"Peace & happiness or Misseries & Sufferrings.....?
In the Bhaja Govindam, Sri.Adi Sankaracharya who took to Sanyasa at a tender age says, Enticed by the physical glamour of a woman, do not lose your senses, the body is nothing but a conglomeration of flesh. Do not forget this anytime..... ....Know this body to be in the claws of disease which may swallow it any moment. Life is ultimately nothing but worry,misery and grief...... Youth flies off in pursuit of love-making. As one grows older he is drowned in worry about the security and future of his wife and children.
One`s whole life is spent in some kind of worry or other. And at no stage does man find time to lift his thoughts to God........ When youth is gone, where is lust and its play?....The pleasures of wordly life are deceptive appearances. ......The hair on the head has either fallen or become grey, the body has become weak, the teeth have totally fallen, the back is bent down and the old man can not take a step without the aid of stick,yet he does not losen a bit his hold on the bundle of desires..... ...All worries and problems are but a dream, a mere hallucination, born of imagination and delusion.... ...
As readily as one takes to indulging in carnal pleasures, with the same readiness he is taken over by diseases too. Even after seeing death as inevitable and the end of all,man does not refrain from sinful ways".
The above saying should not be dismissed as a mere sermon. What a profound picture of misery and sufferings by the jiva? Are we not responsible for our own sufferings and miseries? Please contemplate on this. Acharya Sri Sankara advises us to recite(study) the Bhagavad Gita and Vishnusahasranama and lead the mind towards association with the good.
Arising out of Acharya Sankara`s advice, let us just briefly refer to a few of the verses from Bhagawad Gita having a bearing on the topic under discussion.
Lord Krishna says, when one completely withdraws the senses from their objects just like the tortoise withdraws its limbs, he is established in perfect Knowledge. The senses are so turbulent that they can forcibly lead astray the mind of even a person of sound judgement.
One with Uncontrolled mind can not have spiritual comprehension, has no capacity for meditation either. For the unmeditative there is no peace. And for one devoid of peace how can there be happiness?
Saturday, June 27, 2009
"Love Your Mother Always'
"LOVE YOUR MOTHER ALWAYS"
Inspiring and Heart Touching & Melting Story................"Love your Mother always."
A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.He asked her what was wrong and she replied,......................................
"I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother.
But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."
The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me.. I'll buy you a rose."He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.
She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother." She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.
The man returned to the flower shop, cancelled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.
Moral of the Story:
Mother is always a blessing,motivation and inspiration to all those who are having mother. Please respect and love her if she is with you then you are lucky and try to make her happy and smiling and take her blessing this is the best gift in this life, here after and forever.
Inspiring and Heart Touching & Melting Story................"Love your Mother always."
A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.He asked her what was wrong and she replied,......................................
"I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother.
But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."
The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me.. I'll buy you a rose."He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.
She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother." She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.
The man returned to the flower shop, cancelled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.
Moral of the Story:
Mother is always a blessing,motivation and inspiration to all those who are having mother. Please respect and love her if she is with you then you are lucky and try to make her happy and smiling and take her blessing this is the best gift in this life, here after and forever.
Science of Mantra & its chanting.......................
SCIENCE. OF "MANTRA" & ITS CHANTING...................................WITH
CORRECT PRONUNCIATION FOR THE DESIRED EFFECT.
Kindly read this at leisure with concentration.
"The Stronger the Faith,Will-power and Emotion attached with the Mantra, the Stronger will be the attraction of the powers of the Deity."
The scientific analysis of a Mantra is given below, as to how it
attracts power when chanted by someone.
Everything has a particular vibratory frequency. Every thought, every
word and every emotion. How we feel, think and speak defines our
particular vibration. And we create our world based upon that
vibration. Sound is an incredibly powerful vibration.
“Man” means mind, “tra” means wave or projections. Therefore mantra is
the projection of the mind through sound vibrations.
The basic structure of the universe is the atom, and the basic
structure of our bodies is the cell; each cell is made of billions of
atoms and each atom is made of a positive nucleus and negative
electrons rotating around it; because of this rotation, an
electromagnetic field is generated similar to fields generated by an
engine.
Every single atom is vibrating in a specific frequency, whether this
atom is part of metal, water, cell, or anything else. So every thing
in this universe is vibrating, this is a given scientific fact.
A small pebble thrown in a pond creates numerous ripples reaching
quite far, in the same pond itself. Same way, the words, which we
pronounce, creates vibrations and waves in our mind, which awaken
subtle powers in us. Thus the Effects of whatever Words we speak,
falls on our self, our society, and even on the universe.
Realising this fact, that SOUND is the most powerful element; our
ancient sages developed the Science of Music or Sound (SHABDA).
Therapy, called Bio-waves or “Mantra” and a collection of Mantras
called a “STOTRA”, which being related to Ether (which is very
subtle), becomes very powerful as the power of SUBTLE (SUKSHAMA) is
greater than the GROSS (STHOOLA). When atoms are isolated, it creates
great energy & become more powerful, although it is so small that it
is impossible to see it, with our naked eyes, likewise when a person
focuses on every single syllable and letter emanating from the Shabda
Brahma (Mantra) or the nada (the vibration) it is said to have
profound effects on the psyche as well as one’s physical self.
Mantra or Stotras are those scientifically made sound combinations
that affect our subtle Nerves – “SHAT CHAKRAS” and “POWER CENTRES”
directly in such a way, that it awakens our 'powers', which otherwise
lie dormant. As a result these Nerves become active and the person
chanting is blessed with different powers (SIDDHI).
