Ursi's Eso GardenYour Competent Esoteric Guide Saturday, 18. October 2008
Miracles - will they never cease?
The parting of the Red Sea, the feeding of the five thousand, the turning of water into wine - miracles. Miracles? Yet Miracles have been part of human culture for thousands of years. From beliefs about the shin bone of a saint to ideas about the nature of creation and the laws of nature, miracles have been a measure of disputes within religion and between religion and rationality from St Augustine in the 4th century to David Hume in the 18th. They have also been used by the corrupt and the powerful to gain their perverse ends. Miracles have been derided and proved to be fraudulent and yet, for many, the miraculous maintain a grip on our imagination, our language and our belief to this day.  Three Miracles of Saint Zenobius, Metropolitan Museum of Art Melvyn Bragg asks: Miracles - will they never cease? He is joined by:
Broadcast was on 25 September 2008 at BBC 4, 'In Our Time'. Also available for RealPlayer. See also: Miracles by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Saturday, 11. October 2008
The Yogis of Tibet
Since the invasion of Tibet over 50 years ago, China has systematically destroyed the Tibetan culture. One of the most profound losses is the tradition of the great master yogis. The entire system which supported these fascinating mind masters has been inexorably eliminated. In order to record these mystical practitioners for posterity, the filmmakers were given permission to film heretofore secret demonstrations and to conduct interviews on subject matter rarely discussed. This profound historical, spiritual and educational film will someday be the last remnant of these amazing practitioners Directed by Phil and Jo Borack, JEHM Films Duration: 77 minutes See also: The official website: The Yogis of Tibet Article: Filming The Yogis of Tibet by Jo Borack Friday, 03. October 2008
Mudras
 Mudra: Cymbals mudra (rol mo bkrol ba'i phyag rgya) Mudras is a selection of photos of "mudras" (Buddhist hand gestures) taken by photographer Dennis Cordell. These portraits, shot in black and white, are of young monks at Gyud Zin monastery in Ladakh, India taken during the summer of 2006. Each monk is presenting a "mudra" which represents an offering to the Buddha. The delightful juxtaposition of the religious iconography with the boyishness of the young monks makes the portraits in this project wondrously expressive and heart-warming.  Mudra: Annointing with Perfume mudra (dri byugs pa'i phyag rgya) Visualizing the Bible
 Click the picture for a larger view (2000x1200, 1.4MB) Visualizing the Bible, awarded an Honorable Mention in Illustration, depicts all 1189 chapters of the Bible as a bar graph with the length of each bar proportional to the number of verses in the chapter. Above this, arcs represent 63,779 cross references between chapters; different colours denote varying distances between connected chapters. Visualizing the Bible by Chris Harrison of Carnegie Mellon University and Christoph Römhild of North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Click the picture for a larger view (2000x2000, 1.4MB) Sunday, 28. September 2008
Thangka
Saturday, 20. September 2008
Observing Ramadan
 Muslim faithful throughout the world are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan. Observant Muslims participate in fasting (sawm), one of the five pillars of their faith, this entire Lunar month (this year it extends from September 1st to the 30th). Eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity is prohibited from dawn until sunset, when the fast is broken with the evening meal called Iftar. Local customs define varying traditions, including differing types of food used to break the daily fast. The fasting is meant to teach a person patience, humility and sacrifice, to set aside time to ask forgiveness, practice self-restraint, and pray for guidance in the future. News Stories in Photographs: Observing Ramadan (35 photos total) by The Big Picture. Saturday, 13. September 2008
Japanese Buddhist Art
 The Planets and the Northern Constellation Japanese, Kamakura period, 13th century Panel; ink, color, and gold on silk See remarkable holdings include statues, paintings, and ritual objects. Notable are the wooden image of Miroku, the Bodhisattva of the Future, by the late twelfth-century master sculptor Kaikei, the eighth-century icon of the Historical Buddha Preaching on Vulture Peak, and the exquisite twelfth-century paintings of Batô Kannon, the Horse-headed Bodhisattva of Compassion, and Bishamonten, Guardian of the North. All pictures are zoomable for closer examination, perhaps works in IE only. Website Collection Page: Japanese Buddhist Art by Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Or choose The Interactive Tour.  White-robed Bodhisattva of Compassion Japanese, Muromachi period, first half of the 16th century Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk Sunday, 22. June 2008
Religions of the World: Hinduism
This video is part of the "Religions of the World" series, narrated by Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley. You do not have to see the other videos for this one to make sense. Learn how and why Hinduism has survived to be one of the oldest and largest world religions with nearly one billion followers located mostly in India. Hinduism encompasses wide practices and traditions largely due to its great capacity to integrate the new with the old. You will learn about the descendants of the Indus River Valley, who, around 1500 B.C.E., used Sanskrit to transcribe their daily rituals and customs. You will also discover Hinduism's impact on the literary world with its library of tens of thousands of sacred hymns and poems known as the Vedas, which means "truth" or "knowledge." I would recommend this video for those wanting to understand a bit more about Hinduism. Runtime: 47 minutes Saturday, 21. June 2008
The Seeker’s Glossary of Buddhism
Note to the second edition: This is a revised and expanded edition of 'The Seeker's Glossary of Buddhism.' The text is a compendium of excerpts and quotations from some 350 works by monks, nuns, professors, scholars and other laypersons from nine different countries, in their own words or in translation.
