Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text in the practice and philosophy of yoga, composed by the sage Patanjali around the 2nd century BCE. The work is a collection of 196 aphorisms or sutras, which are concise statements designed to convey complex philosophical ideas in a succinct and memorable form.

Vigyan Bhairava Tantra

The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, a key text in Kashmir Shaivism, is translated as ‘The Science of Divine Consciousness.’ It features a dialogue where the god Shiva, in his fierce form Bhairava, answers his consort Parvati’s inquiries about reality by offering 112 meditation techniques to transcend ordinary consciousness and realize supreme reality.

Dhammapada

The Dhammapada is a revered Buddhist scripture, consisting of 423 verses attributed to the Buddha. It presents core teachings on ethics, mental discipline, and wisdom, emphasizing the path to enlightenment through right conduct, meditation, and insight. The text is organized into 26 chapters, each focusing on different aspects of the Buddha’s teachings, offering practical guidance for living a virtuous and mindful life.

Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct, experiential realization of enlightenment through meditation (zazen) and mindfulness in daily activities. Originating in China as Chan and later flourishing in Japan, Zen stresses simplicity, self-discipline, and the practice of seeing into one’s true nature (kensho or satori). It uses practices like koans (paradoxical riddles) to transcend logical thinking and spark sudden enlightenment. Zen encourages living fully in the present moment and embodying wisdom and compassion in everyday life.

Lurianic Kabbalah

Lurianic Kabbalah is a mystical branch of Jewish thought developed by Rabbi Isaac Luria in the 16th century. It introduces the concepts of Tzimtzum (divine contraction), Shevirat HaKelim (the shattering of the vessels), and Tikkun Olam (the restoration of the world). Lurianic Kabbalah explains creation, the nature of evil, and humanity’s role in cosmic repair through spiritual practices and ethical living, significantly influencing later Jewish mysticism and Hasidism.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. It centers on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, and emphasizes the duality of good and evil. Key principles include the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, as well as the cosmic struggle between the forces of light and darkness. Zoroastrianism teaches that humans have free will to choose between these forces, ultimately contributing to the triumph of good and the purification of the world.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. It centers on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, and emphasizes the duality of good and evil. Key principles include the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, as well as the cosmic struggle between the forces of light and darkness. Zoroastrianism teaches that humans have free will to choose between these forces, ultimately contributing to the triumph of good and the purification of the world.

Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct, experiential realization of enlightenment through meditation (zazen) and mindfulness in daily activities. Originating in China as Chan and later flourishing in Japan, Zen stresses simplicity, self-discipline, and the practice of seeing into one’s true nature (kensho or satori). It uses practices like koans (paradoxical riddles) to transcend logical thinking and spark sudden enlightenment. Zen encourages living fully in the present moment and embodying wisdom and compassion in everyday life.