In fact, (STOTRA SADHANA) is nothing else, but the Power of Sound.
These Sanskrit Mantra letters contain both Emotions and Meanings. The
permutation and combinations of these letters have the power to create
wonders.Sound being the base of the Mantra, makes it very powerful.
The mantra may be chanted out aloud, or repeated silently, or
resonated in the mind (Japa) and should be recited from the base of
the stomach which represents the seat of a person’s dormant power.
There is a lot of hidden shakti here. It produces subtle vibrations in
the fine nerves of the brain, thereby empowering the brain’s 108
centers and quelling their inactivity.
If Mantras are pronounced correctly, following the rules and regulations, given in the Scriptures it can undoubtedly cure many a diseases.So, the Success of the Mantra lies in its correct pronunciation. Unless the pronunciation is correct, it does not have the desirable effects on our Nerves.
Tansen the famous court-musician of Emperor Akbar, could make the
clouds pour down by singing the Raga MEGH MALHAAR, and could lit the
lamps by singing RAGA DEEPAK.
The causes and effects of the 'MANTRAS' and 'STOTRAS' could not be
analysed till date, because they are based on Ultrasonic Sounds,
which, we can neither see, nor hear.But if these are pronounced with clarity and emotion, than it can do wonders.
"In a Disco, your Mind makes you Dance,
In a Satsang, you Make your Mind to Dance."
POWER OF SOUND VIBRATIONS..............POWER OF MANTRA.
The “Gayatri Mantra”
GAYATRI MANTRA when repeatedly chanted, creates ring shaped sound
waves which rises up with great speed, through Ether and goes towards
the Sun, and after touching the surface of the SUN, it returns back
along with the subtle powers of the Sun, like Heat, Light, Electrical
etc. Thus the Mantra combined with all these powers of the Sun
re-enters the subtle body of the one chanting it. Who, therefore is
regarded blessed by Gayatri Mata.
EXAMPLES -
JAPA and DHYANA, are similar to NAADA (Sound) and BINDU SAADHANA
(Concentration on a point), which can pierce the greater or the
subtlest particle.
The signs of this charged Mantra, re-entering the subtle body of the
person chanting it, are in the different types of Vibrations or
Emotions that can move one to tears, lift his spirits up, bring back
beautiful memories, make him deliriously happy, or rouse violent
emotions, sensations of energy flowing from the head to the base or
goose bumps too.
On the physically level the science of Sound works with the movement
of the tongue in the mouth. The hard upper palate forms the roof of
the mouth where there are 84 meridian points located. While
pronouncing the Mantra, the movement of the tongue stimulates these
meridian points which in turn stimulate the hypothalamus to secrete
neurotransmission fluids. As these different chemical liquids are
secreted to different parts of the brain, messages are transmitted
throughout as well.
Simultaneously, these Mantra sound vibrations are also received by the ear & are turned into electrical signals which move along the acoustic nerve towards the acoustic bark in the Brain, whose cells then correspond to these waves and move into the various parts of the brain especially the frontal part. All these parts work together corresponding to the signals and translating them to a language the human understands. And as, as our body is made up of at least 70 per cent water, our bodies become an excellent conductor of sound vibrations thus every cell in our body acts as a sound resonator. So finally, the brain analyses these signals and gives
orders to the various parts of the body to correspond to these signals.
"When a Mantra is pronounced repeatedly, like a dynamo the Sound waves
are transformed into electrical energy or vibrations & if coupled with
deep emotions, becomes more powerful. These vibrations are in the
shape of a Ring which rises up with great speed, through the medium of
Ether, moving directly towards the presiding Deity of that Mantra.
When it reaches its Deity, it combines with the power of that Deity
before bouncing back along with the subtle but now manifold powers of
that Deity back to re-enter the source of its origin which is the
subtle body of the one chanting the Mantra. The Stronger the Faith,
Will-power and Emotion attached with the Mantra, the Stronger will be
the attraction of the powers of the Deity. It’s like a Dynamo effect,
the more who keep repeating a Mantra continuously the more you get
charged up with Divinity .This phenomenon is so subtle & so fast that
the person chanting the Mantra does not even realise it as these sound
waves or vibrations moving in the air in about 340m/sec have their own
frequency while humans can hear only from 20 frequencies per second to
20000 frequencies per second & not outside of this range."
CORRECT PRONUNCIATION FOR THE DESIRED EFFECT.
Kindly read this at leisure with concentration.
"The Stronger the Faith,Will-power and Emotion attached with the Mantra, the Stronger will be the attraction of the powers of the Deity."
The scientific analysis of a Mantra is given below, as to how it
attracts power when chanted by someone.
Everything has a particular vibratory frequency. Every thought, every
word and every emotion. How we feel, think and speak defines our
particular vibration. And we create our world based upon that
vibration. Sound is an incredibly powerful vibration.
“Man” means mind, “tra” means wave or projections. Therefore mantra is
the projection of the mind through sound vibrations.
The basic structure of the universe is the atom, and the basic
structure of our bodies is the cell; each cell is made of billions of
atoms and each atom is made of a positive nucleus and negative
electrons rotating around it; because of this rotation, an
electromagnetic field is generated similar to fields generated by an
engine.
Every single atom is vibrating in a specific frequency, whether this
atom is part of metal, water, cell, or anything else. So every thing
in this universe is vibrating, this is a given scientific fact.
A small pebble thrown in a pond creates numerous ripples reaching
quite far, in the same pond itself. Same way, the words, which we
pronounce, creates vibrations and waves in our mind, which awaken
subtle powers in us. Thus the Effects of whatever Words we speak,
falls on our self, our society, and even on the universe.
