Click here for books on: Myths & Mythology Symbols

*** Myths & Mythology ***

Gessar Khan: A Legend of Tibet Retold by Ida Zeitlen. Illustrated by Thoedore Nadejen. This is a tale of Gessar Khan, a legendary folk hero of Tibetan or Mongolian origin, whose story was passed down by word of mouth until in Beijing in 1716 it was published in the Mongolian language. Later it was translated into Russian, and from there into German and finally into English. "The epic of Gessar of Ling has been described as the Iliad of Central Asia. The hero is a deified warrior king who, with his magic weapons and riding on his winged horse, triumphs over the forces of evil and injustice. Many of the stories and points involve demons, spells and magic creations but, like many of the Greek myths, it is thought that they have some basis in historical fact. Originally orally transmitted, later some of the stories were written down and grouped in a subject order." - John Whelpton, Tibet (Clio Press) Hardback. 203 pages. Chocolate and ochre linocut illustrations. Weight: 700 g (24.5 oz). Item No: 81-7624-008-7. Price: $US 20.50. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

The Glory of Nepal: A Mythological Guidebook to Kathmandu Valley, based on the Nepala-Mahatmya and Himavatkhanda

by William P Forbes with ijay Kumar Chaube. Illustrated by Raju Babu Shakya 'SARAB'.

This beautifully produced paperback contains nine stories from the Himavatkhanda and Nepal-Mahatmya, translated from the Sanskrit. The book is profusely illustrated.

Some of the questions that the books asks are:
- Why are the Himalaya considered holy?
- Why were so many temples constructed in the Himalayan kingdom?
- What are the origins of religious beliefs?

The author has answered these questions intelligently for the modern reader. Most books about the Himalaya agree that they are holy, but noever tell you the origins of this belief. Writers often highlight aspects and features of various temples, but rarely explain why the temples were constructed. Forbes' book is a true pilgrims guide to the holy places of the Kathmandu Valley. It reveals the role that the gods themselves played in establishing this sacred site. Complete with maps and concise directions, these stories lead us on an imaginative but authentic journey of discovery.

"My impression is that the work in hand has its own significance in the annals of Puranic publications." -- Hem Raj Gyawali, Kantipur Publications

"This is certainly not a small task. Only by extreme zeal, devotion and effort can such a work be accomplished." -- Dr. Govind Tandon

Paperback. 292 pages. B&W drawings. Fold-out map.
Weight: 400 g (14 oz).
Item No: 81-7769-027-2.
Price: $US 4.50. . Convert Currency

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Lore and Legend of Nepal

by Kesar Lall

Giants and demons, Bungadeo, the God of Mercy, and Bandhu Achaju, the Tantric Master, feature in thirty-one traditional folktales from Nepal.  Entertaining and illuminating reading. 
Several of these stories confirm the old theory of the German orientalist Max Muller about the migration of tales from country to country.  The Adivasis of Bihar can find at least half a dozen of them retold with changes of names and places.  A couple of them are variations of stories found in distant Vietnam. 
A few of the stories belong to the reigns of particular kings of Nepal and as such can be dated.  Almost all of them illuminate some aspects of life in and around Kathmandu.
"Even people with sophisticated tastes will enjoy these tales" - The Times of India

Paperback. 73 pages.  B&W illustrations.
Weight: 130 g (4.6 oz).
Item No: N000005015. 
Price: $US2.75.  . Convert Currency

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Myths and Legends of India: An Introduction to the Study of Hinduism

by J M Macfie

Myths & Legends of India presents a rich and dazzling collection of 46 tales taken from the sacred books of Hinduism - from the ancient hymns of the Vedas to the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics and on to the later Laws of Manu and the Puranas. A veritable kaleidoscope of Hindu mythology as it developed over a period of 3,000 years!

Tales of gods and goddesses, demons, rishis, saints and sages in all their varying moods... and tales of ordinary men and women, their hopes and fears and their joys and sorrows.

The book concludes with explanatory sections on each of the legends, a reading list and a subject index.

Reading this book is a great way to get a good feel for the riches of Hinduism!

