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Житія и похвалы святыхъ подобятся свѣтлостію звѣздамъ: якоже бо звѣзды положеніемъ на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвѣщаютъ, тыяжде и отъ Індіанъ зрятся, ни сокрываются отъ скѵѳовъ, землю озаряютъ, и морю свѣтятъ, и плавающихъ корабли управляютъ: ихже именъ аще и не вѣмы множества ради, обаче свѣтлѣй добротѣ ихъ чудимся. Сице и свѣтлость святыхъ, аще и затворены суть мощи ихъ во гробѣхъ, но силы ихъ въ поднебеснѣй земными предѣлы не суть опредѣленны: чудимся тѣхъ житію, и удивляемся славѣ, еюже Богъ угодившыя Ему прославляетъ. [St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when th...

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Religion

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Жития и похвалы святых подобятся светлостию звездам: якоже бо звезды положением на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвещают, тыяжде и от Индиан зрятся, ни сокрываются от скифов, землю озаряют, и морю светят, и плавающих корабли управляют: ихже имен аще и не вемы множества ради, обаче светлей доброте их чудимся. Сице и светлость святых, аще и затворены суть мощи их во гробех, но силы их в поднебесней земными пределы не суть определенны: чудимся тех житию, и удивляемся славе, еюже Бог угодившыя Ему прославляет. [St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when their relics are shut un...

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Religion

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Жития и похвалы святых подобятся светлостию звездам: якоже бо звезды положением на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвещают, тыяжде и от Индиан зрятся, ни сокрываются от скифов, землю озаряют, и морю светят, и плавающих корабли управляют: ихже имен аще и не вемы множества ради, обаче светлей доброте их чудимся. Сице и светлость святых, аще и затворены суть мощи их во гробех, но силы их в поднебесней земными пределы не суть определенны: чудимся тех житию, и удивляемся славе, еюже Бог угодившыя Ему прославляет. [St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when their relics are shut un...

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Religion

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Жития и похвалы святых подобятся светлостию звездам: якоже бо звезды положением на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвещают, тыяжде и от Индиан зрятся, ни сокрываются от скифов, землю озаряют, и морю светят, и плавающих корабли управляют: ихже имен аще и не вемы множества ради, обаче светлей доброте их чудимся. Сице и светлость святых, аще и затворены суть мощи их во гробех, но силы их в поднебесней земными пределы не суть определенны: чудимся тех житию, и удивляемся славе, еюже Бог угодившыя Ему прославляет. [St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when their relics are shut un...

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Religion

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Жития и похвалы святых подобятся светлостию звездам: якоже бо звезды положением на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвещают, тыяжде и от Индиан зрятся, ни сокрываются от скифов, землю озаряют, и морю светят, и плавающих корабли управляют: ихже имен аще и не вемы множества ради, обаче светлей доброте их чудимся. Сице и светлость святых, аще и затворены суть мощи их во гробех, но силы их в поднебесней земными пределы не суть определенны: чудимся тех житию, и удивляемся славе, еюже Бог угодившыя Ему прославляет. [St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when their relics are shut un...

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Religion

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Жития и похвалы святых подобятся светлостию звездам: якоже бо звезды положением на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвещают, тыяжде и от Индиан зрятся, ни сокрываются от скифов, землю озаряют, и морю светят, и плавающих корабли управляют: ихже имен аще и не вемы множества ради, обаче светлей доброте их чудимся. Сице и светлость святых, аще и затворены суть мощи их во гробех, но силы их в поднебесней земными пределы не суть определенны: чудимся тех житию, и удивляемся славе, еюже Бог угодившыя Ему прославляет. [St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when their relics are shut un...

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Religion

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A few centuries into the future, not much has changed about the basic characteristic of civilization, which is incompetence and boorishness. Wishing to end the world, the angels are left to their own devices by a God more concerned with new prototypes of bigger boobs for the next universe. Ramses, obsessed with hamster love, is selected to be the prophet of doom in a travesty of a selection process and leads humanity after much travail to Heaven. Which, as matters turn out, has been somewhat overrated. And the mysterious intergalactic race of banjo players flees on....

