Worship, rites, ceremonies and rituals Books

Book SynopsisABOUT THE BOOK: The goal of biblical worship is to please God. Most of the energy in the worshiping church, however, is invested in pleasing self-the worshiper. We have it backwards! This study confronts the self-centered nature of today''s worship and challenges worshipers to think and to approach God differently. For worship leaders, church leaders, small groups, and every Christian, this book gives nine practical, biblical values to pursue as we make pleasing God our goal. These values will clear the haze surrounding the purpose of our corporate gatherings and give a new focus to the way we worship. **** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Steve Klingbeil has a passion for equipping others to use their gifts in leading worship and for helping congregations find their corporate voice. With thirty years of involvement in worship leading, he currently serves as Pastor of Worship at Liberty Bible Church in Chesterton, Indiana, and teaches classes on Christian Worship and Philosophy of Church Music as an adjunct professor for Moody Bible Institute. Steve received a Bachelor''s degree from Moody Bible Institute and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Becky have three children who don''t like to practice their musical instruments any more than he did.

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Book SynopsisIn premodern Japan, legitimization of power and knowledge in various contexts was sanctioned by consecration rituals (kanjō) of Buddhist origin. This is the first book to address in a comprehensive way the multiple forms and aspects of these rituals also in relation to other Asian contexts. The multidisciplinary chapters in the book address the origins of these rituals in ancient Persia and India and their developments in China and Tibet, before discussing in depth their transformations in medieval Japan. In particular, kanjō rituals are examined from various perspectives: imperial ceremonies, Buddhist monastic rituals, vernacular religious forms (Shugendō mountain cults, Shinto lineages), rituals of bodily transformation involving sexual practice, and the performing arts: a history of these developments, descriptions of actual rituals, and reference to religious and intellectual arguments based on under-examined primary sources. No other book presents so many cases of kanjō in such depth and breadth. This book is relevant to readers interested in Buddhist studies, Japanese religions, the history of Japanese culture, and in the intersections between religious doctrines, rituals, legitimization, and performance.

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Book SynopsisPilgrimage has been an important practice in Christianity since the fourth century, but most people''s notion of pilgrimage is one of travelling to the site of an apparition, in search of inspiration or miracles. THE ACCIDENTAL PILGRIM shows that pilgrimage is not just a relic of Catholic history, but can remain a significant practice for twenty-first century Christians today.THE ACCIDENTAL PILGRIM gives a lively overview of the history of pilgrimage and the popular pilgrim routes, exploring the mix of spiritual and other motives that have inspired pilgrims both past and contemporary. It then explores how people both inside and outside the Church can rediscover pilgrimage within twenty-first century culture. Illustrated throughout, and written by one of the UK''s most popular theologians, THE ACCIDENTAL PILGRIM is a compelling invitation to all on the journey of faith.Trade ReviewTHE ACCIDENTAL PILGRIM is a welcome read for those of us who identify more with Chaucer's characters than the holier-than-thou crowd. Maggi Dawn's honest portrayals of her journey from tourist to pilgrim encourage me to keep walking along my own unique and crooked pilgrim path. * Becky Garrison, author of Jesus Died For This? A Satirist's Search for the Risen Christ *... [written] in a beautiful style that feels like a warm knife through butter * The United Church Observer *Part autobiography, part travelogue, part spiritual journal, part theological reflection, this book is an entire treat! In it Maggi Dawn guides us to places both spatial and spiritual that we have never been before and helps us to see ourselves and the world around us with fresh eyes. * - Paula Gooder, Canon Theologian of Birmingham and Guildford Cathedrals and author of This Risen Existence: The Spirit of Easter *This lovely spiritual memoir of one woman's gradual discovery of what it means to be a pilgrim is an ideal companion for a new year. * Woman Alive *This book is a triumph of determination to see God at all times and in all places, and to recognise the voice which calls us on despite ourselves. -- Sarah Cawdell * The NEWSpaper *

