Glimpses Of The Scriptures Of Major World Religions

This book, ”A COLLECTION OF EXCERPTS FROM THE SCRIPTURES OF MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS,” consists of three major Parts. PART I (adopted from an earlier book by the author) pertains to major religions that originated in INDIA at different epochs of history; namely, HINDUISM, BUDDHISM, JAINISM, and SIKHISM. PART I I contains excerpts from the main scriptures of the three religions that originated in European and the Middle Eastern regions with their original roots in Prophet Abraham, namely, JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, And ISLAM. Thus, PART I contains excerpts from the Vedas and the Upanishads (Hinduism); the Dhammapad (Buddhism); the Agam (Jainism); and the Guru Granth Saheb (Sikhism.) A number of essays on the historical backgrounds, the leading figures and events, and their interrelations are also included for a deeper appreciation of the pertinent philosophies. PART II, similarly, contains excerpts from The Old Testament (Judaism) and The New Testament (Christianity) of the Bible, and the Koran (Islam), with a brief Introduction in each case. The main purpose of presenting this book is to illustrate the commonality of the Indian religions due to their common root – Hinduism -- that came into being in India some 10-15 millennia ago, and was modified from time to time. These religions have coexisted peacefully and harmoniously for centuries and millennia, and have contributed much in the global spiritual development. In particular, Buddhism has been adopted in a significant portion of Asia (China, Japan, South-East Asia), and has been also attracting the intellectuals in the West in recent years. Interrelations among the other three religions are also evident due to their common root; though significant historical schisms and ideological differences among them are also well-known. As the world enters the Twentieth Century, it is imperative for world-peace that people across the globe try to understand one another better, in terms of the spiritual and religious beliefs, philosophies, mentalities, and traditional tendencies that shape their individual lives as well as their mutual interaction patterns. It is hoped that this book makes a small contribution in that direction.

One religion is as good as another and the reading of each of the world religions is quite rewarding to all. The aim of this book is to give the reader a picturesque glimpse of the great religions by which men live. Reading of your own religion refreshes yourself and that of others makes you understand and respect the beliefs of others. You undergo a profound and purifying experience while going through these manifold aids to morals. So also the descriptions and revelations in this book copiously tell of the way our fellowmen worship in every part of the world.

Glimpses of the Scriptures of Religions of Indian Origin primarily includes excerpts from the Vedas and the Upanishads (Hinduism); the Dhammapad (Buddhism); the Agam (Jainism); and the Guru Granth Saheb (Sikhism) these (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism) being four religions that originated in India. A number of essays on the historical backgrounds, the leading fi gures and events, and their interrelations are also included for a deeper appreciation of the pertinent philosophies. The main purpose of writing this book is to illustrate the commonality of these religions due to their common root Hinduism -- that came into being in India some 10-15 millennia ago, and was modifi ed from time to time. These religions have coexisted peacefully and harmoniously for centuries and millennia, and have contributed much in the international religious scene. In particular, Buddhism has been adopted in a signifi cant portion of Asia (China, Japan, South-East Asia), and has been also attracting the intellectuals in the West in recent years.

Presenting scripture readings in the context of their usage within the major religious traditions themselves and taking account of recent scholarship on the role of scriptures in religion, this anthology allows students to encounter world religions in a direct and meaningful way. ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES is a collection of the most notable and instructive scriptures of the major living religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Also included are the most important scriptures of the new religious movements: Baha'i, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Christian Science Church, the Unification Church, and the Church of Scientology. Supported by introductions to the readings by the editor, this anthology provides the most comprehensive and pedagogically sound access to the sacred literature of the world available in a single volume.

World Scripture is a guidebook to the primary source materials of the classical, living religions of the world. It is a guidebook which innovatively blends critical and interpretative tools with sacred symbols and stories of Ultimacy.

Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others. Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influenced—and in many cases continue to influence—artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.

Quite often, we see things only when we are looking for them. This lead me to begin looking for glimpses of God in my day-to-day life and all the things that were directly part of my life or just in the world and events around me. In the pages of this book are observations and insights from life""glimpses of God that I only saw because I was looking for them, for him. I found insights into my heavenly Father and his relationship with me, his child, as I looked at and listened to everyday events as a father to my children. That led me to insights about us as human beings in relation to God and each other. That opened my eyes to new perspectives on scripture. I became more aware of God's presence all around us. It helped me bring God into my world. This helped me realize our successes may mean more than we think, and our failures may be of more value than we realize. You have a very personal relationship with an almighty God who knows your name, knows everything about you, and desires a very personal relationship with you. His relationship with you is different from any other relationship he has. It's special to him. Take it. Own it. Make it yours. Look for him. Catching glimpses of him day to day will change your perspective. It will change your relationships with your family, people around you, even with yourself. And it will change your relationship with God.