Traditionella ritualer och ceremonier

"In this twenty-fifth anniversary edition, you will find John a "soul friend" on your own journey through life, offering support and solace, clarity, and consciousness-expanding narratives that invite you to experience relationships with people, nature, and even your inner world in new ways that nurture well-being and resilience in these challenging times." -Daniel J. Siegel, MD, Neuropsychiatrist and New York Times Bestselling AuthorA special twenty-fifth anniversary edition of the classic work of Celtic spirituality and mysticism by beloved poet and philosopher, John O'Donohue, with a new introduction by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, an afterword by the late author's brother, Pat O'Donohue, and insightful material from O'Donohue's circle of close friends.In this revered classic, John O'Donohue excavates themes of friendship, belonging, solitude, creativity and the imagination, among many others. Widely recognized for bringing Celtic spirituality into modern dialogue, his unique insights from the ancient world speak with urgency for our need to rediscover the thresholds of the soul.With lyrical wisdom and fluency, O'Donohue encourages pathways of discovery to come home to the natural rhythm in ourselves in sacred connection with one another and the landscapes we inhabit. This timeless collection nourishes the heart and elevates the spirit. It is "a book to read and reread forever." (Irish Times)

‘Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion – putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.’ This book will help you embrace omoiyari and bring joy and happiness into your own life and the lives of others.Care, consideration and empathy underpin all aspects of daily life in Japan and are essential to the social spirit. From Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), Kirei (cleanliness and organisation) and Mottainai (reducing waste) to Zakka (finding beauty in the mundane) and Senbazuru (the origami art of folding one thousand paper cranes), there are so many different ways that the Japanese emphasise the importance of community and helping others.With practical and actionable advice throughout, you can learn how to incorporate Japanese culture and the art of compassion into your daily life, because even the smallest of considerate actions can make a world of difference.

The definitive history of coronations and the Royal Family, from acclaimed writer Roy Strong. ’What is the finest sight in the world? A Coronation.What do people talk most about? A Coronation.What is delightful to have passed? A Coronation.’Horace Walpole, 1761 As a boy of sixteen, Roy Strong watched the grand procession carrying Queen Elizabeth II to her coronation. The spectacle was considered the greatest public event of the century. But now, so many years later, many people have little notion of what a coronation is and are unaware of the rich resonances of the ritual, or its deep significance in terms of the committal of monarch to people.This book is the first of its kind – a comprehensive history that sets each coronation into its political, social, religious and cultural context. The story is one of constant re-invention as the service has had to respond to all the changes in fortune of the monarchy or the country: everything from legitimising usurpers to reconciling a Catholic rite to the tenets of Protestantism. It even had to be recreated from scratch after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. In this way, Strong tells the story of the British monarchy since the tenth century, and looks forward to the coronation of King Charles III. The musical history alone is one of extraordinary richness – involving Henry Purcell, Handel, Edward Elgar, William Walton – plus the celebratory poetry, the art and the spectacular engravings published at coronations are all explored, as is the more recent role of photographers. The book particularly concentrates on post-1603 developments, including the incredible story of the Stuarts, when the crown jewels used for hundreds of years at coronations were melted down as symbols of the hated Divine Right of Kings.As Charles III succeeds to the throne and preparations are made for his coronation, Strong speculates as to the revisions now called for to its ritual and pageantry to meet the changes in the role of the monarchy in the twenty-first century.

We all need a little more sanuk in our lives Sanuk is a Thai concept that can loosely be translated as meaning ‘fun’. Though sanuk is in fact much more than that; it’s about achieving pleasure and joy in all aspects of life. For Thai people, if it’s not sanuk, it’s not worth doing.Thai people believe that it’s the little things that add up to a joyful life. Whether it’s raising happy kids, enjoying a quick chat with your neighbour or having a laugh with friends, they try to bring a sense of joy into their daily routines. This easygoing, fun-loving way of life is why Thailand is often called The Land of Smiles.But how can we learn to prioritise this sense of fun and pleasure in our own lives? With recent clinical studies showing a clear link between a person’s outlook on life and their health, a mindset of optimism and positivity has obvious benefits. Being a glass half full kind of person doesn’t just help us live longer, it helps us live better.Embracing sanuk and approaching life a glass-half-full attitude can make you happier, healthier and more productive – and this book will show you how.