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Book SynopsisA classic book on the spiritual rhythms of the Earth, from the unique insight and wisdom of Evelyn Capel.Trade Review'I have always loved everything I've read by Evelyn Capel -- most of which is sadly out of print. She is one of those rare people who can not only understand the nature of things on many levels, but she also has a warm heart and conveys this deep and penetrating understanding as though her heart was speaking to yours.'-- Bob and Nancy's Bookshop, www.waldorfbooks.com'A wonderful companion to read through the cycle of the year. Very readable!'-- Rafael Foundation, www.naturallyyoucansing.com

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Book SynopsisThe first study to analyse the leadership of the hajj in the formative period between the 7th and 10th centuries, assessing the pilgrimage from a political perspective. Shedding new light on the understanding of dynastic politics; the succession process and the definition of the poiltical entity that was the early caliphate.Trade ReviewEndorsements: 'The history of the pilgrimage to Mecca stands out as the most important understudied topic in Islamic history, particularly for the pre-Ottoman period. M.E. McMillan has written an impressive foundational study covering the Rashidun and Umayyad periods. Hopefully it will inspire further work of an equally high standard.' Richard W. Bulliet, Professor of History, Columbia University "The Hajj is central to the Muslim experience and yet the history of this great institution has been very little studied. This book provides a valuable and fascinating insight into the experience of the Hajj in the early Islamic period and how the leadership of the pilgrims came to acquire a major political importance in the Umayyad caliphate. This new approach will be of great interest both to historians of the early Islamic world and those who want to understand the evolution of this great religious event." Hugh Kennedy, professor of Arabic, School of Oriental and African StudiesTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgements 13 Introduction: The Politics of Pilgrimage 15 1. The prophet's precedent: the farewell ?ajj of 10/632 The Prophet and The Pilgrimage 19 The Rituals of the ?ajj 21 The Meaning of Mecca for the Muslim Community 25 2. Following in the prophet's footsteps: the era of the rightly guided caliphs Table 1 29 Abu Bakr: Leadership of the ?ajj and the Nature of Authority in Islam 32 'Umar and 'Uthman: The ?ajj as a Channel of Communication 35 'Ali b. Abi ?alib: All Roads Do Not Lead to Mecca 39 The ?ajj as a Platform for Rebellion 41 Conspicuous by Their Absence: Who Did Not Lead the ?ajj 43 3. Mu'awiyah b. abi sufyan: a new regime and a new ?ajj policy Table 2 45 Mu'awiyah and Leadership of the ?ajj 47 Political Choreography: The ?ajj of the Caliph's Successor Son 51 The Ruling Family and Leadership of the ?ajj 54 Leading the ?ajj by Proxy: The Governorship of Medina and the Politics of Martyrdom 56 Conspicuous by Their Absence: Who Did Not Lead the ?ajj 60 4. The caliphate in transition: the ?ajj as a barometer of political change Table 3 63 Yazid and Leadership of the ?ajj: The ?aram as an Ideological Battleground 65 Ibn al-Zubayr: Rebel or Ruler? 70 10 The meaning of mecca Alternative Uses of the ?ajj: The ?aram as the Centre of an Information Network 73 The ?ajj of 68 AH: A Platform for Rebellion 75 5. The return of the umayyads and the reintroduction of the sufyanid ?ajj policy Table 4 77 A Tale of Two Holy Cities: Mecca, Jerusalem and the ?ajj 79 The ?ajj of 72 AH: A Barometer of Political Change 81 Restoring Precedent: The Caliph's Victory ?ajj of 75 AH 84 The Issue of Succession: The ?ajj Seasons of 78 AH and 81 AH 86 The Governors of Medina and Leadership of the ?ajj: The Sufyanid Model Revisited 89 6. A house dividing: the successor sons of 'abd al-malik: al-walid and sulayman Table 5 95 Power and Patronage: The Caliphal ?ajj of 91 AH 97 Following in His Predecessors' Footsteps: Al-Walid's Succession Policy and Leadership of the ?ajj 100 Following in His Predecessors' Footsteps II: Al-Walid's Governors of Medina and Leadership of the ?ajj 102 The Caliphal Pilgrimage of 97 AH: ?ajj and Jihad in the Same Year 106 The Politics of Protest: Sulayman's Governors of the Holy Cities and Leadership of the ?ajj 110 7. 'Umar ii and yazid ii: a different approach to the ?ajj Table 6 115 'Umar II: A ?ajj Policy Based in the ?ijaz 116 Yazid II: Another ?ajj Policy Based in the ?ijaz 119 'Umar II, Yazid II and Leadership of the ?ajj: Some Unanswered Questions 123 8. The last of a line: hisham b. 'abd al-malik Table 7 127 Restoring Precedent: The Caliphal ?ajj of 106 AH 130 The ?ajj of the Heir Apparent in 116 AH 134 contents 11 The ?ajj of the Would-Be Heir Apparent in 119 AH 136 Keeping it in the Family: Hisham's Governors of the Holy Cities and Leadership of the ?ajj 139 All Roads Lead to Mecca: The ?ajj as a Platform for Rebellion 141 9. The third and final generation: al-walid ii to marwan ii Table 8 143 The ?ajj of 125 AH: The Politics of Reprisal Revisited 145 The ?ajj of 126 AH: The Search for Umayyad Unity 149 The Ongoing Search for Umayyad Unity: The ?ajj Seasons of 127 AH and 128 AH 153 The ?ajj Seasons 129 AH to 131 AH: Power Slips Away 155 10. Summary: the meaning of mecca Power and Patronage at the Pilgrimage 161 Governing Islam's First Cities and Leadership of the ?ajj 162 The Politics of Protest: Alternative Uses of the ?ajj 164 The Politics of Pilgrimage 165 Appendix A: The Sources and Their Challenges 167 Appendix B: Further Reading on the ?ajj and the Umayyads 177 Bibliography 183 Index 191

