Essential Teachings

Critical thinking is regularly cited as an essential 21st century skill, the key to success in school and work. Given our propensity to believe fake news, draw incorrect conclusions, and make decisions based on emotion rather than reason, it might even be said that critical thinking is vital to the survival of a democratic society. But what, exactly, is critical thinking? Haber describes the term's origins in such disciplines as philosophy, psychology, and science.

Reiki master and best-selling author Diane Stein has been a dedicated hands-on healer since 1988. Stein believes strongly that this powerful healing art, once a closely guarded secret tradition, should be accessible and available to all. Since she began teaching in 1990, Stein has initiated thousands of students in all three levels of Reiki healing. Through these efforts she developed a comprehensive teaching method that encompasses the fundamentals of this ancient system.

Practicing the Power of Now is a carefully arranged series of excerpts from the The Power of Now that directly gives us those exercises and keys. Return to those words, reflect on the words, reflect even on the space between the words and - maybe over time, maybe immediately - you'll discover something of life-changing significance.

Don Miguel Ruiz is the author of The Four Agreements, The Mastery of Love, and numerous other best-selling books. He is also one of the most influential spiritual teachers on the planet, having touched the lives of millions of people around the globe. No one has been more affected by his teachings than his own son, Don Miguel Ruiz, Jr., who has compiled his father's wisdom into one short but extremely powerful book.

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most venerated Christian figures, and his profound teachings, deep love of nature, and commitment to simplicity have resonated with generations of followers. St. Francis of Assisi, a title in the Essential Wisdom Library, offers a simple and universal introduction to Francis' life, his key teachings, and the spiritual practices that enriched his faith and the lives of those who follow his legacy.

Abridged from Wayne Grudem's award-winning Systematic Theology, Bible Doctrine provides a more accessible starting point for understanding the essentials of the faith, giving you a firm grasp on seven key topics: the word of God, the doctrine of God, humanity, Christ, the application of redemption, the church, and the future.

Step into the heart of India’s most beloved spiritual masterpiece with Bhagavata Purana for Beginners: The Essential Guide to India's Sacred Stories. This book isn’t just an introduction; it’s your personal invitation to explore timeless tales of devotion, cosmic drama, and the ultimate path to divine love. Are you drawn to the stories of Krishna—his miracles, his playful mischief, his profound teachings? This book makes the Bhagavata Purana accessible, bringing you closer to the beauty and wisdom of this ancient text through clear, engaging storytelling. Whether it’s Krishna ...

The last command Jesus gave the church before he ascended to heaven was the Great Commission, the call for Christians to "make disciples of all the nations.

"But Christians have responded by making "Christians", not "disciples". This, according to brilliant scholar and renowned Christian thinker Dallas Willard, has been the church's Great Omission.

“An excellent small group study.” – Rev. Travis Knoll In a time of upheaval in the largest denomination of the Methodist movement, this classic explanation and defense of Methodist Christianity by its founder is required reading. Pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s 18th-century language, deleted references to no-longer-relevant theological disputes, and added an introduction that sets the work in context. The result is a clear, easy to read text that is enjoyable and understandable for modern readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise. This short book is ideal ...

Two hundred and fifty years later, Jonathan Edwards, America’s consummate pastor-theologian, continues to capture the attention of Christians around the world. Yet Edwards left us over 1,200 sermons and thousands of pages of other publications, not to mention the literal thousands of books that have been written about Edwards since he died. The Essential Jonathan Edwards serves as a perfect introduction to Edwards’s life and thought. It explores Edwards day-to-day life, and his views on beauty, true Christianity, heaven and hell, and the good life.

The Treasury of Precious Instructions by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet's greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature, presenting essential teachings from the entire spectrum of practice lineages that existed in Tibet. In its 18 volumes, Kongtrul brings together some of the most important texts on key topics of Buddhist thought and practice as well as authoring significant new sections of his own.

To Know Your Self is based on the essential teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of Integral Yoga. When you know yourself—your true Self—then you know everything, and you understand everyone.

Essential teachings on the practices of inner transformation leading to higher consciousness and the emergence of the Real Self according to the Fourth Way as presented by G.I. Gurdjieff, P.D. Ouspensky, and Maurice Nicoll are made accessible to both newcomers to these ideas as well as advanced students. Along with clear summaries of the steps and outlines of the teachings, rare material on centers of gravity and essence body types of the original Enneagram are offered to the reader. Also presented are overviews of the history of Gurdjieff's journey and transmission of this knowledge to the...

If there were a code you could learn that would lead you to become a great teacher wouldn't you want to learn it? The Essential 55 is a collection of the amazingly effective rules that Ron Clark used to become an extraordinary teacher. Through trial and error, this teacher has distilled 55 ideas that have helped him take apathetic students in some of the country's most challenging areas and transform them into award-winning scholars.

What is the Dharma? To walk in the footsteps of the Buddha we need a clear and thorough guide to the essential principles of Buddhism. Whether we have just begun our journey or are a practitioner with more experience, What is the Dharma? is an indispensable exploration of the Buddha's teachings as found in the main Buddhist traditions. Constantly returning to the question "how can this help me?", Sangharakshita examines a variety of fundamental principles.

This translation of the life and teachings of Jesus creates an image of not only a great spiritual teacher, but of a real person. Eminent author and translator Stephen Mitchell's approach to the Gospels has been widely praised for its depth, clarity, and radiance. This is a stunning work for believers and non-believers alike.

Mysticism is popularly understood as becoming one with God or the Absolute. In this inspirational book, the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the nature and meaning of mysticism, how we can live lives infused with mystical experience, and how mysticism can result in both personal and social change are revealed. The book consists of four sections - an introduction, quotations, a lecture on mysticism by the Dalai Lama, and a glossary - that provide an accessible introduction to the Dalai Lama's core teachings concerning the mystical path.

You might be beginning your career as an elementary school teacher, and you’re both excited and a little nervous to get up to get started. But this is a big step forward, so you’re secretly a little worried. Or you might be an experienced elementary school teacher. You’re feeling a little overwhelmed, burnt out, and wondering if teaching is still the right vocation for you. The good news is that you’re in the right place. This book will share with you the proven tips and strategies to help you confidently manage your classroom.

Vinaya Pitaka for Beginners: The Essentials of Buddhist Monastic Code is your personal invitation to dive into the heart of Buddhist monastic life. For centuries, this sacred text has guided the ethical and spiritual conduct of monks and nuns, offering a blueprint for living a life of mindfulness, discipline, and inner peace. Now, for the first time, this ancient wisdom is made accessible to beginners, without losing any of its profound depth. Unlock the secrets of the monastic code: Discover the timeless rules that have shaped the lives of Buddhist monastics for over 2,500 years. Learn how...

Informed by her firsthand experience as a nonmonogamous educator, Ashley Speed examines the typical objections raised about nonmonogamous people teaching children, how to refute them and how to navigate some of the difficulties of being a nonmonogamous teacher in today's stormy political waters. It also offers practical advice for administrators and parents who want to support nonmonogamous teachers, and tips for teachers on how to make their classrooms friendly for kids from nonmonogamous families.