The Bible and the Literary Canon
The Bible is not only a sacred text, but also a foundational work of Western literature. In this lecture, Professor John Bowers of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, explores how the Bible influenced the development of the literary canon, which is the official list of works that every educated person should know. He examines the historical and cultural context of the biblical stories, the literary techniques and genres used by the biblical writers, and the ways that the Bible has been interpreted and adapted by later authors. He also discusses some of the controversies and debates that surround the Bible and the canon, such as the role of women, the diversity of sources, and the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. This lecture is part of a series called The Western Literary Canon in Context, which covers the most important and influential works of literature from ancient times to the present.
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The Bible as Literature
The Bible is not only a sacred text, but also a literary masterpiece that has shaped the Western culture and literature. In this lecture, Professor John Bowers of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, explores how the Bible influenced the development of the literary canon, which is the official list of works that every educated person should know. He examines the historical and cultural context of the biblical stories, the literary techniques and genres used by the biblical writers, and the ways that the Bible has been interpreted and adapted by later authors. He also discusses some of the controversies and debates that surround the Bible and the canon, such as the role of women, the diversity of sources, and the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. This lecture is part of a series called The Western Literary Canon in Context, which covers the most important and influential works of literature from ancient times to the present.
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Real Chinese Episode 2 (Home)
BBC Real Chinese is a 10-part series that teaches you the basics of Mandarin Chinese while exploring various aspects of Chinese culture. In episode 1, you will learn how to greet people, say your name, and introduce yourself in Chinese. You will also discover how Chinese characters are formed and how calligraphy is practiced as an art. This episode is suitable for beginners who want to start learning Chinese in a fun and engaging way.
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Real Chinese Episode 1 (Speak)
BBC Real Chinese is a 10-part series that teaches you the basics of Mandarin Chinese while exploring various aspects of Chinese culture. In episode 1, you will learn how to greet people, say your name, and introduce yourself in Chinese. You will also discover how Chinese characters are formed and how calligraphy is practiced as an art. This episode is suitable for beginners who want to start learning Chinese in a fun and engaging way
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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 2: 'The Message of the Myth'
In this episode of The Power of Myth, Bill Moyers and mythologist Joseph Campbell compare creation myths from the Bible and other cultures, and explore how these stories shape our understanding of the world and our place in it2. They discuss topics such as:
The difference between God and nature in various mythologies
The significance of the forbidden fruit and the fall of man in Genesis
The role of myths in helping us cope with the mysteries of life and death
The importance of finding your own personal myth that gives meaning to your journey
Join them as they delve into the fascinating and timeless wisdom of myths, and discover how they can inspire us to live more fully and authentically.
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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 1: 'The Hero’s Adventure'
In this episode, Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers explore the classic hero cycle, the universal pattern of stories and legends that reflect the human journey. They discuss how heroes from different cultures and times, such as Buddha, Moses, and Luke Skywalker, share the same archetypal stages and challenges. They also examine how the hero’s adventure can be a metaphor for our own personal and spiritual quests. Campbell encourages us to discover what excites us, and to make that the basis for our own journeys.
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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 3: 'The First Storytellers'
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth is a documentary series that explores the role of mythology in human history and culture. Episode 3, titled “The First Storytellers”, focuses on how ancient myths help people cope with the mysteries of life and death. Here is a possible description for this episode:
In this episode, Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers discuss how the stories of our ancestors reflect their experience of the world and their understanding of the cycles of nature. They examine the myths of various cultures, such as the Australian Aborigines, the Native Americans, the ancient Egyptians, and the medieval Europeans, and how they express the themes of creation, destruction, rebirth, and transcendence. Campbell explains how myths can inspire us to live more fully and authentically, and to embrace the mystery of existence.
