Yolo County Library
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Spirituality and Religion March 2017
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| Talking God: Philosophers on Belief by Gary GuttingIn Talking God, University of Notre Dame philosophy professor Gary Gutting collects 12 interviews (which first appeared in the New York Times philosophy blog The Stone) with other philosophers about the nature of belief and theism. Each philosopher explains his or her reasons for being an atheist, an agnostic, or a believer. In order to avoid slanting his philosophical sample toward the Judeo-Christian tradition, Gutting includes interviews with people from other faith traditions: Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. You'll find a range of carefully considered views on the intersection of philosophy and religion in these "approachable, civilized discussions about the existence of God" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). |
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| At Home in the World: Stories and Essential Teachings from a Monk's Life by Thich Nhat HanhThe acclaimed Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh offers fresh autobiographical inspiration in At Home in the World. Using accounts of five periods his in life to introduce specific spiritual challenges, he provides several short observations under each heading that illustrate his principles of compassion and empathy. Fans of this religious leader and readers new to his work will find thought-provoking guidance for "everyday practice and for social engagement in the world" (Publishers Weekly). |
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| Vaster Than Sky, Greater Than Space: What You Are Before You Became by MoojiHindu teacher and spiritual guide Mooji offers challenging but accessible ways to go deeper into the spiritual life in this exploration of pathways to enlightenment. Recounting his own travels in India to illustrate what he has learned, he explains stages in the search for truth but doesn't demand adherence to specific beliefs. According to Mooji's approach, self-actualization, rather than following a prescribed journey, will lead more surely to peace and understanding. If you're unfamiliar with Mooji's approach to spirituality, this is a good place to start, and this book will also satisfy his experienced followers. |
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| Love Hurts: Buddhist Advice for the Heartbroken by Lodro RinzlerIn this book on emotional healing, Buddhist teacher and columnist for the Huffington Post Lodro Rinzler offers advice based on the Buddha's precepts about suffering -- including but not limited to solace for the lovelorn. Built on his notes from short sessions during which Rinzler listened to people who came to share their heartbreaks, each chapter offers spiritual counsel for specific experiences, from "What Is Heartbreak?" to "If You Need to Hear a Joke" to "If You Feel Acceptance." Introductory and concluding chapters frame these anecdotal teachings on spiritual self-care. Publishers Weekly calls this a "superb book for any heartbroken reader." |
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Where God was born : a journey by land to the roots of religion
by Bruce S. Feiler
An NPR commentator takes readers to biblical sites in the Middle East to investigate the historical origins of and commonalities between the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions, in a historical tour that visits the locales of key events and considers the role of religion in peacemaking efforts between cultures.
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Sojourner in Islamic lands
by Russell A. Fraser
"Sojourner in Islamic Lands takes us on a journey from Kazakhstan in the far north of Central Asia, across the mountains to the former Soviet Union, then south to Iran just below the Caspian Sea. Russell Fraser follows the ancient Silk Road wherever possible. For centuries the Silk Road was the primary commercial link between Europe and Asia, with much of it over desert sands and accessible only by camel. Building on history and personal experience, Fraser's narrative describes this vast territory with an eye to geography, artistic culture, and religion over more than two thousand years. The book that he gives us depends first of all on travel, but the author's eye is on an interior landscape, and he focuses on the influence of religious ideology on the cultural landscape of Central Asia. Delving deeply into art and architecture, he takes them to be Islam's most significant creative expressions. Although Islam is currently the predominant religion in the region, the book also examines the two other belief systems with modern-day followers--Christianity and an antireligious sect Fraser calls secular progressivism.
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The Jew in the Lotus : A Poet's Rediscovery of Jewish Identity in Buddhist India
by Rodger Kamenetz
While accompanying eight high–spirited Jewish delegates to Dharamsala, India, for a historic Buddhist–Jewish dialogue with the Dalai Lama, poet Rodger Kamenetz comes to understand the convergence of Buddhist and Jewish thought. Along the way he encounters Ram Dass and Richard Gere, and dialogues with leading rabbis and Jewish thinkers, including Zalman Schacter, Yitz and Blue Greenberg, and a host of religious and disaffected Jews and Jewish Buddhists.
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| Mecca: The Sacred City by Ziauddin SardarPakistani-born Londoner Ziauddin Sardar introduces the history of Islam and its cultural influences in this witty and personal study of Mecca. The holiest city for Muslims, who are expected to visit there at least once in their lives, Mecca's primary function as a religious symbol contrasts with the reality that it's a modern city. Recounting intriguing stories about individuals (such as the Dutch spy who was expelled after his false conversion was exposed), warring political factions, and archaeological travesties, Sardar pays tribute to the deep spiritual and historical roots of the site in this "beautifully written and revealing" (Booklist) study. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Yolo County Library
226 Buckeye St. Woodland, California 95695 530-666-8005
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