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the salience of neo-traditionalism in Anglo-American Muslim communities, by tracing the scholarship and impact of the key public pedagogues (shaykhs) associated with this phenomenon Hamza Yusuf, Abdal Hakim Murad, and Umar Faruq Abd-Allah.Trade Review"Addressing the phenomenon of Islamic 'neo-traditionalism', Dr Quisay skilfully analyses not only the positions of its most prominent advocates and acolytes, but also the larger epistemological and ethical contexts in which it has developed. She brings out clearly the aspirations, as well as the disillusionment associated with these efforts to re-enchant the world." -Charles Tripp, SOAS University of London

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Book SynopsisThe first illustrated, architectural history of the 'Alid shrines, increasingly endangered by the conflict in Syria

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a fresh perspective on religious culture in the medieval Middle East. It investigates the ways Muslims thought about and practiced at sacred spaces and in sacred times through two detailed case studies: the shrines in honour of the head of al-Husayn (the martyred grandson of the Prophet), and the holy month of Rajab.

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Book SynopsisWith an all-pervading sermon theme of social, national and political unity, Elisabeth zdalga explores how long-standing religious rituals are utilised and mobilised in the formation of modern political loyalties and national identities.Trade Review"Through a meticulous examination of the Friday sermons, Elisabeth zdalga analyses the public role of religion in Turkey from containment by the secular state to instrumentalisation by the Islamist government. This is a most valuable contribution to our understanding of state-religion configurations in modern Turkey." -Dr. Sami Zubaida, Emeritus Professor of Politics and Sociology at Birkbeck, University of London

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Book SynopsisThis full-color photo gift book that turns chart-topping contemporary gospel music into Bible-based devotions is a three-way blessing for readers: a perfect companion to favorite gospel recordings, an encouraging daily devotional and a unique photo collection.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the true meaning of Christmas through the seven words God spoke to seven different people around the time of Christ's birth, bringing hope and change to our world for eternity.In Seven Words of Christmas, bestselling author and pastor Robert Morris explains each word of prophecy: an inspired utterance of a prophet, the words of God through man. He illustrates the story of Jesus surrounding the word, and applies the prophecy to our modern lives. Find the words of:* Salvation through Zacharias,* Favor through Mary,* Blessing through Elizabeth,* Guidance through Joseph,* Joy through the Shepherds,* Redemption through Anna, and* Peace through Simeon.Even now, thousands of years later, the eternal Word of God has numerous applications to modern life. This Christmas, discover salvation, blessings, peace, and more with Pastor Morris.