The Seeker's Glossary of Buddhism by Sutra Translation Committee of USA/Canada STC of USA/Canada, 2nd ed 1998 | 999 pages | PDF | 4.8 MB Also available at BuddhaNet and Urban Dharma. Sunday, 15. June 2008
A History of God
Theologian Karen Armstrong guides us along one of the most elusive and fascinating quests of all time - the search for God. This film is fine synopsis of Karen Armstrong's comprehensive book by the same title. 'A History of God' examines the concept of God in the three major monotheistic religions from the days of Abraham to modern times. Looking at the way that humans have perceived the idea of a supreme being throughout history and gathers interviews with representative's of several different religions to discuss the role that god plays in their lives. The narration and commentary has been beauifully edited with a fine music score and excellent selected of visuals - paintings, photographs, and video of scenes in the Middle East - and the information gives a broad understanding of many of the world's religions. Recommended for those with open, questioning minds. Runtime: 93 minutes Saturday, 14. June 2008
Historical Atlas of the Celtic World
Pre-Christian Celts left no written records, so all the accounts we have of these people are from prejudiced Mediterranean writers.
Coverage includes:
The Celtic Peoples of Europe: The Celtic migration, Gauls, Bretons, the Galatians Early Celtic Art: Origins, La Tène Period art, Iron Age Celtic art Celtic Belief: The calendar, death and the afterlife, sacrifice, the bog men, gods and divinities The Celtic Peoples of the British Isles: Britons, Irish, Picts and Scots, Welsh The Roman Invasions: Caesar's conquest of Gaul, Romans in Britain The Druids: Witchcraft, prophesy and divination, archaeological evidence The Celtic Warrior: Celtic warfare, arms and armor, warrior chieftains, resisting the Romans The Post-Roman Celtic World: Barbarian invasions, Anglos and Saxons, Arthur of the Britons The Renaissance of Celtic Art: The High Celtic Period, Celtic Christian art, Pictish symbol stones The Coming of Christianity: St. Patrick, the Celtic church, illuminated manuscripts, the Book of Kells Celtic Mythology: Irish Celtic myth/the Mabinogion, Arthurian myth The Celtic Legacy: Celtic revival art, the Celtic fringe. Historical Atlas of the Celtic World by Angus Konstam. Checkmark Books, 2001, 2003 | 192 Pages | PDF | 61.7 MB | In addition to the text, there are many illustrations and photos of Celtic art throughout the book.  Tuesday, 03. June 2008
How To Become a Saint
Contrary to popular belief, saints weren’t altogether perfect people during their lifetimes - but it’s not good works alone that garner you a spot next to Francis of Assisi. (Transcript of this video) You Will Need:
Miracles attributed to your intercession Step 1: Die Die. The Vatican usually requires a five-year waiting period after a person’s death even to begin the process toward sainthood. Even after death, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Step 2: "Cause" initiated After five years, what is known as a “cause” may be initiated with the individual’s local bishop and then with the Vatican’s Congregation for Sainthood Causes. Step 3: Postulator leads investigation A postulator will lead the cause and serve in charge of the investigation of the deceased’s virtue and miracles attributed to him or her. Step 4: Pope deems candidate "venerable" If the pope recognizes the candidate as having heroic virtues, the pope may deem him or her “Venerable,” the first step toward sainthood. Tip: Martyrdom, or dying for the faith, can also result in the venerable title. Step 5: Two miracles required In general, the verification of two miracles attributed to the intercession of the candidate is required for canonization. Tip: The miracles can occur during the person’s lifetime or after he or she is dead. Step 6: Pope beatifies candidate After one miracle, the pope may beatify the candidate, the second step toward sainthood. The candidate is then called “Blessed.” Step 7: Vatican verifies second miracle If the Vatican verifies an additional miracle, canonization may follow. Step 8: Intercede with God Should you make it to sainthood, expect to be very busy for subsequent millennia. Catholics pray that saints intercede with God on their behalf. That’s running some heavy interference. Fact: During his pontificate, Pope John Paul II proclaimed 482 saints, more than all his predecessors over the previous 400 years combined. Saturday, 31. May 2008
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Confucianism
This encyclopedia includes not only the teachings of Confucius but also a wealth of information about Chinese culture, music, ceremony, teachers, writings, emperors, and events that are integral to Confucianism.