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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 5: 'Love and the Goddess'
In this episode, Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers explore the mythology of love, from the erotic to the spiritual, and the role of the feminine as the source of life and form. They discuss the stories of the troubadours, the goddess, the virgin birth, and the grail, and how they reflect the human quest for wholeness and transcendence. Drawing from various traditions and sources, such as the Song of Songs, the Vedas, the Ramakrishna, and William Blake, they reveal how love is the force that connects us to the mystery of our own being and the essence of the divine.
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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 4: 'Sacrifice and Bliss'
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth is a series of interviews between Bill Moyers and mythologist Joseph Campbell, exploring the role of myths in human culture and history. Episode 4, titled “Sacrifice and Bliss”, focuses on the concept of sacrifice in various myths and religions, and how it relates to the human quest for meaning and happiness. The episode also discusses the importance of finding one’s sacred place in the modern world, and how myths can help us cope with death and loss. Some of the topics covered in this episode are:
The hero’s journey and the sacrifice of the self
The myth of the virgin birth and the symbolism of the mother
The ritual of initiation and the role of the shaman
The sacredness of the earth and the Native American worldview
The meaning of bliss and the function of mythology
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Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners
Join us for an ashtanga yoga class that will introduce you to the basics of this dynamic and powerful practice. Whether you are new to yoga or want to refresh your skills, this class will guide you through the essential poses and breathwork of ashtanga yoga. You will feel energized, balanced, and ready for more.
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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 6: 'Masks of Eternity'
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth is a series of six episodes that explore the role of mythology in human history and culture. Episode 6, titled “Masks of Eternity”, focuses on the common experience of God across different religions and traditions. In this episode, Campbell and Moyers discuss topics such as the Virgin Birth, the Buddha, the transcendent and the immanent aspects of divinity, and the mystical union of the self and the cosmos.
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The Yoga Collective - Full Body Stretch
In this video, you will join Luna, a certified yoga instructor, for a quick and effective full body stretch. This 30-minute session is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to improve their flexibility and mobility. You will learn how to breathe deeply, relax your muscles, and release tension from your head to your toes. Whether you do this in the morning, before bed, or after a workout, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
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Complete Yin Yoga
Kim Eng is a yoga instructor who teaches Yin Yoga, a style of yoga that focuses on stretching the connective tissues of the body, such as the joints, ligaments, and fascia. Yin Yoga is said to promote health, longevity, and relaxation. In her YouTube video titled “Kim Eng Yin Yoga 3 Complete Yin Yoga”, she guides the viewers through a full-body Yin Yoga practice that lasts for about 78 minutes. She demonstrates various poses, such as Butterfly, Dragonfly, Sphinx, Seal, and Shoelace, and explains how to hold them for several minutes each. She also provides some tips and modifications for different levels of flexibility and comfort. The video is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, as long as they listen to their own bodies and respect their limits.
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War Sumo
This is an old video of Japanese soldiers preparing for war by doing sumo and other exercises. The video shows the training and morale of the Japanese troops before the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. The video is a rare and valuable source of historical information about the Japanese perspective on the Pacific War
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Javanese Kung Fu
This is an old video of men doing kung fu like exercises in Java with a background of gamelan music. The video was uploaded by the Indonesian National Archives and shows the practice of pencak silat, a traditional martial art of Indonesia. The video was filmed in 1938 in the city of Yogyakarta, where the Sultan’s palace and the gamelan orchestra are located. The video is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of Indonesia.
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FIRST WORLD SUMO CHAMPIONSHIP (1992.12.12)
The first World Sumo Championship was a historic event that brought together amateur sumo wrestlers from 28 countries to compete for the ultimate glory in the sport of sumo. The tournament was held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sacred arena of professional sumo, in Tokyo, Japan.
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Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe
Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a 1980 short documentary by Les Blank that captures the eccentric filmmaker Werner Herzog fulfilling a bet he made with his friend and fellow director Errol Morris. Herzog had promised to eat his own shoe if Morris ever completed his first film, Gates of Heaven, a documentary about pet cemeteries. Herzog not only cooked and ate his shoe at the premiere of Morris's film, but also gave a speech about the importance of making films that are not part of the "media garbage" that dominates the screen. The film is a humorous and insightful glimpse into the mind and personality of one of the most original and influential directors of our time. ¹²³⁴
Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/24/2023
(1) Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werner_Herzog_Eats_His_Shoe.