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By reading in this book, one develops internal observations and approaches that did not previously exist within. This book is intended for contemplation of spiritual terms. To the extent that we are integrated with these terms, we begin to unveil the spiritual structure that surrounds us, almost as if a mist had been lifted....

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The Tree of Life. Behold that before the emanations were emanated and the creatures were created, The upper simple light had filled the whole existence. And there was no vacancy, such as an empty atmosphere, a hollow, or a pit, But all was filled with simple, boundless light. And there was no such part as head, or tail, But everything was simple, smooth light, balanced evenly and equally, And it was called the Endless Light....

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An introduction to the Christian faith and the Book that instructs us in it.

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"So we see how vitally important it is when it comes to Christ to ... have FAITH! in Him."

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Preface 1 The universe - God's universe! 2 The Bible 3 God 4 Jesus 5 The Spirit of God 6 Humanity 7 Sin and salvation 8 Death - what then? 9 And so ... have FAITH! Further reading...

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Galatians is a letter from Paul of Tarsus to a number of Early Christian communities in the Roman province of Galatia in central Anatolia. Paul is principally concerned with the controversy surrounding Gentile Christians and the Mosaic Law within Early Christianity. The main theme of Ephesians is “the Church, the Body of Christ.” The Church is to maintain the unity in practice which Christ has brought about positionally. Another major theme in Ephesians is the keeping of Christ's body (that is, the Church) pure and holy. Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul circa 62 while Paul was in prison. The letter was written to the church at Philippi, one of the earliest churches to be founded in Europe. They were very attached to Paul, just as he was very fond of them. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus, their messenger, with contributions to meet the needs of Paul; and on his return Paul sent this letter with him. Written in the 50s while Paul was in prison, Colossians is similar to Ephesians, also written at this time. Colossians declares Christ's supremacy over the entire created universe and exhorts Christians to lead godly live...

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Religion

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From the One and the same Light, the entire universe came into existence. How can there be good or bad among them? Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a unique religious and philosophical treatise. It contains divinely revealed Word and is written in a simple and readily understandable language. The beauty and splendour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is that the revealed Word and reason are consistent. There are no dogmas - only universal and eternal rational beliefs and practices. The ideals, as laid down in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, are at once reasonable and desirable. These are perennial source of freedom and creativity, unique in the present day world.There are many divine messages unmistakably addressed to all mankind, which remain uniquely significant for all times, having a crucial relevance to the present time. Some of these are outlined as under....

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The Open Book presents the principles of the ancient scientific wisdom of authentic Kabbalah, along with explanations of its basic rules. Kabbalah is a practical method for transcending the limits of one's senses and acquiring a new sense that opens the gate to the Spiritual World, while still living in this world. Rav Laitman clearly explains what goes on behind the scenes in the development of one's soul and the step-by-step attainment of the Upper Worlds. For anyone who wants to understand why our lives develop the way they do, and what we should do to make them develop differently, Laitman sheds light on every stage in the corporal and spiritual life of one who wants to be exposed to this wondrous wisdom. Throughout time, man has sought answers to the fundamental questions of life: who am I? What is the purpose of my being here? Why was the world created and is there life after death. Each of us tries our best to find the answers in our own unique way and through the sources of information at our disposal. Each of us creates his or her own unique perspective on life, depending on what we discover, and the confidence we place ...

