Audiobooks narrated by Matthew Schmitz

The Bhagavad Gita: The Lord's Prayer Audiobook

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. Annie Besant’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita offers a profound and spiritual rendering of this sacred Hindu scripture, blending philosophical depth with poetic clarity. The Bhagavad Gita, a central text of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, unfolds as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna faces a moral and existential crisis. Through Krishna’s divine teachings, Arjuna is guided through the paths of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), selfless action (Karma Yoga), and wisdom (Jnana Yoga)—leading him to the realization of Dharma (righteous duty) and the eternal nature of the soul. Besant’s interpretation brings clarity and accessibility to the text, emphasizing spiritual evolution, self-realization, and the unity of all existence. This audiobook edition brings Besant’s translation to life, making it an invaluable guide for seekers of truth, wisdom, and inner peace. A must-listen for spiritual seekers and lovers of ancient wisdom. A profound exploration of duty, devotion, and enlightenment.

Annie Besant (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Sun Tzŭ on The Art of War

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and Narrated by Matthew Schmitz. Few works in human history have shaped the course of warfare, strategy, and leadership as profoundly as The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Written over 2,500 years ago during China’s Warring States period, this timeless treatise transcends its origins as a military manual, offering wisdom that applies not only to warfare but to politics, business, diplomacy, and personal growth. At its core, The Art of War is a philosophy of strategy—one that emphasizes intelligence, adaptability, and the mastery of conflict through knowledge rather than brute force. Sun Tzu teaches that victory is not won by strength alone, but by the ability to anticipate, deceive, and maneuver with precision. His principles—such as knowing when to engage, when to retreat, and how to use terrain, morale, and deception to one’s advantage—have been studied by generals, statesmen, and leaders across cultures and eras. Beyond the battlefield, Sun Tzu’s insights resonate in today’s world of business, competition, and negotiation. His maxims on leadership, preparation, and calculated decision-making remain as relevant in the boardroom as they were in the war camps of ancient China. The idea that “the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting” reflects the wisdom of those who understand that true power lies in the mind rather than in force. Yet, The Art of War is not merely a book of tactics; it is a study of human nature. Sun Tzu recognized that success comes from understanding people—their fears, ambitions, and motivations. His principles teach us that strategy is not just about defeating an opponent but about creating conditions where conflict can be avoided altogether. May this work serve as a beacon of strategic wisdom, reminding us that the greatest victories are those won with knowledge, patience, and foresight.

Sun Tzŭ (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI

Narrated by Matthew Schmitz of Altrusian Grace Media, this English prose version of the Ramayana is told in a story form capturing the true and authentic spirit of the original Sanskrit and which makes it easy and enjoyable to listen to. The Ramayana is one of the greatest epics of ancient literature, a monumental work that has transcended the boundaries of time and culture to become a story cherished across generations and geographies. Composed by the sage Valmiki, it is not just a tale of heroism and divine adventure, but a profound reflection on the complexities of dharma, the power of devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. Set in a world imbued with gods, demons, and the forces of nature, the Ramayana follows the journey of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, who embodies the virtues of righteousness, honor, and compassion. His exile into the forest, the abduction of his devoted wife, Sita, by the demon king Ravana, and the epic battle that ensues form the narrative’s core. Yet, within its grand scope, it is also a story of friendship, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. At its heart, the Ramayana presents universal themes that resonate with readers across eras—the struggle between light and darkness, the moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of justice, and the ultimate victory of truth. Rama’s unwavering adherence to dharma, Sita’s unparalleled faith, Hanuman’s boundless devotion, and Ravana’s tragic ambition are all rich in lessons that continue to guide and inspire. This ancient epic is more than just a chronicle of divine exploits; it is a mirror reflecting the ideals and failings of humanity. The Ramayana offers insights into values that have shaped human civilization and provides a compass for navigating the complexities of life. Its verses are steeped in poetic beauty and layered with allegorical meanings, inviting listeners not only to witness an extraordinary saga but also reflect on their own journey.