Realising this fact, that SOUND is the most powerful element; our
ancient sages developed the Science of Music or Sound (SHABDA).
Therapy, called Bio-waves or “Mantra” and a collection of Mantras
called a “STOTRA”, which being related to Ether (which is very
subtle), becomes very powerful as the power of SUBTLE (SUKSHAMA) is
greater than the GROSS (STHOOLA). When atoms are isolated, it creates
great energy & become more powerful, although it is so small that it
is impossible to see it, with our naked eyes, likewise when a person
focuses on every single syllable and letter emanating from the Shabda
Brahma (Mantra) or the nada (the vibration) it is said to have
profound effects on the psyche as well as one’s physical self.
Mantra or Stotras are those scientifically made sound combinations
that affect our subtle Nerves – “SHAT CHAKRAS” and “POWER CENTRES”
directly in such a way, that it awakens our 'powers', which otherwise
lie dormant. As a result these Nerves become active and the person
chanting is blessed with different powers (SIDDHI).
In fact, (STOTRA SADHANA) is nothing else, but the Power of Sound.
These Sanskrit Mantra letters contain both Emotions and Meanings. The
permutation and combinations of these letters have the power to create
wonders.Sound being the base of the Mantra, makes it very powerful.
The mantra may be chanted out aloud, or repeated silently, or
resonated in the mind (Japa) and should be recited from the base of
the stomach which represents the seat of a person’s dormant power.
There is a lot of hidden shakti here. It produces subtle vibrations in
the fine nerves of the brain, thereby empowering the brain’s 108
centers and quelling their inactivity.
If Mantras are pronounced correctly, following the rules and regulations, given in the Scriptures it can undoubtedly cure many a diseases.So, the Success of the Mantra lies in its correct pronunciation. Unless the pronunciation is correct, it does not have the desirable effects on our Nerves.
Tansen the famous court-musician of Emperor Akbar, could make the
clouds pour down by singing the Raga MEGH MALHAAR, and could lit the
lamps by singing RAGA DEEPAK.
The causes and effects of the 'MANTRAS' and 'STOTRAS' could not be
analysed till date, because they are based on Ultrasonic Sounds,
which, we can neither see, nor hear.But if these are pronounced with clarity and emotion, than it can do wonders.
"In a Disco, your Mind makes you Dance,
In a Satsang, you Make your Mind to Dance."
POWER OF SOUND VIBRATIONS..............POWER OF MANTRA.
The “Gayatri Mantra”
GAYATRI MANTRA when repeatedly chanted, creates ring shaped sound
waves which rises up with great speed, through Ether and goes towards
the Sun, and after touching the surface of the SUN, it returns back
along with the subtle powers of the Sun, like Heat, Light, Electrical
etc. Thus the Mantra combined with all these powers of the Sun
re-enters the subtle body of the one chanting it. Who, therefore is
regarded blessed by Gayatri Mata.
EXAMPLES -
JAPA and DHYANA, are similar to NAADA (Sound) and BINDU SAADHANA
(Concentration on a point), which can pierce the greater or the
subtlest particle.
The signs of this charged Mantra, re-entering the subtle body of the
person chanting it, are in the different types of Vibrations or
Emotions that can move one to tears, lift his spirits up, bring back
beautiful memories, make him deliriously happy, or rouse violent
emotions, sensations of energy flowing from the head to the base or
goose bumps too.
On the physically level the science of Sound works with the movement
of the tongue in the mouth. The hard upper palate forms the roof of
the mouth where there are 84 meridian points located. While
pronouncing the Mantra, the movement of the tongue stimulates these
meridian points which in turn stimulate the hypothalamus to secrete
neurotransmission fluids. As these different chemical liquids are
secreted to different parts of the brain, messages are transmitted
throughout as well.
Simultaneously, these Mantra sound vibrations are also received by the ear & are turned into electrical signals which move along the acoustic nerve towards the acoustic bark in the Brain, whose cells then correspond to these waves and move into the various parts of the brain especially the frontal part. All these parts work together corresponding to the signals and translating them to a language the human understands. And as, as our body is made up of at least 70 per cent water, our bodies become an excellent conductor of sound vibrations thus every cell in our body acts as a sound resonator. So finally, the brain analyses these signals and gives
orders to the various parts of the body to correspond to these signals.
"When a Mantra is pronounced repeatedly, like a dynamo the Sound waves
are transformed into electrical energy or vibrations & if coupled with
deep emotions, becomes more powerful. These vibrations are in the
shape of a Ring which rises up with great speed, through the medium of
Ether, moving directly towards the presiding Deity of that Mantra.
When it reaches its Deity, it combines with the power of that Deity
before bouncing back along with the subtle but now manifold powers of
that Deity back to re-enter the source of its origin which is the
subtle body of the one chanting the Mantra. The Stronger the Faith,
Will-power and Emotion attached with the Mantra, the Stronger will be
the attraction of the powers of the Deity. It’s like a Dynamo effect,
the more who keep repeating a Mantra continuously the more you get
charged up with Divinity .This phenomenon is so subtle & so fast that
the person chanting the Mantra does not even realise it as these sound
waves or vibrations moving in the air in about 340m/sec have their own
frequency while humans can hear only from 20 frequencies per second to
20000 frequencies per second & not outside of this range."
Monday, June 15, 2009
Beautiful Thoughts.................................
Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes
one WEAK!!
Without GOD , our week would be:
Sinday,
Mournday,
Tearsday,
Wasteday,
Thirstday,
Fightday &
Shatterday.
