Huston Smith

Ante el problema de las drogas que impera en el mundo actual, sólo alguien con credenciales impecables y una espiritualidad irrefutable como Huston Smith puede replantear el potencial religioso de las plantas y substancias enteogénicas (alucinógenas). Al profundo lenguaje espiritual que motivó a los que experimentaron con tales substancias en el pasado, Smith añade datos científicos, médicos y religiosos para apoyar lo que ha sido un "secreto" tan viejo como la humanidad: que hay modos de percepción mucho más extáticos y clarificadores que la conciencia ordinaria.

Este clásico complemento a Las religiones del mundo articula la notable unidad que subyace en todas las grandes tradiciones religiosas. Sabio, místico, poeta y filósofo, Smith recrea en su estilo inimitable el factor común de las religiones del mundo. La verdad olvidada es, en opinión de muchos, la mejor introducción a la religión jamás escrita.

Le verita dimenticate sono quelle prospettive piene di significato che furono un tempo lumana unanimita, basate su una cosmologia e unantropologia trasmesse fin dalle origini, ormai sepolte dalla fascinazione dello scientismo e dalle mirabilia tecnologiche. Huston Smith, con approccio pragmatico, cerca di riportarle in luce in questo libro che inaugura una nuova collana intitolata Argine. Verita dimenticate e stato definito meraviglioso da Daniel Goleman, straordinario da Ken Wilber e di gran lunga il miglior libro che conosco sulla tradizione primordiale da Arthur Hilary Armstrong.

En esta obra elegante y apasionada, el autor del best-seller mundial, Las religiones del mundo, desentrama los rasgos esenciales de una de las religiones más extendidas del planeta: el cristianismo. Mediante reflexiones, cuentos y anecdotas personales, Huston Smith traza un camino intermedio entre un cristianismo culturalmente rigido, evangelico, intolerante y fundamentalista, y un cristianismo liberal no trascendente.El alma del cristianismo presenta un argumento convincente para una alternativa vital, que implica una fe mas autentica y profunda; aquella fe que guio a la Iglesia durante los primeros mil años de su existencia.He tratado de describir un cristianismo que sea completamente compatible con todo lo que ahora conocemos; y he tratado de indicar por que los cristianos consideran que es un privilegio entregar sus vidas a esta religion. Huston SmithHuston Smith esta considerado una autoridad mundial en la historia de las religiones y la filosofia comparadas. Ha sido profesor en la Universidad de Washington, Syracuse y el MIT. En la actualidad imparte clases en la Universidad de California (Berkeley). Es autor de numerosos libros, entre los que destacan Las religiones del mundo, La verdad olvidada, La percepcion divina, La importancia de la religion y Mas alla de la mente postmoderna (todos ellos publicados por Kairos).

La mente moderna se creó a partir de la nueva concepción del mundo introducida por la ciencia, pero la ciencia del siglo XX ha abandonado no sólo esta concepción del mundo, sino las concepciones del mundo en general. Asi por ejemplo, la mecanica cuantica nos ofrece, no una nueva representacion del mundo, sino ninguna representacion. Y la filosofia ha seguido el mismo camino.Huston Smith profundiza en este libro en la critica a la cultura tradicional hecha por la modernidad tras la revolucion cientifica.

Huston Smith, the author of the classic bestseller The World's Religions, delivers a passionate, timely message: The human spirit is being suffocated by the dominant materialistic worldview of our times. Smith champions a society in which religion is once again treasured and authentically practiced as the vital source of human wisdom.

Uno de los más elocuentes y respetados autores en el campo de la religión ofrece un oportuno manifiesto sobre la necesidad urgente de restaurar el papel de la religión como fuerza humanizadora para los individuos y la sociedad. Smith aporta una convincente crítica histórica y social, además de una profunda esperanza en la condición espiritual de la humanidad.

