Shiva

Shiva PDF Author: Vanamali
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620552493
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 171

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Book Description
The traditional understanding of Shiva told through stories and teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana • Explains Shiva’s contradictory forms, such as destroyer or benefactor, and how his form depends on the needs of the devotee • Reveals how Shiva’s teachings allow one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life • Explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya Shiva, the most ancient and complex deity of the Hindu pantheon, has been portrayed in many contrasting lights: destroyer and benefactor, ascetic and householder, wild demon slayer and calm yogi atop Mount Kailash. Drawing from the Hindu sacred text the Shiva Mahapurana--said to be written by Shiva himself--Vanamali selects the essential stories of Shiva, both those from his dark wild side and those from his benevolent peaceful side. Vanamali discusses Shiva’s many avatars such as Shambunatha and Bhola, as well as Dakshinamurti who taught the shastras and tantras to the rishis. She explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Examining Shiva’s acceptance of outsiders, Vanamali explains why ghosts and ghouls are his attendants and why his greatest devotees are demon kings, like Ravana. She includes famous Shiva stories such as the Descent of the River Ganga and Churning the Milky Ocean as well as those that reveal the origin of the festival of lights, Diwali; his creation of the cosmic couple, or hierogamos; and how Shiva and Parvati taught the world the secrets of Kundalini Shakti. The author also draws upon Shaivite teachings to illustrate the differences between Western science and Vedic science and their explanations for the origins of consciousness. Integrating Shiva’s two sides, the fierce and the peaceful, Vanamali reveals that Shiva’s form depends on the needs of the devotee. Understanding his teachings allows one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life, for Shiva is the wielder of maya who does not fall under its spell. While Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles, Shiva is the remover of tears.

Shiva

Shiva PDF Author: Vanamali
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620552493
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 171

Get Book Here

Book Description
The traditional understanding of Shiva told through stories and teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana • Explains Shiva’s contradictory forms, such as destroyer or benefactor, and how his form depends on the needs of the devotee • Reveals how Shiva’s teachings allow one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life • Explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya Shiva, the most ancient and complex deity of the Hindu pantheon, has been portrayed in many contrasting lights: destroyer and benefactor, ascetic and householder, wild demon slayer and calm yogi atop Mount Kailash. Drawing from the Hindu sacred text the Shiva Mahapurana--said to be written by Shiva himself--Vanamali selects the essential stories of Shiva, both those from his dark wild side and those from his benevolent peaceful side. Vanamali discusses Shiva’s many avatars such as Shambunatha and Bhola, as well as Dakshinamurti who taught the shastras and tantras to the rishis. She explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Examining Shiva’s acceptance of outsiders, Vanamali explains why ghosts and ghouls are his attendants and why his greatest devotees are demon kings, like Ravana. She includes famous Shiva stories such as the Descent of the River Ganga and Churning the Milky Ocean as well as those that reveal the origin of the festival of lights, Diwali; his creation of the cosmic couple, or hierogamos; and how Shiva and Parvati taught the world the secrets of Kundalini Shakti. The author also draws upon Shaivite teachings to illustrate the differences between Western science and Vedic science and their explanations for the origins of consciousness. Integrating Shiva’s two sides, the fierce and the peaceful, Vanamali reveals that Shiva’s form depends on the needs of the devotee. Understanding his teachings allows one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life, for Shiva is the wielder of maya who does not fall under its spell. While Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles, Shiva is the remover of tears.

Harivamsha

Harivamsha PDF Author: Bibek Debroy
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 9386057913
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 618

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Book Description
A gorgeous, lucid rendering of the majestic conclusion to the Mahabharata As an epilogue to the greatest epic of all time, the Harivamsha further elaborates on the myriad conflicts of dharma and the struggle between good and evil. Stories abound—from the cosmogony of the universe to the legends of the solar and lunar dynasties and even a foreshadowing of kali yuga in the future. At the centre of all these magnificent tales is the mercurial figure of Krishna, whose miraculous life and wondrous exploits are recounted with vivid detail. In offering a glimpse into Krishna’s life—as a mischievous child, as an enchanting lover, as a discerning prince—this luminous text sheds light on many questions left unanswered in the Mahabharata. Brimming with battles and miracles, wisdom and heroics, philosophical insight and psychological acuity, Bibek Debroy’s splendid translation of the Harivamsha is absolutely essential reading for all those who love the Mahabharata.

Hanuman's Tale

Hanuman's Tale PDF Author: Philip Lutgendorf
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198042205
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 449

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Book Description
Hanuman, the devoted monkey helper of Rama and Sita, has long been recognized as a popular character in India's ancient Ramayana epic. But more recently he has also become one of the most beloved and worshiped gods in the Hindu pantheon - enshrined in majestic new temples, but equally present in poster art, advertising, and mass media. Drawing on Sanskrit and vernacular texts, classical iconography and modern TV serials, and extensive fieldwork and interviews, Philip Lutgendorf challenges the academic cliché of Hanuman as a "minor" or "folk" deity by exploring his complex and growing role in South Asian religion and culture. This wide-ranging study examines the historical evolution of Hanuman's worship, his close association with Shiva and goddesses, his invocation in tantric ritual, his physical immortality and enduring presence in sacred sites, and his appeal to devotees who include scholars, wrestlers, healers, politicians, and middle-class urbanites. Lutgendorf also offers a rich array of entertaining stories not previously available in English: an expanding epic cycle that he christens the "Hanumayana." Arguing that Hanuman's role as cosmic "middle man" is intimately linked to his embodiment in a charming and provocative simian form, Lutgendorf moves beyond the Indian subcontinent to interrogate the wider human fascination with anthropoid primates as boundary beings and as potent signifiers of both Self and Other.

