The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios


Book Description

This powerful memoir tells the story of a Greek youth who, out of a desire to know the truth empirically, began to experiment in yoga, hypnotism, and various occult techniques. Eventually drawn back to the faith of his forefathers - Orthodox Christianity - he visited the ancient monastic republic of Mount Athos in his native Greece, where he was brought to a knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ by the saintly Elder Paisios (1924-1994). Nevertheless, believing he had only found "part of the truth" on the Holy Mountain, he chose to give the "same opportunity" to Hindu yogis that he had given to Elder Paisios and other Orthodox monks. Thus, at the age of twenty-five, he embarked on a trip to India, where he undertook his search in the ashrams of three famous gurus, one of whom was worshiped as a god. His experiences in India, along with his subsequent encounters with Elder Paisios on Mount Athos, are recounted in the present book in vivid detail. This book is a page-turning narrative of both outward adventures and inward struggles. What stands out most, however, is the radiant image of Elder Paisios, possessed of divine gifts, laboring in prayer for his fellow man, and overflowing with unconditional love. Through this, one sees the uncreated Source of the elder's love and of the author's spiritual transformation : the true God-man Jesus Christ, who honors man's personal freedom while drawing him, through love, into everlasting union with Himself. --from back cover.




The Human Icon


Book Description

Despite the history that divides them, Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity have much in common. In The Human Icon, Christine Mangala Frost explores how both religions seek to realise the divine potential of every human being, and the differences in their approach. Frost, who has experienced both the extraordinary riches and the all-too-human failings of Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity from the inside, is perfectly placed to examine the convergences and divergences between the two faiths. Inspired by a desire to clear up the misunderstandings that exist between the two, The Human Icon is a study in how two faiths, superficially dissimilar, can nevertheless find meeting points everywhere. The powerful intellectual and spiritual patristic traditions of Orthodox Christianity offer a rare tool for revitalising too-often stalled dialogue with Hinduism and present the chance for a broader and more diverse understanding of the oldest religion in the world. Tracing the long history of Orthodox Christianity in India, from the Thomas Christians of ancient times to the distinctive theology of Paulos Mar Gregorios and the Kottayam School, Frost explores the impact of Hindu thought on Indian Christianity and considers the potential for confluence. With a breadth of interest that spans Hindu bhakti, Orthodox devotional theology, Vedanta and theosis, as well as meditational Yoga and hesychastic prayer, Frost offers a fresh perspective on how the devotees of both faiths approach the ideal of divinisation, and presents a thoughtful, modern methodology for a dialogue of life.




Death of a Guru


Book Description

Rabindranath R Maharaj was descended from a long line of Brahmin priests and trained as a Yogi. He meditated for many hours each day, but gradually disillusionment set in. In DEATH OF A GURU he describes vividly and honestly Hindu life and customs, tracing his difficult search for meaning and his struggle to choose between Hinduism and Christ. At a time when Eastern mysticism and religion fascinate many in the West, Maharaj offers fresh and important insights from the perspective of his own experience. DEATH OF A GURU has long been an excellent seller on HCB's backlist. It is the best-known Hindu to Christianity conversion story and has been used widely for evangelistic purposes. This edition carries an exciting new cover.




The Disciple


Book Description

In this new novel by the New York Times bestselling author, Stephen Coonts, Iran is weeks away from acquiring nuclear weapons and has every intention of using them to strike first— only Tommy Carmellini and Jake Grafton can stop a nuclear nightmare Iran is much closer to having operational nuclear weapons than the CIA believes, and Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has a plan. Iran will become a martyr nation, and Ahmadinejad will lead the united Muslims of the world in a holy war against the non-believers. But the Americans have a secret weapon in a group of Iranian dissidents, including a brother and sister determined to avenge the death of their beloved grandfather at the hands of the religious police. They are funneling information to Carmellini. They want to stop the attack before their leader launches a new world war. But will the U.S. government believe the information they are providing, and can the Americans prevent the Israelis from taking matters into their own hands, which could prove disastrous? Returning to the kind of military and espionage story that made Cuba one of his most successful novels, Coonts weaves an unforgettable tale of men and women at war, with the sort of dramatic military action and undercover technology for which Coonts is known.