"Devoted eye. Sweet enterprise. Thank you."--Leonard Cohen"What a kind, gentle, knowing photo book Don Farber has done here. It has taken a lifetime of commitment and insight for these photos to reach us."--Richard Gere "Farber brings us into the temple, monastery, and mountain village with these striking photographs of both ordinary practitioners and many of the great masters. The simple elegance of these images offers a wonderful window into the Buddhist world."--Sharon Salzberg, co-founder of Insight Meditation Society and author of "Lovingkindness and "A Heart as Wide as the World "Don Farber's images capture the beauty of his subjects. However, his skill goes far beyond the surface and draws the viewer into a close experience with the structure of the experience that opens before his lens. This rare talent is essential when directing the gaze toward a sacred object or a holy person. It is an even greater need when holding a moment of religious life in the frame. Farber provides us with pictures which give dignity to aspects of religion and culture that appear as a result of his careful focus and sensitivity to the energy and spirit of each event taking place before him. We are directed in our own viewing by his guidance as people and objects take on a quality that touches our emotions. His pictures teach us much about life and art. In his hands, the camera gives us the nuances that escape all but the most talented of artists. It is a pleasure to see the Buddhist tradition depicted in such a masterful fashion."--Lewis Lancaster, Professor Emeritus, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, UC Berkeley"Don Farber is one of the most important chroniclers of Buddhism in thetwentieth century. Whether he is portraying great teachers or ordinary practitioners, he has a unique ability to capture in a photograph the essence of Buddhist enlightenment."--Melvin McLeod, Editor-in-chief, "Shambhala Sun magazine""Visions of Buddhist Life is a powerful and moving work, a spiritual odyssey, which beautifully captures the living spirit of Buddhism in today's world. Through this extraordinary collection of photographs, Don Farber chronicles his personal spiritual journey with a keen eye and an open heart, revealing a rare and intimate glimpse into Buddhist life. I highly recommend this remarkable book."--

In his book Why Religion Matters, Huston Smith writes about how religion is being stifled by scientism, the mass media culture, education without soul, and a legal system without morality. According to Smith, religion must be liberated from these bonds if the human spirit is to experience its true depth and potential.Smith, the most renowned and beloved authority on world religions, delivers a powerful message that he feels is vitally needed now. We increasingly live in a world in which the human spirit is being suffocated in a society in which scientific reductionism, mass media trivialization of culture, functional education, and a soulless legal system dominate our everyday values and judgment. Why Religion Matters presents the argument that our great wisdom traditions religion and philosophyannot ultimately be denied. If they are honored and championed, there is great hope for humankind. Otherwise, we will go on living in a distorted culture and society, not realizing our full potential.

In this delightful autobiography, Smith tells us how he became the dean of world religion experts. Along the way we meet the people who shaped him and shared his journeya Whos Who of 20th century spiritual America: the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Merton and Pete Seeger.... A valuable master class on faith and life. San Francisco Chronicle Book ReviewAs Stephen Hawking is to science; as Peter Drucker is to economics; and as Joseph Campbell is to mythology; so Huston Smith is to religion. Tales of Wonder is the personal story of the author of the classic The Worlds Religions, the man who taught a nation about the great faiths of the world, and his fascinating encounters with the people who helped shape the 20th century.What does it mean to chase the divine across a century of seismic change?World Religions, Lived: From practicing yoga with Hindu yogis to meditating with Zen masters and whirling with Sufi dervishes, Smith immerses himself in the great faiths to understand them from the inside out. 20th Century Spiritual Figures: Sit in on conversations with legends like the Dalai Lama, Aldous Huxley, and Thomas Merton, and witness history-making encounters that shaped modern spirituality. A Missionary Childhood: Journey back to a walled town in pre-revolutionary China, where a boys worldview was forged among ancient traditions long before he would teach them to the West. Science and Spirituality: From the halls of MIT to experiments with consciousness, discover Smiths lifelong work to bridge the gap between empirical knowledge and the reality of the sacred.

"A genius a writer who spent his life decrying the onward march of the Machine." The New YorkerBrave New World author Aldous Huxley on enlightenment and the "ultimate reality."In this anthology of twenty-six landmark spiritual essays and other writings, Aldous Huxley discusses the nature of God, enlightenment, being, good and evil, religion, eternity, and the divine. Huxley consistently examined the spiritual basis of both the individual and human society, always seeking, through the lens of the Perennial Philosophy, to reach an authentic and clearly defined experience of the divine. Featuring an introduction by renowned religious scholar Huston Smith, this celebration of "ultimate reality" proves relevant and prophetic in addressing the spiritual hunger so many feel today.This collection, gathering his most insightful writings on the spiritual life for the first time, explores the path to enlightenment through:The Nature of Consciousness: Huxleys incisive analysis of the mind, from the "slavery of thought to life" to the potential for liberation from the ego. Mysticism East and West: An exploration of the common ground between spiritual traditions, from Christian mystics and the teachings of Meister Eckhart to Vedanta and Zen Buddhism. The Path to Enlightenment: A practical look at the role of meditation, contemplation, and self-transcendence in achieving a direct, unitive knowledge of the divine Ground. Religion and Reality: A brilliant critique of idolatry and the limitations of symbolic religion, arguing for an immediate, personal experience of "ultimate reality."

