Essential Wisdom Library

This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for listeners without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not simply a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time listener can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language, the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.

Most of us want to succeed. And most of us want to do the right thing. But we often forget that the way tosucceed is by doing the right thing, as Barry Schwartz and Kenneth Sharpe remind us in Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing. When the institutions that shape our society need to change, the people in them typically either make more rules or offer smarter incentives.

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.

Both The Wisdom of Solomon and Ecclesiasticus are excerpt books from the Apocrypha. Here’s a quick introduction to each.

Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha’s Life, Teachings, and Practices is an indispensable guide to a 2,600-year-old wisdom tradition that has transformed the lives of millions across centuries and around the world. Listeners will learn how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time, and discover how they, too, can follow his revolutionary methods to attain happiness and inner freedom.