Each entry includes numerous cross-references in bold type and a bibliography of works in English. The entries vary widely in length from short paragraphs to several pages and are complemented by many full-page and smaller black-and-white illustrations, photographs, and high-quality maps. The portraits of teachers and emperors are particularly interesting. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Confucianism by Rodney Leon Taylor, Howard Y. F. Choy Rosen Publishing Group, 2004-07 | 1000 pages | PDF | 22.7 MB  Click the picture for a larger view Saturday, 24. May 2008
The Life of Hinduism
The Life of Hinduism brings together a series of essays - many recognized as classics in the field - that present Hinduism as a vibrant, truly "lived" religion.
The Life of Hinduism by John Stratton Hawley & Vasudha Narayanan University of California Press, 2006 | 343 pages | PDF | 1.2 MB Thursday, 22. May 2008
Ancient China
Key Points
My Other Blog
Eso Categories
Calendar
Archives
February 2010
January 2010 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 Recent Comments
Ich bin auch dabei. ...und ein kleines Bild zum einfach “nur ansehen”: ^^ By Mona on 19.06.09 I think the focal point of mainstream religion has changed - http://www.ebook-search-queen.com/ebook/reli/religion+and+ethics.all.html .That’s part of the “see the world in black and white” that the fundamentalists find so important about their “my way or the highway to hell”. Its far easier to use religion as the label for making oneself feel better or more important than someone else. I don’t murder, so I’m better/God loves me more than… By tinar on 15.06.09 The world is missing you. The work you have done is wonderful!. Thanks a lot. Best for you By joseph on 10.06.09 Thank you very much… By Astroloji on 03.06.09 Hello Ursi, I have to link to this blog because I think that is so important when it comes to manifestation and getting what you want in life. All the great successful people in the world today did some form of visualization. And a vision board is one of the most powerful manifestation tools to date in my opinion. By Edward Litors on 29.05.09 Looking so Kumbh Mela of 1895 is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such. By 70-291 on 27.05.09 Nice work done agree with you that positive affirmation can lift your life up decide your goal before you start something.Keep sharing love all your ideas. By 70-640 on 25.05.09 Only a supremely powerful intellect could pierce of veil of hypnotic deception to bring the truth to the teeming masses of smooth-brained mouthbreathers that we all must be. Such courage and mental prowess in the mind of a single person. Thank you so much for attempting to free me of my mental prison of hypnotic malaise. By Matt on 24.05.09 BEAUTIFUL COMPERHENSIVE SITE WITH BEAUTIFUL QUESTION-WHO ARE YOU-CONGRATULATIONS-gfr. By gframesch on 23.05.09 Vision boards are very powerful tools when used in conjunction with the law of attraction. By Annie on 22.05.09 Thanks you very mach. By medyum on 21.05.09 idk if they are real or not. i’ve never seen them. but as big as this earth is, wt makes you think we’re the only one’s here. we have animals. y wouldn’t there be any other animals we don’t know about? think about it. there is a lot of things we thought were real a long time ago that wasn’t. like the world being flat. n things we thought… By danielle on 20.05.09 Awesome! its really nice thanks for sharing this with us. nice stuff on your site. By Steve on 19.05.09 of course mermaids and mermen are real, maybe not thease ones but were d yu think thay got the idea from,if no one believes in thease myths then christmas wouldnt be, all the stories for children wouldnt be oh how sad, and thats coming from me a banshe with a leprichourn for a husband lol..x By GypsieT17 on 09.05.09 it is real and those who say it’s not are stupid do you live in the damn water By Dominika on 09.05.09 RSS
Stats
Total Entries: 1973
Total Comments: 633 Total Visits: 21334524 Loading in 0.7045 Seconds Astro Moon
Moon Phase
CURRENT MOON Gadgets
I won my first web award, and hopefully not my last because it's a great feeling! 
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