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Book SynopsisMartín Prechtel’s experiences growing up on a Pueblo Indian reservation, his years of apprenticing to a Guatemalan shaman, and his flight from Guatemala’s brutal civil war to life in the U.S. inform this lyrical blend of memoir, cultural commentary, and spiritual call to arms. The Unlikely Peace at Cuchumaquic is both an epic story and a cry to the heart of humanity based on the author’s realization that human survival depends on keeping alive the seeds of our “original forgotten spiritual excellence.”   Prechtel relates our current state of ecological crisis to the rapid disappearance of biodiversity, indigenous cultures, and shared human values. He demonstrates how real human culture is exterminated when real (not genetically modified) seeds are lost. Like plants that become extinct once their required conditions are no longer met, authentic, unmonetized human cultures can no longer survive in the modern world. To “keep the seeds alive”—both literally and metaphorically—they must be planted, harvested, and replanted, just as human culture must become truly engaging and meaningful to the soul, as necessary as food is to the body. The viable seeds of spirituality and culture that lie dormant within us need to “sprout” into broad daylight to create real sets of cultures welcome on Earth.

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Book SynopsisMany of the Christian festivals traditionally draw imagery and symbolism from the northern hemisphere seasons. Christmas is often described as a light in the darkness of winter, and Easter reflects the new life emerging in spring. Rudolf Steiner also offered various descriptions of the relation of the festivals to seasons.This has led some to suggest that Christian festivals in the southern hemisphere should be celebrated at opposite times of the year: for example, celebrating Christmas in June, or Easter in September. Is that really what Steiner was suggesting?This insightful book thoroughly reviews all of Steiner's words on the subject, as well as the writings of other anthroposophical thinkers. Steiner shared cosmic, spiritual imaginations for the northern hemisphere, and in this book Martin Samson develops a useful equivalent guide for the southern hemisphere, as well as closely studying the liturgy of The Christian Community and its seasonal prayers.From his research, he concludes that the essence of Christian festivals works at the same time for the whole earth, but take on subtly different nuances through the opposite seasons.Trade Review'Martin's book gave me many valuable insights and gave rise to very stimulating questions. He sets the material out clearly so that we can base our judgements on an overview of the factors involved.'-- Perspectives‘A welcome publication, therefore. Timely too [...] The book could well lift the on-going discussion to a new level.’-- New View

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Book SynopsisThe date of Easter is different every year. Not only does the date change because Easter is always on a Sunday, but also because it's always the date of the first full moon after the spring equinox. That means it can be anytime between March 22 and April 25.Some people have argued that we should fix the date of Easter each year -- to the first or second Sunday in April -- so that school term dates, for example, could be consistent and predictable.This book explores the significance of keeping Easter as a movable festival. Based on his research into the importance of rhythm for human health and wellbeing, physician Walter Bühler demonstrates a profound connection between the complex rhythms of the sun and the moon and the historical events of Christ's death and resurrection. He argues that, in the same way the rhythm of day and night is reflected in waking and sleeping, celebrating Easter on a different date each year reflects the deep connection and harmony between human beings and the rhythms of the cosmos.Trade Review'Bühler's book is short and easily read. […] He provides however, a firm foundation from which to understand the temporal aspect of Easter, and leaves us to develop our own understanding of the event further. […] The alterable date of Easter reflects the organic nature of the universe, and our part in it.'--Revd. Luke Barr, Aberdeen‘Walter Bühler’s book does not attempt any theology. But it is concerned with understanding the temporal aspect of Easter. For this he provides a firm foundation, and leaves us to develop our own understanding of the event further. He wishes to draw attention to the significance of the fact that Easter does not possess temporal rigidity.’-- Revd. Luke Barr for Perspectives 'the question of whether or not the date of Easter should be fixed has been raised by the Coptic Pope Tawadros II, after discussions with Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch. The publication is therefore timely.'--Lambeth Palace'It is perhaps typical of our own age to emphasise practicality over symbolism and spirituality, but this book redresses the balance.'--Scientific and Medical Network Review