(2) Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (Short 1980) - IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081746/.
(3) The Bizarre Reason Werner Herzog Once Ate A Shoe - Mashed. https://www.mashed.com/670279/the-bizarre-reason-werner-herzog-once-ate-a-shoe/.
(4) When Werner Herzog Ate His Own Shoe | Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/81898/when-werner-herzog-ate-his-own-shoe.
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Lamb (1964) - Senegalese Wrestling documentary
Senegalese wrestling is more than just a sport. It is a cultural phenomenon that combines ancient traditions, mystic rituals, and modern spectacle. In this documentary, you will discover the history, the rules, and the secrets of lamb, as well as the stories of the wrestlers who compete for fame, fortune, and glory. Follow the journey of these athletes as they train, prepare, and fight in the arenas of Senegal, where thousands of fans cheer for their champions. Witness the passion, the drama, and the excitement of lamb, the national sport of Senegal.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/24/2023
(1) Laamb-Lutte Sénégalaise/Senegalese Wrestling - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBN396tjpHc.
(2) La Lutte Senegalese - Photographs and text by Christian Bobst | LensCulture. https://www.lensculture.com/articles/christian-bobst-la-lutte-senegalese.
(3) Senegalese wrestling - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegalese_wrestling.
(4) (DOC) Practices and Representations of Space in Senegalese Wrestling .... https://www.academia.edu/4578485/Practices_and_Representations_of_Space_in_Senegalese_Wrestling.
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Yoga for Weight Loss
Yoga is a holistic practice that can help you lose weight by improving your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this video, you will learn how yoga can boost your metabolism, burn calories, reduce stress, and enhance mindfulness. You will also discover some of the best yoga poses and sequences for weight loss, such as chaturanga dandasana, warrior pose, and sun salutations. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced yogi, this video will guide you through a fun and effective yoga workout that will tone your body, improve your flexibility, and make you feel great. Join us and start your yoga journey today. ¹²³⁴⁵
Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/24/2023
(1) Can You Lose Weight Doing Yoga? Types, Exercises, and More - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/yoga-for-weight-loss.
(2) 9 Yoga Asanas Poses To Help You Weight Lose Fast - HealthifyMe. https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/yoga-weight-loss-9-asanas/.
(3) Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight? – Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/yoga-weight-loss/.
(4) Yoga for weight loss: Benefits beyond burning calories. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/yoga-for-weight-loss-benefits-beyond-burning-calories-202112062650.
(5) A Complete Guide To Yoga For Weight Loss - Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic. https://www.olivaclinic.com/blog/yoga-for-weight-loss/.
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Epic of Gilgamesh: Western Literature? a lecture by John Bowers
What is the oldest literary epic in the Western canon? How did it influence the development of Western literature and culture? How does it relate to other ancient works such as the Bible and Homer's Odyssey? These are some of the questions that Professor John M. Bowers explores in this fascinating lecture on the Epic of Gilgamesh.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is a 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian poem that tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. Along the way, he encounters monsters, gods, and his loyal friend Enkidu, who dies tragically. The poem deals with themes such as friendship, mortality, heroism, and the meaning of life.
In this lecture, Professor Bowers examines the historical and literary context of the Epic of Gilgamesh, its structure and style, and its impact on later works of Western literature. He also compares and contrasts the Epic of Gilgamesh with other ancient texts, such as the Bible and Homer's Odyssey, and shows how they share common motifs and values.
By the end of this lecture, you will have a deeper appreciation of the Epic of Gilgamesh as a masterpiece of world literature and a source of inspiration for generations of writers and readers.