His Broken Body


Book Description

A comprehensive, objective, scholarly and yet easy-to-read presentation of the differences, both historical, theological and liturgical between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The ideal complement (or even antidote) to such books as Upon this Rock; Jesus, Peter and the Keys; Two Paths; The Primacy of Peter; etc. Discusses Peter's Primacy and Succession, Ecclesiology, Infallibility, the Filioque, Celibacy, etc.




Can Themba


Book Description

Mahala's biography gives insight into the life and writing of Can Themba (1924–1967), an iconic figure of the South African literary world and Drum journalist who died in exile This rich and absorbing biography of Can Themba, iconic Drum-era journalist and writer, is the definitive history of a larger-than-life man who died too young. Siphiwo Mahala's intensive and often fresh research features unprecedented archival access and interviews with Themba's surviving colleagues and family. Mahala’s biography takes a critical historical approach to Themba’s life and writing, giving a picture of the whole man, from his early beginnings in Marabastad to his sombre end in exile in Swaziland. The better-known elements of his life – his political views, passion for teaching and mentoring, family life and his drinking – are woven together with an examination of his literary influences and the impact of his own writing (especially his famous short story 'The Suit') on modern African writers in turn. Mahala, a master storyteller, deftly follows the threads of Themba's dynamic life, showcasing his intellectual acumen, scholarly aptitude and wit, along with his flaws, contradictions and heartbreaks, against a backdrop of the sparkle and pathos of Sophiatown of the 1950s. Can Themba’s successes and failures as well as his triumphs and tribulations reverberate on the pages of this long-awaited biography. The result is an authoritative and entertaining account of an often misunderstood figure in South Africa's literary canon.




The Mountain of Silence


Book Description

An acclaimed expert in Christian mysticism travels to a monastery high in the Trodos Mountains of Cyprus and offers a fascinating look at the Greek Orthodox approach to spirituality that will appeal to readers of Carlos Castaneda. In an engaging combination of dialogues, reflections, conversations, history, and travel information, Kyriacos C. Markides continues the exploration of a spiritual tradition and practice little known in the West he began in Riding with the Lion. His earlier book took readers to the isolated peninsula of Mount Athos in northern Greece and into the group of ancient monasteries. There, in what might be called a “Christian Tibet,” two thousand monks and hermits practice the spiritual arts to attain a oneness with God. In his new book, Markides follows Father Maximos, one of Mount Athos’s monks, to the troubled island of Cyprus. As Father Maximos establishes churches, convents, and monasteries in this deeply divided land, Markides is awakened anew to the magnificent spirituality of the Greek Orthodox Church. Images of the land and the people of Cyprus and details of its tragic history enrich the Mountain of Silence. Like the writings of Castaneda, the book brilliantly evokes the confluence of an inner and outer journey. The depth and richness of its spiritual message echo the thoughts and writings of Saint Francis of Assisi and other great saints of the Church as well. The result is a remarkable work–a moving, profoundly human examination of the role and the power of spirituality in a complex and confusing world.




Memories of Nine Years in 'Akká


Book Description

Here is the translation of Khátirát-i-Nuh-Sáliy-i-'Akká, the memoirs of Dr Youness Afroukhteh who served 'Abdu'l-Bahá as His trusted secretary and interpreter from 1900-1909. These were difficult years when the Master was imprisoned in the city of 'Akká, His every move subject to misrepresentation by the Arch-breaker of the Covenant and his associates, and even His life in danger. At the same time the period saw the victories of the construction of the Shrine of the Báb and the House of Worship in 'Ishqábád, and the rise of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh in the West. This important record, published in 1952 on the instructions of Shoghi Effendi, has been described as 'pre-eminent among those works dealing with the history of Covenant-breaking'. At the same time it chronicles the daily life in 'Akká of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and of the little band of devoted believers whose chief joy in life was to be of service to Him; it also describes the pilgrimages to 'Akká of many eminent early Western Bahá'ís including Thomas Breakwell, Hippolyte Dreyfus, Lua Getsinger and Laura Barney, the compiler of Some Answered Questions. Over those nine years Jináb-i-Khán (the title by which Dr Youness Afroukhteh was honoured by 'Abdu'l-Bahá) served the Master in 'Akká as secretary, translator, envoy and physician. His account of some of the most significant events of the period, his graphic and stirring pen-portraits of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and the description of his own emotions - all expressed in a lively and at time mischievous language of humour and wit - make this volume uniquely memorable.