In a world where one in five people is a Muslim, understanding the Islamic faith is more important than ever.Yet, as acclaimed author and scholar of world religions Huston Smith notes, no religion is more misunderstood by the West. This book, drawn from his seminal work The Worlds Religions, is a direct response to the urgent need for a clear and concise introduction to Islam.Huston Smith provides the essential background for anyone seeking to comprehend the foundations of this global religion. Moving beyond the headlines and stereotypes, he presents the core tenets of Islam with clarity and respect. The author explores the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the spiritual and historical significance of the Koran, and the key theological concepts that anchor the Muslim worldview.This concise and authoritative guide clearly explains the foundations of the Islamic faith:The Prophet Muhammad: Follow the story of his life and the divine revelation that launched a global religion. The Five Pillars: Understand the core tenets of a Muslims life, from the confession of faith to the pilgrimage to Mecca. Core Theological Concepts: Grasp the essential teachings on God (Allah), Creation, the human soul, and the Day of Judgment. Essential Social Teachings: Explore the Korans perspectives on economics, family, the status of women, and justice. The Sufi Path: Discover the rich mystical tradition within Islam, focusing on the souls direct encounter with the Divine.

Huston Smith, author of the bestselling classic The Worlds Religions, examines Christianity in his most personal book yet. Smith presents the essential teachings of Christianity as clearly and concisely as he has addressed other faiths in his many books. But in The Soul of Christianity, Smith speaks on a more personal level; as a life-long Christian, he writes about what his religion means to him and how it has shaped his life and beliefs. Smith writes about why religion still matters today in a mostly secular world.In contrast to the misguided course of culturally rigid and intolerant evangelical and fundamentalist Christianity on the one hand, and the non-transcendent liberal Christianity of Marcus Borg, John Shelby Spong, et al. on the other, Smith presents a passionate and convincing argument for a vital alternative that is a deeper, authentic Christian faith that is tolerant, respectful of peoples religious differences, and still substantial. The Soul of Christianity is a valuable resource both for those who are learning about Christianity for the first time, as well as Christians who would like to take a new look at their faith in this modern age.True to the noble calling which has distinguished his work for decades, Huston Smith points the way toward a profoundly metaphysical grasp of the classic Christian tradition, showing us as always what it means to live the life of faith in light of the highest and most universal principles.-- James S. Cutsinger, Professor of Theology and Religious Thought, University of South Carolina

Huston Smith and Philip Novak offer a highly readable and incisive guide to the heart of Buddhism, a quickly growing tradition with an increasing presence and importance in the Western world. The first half of the book is written by Smith, the worlds premier authority on religious traditions. Smith traces the history of Buddhism, with a special focus on the differences and similarities between the Mahayana and Theravada traditions. Noted scholar (and former student of Smith) Novak then traces the spread of Buddhism out of Asia and into the West. Esoteric concepts like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are explained in a clear and straightforward manner that those new to Buddhism will easily understand. This book will stand apart as the most concise, timely, and reliable introduction to Buddhism available today.Huston Smith is internationally known and revered as the premier teacher of world religions and for his bestselling book The Worlds Religions. He was the focus of a five-part PBS television series with Bill Moyers, and has taught at Washington University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, and the University of California, Berkeley.Philip Novak is professor of philosophy and religion at Dominican University in San Rafael, CA, where he has won several teaching awards, and the editor of The Worlds Wisdom, the companion reader to Huston Smiths The Worlds Religions. Novak did his doctoral work with Huston Smith, and Smith considers him his most accomplished student. Novak is a committed Buddhist.Stellar...outstanding....Highly recommended. Library Journal

The Worlds Religions, by beloved author and pioneering professor Huston Smith (Tales of Wonder), is the definitive classic for introducing the essential elements and teachings of the worlds predominant faiths. This essential guide to comparative religion covers Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as regional native traditions.This revised and updated edition provides sympathetic descriptions of the various traditions, explaining how they work from the inside, which is a big reason why this cherished classic of religious studies has sold more than two million copies since it first appeared in 1958.For decades, students and seekers have turned to this landmark text for its clear, objective, and engaging exploration of humanitys most enduring spiritual traditions.Sympathetic Introductions: Go beyond doctrine to understand the worlds major faiths as they are experienced from the inside, with respect and profound insight. Covers Major World Religions: Journey through the essential teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Scholarly Yet Accessible: Written by a pioneering professor, this book translates complex ideas into a readable and compelling narrative, perfect for students and general readers alike. A Foundational Text: Discover why this cherished classic has been a foundational text in religious studies for generations, selling more than two million copies.

Con más de dos millones de ejemplares vendido en todo el mundo, el gran estudioso y divulgador Huston Smith explora los elementos esenciales y creencias fundamentales del hinduismo, el budismo, el confucianismo, el taoismo, el islamismo, el judaismo, el cristianismo, asi como las tradiciones nativas de Oceania, Africa y las Americas. Smith se interesa mas por la dimension interna y mistica de las religiones y menos por su aspecto institucional. El resultado es una magistral introduccion a las fuentes de sabiduria de la humanidad. Especial Religiones del Mundo