An illuminating look at the transformative role that rituals play in our political livesThe Politics of Ritual is a major new account of the political power of rituals. In this incisive and wide-ranging book, Molly Farneth argues that rituals are social practices in which people create, maintain, and transform themselves and their societies. Far from mere scripts or mechanical routines, rituals are dynamic activities bound up in processes of continuity and change. Emphasizing the significance of rituals in democratic engagement, Farneth shows how people adapt their rituals to redraw the boundaries of their communities, reallocate goods and power within them, and cultivate the habits of citizenship.Transforming our understanding of rituals and their vital role in the political conflicts and social movements of our time, The Politics of Ritual examines a broad range of rituals enacted to just and democratic ends, including border Eucharists, candlelight vigils, and rituals of mourning. This timely book makes a persuasive case for an innovative democratic ritual life that can enable people to create and sustain communities that are more just, inclusive, and participatory than those in which they find themselves.

An illuminating look at the transformative role that rituals play in our political livesThe Politics of Ritual is a major new account of the political power of rituals. In this incisive and wide-ranging book, Molly Farneth argues that rituals are social practices in which people create, maintain, and transform themselves and their societies. Far from mere scripts or mechanical routines, rituals are dynamic activities bound up in processes of continuity and change. Emphasizing the significance of rituals in democratic engagement, Farneth shows how people adapt their rituals to redraw the boundaries of their communities, reallocate goods and power within them, and cultivate the habits of citizenship.Transforming our understanding of rituals and their vital role in the political conflicts and social movements of our time, The Politics of Ritual examines a broad range of rituals enacted to just and democratic ends, including border Eucharists, candlelight vigils, and rituals of mourning. This timely book makes a persuasive case for an innovative democratic ritual life that can enable people to create and sustain communities that are more just, inclusive, and participatory than those in which they find themselves.

Learn the powerful stories behind over 40 goddesses from around the world, and discover how you can embody their power to improve your wellbeing, and live your best life. From ancient myth to modern day icons, there’s a goddess to help you with every situation. Including some of the best and less well-known goddesses throughout mythology, and accompanied by a gorgeous illustration of each, learn the stories of: ·    Freya (Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War)·    Eostre (Celtic Goddess of the Dawn and Spring)·    Guan Yin (Buddhist Goddess of Compassion and Mercy)·    Nut (Egyptian Goddess of the Sky)·    Selene (Greek Goddess of the Moon)·    Jaci (Brazilian Moon Goddess)·    Gaia (Greek Goddess of the Earth)·    Pele (Goddess of Fire, Volcanoes, and Dance)·    Inanna (Sumerian Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Sensuality)·    Amaterasu (Shintu Goddess of the Sun)·    Lakshmi (Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Good Fortune, and Success)…and many more! With a simple ritual or activity alongside each story to help you channel the iconic energy of each goddess, this is the ultimate book of female empowerment. The perfect self-gift for Valentine's Day.

The Great Palace of Constantinople was the heart of Byzantium for almost a thousand years, serving as both a political and architectural model for Christendom and the Islamic world. Despite its historical significance, reconstructing its layout remains challenging due to the scarce amount of archaeological evidence. This Element synthesises the historical and topographical evolution of the palace, examining its architectural typologies and the role of ritual and artistic objects in representing imperial power. It also addresses key historiographical issues, such as the identification and dating of the Peristyle of the Mosaics, as well as its role in imperial ceremonies. The research is based on textual sources, archaeology, and graphic documentation, culminating in a virtual reconstruction through 3D imaging. By integrating these methodologies, this Element aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Great Palace, its influence, and its role as a central stage for Byzantine ceremonial and ideological expression.