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Book SynopsisThrough his work as a physician, Karl König explored the relationship between the rhythm of the seasons, the Christian festivals, thinking in particular about their effect on human beings and communities. This fascinating collection of König's essays, lectures and notes looks at the cycle of the year and the different aspects of all the Christian festivals, from Easter to the Twelve Holy Days of Christmas. König discusses the idea that human beings can derive inner strength from festival celebrations through an active social life and participation in community, and also that a strong, healthy community life relies on the celebration of festivals.Trade Review'This collection is full of deep insights and draws together many strands of philosophy, natural science and history with knowledge of anthroposophy. It is a collection to which those who are following a path of self-development through the yearly cycles of seasons and festivals can return to again and again.'-- New View'Here is a book to treasure[...]. Dr Konig helps us to try to understand the true nature of the festivals through delving into his own inner experiences and bringing them to light in clear images that can inspire us to live within the real meaning of these important events that illuminate our physical and spiritual year.'-- Camphill Correspondence'This is necessary because we would completely and utterly forget the existence of a spiritual world if we cease to celebrate and understand the reality of festivals. And to that understanding this book offers a most valuable contribution.'-- Perspectives

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Book SynopsisThis ground-breaking book contains contributions from 12 different religious traditions: Hinduism, African Traditional Religion, Judaism, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Shintoism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Unitarianism and Bahá'í. Interfaith worship and prayer can be complex, but this book demonstrates that in a world of many cultures and religions, there is an urgent need for religions to come together with trust and communication, especially when there is a crisis. Full of insights and examples of practice, the book demonstrates how religions can be a powerful means of unity and compassion. The book opposes the 'clash of civilisations' model as a way of interpreting the world and promotes peace, hope, and the possibility of cooperation. Religious believers can be sincere and committed to their own faith, while recognising the need to stand firmly together with members of other religious traditions.Trade ReviewThis book will be an invaluable resource for teachers and also religious leaders as they seek to show common ground shared by religions, whilst not undermining the central claims of the different traditions. It is also provides an excellent way of beginning to understand alternative perspectives other than one's own. -- Dr Peter Vardy was Vice-Principal of Heythrop College, University of London and is a well-known philosopher of religionThose of any theological position will find this an excellent resource in thinking about and planning for worship or prayer involving people of different faiths. The contributors cover an unusually wide range of material, and the practical suggestions they offer are sensible, balanced and achievable. -- Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of LichfieldSome theologians find good reasons to say why it is difficult to pray together. This book condenses some striking arguments why it is indispensable to do it anyway. A unique collection of interfaith perspectives to meet in love and face the divine. -- Rabbi Walter Homolka PhD PhD DHL, Professor of Modern Jewish Thought and Interreligious Dialogue School of Jewish Theology at the University of Potsdam GermanyA fascinating guide to the variety of approaches to worship, both within and between different faith traditions, as well as the possibilities and limitations of interfaith worship. What is clear is that the human need for inspiration and assurance from The Divine is universal. -- Princess Badiya el Hassan, Princess of JordanThis is a timely book which will serve as a handbook for those exploring the possibilities of interfaith worship. As the book's subtitle has it we must pray together, in other words coming together to pray in today's world is no longer an optional extra but a practical imperative. In the book representatives of twelve major world faith traditions give detailed, scholarly and personal explanations of how interfaith worship is understood and practised within their faith groups. Interfaith Worship and Prayer is an invaluable guide to those hoping to deepen their spiritual connection with people of other religions. It does not suggest that interfaith encounter is always easy, the writers and the reflective sections contributed by the editors highlight many of the difficulties encountered as we pray together. But taken altogether it is a clear sighted and open exploration of how followers of different religions can learn to worship together that deserves to find wide useacross all faith communities. -- Rev Dr David Steers, Editor, Faith and FreedomAll who envision a peaceful future for the humanity with rich spiritual life must explore ways to build harmony among diverse faith communities that now encounter one another in all parts of our globalized world. Sadly, the encounters often turn into occasions for tensions. This timely collection of essays by scholars and followers from diverse faith traditions of the world invites readers to reflect creatively on the urgent need of our times to turn encounters into dialogs. With a focus on the most active manifestation of faith - worship - and with organizational principle of respect, the book opens windows to the worlds of many religious communities with whom the reader will feel inspired to pray, standing in their own place but being a part of a symphony. Pragmatic and accessible, the book offers an invaluable resource for teachers, students, and indeed all world citizens to cultivate understanding of perspectives other than their own. A highly recommended collection! -- Neelima Shukla-Bhatt, Associate Professor of South Asia Studies, Wellesley College, Wellesley MATable of ContentsForeword - TBC; 1. Introduction - Dan Cohn-Sherbok, University of Wales;2. The argument for interfaith prayer and worship - Christopher Lewis, Oxford University;3. Hinduism PART I: - Divine Unity and Human Solidarity. A Hindu Perspective on Praying Together - Anantanand Rambachan, St. Olaf College, Minnesota; PART II: The Devil