Showing 138 articles
Biomimicry: Human Creation Inspired By Nature
Author: Flora Bittencourt DetanicoMay 18, 2015
“Those who side with any flag other than nature – the master of all masters – labour in vain.” – Da Vinci “The genius of man may make various inventions, encompassing with various instruments one and the same end; but it will never discover a more beautiful, more economical, [...]
Thebes – Book Review
Author: Manjula NanavatiMay 2, 2015
THEBES, BY Prof. Jorge (giorgio) Angel Livraga Rizzi Perhaps no other civilization captures the imagination of intellectuals and dilettantes alike, as does Ancient Egypt. Arguably one of the earliest, longest lasting and most influential civilizations of history, it is recognized for its stupendous artistic, scientific, social, and spiritual achievements. In this slim volume Livraga gives [...]
The Way of the Warrior
Author: Kurush DordiApril 26, 2015
“Chivalry is itself the poetry of life.” – Schlegel, Philosophy of History. Amidst the vibrant mythological tradition of Japan emerges an interesting story of creation that speaks of deities Izanami and Isanagi, who were instructed by the primordial gods to dip a spear into the celestial ocean. As they withdrew the spear, the drops that [...]
Images of Enlightenment – The Buddhist Mandala
Author: Agostino DominiciFebruary 1, 2015
Because many colourful collections of mandalas are easily accessible nowadays in public art museums as well as in digital art galleries, it is easy to fall into common misconceptions. These peculiar ‘objects’, which can easily be mistaken for some kind of ‘art- form’, are actually among the finest remnants of the practical occultism found in [...]
City of Purification – Elephanta
Author: Harianto MehtaJanuary 29, 2015
Just a few kilometers off the Mumbai Harbor, nestled on an island, amidst basalt rock mounds, lay a mysterious complex of exquisite cave temples that whisper a silent homage to the region’s spiritual past. It’s tune inaudible to the nearby metropolis teeming with ambitious commerce, and ceaseless traffic, here the temple walls echo a stark [...]
Ankor, the last prince of Atlantis – Book Review
Author: Manjula NanavatiJanuary 29, 2015
ANKOR, THE LAST PRINCE OF ATLANTIS BY Prof. Jorge Angel Livraga Rizzi Many ancient traditions tell a story of an immense flood that destroyed a civilization that existed thousands of years ago; one that was perhaps far more technologically and spiritually advanced than we are today. Amongst them, Plato speaks of a vast continent called [...]
The Symbolism of the Tree
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezSeptember 22, 2014
With its roots burrowing deep into the soil and its branches rising to the Heavens, the tree is universally seen as the symbol of the connection between Earth and Heaven. The tree enjoys such a central role that the World Tree is identified with the World Axis. Trees are also the bridge that connects the [...]
The Symbolism of the Rooster
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezSeptember 22, 2014
The rooster is a universal solar symbol because its crowing announces the dawn. In India, it is the attribute of Skandha, personification of solar energy. In Japan, its crowing, associated with the songs of the gods, lured Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun, out of the cave where she had been hiding, corresponding to the manifestation [...]
The Symbolism of the Egg
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezSeptember 22, 2014
The egg is a universal and self-explanatory symbol because it holds the seed from which the whole of manifestation will spring. The idea that the universe was born from an egg is shared by nearly all ancient civilisations and cultures. The primordial man also originates from an egg, like Prajâpati. In general, the cosmic Egg, [...]
Gather Around the Fire
Author: Jorge Angel LivragaAugust 27, 2014
In the first of the twelve doorways that await us in this year 1983, it is good – or perhaps simply inevitable – to sharpen the sight and hearing of the Soul in order to detect what the future holds in store for us, based on the interaction between our own characteristics and the environment, [...]
The Power of Symbols
Author: Alex WarrenAugust 27, 2014
Symbols hold a powerful attraction for people. Even today, in an age in which materialistic perspectives rule human thought, many ancient symbols such as the ankh, the yin/yang, American Indian designs, pyramids, and many other symbols are quite popular in jewelry and in the home. Why do symbols of the ancient civilizations continue to be [...]
The Symbolism of the Elephant
Author: M.A. Carrillo de Albornoz & M.A. FernándezAugust 26, 2014
The elephant, in its most global and universal meaning, symbolizes strength and power, not only physical but also mental and spiritual. In Hindu tradition, elephants call up the image of Ganesha, symbol of knowledge, son of Shiva and Parvati. His human body is the microcosm, manifestation, and his elephant’s head is the macrocosm, non-manifestation. He [...]