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Excerpt: But sooner or later everyone finds out that they can no longer deny reality. Humanity continuously seeks logical justification to our existence. Man has tried to inquire and interpret nature for thousands of years. Contemporary scientists have learned that the more they progress in their scientific research, the more the picture of the world that they discover becomes obscure and difficult to grasp. Contemporary science books look more and more like science fiction, but still they fail to provide us with a clear answer as to the essence of the meaning of life. The wisdom of Kabbalah, offers a clear and proven method to understand the meaning of our lives and our objective in the universe. That method focuses on the development of man?s ability to sense a hidden part of reality. The word Kabbalah stems from the Hebrew word lekabel (to receive), and it expresses man?s aspiration for higher knowledge, to feel and see the broad and real picture of the universe. Kabbalists tell us about practical methods that are based on their own personal experience. Their books convey the method to investigate the reality of that world, to at...

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Table of Contents 1 The Meaning of My Life 2 View on Evolution from the Perspective of Kabbalah 3 Reincarnation 4 Kabbalah is a Science 5 About the Structure of Creation 6 About the World 7 The Purpose of Reincarnation According to the Zohar 8 The Language of the Spiritual World 9 To Feel Another World 10 The Language of the Kabbalists 11 Four Degrees in the Development of the Desire 12 Some Thoughts 13 Freedom of Choice 14 Some Questions 15 The Aim During the Study Shortens the Time of Correction 16 The Contemporary Generation of Kabbalah 17 Introduction to the Zohar, Who is to Blame?...

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What is the source of our personal suffering and the suffering of humanity? The vicious circle of human suffering has been idly turning for thousands of years as if without cause, and with no escape. Is this really so? Today we are learning that the wisdom of Kabbalah offers both the answers and a practical way to avoid suffering and lead a wholesome and happy life. Now, the wisdom of Kabbalah is being revealed like an open book, to all people of all backgrounds. The wisdom of Kabbalah is a contemporary method that reveals how to achieve the best in life. An Interview with the Future is intended for every person who wants to learn about Kabbalah. It is clear and concise in presenting authentic Kabbalah terminology and practice that will lead one to the purpose of life....

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Preface: Part 1: A Science to Understand Reality // 1. A Hidden World // 2. Gravity // 3. The Power of a Directed desire // 4. Proper Development // 5. The sin of Creation and the Correction // A. The Sin // B. The Laws of Correction // 6. In the End of Days // 7. The Spiritual Gene and the Reshimot ......

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The second book of the Pentateuch - Exodus. Presented according to weekly parshah. Praised are You, Adonai, Our G-d, ruler of the Universe, who has made us holy with commandments and commanded us to engage in the study of Torah. (Introduction by Linette Geisel & traditional prayer. Parshat descriptions provided by Wikipedia)...

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Ancient Texts, Religion

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The first book of the Pentateuch - Genesis. Presented according to weekly parshah. Praised are You, Adonai, Our G-d, ruler of the Universe, who has made us holy with commandments and commanded us to engage in the study of Torah. (Summary by Linette Geisel and traditional prayer) Parshat descriptions provided by Wikipedia....

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Ancient Texts, Religion

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This is Perhaps the best Quran English translation. It is clear, easy to read, and very faithful to the Arabic original. It closely follows the Arabic text, and often reminds the reader of the Arabic original. It uses today's English language, and today's English vocabulary, thus it is easy to read and understand. The flow is smooth, the sentence structure is simple, the meaning is clear. This Quran translation has no interpretations, no footnotes, and no explanations. It is a pure translation of the Quran, from Arabic to English, and it does not try to emphasize any school of thought. The text purely and accurately translates the Holy Quran, from Arabic, into contemporary English. It was translated by a Muslim, who saw firsthand the miracles inside the Quran. His native language is Arabic; his everyday language is American English. For 15 years, he studied the Quran. For many years, he translated speech between his mother and his wife. For a living, he develops quality software. The Quran is the last Book from the Creator. It contains guidance, mercy, and healing. The Quran is a blessing, within reach....

