Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  The Lost Art of Being Lost

  Roger Wheelock

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  "A wonderful ramble across worlds that really don't exist anymore. Filled with enormous charm and rare insight." - Michael Elcock 
  "At once wise, thoughtful, intimate, wistful, and loving...(with) much human goodness, a good helping of miracles, and more than a few luminous moments. It is also a cry for reflection on the state of the natural world, and a call to action. Generous and exuberant." Colin Browne

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  Parikrama - A Journey of Deity...

  Yashomatinandana Dasa

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  Parikramā means pilgrimage. This book is a compilation of all the places of Pilgrimage in Europe, Prayag, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Navadvipa, Jagannatha Puri and Vrindavana that I have personally visited. In these specific places are unique and wonderful deity forms of Kṛṣṇa called arca-vigraha. It is to contemplate, remember and deepen the connection to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord, whom I worship in the form His arca-vigraha, or bonafide Deity form.  
  The beautiful Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (11.27.44-45) describe the festival of Deity Worship: 
  “Singing along with others, chanting loudly and dancing, acting out My transcendental pastimes, and hearing and telling stories about Me, the devotee should for some time absorb himself in such festivity. The devotee should offer homage to the Lord with all kinds of hymns and prayers, both from the Purāṇas and from other ancient scriptures, and also from ordinary traditions. Praying, “O Lord, please be merciful to me!” he should fall down flat like a rod to offer his obeisances.” 
  Deity Worship, or Arcana, is a festival for the senses, because one can see the Supreme Lord, touch His Lotus Feet, dress Him, feed Him and offer everything to Him. Especially recommended for the neophyte, Deity Worship goes hand-in-hand with the other eight limbs of devotional service, namely hearing, chanting, remembering, serving His lotus feet, offering prayers, being a servant, making friends and surrendering everything for the pleasure of the Lord. 
  Writing about Kṛṣṇa is also sravanam, kirtanam, Kṛṣṇa Smaranam, and it helps to grasp the unlimited beauty of the Lord. In 2023/24 I already compiled a book about ARCANA, Deity Worship, while being trained as a Vedic priest. This freely available book is meant for the pleasure of my Guru, Śrīla Prabhupāda and everyone who can't make the journey to Śrīdhāma Māyāpur to learn the science of Bhakti-Yoga.

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  Ancient Australia - The World of...

  Lillian Brooks

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  Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest and most complex systems of human existence, stretching back over 60,000 years in Australia. The richness of this culture is woven through the landscape, the traditions, the language, and the deep spiritual connections the people have with the land. Far from a singular or homogeneous entity, Aboriginal culture is an intricate tapestry made up of diverse languages, customs, and belief systems that reflect the uniqueness of the many nations that have inhabited Australia for millennia. 
  At the heart of Aboriginal culture lies an unbreakable connection to Country. The concept of Country extends beyond mere geography; it encompasses the land, the waterways, the plants, the animals, and even the ancestors that reside within it. This intimate relationship shapes all aspects of life, from spiritual beliefs to daily practices. For Aboriginal people, their land is not simply a place to live, but a living entity that provides, sustains, and is cared for in return. This relationship is integral to the way Aboriginal communities structure their lives, making respect for and care of the environment a fundamental principle. 
  The Dreamtime, or the time of creation, forms the bedrock of Aboriginal spirituality and cultural practices. It is in this time that ancestral beings shaped the land, the people, and the laws that govern life. These stories, which are passed down through generations, guide and influence the way Aboriginal people live, ensuring their survival and cultural continuity. The Dreamtime is not a distant past but a present reality, interwoven with the lives of modern Aboriginal peoples.