The Great Palace of Constantinople was the heart of Byzantium for almost a thousand years, serving as both a political and architectural model for Christendom and the Islamic world. Despite its historical significance, reconstructing its layout remains challenging due to the scarce amount of archaeological evidence. This Element synthesises the historical and topographical evolution of the palace, examining its architectural typologies and the role of ritual and artistic objects in representing imperial power. It also addresses key historiographical issues, such as the identification and dating of the Peristyle of the Mosaics, as well as its role in imperial ceremonies. The research is based on textual sources, archaeology, and graphic documentation, culminating in a virtual reconstruction through 3D imaging. By integrating these methodologies, this Element aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Great Palace, its influence, and its role as a central stage for Byzantine ceremonial and ideological expression.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to ikebana and other forms of Japanese flower culture. Unlike other books on the subject which focus on practice, the book provides both an academic discussion of the subject and an introduction to practice. It examines ikebana and flower culture from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyses Japanese aesthetics, customs and rituals related to flower arrangements, and outlines ikebana history and the Grand Master Iemoto system. It considers how the traditional arts are taught in Japan, and links traditional arts to current issues in today’s society, such as gender and class. This book also covers how to prepare ikebana utensils, preserve flowers and branches, and how to appreciate arrangements, placing an emphasis on acknowledging our five senses throughout each stage of the process. The book will be of interest to a wide range of people interested in Japanese flower culture – university professors and students, tourists and people interested in traditional Japanese arts.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to ikebana and other forms of Japanese flower culture. Unlike other books on the subject which focus on practice, the book provides both an academic discussion of the subject and an introduction to practice. It examines ikebana and flower culture from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyses Japanese aesthetics, customs and rituals related to flower arrangements, and outlines ikebana history and the Grand Master Iemoto system. It considers how the traditional arts are taught in Japan, and links traditional arts to current issues in today’s society, such as gender and class. This book also covers how to prepare ikebana utensils, preserve flowers and branches, and how to appreciate arrangements, placing an emphasis on acknowledging our five senses throughout each stage of the process. The book will be of interest to a wide range of people interested in Japanese flower culture – university professors and students, tourists and people interested in traditional Japanese arts.

Founder of a global etiquette school and star of her own Netflix series, Mind Your Manners, Sara Jane Ho teaches readers how to thrive socially in a variety of situations, in person and online.Structured around five main 'microcultures' – Friendship and Social Life, Family Ties, Career-ing, Dating & Relationships, Food & Travel – Mind Your Manners reveals the subtle differences in expectation within each, and how to read the situation you find yourself in with ease and confidence so that you may respond appropriately.In Sara Jane's brilliant hands, etiquette becomes fresh, dynamic, and situation-specific, rather than strict and unforgiving. Sara Jane’s etiquette is contextual etiquette. Transcending old notions of manners entirely, it is nothing less than the art and science of interacting with others.

Offering a fascinating celebration of Britain’s living heritage, TRADITIONS OBSERVED, by Anna Hallett is an engaging journey through more than 70 of Britain’s most ancient and enduring local customs and ceremonies.  In a richly detailed travelogue, the book explores the rituals, both famous and obscure, that continue to be celebrated across the UK today.From well-known events, such as well dressing, mummers, wassailing and pancake races to lesser known traditions such as Straw Bears, ‘Mock Mayors’ and the spectacle of Bun Throwing, together with a number of charitable events and civic ceremonies, plus a good smattering of both real horses and hobby horses included, the book captures the remarkable variety of customs that have survived into the twenty-first century.Different communities and associations have always had their own unique customs which have been passed down and preserved over the years. These are often rooted in the occupations and businesses of the local inhabitants or society members. Others are such as pancake races, Maypole dancing, wassailing and mummers are more universal and are celebrated throughout the year in multiple locations, albeit quite often with local interpretations.Not all events happen annually so waiting for the right year to come around to participate can sometimes take a while. In one particular case, it can be up to 21 years between the Chedozy Candle Auctions in Somerset! And the COVID pandemic has caused some disarray to the calendar in recent years.Describing some of the events that she witnessed and took part in, Anna said: ‘I’ve met straw bears, mock mayors, a warrener, a wren bearer and a Jack-in-the-Green.  I shook hands with a boy bishop, played the part of High Constable, acquired a hobby horse named Biscuit made by Stephen Rowley, a Cotswold artist and mummer, and only narrowly avoided falling into the Thames while trying to keep up with swan-upping Vintners.‘Injudicious action (on my part) during a game of bottle-kicking in Hallaton, Leicestershire, could have led to serious injury.  I have been pelted with raid-sodden buns and presented with a wassail bowl on one occasion and a carrier bag filled with flour on another.  In London, I witnessed the payment of ‘quit rents’ in the Royal Courts of Justice and the testing of new coins of the realm in the Trial of the Pyx in Goldsmiths’ Hall – both in the presences of the Queen’s Remembrancer.’Anna Hallett is passionate about history, a love of which she has shared over the years with the students that she has taught at various educational institutions.  A combination of this, together with an interest in travel and a curiosity regarding exploring the unknown have contributed to the creation of this book.