1. ATTITUDE IS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT....... SOLDIER : SIR WE
ARE SURROUNDED FROM ALL SIDES BY ENEMIES , MAJOR : EXCELLENT !
WE CAN ATTACK IN AN Y DIRECTION.
2. EVERY ONE KNOWS ABOUT ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL WHO INVENTED
PHONES, BUT HE NEVER MADE A CALL TO HIS FAMILY. BECAUSE HIS
WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE DEAF. THAT'S LIFE " LIVE FOR OTHERS " .
3. THE WORST IN LIFE IS "ATTACHMENT " ITS HURT WHEN YOU
LOSE IT. THE BEST THING IN LIFE IS " LONELINESS " BECAUSE IT
TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING AND WHEN YOU LOSE IT. YOU GET
EVERYTHING.
4. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ACT TRUE TO YOUR FACE
........ ITS ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO REMAIN TRUE BEHIND YOUR
BACK .
5. EGG BROKEN FROM OUTSIDE FORCE....... .A LIFE ENDS . IF AN
EGG BREAKS FROM WITHIN...... .LIFE BEGINS .GREAT THINGS ALWAYS
BEGAN FROM WITHIN .
6. ITS BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONE YOU LOVE. THEN
TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVE ....... BECAUSE OF EGO .
7. A RELATIONSHIP DOESN'T SHINE BY JUST SHAKING HANDS ON
BEST TIME. BUT IT BLOSSOMS BY HOLDING FIRMLY IN CRITICAL
SITUATION .
8. HEATED GOLD BECOMES ORNAMENTS. BETTED COPPER BECOMES WIRES.
DEPLETED STONE BECOMES STATUE. SO THE MORE PAIN YOU GET IN
YOUR LIFE YOU BECOME MORE VALUABLE.
9. WHY WE HAVE SO MANY TEMPLES , IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE ? A
WISE MAN SAID : AIR IS EVERYWHERE , BUT WE STILL NEED A
FAN TO FEEL IT .
10. TOLERATION IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF THE MIND : IT
REQUIRES THE SAME EFFORT OF THE BRAIN THAT IT TAKES TO
BALANCE ONESELF ON A BICYCLE ..........
11. WHEN YOU TRUST SOMEONE TRUST HIM COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY
DOUBT....... ....... AT THE END YOU WOULD GET ONE OF THE
TWO : EITHER A LESSON FOR YOUR LIFE OR A VERY GOOD PERSON
.
one WEAK!!
Without GOD , our week would be:
Sinday,
Mournday,
Tearsday,
Wasteday,
Thirstday,
Fightday &
Shatterday.
1. ATTITUDE IS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT....... SOLDIER : SIR WE
ARE SURROUNDED FROM ALL SIDES BY ENEMIES , MAJOR : EXCELLENT !
WE CAN ATTACK IN AN Y DIRECTION.
2. EVERY ONE KNOWS ABOUT ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL WHO INVENTED
PHONES, BUT HE NEVER MADE A CALL TO HIS FAMILY. BECAUSE HIS
WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE DEAF. THAT'S LIFE " LIVE FOR OTHERS " .
3. THE WORST IN LIFE IS "ATTACHMENT " ITS HURT WHEN YOU
LOSE IT. THE BEST THING IN LIFE IS " LONELINESS " BECAUSE IT
TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING AND WHEN YOU LOSE IT. YOU GET
EVERYTHING.
4. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ACT TRUE TO YOUR FACE
........ ITS ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO REMAIN TRUE BEHIND YOUR
BACK .
5. EGG BROKEN FROM OUTSIDE FORCE....... .A LIFE ENDS . IF AN
EGG BREAKS FROM WITHIN...... .LIFE BEGINS .GREAT THINGS ALWAYS
BEGAN FROM WITHIN .
6. ITS BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONE YOU LOVE. THEN
TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVE ....... BECAUSE OF EGO .
7. A RELATIONSHIP DOESN'T SHINE BY JUST SHAKING HANDS ON
BEST TIME. BUT IT BLOSSOMS BY HOLDING FIRMLY IN CRITICAL
SITUATION .
8. HEATED GOLD BECOMES ORNAMENTS. BETTED COPPER BECOMES WIRES.
DEPLETED STONE BECOMES STATUE. SO THE MORE PAIN YOU GET IN
YOUR LIFE YOU BECOME MORE VALUABLE.
9. WHY WE HAVE SO MANY TEMPLES , IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE ? A
WISE MAN SAID : AIR IS EVERYWHERE , BUT WE STILL NEED A
FAN TO FEEL IT .
10. TOLERATION IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF THE MIND : IT
REQUIRES THE SAME EFFORT OF THE BRAIN THAT IT TAKES TO
BALANCE ONESELF ON A BICYCLE ..........
11. WHEN YOU TRUST SOMEONE TRUST HIM COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY
DOUBT....... ....... AT THE END YOU WOULD GET ONE OF THE
TWO : EITHER A LESSON FOR YOUR LIFE OR A VERY GOOD PERSON
.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Exalted Role of Women....................................
Exalted Role of Women according to Hindu Scriptures.....................
The ultimate and the only authority on the practices of Hinduism are the four Vedas. That women and men are equal in the eyes of righteousness is made explicit in a beautiful verse from the Rig-Veda:
“O women! These mantras are given to you equally [as to men]. May your thoughts, too, be harmonious. May your assemblies be open to all without discrimination” Many seers were women in the Vedic period. Indeed, several of them authored many of the verses in the Vedas. The Rig-Veda lists the names of some of the well-known women seers: Ghoshsha, Godha, Vishwawra, Apala, Sri, Laksha and many more.
