The people of ancient times were inclined to give their attention not only to the external world of inert matter, but also to the world within, the vital world of consciousness. Those sages who understood the importance of such contemplation comprise the prime subject matter of this book. Especially in the troubled world of today, it is by the conscientious study of their activities and teachings that we may come to understand the Absolute Truth, or the Ultimate Reality, and attain lasting peace and joy. The pastimes of such great, sagely personalities have been narrated in detail in an ancient collection of works known as the Puranas, as well as in timeless epics such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other Vedic literatures. In this book, Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Goswami Maharaja, a bona fide self-realized representative of the bhakti (devotional) lineage, has narrated important episodes and addressed salient points from these literatures. Thus, the avid reader may understand their inner meaning and apply this knowledge to their search for real happiness. Ultimately, such unadulterated, permanent happiness, according to the devotional tradition, is realized as the attainment of pure love of God, Sri Krishna.

Indian Saints and Sages presents in short the celestial power, and miraculous and supernatural wonders by numerous Saints who were enlightened and brilliant persons with blissful souls. Their appearance was divine and the departure sublime. Most of them took SamĠdhi alive and in the presence of many; some entered the caves and never returned back, some changed into blazing light and some became flowers. The book tells how the God came to eat from the hands of devotees, played with them, listened to their discourses and hymns and fulfilled their simple, general, esoteric and extraordinary desires. This work describes wonderful and mind-boggling sacrifices. It shows and establishes that man is man only when he achieves distinction in all the four pursuits, PurushĠrth: Dharma, Artha, KĠma and Moksha. Kindness, Charity, Help, Contentment, and Sacrifices are the ways to Salvation, Freedom from the cycle of Birth and Death, and entry to Heavenly Abode. ‘Indian Saints and Sages’ shows the ways and means to all round prosperity, health, happiness, and full and complete living. It shows how to accumulate and spread Sweetness, Light, Delight and Fragrance, ensuring continuity to life and making the earth a better place to live and grow.

Commune with these thirty-four unique stories of the moment of enlightenment from ancient and modern masters, and find oneness and absolute freedom. From the Buddha’s experience under the Bodhi tree to Eckhart Tolle’s realization of the “power of now,” Mystics, Masters, Saints, and Sages brings together stories and writings on moments of spiritual enlightenment by ancient and modern masters. With selections from religious traditions including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Bahá’i, and Sufism, this collection provides a broad spectrum of spiritual awakenings throughout time. Read and be inspired by depictions of divine grace and self-realization from as close to the source as possible. With a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Praise for Mystics, Masters, Saints, and Sages “Sanctity, spiritual wisdom, and mysticism are universal, found in all traditions. The Ullmans have produced an inter-spiritual book exploring the fruit of this universal human development. It is a work of beauty, inspiration, and instruction, at once practical and useful for everyone’s inner journey.”— Wayne Teasdale, author of The Mystic Heart “This noble book is a treasury of transcendent realizations, attain through a variety of spiritual paths. May all who read it find the inspiration to practice fully their chosen path until its very pinnacle is reached.”— H. E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, author of Lord of the Dance: Autobiography of a Tibetan Lama

The two famous stories of Dhruva and Prahlad tell of the difficulties of the spiritual path and the determination necessary to achieve self-realization. They contain universal truths applicable to all times and ages, inspiring people to pursue an authentic spiritual life. The stories of Dhruva and Prahlad are well known to adults and children throughout India. Dhruva was a young, first-born prince, who was neglected by his father, the king. Dhruva resolves to attain an elevated position in the universe not even his father or grandfather could aspire to. He transforms his wounded pride into genuine self-realization. Prahlad was a saintly boy who happened to be born the son of a powerful demon king, Hiranyakashipu. Though the demon king tried everything to convert the boy, Prahlad held fast to his faith in Vishnu. Includes b&w illustrations and a Sanskrit pronunciation guide and glossary.

A complete introduction to Sanatana Dharma, the spiritual science of the Hindu sages • Examines how many core concepts of Hinduism, including Brahman, Atman, bhakti, karma, and reincarnation, relate to modern science • Explores the scientific discoveries of the rishis, ancient Vedic sages, and how they have only recently been rediscovered by Western scientists • Reveals the concepts of quantum physics hidden within the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Puranas Called “the scientists of Hinduism,” the rishis of ancient India were the scribes of the Vedas. They developed the spiritual science of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, as their way of ensuring the constant renewal and progress of India’s spiritual tradition and culture. Sanatana Dharma permeates every aspect of Hindu culture, from religion to the arts to the sciences. Woven within its Vedic texts lie all of the essential concepts of quantum physics and other modern scientific discoveries. Providing a complete introduction to the science of Sanatana Dharma, Vanamali reveals how the core concepts of Hinduism, including Brahman, Atman, bhakti, karma, and reincarnation, relate to modern science and how the scientific discoveries of the ancient rishis have been recently rediscovered by the West. She examines the scientific principles within the classic stories and texts of India, including the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Puranas. Within the teachings of the ancient Puranic sages and saints such as Valmiki and Vyasa and legendary physicians and mathematician-philosophers such as Aryabhatta and Varahamihir, the author reveals great scientific truths--not those believed by the ancient world, but truths still upheld by modern science, particularly quantum physics. She explores Desha and Kaala (Space and Time), Shankara and his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, and the Hindu sciences of mathematics, astronomy, and Vedic astrology. In illustrating the scientific basis of Hinduism and the discoveries of its sages, Vanamali provides a window into the depths of this most ancient spiritual way of life.