This book is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking study that delves into the analysis and comparison of rituals in two distinct settings: the ancient Book of Leviticus and traditional Malagasy culture on the island of Madagascar. Author Olivier Randrianjaka invesigates why Malagasy Christians connect with Leviticus despite the apathy of the Western church. As this book demonstrates, the key unifying themes are sin, purification, and sacrifice. Profound parallels emerge between Levitical rituals (such as postpartum purification and the Day of Atonement) and Malagasy rituals (such as taboo violation, postpartum purification, and the New Year royal bath). The study highlights the universal relevance of sin, purification and sacrifice rituals, inviting reflection on their significance in diverse cultural and religious contexts."This is a remarkable book that represents a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate connections between Leviticus and Malagasy traditional rituals. The author’s meticulous analysis and profound insights into the themes of sin, sacrifice and atonement offer invaluable knowledge for Christian readers. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Madagascar’s religion, particularly its rich tapestry of traditional rituals."—Dr. Razivelo Mariette, Lutheran Faculty of Theology (SALT), Madagascar"Rituals for purification play a significant role in most cultures, and this book contributes to the understanding of these phenomena in general. It provides insight into these rituals in Malagasy society and their description in the Book of Leviticus in the Bible. The book focuses on religious praxis, as described in texts and demonstrated in life. Every person will encounter these phenomena, and here is a tool to grasp their meaning."—Magnar Kartveit, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway

'A glimpse into the exotic, mysterious, tinged-with-eroticism world of the almost mythical geisha' Val Hennessy, Daily Mail'[An] eloquent and innovative memoir' The TimesThe extraordinary, bestselling memoir from Japan's foremost geisha.'I can identify the exact moment when things began to change. It was a cold winter afternoon. I had just turned three.'Emerging shyly from her hiding place, Mineko encounters Madam Oima, the formidable proprietress of a prolific geisha house in Gion. Madam Oima is mesmerised by the child's black hair and black eyes: she has found her successor. And so Mineko is gently, but firmly, prised away from her parents to embark on an extraordinary profession, of which she will become the best. But even if you are exquisitely beautiful and the darling of the okiya, the life of a geisha is one of gruelling demands. And Mineko must first contend with her bitterly jealous sister who is determined to sabotage her success . . .Captivating and poignant, Geisha of Gion tells of Mineko's ascendancy to fame and her ultimate decision to leave the profession she found so constricting. After centuries of mystery Mineko is the only geisha to speak out. This is the true story she has long wanted to tell and the one that the West has long wanted to hear.

Come along on a journey through the woods, over the fields and into the kitchen, to find nourishing ingredients to enjoy through the seasons.Wild Magic invites you to take a deep breath and reconnect with nature, discover the joy of seasonal eating and use the healing power of plants for self-care.From a fizzy drink of elderflower cordial to a warming bowl of mushroom noodles and melting wild garlic muffins to indulgent wild currant doughnuts, these 80 healing recipes and rituals that will make you fall in love with the wilderness that surrounds you in the city as the country, and embrace the beauty of slow living all year round.

Hats! is an exploration of headwear from around the world. Divided into four parts reflecting the key reasons why we make and wear hats - Practical, Symbolic, Aesthetic and Transformative - the book covers a broad range of iconic headgear from firemen's helmets to beautiful traditional lace Mantillas from Spain, to bionic visors worn by celebrities.Drawing on various collections and in particular the archives of the Culture Trust, which boasts 'the most complete collection of hats and headwear in the world, as well as contributions from today's most inspiring milliners, this compendium is a fantastic resource for accessory designers, as well as a perfect gift for hat lovers.

