Pagans are practitioners of paganism, a varied and diverse belief system that encompasses a wide range of spiritual and religious practices. While there is no single set of beliefs that all pagans adhere to, there are some common threads that can be found among many pagan traditions. One core belief in paganism is a reverence for nature and the natural world. Pagans often view the earth as sacred and see themselves as interconnected with it. They may celebrate the change of seasons and the cycles of nature, finding spiritual significance in the turning of the wheel of the year. Many pagans also believe in the concept of polytheism, or the worship of multiple gods and goddesses.
Many pagans also believe in the concept of polytheism, or the worship of multiple gods and goddesses. These deities can take on a variety of forms and may be associated with different aspects of the natural world or human experience. Some pagans may choose to worship specific gods or goddesses, while others may have a more general reverence for a pantheon of gods.
Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart (Paperback)
The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the extraordinary things that can happen when we harness the power of both the brain and the heart
Growing up in the high desert of California, Jim Doty was poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother chronically depressed and paralyzed by a stroke. Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But back then his life was at a dead end until at twelve he wandered into a magic shop looking for a plastic thumb. Instead he met Ruth, a woman who taught him a series of exercises to ease his own suffering and manifest his greatest desires. Her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart.
Doty would go on to put Ruth’s practices to work with extraordinary results—power and wealth that he could only imagine as a twelve-year-old, riding his orange Sting-Ray bike. But he neglects Ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results—until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him. Part memoir, part science, part inspiration, and part practical instruction, Into the Magic Shop shows us how we can fundamentally change our lives by first changing our brains and our hearts.
About the Author
James R. Doty, M.D., is a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), where he researches the neuroscience of compassion and altruism. He is also a philanthropist funding health clinics throughout the world and has endowed scholarships and chairs at multiple universities. He serves on the board of a number of nonprofits, including the Charter for Compassion International and the Dalai Lama Foundation.
Praise For…
"Into the Magic Shop is pure magic! That a child from humble beginnings could become a professor of neurosurgery and the founder of a center that studies compassion and altruism at a major university, as well as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is extraordinary enough. But it is Doty's ability to describe his journey so lyrically, and then his willingness to share his methods that make this book a gem."
—Abraham Verghese, MD, Author of Cutting for Stone
"This book tells the remarkable story of a neurosurgeon's quest to unravel the mystery of the link between our brains and our hearts. From the moment in his childhood when a simple act of kindness changed the course of his own life to his founding a center to study compassion at Stanford University. Jim Doty's life illustrates how each of us can make a difference. We can make the world a more compassionate place. I’m sure many readers will be moved by this inspiring story to open their hearts and see what they too can do for others."
—His Holiness the Dalai Lama
“Into the Magic Shop offers a gripping, well-told journey into the mysteries of the human mind and brain. Neurosurgeon James Doty has written a heartwarming tale of courage and compassion."
—Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author of Emotional Intelligence
"Into the Magic Shop is a captivating journey of discovery. Neurosurgeon Jim Doty's well-told personal story illuminates for us all the power of insight and empathy to transform our lives and enhance our world. Read it and you too may find magic in the mystery and majesty of the mind to bring health and healing to our individual and collective lives.
—Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.,Author of Mindsight
“Part memoir, part scientific exploration, Into the Magic Shop is a powerful work of emotion and discovery, showing that we all have within us our own small magic shop, a place of calm and beauty we can return to whenever we need it. As James Doty compellingly shows, we simply have to open the door, and let ourselves in.”
—Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive
“A moving memoir on the power of compassion and kindness. Neurosurgeon James Doty shares his inspiring story of growing up with seemingly insurmountable challenges, receiving a gift that changed his life, achieving remarkable success but then losing it all, and discovering that the mind is shaped as much by the heart as the brain.”
—Adam Grant, PhD, author of Give and Take
"A powerful, eloquent, deeply spiritual and exquisitely beautiful book. Real magic!"
—Dean Ornish, M.D., author of The Spectrum
“This is one of the most compelling and inspiring books I have ever read. We’re with Jim at each step, as he struggles with poverty and trauma, becomes a world-class brain surgeon, gains and loses a fortune, and learns deep lessons about the magic in each person’s heart. Gripping, profound, extraordinary.”
—Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Hardwiring Happiness
"Dr. Doty’s powerful book, Into the Magic Shop, is a testament to how faith and compassion extend beyond religion, race and nationality and can help an individual overcome adversity and personal limitations. It is an inspiration."
—Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation
“Into the Magic Shop will literally rewire your brain. A candid and personal story about a life transformed by a chance encounter in a magic shop. It is a truly optimistic and inspirational testament to the power of compassion and the ability to overcome adversity and discover your true potential.”
—Glenn Beck, nationally syndicated radio host and founder of The Blaze
"An optimistic and engagingly well-told life story that incorporates scientific investigation into its altruistic message."
—Kirkus Reviews
- Psychology / Personality
- Science / Life Sciences / Neuroscience
- Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs
- Kobo eBook (February 2nd, 2016): $9.99
- Hardcover (February 2nd, 2016): $26.00
- Compact Disc (February 2nd, 2016): $29.95
- MP3 CD (February 2nd, 2016): $29.95
- Compact Disc (February 2nd, 2016): $55.00
- Paperback (Vietnamese) (April 1st, 2020): $93.35
The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the extraordinary things that can happen when we harness the power of both the brain and the heart
Growing up in the high desert of California, Jim Doty was poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother chronically depressed and paralyzed by a stroke. Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But back then his life was at a dead end until at twelve he wandered into a magic shop looking for a plastic thumb. Instead he met Ruth, a woman who taught him a series of exercises to ease his own suffering and manifest his greatest desires. Her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart.
Doty would go on to put Ruth’s practices to work with extraordinary results—power and wealth that he could only imagine as a twelve-year-old, riding his orange Sting-Ray bike. But he neglects Ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results—until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him. Part memoir, part science, part inspiration, and part practical instruction, Into the Magic Shop shows us how we can fundamentally change our lives by first changing our brains and our hearts.
Pagans often engage in rituals and ceremonies as part of their spiritual practice. These can range from simple meditations or prayers to more elaborate rituals that involve chanting, dancing, and the use of symbols and sacred objects. These rituals may be performed in groups or as solitary practitioners, depending on the individual's preference and tradition. Another important aspect of paganism is a focus on personal spiritual experience and a direct connection with the divine. Unlike some organized religions, paganism does not have a central authority or set of dogmas that followers must adhere to. Instead, pagans are encouraged to explore and develop their own personal beliefs and practices, guided by their own intuition and experiences. Pagans also often place a strong emphasis on community and the importance of fostering connections with others. They may come together for festivals, gatherings, or other events to celebrate, learn, and share their spiritual journeys. These communities can provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging for pagans. In conclusion, pagans believe in a reverence for nature, a connection with the divine, and the importance of personal spiritual experience. While there is no one-size-fits-all definition of paganism, these common themes can be found among many pagan traditions..
Reviews for "Exploring Norse Runes: Ancient Alphabet and Powerful Divination Tool in Paganism"
- John Smith - 1 star - I found "What Pagans Believe" to be a poorly researched and misleading book. The author seems to have a personal bias against Paganism and presents a skewed view of the belief system. Many of the statements made are generalizations or stereotypes, and there is a lack of understanding and respect for Pagan practices and beliefs. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an accurate and unbiased understanding of Paganism.
- Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - While "What Pagans Believe" claims to provide an insight into Paganism, I found it to be a shallow and superficial exploration of the belief system. The author fails to acknowledge the diversity within Paganism and instead focuses on a narrow set of beliefs and practices. There is a lack of depth and nuance in the explanations provided, leaving the reader with a limited understanding of Paganism. I would suggest seeking out other resources for a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of this rich spiritual tradition.
- Michael Thompson - 1 star - "What Pagans Believe" is riddled with factual inaccuracies and misrepresentations of Paganism. The author relies on outdated stereotypes and misconceptions, perpetuating misinformation about this ancient belief system. Additionally, the book lacks scholarly rigor and fails to engage with current research and understanding of Pagan practices. I would caution readers against taking the information presented in this book at face value and urge them to consult more reliable sources for an accurate portrayal of Pagan beliefs and practices.
- Emma Davis - 2 stars - I was disappointed with "What Pagans Believe" as it presents a narrow and limited perspective on Paganism. The author seems to focus predominantly on Wicca, ignoring the vast array of other Pagan traditions and beliefs. This book fails to provide a comprehensive overview of Paganism and does a disservice to the rich diversity within this belief system. If you're looking for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of Paganism, I would recommend seeking out alternative resources.