Category: Health

SADHANA

Sadhana means spiritual path, that is the set of all the practices, rituals and austerities that are performed with regularity and concentration, with the aim of obtaining Moksha (liberation). It is an act of purification and expansion of the mind, which leads to the state of Self-Realization.

In the tantra it is stated that Shiva , in his infinite grace, full of compassion for suffering beings in this dark age, proclaimed   tantric sadhana by means of spiritual emancipation. Tantrism is not a simple theory or philosophy, but above all it prescribes a   systematic sadhana , a regular discipline, according to the practitioner’s temperament, ability and evolutionary degree. A terrific opportunity to experiment with extraordinary techniques for spiritual evolution, introducing yourself to the world of  yantra, mantra and tantra .

Yantra , mantra and tantra symbolically represent the three paths of Hinduism. The yantra  is the path of knowledge (Jñanamarg), themantra  is the path of devotion (Bhaktimarg), theTantra is the path of action (Karmasanyasmarg).

Main types of Sadhana

  • Repetition of the Name
    • Namasmarana / Japa Mala (repetition of formulas or mantras)
    • Bhajan
  • Dialogue
    • Satsang
    • Prayer
  • Abstention / austerity
    • Silence (abstention from speech)
    • Fasting (whole wheat, or limited to certain types of food)
    • Chastity
    • Asceticism (renunciation of worldly life)
  • Study of sacred texts
  • Seva (selfless service)
  • Worship
    • Puja
    • Yajña (ritual sacrifices)
    • Ablutions
  • Contemplation
    • Dhyana (meditation)
    • Contemplation of one or more Murti

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Inner Work

Image result for inner work

Usually when we think about our work we think about our jobs, studies or the daily tasks/chores of living. When we get  a good review from our boss, an ‘A’ on our exam , or a Tidy and organised home, we feel successful in our work. we thrive on seeing visible results and external achievements. Yet there are times when our energy and action needs to shift away from this type of external work and focus instead on inner work, Transformation of our thoughts, emotions and desires. the challenge with inner work that it is imperceptible. there is no gold star when our mindfulness practice helps us temper our reactivity. No one gives us an ‘A’ when meditation helps us improve our concentration. We don’t get a promotion when mindfulness helps us bring gratitude into our daily life. The inner work we do in this path doesn’t provide the visible external achievements we get from our job or responsibilities. But inner work  no less difficult. In fact sometimes it is far more difficult and it’s certainly no less important.

A powerful example of this can be seen in the life of Psychologist Dr Carl Yang. Dr Yang was already an influential psychiatrist when he had a mental crisis of his own. overcome with intense emotions, dreams and even terrifying visions, he withdrew from his professional work for several years. However he wasn’t inactive. Yang used this period of illness to search deep within himself. from the outside he seems to be breaking down but inwardly he was breaking through. Years later Dr Yang wrote that this intense period of inner work led him to his most original and influential insights about human psychology.

So the lesson we can take here that inner work can be some of the most valuable work we do. Overcoming fear, addiction, rejection, regret or grief  through patient inner work can lead to  significant and long lasting improvements in our lives and the lives of those around us.  So make a special effort to recognize and validate your inner-work  –  The hard effort of transformation, healing and growth.

As a guru writes ” peace and joy hither neither in the quietness of a forest nor out of the accomplishments of a market place, but only from within”

Image result for inner work

 

 

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Key to Happiness

“ I am rich, fit, and I have mastered almost everything I wanted to master. Why am I still not happy and still not satisfied?” – posted in Quora by Anonymous

Answer by Karim Elsheikh:

“Human happiness (as we know it) is caused by 4 basic chemicals:

Dopamine
Endorphins
Serotonin
Oxytocin

# On your journey to become fit, your body released endorphins to cope with the pain of physical exercise. You probably began to enjoy exercise as you got into it, and the endorphins made you happy – temporarily.

# On your journey to become rich, you probably completed many tasks and goals. You probably bought all the things you’ve ever wanted. Nice cars, beautiful clothes, and a perfect home. This released dopamine in your brain when you achieved your goals and bought these things, which once again contributed to your happiness – temporarily.

So what about the other two chemicals?

It turns out that human happiness is incomplete without all 4 chemicals constantly being released in the brain.

So now you need to work on releasing serotonin and oxytocin.

“How do I do that, Buddy?”

# Serotonin is released when we act in a way that benefits others. When we give to causes beyond ourselves and our own benefit. When we connect with people on a deep, human level. Writing this Quora answer is releasing serotonin in my brain right now because I’m using my precious time on the weekend to give back to others for free. Hopefully I’m providing useful information that can help other people, like yourself.