A Sunday Times Bestseller'Incredibly interesting and very funny.' - The Times'This book sparkles like the cut glass of a crystal decanter.' Tom Allen, comedian_____________________________________________________________________What is the correct way to queue at the bar? And why exactly do the English say sorry so much?No one makes such a fuss about manners quite as much as the UK, yet in a fast-changing world, no one can seem to agree on precisely what the ‘done thing’ is, either. William Hanson, world-leading etiquette expert is on a mission to reclaim the British crown of good manners. In Just Good Manners, he shares his definitive guidance on how to behave in every situation - as well as celebrating our country’s distinctively British way of doing things!With the perfect dose of William’s inimitable dry humour, Just Good Manners is the indispensable modern guide to British etiquette and customs – from table manners to top hats.'A well-researched and fascinating book that is also great fun. A must for anyone who aspires to polish up their manners.' Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting'An etiquette genius with a stunning eye for detail - he's the only person who knows more about buffet suppers than I do.' Camilla Long‘Funny and unapologetic, here is a timely reminder that there is nothing divisive or old-fashioned about good manners.’ Robert Hardman, author of Charles III: The Inside Story*Sunday Times Bestseller, September 2024

Funerary Practices in Serbia is the first book to offer a concise yet highly informative study of the historical development and current state of funerary practices in Serbia.Situated in a constant dynamic struggle between traditional cultural customs and modern legislation, funerary practices in Serbia represent a particularly interesting field of research. In this study, Pavićević combines an investigation of long-term developments and recent changes to place contemporary practices in their wider historical context, emphasizing the complicated geo-political, demographic and cultural factors that have shaped funeral traditions in Serbia over time. In particular, she demonstrates how the country's frequent changing of borders and life under the rule of two great empires - the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman - fostered the emergence of colorful funerary traditions, such as open-casket burial and vigils around the body, that persist to this day in spite of government attempts to modernize funerary practice since the end of the 19th century. The book also provides illuminating insights into the legal framework surrounding current funerary practices in Serbia, the relationship between the state and private sectors, the ownership of cemeteries and gravesites, the role of churches and religious communities, religious and ethnic variations in funerary culture and traditions, and the development of modern cremation practices in Serbia.This book provides a useful and original resource for policymakers and practitioners interested in the historic, legal, technical and professional aspects of the Serbian funerary industry, and to researchers in cultural anthropology, history, sociology and cultural management.

A Celebration of Tea. One of the most popular drinks in the world, over two billion cups of tea are drunk every day! But how do you take yours? With one lump or two? At four o'clock with scones and jam?From humble beginnings in China over 5000 years ago, the humble cup of tea has become a staple in homes across the globe...'If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you' William Ewart Gladstone, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Are you feeling the call to welcome cacao into your life?This book guides you step-by-step through deepening your relationship with cacao, creating moving rituals, and weaving history, health, and heart-opening practices into transformative ceremonies.Learn how to create sacred space, set intentions and guide meditations to connect heart-to-heart with the people you care most about in your life.From solo practice to ethical sourcing and honouring indigenous wisdom, this book serves both beginners and experienced practitioners of plant spirit medicine alike.Discover how cacao can ignite creativity, deepen spiritual practice, and create lasting transformation in your life.

A Sunday Times Bestseller'Incredibly interesting and very funny.' - The Times'This book sparkles like the cut glass of a crystal decanter.' Tom Allen, comedian_____________________________________________________________________What is the correct way to queue at the bar? And why exactly do the English say sorry so much?No one makes such a fuss about manners quite as much as the UK, yet in a fast-changing world, no one can seem to agree on precisely what the ‘done thing’ is, either. William Hanson, world-leading etiquette expert is on a mission to reclaim the British crown of good manners. In Just Good Manners, he shares his definitive guidance on how to behave in every situation - as well as celebrating our country’s distinctively British way of doing things!With the perfect dose of William’s inimitable dry humour, Just Good Manners is the indispensable modern guide to British etiquette and customs – from table manners to top hats.'A well-researched and fascinating book that is also great fun. A must for anyone who aspires to polish up their manners.' Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting'An etiquette genius with a stunning eye for detail - he's the only person who knows more about buffet suppers than I do.' Camilla Long‘Funny and unapologetic, here is a timely reminder that there is nothing divisive or old-fashioned about good manners.’ Robert Hardman, author of Charles III: The Inside Story*Sunday Times Bestseller, September 2024

