Discover the traditional stories and wisdom behind your favourite yoga poses in this stunningly illustrated book of Indian mythology for yogis of all levels. A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology, join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses, such as: Vīrabhadrāsana II, the original warrior poseTāḍāsana, mountain poseBhujaṅgāsana, cobra poseGaruḍāsana, eagle posePadmāsana, lotus poseVīrāsana, hero poseŚavāsana, corpse pose  Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to Śiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow. Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in Hinduism: the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how Śiva got his blue throat!   Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga’s true origins.  Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art.   Read more

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is of immense importance to the culture of the Indian subcontinent, and is a major text of Hinduism. Its discussion of human goals (artha or 'purpose', kama or 'pleasure', dharma or 'duty', and moksha or 'liberation') takes place in a long-standing tradition, attempting to explain the relationship of the individual to society and the world (the nature of the 'Self') and the workings of karma. Read more

If there is one book that can claim to provide the solution to all problems of humanity, it is the holy Bhagavad Gita.Simply reading this book and comprehending the life-changing, ageless, and profound wisdom contained in its 701 magnificent verses is enough to change the path of one’s life and bring it to the peak of perfection.That is why, after hearing this transcendental discourse of Lord Krishna, Arjuna exclaims to Him, “O Achyuta (The Changeless One), my delusion is destroyed, and my memory (about one’s true identity) has been regained by me through Your grace. I am firmly situated; my doubts are gone. I will now act according to Your word.” [Bhagavad Gita 18.73]The Bhagavad Gita is not a religious book and is not intended to be read and acted upon by the adherents of a particular religion. It’s a guidebook for life; a how-to manual. It is a medicine for the infected souls of the Kali-Yuga, the dark age. And there is no religion in medicine.The Bhagavad Gita is the most sacred conversation ever between Lord Krishna and his friend Prince Arjuna just before the beginning of the great war of Mahabharata, on the holy battlefield of Kurukshetra, where the Lord enlightens a bewildered Arjuna about the biggest truths of the universe.This dialogue is considered to contain the nectar of all Vedic scriptures, the most ancient scriptures of the world. By reading the Bhagavad Gita, you will discover answers to the most important questions in life, such as:Who are you?What is your purpose in life and how to fulfill that purpose?Is there a God? If yes, who is God, and how to know and reach Him?Is God one or many?What is your relationship with God?What is death and why you do not need to fear death?What happens after death?Do heaven and hell exist?Is reincarnation real?What is Yoga? What are the different types of Yoga? How to be a Yogi?How does the Law of Karma work?Why are we all living life the wrong way? And how you can live your life the right way?How to see yourself and your life from the right perspective?How to master your mind and get rid of negative emotions like worry, fear, anger, jealousy, and sadness for good?How to be always happy?What is the most perfect method of meditation?Hari Chetan’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita is the outcome of his two decades of experience in the field of Vedic philosophy. The following are some of the distinguishing aspects of this English translation:All the verses of the Bhagavad Gita are accurately translated from the original Sanskrit texts.The translations are presented in their authentic form, free from any sectarian bias.The translations are kept simple without sacrificing accuracy, essence, and spirit.The gaps arising while translating verses from Sanskrit to English have been taken care of to preserve the intended meaning of each verse.Context has been given due importance while establishing the meaning of each word with the aim of providing correct interpretation.To facilitate self-explanatory translations, additional explanations are given in parentheses in the verses.Additional explanations are provided in the form of notes at appropriate places.The historical background of Mahabharata is included for perfect understanding.To help you test your understanding, a printable workbook is included.All of this adds up to a complete translation of the holy Bhagavad Gita in English.Read This Book to Uncover The Secret Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Change Your Life Forever! Read more

In The Essence of Shinto, revered Shinto master Motohisa Yamakage explains the core values of Shinto and explores both basic tenets and its more esoteric points in terms readily accessible to the modern Western reader. He shows how the long history of Shintoism is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese spirituality and mythology--indeed, it is regarded as Japan's very spiritual roots--and discusses its role in modern Japan and the world. He also carefully analyzes the relationship of the spirit and the soul, which will provide informed and invaluable insight into Read more

Ready to accept the holy woman who is also fierce? You can read "Goddess Kali: Tales of the Divine Feminine in Hindu Mythology" to find out more about one of the most mysterious and powerful Hindu gods.Get to know Kali's cosmic dance, which is where death and life meet.In this complete guide, the complicated art, theory, and stories about the Black Goddess of Time are broken down.Learn more about Kali's many sides by:Myths from the past and urban tales from todayTantric knowledge and Hindu thoughtTraditional stories from Bengal to South IndiaKali's impact on writing, art, and pop cultureFind out how Kali's lessons can change your life:Kali's symbols of death and rebirth can help you accept change and grow as a person.To find your inner strength and get through tough times, use Kali's fierce energy.Real prayers and ways to worship can help your spiritual life grow.Don't miss this chance to talk to the Dark Mother. Right now, you can get "Goddess Kali: Tales of the Divine Feminine in Hindu Mythology and begin a journey to learn more about yourself and get better. You have a holy feminine force called Shakti inside you. Bring it out. Read more