in his skirt - Shaunaka Rishi Das, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies;4. African Traditional Religion PART I: - Nokuzola Mndende, University of Free State (UFS) and Icamagu Heritage Institute for African Traditional Religion, South Africa; PART II: Joint worship ceremonies of Africanists and Christians in the Kingdom of Swaziland - Hebron L Ndlovu, University of Swaziland; 5. Judaism PART I: Aaron Rosen, King's College London, UK; PART II: Alan Brill, Seton Hall University, USA;6. Jainism PART I: Praying Together in an Atmosphere of Interfaith Harmony - Vinod Kapashi, Mahavir Foundation, London, UK; PART II: Interfaith Involvement of Jains - Natubhai Shah, Jain Network, UK;7. Buddhism PART I: Buddhism and Prayer - Bogodo Seelawimala, London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain; PART II: Issues for Buddhists in Interfaith Settings - Vishvapani Blomfield, Wales, UK;8. Zoroastrianism PART I: Moving forward through Prayer and Worship together - Jehangir Sarosh, Religions for Peace; PART II: Behram Deboo, Zoroastrian Society of Washington State, USA and Maneck Bhujwala, Zoroastrian Associations in Southern and Northern California, USA;9. Shintoism PART I: Yoshinobu Miyake, International Shinto Studies Association (ISSA), Japan; PART II: Yasuhiro Tanaka, Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-jinja Shrine, Japan;10. Christianity PART I: Hugh Ellis, Council of Christian-Muslim Relations and Wycombe Refugee Partnership, UK; PART II: Interfaith prayer - Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Claremont School of Theology USA; PART III: Marcus Braybrooke World Congress of Faiths; 11. Islam PART I: Praying with others - Ibrahim Mogra, University of Leicester and De Montfort University, UK; PART II: Monawar Hussain, Eton College, Windsor, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The Oxford Foundation, UK; PART III: Inclusivist Islam - Usama Hasan, Quilliam, London, UK12. Sikhism PART I: Sikh Response towards Interfaith Worship and Prayer - Pashaura Singh, University of California, Riverside; PART II: Collective Effervescence - Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, Colby College, USA; PART III: Sikhism Exploration: a personal glimpse into interfaith learning - Lucy Soucek, USA13. Unitarianism PART I: Feargus O'Connor, St Albans Unitarians and Golders Green Unitarians, London.; PART II: Unitarian Universalist Interfaith Worship and Prayer - Jay Atkinson, Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California14. Baha'I PART I: The Perspective of one Baha'I - Wendi Momen, University of Derby, UK; PART II: 'Consort with all Religions with amity and concord' - George Ballentyne, Leicester City Council, UK15. Concluding Reflection - Alan Race, Executive Chair of the World Congress of Faiths, UKBiographical Notes on ContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisFunerals are among the most important life events in Western society, and fashioning a personalized ceremony for yourself or for a loved one is often the most meaningful way to celebrate the life of the deceased. For those wanting non-religious or secular funeral ceremonies, this step-by-step guide begins by identifying what you want from the funeral and showing how you can make it happen. With sections on society's views of mortality, our need for rituals and crafting the actual ceremony, this guide provides the tools and philosophy to understand, plan and tailor a funeral for individuals. Includes all the tools necessary for the creation of a ceremony, such as a Ritual Profiles, checklists, and many other handy resources.Trade ReviewJeltje Gordon-Lennox has captured every conceivable aspect of what makes a meaningful funeral ritual, and condensed it into an easily digestible and enjoyable format to read. It's hard to imagine you would need another resource than this one. It has everything, and it's so well done. -- Kyle Tevlin, I Want a Fun FuneralA modern and comprehensive guide for navigating the complex emotions and multitude of tasks related to the death of a loved one. Jeltje's practical approach includes a "ritual profile" and other thoughtful tools that help mourners bridge the gap between the past and the future by creating meaningful, healing and authentic experiences through the power of ceremony and ritual. -- Linda Stuart, Life-Cycle Celebrant, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaI find this book incredibly helpful as I return to parish ministry after a decade away. I can throw away my antiquated funeral resources and just use the creative process offered by Jeltje Gordon-Lennox. -- Rev. Sara G. Armstrong, Montezuma Valley Presbyterian ChurchInevitably, we all pass away. Whether the funeral we need to prepare is 2 months or 20 years away, or for ourselves or someone who died leaving no instructions, most of us are at a loss to know what to do. Jeltje slips her hand into yours and accompanies you, step by step, through the process of crafting rituals that honour life and relationships. This guide fills a huge void. It is equally useful for the deeply religious, those who claim no religion and those somewhere in-between. -- Suzanne P. de Boer, Educational Consultant for children with special needs, Modesto, California, USAEven young children understand the importance of commemorating a death with others. A friend and I once buried a baby bird that had fallen from its nest. We marked the spot with a lily and precious drops from our ice cream cones. With humility and care, this book brings us back to the authenticity of early funeral rituals. -- Mia Mohr, artivist with a transatlantic group of artists and lives in Talca, ChileTable of ContentsRitual Toolbox: List of Tools with Their Icons; List of Figures; Foreword by Margaret Holloway; Acknowledgements; Preface; Part I - MortaliTy; 1. My Death Waits; a) Notes on last wishes; 2. Gone Too Soon; a) Notes on ritual profile and strategy; Part II - our need for ritual; 3. The Sense of Ritual; a) Notes on repackaging ritual; 4. Preplanning Makes Sense; a) Seven destressing techniques; b) Questionnaire on my ritual profile; c) Coronach will; d) Inventory on ritual profilefor funerals; Part III - Crafting theceremony; 5. Planning the Ceremony; a) Toolbox for the planning phase; b) Notes on the pillars of ritual design; 6. Creating the Ceremony; a) Toolbox for the creating phase; b) Notes on rules for ritual design; 7.Realizing the Ceremony; a) Toolbox for the realizing phase; b) Notes on funerals for sensitive situations; Part IV - the FUTURE OF THE DeaD; 8. New Mourning; Glossary; Resources; a) Notes on mortality, illness and dying; b) Notes on solace for the bereaved; References; Index