The Manu-smriti, an ancient text that contained the law codes for ancient Hindu society, extols the virtues of women:
“Women are worthy of worship. They are the fate of the household, the lamp of enlightenment for all in the household. They bring solace to the family and are an integral part of righteous life.”
The fact of Hindu scriptures honoring women is testimony to the enlightenment of the Vedas and the Vedic period.
The ultimate and the only authority on the practices of Hinduism are the four Vedas. That women and men are equal in the eyes of righteousness is made explicit in a beautiful verse from the Rig-Veda:
“O women! These mantras are given to you equally [as to men]. May your thoughts, too, be harmonious. May your assemblies be open to all without discrimination” Many seers were women in the Vedic period. Indeed, several of them authored many of the verses in the Vedas. The Rig-Veda lists the names of some of the well-known women seers: Ghoshsha, Godha, Vishwawra, Apala, Sri, Laksha and many more.
The Manu-smriti, an ancient text that contained the law codes for ancient Hindu society, extols the virtues of women:
“Women are worthy of worship. They are the fate of the household, the lamp of enlightenment for all in the household. They bring solace to the family and are an integral part of righteous life.”
The fact of Hindu scriptures honoring women is testimony to the enlightenment of the Vedas and the Vedic period.
APPRECIATION IS BEAUTIFUL WHEREAS.........................
"Appreciation is Beautiful Whereas Depreciation is Destructive..........
Much of life today is based on depreciation and denigration of public leaders, governments, religions, corporates and even family members. This is negative living, always pointing out faults in no uncertain terms and ignoring the virtues. people are cruel in their complaints. Even though it is not at all good to use unkind words.
A story- It goes like this.......... A guru was sitting with two disciples under a sprawling banyan tree. The older student inquired, "Guruji, how long must I wait until I realize God?" The Guruji responded, "Enlightenment is not something that can be predicted, but since you have asked," he leaned over and spoke in the right ear, "It will be twenty more lives." "Oh, no!" the youth cried in dismay, "I don't know if I can wait that long!" The other disciple, naturally curious, asked of his own future. The guru whispered, "Liberation will come after you live as many lives as this banyan tree has leaves!" Hearing this, the seeker jumped to his feet and began to dance. Why? He was suddenly overcome by the assurance that he would ultimately be liberated. Ecstatic with appreciation, he transcended the mind and attained his liberation that very moment.
The first student was on the path of depreciation. For him the pot was half empty. The second followed the path of appreciation and was immersed in thankfulness. For him the pot was half full. "Some people complain because God put thorns on roses. Others praise Him for putting roses among the thorns."
Appreciation is a beautiful, soulful quality available to everyone in every circumstance-being thankful for life's little treasures, grateful for the opportunity to begin the day where you are, appreciating the perfect place your karma and God's grace have brought you to. Appreciation is life-giving. Depreciation without appreciation is heartlessly destructive. Yet, it is the all too common way of our times. When something is done that is good, helpful or loving, it is often overlooked, treated as something expected. No acknowledgement is shown, no gratitude expressed. But if a shortcoming is seen, everyone is swift to point it out!
The Vedas, and our many other holy texts indicate a better way. The wise ones knew that all people possess freedom of choice and the willpower to use it. Today things unfortunately doesn't happen that way that freedom is usually used wisely. Ignorance seems to be almost as all-pervasive as God. We find it everywhere and within every situation. It does not have to be this way.
Gratitude is a quality of the soul. It does not depend on how much we possess. Its opposite, ingratitude, is a quality of the external ego. When we abide in soul consciousness, we give thanks for whatever we have, no matter how little or how much. When in ego consciousness, we are never grateful or satisfied, no matter how much we have.
When one can store plentiful of Gratitude in heart and mind and beautify why allow "Ego" to occupy that place and destroy ?..................... Just think over.
Much of life today is based on depreciation and denigration of public leaders, governments, religions, corporates and even family members. This is negative living, always pointing out faults in no uncertain terms and ignoring the virtues. people are cruel in their complaints. Even though it is not at all good to use unkind words.
A story- It goes like this.......... A guru was sitting with two disciples under a sprawling banyan tree. The older student inquired, "Guruji, how long must I wait until I realize God?" The Guruji responded, "Enlightenment is not something that can be predicted, but since you have asked," he leaned over and spoke in the right ear, "It will be twenty more lives." "Oh, no!" the youth cried in dismay, "I don't know if I can wait that long!" The other disciple, naturally curious, asked of his own future. The guru whispered, "Liberation will come after you live as many lives as this banyan tree has leaves!" Hearing this, the seeker jumped to his feet and began to dance. Why? He was suddenly overcome by the assurance that he would ultimately be liberated. Ecstatic with appreciation, he transcended the mind and attained his liberation that very moment.
The first student was on the path of depreciation. For him the pot was half empty. The second followed the path of appreciation and was immersed in thankfulness. For him the pot was half full. "Some people complain because God put thorns on roses. Others praise Him for putting roses among the thorns."
Appreciation is a beautiful, soulful quality available to everyone in every circumstance-being thankful for life's little treasures, grateful for the opportunity to begin the day where you are, appreciating the perfect place your karma and God's grace have brought you to. Appreciation is life-giving. Depreciation without appreciation is heartlessly destructive. Yet, it is the all too common way of our times. When something is done that is good, helpful or loving, it is often overlooked, treated as something expected. No acknowledgement is shown, no gratitude expressed. But if a shortcoming is seen, everyone is swift to point it out!