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In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. 1. When the sun is rolled up. 2. When the stars are dimmed. 3. When the mountains are set in motion. 4. When the relationships are suspended. 5. When the beasts are gathered. 6. When the oceans are set aflame. 7. When the souls are paired. 8. When the girl, buried alive, is asked: 9. For what crime was she killed? 10. When the records are made public. 11. When the sky is peeled away. 12. When the Fire is set ablaze. 13. When Paradise is brought near. 14. Each soul will know what it has readied. 15. I swear by the galaxies. 16. Precisely running their courses. 17. And by the night as it recedes. 18. And by the morn as it breathes. 19. This is the speech of a noble messenger. 20. Endowed with power, eminent with the Lord of the Throne. 21. Obeyed and honest. 22. Your friend is not possessed. 23. He saw him on the luminous horizon. 24. And He does not withhold knowledge of the Unseen. 25. And it is not the word of an accursed devil. 26. So where are you heading? 27. It is only a Reminder to all mankind. 28. To whoever of you wills to go straight. 29. But you c...

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Bhagavad Gita for Dummies – A book Every Human should Read! This Book explains Bhagavad Gita (Sacred Text) given by Supreme God as Summary in English. The Human (Arjuna) had lot of Questions to Supreme God (Krishna) and he got answers from God for all those. Most of the time to understand those complex words, people giving explanations and interpretation with someone’s life. We are also very comfortable to listen them and read them, but the moment we are back to our normal life, we forget everything. This book is written for you! Considering a common man life like yours! And how to live our life as per the Supreme God’s wordings! What it offers to you: >> All the 18 Chapters of Gita in Plain English >> Interpretations with our Common life examples >> You have funny and logical questions to god; it’s there inside this book >> Guides you to self evaluate, are you ready for it? >> How far you are from your God? Check here Recommended: >> For the one, who wants to practice and experience Bhagavad Gita in Life >> For the one, who wants to understand Gita in its real essence >> For the one, who wants to understand Hi...

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Chapter 1 - The Yoga of Arjuna's Grief Chapter 2 - The Yoga of Knowledge Chapter 3 - The Yoga of Action Chapter 4 -The Yoga of Renunciation of Action Chapter 5 - The Yoga of True Renunciation Chapter 6: The yoga of Self Control Chapter 7- The Yoga of Wise Understanding Chapter 8 - The Yoga of Indestructible Brahma Chapter 9- The Yoga of Royal Secret Chapter 10- The Yoga of Divine Glories Chapter 11- The Yoga of Cosmic Form Chapter 12 - The Yoga of Devotion Chapter 13 - The yoga of the Field and it’s Knower Chapter 14- The Yoga of the Three Gunas Chapter 15 - The Yoga of Supreme Being Chapter 16- The Yoga of Divine and Demonic Chapter 17 - The Yoga of Three fold Faith Chapter 18 - The Yoga of Moksha by Renunciation Conclusion ...

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The Urantia Book (sometimes called the Urantia Papers or The Fifth Epochal Revelation) is a spiritual and philosophical book that originated in Chicago sometime between 1924 and 1955. The authorship remains a matter of speculation. The authors introduce the word "Urantia" as the name of the planet Earth and state that their intent is to "present enlarged concepts and advanced truth." The book aims to unite religion, science and philosophy, and its enormous amount of material about science is unique among literature claimed to be presented by higher intelligences. Among other topics, the book discusses the origin and meaning of life, humankind's place in the universe, the purpose of evil and suffering, the relationship between God and people, and the life of Jesus. The Urantia Foundation, a U.S.-based non-profit group, first published The Urantia Book in 1955. In 2001, a jury found that the English book's copyright was no longer valid after 1983. The English text became a public domain work in the United States, and in 2006 the international copyright expired....

