Considered one the four canonical texts of the Hindu religion, known collectively as "The Vedas", "The Rig Veda" is one of the most important works of Hindu scripture. The work is a collection of poems, sayings, prayers, and origin myths. Written sometime between 1700-1100 BCE, "The Rig Veda" is one of the oldest works of the Indo-European languages. The hymns included in the collection are dedicated to various deities in Hindu mythology, including...

ThiruppAvai has 30 Paasurams and it is eulogised as GodhOpanishad since it summarises the sacred meanings of the Upanishads. Govindan, the object of ANDAL's worship in ThiruppAvai has blessed us with Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which contains 700 slOkams. It is also Upanishad Saaram and hence it is revered as GitOpanishad. Both GitOpanishad and GodhOpanishad belong to the noble category of adhyAtmika Saastrams enjoying Bhagavad GuNAnubhavams and the five...

The Bhagavad Gita, meaning the Song of the Lord, is in the form of a poetic dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna. It is part of the great Indian epic 'The Mahabharata', and is one of the major religious documents of the world. It reveals how human beings accumulate 'Karma' as a result of their actions in innumerable incarnations, and how to achieve liberation through devotion and knowledge. The dialogue, which takes place on the eve of an historic...

The Book of Jubilees, or, as it is sometimes called, "the little Genesis," purports to be a revelation given by God to Moses through the medium of an angel, and containing a history, divided up into jubilee-periods of forty-nine years, from the creation to the coming of Moses. Though the actual narrative of events is only carried down to the birth and early career of Moses, its author envisages the events of a later time, and in particular certain...

From the author of Inside the Yoga Sutras, comes this new and unique study guide for all who are interested in a deeper dive into the Yoga Sutras. Rev. Jaganath Carrera breaks down each of Patanjali's words so the reader can further grasp the richness and depth of meaning in each of the Sanskrit words. As each word is unpacked, new levels of understanding behind each sutra are revealed. The book also explores different topics in the Yoga Sutras in...

Learning Bhagavad-Gita Step by Step is a study guide to help novices and students of Bhagavad-Gita to learn and understand the message in a question and answer format. This book targets an English-speaking audience unfamiliar with the message of the Bhagavad-Gita and helps one to learn the subject in a step-by-step approach. This is a self-study guide to learn the Bhagavad-Gita.

Ancient words of the Buddha ("awakened one") that can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. The Dhammapada ("Path of the Buddha's Teachings") is a daily inspiration for millions of Buddhists all over the world and for people of all spiritual traditions who have been impressed by its beauty and power. These words-believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself over 2,500 years ago-contain most of Buddhism's central teachings. Originally...

An authoritative translation of 172 of Nichiren's writings presented in chronological order. The collection includes Nichiren's five major works as well as other treatises setting forth his doctrine, writings remonstrating with government officials, and letters offering advice, encouragement, or consolation to believers. The translations are based on those of Burton Watson, formerly of Columbia University and an award-winning translator of Chinese...

The "Ramayana" is an ancient Sanskrit epic originating in India and dating from at least the third century BC. It is not a single text, but instead is comprised of many texts, as well as oral renditions. Traditionally, it is ascribed to the Hindu sage, Valmiki. However, the work as it is now known is believed to have many insertions of a much later date than the original work. It forms an important part of the Hindu canon reflecting religious, political,...

Who we are, is not who we think we are. Truth is simpler than mind and deeper than thought. It cannot be, learned but only experienced. When at once we awaken, our doubts are, alleviated. All is one, beyond time, space, and causation. Such is the direct realization expressed through Advaita Vedanta. Sankaracharya is often, called the father of Advaita Vedanta. His hymn Atma Bodha is a classic introduction that brings the pure seeker to liberation....