The Vedas, and our many other holy texts indicate a better way. The wise ones knew that all people possess freedom of choice and the willpower to use it. Today things unfortunately doesn't happen that way that freedom is usually used wisely. Ignorance seems to be almost as all-pervasive as God. We find it everywhere and within every situation. It does not have to be this way.
Gratitude is a quality of the soul. It does not depend on how much we possess. Its opposite, ingratitude, is a quality of the external ego. When we abide in soul consciousness, we give thanks for whatever we have, no matter how little or how much. When in ego consciousness, we are never grateful or satisfied, no matter how much we have.
When one can store plentiful of Gratitude in heart and mind and beautify why allow "Ego" to occupy that place and destroy ?..................... Just think over.
What Kaivalya Upanishad says..............
"Having reached the last order of life, one should sit in a solitary place in a relaxed posture, with pure heart, with head, neck and body straight, controlling all the sense organs, having bowed with devotion to the master.
Kaivalya Upanishad 5. ve, 442
Kaivalya Upanishad 5. ve, 442
Steps towards success..............................
"Steps towards Succes".............................
Taking risk is often your first step towards "Success."
"Being defeated is often temporary &
Giving up makes it permanent"
If you don't take some risks, you won't get the Chance to succeed. While you are trying You Are...............................Winning.
Always remember- The law of average is on your side. The more you try, the greater your chances of succeeding- Never get disappointed.
Every wrong attempt is another step forward. People that makes no mistakes,usually don't make anything.
Make up your mind not merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand defeats.
Your mistakes are stepping stone and success and it is your instalment payment to victory
You can't be a winner and be afraid to lose and remember......................"Ship is always safe at shore,but it is not built for that......................................... but to sail.
Keep sailing with purpose and vision - you will Win.
Know Abram Lincoln's failures after failures...................ultimately he did 'SUCCEED", becoming the 16th President of United States of America.
Taking risk is often your first step towards "Success."
"Being defeated is often temporary &
Giving up makes it permanent"
If you don't take some risks, you won't get the Chance to succeed. While you are trying You Are...............................Winning.
Always remember- The law of average is on your side. The more you try, the greater your chances of succeeding- Never get disappointed.
Every wrong attempt is another step forward. People that makes no mistakes,usually don't make anything.
Make up your mind not merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand defeats.
Your mistakes are stepping stone and success and it is your instalment payment to victory
You can't be a winner and be afraid to lose and remember......................"Ship is always safe at shore,but it is not built for that......................................... but to sail.
Keep sailing with purpose and vision - you will Win.
Know Abram Lincoln's failures after failures...................ultimately he did 'SUCCEED", becoming the 16th President of United States of America.
Friday, June 12, 2009
"Rig Veda on Agni"
Rig Veda On "Agni"
1. For all cratures that bare born, Agni is essential to digest their food and it strengthens the mineral substance within their bodies.
2.Agni has been created for nurturing all living beings.
3.Agni brings happiness to all those worship Agni. They become strong and will be praised by celestials.
4.Agni is always energetic and is always awake and it has been created for the welfare of the people and is hailed by all people.
5.Water which gives life to all living creatures, is made by heat created by Agni hence Agni is too valuable.
To be continued......................
1. For all cratures that bare born, Agni is essential to digest their food and it strengthens the mineral substance within their bodies.
2.Agni has been created for nurturing all living beings.
3.Agni brings happiness to all those worship Agni. They become strong and will be praised by celestials.
4.Agni is always energetic and is always awake and it has been created for the welfare of the people and is hailed by all people.
5.Water which gives life to all living creatures, is made by heat created by Agni hence Agni is too valuable.
To be continued......................
"Act on Facts of Life."
"ACT ON FACTS OF LIFE"......These quotes may be of some use....Pl. Read & Follow.
1) A good companion:
A good companion is not like the rain,
Which comes and goes.
Its like the air,
Some time very quite,
2) Work hard till you succeed:
When you win in your first attempt
people say its luck,
But if you win after a defeat they say as hard work.
Work hard till you succeed!!!
But constantly hanging around.
3) Truth of life:
We make them cry who care for us,
We cry for them who never care for us,
And we care for them who will never cry for us
4) Always make your absence:
Always make your absence felt in such a way,
That somebody misses you,
But let not your absence be so long,
That somebody starts learning to live without you!!!
5) Trust me that is true:
People die younger,
Because God loves them so much,
You're still on earth,
Because there's someone,
Who loves you more than God,
Trust me, that is true......in Life.
5) Knowing yourself is true wisdom:
Knowing others is intelligence,
Knowing yourself is true wisdom,
Mastering others is strength,
Mastering yourself is true power.
6) When someone loves you:
When some one loves you,
You don't realize it,
When you realize it, its too late.
You always love the one who leaves you
And leave the one who loves you.
7) So much love for you:
If you are in love, accept it, respect it & enjoy it.
But if you are not, then don't worry because
Someone, somewhere must be wrapping up
So much love for you.
8) Happiness is a perfume :
Happiness is a perfume .
You cannot spread on others
without getting a few drops on yourself.
So always be happy
to make others happy !
9) The best is yet to come...:
If yesterday didn't end up
the way you planned, Just remember:
God created today for you
To start a new one! The best is yet to come!
10) Tackle life with all your skills:
Tackle life with all your skills
Overcome each and every hill
If you persist with all your will
You will enjoy your life and all its thrill's.
11) I want Peace:
Someone asked God,
I want peace, God replied.
