- Discover the thoughts, history, and customs of the Shuar of the Amazon, as told in their own words.
- Tribe members explain their practices of shapeshifting and headhunting; the interdependence of humans and the environment; the role of ecstatic sex; their belief in war as a path to peace; and their faith in arutam, the life spirit. The indomitable Shuar of the Amazon--reputed to be the only tribe in the Americas that has never been conquered--have lived as warriors, hunters, cultivators, and healers for generations. Even in today's acquisitive, often wasteful world they defend their rainforests and sustainable ways of life and offer their philosophy of love, joy, and hope. More than three decades after first befriending members of the Shuar, author and environmentalist John Perkins and his publisher, Ehud Sperling, inspired Shakaim Mariano Chumpi-a young Shuar warrior who has fought in the jungle war between his native Ecuador and Peru-to travel among his people and record their thoughts, history, and customs. The result is Spirit of the Shuar. Here, in their own words, the Shuar share their practices of shapeshifting, dreaming the world, and ecstatic sex, including the role older women play in teaching uninitiated men how to please. They explain the interdependence of humans and the environment, their formula for peace and balance, and their faith in arutam, the life-giving spirit of nature that allows each of us to transform ourselves. And they describe how their ancient-and current-practice of shrinking heads fits into their cultural philosophy. Whether exploring the mystery of shamanic shapeshifting, delving deeper into the powers of healing herbs and psychotropic plants, or finding new ways to live sustainably and sensitively in the face of encroaching development and environmental destruction, the Shuar have emerged as a strong people determined to preserve their identity and beliefs and share their teachings with a world in dire need of their wisdom. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Ayumpum Foundation to help the Shuar conserve their forests and spread their message.
An illustrated guide to dynamic yoga which is based on the techniques of Astanga Vinyasa Yoga, a fast powerful form which claims to provide as effective a cardiovascular workout as a conventional exercise-to-music class. Illustrated with black and white photographs.
A calorie-burning workout designed for maximum fitness impact. The yogi Geo (of Oprah Winfrey fame), takes traditional Indian yoga and beefs it up to help participants lose weight, increase stamina, build muscle tone and feel stronger.
A comprehensive, practical, and authoritative guide to the method developed by Iyengar. 100 key postures with detailed step-by-step instructions and photographs. This is our most recently published yoga book and has quickly become a backlist bestseller.
Much of the Western world was completely unaware of the profound impact of the breath on the body and mind until the 1970's. It was during this time that Swami Rama astonished physiologists by demonstrating perfect control over his heart rate and brain waves--something Western scientists didn't believe humans could possibly achieve. In this book, Swami Rama shares some of the basic breathing techniques practiced by Himalayan yogis, so that you too can experience the profound effects of pranayama and breath control.The goal of Science of Breath is to present knowledge and practices regarding the breath in a way that can be applied to personal growth. This book is a masterful guide to systematically identifying bad breathing habits, replacing those habits with healthy breathing patterns, and developing control over pranic flow. Learn how to develop and master the link between your body and mind through the understanding of the breath. With increased awareness and control of the subtle aspects of breathing, one can effect deep physical and psychological changes and begin to master the roaming tendencies of the mind. Science of Breath opens the door to a new way of being, providing a powerful tool in the pursuit of holistic health and personal growth.
Freedom is generally thought of as the ability to achieve goals and satisfy desires. But what are the sources of these goals and desires? If they arise from ignorance, habitual patterns, and negative emotions, is the freedom to pursue these goals true freedom--or is it just a myth? In The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation, Ch gyam Trungpa explores the true meaning of freedom, showing us how our attitudes, preconceptions, and even our spiritual practices can become chains that bind us to repetitive patterns of frustration and despair. He also explains how meditation can bring into focus the causes of frustration, and how these negative forces can aid us in advancing toward true freedom. Trungpa's unique ability to express the essence of Buddhist teachings in the language and imagery of contemporary American culture makes this book one of the best, most accessible sources of the Buddhist doctrine ever written.
The Practical Guide to Astral Projection by Denning and Phillips is simply the best step-by-step set of lessons for learning this skill ever published. Over a quarter-million people are using this book to help them learn this valuable skill. If you want to learn how to project your consciousness onto the astral plane, you should use it, too.
First, as the book shows, this skill is natural. You do it all the time (in dreams, for example.) In a sense, it is more natural than walking. It is a skill you can develop with practice. Further, it allows you to have spiritual experiences on the astral plane. Plus, what you create on the astral plane creates changes on the physical plane. This is true magick Heal someone on the astral and they will be healed on the physical. Create opportunities on the astral and you will have them on the physical. You can even experience sex on the astral plane for one of the most dynamic experiences you will ever have. And you can learn how to do all of this in The Practical Guide to Astral Projection.
But it is not only the information in this book that makes it easy to understand and use. The very design of each chapter--as well as the illustrations, photos, charts, etc.--make it easy for you to learn the techniques to consciously control your astral projection experiences. The book begins by showing you what astral projection is and what it is not, what can happen and what is fantasy. As a result, you will discover that astral projection can be safe, comforting, exhilarating, and fun. Then you will learn methods of being able to let your consciousness leave your body and safely explore the astral plane.
With this book in hand you can explore realms you've only dreamed of. Make your dreams a reality.
Evola articulates the close relationship between the physical rigors of mountain climbing and the ascent of the initiate toward self-transcendence.
Julius Evola, a leading exponent of esoteric thought, was also an ardent mountain climber who personally scaled the peaks of the Tyrols, Alps, and Dolomites. For Evola the physical conquest of a mountain, with all the courage, self-transcendence and mental lucidity that it entails, becomes an inseparable and complementary part of spiritual awakening. It is no coincidence that many ancient cultures chose mountains as the abodes of their gods and considered the rigorous ascent of peaks as the task of heroes and initiates. In modern times, which tend to suffocate the heroic with naked self interest, the mountain still forms part of the profound dimension of spirit where the soul finds within itself more than what it thought itself to be. In Meditations on the Peaks, Evola combines recollections of his own experiences with reflections on other inspirational men and women who shared his view of the transcendent greatness of mountains.
The Five Tibetans is a yogic system of highly energizing postures and exercises that originated in the Himalayas. Liberating and enhancing the innate energetic power of the human body and mind, these five exercises take a minimum of daily time and effort but offer remarkable results in the way of increased physical strength and suppleness as well as mental acuity. In addition, these exercises can be a vehicle for enlivening the senses and generating and harnessing energy for the purpose of self-transformation. Regular practice of these postures: Relieves muscular tension and nervous stress Improves respiration and digestion Benefits the cardiovascular system Leads to deep relaxation and well-being Tunes and energizes the chakras The Five Tibetans are explained within the context of traditional yoga, providing a foundation for understanding. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations complement the text and clearly indicate the proper execution of each exercise.