That’s why you often see billionaires turning to charity when they have already bought everything they wanted to, and experienced everything they wanted to in life. They’ve had enough dopamine from material pleasures, now they need the serotonin.

# Oxytocin on the other hand, is released when we become close to another human being. When we hug a friend, or shake someone’s hand, oxytocin is released in varying amounts.

Oxytocin is easy to release. It’s all about becoming more social!

Share your wealth with your friends and family to create amazing experiences.

Laugh, love, cooperate, and play with others.
That’s it my friend!

I think it all comes down to the likelihood that you are missing two things: contribution and social connection”

 

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Joy of Living

I was jogging this morning and I noticed a person about half a km ahead. I could guess he was running a little slower than me and I felt good, I said to myself I will try catch up with him.

I had about a km before I needed to turn off. So I started running faster and faster. Every block, I was gaining on him just a little bit. After just a few minutes I was only about 100 feet behind him, so I really picked up the pace and pushed myself. I was determined to catch up with him.

Finally, I did it! I caught up and passed him. Inwardly I felt very good. “I beat him”.

Of course, he didn’t even know we were racing.

After I passed him, I realized I had been so focused on competing against him that I had missed my turn to my house,. I had missed the focus on my inner peace, I missed to see the beauty of greenery around, I missed to do my inner Namasarmarna, and in the needless hurry stumbled and slipped twice or thrice and might have hit the footpath and broken a limb.

It then dawned on me, isn’t that what happens in life when we focus on competing with co-workers, neighbours, friends, family, trying to outdo them or trying to prove that we are more successful or more important and in the bargain we miss on our happiness within our own surroundings?

We spend our time and energy running after them and we miss out on our own paths to our given destination. The problem with unhealthy competition is that it’s a never ending cycle.

There will always be somebody ahead of you, someone with a better job, nicer car, more money in the bank, more education, a prettier wife, a more handsome husband, better behaved children, better circumstances and better conditions etc.

But one important realisation is that ‘You can be the best that you can be, when you are not competing with anyone.’

Some people are insecure because they pay too much attention to what others are, where others are going, wearing and driving. Take whatever you have, the height, weight and personality. Accept it and realize, that you are blessed. Stay focused and live a healthy life. There is no competition in Destiny. Each has his own.

Comparison AND Competition is the thief of JOY. It kills the Joy of Living your Own Life.

Run your own Race that leads to Peace.

 

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Friends

I never sat on a sofa with my father & after my marriage, I had already left him…….
“Many years ago, after I got married I was sitting on a couch on a hot, humid day, sipping frozen juice during a visit to my father.

As I talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, my father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look at me.

“Never forget your friends,” he advised, “they will become more important as you get older.”

“Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends.

Remember to go out with them occasionally, do activities with them, call them …”

“What strange advice!” I thought. “I just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life.”

Yet I obeyed him; kept in touch with my friends and annually increased their number. Over the years, I became aware that my father knew what he was talking about!

In as much as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a man, friends are the bulwarks of his life.

After 50 years of life, here is what I learned:

Time passes.
Life goes on.
The distances increase
Children grow up & and become independent and although it breaks the parents’ heart but they are often separated from them.

Jobs come and go.

Illusions, desires, attractions, sex … weaken.

People do what they should not do.

The parents die.

Colleagues forget the favors.

The races are over.

But, true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles they are.

A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, reaching out to you intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms or with blessings for your life.

When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrows that were ahead.

We did not know how much we would need from one another.
Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends

Dedicated to all Friends.

Author : Unknown

Source: Online Magazine

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Yogic Diet

 

Yogic diet is a balanced, vegetarian diet that fulfills all the nutritional needs for mind-body balance. Eating the right food, in the right quantity, with the right attitude and at the right time are the tenets of a yogic diet. The ancient yogis classified food into Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic based on the three gunas or attributes present in every individual. viz., Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), Tamas (inertia). These gunas exist in different degrees in every individual and change from time to time.

Sattvic diet is freshly cooked, clean vegetarian food, organic, that is grown in harmony with
nature and is cooked with love. Seekers of wisdom take this diet.

• Bhagavad gita (17 : 8) describes Sattvic food as “promoting life, virtue, strength, health,
happiness and satisfaction.”

Sattvic foods are balanced combination of whole grains, legumes, pulses, fresh fruits and
vegetables, except onions, garlic and mushrooms. They include dry fruits, milk and milk products, natural sugars like jaggery and honey. Spices include coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, black pepper, sesame, carom seeds, pomegranate seeds, ginger, holy basil, mint, cardamom, cinnamon and turmeric. Plant based oils include sesame, sunflower, olive and coconut.