Remove that "I" as that is ego,
And peace will be automatically there
12) Think Positive always:
GODISNOWHERE
This can be read as "GOD IS NO WHERE"
Or as "GOD IS NOW HERE"
Everything depends on how do you see anything.
So think positive
13) Never break anyone's heart:
Never break anyone's heart,
While breaking heart of others
Think first what will happen
When someone will break your heart
14) one day more to hope:
Every SUNSET gives us one day less to live
But every SUNRISE gives us one day more to hope
15)" God Bless you:"
In times of difficulties don't say,
"God I have a big problem"
Instead say, "hey problem I have a big God"
Everything will be yours
God bless you.
16) Never take someone for granted..:
Never take some one for granted,...............
Hold every person close to your Heart
And in highest of esteem
Because you might wake up one day and realize
That you have lost a diamond
While you were too busy collecting stones.
Compiled & Presented by
J.K
1) A good companion:
A good companion is not like the rain,
Which comes and goes.
Its like the air,
Some time very quite,
2) Work hard till you succeed:
When you win in your first attempt
people say its luck,
But if you win after a defeat they say as hard work.
Work hard till you succeed!!!
But constantly hanging around.
3) Truth of life:
We make them cry who care for us,
We cry for them who never care for us,
And we care for them who will never cry for us
4) Always make your absence:
Always make your absence felt in such a way,
That somebody misses you,
But let not your absence be so long,
That somebody starts learning to live without you!!!
5) Trust me that is true:
People die younger,
Because God loves them so much,
You're still on earth,
Because there's someone,
Who loves you more than God,
Trust me, that is true......in Life.
5) Knowing yourself is true wisdom:
Knowing others is intelligence,
Knowing yourself is true wisdom,
Mastering others is strength,
Mastering yourself is true power.
6) When someone loves you:
When some one loves you,
You don't realize it,
When you realize it, its too late.
You always love the one who leaves you
And leave the one who loves you.
7) So much love for you:
If you are in love, accept it, respect it & enjoy it.
But if you are not, then don't worry because
Someone, somewhere must be wrapping up
So much love for you.
8) Happiness is a perfume :
Happiness is a perfume .
You cannot spread on others
without getting a few drops on yourself.
So always be happy
to make others happy !
9) The best is yet to come...:
If yesterday didn't end up
the way you planned, Just remember:
God created today for you
To start a new one! The best is yet to come!
10) Tackle life with all your skills:
Tackle life with all your skills
Overcome each and every hill
If you persist with all your will
You will enjoy your life and all its thrill's.
11) I want Peace:
Someone asked God,
I want peace, God replied.
Remove that "I" as that is ego,
And peace will be automatically there
12) Think Positive always:
GODISNOWHERE
This can be read as "GOD IS NO WHERE"
Or as "GOD IS NOW HERE"
Everything depends on how do you see anything.
So think positive
13) Never break anyone's heart:
Never break anyone's heart,
While breaking heart of others
Think first what will happen
When someone will break your heart
14) one day more to hope:
Every SUNSET gives us one day less to live
But every SUNRISE gives us one day more to hope
15)" God Bless you:"
In times of difficulties don't say,
"God I have a big problem"
Instead say, "hey problem I have a big God"
Everything will be yours
God bless you.
16) Never take someone for granted..:
Never take some one for granted,...............
Hold every person close to your Heart
And in highest of esteem
Because you might wake up one day and realize
That you have lost a diamond
While you were too busy collecting stones.
Compiled & Presented by
J.K
Monday, June 01, 2009
The importance of remaining is "Silence"
The importance of remaining in "Silence".........
There are two great forces in the universe, silence and speech. Silence prepares, speech creates. The strength of noise and activity is great. But infinite is the strength of stillness and silence, in which great forces prepare for action. To be capable of silence, stillness and illuminated passivity is to be fit for immortality.
Silence is a state in which either there is no movement of the mind or vital or else a great stillness which no surface movement can pierce or alter.
Silence is more than quietude; it can be gained by banishing thought altogether from the inner mind keeping it voiceless or quiet outside; but more easily it is established by a descent from above – one feels it coming down entering and occupying or surrounding the personal consciousness which then tends to merge itself in the vast impersonal silence.
Try and remain in "Silence" for some time every day to prepare for........................
There are two great forces in the universe, silence and speech. Silence prepares, speech creates. The strength of noise and activity is great. But infinite is the strength of stillness and silence, in which great forces prepare for action. To be capable of silence, stillness and illuminated passivity is to be fit for immortality.
Silence is a state in which either there is no movement of the mind or vital or else a great stillness which no surface movement can pierce or alter.
Silence is more than quietude; it can be gained by banishing thought altogether from the inner mind keeping it voiceless or quiet outside; but more easily it is established by a descent from above – one feels it coming down entering and occupying or surrounding the personal consciousness which then tends to merge itself in the vast impersonal silence.
Try and remain in "Silence" for some time every day to prepare for........................
All Treasure Lies within you..........................
All treasures lies within you, hidden- Tap it and move towards a higher vision.....................Managers.
The manager of enlightened outlook, will not resent, but ardently cherish, new exposure, be it an insight, challenge or consequence. The confidence of enlarging his horizon and the joyfulness gifted by the additional scope and creative opportunity, embolden him. He will not relish or encourage depreciating anything. Taking note of whatever comes, but linking his vision to the goal in front, he will successfully churn out from his within, like butter from curd, all the resources, necessary to be effective and resolute.
