Reflections On Sacred Teachings Volume 4

Sri Isopanisad is an ancient work. It is counted as the first of the 108 Upanisads, and is part of the Yajur Veda-among those literatures which are accepted by followers of the Vedic tradition to have come from God Himself at the time of creation. As such it is, one could say, about as foundational a text as one could hope to find, anywhere, dealing with the most primeval and fundamental concepts of reality as we know it, presented in a context that is both timeless, in that it comes from the person who put time into motion, and simultaneously eternal.

This is the third volume (Reflections On Sacred Teachings (Volume 3)) of the series “Reflections on Sacred Teachings,” and it elaborates on the Harinama Cintamani, originally written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appealing to Srila Haridas Thakura to speak high philosophy on the potency and efficacy of the Holy Name, Bhakti-Tirtha Swami interweaves recurring themes of personal endeavor and Krishna’s mercy, compassion, and understanding for those who struggle, and uncompromising, honest introspection. Reading this book is a refreshing and revitalizing experience.

This sixth volume (Reflections On Sacred Teachings (Volume 6)) of commentary shines a spotlight on the central element of Vaisnava character–service to others–as described in ancient scriptures such as the Padma Purana and Narada-pancharatra and in medieval works such as Chaitanya-charitamrta and writing of the Gosvamis of Vrindavana.

The Seven Sacred Teachings is a message of traditional values and hope for the future. The Teachings are universal to most First Nation peoples. These Teachings are aboriginal communities from coast to coast. They are a link that ties First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities together.

“Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed His disciples to write books on the science of Krsna, a task which those who follow Him have continued to carry out down to the present day. The elaborations and expositions on the philosophy taught by Lord Caitanya are in fact most voluminous, exacting and consistent due to the system of disciplic succession. Although Lord Caitanya was widely renowned as a scholar in His youth, He left only eight verses, called Siksastaka. These eight versed clearly reveal His mission and precepts.”

The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. She, along with other women, men, and youth, have walked around all the Great Lakes from the four salt waters, or oceans, to Lake Superior. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine-ba invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.

In this companion to The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr and Patrick Boland offer forty reflections and practices exploring what it means to live “in Christ.” In his landmark book The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr articulated a transformative view of what it means to recognize Jesus as “Christ”—as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. Now, in partnership with Patrick Boland, a psychotherapist and member of Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation community, he invites readers to engage with the themes of the book through spiritual practice. Each reflection in this book draws on a key passage of The Universal Christ, paired with prayers, journal prompts, and embodied exercises that invite readers into a more personal encounter with the truth that the presence and compassion of the Christ are in every thing. Whether read daily for the season of Lent or explored over the course of a year, Every Thing Is Sacred is a hope-filled journey into the love at the heart of all things.

The Seven Teachings are instrumental teachings in the aboriginal culture. These teachings honour spiritual law and bring us back to our connection to the land. The Seven Teachings or laws are represented by seven sacred animals. Each animal offers a special gift and understanding of how we as people should live our lives on mother earth. Eagle represents LOVE - Always act in love, love the Creator, your family and your home. Buffalo represents RESPECT - Respect all life on Mother Earth, respect Elders and people of all races. Bear represents COURAGE - Listen to your heart, it takes courage to do what is right. Sabe represents HONESTY - Never lie or gossip, be honest with yourself and others. Beaver represents WISDOM - Everyone has a special gift, show wisdom by using your gift. Wolf represents HUMILITY - Think of others before yourself, humble yourself to the Great Spirit. Turtle represents TRUTH - Always seek truth, living the truth is living the Seven Teachings. This book was written to reach out to the keeper's of the future, our children, to teach them the importance of living life by the Seven Teachings.