Religion and Spirituality Headquarters

More about Me - Katinka Hesselink 

Katinka Hesselink - my other lenses

I'm a lensmaster, webdesigner an oldest child, an eternal student, a former teacher and single. Most of you know me here on Squidoo as lensmaster 'spirituality' - but I've also got a life outside my interests in spirituality (though perhaps that's n...

Spirituality's Lensography of lensographies

What can I say to introduce myself. I'm an online addict who has two spiritual blogs, one spiritual website and so on. I'm interested in Religion, Spirituality, Webdesign, Search Engines (aka Google), Science fiction, Fantasy literature, the environm...

Religious tolerance 

The Ultimate Questions - religion and spirituality

These are the ultimate philosophy questions we all ask ourselves about religion and spirituality. Vote, get inspired and share. Part lensography, part hey monkeybrain lens - I hope you all enjoy.

Great spiritual teachers - my favorites and yours

These are some of the teachers - past and present - who will keep reminding us that there IS more to life. There is more to US... Spiritual teachers are the salt that gives flavor to our otherwise somewhat dry western culture. With all the focus on...

Spiritual Lenses - Katinka Hesselink Net: religion and spirituality

A lensography of my best spirituality lenses as well as a summary of my website. I feature information from various religious traditions like Buddhism, Sufism, Fourth Way and Theosophy. I also pay attention to various spiritual teachers, whether the...

Hidden secrets - spiritual inspiration you weren't looking for

I have made a lot of pages on squidoo about religion and spirituality. Some of them have done quite well. The most popular gets more than 600 visitors a week. Some however are ignored by search engines. These all got less than 5 visitors recently -...

The best spiritual books EVER

Gathering all my spiritual book reviews together. Religion and spirituality fascinates me no end. I also love to read books - this lens combines both fascinations. I've reviewed quite a few spiritual books by now. Here you'll find my reviews...

Spirituality Without Dogmas: The Best Spirituality Ever

About free, undogmatic and inspiring spirituality. Videos, links, books and debate. For me dogmas just don't work. I'm a spiritual person, but I don't really like the idea of anybody telling me what I have to believe.

Top Spiritual Blogs

There aren't many spiritual blogs out there that I actually enjoy reading. These are them. Add your own favorites.

2010 Spiritual Calendars and Planners

Some of the most beautiful spiritual calendars and agenda books gathered in one place. This lens has spiritual calendars and planners with Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and alternative spirituality themes. Each is inspirational in its o...

Spiritual people on twitter 

People twittering about spirituality

Hi all, come join the conversation about spirituality. This lens is an introduction to twitters about religion: Christian twitterers, Buddhist twitterers, Muslim twitterers, Hindu tweets, Yoga enthusiasts on twitter etc. Come join the fun.

Inspiring spiritual women 

Marion Zimmer Bradley

A review of her work and life Her famous 'Mists of Avalon' rewrote the story of King Arthur and Camelot from the female perspective. In all her literary work Marion Zimmer Bradley explored themes like: Female strength and male oppression Social stru...

H.P.B. The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky

Blavatsky is a monumental figure in the history of religion - East AND West. This book tracks her life, the many controversies around her, her ideas, and her influence.

Annie Besant, teacher, lecturer, secularist and theosophist...

Minister's wife, student of medicine, raised a prophet, reformer, secularist and more. Annie Besant (1847-1933) was many things in her lifetime - and living in the 19th and early 20th century, all of those things were revolutionary for a woman to be...

Goddess Art Posters

As women become more of a force in our worldwide culture, goddesses also get more and more attention. You will find some beautiful, some ancient and some modern art depicting goddesses from all over the world. You will learn something of the wide v...

Karen Armstrong: author, former nun and religious inspiration

Karen Armstrong is the embodiment of religious tolerance and spiritual transformation. A former Roman Catholic Nun, she got disillusioned about religion. A visit to Jerusalem rekindled her love for religion and she turned to writing books about the...

Inspiring spiritual men 

Rudolf Steiner the founder of Anthroposophy

Introducing the founder of Waldorf education, alternative farming methods (bio-dynamic farming), alternative health practices and dietary advice - Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was way ahead of his time. Rudolf Steiner was quite a learned man. He was a...

Rupert Sheldrake

Biologist known for his theory of 'morpho-genetic fields'. These fields make learning something easier once it's been learned before by someone else. This would explain strange chemical behavior as well as the increased speed with which difficult cro...

William James - mystic, psychologist, philosopher

Influential in the young sciences of psychology, educational psychology, psychology of religious experience and mysticism, and the philosophy of pragmatism. He was the brother of novelist Henry James and of diarist Alice James. Without ignoring Jame...

Jiddu Krishnamurti, world teacher

Jiddu Krishnamurti was famous in his lifetime for first being raised as a 'world teacher' and then renouncing the organisation founded in his honor. Paradoxically he spent the rest of his life teaching all over the world: lecturing, talking to people...

Best Paul Brunton books and biography

Paul Brunton was an influential spiritual teacher in the first half of the 20th century. He was instrumental in making the Maharshi known in the West. His books popularized many theosophical and Eastern philosophical concepts and practices. Whatever...