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Book SynopsisJapanese Buddhist Pilgrimage explores the ritual practice of "circulatory pilgrimages" - the visiting of many temples in a numbered sequence. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel such temple routes, seeking peace of mind, health and wellbeing for themselves and others as the benefits of such meritorious endeavour. This form of pilgrimage appears to be unique to Japan. The practice began centuries ago and involved visiting 33 temples devoted to the Bodhisattva Kannon, spread widely over western Japan. Soon afterwards the equally famous pilgrimage to 88 temples on Japan's fourth island of Shikoku came into prominence. This is the first comprehensive study of all the major and many of the minor routes, The book also examines how the practice of circulatory pilgrimage developed among the shrines and temples for the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, and beyond them to the rather different world of Shinto. The varying significance of the different pilgrimages is also explored. In addition to all the information about the routes, the book includes numerous illustrations and examples of the short Buddhist texts chanted by the pilgrims on their rounds.Trade Review'A fascinating work which should prove an enduring resource in the study of Japanese religions and pilgrimage studies more generally. It is well-written, highly informative and based on much first-hand observation and hard-to-obtain Japanese sources.' Professor Brian Bocking, University College CorkTable of ContentsPreface 1. Introduction 2. Going Round to Visit Kannon-Sama 3. The Shikoku Pilgrimage 4. More Buddhist Routes 5. Going Round to Other Divinities 6. The Pilgrim's Transaction 7. The Meaning of Japanese Buddhist Pilgrimage 8. General Conclusions

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Book SynopsisThis full-colour book offers a unique insight into labyrinths in the UK and wider, combined with Di's own stunning photography. It begins with a potted history of the labyrinth and hints for walking one, shares personal reflections and stories from the labyrinth and explores the variety of settings in which labyrinths are now to be found. It includ

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