Masters of Wisdom Series

This invaluable and engaging anthology captures the essence – and the charm – of Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862) through his writings, both formal and informal (including his journals). The Introduction and substantial Biography offer a vivid portrait of this highly influential American genius, assessing his importance in literature, politics, spirituality and the history of ideas. Then in Part One of the book, appealing extracts from his voluminous writings are presented to give a clear picture of his everyday life and his unique views on everything from Transcendent Nature to the cause of civil disobedience (in which he prepared the way for Gandhi). The prose extracts are interspersed with some of his delightful lyrical poems. Part Two presents generous extracts from Walden, an uplifting book that gives an account of living alone in a cabin on a small plot near Concord, Massachusetts, through the seasons of a single year.
The book interweaves autobiography with spiritual and political philosophy and with close observations of nature – the migrations of birds, the conflicts between red and black ants, the struggle for survival that makes winter an endurance test for so many animals. Describing his experiment in ‘home economics’ with wonderful vividness, Thoreau shows how we can live a fulfilling life of self-reliance close to nature, showing respect for all forms of life. The selection concludes with a Bibliography offering suggestions for further reading.

This unique and important anthology of Gandhi’s writings offers a judicious, manageable and appealing selection from around 50,000 pages of work published originally in approximately 100 books. Alan Jacobs’ choice includes the most telling speeches, news articles, letters, state documents and other writings, including autobiography. We gain an intimate picture of Gandhi’s education and early life, his controversial marriage, his South African struggle, his deeply held religious and spiritual principles, his lively Ashram, and his strong political views. We are also told the story of Gandhi’s momentous achievement in liberating India from British rule. The book starts with a full Introduction followed by a Biography giving us the main details of a life packed with significant incident. Part One of the selection, containing fascinating extracts detailing each period of Gandhi’s eventful life in chronological order, reads like an enthralling narrative. Part Two assembles an assortment of many of his wise and inspired sayings on a vast range of subjects, from self-rule to self-righteousness, from God to public workers. A generous listing of books for further reading is included among the endmatter.

This inspirational new book brings together the Dalai Lama’s teachings on love, peace and compassion, applying the principles of ancient Buddhist thought to contemporary issues.

An inspiring overview of the core spiritual teachings and philosophies of Osho—the world-renowned mystic who has been hailed as one of the “1,000 makers of the twentieth century” (The Sunday Times)
 
Osho is one of the best-known spiritual teachers of our time. Nearly two decades after his death in 1990, the influence of his teachings continues to grow, reaching seekers around the world. This inspiring compendium of spiritual wisdom and insight offers a way for everyone to access the enlightening message of the Buddha as Osho offers his unique take on his teachings, with a wisdom and wit that make it a wonderful read.
 
When you engage with Osho’s writing, you feel as if he is speaking to you. His conversational style is fluid and engaging—and while his acute perception often comes as a delight and a surprise—his shrewd insights will stay with you always. Whether he is discussing a complex philosophy, or the teachings of a great mystic, Osho always approaches the subject with his own distinctively irreverent, thought-provoking and inspiring perspectives.

Covering subjects including Belief, Responsibility, Relationships, Doing Good and the Power of Consciousness, this is a book that offers real insight into leading a more spiritual life now.