Destiny Vs Karma (Free-Will)

Destiny Vs Karma (Free-Will) PDF Author: S. Prakash
Publisher: Notion Press
ISBN:
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 239

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Book Description
This book is an attempt to understand Destiny (Cosmic-will) vs Karma (Free-will) through DNA mapping of lineage from Past Life Karma with the mythological stories of Puranas and derive the Karma Philosophy from the Bhagwad Geeta. The Author has tried to explain this concept astrologically also with Dridha, Adrigha karma and DridhAdhridha Karma through Prashna Kundali. This book will also help decode the subtle meaning of Past Life Karma in a Horoscope of a Native with a unique technique of spiritual astrology through with a fusion of Karmic astrology. This book is your everyday friend, philosopher, and guide that explain the secret language of stars through Mythology. It extracts the hidden Karmic meaning out of it and helps find the root cause of Karmic debts through Astro Mythology. Therefore, Karmic Astrology is a method of interpreting your birth chart to access coded information and unlock the mystery of life.

Indra: The Saga of Purandar

Indra: The Saga of Purandar PDF Author: Ashutosh Garg
Publisher: Manjul Publishing
ISBN: 9389647754
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 316

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Book Description
“Let there be unprecedented floods in Vraj!” roared Indra. “Deluge them! I want every single person of this foolish little village to drown and die! Let them pay for offending Purandar, the mighty Indra – the king of Devlok!” The world considers Indra to be the name of the king of the Devas. However, not many people know that Indra is not a name. It is a title, an appellation accorded to one who rules over Devlok, the realm of the Devas. In each Manvantar (the 14th fraction of a Kalpa), a new king is appointed to the throne of Devlok, who is then called “Indra”. The “Indra” of the current Manvantar is “Purandar”. Purandar―the son of Kashyap and Aditi―ascended the throne of Devlok because of certain remarkable traits he had and some grand accomplishments he achieved. However, his appalling misdeeds diminish his glory and consequently, he could never garner the respect and obeisance that a king of Gods would otherwise command! Unfortunately, Indra himself seemed oblivious to the many blots on his character and appeared concerned only about keeping his throne. To maintain his claim over it, he repeatedly abused his power and supremacy, and remained totally unrepentant of his incessant misdemeanours. Several interesting but lesser-known events and anecdotes have been interwoven into this compelling tale to bring out the capricious yet imposing personality of Indra, presenting a completely fresh facet of Puranic mythology. It is a pleasant experience to read the brilliant analysis of Puranic tales through Ashutosh’s charismatic writing! ―Ashok Chakradhar, Padma Shri awardee author, litterateur and poet

Mystic Tales

Mystic Tales PDF Author: MICHAEL A. LAWRENCE
Publisher: Notion Press
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
Glacier and Thuunderbolt are on a dangerous quest to rid Shadowia of Blackheart, an evil sorcerer whose plan is to steal the souls of every living being in order to become a god. The two warriors' journey into the unforgiving wilds of Shadowia are riddled with dark forces, forbidden alliances, and a shocking secret that will stun the hardened duo in shock and disbelief. What has been in darkness shall come to the light . . .

Land of the Golden River

Land of the Golden River PDF Author: Brenda E. F. Beck
Publisher: FriesenPress
ISBN: 1927453607
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 433

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Book Description
A Journey through Story to Poṉṉivaḷa Nāḍu: An Ancient Tamil Kingdom This remarkable epic-length legend presents a rich and well-rounded view of local South Asian folk history, masterfully interwoven with many social themes and multiple layers of religious tradition. The text provides a lively read and can be enjoyed by students of all backgrounds and levels. This richly decorated oral telling combines numerous poetic songs with direct conversations and detailed narrative passages. The descriptive segments help to advance a broader story trajectory, leading the reader towards a long-foretold, yet still surprising, conclusion. In 1965 a highly respected troubadour duo, C. Rāmacāmi of Erucaṇampāḷayam, and his nephew Paḷaṇicāmi, sang this magnificent legend in front of a live South Indian village audience. It took them eighteen nights to complete this tale! Weeks later the senior performer, Rāmacāmi, patiently dictated this same story to a local assistant who was working for the translator at the time. The text was meticulously written down by hand, phrase-by-phrase, over many days. Both bards wanted to preserve a story they knew in their hearts was truly unique and sacred. Each gave the present collector permission to share the words of this tale. They wanted the whole world to learn about a great legend they had themselves spent years learning. This story is about the potential for social renewal and those two singers believed it could better the lives of all who listened to it. Fifty-five years later, following in in the footsteps of these two men, their enthusiasm has now born fruit in a book they had both hoped for but could never have written themselves.

