Scriptures of the World's Religions

by FIESER

• ISBN13: 9780072865226
• ISBN10: 0072865229
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-08-05
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages

Summary

This anthology of scriptures from the world's living religions offers selections that vary in length from a few paragraphs to 10 pages, accompanied by brief introductions that discuss the nature and scope of scripture within each religion as well as the history of each scripture presented. The anthology is also available in two volumes: "Scriptures of The East contains sacred writings of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and indigenous religions of the East; "Scriptures of The West contains sacred writings of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Baha'i faith, and indigenous religions of the West.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 - HINDUISM

Introduction

Vedas

Creation of the universe

Origin of the gods

Indra, the paradigmatic warrior

Prayer to Agni, the god of fire

Burning dead bodies

The beneficial effects of drinking soma

Sex and the Yogin

A clever woman

The horse sacrifice

To the fire altar

What is the origin of the world?

Vedanta: the Upanishads and their Commentaries

Yama's instructions to Naciketas

Sacrifices cannot lead to the ultimate goal

Instructions on renouncing the world

Self-effort and Liberation

Maya

That is you

Qualified non-dualism: Ramanuja's interpretation

Yoga

The meaning of Yoga

Yogic Techniques

Yogic Attainments

Puranas and Epics

The Four Ages

The lingam of Shiva

Rama, a God among Humans

The Bhagavad-Gita: Arjuna's refusal to Fight

Devotional literature

Praise of the goddess

Prayer for identity with the goddess

Mirabhai's mystical marriage to Krishna

Cheating on her husband

Treatises on Dharma

Actions and their results

The four stages of life

Leaving home life

Duties of the four social classes

How Women should live

Manu's instructions on finding the right mate

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 2 - JAINISM

Introduction

Jaina scriptures

Mahavira, the ascetic paradigm

Women cannot attain Liberation

Women can attain Liberation

Bondage and Liberation

The worthlessness of possessions, friends, and relatives

The importance of equanimity

The world is full of suffering

Fasting unto Death

There is no creator God

Excerpts from the Sutra on understanding the meaning of the categories

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 3 - BUDDHISM

Introduction

Pali Canon

The life of the Buddha

The first sermon

The Buddha's good qualities

Criteria for assessing valid teachings and teachers

Nirvana

Dependent arising

Questions that should be avoided

Selflessness

Instructions on meditation

Ordination of Women

The cessation of suffering

My teacher

The joy of release

The Buddha's last days and final instructions

The questions of King Milinda

Mahayana scriptures

The Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra

Excerpts from the diamond Sutra

Why bodhisattvas are superior to hearers

On the differences between Men and Women

The lotus Sutra: parable of the burning house

Everything is controlled by the mind

The basic Consciousness

Nagarjuna on Emptiness

The Bodhisattva's vows of Universal Love

Ultimate reality

Tantric skills in means

The stage of completion

Women should be honored

Samsara and nirvana are one

Using desire to eradicate desire

The state of pure awareness

The importance of the guru

Tibetan Buddhist scriptures

Ultimate reality

Bardo, the state between lives

Milarepa on Meditation

Niguma on Mahamudra

Instructions from Manjushri

The triple appearance

Developing the mind of Enlightenment

Chinese and Japanese Buddhist scriptures

Why Buddhism is superior to Taoism and Confucianism

The platform Sutra of the sixth patriarch

Kukai: exoteric and esoteric Buddhism

Dogen's meditation instructions

The mu koan

Pure land: Shinran on Amida's vow

Truth decay: Nichiren on the title of the lotus Sutra

Glossary, Further Reading

CHAPTER 4 - SIKHISM

Introduction

Sikh scriptures

Nanak, the first guru

Guru Nanak's Death

The mul mantra: the basic statement

Jap: the meditation

The divine name

Meditation on the name

Nudity does not make one a saint

Books and learning are of no use

External observances are of no use

On Hukam

On Haumai

The true guru

The ecstasy of mystical union

Guidelines for a happy marriage

Formation of the Khalsa

Justification for use of force

God, the sword supreme

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 5 - CONFUCIANISM

Introduction

Confucian Scriptures

Sima Qian's Account of Confucius's Life [Shiji selections]

The Book of History [Shujing selections]

Confucius: Selections from the Analects [Lunyu selections]

The Great Learning [Daxue]

The Doctrine of the Mean [Zongyong]

The Life of Mencius [Shiji selections]

Selections from the Mencius [Mangzi selections]

Xanzi: The Nature of Human Beings is Evil [Xunzi, III.150-151]

Yang Xiong: Human Nature is a Mixture of Good and Evil [Fu yan 3.1a-b]

Han Yu: Attack on Buddhism and Taoism [Changli Xiansheng wenji, 39.2b-42]

