Considered one the four canonical texts of the Hindu religion, known collectively as "The Vedas", "The Rig Veda" is one of the most important works of Hindu scripture. The work is a collection of poems, sayings, prayers, and origin myths. Written sometime between 1700-1100 BCE, "The Rig Veda" is one of the oldest works of the Indo-European languages. The hymns included in the collection are dedicated to various deities in Hindu mythology, including...

My first acquaintance with the Gita began in 1888-89 with the verse translation by Sir Edwin Arnold known as the Song Celestial. On reading it, I felt a keen desire to read a Gujarati translation. And I read as many translations as I could lay hold of. But all such reading can give me no passport for presenting my own translation. Then again my knowledge of Sanskrit is limited, my knowledge of Gujarati too is in no way scholarly. How could I then...

Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, and fillest it ever with fresh life. This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through it melodies eternally new. At the immortal touch of thy hands my little heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to utterance ineffable. Thy infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass,...

Ancient words of the Buddha ("awakened one") that can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. The Dhammapada ("Path of the Buddha's Teachings") is a daily inspiration for millions of Buddhists all over the world and for people of all spiritual traditions who have been impressed by its beauty and power. These words-believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself over 2,500 years ago-contain most of Buddhism's central teachings. Originally...

“The Lotus Sutra”, Shakyamuni Buddha's highest teaching, explains that all people-regardless of gender, social status or education-can uncover the Buddha nature they inherently possess. Based on this empowering and compassionate sutra, Nichiren Daishonin revealed the supreme practice for the modern world. Now, in clear, down-to-earth terms, SGI President Ikeda and SokaGakkai Study Department leaders Katsuji Saito, Takanori Endo and Haruo Suda...

The "Mahabharata" tells the narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes who are part of it. Along with the "Ramayana" it is one of two Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The authorship of the work is generally attributed to Vyasa, who is also a major character in the epic. Intermixed within the descriptions of conflict between the warring factions of this epic are numerous philosophical digressions and discussions...

The most powerful Hasidic teachings made accessible-from some of the world's preeminent authorities on Jewish thought and spirituality. While Hasidic tales have become widely known to modern audiences, the profound spiritual teachings that stand at the very heart of Hasidism have remained a closed book for all except scholars. This fascinating selection-presented in two volumes following the weekly Torah reading and the holiday cycle, and featured...

Sokei-an translated the Record of Lin-chi (Lin-chi lu) from 1931 to 1933, in his first series of lectures. He felt that Americans needed original Chinese Zen source materials, translated and commented upon by a Zen master, and there were no such materials in those early days. Sokei-an was the first Zen master to translate the Record of Lin-chi and to give a commentary in English to Western students. The real historic value of Sokei-ans Lin-chi is...

Service of the Heart: A Guide to the Jewish Prayer Book is an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced practitioners of Jewish prayer. In this insightful book, the author offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the Jewish prayer book, unraveling its rich tapestry of rituals, liturgy, and spiritual significance. With clarity and depth, the book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the origins and meanings behind the...

“The Talmud” is filled with knowledge, inspiration, and insights that enrich all facets of Jewish life. Yet many are intimidated by the thought of studying its text, and their hesitancy prevents them from experiencing the wisdom of its words. In this new volume, Rabbi Judith Abrams takes readers with her on a journey through one volume of the Talmud, offering reassuring guidance and making it meaningful and accessible to all. “The Talmud for...