Showing results by author "Stephen Knapp" in All Categories

This book provides a detailed but concise explanation of Shiva and Durga and their purpose and functions in the universe, and how they can help us with their spiritual powers. This further explains the significance and meanings of the items that he holds, or that are associated with him, and the meaning of his different names. Further explanations include: Who is the object of Shiva’s meditation. What is the relationship between Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. What is the connection between Shiva and devotees of Lord Krishna. The purpose and activities within Shaivism. The Shivaratri festival ...

There are certain channels through which the higher spiritual frequencies become approachable by humanity, and by which the Infinite descends into this world. One channel is through transcendental sound. The Hare Krishna Maha-mantra is one such channel of pure spiritual vibration. The mantra is therefore a point of meditation for the mind, but also a formula or transcendental sound vibration that releases its energy into one’s consciousness. Thus it can prepare a person for perceiving higher states of reality. With continued practice with this mantra, and with the proper devotional mood, ...

This book brings together the easy and joyful principles and practices that are common to all of the major religions of the world. These are what can be used by all people from any culture or tradition for the highest spiritual progress, and to bring about a united, one world religion in a happy process of spiritual success for everyone. This is much easier to recognize than most people think, and is a way to bring down the differences, barriers and separations that seem to exist between religions. This also presents: A most interesting and revealing survey of the major spiritual paths of ...

Krishna Deities and Their Miracles This book helps reveal how the Deities of Krishna in the temple are but another channel through which the Divine can be better understood and perceived. In fact, the Deities Themselves can exhibit what some would call miracles in the way They reveal how the Divine accepts the Deity form. These miracles between the Deities of Krishna and His devotees happen in many different ways, and all the time. This is one process through which Krishna, or the Supreme Being, reveals Himself and the reality of His existence. Stories of such miracles or occurrences extend...

This is a concise but detailed description, with a great variety of references from the Vedic literature that explains the real identity of Krishna and His eternal nature of which we are all parts. This starts with the explanation of the differences in perceiving God as either the impersonal Brahman, or the localized Paramatma, Supersoul in all beings, or Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality. Each view has its own understanding of the characteristics of the Supreme Being, which together provides a complete understanding of the Absolute Truth. With the use of these numerous Vedic references, we...

The Ramayana is one of the world’s oldest and most highly regarded classics of Indian literature. It tells the spiritual adventures of Lord Rama and His wife Sita and brother Lakshmana as They battle the mighty demon Ravana. But it is not only an emotional thriller, but it is also a book filled with ancient wisdom that is as valid today as in olden times. And this introduction to the Ramayana uses numerous verses from it to give direct examples of what it has to offer. Some of what you will find includes: A summary of the Ramayana, which shows why it has kept its popularity for thousands ...

This book provides a summarization of the most essential spiritual knowledge that will give you the key to spiritual awakening. The descriptions will give you greater insights and a new look at who and what you really are as a spiritual being. The idea that we are more than merely these material bodies is pervasive. It is established in every religion and spiritual path in this world. However, many religions only hint at the details of this knowledge, but if we look around we will find that practically the deepest and clearest descriptions of the soul and its characteristics are found in ...

The Vedic culture of India has its own history, the tradition of which takes it back to the beginning of time. This book is not a typical review of the history of India, but explains what the pre-historic traditional Vedic background is, its basis, and how it developed and expanded through time. We also look at a number of artifacts that prove the ancient existence of some of the most important aspects of the Vedic customs, and how the tradition itself describes its developments. This book also helps show that the spiritual philosophy of Vedic culture seeded many of the other civilizations ...

Understanding the assorted Divinities or gods and goddesses of the Vedic or Hindu pantheon is not so difficult as some people may think when it is presented simply and effectively. And that is what you will find in this book. This will open you to many of the possibilities and potentials of the Vedic tradition, and show how it has been able to cater to and fulfill the spiritual needs and development of so many people since time immemorial. Here you will find there is something for everyone. This takes you into the heart of the deep, Vedic spiritual knowledge of how to perceive the Absolute ...

The Vedic culture is accepted by numerous scholars as one of the most sophisticated civilizations to appear after the last glacial period of 12,000 years ago. It developed in ancient India, and as the people populated the region, they also expanded and spread into other parts of the planet, taking much of their culture with them. This book takes us on a journey through history and across many countries as we point out similarities and remnants of the Vedic tradition that remain there to this day. These include forms of art, philosophy, religion, architecture, temples, ways of living, and so...