Zhou Dunyo: The Great Ultimate [Taiji Tushuo, ch. 1]

Zhu Xi: Nature and Humanity [Zhuziwenji selections]

Wang Yangming: The Meaning of the Great Learning [Inquiry on the Great Learning, ch. 1]

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 6 - DAOISM

Introduction

Daoist Scriptures

A Brief Account of Laozi's Life [Shiji, p. 63.2142]

Laozi Instructs Confucius [Shiji, p. 63.2139]

Laozi Converts Barbarians [Huahujing, p. 1266b]

Laozi Becomes an Immortal [Xishengjing selections]

Laozi: The Daodejing [Daodejing selections]

Wang Bi: Commentary on the Daodejing [Laozi 1.1.1a]

Visualizing the Dao [Laozi Daodejing xuzhai]

The Dao of Immortality [Laozi Daodejing xuzhai]

Purity and Tranquility [Qingjingjing]

Zhuangzi's Life and Work [Shiji 63.2144]

The Dao is in Everything [Zhuangzi, ch. 22]

The Value of Knowing Dao [Zhuangzi, ch. 17]

The Pitfalls of Words and Concepts [Zhuangzi, ch. 2]

The Value of Unlearning [Zhuangzi zhu 8.39a]

The Sage is Godlike [Zhuangzi, ch. 2]

Dreams and Reality [Zhuangzi, ch. 2]

Worldly Fame is Like a Dead Rat [Zhuangzi, ch. 17]

Simplicity and Naturalness [Zhuangzi, ch. 2]

The True Man [Zhuangzi, ch. 6]

What the Sage Knows [Zhuangzi, ch. 17]

A Person Without Feelings [Zhuangzi, ch. 5]

An Old Useless Tre [Zhuangzi, ch. 4]

Dragging His Tail in the Mud [Zhuangzi, ch. 17]

Zhuangzi's Wife Died [Zhuangzi, ch. 18]

The Lady of Great Mystery [Biographies of Spirit Immortals, "The Lady of Great Mystery"]

Sun Bu'er: Immortality Practices for Women [Cultivating the Elixir; from Immortal Sisters]

Sexual Techniques for Men [Yufang Bizhui, "Sexual Instruction of the Master of Pure Harmony," 636]

Sexual Techniques for Women [Yufang Bizhui 635]

The Great Man [Darenxian heng, ch. 1]

The Value of Drunkenness [Jiu desong 47]

Transcending the World [Zhuang]

The Music of Dao [Xishengjing selections]

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 7 - SHINTO

Introduction

Shinto Scriptures

Birth of the Kami of sun and moon

The birth of great Kami

The creation of Japan

Izanagi visits Izanami in the netherworld

Ameterasu hides in a cave

The Shrine at Ise

Why Japan is special

Protecting the stability of the country

Prince Shotoku's proclamation on veneration of kami

Festival of the gates

Prayer to Ameterasu during the festival of the sixth month

Prayer for moving the shrine of Ise

Mount Fuji

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 8 - INDIGENOUS RELIGIONS OF THE EAST: AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL RELIGION

Introduction

Australian Aboriginal Myths

The First Death

How Fire Became Widely Available

The Rainbow Serpent

Division of Labor between the Sexes

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 9 - ZOROASTRIANISM

Introduction

The Avesta

Zoroastrian Creed

Dualism

Removal of Hair and Nails

Removal of the Dead

The Daily Prayer

Pahlavi Writings

The Chinvat Bridge, Heaven and Hell

Creation and the Millennia

Life of Zarathushtra

Coming of Saoshyant

Resurrection of the Dead, Final Judgment

Six Ritual Obligations

Virtues and Social Obligation

Zurvan Writings

Zurvan and his Twin Sons

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 10 - JUDAISM

Introduction

Books of Moses

Creation: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Covenant with Noah: Genesis 9:1-17

