oral Instructions (Sheldam Nyingjang). During this nine-day ritual one visualizes oneself as Padmasambhava with the wrathful deities inside one's skull and the peaceful deities within one's heart. There are an incredible amount of details to visualize in a great accomplishment practice, but the completion stage is woven into the practice too. However, it is important to keep in mind that the main principle of the ritual is to fully mend and purify our vows and commitments, especially those of Vajrayana. That is the bottom line. Very kindly Padmasambhava designed this practice with people like us in mind, for just by doing this practice we can totally purify and restore all of our Vajrayana commitments.
Guru's Heart Practices
by Padmasambhava Chokgyur Lingpa Jamyang Khyentse WangpoGuru's Heart Practice contains the essential texts for the Guru practices of Padmasambhava, according to the Dispeller of Obtacles' cycle These unique hidden treasures are a revelation with a rich history. This extensive cycle contains teachings and practices for the preliminaries up to and including Dzogchen. Linking to a fresh treasure has the power to imbue us with hot and juicy blessings that invigorate our being and generate profound devotion and joy. Just as we prefer to have fresh food, the treasure teachings revealed with the 'short lineage' are endowed with a very special quality that has not been interpolated by anyone else, but has come directly from Padmasambhava by means of one of his disciples appearing as a present-day incarnation. The teaching is then spread to people for their immediate practice.
Minden napra egy ima: IMÁDSÁGOK AZ ÉV 365 NAPJÁRA (in Hungarian)
by Pope John Paul IIHungarian translation of Prayers and Devotions: 365 Daily Meditations, by Pope John Paul II.
The Sacred Bridge: Carta's Atlas of the Biblical World Second Edition
by Anson F. Rainey R. Steven NotleyDocumenting over 3,000 years of East Mediterranean history, The Sacred Bridge is an up-to-date depiction of Biblical history and geography by way of the ancient sources with original texts and translations from native languages incorporated into the narrative of the Atlas. With impeccable scholarship, this stunning Bible atlas with full-color maps, pictures, and diagrams reflects 10 years of research and is the gold standard of Bible atlases. Emphasis throughout the current work is on the ancient written sources every ancient passage is interpreted firsthand, from its native language. Archaeological evidence has been taken into account whenever it is relevant.
Wrestling With an Angel: Power, Morality, and Jewish Identity
by Ehud Luz Michael SwirskyAfter the Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 CE) and the eradication of all trace of Jewish political independence in Palestine, Jews gave little thought to questions of war. Long exile freed them from the sharp moral dilemmas con¬fronted by any polity that is compelled to use force to defend itself. Jews considered warfare to be the ''craft of Esau,'' that is, a matter for the gentiles, at least until such time as the Messiah would come. The Jews --''Jacob'' -- took no interest in armed conflict except insofar as it might impinge upon their fate as a minority living under foreign rule.
Not in Heaven: The Nature and Function of Jewish Law
by Eliezer BerkovitsIn this classic work, Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits analyzes Jewish law as it applies to the religious, ethical, and judicial principles of Judaism in the ever-changing human situation. Delineating common sense, feasibility, and ethical concern as the underpinnings of the Jewish legal system, Berkovits provides a wealth of original insights into the very essence of halacha.
Let My People Go!
by Tom HessThe Struggle of the American Jew to Come Home to Israel 21st Century -- New Millennium 7th Edition. Written by Tom Hess, the founder and pastor of Progressive Vision International, a Christian Messianic organization. In this book he aligns biblical prophecy with significant events of our time and explains the need for Jews to return to Israel immediately, if they are to avoid another Holocaust.
Casas Embrujadas
by Carlos TrejoSiete historias verídicas de hechos sobrenaturales investigados por el célebre autor del libro Cañitas.
Questions Young People Ask, Answers That Work: Volume 1
by Watch Tower Bible Tract Society of PennsylvaniaThis book explores many of the problems that face teenagers and their respective families today. It is documented with excerpts from psychologists and more importantly shows the practicality of following the instructions given by the Creator of mankind himself. It is not as restrictive as many would have us believe.
Lukewarmness: The Devil in Disguise
by Francis CarvajalThis is the story of every person who, after an offense, be it big or small, truly repents and weeps over his sin. He should exercise this spirit of contrition every time something goes wrong in his life, every time he does the examination of conscience, every time he confesses his sins. This is the radical cure for lukewarmness.