Shiva and Dionysus are the Hindu and Greek gods of magical power, intoxication, ecstatic sexuality, and transcendence who initiate us into communion with the creative forces of life. Revealing the earliest sources of the traditions of Shiva and Dionysus, Alain Danielou reconstructs the fabric of our ancient relationship with creation, vividly relating practices that were observed from the Indus Valley to the coasts of Portugal at least six thousand years ago. Read more

Dive into the history, the philosophy, the essence of the Sikh faith, and trace its evolution.At the turn of the 15th century, Guru Nanak embarked on a series of journeys across the Indian subcontinent and instituted an equitable community and an egalitarian religion, built upon the values of inclusion, service, and kindness. Sikhs throws a spotlight on this incredible faith that places service before self. Today, it is the fifth largest religion in the world with over 30 million Sikhs across the globe.The book explores the gurus, the scriptures, the philosophy, and stories and legends. It explains how a faith led to the birth of a historic empire of immense military and political might, maps the emergence of a distinct identity, looks at its impact on the world today, and celebrates the contributions of this illustrious community. Read more

Confucius is one of the most humane, rational, and lucid of moral teachers, concerned not with arcane metaphysics but with practical issues of life and conduct. What is virtue? What sort of life is most conducive to happiness? How should the state be ruled? What is the proper relationship between human beings and their environment? In this classic translation of The Analects by Arthur Waley, the questions Confucius addressed two and a half millennia ago remain as relevant as ever. Read more

Take a fresh look at India's great epic and rediscover the lost kingdoms, dynasties, and characters of the Mahabharata, accompanied by beautiful images and discussion points. Often described as the longest poem ever written, the Mahabharata is one of two Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Its stories resonate with us even today through its themes of conflict and dilemmas, and have been drawn on for inspiration in film, theatre, and art.The Illustrated Mahabharata follows the tale as it unfolds through 18 episodes, or parvas, alongside stunning photographs, paintings, sculptures, and historical artefacts. Discover the principal characters of the Mahabharata and their family trees, and understand key moments - from the birth of Pandavas and Kauravas to the death of the elders. This definitive guide also highlights important quotes, themes, and historical context points to explore and enrich your understanding of the stories. Know the Mahabharata with this beautiful retelling of India's greatest epic." Read more

'To read Ka is to experience a giddy invasion of stories - brilliant, enigmatic, troubling, outrageous, erotic, beautiful' The New York Times'Who?' - or 'ka' - is the question that runs through Roberto Calasso's retelling of the stories of the minds and gods of India; the primordial question that continues to haunt human existence. From the Rigveda to the Upanishads, the Mahabharata to the life of Buddha, this book delves into the corpus of classical Sanskrit literature to re-imagine the ancient Indian myths and how they resonate through space and time.'The very best book about Hindu mythology that anyone has ever written' Wendy Doniger'Dazzling, complex, utterly original ... Ka is his masterpiece' Sunday Times Read more

A new translation of the great spiritual classic.The Bhagavad Gita is undeniably one of the world's greatest spiritual and literary classics. A small section of the much larger epic Mahabharata, it takes the form of a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, on the meaning of life. It has often been understood as a key to understanding life by anyone, regardless of religious persuasion. This new translation emphasizes the universality of the text by drawing on mulitcutlural and multireligious sources for understanding it. Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist perspectives are included, as well as literary and mythological sources, and the Work of G. I. Gurdjieff. For this Shambhala Pocket Library edition, only the translated text is included; the commentary from the original edition is not included. Read more

The popular names of many yogic asanas -- from Virbhadra-asana and Hanuman-asana to Matsyendra-asana, Kurma-asana and Ananta-asana -- are based on characters and personages from Indian mythology. Who were these mythological characters, what were their stories, and how are they connected to yogic postures? Devdutt Pattanaik's newest book Yoga Mythology (co-written with international yoga practitioner Matt Rulli) retells the fascinating tales from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain lore that lie behind the yogic asanas the world knows so well; in the process he draws attention to an Indic worldview based on the concepts of eternity, rebirth, liberation and empathy that has nurtured yoga for thousands of years. Read more

‘The truth is, Partha,’ Krishna said, ‘that there is no “better” path. Both paths – the path of knowledge and the path of action – work just as well. It is up to you to pick the one that you are suited to’The Bhagavad Gita is a profound book from India that people have cherished for over 2500 years. It emphasises kindness and understanding when we make mistakes, and tells a compelling story about Prince Arjuna and his friend Krishna. They engage in a crucial conversation about the war against the most powerful and dangerous enemy of all – the one that lives within our minds.Roopa Pai’s spirited, one-of-a-kind retelling is engaging, easy to grasp, and leaves a lasting impact. After you finish reading, you’ll find yourself contemplating its wisdom and feeling a sense of inner strength. Read more