Valmiki Ramayana (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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On The Origin Of The World

On the Origin of the World is a Gnostic work dealing with creation and the end time. It was found among the texts in the Nag Hammadi library, in Codex II and Codex XIII, immediately following the Reality of the Rulers. There are many parallels between the two texts. The work is untitled; modern scholars call it “On the Origin of the World” based on its contents. It may have been written in Alexandria near the end of the third century, based on its combination of Jewish, Manichaean, Christian, Greek, and Egyptian ideas. The unknown author's audience appears to be outsiders who are unfamiliar with the Gnostic view of how the world came into being. The contents provide an alternate interpretation of Genesis, in which the dark ruler Yaldabaoth created heaven and earth, and a wise instructor opened the minds of Adam and Eve to the truth when they ate from the Tree of Knowledge. Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz.

Altrusian Grace Media (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

Audiobook

Demonology And Devil-Lore

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. Written in the 19th century, this lengthy and thorough text documents the various manifestations of demons and devils in the Christian religion. The forms they take, and the means by which they appear in the physical world, are cataloged. How they correspond to actual phenomena, such as death and pestilence, is likewise noted. Conway draws upon various writings within the Biblical scriptures, together with later works published in the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries, to arrive at his own comprehensive treatment of the subject. The second half of the work concerns devils. Various figures such as Ahriman and Viswámitra receive chapters, in which the writings about them are quoted to form a complete image of their behavior and meanings. Appearances of devils in later works, such as the diabolical Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust, are also cataloged. The overarching aim of Conway's thesis is to draw parallels between the various demonic and devilish phenomena, while noting their overall influence across the history of Christianity. The text is informative in tone and does not stray to dogmatism; Conway instead provides sourced information in a factual, studied tone. For his part, Conway was not a believer in the lore of demons. Although he served variously as a Methodist, Unitarian and Freethought minister in life, he had little time for the supernatural elements of Christianity. It is thus that Demonology and Devil-lore is an effort toward debunking and discounting what Conway viewed as the fantastical elements of a faith he otherwise identified with spiritually and morally. Today, Demonology and Devil-lore is somewhat archaic in terms of tone owing to its age. However, it still counts among the most thorough, in-depth and wide-ranging treatments of a subject which has fascinated religious and non-religious persons alike for centuries.

Moncure Daniel Conway (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell is a book by the English poet and printmaker William Blake. It is a series of texts written in imitation of biblical prophecy but expressing Blake's own intensely personal Romantic and revolutionary beliefs. Like his other books, it was published as printed sheets from etched plates containing prose, poetry, and illustrations. The plates were then coloured by Blake and his wife Catherine. It opens with an introduction of a short poem entitled 'Rintrah roars and shakes his fires in the burden'd air'. William Blake claims that John Milton was a true poet and his epic poem Paradise Lost was 'of the Devil's party without knowing it'. He also claims that Milton's Satan was truly his Messiah. The work was composed between 1790 and 1793, in the period of radical ferment and political conflict during the French Revolution. The title is an ironic reference to Emanuel Swedenborg's theological work Heaven and Hell, published in Latin 33 years earlier. Swedenborg is directly cited and criticised by Blake in several places in the Marriage. Though Blake was influenced by his grand and mystical cosmic conception, Swedenborg's conventional moral strictures and his Manichaean view of good and evil led Blake to express a deliberately depolarised and unified vision of the cosmos in which the material world and physical desire are equally part of the divine order; hence, a marriage of heaven and hell. The book is written in prose, except for the opening 'Argument' and the 'Song of Liberty'. The book describes the poet's visit to Hell, a device adopted by Blake from Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost.'

William Blake (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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The Book Of Early Whisperings

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. 'These writings are the whisperings of God’s Voice to me during those early periods of illumination which occurred in May of every year of my life from the age of seven. These periods of ecstasy – which always characterized cosmic illumination – lasted from ten to fourteen days, during which time I was obliged to seek solitude and aloneness in forests. I endeavored to express the thoughts and moods of these periods of ecstasy as my varying lack of body awareness balanced with my ever increasing cosmic God-consciousness with God and Nature.' - WALTER RUSSELL. This video/audiobook was produced in cooperation with the University Of Science And Philosophy - https://www.philosophy.org/