Christianity 

Anthony De Mello, Christian inspiration from India

Influenced the world through his powerful understanding of the human condition. Through the use of parables and teaching stories, de Mello pointed the way to authentic living. The influence of spiritual traditions outside mainstream Christianity is c...

Christian Calendars, Bible Organizers and Year Planners

Diaries and Biblical Engagement Planners, Calendars and Christian Date Books. If you want your daily reminders of your faith in your date book. If you want your kids to grow up with bible verses literally on the kitchen wall. If you want your year...

Is God Omniscient ? If so, do we have free will?

If God exists, He is all knowing. That means that in advance he knows what we will do. If He knew yesterday that today I will do the laundry - am I free to NOT do the laundry today? There is a conflict between our assumption that we have free will,...

Christian inspiration, philosophy and debate

You'll find Christian quotes from the Bible and from Christians here. You'll meet some unique people who interpreted Christianity in ways that may make you look differently on your own life and faith. You'll find books and calendars to further inspir...

God in the Bible - quotes

People have their own image of God - yet God presents himself in the Bible in a variety of ways. I thought I'd go back to what's in that book to see the way God is portrayed there.

Spiritual and Inspiring Quotes 

Spiritual Cards - with and without quotes

This is a collection of spiritual cards from various traditions. They inspire, guide and help you interpret your day. I especially love the cards that contain spiritual quotes.

Love quotes - spiritual, romantic and religious

On LOVE in all its manifestations: romantic love, spiritual love, love as a source of creativity etc. Love quotes and links to more quotes on love. Love is never as simple, or as complex, as we think it is...

Wisdom Quotes: Inspirational Spiritual Sayings

I've gathered together some of the best quotes of the wisest people around. I hope you find them as inspirational as I do.

Khalil Gibran Quotes from The Prophet

Famous for 'The Prophet', Khalil Gibran was also a successful immigrant in the US (from Lebanon). This lens will show you his artwork as well as give spiritual quotations and links.

Short Inspirational Religious quotes and sayings

Inspirational sayings and quotes from various religions: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and more. Help me make this lens even better by submitting your favorites wisdom sayings from these religious traditions.

Buddhism 

Buddha Dharma Calendars, date books, pocket planners and agendas

These Buddhist calendars have inspirational quotes and beautiful pictures. Plan your week, your month, your year - or just have Buddhist quotes (from Zen, Tibetan Buddhism etc.) in your life every day. Unless otherwise mentioned, these are dated ca...

Buddhism: practice, religious views and beliefs

Buddhism is one of the most inspiring world philosophies. On this lens you will find information on the Buddhist path, basic concepts and links to more information.

Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism (also called Chan Buddhism in China) is one of the most famous types of Buddhism in the West. It has similarities with Taoism as well. On this lens you will find video's about Zen Buddhist practice in Japan as well as links to more info...

Gautama Buddha - Inspirer of Buddhism

Buddhism is the one world religion that everyone seems to respect. Many more people would like to call themselves Buddhists than actually are Buddhists by traditional counts. Buddha found the source of sorrow, what sorrow is and the way out of sorro...

Bodhisattva - living for others in Buddhism

The bodhisattva ideal is embodied in the bodhisattva vow: May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. This practically means that one vows not just to attain enlightenment or Nirvana (ambitious enough of itself), but to postpone...

A little bit of everything 

Spiritual and religious jewelry

I collected some very inspiring spiritual charms, bracelets, necklaces and pendants for you. They are Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Jewish and Muslim - I even found pagan jewelry. Hope you enjoy, and are inspired to add to your own jewelry box.

Aum, the sacred Indian mantra ; Om, Ohm - meditating unity

Who doesn't know the Indian mantra 'aum' - and use it when they want to make fun of new age spirituality? Aum is actually a sacred mantra for all Indian religions that I know of (Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism etc.). It is a symbol for the most sacred,...

Astrological calendars and year guides, agenda books, engagement planners and day planners

For all astrology enthusiasts - or those who want to give a family member a spiritually inspired gift. These calendars come with information on conjuncts and retrogrades. You will also find guides for your personal star sign - or one you love - for...

Spiritual Presents and Christmas Gift Ideas

My collection of gift lenses: web pages with spiritual products. Browse at your leisure. In time I will also list the most popular products here. You will find spiritual books, cards, quotes, jewelry, posters and calendars.

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism has been called 'Vajrayana Buddhism', because it is part of the tantric Buddhist current, within Mayahana Buddhism. The word Vajra can be explained as 'thunderbolt' or 'Diamond like'. It stands for the clear constancy of the mind of...

Alternative Spirituality 

Spiritual Quotes Wall Calendars and Desk Calendars

I love spiritual quotes - I want them around all the time... These calendars have a quote to make you think for each month. In color and black and white. Buy a spiritual calendar in the UK (Amazon)

Spiritual Cards - with and without quotes

This is a collection of spiritual cards from various traditions. They inspire, guide and help you interpret your day. I especially love the cards that contain spiritual quotes.