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Under The Thelián Sky: Beyond the Great Unknown (updated cover)As everyone knows, God created mankind to his image (Genesis 01:27). What mankind does not know is that God did not create man on Earth, but rather on MARS! When Mars could not sustain life anymore, mankind had to escape the planet and colonized Earth. Many years later, a study was written about the survival of mankind in Sol Four (Mars) and its struggle in Sol Three (Earth). We proved to be a species that has survived wars, slavery and other forms of abuse — always holding on to our faith in God. Doctor Ajidán Edejèm, after finding out that his world was going to die, embarks in the dangerous mission to rescue as many people as possible and search for a new world. All the while, the government wants to keep everything quiet and even kill him for telling others about the unavoidable doom. “We discovered that the seismic activity is increasing and becoming more frequent causing volcanic eruptions, which increase the volume of sulfates in the atmosphere and break down Ozone. In other words, the atmosphere of this planet is bleeding into space. At the rate these p...

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This book may be downloaded from: http://www.islamicinformationcenter.info/understandingislam.pdf . This book enables its reader to thoroughly understand what Islam is. It makes strong analysis along with relevant knowledge and hundreds of quotations from the Quran, the main source of Islam. It gives answers to FAQ such as those about Islam and violence, men and women in Islam....

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1 Introduction 19 2 The General Features of Islam 20 2.1 Islam Is Based on Logic 20 2.2 Islam Is Based on Loving Allah and Being Careful of Him 22 2.3 Islam Is Comprehensive 25 2.4 Islam Is Universal 26 2.5 Islam Is Based on Peace 28 3 Belief Essentials of Islam 29 3.1 Allah -The One Real God- 30 3.1.1 Belief in God as a General Concept 30 3.1.1.1 The Concept of Belief in General 30 3.1.1.2 Islam and the Other Main Approaches Regarding God 33 3.1.1.2.1 Islam and the Atheist Approach 34 3.1.1.2.2 Islam and the Agnostic Approach 40 3.1.1.2.3 Islam and Beliefs Largely Based on Communication 41 3.1.1.3 Everyone Believes in One or More Gods, Or in Things That Correspond to the Concept of God 44 3.1.2 There Is No God But Allah: This Universe and Its Parts Are Not Absolute, There Is Only One Absolute Power 45 3.1.3 The Methodology to Understand Who Allah Is and Some Key Facts Relating to Him That We Observe in Our Universe 48 3.1.3.1 General Methodology 48 3.1.3.2 Examples 49 3.1.3.2.1 Many Similar Things 49 3.1.3.2.2 Things -Including Causality- Are Parts of Systems 50 3.1.3.2.3 The Sequential Unity 53 3.1.3.3 Thing...

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The Science of Kabbalah (Pticha) is the first in a series of texts that Rav Michael Laitman, Kabbalist and scientist, designed to introduce readers to the special language and terminology of the Kabbalah. Here, Rav Laitman reveals authentic Kabbalah in a manner that is both rational and mature. Readers are gradually led to an understanding of the logical design of the Universe and the life whose home it is. The Science of Kabbalah, a revolutionary work that is unmatched in its clarity, depth, and appeal to the intellect, will enable readers to approach the more technical works of Baal HaSulam (Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag), such as 'Talmud Eser Sefirot' and Zohar. Although scientists and philosophers will delight in its illumination, laymen will also enjoy the satisfying answers to the riddles of life that only authentic Kabbalah provides. Now, travel through the pages and prepare for an astonishing journey into the 'Upper Worlds'....

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For many centuries, the wisdom of Kabbalah was inaccessible to anyone who could not read Hebrew. Now, for the first time in the history of the Western World, readers of the English language and serious students of Kabbalah have the opportunity to learn the Wisdom of Kabbalah from the 20th Century's greatest Kabbalist, Baal HaSulam. In this text,* the student will find a systematic, graduated exposition of Kabbalah unlike any treatment found in other available texts. This text comes with a brilliant commentary by Michael Laitman, a scientist and Kabbalist who received the Tradition from that illustrious chain that includes the Ari, Baal HaSulam, and his teacher, Rabash ......

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This book – This Is My Faith – comes to highlight the first science which is Ideology in a simplified dialogue-based style. All can understand its content as it is free from complicated reasoning and difficult demonstration. Some texts have been changed for the sake of simplification as the definitions to the five Principles are also provided. Thus, here we offer you this book in the form of dialogue-based serial stories between two friends seeking only truth and knowledge....