Walter Russell (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Quotes

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. This audiobook also includes an ambient version of the narration which features background music. Rudolf Steiner (February 1861 – March 1925) was an Austrian occultist, social reformer, architect, esotericist, and claimed clairvoyant. Steiner gained initial recognition at the end of the nineteenth century as a literary critic and published works including The Philosophy of Freedom. At the beginning of the twentieth century he founded an esoteric spiritual movement, anthroposophy, with roots in German idealist philosophy and theosophy. His teachings are influenced by Christian Gnosticism. In the first, more philosophically oriented phase of this movement, Steiner attempted to find a synthesis between science and spirituality. His philosophical work of these years, which he termed 'spiritual science', sought to apply what he saw as the clarity of thinking characteristic of Western philosophy to spiritual questions, differentiating this approach from what he considered to be vaguer approaches to mysticism. In a second phase, he began working collaboratively in a variety of artistic media, including drama, dance and architecture, culminating in the building of the Goetheanum, a cultural centre to house all the arts. In the third phase of his work, beginning after World War I, Steiner worked on various ostensibly applied projects, including Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and anthroposophical medicine. Steiner advocated a form of ethical individualism, to which he later brought a more explicitly spiritual approach. He based his epistemology on Johann Wolfgang Goethe's world view in which 'thinking…is no more and no less an organ of perception than the eye or ear. Just as the eye perceives colours and the ear sounds, so thinking perceives ideas.' A consistent thread that runs through his work is the goal of demonstrating that there are no limits to human knowledge.

Rudolf Steiner (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Magic Plants: Being a Translation of a Curious Tract Entitled De Vegetalibus Magicis

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz Privately printed at Edinburgh in 1886, this is a translation of a Latin text written by M.J.H. Heucher in the late seventeenth century. This is a short pamphlet recounting the use of numerous botanical applications with regard to ancient medicine and magic and religion. Appended to the title-work is a text entitled 'Confessions of Witches under Torture'.

M.J.H. Heucher (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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In Search Of The Miraculous

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. 'Since its original publication in 1949, In Search of the Miraculous has been hailed as the most valuable and reliable documentation of G. I. Gurdjieff's thoughts and universal view. This historic and influential work is considered by many to be a primer of mystical thought as expressed through the Work, a combination of Eastern philosophies that had for centuries been passed on orally from teacher to student. Gurdjieff's goal, to introduce the Work to the West, attracted many students, among them Ouspensky, an established mathematician, journalist, and, with the publication of In Search of the Miraculous, an eloquent and persuasive proselyte.'

P.D. Ouspensky (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Applied Magic

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz. 'Applied Magic is a selection of Dion Fortune's writings on the practical applications of magical and esoteric techniques. Everyone has the ability to access the invisible planes of existence a whole kingdom of mind and spirit which cannot be perceived with the physical senses. Fortune provides invaluable guidance to anyone intent on increasing their inner awareness. She declares, 'Esoteric tradition admits of no exclusiveness; it is the very essence of its spirit that it blasphemes no God that has been hallowed by our devotion. It sees all religions as the expressions of our spirit rather than the personal revelation of a jealous God to His chosen people. It suffers from neither superstitious awe nor bigoted fear.'

Dion Fortune (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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The Biography Of Satan

In this controversial book, Kersey Graves presents a historical and comparative analysis of the concept of Satan in various religious traditions. The book explores the origins of the devil figure, tracing its roots in ancient mythologies and religious beliefs. 'The Biography of Satan' challenges conventional religious interpretations and sheds light on the diverse and evolving perceptions of evil and temptation throughout human history. Key Aspects of the Book 'The Biography of Satan': Religious History: Graves' book provides a comprehensive study of the concept of Satan in different religious and mythological contexts. The author examines the symbolic significance and interpretations of Satan in ancient and modern belief systems. Controversial Perspectives: 'The Biography of Satan' presents alternative viewpoints on the devil figure, encouraging readers to critically examine religious narratives and their cultural implications. Kersey Graves is best known for his controversial works on comparative religion, mythology, and freethought. Graves' writings challenged conventional religious beliefs and sought to promote a more rational and humanistic worldview. His works, including 'The Biography of Satan,' contributed to discussions on the evolution of religious ideas and the role of mythology in shaping cultural beliefs. The Biography of Satan is a lovely collection of lore, logic, and philosophy, dating to the middle of the rational days of the 19th century. Within this work, Kersey Graves lays waste to the doctrine of eternal Hell and the very concept of a Satan, claiming that it is, within proper tradition, the Christian god himself who is the architect of evil and suffering. With numerous references to linguistics, pagan lore, and then-modern historical science, Graves' work deserves far more attention from the world at large; and for those interested in the occult, and in magic, the comprehension of proper demonology requires such concepts to be understood.

Kersey Graves (Author), Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Matthew Schmitz