Covenant with Abraham: Genesis 17:1-22

Passover and Exodus: Exodus 12:29-41, 15:5-29

Mosaic Covenant: Exodus 19, 20:1-17

Holiness Code: Leviticus 19:1-37

Conquest and United Kingdom

Entry into Canaan: Joshua 1, 3

Song of Deborah: Judges 5:2-12

Davidic Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:8-16

Psalms Attributed to David: Psalms 8; 23; 27; 32; 51

Solomon's Temple: 1 Kings 4-6

Proverbs Attributed to Solomon: Proverbs 15

Divided Kingdom and Exile

Elijah versus the Priests of Asherah and Baal: 1 Kings 16-18

Isaiah's Warning to Judah: Isaiah 1:1-9, 18-21; 6

Babylonian Conquest and Exile: 2 Kings 24:8-20; 25:1-17

Remembering Zion: Psalms 137

Return from Exile and Restoration: Ezra 1, 3

Esther: Esther 3:7-11; 7

Ezra and the Law: Nehemiah 8

Post-Exilic Writings

Messiah, Resurrection, and Judgment: First Enoch

Maccabean Revolt: First Maccabees

Qumran Community Rule: Dead Sea Scrolls

Rabbinic Writings

Wisdom of the Fathers

Rabbinic Authority

Resurrection of the Dead

Coming of the Messiah

Unity of the Ten Commandments

Medieval Judaism

Thirteen Principles of Faith: Maimonides

Kabbala: Creation

Recent Movements

Hasidism: The Seven Beggars

Reform Judaism: Declaration of Principles

Zionism: Theodor Hertzl

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 11 - CHRISTIANITY

Introduction

Jesus' Birth and Ministry

Prince of Peace and Suffering Servant: Isaiah 9:6-7, 53:2-11

Birth of Jesus: Luke, 2:1-24, 39, 40

Jesus' Baptism, Temptation, and First Disciples: Mark, 1

Sermon on the Mount: Matthew, 5-7

Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son: Luke, 10:25-37; 15:1-3, 11-32

Peter Receives the Keys: Matthew, 16:13-28

Lazarus Raised from the Dead: John, 11:1-54

Jesus' Death

Last Supper: Mark 14:1-25

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: John 14:1-26

Trial, Crucifixion, Resurrection: Mark, 14:43-16:8

New Testament Church

Ascension, Pentecost: Acts, 1:3-11, 2:1-24, 40-47

Paul on the Distinction between Christianity and Judaism: Galatians, 1-2

Paul on Life after Death: 1 Corinthians 15:12-28, 35-57

Non-Canonical Gospels

Infancy Gospel of James

Infancy Gospel of Thomas

Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

Gnostic Gospel of Mary

Early Statements of Faith

Baptism, Prayer, and the Eucharist: Didache

Apostles' Creed

Nicene Creed

Chalcedon Creed

Church Fathers, Saints, and Mystics

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

Tertullian on Heretics

Jerome's Preface to the Vulgate

Augustine's Confessions

Teresa of Avila on the Prayer of Union

Protestant Statements of Faith

Lutherans: Augsburg Confession

Anglicans: 39 Articles of Religion

Presbyterians: Westminster Confession

Baptists: First London Baptist Confession of Faith

Congregationalists: Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order

Assemblies of God: Statement of Fundamental Truths

Recent Sectarian Movements

Unitarianism: William Ellery Channing

Mormonism: Joseph Smith

Jehovah's Witnesses: Charles Taze Russell

Christian Science: Mary Baker Eddy

New Age Christianity: Levi H. Dowling

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 12 - ISLAM

Introduction

Qur'an: Muhammad in Mecca

Night of Power

Divine Judgment

Opening

Evils of Idolatry

Early Prophets

Resurrection of the Dead

Revealed Qur'an

Qur'an: Muhammad in Medina

Laws

Treatment of Women

Jesus the prophet

Unbelieving People of the Book

Five Pillars of Islam

Jihad

Muhammad's Wives

Idolatry Abolished

Final Revelation

Hadith

Call to Prophethood

Night Journey

Jihad

Charity

Reciting the Qur'an

Stoning of Adulterous Jews

Death of Muhammad

First Compilation of the Qur'an

Definitive Compilation of the Qur'an

Sunni and Shi'i Writings

Sunni Islamic Law

Sunni Creed

Shi'i Creed

Sufi Writings

Love: Rabi'a

Unveiling the Qur'an's Secrets: Sana'i of Ghazni

Sufi Path: al-Ghazali

Union and Separation: Rumi

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 13 - BAHA'I

Introduction

The Bab

Imprisonment

A New Qur'an

The Bayan: a Book for a New Dispensation

A Coming Leader

Day of Resurrection

Call to belief

Baha'u'llah

Different Manifestations in Different Dispensations

Baha'i Laws

Promoting Peace

Paradise

Abdu'l-baha

Baha'u'llah's Teachings

Pantheism

Universal Love

Abdu'l-baha's Will

Shoghi Effendi

Possibilities of the Future

Unity of Religions, Races, and God

Universal House of Justice

Promise of World Peace

Glossary, Further Readings

CHAPTER 14 - INDIGENOUS RELIGIONS OF THE WEST

Introduction

Africa

Cause of Death

King of Death: Angolan Myth

Woman’s Search for the High God: Zambian Myth

Tree to the Upper World: Tanzanian Myth

Dead People become Clouds: San Myth

America

Creation: Mayan Myth

Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca: Mexican Myth

Creation: Hopi Myth

Creation: Cherokee Myth

Origin of Disease and Medicine: Cherokee Myth

Glossary, Further Reading