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Hasan: I always encourage believers to ask about their religion. The Hadith says, “ask about your religion until you are called lunatic”, and there is no shame in seeking knowledge, especially when it comes to every day issues. Hasan: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most forbearing, the most courageous, the most even-handed and the most virtuous of all. He never laid a hand on a woman unless he had their tenderness, married to them or had kinship that permits it. He was the most generous so much that no penny had stayed overnight with him. He did not return home until he had satisfied the needy. He used to mend his foot-wear, patch his garments and help with house-work like chopping the meat with female members of the family (Harem). Moreover, he was the most modest. He did not look sharply at a person. He answered the requests from both the free and the slave. He accepted any gifts even it was a drink of yogurt and he rewarded them for that. He would not accept any alms. He would only get angry for the sake of Allah and not to satisfy himself. He attended funerals. He walked among his enemies unguarded. He was the mos...

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CHAPTER ONE Monotheism (At-Tawhid) CHAPTER TWO Divine justice (Al-‘Adl al-ilahi) CHATPTER THREE Prophecy (Nobowa) CHATPTER FOUR Imamate (Imamah) CHATPTER FIVE The Hereafter (Mi’ad) ...

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Why something? Why not anything? All our life, we have been bugged by the strange questions that face us, and have tried to find answers to them from the day we begin to make sense of what we see. Overall so far disconcert seems to be an instinct on a personal level. The universe is full of strange sounding ideas and unremarkable truths. Mankind’s lust for knowledge never winds up with certainty. Who created the universe? The scriptural teaching on the origin of the universe is found in fatal bible. God: The Fatal delusion. ...

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A physicist is someone who yearns to comprehend why the universe is for, but he is too absurd to comprehend it. Physics: The music of dancing atoms. ...

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This e-book is valuable to all who are considering joining a church, such as youngsters preparing for confirmation, as well as those interested to learn what Christianity is all about - including those who have grown up in a family whose traditions are rooted in a different religion. It provides a concise overview of the key doctrines, origins and history of the Christian religion and its various denominations, with a "decision tree" to help the reader choose one best suited to him- or herself; and it points to "none of the above" as an alternative if none are found believable....

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More by far, in a very low-key way Jesus let his understanding of his identity be known. He never was so crass as to stand on a soap box and announce “Listen up, I'm the Son of God!” but rather waited for those who knew him well to reach that conclusion for themselves. The most significant occasion appears in Matthew 16:13 ff, where he asks his twelve disciples who they think he is. Peter is the one who answered “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” and at once, Jesus replied “thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” That exchange is central to understanding the identity of Jesus, yet is very controversial – as we'll see below. It's a play on words. They were of course speaking Aramaic, which has fallen out of use except in a few parts of Syria, so we don't know exactly what was said – but we do have Matthew's Greek version, and the play on words is clear there. “Peter” was the disciple's name, a proper noun, Πέτρος (Petros) - and “this rock” was a noun, πέτρᾳ (petra.) To what did “this rock” refer? - Roman Catholics insist it referred to Peter as a person, and his successors as (eventua...

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1. Jesus - his ministry and identity Page 3 2. The Early Church – its growth and divisions Page 8 3. Nicea – the Establishment and the Creed Page 12 4. Schisms and the Reformation Page 17 5. Modern Denominations Page 26 6. How to Choose: the Decision Tree Page 30...