Rajasic diet is over stimulating and destroy the mind-body balance. These foods cause restlessness to the mind, arouse negative emotions and lead to circulatory and nervous disorders. Sattvic foods when eaten in a hurry or with a negative attitude become Rajasic.

• Bhagavat gita (17: 9) describes Rajasic food as “excessively hot, spicy, bitter, salty, pungent,
burning the tongue.”

Rajasic foods are stimulants such as coffee, tea, colas, chocolates, tobacco, onion and garlic.
They include hot-spicy, sour, fried, refined food and food with added salt and chillies.

Tamasic diet causes heaviness, dullness, lethargy and destroy body’s ability to withstand stress,
lower the resistance to disease. They do not have ‘prana’ for mind-body balance. Sattvic food when burnt, or over-eaten or reheated several times becomes Tamasic. Honey when cooked, becomes tamasic. Overripe and rotten fruits are tamasic.

• Bhagavat gita (17:10) describes Tamasic food as “stale, rotten, tasteless, impure, unripe and
overcooked.”

Tamasic foods are meat, fish, chicken, eggs, mushrooms, onion, garlic, vinegar, drugs, alcohol
old, stale, burnt and overcooked food.

 

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What is Yoga ?

Yoga (Sanskrit: योग) is a commonly known generic term for the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with a view to attain a state of permanent peace. It is practiced in many different ways all over the world. Specifically, yoga is one of the six āstika (“orthodox”) schools of Hindu philosophy. One of the most detailed and thorough expositions on the subject is the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, which defines yoga as “the stilling of the changing states of the mind” (Sanskrit: योग: चित्त-वृत्ति निरोध:). Yoga has also been popularly defined as “union with the divine” in other contexts and traditions.

  • Yoga is a timeless tradition from Rig Veda with a history of over 5000 years
  • Yoga means uniting individual soul Jeevatma with universal soul Paramatma
  • Yoga is Citta Vritti Nirodah means, yoga controls the fluctuations of the mind
  • Yoga is an ancient philosophy that educates on health and harmonious living
  • Yoga is a science of self-awareness, self development and self-transformation
  • Yoga is a holistic discipline that integrates body and mind, creates perfect balance
  • Yoga is not just physical exercise, it builds emotional stability and calms the mind
  • Yoga is a powerful health discipline that heals many health issues without medicine
  • Yoga is a way of life that boosts positive energies and improves quality of life
  • Yoga bestows self understanding, love, knowledge, wisdom and happiness
  • Yoga awakens the spiritual self, makes the practitioner experience inner divinity
  • Yoga is a natural therapy that makes one look healthy, youthful and beautiful
  • Yoga is an amazing inward journey that illuminates life beyond pain and suffering

 

 

Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita refers to the skill of union with the ultimate reality or the Absolute. In his commentary, Zaehner says that the root meaning of yoga is “yoking” or “preparation”; he proposes the basic meaning “spiritual exercise”, which conveys the various nuances in the best way.

Sivananda’s commentary regards the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita as having a progressive order, by which Krishna leads “Arjuna up the ladder of Yoga from one rung to another.” The influential commentator Madhusudana Sarasvati divided the Gita‘s eighteen chapters into three sections of six chapters each. Swami Gambhiranandacharacterises Madhusudana Sarasvati’s system as a successive approach in which Karma yoga leads to Bhakti yoga, which in turn leads to Gyaana yoga:

  • Chapters 1–6 = Karma yoga, the means to the final goal
  • Chapters 7–12 = Bhakti yoga or devotion
  • Chapters 13–18 = Gyaana yoga or knowledge, the goal itself

 

Truths about Yoga

Most people think yoga is a physical exercise that improves body flexibility.
They are interested in fast paced activities and find yoga slow paced and
uninteresting. They do not realize that fast paced activities cause fatigue,
exhaustion and disturb the mind and body balance.

Some people think yoga is only an alternative therapy that provides relief for
headaches, arthritis, back pain, high blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments.
Such people attend yoga classes till their issues get fixed, and discontinue their
practice. Very few people are aware of the true benefits of yoga.

Some people think yoga is a religious practice that deals with rituals.This is not
true. Yoga is a basis of all religions. It educates the practitioner on self understanding,
love, selfless service, management of pain and peaceful living.

When yoga practice starts in childhood, it is a great blessing for the children. Their
systems will function well, posture and mental abilities will improve, there will be
awareness of right and wrong, children will develop positive thinking and emotional
stability. Their immune system will be strengthened and will be free from disease.

