The present work examines the controversies inherent to the issues on shamanic practices, by comparing the different outlooks of the scholars and their methodological approaches, Then, applying to the case of Japan, it will give a theoretical systematization of trance and possession going through the figures of the ascetic and that of the medium to demonstrate that none of them can be associated to the Eliade's Siberian type of shaman, with the former experiencing a different kind of “sta...

The ecstatic flight is a recurring theme in many cultures throughout the world, the present work examines, in Chinese case, the Shangqing tradition born in the second half of the 4th century with the revelation of Yang Xi, and regarded as the leading Daoist school until the Song Dynasty. the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) movement is considered as a bridge linking the old Daoist practices to the modern tradition. Its practical aspect is indeed concerned with techniques of meditation and visua...

The present work examines the controversies inherent to the issues on shamanic practices, by comparing the different outlooks of the scholars and their methodological approaches, Then, applying to the case of Japan, it will give a theoretical systematization of trance and possession going through the figures of the ascetic and that of the medium to demonstrate that none of them can be associated to the Eliade's Siberian type of shaman, with the former experiencing a different kind of “stat...

Over the past few decades, key studies have highlighted the benefits and challenges of co-design, emphasising its potential to generate creativity, improve research quality, and deliver user-centred outcomes. However, formalising co-design as a research method and establishing a unified framework for its application remains a challenge. This book addresses these issues by introducing and expanding the concept of Research through Co-Design (RTC).This book offers an insightful examin...

This book constitutes revised selected papers from the workshops held at 24th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Computing, Euro-Par 2018, which took place in Turin, Italy, in August 2018.The 64 full papers presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 109 submissions.Euro-Par is an annual, international conference in Europe, covering all aspects of parallel and distributed processing. These range from theory to practice, from small to...

Since publication of the first edition of this book, public concern for the well-being of animals has continued to increase throughout the world. In addition, advances in research over the past decade have yielded an enormous amount of knowledge about animal mental health and wellbeing. Studies on animal stress, distress, emotions, psychological trauma, and mental disorders have brought to light insights on how to care for and treat the animal mind. The second edition is: Fully revised, ex...

Osho describes love as transformation. It is painful because it transforms and transformation is going to be painful because the old has to be left for the new. While the old is familiar, secure, safe, the new is absolutely unknown. With love we will be moving in an uncharted ocean.

This lecture is part of the collection "Reincarnation and Karma" by Rudolf Steiner. Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher, social reformer, architect, and esotericist. He gained initial recognition as a literary critic and cultural philosopher. At the beginning of the 20th century, he founded a spiritual movement, Anthroposophy. He is considered the father of Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, anthroposophical medicine and spiritual science. How can direct conception be gai...

Laozis DaodejingThe English and Chinese Translations Based on Laozis Original Daoism From Philosophical and Hermeneutical Perspectives?????? ???????????Your work on Lao Tzu promises to be very interesting.--Professor Sir Alfred Ayer (A.J.Ayer)I strongly recommend to you a new translation of Lao Tzu from a very remarkable translator, a Chinese lady Lee Sun Chen Org, who deeply believes in the importance of this work for humanity.--Professor Sir K...

This book tells the story of the Scientific Buddha, "born" in Europe in the 1800s but commonly confused with the Buddha born in India 2,500 years ago. The Scientific Buddha was sent into battle against Christian missionaries, who were proclaiming across Asia that Buddhism was a form of superstition. He proved the missionaries wrong, teaching a dharma that was in harmony with modern science. And his influence continues. Today his teaching of "mindfulness" is heralded as the cure for all man...

Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri emphasizes inner transformation and the refinement of conduct, as preludes to the realization of the prevalence of Divine Grace. He considers that the purpose of life is to know and resonate with the eternal essence of the one and only Life giver - Allah."Pointers to Presence" are for the heart. This collection of aphorisms provides insights into consciousness and are pointers to spiritual awakening.ABOUT SHAYKH FADHL...

Through a systematic introduction of Confucius as a historical figure, a spiritual leader, a philosopher, a political reformer, an educator, and a person, this book offers a comprehensive, lucid, and in-depth articulation of Confucius and his teachings for Western students. It explains how his ideas are different from their Western counterparts as well as challenging the orthodox Western understandings of Confucianism. The book reveals clearly how Confucius’s insights can be a rich resourc...