DNA (Virtues & Vices #1)
by J. L. CampbellWhat can go wrong when an ambitious man accepts a promotion overseas without consulting his wife? Much more than Russell Majors anticipates. With a thriving career, a comfortable home, and two healthy sons, this new chapter is an unwelcome surprise for Amoy Majors. A move abroad means physical exams, biometric screenings, and embassy interviews. All normal requirements, or they would be, if she didn't believe they might stir a hornet's nest. When an unauthorized test yields unexpected results, the pillars on which her life is built are shaken. Whether her marriage will survive a shocking revelation, and her faith withstand a trial by fire, is anyone's guess. ***DNA is inspirational fiction with a focus on marriage.
Sacrifice (Virtues & Vices #2)
by J. L. CampbellGuilt is a bitter enemy when you sacrifice one precious gift for another. Dane’s two-year-old daughter is the center of his world, and doubly precious because of her health challenges. When he discovers a son from a previous relationship, his world implodes. No matter what path he takes, everything he holds dear is at stake, and life will never look the way it did before tragedy knocked at his door. Between family drama and her weight issues, Sophie is struggling to cope. Then, her greatest fear becomes reality when she loses her daughter. Making it from one day to the next seems impossible, her trust in Dane is at an all-time low, and so is her morale. All she has is her faith, an unlikely stopgap, and the hope that everything will fall together rather than apart. ****** Sacrifice is inspirational fiction that features a couple grappling with profound loss that can end a marriage. It brings a message of faith during a time when so many are dealing with unexpected losses of one kind or another.
Dominic's Pride (Virtues & Vices #3)
by J. L. Campbell"Women. Money. Parties. Dominic Whitehorn’s life revolves around these staples until he wakes up to the reality that he’s broke, and living in a foreign land. He hates his overbearing brother, and can’t stand his mother’s lectures. The only other source of help is his father, who suffers a heart attack. With tighter reins on the family business, and his loan called in, Dominic’s problems multiply. To make matters worse, the woman he’s interested in believes he’s a lightweight, and another claims he’s the father of her baby. Ashley Dennis knows Nick is a troubled soul because she’s been there. They make an unlikely couple, but will her example and conviction be the catalyst he needs to turn his life around? ***Dominic’s Pride is inspirational fiction with a focus on family and relationships. "
DNA (Virtues & Vices #1)
by J. L. CampbellWhen the past impacts the future, life takes a chaotic turn. Russell and Amoy Majors have thriving careers, a comfortable home, and two healthy sons. A new chapter opens in their lives when Russ accepts a promotion overseas without consulting Amoy. A move abroad means physical exams, biometric screenings, and embassy interviews. All normal requirements, or they would be, if Amoy didn't believe they might stir a hornet's nest. When an unauthorized test yields unexpected results, the pillars on which Amoy's life is built are shaken. Whether her marriage will survive a shocking revelation and her faith withstand a trial by fire, is anyone's guess. ***DNA is inspirational fiction with a focus on marriage.
20 Days of Pleasure (Days of Pleasure Series #2)
by J. L. CampbellNBA star Dallas Avery has one intention when he visits the most romantic city in the world—win Alicia Mitchell by any means necessary. They relish their time as a couple—free to explore their magnetic connection in Paris and savor the array of pleasures they discover as soul mates.But family, friends, the media, and society at large, have various opinions about their complicated relationship. Will Dallas and Alicia find a way to stay together, or will the many factors working against them shatter their once-in-a-lifetime romance?ABOUT THE DAYS OF PLEASURE SERIESEach Pleasures book is a standalone, NO cliffhangersUSA TODAY, and National Bestselling Authors take you on amazing journey with NBA Basketball Star, Dallas Avery, and Alicia Mitchell, a woman who is as mysterious as she is beautiful.Follow this unlikely couple as they travel to exotic places such as Paris, Durabia, Caribbean, Scotland and many others. Each story embroils them in a new set of challenges and adventure as they navigate their way to love.Book 1–10 Days of Pleasure by Stephanie M. FreemanBook 2–20 Days of Pleasure by J. L. CampbellBook 3–30 Days of Pleasure by Sierra KayBook 4–40 Days of Pleasure by Martha Kennerson and Stephanie M. FreemanBook 5–50 Days of Pleasure by Anita L. Roseboro and Michelle D. RayfordBook 6–60 Days of Pleasure by VanessaBook 7–70 Days of Pleasure by Christine PaulsBook 8–80 Days of Pleasure by Aiken PonderBook 9–90 Days of Pleasure by Marie L. McKenzie and Naleighna KaiBook 10—Open Door Marriage by Naleighna Kai
The Baghdad Eucharist: A Novel
by Sinan Antoon Maia ThabetYoussef and Maha are distant relatives who find themselves living together in their native Baghdad, seeking shelter and solace from the increasing turmoil that surrounds them. While Youssef is old and has lived through many good years, Maha is young and has seen only sanctions and war. Herlife has been shattered by the sectarian violence engulfing Iraq, a country she feels no longer belongs to her.As the chaos in the country inevitably seeps into their household, a rare argument between Maha and Youssef breaks out, as this fateful day takes an unexpected and calamitous turn. Set over 24 hours, The Baghdad Eucharist unravels through the lives of one Christian family; it speaks both to Iraq's peaceful past, as well as its tragic and painful present.
