Wisdom Traditions

'The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.' Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) was one of the most influential philosophers of the 19th century because his humanistic, atheistic, if pessimistic views chimed with a new secularism that was emerging from a Western society dominated by religion. Despite his rather forbidding image (and a few outdated views), he is one of the most approachable German philosophers, and this is certainly evident in these two key works, The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims.

In this fascinating book, New Yorker business columnist James Surowiecki explores a deceptively simple idea: Large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant–better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future...

Preparing to Die is for anyone interested in learning how to prepare for death from a Buddhist perspective, both spiritually and practically. It is also for those who want to learn how to help someone else who is dying, both during the time of illness and death as well as after death.

In a fast-paced, rapidly changing world, children struggle to cope with the sheer multiplicity of stimuli and expectations. It could get overwhelming for the still-developing minds of the young. How do we get them to pause for a moment? What will help them take on challenges calmly? Swami Mukundananda explains that one way to create a positive environment is to introduce ancient Hindu verses in everyday life. Learning to recite the shlokas and mantras equips children with timeless wisdom that shapes their character.

The Vedic scriptures, the Upanishads are a 5000-year-old esoteric, intriguing, mystical body of work which carries within it the seed of divine, transcendental knowledge. We live in a world wherein yoga now reigns supreme as the preferred, go-to method of modern spiritual realization, and this unique, exclusive, audio presentation by Bhakti Yogi H. G. Jagannatha Dasa paves the way for a clearer, more meaningful understanding of the powerful, enlightening yoga system.

In this audio edition of her book Wisdom Walk, Sage Bennet beautifully outlines the central rituals and teachings from nine of the world's great spiritual traditions, making them accessible without diminishing them, while exploring the essential beliefs of each tradition. Wisdom Walk provides a simple, easy-to-follow guide for bringing the world’s spiritual traditions into your own life through practical, powerful rituals.

Wit and Wisdom is a collection of stories that emphasizes friendship, leadership, teamwork, compassion, love and emotional intelligence.

The co-editors of Gnosis magazine explore the many esoteric traditions that Western culture has to offer. While terms from Eastern spiritual practices such as Zen, mantra, and karma have become part of our daily lexicon, the traditions of Western spirituality have been largely unexplored by people searching for non-mainstream routes to spiritual experience. But for those who identify with Western culture, Western religious traditions have their own wisdom teachings that are more suitable to their needs and expectations.

It goes unappreciated by modern Egyptologists, but it is embraced by those who savor the concept of a “hidden history” of humanity, and those who approach all human knowledge from the perspective of the esoteric. Gerard Massey’s massive Ancient Egypt: The Light of the World–first published in 1907 and the crowning achievement of the self-taught scholar–redefines the roots of Christianity via Egypt, proposing that Egyptian mythology was the basis for Jewish and Christian beliefs.

More than just a beautiful paradise, Hawai'i has a rich culture, deeply rooted in tradition. Native Hawaiian and cultural expert Kainoa Daines has spent many years teaching visitors to the islands about this time-honored wisdom, and now he has teamed up with journalist Annie Daly to share that knowledge with you. Island Wisdom is an inspirational and rewarding journey through traditional Hawaiian teachings that have stood the test of time, from how to be pono (live a balanced life) to how to mālama 'āina (preserve and protect the land).

"Drawing on resources as diverse as Sufism, Benedictine Monasticism, the Gurdjieff Work, and the string theory of modern physics, Cynthia Bourgeault has crafted her own unique vision of the Wisdom way in this very accessible book, nicely balanced between concept and practice." (Gerald May, senior fellow, Shalem Institute, and author, Addiction and Grace and Will and Spirit)

Bacon published this interesting little work in 1609. It contains thirty-one fables abounding with a union of deep thought and poetic beauty. In most fables he explains the common but erroneous supposition that knowledge and the conformity of the will, knowing and acting, are convertible terms.

Here, Cosimo proudly presents Book 7 of Ancient Egypt, in which Massey explains how Egyptian wisdom–which greatly concerns itself with matters of the womb and birth, water, and the offspring of gods–was appropriated by the Hebrew holy books, and explains how the Hebrew account of creation is a clear repetition of Egyptian mythology.

Embark on a captivating journey to mystical realms with A Beginner's Guide to Celtic Mythology and uncover the enigmatic legends, powerful deities, and magical landscapes that define this tradition. Each chapter introduces a different facet of Celtic mythology, guiding you through the labyrinthine tales that have fascinated generations. From deciphering the pantheon of gods and goddesses to unraveling the symbolism of animals and the mysteries of Druidic magic, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of this society's mythos.

World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder is a collection of folktales told in a weave of poetry, prose, original melody, and guitar. Drawn from cultures around the globe, these colorful tales offer a leap into fantasy and some homespun wisdom passed down through the oral tradition.

"Down in Thomasville, Alabama, a long time ago...." Kathryn Tucker Windham's mellifluous Southern voice guides us by words alone through a town where a parrot sings along with the doxology at church and the telephone operator can tell you anything you need to know.