Casteism in India has gotten a lot of criticism, and rightly so. Many look at it as a means for the upper castes to live a privileged life while keeping all lower castes oppressed without the means for upgrading themselves. Present day casteism is based on the idea that whatever caste your father was, that will also be the caste of the sons and daughters, without any means to change it. But this is not what is actually prescribed in the Vedic or Hindu texts of old. This is what must be understood and corrected. So this book is a short study of what the Vedic texts actually say about what ...

The many pastimes of the lives of the Vaishnava saints and sages are quite fascinating and provide much inspiration and instruction. Many miraculous activities and important events are recorded in connection to such saints, and many insights are provided in how to make progress in spiritual life by following their examples or studying their teachings. There have been a number of books published about the saints of India, but some of the most important of the Vaishnava saints have been overlooked. This is why this book presents the brief biographies of over 75 of these personalities that did...

The Bhagavad-gita is a classic of Indian spiritual literature, and has remained an important book for thousands of years. Many western poets and philosophers have been influenced by its deep insights and its timeless wisdom. Many of the great spiritual teachers of India have also written commentaries on it. It is considered the core of some of the deepest levels of spiritual knowledge known to humanity. So, this is a very powerful book. This introduction, using numerous verses, shows many of the reasons why it has kept its popularity, and how many of its topics and the guidance that we find...

This book shows how the planet’s earliest civilization lead the world in both material and spiritual progress. From the Vedic culture of ancient India thousands of years ago, we find the origins of such things as mathematics, especially algebra and geometry, as well as early astronomy and planetary observations, many instances of which can be read in the historical Vedic texts. Medicine in Ayurveda was also the first to prescribe herbs for the remedy of disease, surgical instruments for operations, and more. Other developments that were far superior and ahead of the rest of the world ...

This is a systematic description of how bhakti-yoga works, the practice and philosophy of it, and how to become successful on this spiritual path. Bhakti-yoga is the process that can take a person beyond mere faith and give direct experience of the spiritual strata and one’s real spiritual identity, beyond the body, and to the joy that is on that plane of consciousness. It is the spiritual process that is especially recommended for these difficult times. Herein is a revelation that such a realization and experience is not only possible, but leads us to taste the greatest happiness when ...

The most common question Stephen gets, whether after giving a lecture somewhere or traveling and meeting people, especially in India, is how did he ever take an interest in the Vedic culture and its path of spiritual development. People want to know. In most circumstances he has little time to give anything but a short summary of what happened. But now he finally presents all the details of his spiritual growth in this autobiography. Herein he describes his first philosophical questions when he was a young boy, for which at the time most people around him did not have the answers. He wanted...

India is a most resilient country, and is presently becoming a great economic power in the world. It also has one of the oldest and dynamic cultures the world has ever known, but few people seem to understand the many trials and difficulties that the country has faced, or the present problems India is still forced to deal with in preserving the culture of the majority Hindus who live in the country. This is described in the real history of the country, which a decreasing number of people seem to recall. Therefore, this book is to honor the efforts that have been shown by those in the past ...

Expanded and Improved Edition—December, 2025. This theory that the Vedic Aryans were a tribe from the north that invaded the area of India and established the Vedic civilization is rapidly falling into discredit, but it still exists in many school text books and carries some influence in certain areas. This book puts together the information that shows the false nature of the Aryan Invasion Theory and: How and why Max Muller started the theory, How he finally denied his own theory, which he admitted was all conjecture, The damage it has done, Objections to it and lack of evidence for it, ...

This book points out the essential reasons why peace in the world and cooperation among people, communities, and nations have been so difficult to establish. It also advises the only way real peace and harmony can be achieved. In order for peace and unity to exist, we must first realize what barriers and divisions keep us apart. Only then can we break down those barriers to see the unity that naturally exists between us all. Then, rather than focusing on our differences, it is easier to recognize our similarities and common goals. With a common objective, all of humanity can work together ...

Seeing Spiritual India: A Guide to Temples, Holy Sites, Festivals and Traditions This book is one of the most complete reviews of the major holy places and temples of India, and the traditions connected with them. It describes where they are located and what you will see. This 2020 Update includes more and newer information and additional sites to see. This travel guide is not only a great reference work, but is written especially for anyone who wants to know of the many holy sites that you can visit while traveling within India, how to reach them, and what is the history and significance ...