Ramacharaka, Swami

Ramacharaka, Swami (1799-189?)
Hindu-influenced mystic philosopher who writes extensively on astral planes where the self allegedly resides between reincarnations.
In his book Mystic Christianity Ramacharaka offers a personally imaginative, if not scholarly, account of the meaning of the Bible and particularly of the life of Christ.
Most likely Ramacharaka had interior visions or experienced imaginal scenes concerning [...]

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Skandhas

Buddhist belief posits five skandhas, or aggregates of attachment said to be the source of all suffering…

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Sikhism

Sikhism
A religious and cultural movement based on the teachings of the Indian Guru Nanak (1469-1539 CE).
The teachings of the Muslim Kabir and the spread of mystical Sufism in Northern India laid the groundwork for this new religion, which originally hoped to synthesize Islam and Hinduism.
Sikhism currently emphasizes the oneness of God and unity of all [...]

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Shinto

Shinto (The way of the kami)
This Japanese folk religion has gone through many changes since its inception in the 8th century BCE and it’s still alive and well in Japan and beyond.
Shinto shrines can be seen dotting the Japanese hillsides and groves as pilgrims make their way to pay their respects or ask a [...]

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Shaman

Shaman (From Evenki, saman: ecstatic one)
A healer or wise-person, believed to have the ability to perceive spiritual beings and matrices of power, and in some instances perform magic.
Shamanic practice often involves entering into trance states induced by rhythmic music, drumming, dancing, the wearing of animal pelts or paraphernalia such as feathers and horns, and [...]

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Saint

Saint
(Latin sanctus = sacred ) The word saint has several meanings.
In everyday usage, saints are unusually kind, ethical people who perform good works on a local or grand scale which most everyone can appreciate.
The term also denotes the faithful Jews of the Bible and the body of Christian believers.
Moreover, saints may be Buddhist arhats [...]

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Taoism

Taoism
Generally speaking, Taoism is an outlook on life that attempts to harmonize the individual will with the natural and spiritual influences of the cosmos.
Personal thoughts and actions are said to alternately coincide or conflict with the flow of the universe, or in some commentaries, the Will of Heaven.
The advent of Taoism is usually attributed to [...]

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Visistadvaita

Vishnu
Originally uploaded by 7E55E-BRN
Visistadvaita
Visistadvaita is a school of Indian philosophy founded by the Indian sage and philosopher Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE).
Ramanuja challenged Sankara’s claim that only the Brahman is real and individuality is illusory (maya).
For Ramanuja the Brahman is real and beyond pain and suffering but individual souls (jivas) emerging from and ultimately resting within [...]

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Vishnu

Vishnu backlit
Originally uploaded by JotoLo02
Vishnu
In Hinduism Vishnu is the second deity of the Hindu Trimurti (i.e. triad) of Brahma, Visnu, and Siva.
He rides the great eagle Garuda with his consort, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, Lakshmi, at his side.
Hindus believe that the universe passes through endless cycles of creation and destruction.
While Brahma is [...]

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Watts, Alan

Emptiness
Originally uploaded by
Miss Gong & The Flickers

Watts, Alan (1915-1973)
No one really knows just who the British-born Alan Watts was. Scholar, writer, Tantric yogi, ex-Catholic synthesizer of Eastern and Western beliefs–all would apply.
An innovate teacher, Watts mastered the art of spontaneity. His wit and enthusiasm made him one of the leading advocates of mystical introspection.
His [...]

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