Witches, Wicca and Pagan calendars, date books, day planners and agenda books

I've selected some unique calendars for everyday use. Some are great mainly to make a note about your plans. Others have information about the Wiccan moon cycle, spells and legends. Learn about the God, the Goddess - and admire the beautiful artwork.

Spiritual Oracle Cards

These oracle decks are great for finding inspiration to move to the next level in your life - or just make a difficult decision, by looking at it from a fresh perspective.

Pagan Calendars, Planners, Date books and Engagement planners

Paganism is a general term which is used by people of all kinds of alternative spiritual traditions who use pre-christian traditions (often shamanistic ones) as inspiration for their day to day lives. They too look for a large part of their spiritua...

Hinduism and Yoga 

The Upanishads quotes, sayings and concepts

After the Vedas the Upanishads are the most revered texts in Hinduism. What are the Upanishads? The Upanishads are texts which contain the basis of the later philosophy of the Hindus. Vedanta especially is based on the Upanishads. This lens illustrat...

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure

Great book if you want to go to India yourself - especially if you're interested in India as the home of spirituality. I read the book in one go: couldn't put it down. It's interesting as a story of personal and spiritual growth and as a catalog of...

Yoga - history and tradition from India

Information on hatha yoga and the other classic types of yoga. In Hinduism there are various types of yoga, but in the West Hatha Yoga has become most popular and well known. When we say 'yoga' we usually mean 'Hatha Yoga'. Don't forget to vote for...

The Vedas - ancient sacred literature from India

Well, not quite. The Vedas are however some of the oldest texts to have survived as living literature till our time. The Veda are the literature of the Brahman elite in India. They were composed between 2000 BC and 500BC (roughly, no dates are clear...

Karma and Reincarnation: are we reborn?

Karma and reincarnation are linked. Karma is the idea that what we do and have done influences our circumstances, talents and options. Reincarnation means that what we do and think will not just influence our present life, but also our future ex...

More inspiration 

The Best H.P. Blavatsky Books

Blavatsky's public life was spent doing two things: writing and organizing the Theosophical Society. This lens introduces her books: The Secret Doctrine, Isis Unveiled, The Key to Theosophy, The Voice of the Silence, Caves and Jungles of Hindustan, t...

We DO have a soul

There is no way to describe what I experience without a soul that transcends the personality. There is something in us which is more than my habits, limitations and combined past. According to Christianity and Islam we each have an immortal soul, tha...

What is an Ashram? Spiritual Retreat Centres!

What is an ashram? Why go on a spiritual retreat? This lens explains the way of life on an ashram and has links to ashrams and pictures of ashrams. An ashram is a place of spiritual retreat. Usually there are permanent residents as well as visitors...

Motivational Calendars, planners and agendas

My selection of pocket and wall calendars to help you keep track of your life and stay motivated at the same time. Beautiful calendars from various vendors selected for their beauty, their energy and their reminders to live with intention.

Taoism 

Tao Te Ching - Classic from China

Very inspiring. About leadership, living life and letting things be (that you can't control anyhow). This lens has quotes from the Tao Te Ching and information about Taoism. Taoism is one of the oldest still living religions in the world. It combine...

More of my groups 

Spirituality Squidoo Groups

Just a lensography of all my groups on squidoo. And no: they aren't all about religion and spirituality. There's humor and insomnia as well. And just a bit more about my native land: the Netherlands (aka Holland). Lenses in my groups have a greater...

More groups about religion and spirituality 

Spiritual Growth, Healing, Awareness and Self Help Headquarters

Inspiring lenses to help you on your path. Spiritual Growth, Healing, Awareness and Self Help HEADQUARTERS Lenses will be accepted in this group if their main subject is spiritual growth or self help. They do need to have original content. The high...

Buddha & Buddhism Headquarters

Group for lenses about Buddhism: whether Theravada or Mahayana. Criticism of Buddhism is also acceptable, just as debate is. So far we have Buddhist teachers, themes, books and products etc. We could do with information on Theravada Buddhism and Bud...

Hinduism and Yoga Headquarters

Learn about Hindu customs and the history of yoga. Find out about the temples and pilgrimage sites in Bharat. Get introduced to the sacred scriptures of Hindustan. Lenses about Hinduism and yoga are welcome here.

Christianity Headquarters

Lenses about Christianity: whether protestant, liberal or Roman Catholic. Whether your lens is about your faith in Jesus, or questioning the same.. While my path is an alternative one, in this group I also welcome Christian lenses devoted to explaini...

Interfaith - religious dialogue Headquarters

Group for all lenses about religious dialog - or people who have tried that path of understanding. Included are lenses that share information on spiritual and religious practices that travel across religious traditions (like the midwinter festival th...

Religious gifts and spiritual products Headquarters

For all your lenses about spiritual gifts and products. Whether for healing, or just religious candles. Whether books or tarot cards... So far we've got gifts for Buddhists and Hindus, Wiccans, Muslims and Christians. Only quality lenses will be...