To learn more about Professor Bowers and his course on the Western Literary Canon in Context, visit [The Great Courses](https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/western-literary-canon-in-context) or check out his book [The Western Literary Canon in Context](https://archive.org/details/westernliteraryc0000bowe).
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Paul Grilley's Yin Yoga Lecture
Are you looking for a way to calm your mind and body? Do you want to learn more about the benefits of Yin Yoga, a style of yoga that targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine? If so, you will enjoy this lecture by Paul Grilley, the founder of Yin Yoga and a renowned yoga teacher and author.
In this lecture, Paul Grilley explains the theory and practice of Yin Yoga, a complementary approach to the more active and dynamic styles of yoga. He covers topics such as:
- The difference between Yin and Yang tissues and how they respond to stress and relaxation
- The importance of individual anatomy and functional alignment in yoga poses
- The role of breath, awareness and intention in Yin Yoga
- The physical, mental and emotional benefits of Yin Yoga for health and well-being
You will also get to see a demonstration of some common Yin Yoga poses and how to modify them according to your own needs and preferences.
Whether you are new to Yin Yoga or an experienced practitioner, this lecture will inspire you to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this quiet and powerful practice.
To learn more about Paul Grilley and his Yin Yoga courses, visit his website [here](https://paulgrilley.com/) or check out his online courses at [Pranamaya](https://pranamaya.com/courses/yin-yoga/).
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Paul Grilley - Chakra Theory And Meditation
Do you want to learn more about the chakras, the subtle energy centers that influence your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being? Do you want to discover how to balance and harmonize your chakras through meditation and yoga? If so, you will enjoy this DVD by Paul Grilley, the founder of Yin Yoga and a renowned yoga teacher and scholar.
In this DVD, Paul Grilley explains the theory and practice of chakra meditation, a powerful technique to awaken and purify the chakras and to experience higher states of consciousness. He covers topics such as:
- The origin and meaning of the chakras and their relation to the physical, astral, and causal bodies
- The characteristics and functions of each chakra and how they affect your health, emotions, and mind
- The use of breathing, bandhas, and mudras to activate and balance the chakras
- The role of karma and reincarnation in the chakra system and how to transcend them
- The stages of spiritual development and the ultimate goal of yoga
You will also get to practice 12 guided chakra meditations with Paul Grilley, each focusing on a different aspect of the chakra system. These meditations will help you to cleanse, heal, and transform your chakras and to connect with your true self.
Whether you are new to chakra meditation or an experienced practitioner, this DVD will inspire you to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this ancient and profound practice.
To learn more about Paul Grilley and his chakra yoga courses, visit his website [here](https://www.paulgrilley.com/Chakras,%20Bandhas,%20and%20Mudras%203.0.pdf) or check out his online courses at [Pranamaya](https://pranamaya.com/courses/chakra-theory-and-meditation/).
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Homer’s Odyssey and the Seafaring Hero
How did Homer's Odyssey shape the Western literary tradition and the concept of the hero? How did the ancient Greeks view the sea and its role in their culture and history? How does the Odyssey reflect the values and beliefs of its time and place? These are some of the questions that Professor John Bowers explores in this engaging lecture on Homer's Odyssey.
The Odyssey is a 3,000-year-old epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek king who fought in the Trojan War and faced many dangers and adventures on his way back home. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, poetry, and imagination, and it has influenced countless writers and artists throughout history.
In this lecture, Professor Bowers examines the historical and literary context of the Odyssey, its structure and style, and its impact on later works of Western literature. He also analyzes the character of Odysseus, the seafaring hero who embodies the ideals and challenges of the Greek civilization.
By the end of this lecture, you will have a deeper appreciation of the Odyssey as a timeless work of art and a source of inspiration for generations of readers and writers.
To learn more about Professor Bowers and his course on the Western Literary Canon in Context, visit [The Great Courses](https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/western-literary-canon-in-context) or check out his book [The Western Literary Canon in Context](https://archive.org/details/westernliteraryc0000bowe).
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