The Golden Gems of Life; Or, Gathered Jewels for the Home Circle stands as an emblematic anthology that traverses a vast expanse of literary styles and themes, embodying the richness of moral and philosophical musings tailored for the edification of the household. A panoramic array of essays, poems, and narratives converge to sculpt a tapestry of human values, ethics, and the pursuit of wisdom across life's manifold scenarios. This collection prides itself on its diversity, transporting readers from the realms of stoic contemplation to the ebullience of poetic inspiration, thereby cementing its place within the literary context as a beacon of enlightenment and intellectual diversity for the family unit. The compendium heralds the collaborative genius of Emory Adams Allen and Smith C. Ferguson, whose curatorial acumen brings together a multifaceted exploration of life's quintessences. The authors, deeply entrenched within the cultural and philosophical dialogues of their era, imbue the anthology with historical depth and a timeless relevance. By synthesizing perspectives that delineate the contours of moral philosophy and the art of living, this anthology emerges as a confluence of thought that mirrors the era's burgeoning interest in domestic virtue and collective wisdom. To the discerning reader, The Golden Gems of Life offers not merely a compendium of readings but a voyage into the heart of life's perennial questions and joys. It proffers an invaluable opportunity to engage with the multiplicity of human experience and thought, underpinned by the guiding hands of Allen and Ferguson. This collection is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to enrich their intellectual and moral landscapes, fostering a dialogue between the generations and across the spectrum of human endeavors. Its educational value, coupled with the breadth of insights contained within, makes it a treasure trove for households committed to the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and virtue.

Exploring the meaning of a Buddhist story, this book is a testimony of faith in the urgent relevance of India's spiritual traditions to the future of life on Earth, and it is an inquiry into the meaning of some central notions of these traditions. The value of spiritual traditions and of life itself is at stake here. In the Introduction, Ramchandra Gandhi raises the Ayodhya issue to international and universal levels. In the text, he offers a solution on the local and national levels. The temple mound in Ayodhya --the sacred hill on which the present Babri Masjid was built, also known as "Sita's Kitchen"--was originally a sacred place of the Adivasis (the aboriginal inhabitants of the subcontinent). It was sacred to the Goddess, the great nurturing earth, the fecund source of all life, the aboriginal presupposition of all later religions. As an aboriginal place sacred to the Mother Goddess, the hill in Ayodhya brings together all religions. Rather than a source of conflict, Ayodhya should become a meeting ground for the divergent religious traditions of the world to see their ultimate harmony. In the Buddhist story, the principal female character is an adivasi named Ananya ("not other"). The opposing sides come to see their oneness in Ananya. The frame-story is taken from the Vinaya-pitaka of the Pali Canon. It is the Bhaddavaggiyavatthu or "The Story of the Group of Well-Off Ones."