The World's Greatest Books - Volume 13 - Religion and Philosophy

Arthur Mee et al. is a comprehensive anthology compiled in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on significant works related to religion and philosophy, featuring classic texts from a variety of traditions and authors, including St. Augustine, Richard Baxter, the Book of the Dead, and Confucianism, among others. It aims to provide insights into the foundational beliefs and philosophical thoughts that have shaped human understanding of the divine and moral existence. The opening of this anthology presents a detailed table of contents, outlining various religious texts and philosophical treatises that will be included in the volume. It begins with an exploration of the Apocrypha, discussing its historical significance and how it has been received in different religious traditions. It also delves into the impact of major figures such as St. Augustine with his work "City of God," which defends Christianity against accusations regarding the fall of Rome and examines the contrasting notions of the City of God and the City of Man. The early sections set the stage for an in-depth exploration of how these texts reflect humanity's quest for spiritual understanding and moral truth throughout time.I pay homage, also, to the bountiful immortals (the AmenshaSpentas), the guardians of the world. And to the body of the sacred cow and its soul; (i) to Ahura (Jupiter), Mithra the sun, to the star Sirius; and to the Fravashis (guardian angels of the saints). If I have offended thee, oh thou greatest one, Ahura-Mazda, or if I have diminished ought of the sacrifices (Yasnas) due to thee, forgive me, O forgive me, thou unerring one. I declare myself to be a Mazdaist, a Zarathustrian, a sworn foe to the Daevas (2) andeneficentworks, the Homa (Soma) flesh-offerings, zaothras (3), the holy veresma (4), suitable prayers, Gatha hymns, and mathra (theVedic mantra) sacred songs-these allwe present as sacrifices toAhura-Mazda, the holy Srosh (5), to the bountiful immortals, to the Fravashis, and souls of the pure, and also to the sacred fire of Ahura-Mazda.