Spiritual Warfare
by Joseph PrinceJoseph Prince is the senior pastor of New Creation Church, a vibrant, dynamic and fast-growing church in Singapore, which has a congregation of more than 30,000. He separately heads Joseph Prince Ministries, Inc, a non-profit organisation that seeks to build, encourage and inspire people with the gospel of Jesus Christ through television broadcasting as well as new media technology. A highly sought-after conference speaker, Joseph has impacted church leaders internationally by preaching the unadulterated gospel of grace with boldness. Joseph believes the best in people and is committed to helping them discover how they can reign in life through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. For the latest, most exclusive and best-priced Joseph Prince resources, visit www.josephprince.com SPIRITUAL WARFARE Mention the words "spiritual warfare" and fierce battles with the devil come to mind. While it is true that Satan tries to put sickness, depression and strife in our lives, God does not want us to fight the devil in long-drawn battles. God's Word tells us to rest instead. In the spiritual warfare passage in Ephesians 6, the word "wrestle" appears only once, whereas the word "stand" appears four times! This means that in spiritual warfare, we are to stand or rest in the victory of Christ. Jesus has already defeated the devil and put us on victory ground. And to help us stand our ground, He has given us His seven-piece armour. So stop trying to defeat a defeated foe. Just put on His armour and rest in His victory!
Place/No-Place in Urban Asian Religiosity
by Joanne Punzo WaghorneThis book discusses Asia's rapid pace of urbanization, with a particular focus on new spaces created by and for everyday religiosity. The essays in this volume - covering topics from the global metropolises of Singapore, Bangalore, Seoul, Beijing, and Hong Kong to the regional centers of Gwalior, Pune, Jahazpur, and sites like Wudang Mountain - examine in detail the spaces created by new or changing religious organizations that range in scope from neighborhood-based to consciously global. The definition of "spatial aspects" includes direct place-making projects such as the construction of new religious buildings - temples, halls and other meeting sites, as well as less tangible religious endeavors such as the production of new "mental spaces" urged by spiritual leaders, or the shift from terra firma to the strangely concrete effervesce of cyberspace. With this in mind, it explores how distinct and blurred, and open and bounded communities generate and participate in diverse practices as they deliberately engage or disengage with physical landscapes/cityscapes. It highlights how through these religious organizations, changing class and gender configurations, ongoing political and economic transformations, continue as significant factors shaping and affecting Asian urban lives. In addition, the books goes further by exploring new and often bittersweet "improvements" like metro rail lines, new national highways, widespread internet access, that bulldoze - both literally and figuratively - religious places and force relocations and adjustments that are often innovative and unexpected. Furthermore, this volume explores personal experiences within the particularities of selected religious organizations and the ways that subjects interpret or actively construct urban spaces. The essays show, through ethnographically and historically grounded case studies, the variety of ways newly emerging religious communities or religious institutions understand, value, interact with, or strive to ignore extreme urbanization and rapidly changing built environments.
Belief and Practice in Imperial Japan and Colonial Korea (Religion and Society in Asia Pacific)
by Emily AndersonBringing together the work of leading scholars of religion in imperial Japan and colonial Korea, this collection addresses the complex ways in which religion served as a site of contestation and negotiation among different groups, including the Korean Choson court, the Japanese colonial government, representatives of different religions, and Korean and Japanese societies. It considers the complex religious landscape as well as the intersection of historical and political contexts that shaped the religious beliefs and practices of imperial and colonial subjects, offering a constructive contribution to contemporary conflicts that are rooted in a contested understanding of a complex and painful past and the unresolved history of Japan's colonial and imperial presence in Asia. Religion is a critical aspect of the current controversies and their historical contexts. Examining the complex and diverse ways that the state, and Japanese and colonial subjects negotiated religious policies, practices, and ministries in an attempt to delineate these "imperial relationships", this cutting edge text sheds considerable light on the precedents to current sources of tension.