Green Christmas is a gentle guide to celebrating the festive season naturally and sustainably.Jen Chillingsworth will show you how to get the most out of the season and make considered choices in how you prepare, decorate and gift this Christmas. Featuring 30 projects, this practical, illustrated book showcases simple changes you can make for a greener Christmas. Jen offers achievable advice on how to sustainably shop for the season, forage for your own wreath and create beautiful handmade gifts. Complete with stunning lifestyle photography for festive inspiration, Green Christmas is packed with original ideas to make your celebrations merrier and more meaningful.Discover how to get the most out of celebrating intentionally with decorations and gifts that don’t cost the Earth. With clear step-by-step instructions, planet-friendly buying guides and helpful swapping suggestions, this book will be your ultimate guide to a mindful Christmas, with less waste and more joy.

This comprehensive Wedding Guide is a completely updated, revised and expanded version of Debrett's Wedding Handbook, which covers everything from choosing a ceremony and venue to budgeting, refining a guest list, sending out invitations, styling the day and planning the reception.The Guide recognises that society has changed, manners have become less formal, and weddings and civil partnerships have evolved to reflect different social attitudes. Marrying couples can now pick and choose the elements of the traditional wedding ritual which they want to retain, enhance or discard, and may even choose to totally re-conceptualise the wedding ceremony.With this in mind the Guide looks at the traditional trappings of the wedding, from ceremonies and invitations to choosing a wedding team, the wedding dress, reception planning, speeches and honeymoons. It also examines the many variations of this formula that are now possible: civil partnerships, same-sex weddings, humanist celebrants, outdoors weddings, destination weddings.In addition, it examines the perennial social dilemmas that face many couples who are planning a wedding: re-marriages, former partners, estranged families, children, plus ones. It offers unfailingly sensible advice when it comes to navigating these social difficulties and ensuring that couples optimise their big day and cause the minimum of offence or social embarrassment.

A concise guide of what to expect when attending ceremonies of the world's major religions from how to behave, to what to wear, this handy reference book gives you what you need to know for respectful participation in different faiths around the world.In today's multicultural society we are increasingly likely to meet and become friends with people from different religious backgrounds, and to find ourselves attending an unfamiliar ceremony. When this happens, there can be few of us who know exactly what to expect or are confident about how to behave.This book will help you:Understand the backgrounds of the key festivals, ceremonies, and practices of the major world religionsParticipate in the main holidays and festivals of the different religious calendarsKnow what to expect and how to behave when invited to attend a Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist serviceJoin in the family celebrations of friends from different backgrounds, armed with this basic information, you will feel relaxed enough to enjoy the occasionPerhaps inspired to discover more about the spiritual world view of another cultural tradition.It is very easy to potentially offend when you are unfamiliar with another's religious customs.So, here's some quick Top Tips:Do not take alcohol to a Muslim celebrationNever point your feet at the Murti (sacred deity) in a Hindu TempleBe prepared to stand for up to three hours at an Orthodox Christian weddingDo not take flowers to a Jewish funeralKeep your head covered at all times inside a Sikh Gurdwara (Temple)Flowers are welcome at a Catholic or Protestant funeralBe prepared to be gender-segregated at a Muslim weddingCover your arms, legs, and chest, but not your head, at a Buddhist TempleAccess the world's religions with Simple Guides: Religion a series of concise, accessible introductions to faiths around the world. Written by experts in the field, they offer an engaging and sympathetic description of the key concepts, beliefs, and practices of different faiths. Ideal for spiritual seekers and travellers alike, Simple Guides aims to open the doors of perception. Together the books provide a reliable compass to the world's great spiritual traditions, and a point of reference for further exploration and discovery. By offering essential insights into the core values, customs, and beliefs of different societies, they also enable visitors to be aware of the cultural sensibilities of their hosts, and to behave in a way that fosters mutual respect and understanding.