Yoga is for everyone. It is never too late to start yoga; one can start yoga even
after attaining age sixty. Yoga is a gift for all ages and a boon for the old age. It
infuses vitality in the old age, develops abilities to adapt to changing situations,
builds confidence and makes the extra years meaningful.

The only necessity is to learn yoga from a knowledgeable and experienced teacher
who will understand the needs of the individual, provide proper guidance and right
knowledge.

 

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Food for Mind & Body – Guidelines for Healthy Eating

 

The food you eat determines your physical, mental and emotional health. Many people do not
realize this truth. They eat unhealthy food all the time and destroy their health. Unhealthy foods
are precooked frozen foods, pizzas, deep fried foods, hot-spicy, overcooked food, burnt food,
chips, burgers, colas, refined grains that do not have fibre, foods that contain too much sugar, salt, artificial colour and preservatives. Such foods have no nutritive value; they increase fat and bad cholesterol, weaken the digestive system and lead to ill-health.

Many people are not aware that water is an essential ingredient for the body and mind. Water is a natural detox that eliminates waste and toxins, refreshes the brain, carries nutrients, promotes digestion,prevents dehydration, reduces stress, prevents headaches, improves concentration and dissolves all the excesses. It serves as a lubricant, regulates body temperature and is vital for health just like oxygen. Drink at least twelve glasses of water everyday for good health.

 

Beverages such as tea, coffee, wine, beer and aerated drinks, have no calories, no vitamins and minerals. They contain caffeine, sugar, alcohol and chemicals that deplete natural energies and destroy mind-body balance. Drink home-made vegetable and fruit juices. They have vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, aid digestion, refresh brain, promote weight loss, nourish and heal cells, tissues, glands and organs. They rejuvenate mind and body after a surgery, provide good relief for ulcers , high blood pressure, fatigue, bad cholesterol, diabetes, cardiac and kidney problems.

A well planned vegetarian diet meets all nutritional needs of body and mind and also prevent diseases. Ensure your diet has all the essential nutrients. Snack on fresh fruits, keep your stomach light when you go to bed. If you work under great stress, drink plenty of water, 4-5 glasses of green tea in a day. To improve mind and body health, change your attitudes, choose the right food that will nourish and heal.

 

  • Begin your day with three glasses of luke warm water
  • Sit and sip water and mix it with saliva before swallowing
  • Drink at least twelve glasses of water every day
  • Breakfast is an important meal, please do not skip it
  • Eat at regular times every day and enjoy every meal
  • Eat when your mind is calm; do not eat when angry
  • Take vegetarian food, avoid non-vegetarian food
  • Take fruits, vegetable juices as a meal if you are stressed
  • Eat slowly and chew your food well; do not eat in a hurry
  • Eat to fill half your stomach and do not over-eat
  • Avoid all food that are too hot or too cold in temperature
  • Avoid drinking water or fruit juice during your meals
  • Drink water one hour before and one hour after your meals
  • Drink green tea everyday; it is alkaline and antioxidant
  • Snack on fresh fruits, nuts and dried fruits; avoid junk foods
  • Avoid eating the food that have excess salt and excess sugar
  • Excess sugar and salt destroy the mind and body strength
  • Have light and low calorie dinner three hours before sleeping
  • Sit in Virasana or recline in Supta Virasana after your meals
  • Supta Virasana, relieves heaviness and digests food faster
  • Fruit-fast once a month will cleanse your digestive system

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“A t t i t u d e” a true definition

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to
get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up to look around when a
gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little
old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty – seven years old. Can I
give you a hug?”

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” and she gave
me a giant squeeze.

“Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked.
She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a
couple of children, and then retire and travel.”

“No seriously,” I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be
taking on this challenge at her age. “I always dreamed of having a college
education and now I’m getting one!” she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate
milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we
would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized
listening to this “time machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with
me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily
made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the
attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. At
the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet.
I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to
the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her
three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she
leaned into the microphone and simply said “I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I gave
up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I’ll never get my speech
back in order so let me just tell you what I know.”

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began: “We do not stop playing
because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four
secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success:

  1. “You have to laugh and find humor every day.”
  2. “You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have
    so many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it!”
  3. “There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you
    are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one
    productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven
       years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn
       eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or
       ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in
       change.”
  4. “Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did,
    but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are
    those with regrets.” She concluded her speech by courageously singing “The
       Rose.”

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily
lives. At the year’s end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all
those years ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two
thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful
woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can
possibly be.

If at 87 one can dream and achieve …… Why not us…. our designers…..

our dealers …….our salesmen….. our mechanics…..

and reach  back to No 1 POSITION……

If you read this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends
and family, they’ll really enjoy it!

GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

 

(Source: Online Mags)

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