Shiva's Own Story

Shiva's Own Story PDF Author: K. Chandra Sekhar
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency
ISBN: 1609764250
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 803

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Book Description
The 'Brihakatha', or Lord Shiva's narrative to his wife Parvati, is featured in Gunadhya's epic composition 'Katha Sarita Sagara' in Sanskrit. Somadeva's adaptation retains the storyline, with Lord Shiva substituting for Lord Kubera, the God of Wealth. C H Tawney, blending pure Hindu mythology with Buddhist and tantric beliefs, translated the story into English as The Ocean of a Story, which runs 12 volumes and includes footnotes. Shiva's Own Story is a condensed version of Tawney's work. The setting of the stories is India in the 10th and 11th centuries, when the country was composed of many small kingdoms and fiefdoms. There was no dearth of monarchs with dynastic ambitions. The king was usually advised by an intelligent and devoted Brahman minister. The heir apparent, the crown prince, had a circle of friends, mostly sons of the king's ministers, who became part of the cabinet when the prince became king. Intrigue was rife and matrimonial alliances were often a strategy to expand the kingdom. In a country where illiteracy is still formidable, storytelling is a means of promoting and propagating religious and moral culture.

Govind Pai

Govind Pai PDF Author: Neerkaje Thirumaleshwara Bhat
Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
ISBN: 9788172015404
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 126

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Book Description
On the works of Manjeshwar Govind Pai, 1883-1963, Kannada litterateur; includes brief biography.

Purana Riddles

Purana Riddles PDF Author: Premyogi vajra
Publisher: Premyogi vajra
ISBN:
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
In olden times, physical science was beyond the understanding of common people, then how could they understand the subtle and transcendental science like Kundalini Yoga. That's why the knowledge of Kundalini Yoga was known only to a few selected people of the affluent class. They wanted the common people also to attain it, because only human beings have the right to spiritual liberation. But they were not successful in explaining Kundalini Yoga to them directly. That's why they molded Kundalini Yoga in the form of allegorical and mythological stories, so that people would read them with interest, due to this, gradually, they got inclined towards Kundalini Yoga. The collections of those stories became the Puranas. By reading those Puranas Kundalini started developing inside people unknowingly. This made them happy, due to which they got addicted to Puranas. People's attraction towards such ancient texts since then till today's modern age seems to be due to this Kundalini-Anand. The one whose mind was sharp among the people who read and listened to Puranas, he used to wake up his Kundalini quickly by catching Kundalini Yoga. In this way, Puranas have been doing immense service to humanity since ancient times. Similarly, in the olden days, mystical teachings were not directly revealed to public. That's why they have been explained in the form of metaphor, that's why many such vidyas are also called Guhya vidyas. Therefore, through allegorical stories, Tantra would have been indirectly put into the subconscious mind of the people, and would have been hoped that in the future it would be decoded and deserving people would benefit from it. The treasure was secured in a sort of secret cave, leaving the map of the cave of knowledge as a labyrinthine puzzle in the form of an allegory. Mythical investigative campaigns shown in films are psychological attempts to express this mysterious mechanism. That's why such movies are very popular. Metaphors give materiality, simplicity, interestingness, sociability and scientificity to spiritual subjects. Without it, spirituality would have been very boring. Many people oppose metaphors with a variety of quirks. It is considered conservatism, fanciful imagination etc. Of course it may seem so in today's scientific age, but in ancient times, metaphors have benefited mankind a lot. If in place of Shiva it is said to be formless Brahman, then it would be so boring. Where is that sweetness in the word brain and Sahasrar, which is obtained by writing Himalaya Mountain and Kailash Mountain in their places respectively? Similarly, the word Kundalini also does not sound as interesting as Mother Parvati or Sita appears in its place. Nevertheless, for the acceptance of today's so-called modern and intelligent society, reality has to be written while revealing the spiritual metaphor. Metaphors cannot replace scientific truth. Metaphors have no mathematics of their own. Metaphors are made only to explain the truth, which are based on scientific phenomena. It means to say that a metaphysical phenomenon became a metaphor, not that a metaphysical phenomenon happened out of a fabricated metaphor. The sages who create such good metaphors cannot be forest dwellers, as is the misconception in many places. They were the most elaborate and fabricated people in worldliness. There are many beautiful allegorical stories in the Puranas. The art of depicting different parts of the mind as different persons is of great importance in allegorical narratives. All Puranas seem to describe Kundalini Yoga in a mythological and metaphorical way. I think that while telling the story, along with the original story, the mystery of the metaphor given in it should also be decoded. Listeners will get more benefit from this. Although some people more propelled by nonlogical right brain like pure metaphor. It is the matter of liking. If we talk about the minor damage inflicted by unrevealed metaphor, it would have been that people would not have come to know what metaphor is and what is real. The present book is made in this context, which analyzes the metaphors of Puranas scientifically and logically. While not writing much, I pause with the hope that the present book will come true to the aspirations of the Yoga-loving and spirituality-loving readers.