Beyond Kaliyug


Book Description

Why do people kill for religion? Why do Muslim Refugees in Europe kill their host populace? Why do people cry for the implementation of a religious order (Sharia) in a host country, when they have fled a country ruled by Sharia?How do we deal with terrorism?Is there a hope for humankind or is this Kaliyug the end of all?This book points to a possible bright future that we may have.Sometime in a previous dark age (Kaliyug), the Hindu or Vedic system created a cycle that could support 33 crores humans or 330 million human beings and brought in the last Sat Yug (Golden age). This was followed by other ages or yugas and there is an ancient belief that humanity travels in a cycle, which is characterized by the Sat yug (or Golden age), Treta Yug (or � golden age), Dwapar yug (or � Golden age) and finally the Kaliyug (from � golden to near complete darkness or a dark-age). This book presents in layman terms the concept of the four Yugas.The book will shock you at times and you may be in disagreement with many things said in this book. But that is the purpose of this book. It has to challenge you (at least in some small way) into thinking about things differently.From SatYug onwards, each Yug is a gradual 25% decline. SatYug from 100% to 75%, Treta yug from 75% to 50% and Dwapar from 50% to 25%, and finally the Kaliyug from 25% to almost total darkness. We never come to total darkness as there are many societies and each is in their own smaller cycles. And then there is this move from near 0% to 100%! BAM! From Kaliyug to SatYug!This book focuses on some key principles that will take us from the present Kaliyug to the next Sat Yug. To study the transition to Sat yug, we study the dark age and some of the forces that pull society to the dark age. These forces and their impact can be mapped in a dark age map (of each society). This map shows the net impact of the dark forces in a society.Then there are also some people who are in a Golden age or Sat Yug. So the net effect is always never allowing humans to go to total darkness. But an area that is in a SatYug can be impacted by dark forces. We can draw a parallel to terrorist attacks in peaceful neighbourhood's. We also see some concepts to stop the terrorist incidences in Europe and America being presented here. These may themselves seem radical steps, but times are radical.The Kaliyug is finally a phase when we move from the near darkness to the golden age. And there are many points of time that are good 'points' to start this transition. The earliest appearing from anywhere within the next 200 years.By following certain guideline principles, human society can grab this opportunity to leapfrog into the next Sat yug.This book is a positive outlook at those possibilities.




On the Masons and Their Lies


Book Description

In this second edition of "On The Masons And Their Lies," ex-Mason Michael Witcoff breaks down Masonic philosophy line-by-line and point-by-point. Drawing from Albert Pike's "Morals And Dogma" and the thoughts of other 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Masons, Witcoff compares Masonic Ideology, Theology, Christology, Soteriology, sacraments and more to what is found and transmitted through the ages by the Holy Orthodox Church of Jesus Christ. Beginning with the story of his joining Freemasonry - and how the Holy Spirit eventually guided him out of it - Witcoff details the "4 Satanic Deceptions" which Masonic philosophy uses to draw the mind, heart, and soul of man away from the light of Jesus Christ. If you are a Mason concerned with the state of your soul and your place in the Kingdom Of God, then it is the author's sincerest hope and prayer that this book reveals God's truth and helps you untangle the web of Masonic deceit. It is written as a resource for priests, pastors, Christians and Masons who seek a fuller understanding of what each system teaches - and whether the two are truly compatible. By the time you're done reading this book, you'll know far more about Freemasonry than most of its own members do...and if you're a Christian buying this for someone you love, it just might be exactly what they need to see in order to save them from falling into grave sin and error.