Seven beautifully illustrated traditional stories that immerse the reader in the ancient culture of India as well as impart important life lessons • Shares classic tales from India, including stories drawn from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas, translated by the authors • Illustrated throughout with glowing full-color paintings in traditional Indian style prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon With this full-color illustrated collection of classic tales from India, you will learn about the playful, loyal, strong, loving, and wise gods, goddesses, and heroes of India. You will discover how the deity Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, got his elephant head, how the goddess Parvati won the heart of the great god Shiva, and how the goddess Ganga came to Earth from Heaven in the form of the holy Ganges River. You will discover how Krishna’s childhood as superhero and mischievous boy prepared him to fulfill his destiny as an avatar of the god Vishnu. In two tales drawn from the Ramayana, you will learn about prince Ram and his victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana and how the monkey-god Hanuman moved a medicine mountain to save Ram’s brother. In two stories from the famous epic the Mahabharata, you will discover how Karna became the greatest archer in the world to help good triumph over evil and how Arjuna compassionately fought his own cousins to bring peace to the kingdom of Hastinapur. The glowing illustrations, executed in transparent watercolors and tempera paints, are done in a centuries-old method traditional to India. Richly detailed, they bring to life the colorful cast of characters--humans, gods, and demons alike--and allow the reader to become immersed in the mystical world of ancient India. Read more

Part of the ancient Hindu epic The Mahabharata, The Bhagavad Gita is one of the enduring religious texts of the worldThe Bhagavad Gita is an early poem that recounts the conversation between Arjuna the warrior and his charioteer Krishna, a manifestation of God. In the moments before a great battle, Krishna sets out the important lessons Arjuna must learn to understand his own role in the war he is about to fight. Krishna reveals to Arjuna his true cosmic form and counsels the warrior to act according to his sacred obligations. Ranging from instructions on yoga to moral discussion, the Gita has served for centuries as an everyday, practical guide to living well. Translated with an introduction by Laurie L. Patton Read more

ALL-TIME BESTSELLER: Join one of the most influential spiritual teachers of our time as he explores the mystical wisdom of the Tantra. “Tantra is freedom; freedom from all mind-constructs, from all mind-games; freedom from all structures; freedom from the other. Tantra is space to be.” —Osho   The tradition of Tantra or Tantric Buddhism is known to have existed in India as early as the 5th century AD. In this all-time bestseller, using the contemporary idiom and his own unique blend of wisdom and humor, Osho talks about the mystical insights found in the ancient Tantric writings. He also explores many significant Tantric meditation techniques, demonstrating how they are as relevant to the modern-day seeker as they were to those in earlier times. No matter how complex, obscure, or mystical the subject, Osho always brings his uniquely refreshing perspective—introducing the most difficult concepts to the widest possible audience with irreverent wit and thought-provoking inspiration. Read more

One of the best-known and best-loved works of Buddhist literature, the Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviving body of Buddhist writings, and is traditionally regarded as the authentic teachings of the Buddha himself, spoken by him in his lifetime, and memorized and handed on by his followers after his death. A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as 'awareness', 'fools' and 'old age', the Dhammapada is accessible, instructional and mind-clearing, with lessons in each verse to give ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life.Valerie Roebuck's new translation is accompanied by an introduction examining the language of the Dhammapada, its status as literature and the school of Buddhist teaching from which it comes. Read more

Revel in the tales of the most enigmatic deity in Hinduism. This book is a hoard of the knowledge of the God of gods, who teaches us about humanity, love, and companionship. He is the embodiment of the ultimate principles of creation, destruction, and transformation! Hanuman Chalisa is one of his best sellers. More titles by Shubha Vilas: Hanuman Chalisa, Mystical Tales for a Magical Life: 11 Unheard Fantastic Vedic Stories Explore the world of the ancient Hindu god Shiva! Gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the universe! Learn about humanity, love, and companionshipWhat is true karma and dharma? Bask in the timeless wisdom of ShivaA must-have book for spiritual seekers. Read more

Mencius was one of the great philosophers of ancient China, second only in influence to Confucius, whose teachings he defended and expanded. The Mencius, in which he recounts his dialogues with kings, dukes and military men, as well as other philosophers, is one of the Four Books that make up the essential Confucian corpus. It takes up Confucius's theories of jen, or goodness and yi, righteousness, explaining that the individual can achieve harmony with mankind and the universe by perfecting his innate moral nature and acting with benevolence and justice. Mencius' strikingly modern views on the duties of subjects and their rulers or the evils of war, created a Confucian orthodoxy that has remained intact since the third century BCE. Read more

The Dhammapada is a collection of aphorisms that illustrate the moral teachings of Buddha - the spiritual path to the supreme Truth. Probably compiled in the third century BCE, the verses are arranged according to theme, covering ideas such as self-possession, good and evil, watchfulness and endurance. Together they describe how an individual can attain the enlightenment of Nirvana, the supreme goal of Buddhism. The road to Nirvana, as illustrated in The Dhammapada, is narrow and difficult to negotiate, but the reward of eternal life gives hope and determination to the traveller. Read more