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Over centuries, The Bhagavad Gita has been considered an important spiritual guidebook and has influenced many thought leaders in human history. The Gita is conversational poetry set in an epic battlefield where a family of cousins are engaged in a war for control of a kingdom. The Lord Almighty assumes the role of a charioteer for prince Arjuna who is about to fight his cousins led by Duryodhana. The fact that this is a war between cousins and involves people related to each other immerses Arjuna in a deep remorse at the prospect of fighting his cousins, uncles, friends, teachers etc, which leads him to a decision to abdicate the war and leave the kingdom to his cousins. At this point, the Lord teaches Arjuna the need for one to confront difficult tasks in life and not run away from responsibilities as in this case, it was Arjuna's responsibility to wrest the kingdom away from his cousins who had usurped the same with dubious means. Arjuna indeed had an obligation to run a just and rightful administration. The Lord answers a series of questions that Arjuna has on the overall concept of rightful action, how to conduct them and the a...

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In this book the author expounds a system of practical methods of the spiritual self-development: starting from the entry level up to the highest ones, which lead to the complete spiritual Self-Realization through cognizing God in His Abode and Merging with Him. The book is addressed to those who want to know and to realize the meaning of their lives, to attain ultimate happiness, to find God, and to immerse in the Embraces of His Love....

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GOD AND US. STAGES OF THE SPIRITUAL PATH....5 MULTIDIMENSIONALITY OF THE UNIVERSE ....6 THE “CREATION” AND THE “END OF THE WORLD”....6 WHERE SHOULD WE SEEK GOD?.....8 HELL AND PARADISE.....9 HOW CAN WE FALL IN LOVE WITH GOD?.....9 GOD — AND DIVINE TEACHERS....10 GOD VERSUS PAGAN “DEITIES”....10 SPIRITUAL HEART AS THE ORGAN OF LOVE ....11 “BABAJI’S FORMULA”.....12 Truth.....13 Simplicity....17 Love ....18 Karma Yoga (Selfless Service)....28 Abandonment of the Lower Self for the Sake of Merging with the Higher Self.....29 PRACTICE OF THE STRAIGHT PATH.....33 Preliminary Methods ....33 Initial Methods....36 Ethic Self-Correction....36 Impressions as Food for the Soul....37 Initial Control of Emotions....37 Self-Discipline and Energy....38 Hygienic Advice....39 Hatha Yoga....39 Visualization....40 Basic Methods.....41 General Information....41 The “Cross of Buddha”....44 Warm-Up.... 44 Relaxation Asanas....45 Pranayamas....46 Psycho-Physical Exercises....46 Shavasana....48 Latihan. Baptism of the Holy Spirit....49 Cleansing of Chakras. Opening Up of the Spiritual Heart....50 Exits from the Body.... 53 ...

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Le pélerinage d'un nommé Chrétien est un roman allégorique de John Bunyan, publié en 1678. L'auteur rédigea cet ouvrage en 1675, alors qu'il était emprisonné pour avoir violé le Conventicle Act, qui punissait les personnes coupables d'avoir organisé des services religieux non autorisés et sans supervision de l'Église anglicane. Le récit rapporte les aventures de Chrétien, un homme ordinaire tâchant de se frayer un chemin depuis la Cité de la destruction jusqu'à la Cité céleste de Sion. The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come by John Bunyan (published February, 1678) is a Christian allegory. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. The allegory tells of Christian, an everyman character, who makes his way from the City of Destruction (Earth) to the Celestial City (Heaven) of Zion. (Summary from Wikipedia, adapted by Ezwa)...

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Literature, Religion

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In Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, philosopher David Hume examines whether belief in God can be rational. The work takes the form of a debate between three characters: Cleanthes, who argues that the existence and nature of God can be empirically verified; Demea, who argues that God is completely beyond human knowledge; and Philo, a philosophical skeptic widely thought to represent Hume's own beliefs. Much of the debate centers around Cleanthes' presentation of the analogical argument from design. According to this argument, the complexity and beauty of the universe can only be explained by inferring an intelligent designer, in the same way that one would infer a designer if one came across an intricately complicated machine. Philo presents several objections to this argument, with rejoinders by Cleanthes and occasional interjections by Demea. (Summary by Leon Mire)...