Paperback. 333 pages.
Weight: 380 g (13.3 oz).
Item No: 81-7624-044-3.
Price: $US 6.75. . Convert Currency

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Shambhala: The Fascinating Truth Behind the Myth of Shangri-La by Victoria LePage Somewhere, beyond Tibet, lies a paradise of universal wisdom and ineffectual peace known as Shambhala. Called by some Shangri-La, this mythical kingdom of jewel lakes, wish-fulfilling trees, and speaking stones has fired the imagination of both actual explorers and travellers to the inner realms. This fascinating look behind the myth shows Shambhala to be a "real" place, always accessible to the pure of heart. "A well-reseached, well-written, and utterly fascinating account. This highly recommended book contains more of the pieces [of the Shambhala puzzle] than any other publication to date." --George Feuerstein, Ph.D., co-author In Search of the Cradle of Civilization, author of Holy Madness, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga, and many other books. Paperback. 309 pages. B&W drawings and diagrams. Weight: 430 g (15.1 oz). Item No: 81-7769-059-0. Price: $US 5.50. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Tibetan Tales: Stories from the Dsangs Blun (The Wise and the Foolish)

Translated by Antoinette K Gordon

These delightful tales, taken from the Tibetan Buddhist canon, are traditional stories that the Buddha told his disciples and are in the form of parables which illustrate common incidents in life, point a moral and impart important aspects of Buddhist teachings.

Paperback. 72 pages. B&W illustrations.
Weight: 80 g (2.8 oz).
Item No: N000004700.
Price: $US 2.00. . Convert Currency

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*** Symbols ***

Mandala: The Mystical Diagram of Hinduism

by J R Santiago

You are on the threshold of an amazing discovery with this book.
It deals mainly with a form of worship, which has for a long time remained secret, except for a few initiates.
In composition the mandala is simply a diagram with geometrical patterns, but it is wholistic in approach, and deals with the individual as well as the universal aspects of life. It is vast in concept, it involves philosophy, science, technology and psychology of the phenomenal universe and of life.
The mandala conceptual framework of creation can be compared with the Big Bang theory. It is therefore a subject that will interest physicists, cosmologists and anyone with scientific or philosophical bent of mind.
This overview of mystical worship, intricate and complex, is intriguing yet stimulating. As a spiritual model, simple in design, the wisdom revealed by the mandala far exceeds expectations.

Paperback. 99 pages. B&W drawings.
Weight: 130 g (4.6 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-183-5.
Price: $US 3.75. . Convert Currency

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Sacred Mandala of Buddhism

by J R Santiago

The mandala is a compact mystical diagram, concentrating spiritual energy; it is an icon of religious experience and, at the same time, a visible manifestation of the godhead.
In spite of the underlying modern prejudice that the spiritual traditions of the East are world-rejecting and inward-looking, the mandala has in recent years passed from East to West as a means for inner healing and self-orientation.
C G Jung regarded the mandala as a representation of man's need for wholeness, for perfection. Modern psychiatrists have even used it as a therapeutic device in the regeneration of shattered personalities.
This short introductory book reveals the secrets of this complex form in all its manifestations: symbol of the universe, image of God and aid to inner peace.
This book will help provoke the feelings and visions by which one can arrive at a sense of unity with oneself and with the universe outside.

Paperback. 68 pages. B&W drawings.
Weight: 105 g (3.7 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-185-1.
Price: $US 3.00. . Convert Currency

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Sacred Symbols of Buddhism

by J R Santiago

Buddhism has often confused non-Buddhists worldwide with its plethora of signs and symbols, rituals and intricate philosophy. This handy reference guide illustrates the many and varied symbols which appear throughout the Buddhist world.

Paperback. 74 pages. B&W line drawings.
Weight: 90 g (3.2 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-182-7.
Price: $US 2.95. . Convert Currency
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Sacred Symbols of Hinduism

by J R Santiago

Hinduism has often baffled and confused non-Hindus worldwide with its profusion of gods and goddesses, signs and symbols. This handy reference guide illustrates the many and varied symbols which appear throughout the Indian subcontinent. It provides the key to unlock the exoteric and esoteric symbols of a religion that dominates every aspect of Hindu human endeavour.
Some features of this book:
-- Compact, easy to carry volume for travel
-- Clear, precise explanations
-- More than 100 artistic illustrations to identify commonly-used symbols
-- Helpful explanatory notes in the Foreword and Introduction
-- The latest, most useful compact reference guide available
"A trustworthy and indispensable guide for the student of Hinduism, or just for the traveller, seeking easy-to-find information on the many aspects of Hindu symbolism." -- Daniel B Haber, author of Hindu Gods and Goddesses of Nepal

Paperback. 86 pages. B&W drawings.
Weight: 120 g (4.2 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-181-9.
Price: $US 3.50. . Convert Currency

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