Mind, body, spirit Books

Book SynopsisIn August 2013 Father Spyridon took a life changing journey to the heart of Orthodox monasticism on Mount Athos. During his visit he encountered monks and hermits of the ancient Christian tradition who shared the wisdom of their lives. Journey To Mount Athos is a journey into mysticism and faith that will speak to the hearts of many.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe philosophical traditions of China have arguably influenced more human beings than any other. China has been the home not only of its indigenous philosophical traditions of Confucianism and Daoism, but also of uniquely modified forms of Buddhism. As Ronnie L Littlejohn shows, these traditions have for thousands of years formed the bedrock of the longest continuing civilization on the planet; and Chinese philosophy has profoundly shaped the institutions, social practices and psychological character of East and Southeast Asia. The author here surveys the key texts and philosophical systems of Chinese thinkers in a completely original and illuminating way. Ranging from the Han dynasty to the present, he discusses the six classical schools of Chinese philosophy (Yin-Yang, Ru, Mo, Ming, Fa and Dao-De); the arrival of Buddhism in China and its distinctive development; the central figures and movements from the end of the Tang dynasty to the introduction into China of Western thought; and the impact of Chinese philosophers ranging from Confucius and Laozi to Tu Weiming on their equivalents in the West."Trade Review'This is an amazingly well-written and helpful introduction to the topic. Systematically divided into four parts - the ontological, the epistemological, the moral and the political - it explores fundamental questions through which readers may begin to appreciate the specificity of Chinese philosophy as well as its commonality with Western philosophy. The book offers a fascinating treatment, from ancient times to the present day, of well selected Chinese philosophers, their texts and their doctrines: sometimes in comparison with the most important Western philosophers like Plato, Berkeley, Mill, Whitehead and Wittgenstein. Ronnie Littlejohn has written the best concise introductory book of its kind on the market. It does a great job in orienting undergraduate students; it will similarly prove to be of real value to general readers; and even specialists and experts in the field will gain a good deal from reading it.' - Vincent Shen, Lee Chair in Chinese Thought and Culture, University of Toronto; 'With a talented and discerning brush, this discriminating and at the same time student friendly work paints a vivid picture of the Chinese philosophical landscape. Its canvas is broad, its execution is elegant; and it is sure to serve as a welcome resource for our deeper understanding of philosophy in a global setting.' - Robin R Wang, Professor of Philosophy, Director of Asian and Pacific Studies, Loyola Marymount University, author of Yinyang: The Way of Heaven and Earth in Chinese Thought and Culture (2012); 'This work is a comprehensive and highly analytical presentation of Chinese philosophy from the earliest beginnings to the modern era. Arranged thematically in four parts, covering ontology, epistemology, value theory, and political philosophy, it is both daunting in its scope and amazing in its depth. Each section presents the basic features of the kind of philosophy in question, followed by extensive discussions and translations from relevant Chinese works, creating intrinsic connections between eras and opening a powerful vision of the intricate unfolding of Chinese thought. The book inspires and challenges while engaging and clarifying an established subject in an illuminating new light.' - Livia Kohn, Professor Emerita of Religion and East Asian Studies, Boston University; 'It is daringly ambitious to try to present in a short monograph an overview of what Chinese philosophy as a whole might bring to world philosophical conversation. Yet within a framework of questions that are recognizably philosophical, as well as global, Professor Littlejohn's refreshing thematic approach introduces readers to how Chinese philosophers of different historical periods - and associated with varied schools of thought - think, and what positions they have adopted on the nature of reality, knowledge, value, and government. Written with admirable clarity and breadth, Littlejohn's book succeeds in communicating the distinctive tenors of Chinese thought and experience. This is an invaluable resource for teaching Chinese philosophy that will interest general readers as well as students and their teachers.' - Sor-hoon Tan, Associate Professor of Philosophy, National University of Singapore

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis **THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** FEATURING A NEW CHAPTER ON COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH 'Brave and beautiful... a first aid manual for your mind.' - Adam Kay, bestselling author of This is Going To Hurt 'Very readable. Very relatable. Intensely moving but also full of practical advice.' - Alastair Campbell "I lived with it in silence. I tried to conquer it alone. And then I asked for help. It took me hitting hard, sharp rock bottom for me to truly recognize how ill I was." In OPEN, Frankie Bridge opens up about her ongoing journey from breakdown to breakthroughs and through self-loathing, hospitalization and self-acceptance. Part narrative exploration, part guide, this book will help you to understand the importance of talking and helping each other. It combines guidance and advice from the psychologist and psychiatrist who pulled her back from the brink along with their notes on her and conversations with her. This book will help people open up about their mental health and encourage us all to speak out.Afterword by Mind.'OPEN is an intimate, honest and powerful read. So personal you want to jump into the pages.' - Giovanna Fletcher, bestselling author of Happy Mum, Happy Baby'A beautiful read.' - Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2

Read more less

Book SynopsisMight it be that learning to communicate with the horse helps us to reframe the way we perceive each other and how we see ourselves? In this sequel to her book The Spell of the Horse, Pam Billinge’s exploration of the spiritual connection between horse and human unfolds in a timeless, profound way. When she follows her dream to a farmhouse in France, she is able to live alongside her herd for the first time. Here, in the heart of nature, deeper insights are revealed into the true nature of the horse and the incredible power of presence to transform. A pioneer in embodied horse-led therapy and leadership development, Pam’s story is interwoven with those of inspiring individuals and groups she has supported: from people experiencing relationship breakdown to large organisations looking for culture change; from the bereaved or lonely to the confused wishing to explore what next. Steeped in simple wisdom, the stories offer the reader a pragmatic, mindful template for personal transformation. Through the wisdom of the horse, learn how to live authentically and to engage open-heartedly with all that is.Trade Review‘Masterful, uplifting and insightful, this book has left an indelible stamp on my heart'Justin Featherstone MC; ‘This is a wonderful book full of laughter, tears, joy and compassion, it takes you on an extraordinary journey of self discovery.’ Goodreads; ‘Beautifully written, honest and authentic.’ Goodreads;‘Thought-provoking, uplifting and incredibly inspiring - a beautiful, beautiful book.’ Emily Maguire. Poet, singer, songwriter.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTantra is the Hindu-based religion which links ecstatic sexual practice with meditation and direct spiritual experience. It originated in India some 1200 years ago, when the great sacred erotic temples were built. In the West it is best known for its inspiration of tantric yoga, and its associated ritualistic forms of sex. But is tantra just about esoteric sex or does it amount to something more? This lively and original book contributes to a more complete understanding of tantra's mysteries. Without minimising its sexual dimensions, Gavid Flood argues that within tantra the body is more than just a sexual entity. It is a vehicle for the spirituality that is fundamental to people's minds. "The Tantric Body" makes an important and fascinating contribution to the study of South Asian religion, and will have strong appeal to students of South Asian cultures and societies as well as to those of comparative philosophy.

Read more less