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Philosophy, Religion

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A collection of essays on the Hindu/Buddhist view of humankind's place in the universe. As the author says in his introduction: in these papers, it may be hoped, western readers will have an opportunity of coming into touch with the ancient spirit of India as revealed in our sacred texts and manifested in the life of to-day. Most of the essays were given as lectures before Harvard University in 1916 or before. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)...

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Philosophy, Religion, Essay/Short nonfiction

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Hinduism Today New Issued Released The July/August/September 2012 issue of our flagship magazine travels the worlds: the outside and inside worlds, that is. On the Outside Travel with us to an amazing mela just outside of Mysore, India. We did! The Hinduism Today editor attended the five-day festival in January as a chief guest of the Suttur Mutt and its spiritual head, Sri Shivaratri Desikendra. For over 1,000 years this festival has been held, drawing some 400,000 pilgrims this year. The JSS Jathra, as they call it, is part carnival, part pilgrimage, part state fair, part musical concert and part Disneyland. Our article takes you inside the event, but more importantly inside the institution that runs it. Suttur Mutt is among India's best-kept secrets, a massive institution (with education, medical and agricultural projects that are nothing short of mind-boggling) that is founded on the Lingayat/Virasaiva tradition. Enough said. Other major articles include the Sanskrit renaissance, the beleagured Afgan Hindus who are fleeing to Germany, and a new US Supreme Court ruling that will impact Hindus in important ways. On the ...

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This Novel has been written in the context of present day fast changing political scenario of the world. Most important international burning issues have been touched in this novel in the most skilful and careful manner. Shall this peace seeking world ever reach the lasting peace..? There is destruction of all anti peace world forces in attempt to convert this world into peaceful world. All nations live peacefully in the long run. People respect each other’s religious, territorial limits and social taboo. This Novel is an action and adventure based fiction and an attempt to make this world as joint peaceful global village free of discriminations of caste and racial and Islamic and non Islamic likes and dislikes. Author seems to stress upon the fact that discriminations of this sort are very fatal for the restoration of world peace. Unless this discrimination is not completely finished it is almost impossible to convert this world into one peaceful global Village. From the time this universe came into being to this time the world face perils of different hues everywhere and every time. A few super powers have divided co...

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Pantheisticon: or, the Form Of Celebrating the Socratic-Society. Divided into Three Parts. Which Contain, I. The Morals and Axioms of the Pantheists; or the Brotherhood. II. Their Deity and Philosophy. III. Their Liberty, and a Law, neither deceiving, nor to be deceived. To which is prefix'd a Discourse upon the Antient and Modern Societies of the Learned, as also upon the Infinite and Eternal Universe. And subjoined, a short dissertation upon a Two-fold Philosophy of the Pantheists, that is to be followed; together with an Idea of the best and most accomplished Man. Written Originally in Latin, by the Ingenious Mr. John Toland. And now, for the first Time, faithfully rendered into English. (Summary from frontispiece.)...

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Philosophy, Religion

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The writings listed here represent books about Soren Kierkegaard. A fragment of his work, On the Dedication to That Single Individual, has made it to the public domain. Who was Soren Kierkegaard? He was a Danish philosopher and religious author; b. Copenhagen May 6, 1813; d. there Nov. 11, 1855. His father, Michael, a clothing merchant, once cursed God when he was young. This one incident caused him so much distress that it affected him with a deep melancholy, which he transferred to poor Soren. Michael was an evil man. He tricked Soren into thinking that the whole world existed in his own living room by taking him for imaginary walks about the neighborhood, or anywhere Soren wanted to go, as long as it existed in his imagination only. Later in life, when Soren was on his own, he rarely left Copenhagen, but he did walk about the streets and greet passersby, discussing events of the day. After 6 years of “splendid inactivity” he obtained his degree in Theology from the University of Copenhagen with the submission of his thesis paper in 1841, On the Concept of Irony with Continual Reference to Socrates. Just before graduation he fell ...

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Philosophy, Religion