The Chinese Sisters of the Precious Blood and the Evolution of the Catholic Church
by Cindy Yik-yi ChuThis book traces the origins of the Chinese Sisters of the Precious Blood in Hong Kong and their history up to the early 1970s, and contributes to the neglected area of Chinese Catholic women in the history of the Chinese Catholic Church. It studies the growth of an indigenous community of Chinese sisters, who acquired a formal status in the local and universal Catholic Church, and the challenge of identifying Chinese Catholic women in studies dealing with the Chinese Church in the first half of the 20th century, as these women remained 'faceless' and 'nameless' in contrast to their Catholic male counterparts of the period. Emphasizing the intertwining histories of the Hong Kong Church, the churches in China, and the Roman Catholic Church, it demonstrates how the history of the Precious Blood Congregation throws light on the formation and development of indigenous groups of sisters in contemporary China.
Religion, Culture, and the Public Sphere in China and Japan
by Albert Welter Jeffrey NewmarkThis collection examines the impact of East Asian religion and culture on the public sphere, defined as an idealized discursive arena that mediates the official and private spheres. Contending that the actors and agents on the fringes of society were instrumental in shaping the public sphere in traditional and modern East Asia, it considers how these outliers contribute to religious, intellectual, and cultural dialog in the public sphere. J#65533;rgen Habermas conceptualized the public sphere as the discursive arena which grew within Western European bourgeoisie society, arguably overlooking topics such as gender, minorities, and non-European civilizations, as well as the extent to which agency in the public sphere is effective in non-Western societies and how practitioners on the outskirts of mainstream society can participate. This volume responds to and builds upon this dialogue by addressing how religious, intellectual, and cultural agency in the public sphere shapes East Asian cultures, particularly the activities of those found on the peripheries of historic and modern societies.
Religion and Regulation in Indonesia
by Ismatu RopiThis book analyses the relation between state and religion in Indonesia, considering both the philosophical underpinning of government intervention on religious life but also cases and regulations related to religious affairs in Indonesia. Examining state regulation of religious affairs, it focuses on understanding its origin, history and consequences on citizens' religious life in modern Indonesia, arguing that while Indonesian constitutions have preserved religious freedom, they have also tended to construct wide-ranging discretionary powers in the government to control religious life and oversee religious freedom. Over more than four decades, Indonesian governments have constructed a variety of policies on religion based on constitutional legacies interpreted in the light of the norms and values of the existing religious majority group. A cutting edge examination of the tension between religious order and harmony on one hand, and protecting religious freedom for all on the other, this book offers a cutting edge study of how the history of regulating religion has been about the constant negotiation for the boundaries of authority between the state and the religious majority group.
The Pedagogy of Shalom
by Heekap Lee Paul KaakBased on the teachings of Jesus and a biblical foundation, this book presents a new framework for education and teaching, referred to as the shalom education model, that addresses four essential questions in education (why teach, what to teach, how to teach and who are teachers?) After explaining the theoretical background of shalom, the book investigates a range of contemporary educational issues including gender identity, bullying, disability, linguistic and cultural diversity, and social justice, and presents practical guidelines that can be applied to classroom teaching. The book also emphasizes the role of teachers as missional leaders who help students unlock their full potential.
The Christian Survivor
by Robert CrottyCutting through entrenched beliefs in the unified origins of Christianity, this book radically reconstructs its origins. Using historical and literary methodologies and examining canonical and non-canonical texts, it shows that Roman Christianity was only one among several Jesus movements that included Palestinian and Gnostic groups in Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt and Palestine. Further, the book sheds new light on the life of Jesus, the Mother of Jesus, Judas, Peter and his Twelve and Paul and his Gnostic Churches, James and his Brothers, and Mary Magdalene, the Beloved Disciple. The book puts the current interest in historical Jesus research into a proper historical context, highlighting Gnosticism's lasting influence on early Christianity and making the provocative claim that nearly all Christian Churches are in some way descended from Roman Christianity. Breaking with the accepted wisdom of Christianity's origins, the revised history it puts forward challenges the assumptions of Church and secular historians, Modern Gnostics, Jungians, Scriptural critics and general readers alike, with profound repercussions for scholarship, belief and practice.
Civil Disobedience in Islam: A Contemporary Debate
by Muhammad Haniff HassanThis book addresses contemporary debates on civil disobedience in Islam within the rich Sunni tradition, especially during the height of the non‐violent people revolution in various Arab countries, popularly known as the Arab Spring. It illustrates the Islamic theological and jurisprudential arguments presented by those who either permit or prohibit acts of civil disobedience for the purpose of changing government, political systems or policy. The book analyses the nature of the debate and considers how a theological position on civil disobedience should be formulated in contemporary time, and makes the case for alternatives to violent political action such as jihadism, terrorism and armed rebellion.