Presents discussions concerning the ways in which modern and historical religious and occult movement correspond to recurrent human social and emotional needs

Examines the diverse cultural influences which have shaped the basic philosophical traditions of India

Confucius' teachings, preserved by his students, consist of aphorisms and parables that illustrate his views on morality

Presented here in a new translation, with a historical introduction by the translators,Fear and Trembling and Repetition are the most poetic and personal of Søren Kierkegaard's pseudonymous writings. Published in 1843 and written under the names Johannes de Silentio and Constantine Constantius, respectively, the books demonstrate Kierkegaard's transmutation of the personal into the lyrically religious. Each work uses as a point of departure Kierkegaard's breaking of his engagement to Regine Olsen--his sacrifice of "that single individual." From this beginningFear and Trembling becomes an exploration of the faith that transcends the ethical, as in Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command. This faith, which persists in the face of the absurd, is rewarded finally by the return of all that the faithful one is willing to sacrifice. Repetition discusses the most profound implications of unity of personhood and of identity within change, beginning with the ironic story of a young poet who cannot fulfill the ethical claims of his engagement because of the possible consequences of his marriage. The poet finally despairs of repetition (renewal) in the ethical sphere, as does his advisor and friend Constantius in the aesthetic sphere. The book ends with Constantius' intimation of a third kind of repetition--in the religious sphere.

Discusses the various orders of Masons, the relationship between Freemasonry and ancient mystery cults, and the rituals, traditions, symbolism, philosophy, historical origins, and spiritual and intellectual doctrines of the Masonic Order

The sixteenth-century saint and reformer provides advice for those interested in dedicating themselves to a life of prayer, and discusses the Lord's Prayer and its teachings

The Wisdom of the Desert was one of Thomas Merton's favorites among his own books--surely because he had hoped to spend his last years as a hermit.

Now you can rediscover the joy of being an obedient listener. Charles Stanley uses personal experiences from his own life and discusses: Why God wants to communicate with us; How God gets our attention; How we listen to God and enjoy his presence.

Internationally acclaimed spiritual guide Anthony de Mello points the way toward peace of mind and inner power through simple teachings that integrate the ancient traditions of the East with the psychological and philosophical perspectives of the West.

Stripe, an ambitious young caterpillar, abandons his struggle to reach the top when he meets a lovely yellow butterfly