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  Mughal Empire - The Taj Mahal...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Mughal Empire emerged as one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Indian history, leaving a lasting impact on culture, architecture, and governance. Its foundation was laid by Babur, a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan, who established Mughal rule in the early 16th century. Babur's military prowess and strategic vision enabled him to defeat the Delhi Sultanate in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. This victory marked the beginning of Mughal dominance in the Indian subcontinent. However, Babur’s reign was short-lived, and it was his grandson, Akbar, who truly solidified the empire’s foundation. 
  Akbar ascended the throne at a young age and quickly proved himself to be an exceptional leader. His reign, which lasted from 1556 to 1605, was marked by territorial expansion, administrative reforms, and a commitment to cultural and religious harmony. Unlike previous rulers, Akbar recognized the diversity of India and sought to integrate different communities into his empire. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, promoted interfaith dialogue, and appointed talented individuals from various backgrounds to key positions in his administration. His policy of religious tolerance and inclusive governance earned him the loyalty of many, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the empire. 
  One of Akbar’s most remarkable achievements was the establishment of an efficient administrative system. He divided his empire into provinces, each governed by appointed officials who reported directly to the central authority. This system ensured effective governance and facilitated tax collection, trade, and law enforcement. Additionally, Akbar introduced a standardized revenue system that helped regulate the economy and promote agricultural growth. His emphasis on merit-based appointments created a well-organized bureaucracy that endured long after his reign.

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  Cheras Dynasty - Tamil Maritime...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Chera dynasty, one of the three great Tamil dynasties of ancient South India, played a crucial role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the region. Their rule, spanning centuries, witnessed the flourishing of trade, literature, and governance, laying the foundation for Kerala’s distinct identity. Emerging during the Sangam Age, the Cheras established themselves as a dominant force in Tamilakam, with their influence extending beyond the Western Ghats into the Indian Ocean trade networks. 
  The origins of the Cheras remain shrouded in legend and early Tamil literary references. Sangam literature, including works like the Pattinappalai and Akananuru, speaks of mighty Chera kings who ruled with valor and wisdom. The dynasty’s association with Vanji (also known as Karur) as their capital city highlights their strategic control over the fertile lands of present-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The geographical advantage of their kingdom, with access to the Arabian Sea on the west and the lush inland regions, enabled the Cheras to engage in extensive maritime trade. 
  The early rulers of the Chera dynasty established their power through military conquests and strategic alliances. One of the most celebrated kings was Uthiyan Cheralathan, considered the first known historical Chera ruler. He is mentioned as a patron of poets and a formidable leader who controlled trade routes. His successors, Nedum Cheralathan and Senguttuvan Chera, further expanded the empire. Senguttuvan, famously associated with the Silappadikaram, a great Tamil epic, is credited with the introduction of the Pattini cult, honoring Kannagi, a symbol of justice and womanhood. His military campaigns against northern kingdoms and his patronage of Tamil culture reinforced the Chera dynasty’s prestige.

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  Mesoamerican Capitals - Cities...

  Rolf Hedger

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  From the mist-shrouded valleys of central Mexico to the glimmering highlands of Colombia, the ancient Americas witnessed the rise of extraordinary urban centers that would shape the destiny of countless generations. In "Mesoamerican Capitals: Cities of Stone and Gold," we embark on a journey through time to explore four of the most influential civilizations that rose to prominence long before European contact transformed the Western Hemisphere. 
  These weren't merely settlements but complex metropolitan hubs—centers of innovation, artistry, and power that rivaled their Old World contemporparts in sophistication and grandeur. Teotihuacan, with its monumental Avenue of the Dead and towering pyramids, once housed over 125,000 inhabitants in a masterfully planned cityscape that influenced cultures throughout Mesoamerica. The Toltec capital of Tula stood as a beacon of military might and cultural refinement, establishing patterns of rulership and religious practice that would echo for centuries. Monte Albán, crown jewel of the Zapotec civilization, commanded the valleys of Oaxaca from its mountain perch, while the Muisca Confederation created a network of urban centers across the Colombian highlands, their wealth in gold becoming the stuff of legend. 
  These weren't simply places where people gathered—they were the physical manifestations of worldviews, cosmologies encoded in stone and adobe. Each represented distinct approaches to urban planning, governance, and the relationship between the sacred and the profane. Their rulers wielded power through combinations of divine authority, military prowess, and control of vital trade routes that connected distant regions through complex networks of exchange. 
  As you turn listen to this book, you'll discover how these remarkable urban centers functioned as crucibles of innovation, where art, architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and religious thought flourished in distinctive ways.

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