Well, when you understand the need for certain activity and also are conscious of your merits and potential for the activity, then it is the conjunction of your ability and the world’s need that results in the timely activity. No desire is called for. Thus, your understanding has to be updated and the desire replaced by a higher spiritual vision.
you seek material peace, intellectual wisdom, personal steadiness or religious salvation, know that the source of any and all lies just within you. Look to the within, turn inward and unearth your own hidden treasures. Be humble but bold and keen in your attempt to reach your Mission.
The manager of enlightened outlook, will not resent, but ardently cherish, new exposure, be it an insight, challenge or consequence. The confidence of enlarging his horizon and the joyfulness gifted by the additional scope and creative opportunity, embolden him. He will not relish or encourage depreciating anything. Taking note of whatever comes, but linking his vision to the goal in front, he will successfully churn out from his within, like butter from curd, all the resources, necessary to be effective and resolute.
Well, when you understand the need for certain activity and also are conscious of your merits and potential for the activity, then it is the conjunction of your ability and the world’s need that results in the timely activity. No desire is called for. Thus, your understanding has to be updated and the desire replaced by a higher spiritual vision.
you seek material peace, intellectual wisdom, personal steadiness or religious salvation, know that the source of any and all lies just within you. Look to the within, turn inward and unearth your own hidden treasures. Be humble but bold and keen in your attempt to reach your Mission.
Live Life Powerfully..........
LIVE-POWERFULY.....AN AMAZING ROLE MODEL IN MEDICAL PROFESSTION.......
At the age of 97 years and 4 months, Shigeaki Hinohara is one of the
world's longest-serving physicians and educators. Hinohara's magic touch is legendary: Since 1941 he has been healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St. Luke's College of Nursing . After World War II, he envisioned a world-class hospital and college springing from the ruins of Tokyo.
Many thanks to his pioneering spirit and business savvy, the doctor turned these institutions into the nation's top medical facility and nursing school. Today he serves as chairman of the board of trustees at both organizations. Always willing to try new things.
He has published around 150 books since his 75th birthday, including one
"Living Long, Living Good" that has sold more than 1.2 million copies. As the founder of the New Elderly Movement, Hinohara encourages
others to live a long and happy life, a quest in which no role model is
better than the doctor himself.
Live Loner and Longer Dr.Shigeaki Hinohara- for the sake of humanity and its welfare.
At the age of 97 years and 4 months, Shigeaki Hinohara is one of the
world's longest-serving physicians and educators. Hinohara's magic touch is legendary: Since 1941 he has been healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St. Luke's College of Nursing . After World War II, he envisioned a world-class hospital and college springing from the ruins of Tokyo.
Many thanks to his pioneering spirit and business savvy, the doctor turned these institutions into the nation's top medical facility and nursing school. Today he serves as chairman of the board of trustees at both organizations. Always willing to try new things.
He has published around 150 books since his 75th birthday, including one
"Living Long, Living Good" that has sold more than 1.2 million copies. As the founder of the New Elderly Movement, Hinohara encourages
others to live a long and happy life, a quest in which no role model is
better than the doctor himself.
Live Loner and Longer Dr.Shigeaki Hinohara- for the sake of humanity and its welfare.
Different trait with Truth & treasure.....................
Different Trait with Truth & Treasure..............................
"Aum Jai Matha"
"Aum Sri Gurudeva"
Do not blame any one for your torment or degeneration. The cause for your plight, in truth, inheres in yourself. To redress it, first recognize the freedom, scope and potential your mind holds within it. Make the necessary inner application to bring about the desired improvement or change. Spiritual wisdom beckons you to make such a determined effort.
In self-confession lies the key to self-improvement. Confess to yourself the errors, slips and deficiencies, not allowing the mind to delude you by excuses or explanations. Examine and evaluate to find out where lurk the lacks and impurities. Accept the finding wholeheartedly and strive to improve. Be confident. You have the body, mind and intelligence that any one else anywhere has. Be zealous and wholesome in your effort and the goal will be reached.
Be confident, cheerful and contented. The mind can produce any degree of contentment and peace. To generate these, no other source or help is required.
The world is heterogeneous. The nature and tendencies of people are varied. To live and move in this world, you will need great tolerance and a spirit of reconciliation. Your object must be to appreciate and accommodate others, whatever be their nature. Do not harp on their errors and shortcomings. By this process you will evolve and your vision will surely expand.
Receptivity and sensitiveness are what makes one’s behaviour endearing and enriching. Do not try to thrust your likes and dislikes on others. Try instead, to find out what those around would expect from you and where you can possibly contribute. Rather than feeling conflict or confrontation every time, look for and generate greater notes of harmony.
Spirituality first addresses the emotional aspect of the mind’s crisis. But soon it goes deeper and enfolds the intelligence, whose wont is ever to seek enlightenment. Once the intelligence is illumined, the mind’s turmoil subsides. This much-needed alliance between the mind and the intelligence does not usually take place. Intelligence, if at all, comes to play later and mind rules the scene. Distress, conflict and helplessness inevitably result, as in the case of Arjuna in Kurukshetra.
Every moment of your life you are being carried to fulfillment, irresistibly. Everything that comes to you does so to improve, correct or alter your nature, thereby taking you nearer perfection. So, whenever agitation assails your mind, ponder over this truth again and again.
Whether you seek intellectual wisdom, personal steadiness or religious salvation or material wellbeing, know that the source of anything and all lies just within you. Look within and unearth your own hidden treasure. Be humble but bold and keen in your attempt.
In acquiring material wealth all are not equally blessed. But in gaining mental and spiritual wealth, every one has an equal chance. Beginning from character and disciplines and ending with supreme kindness and goodness, the wealth of the mind is displayed in abundance before all. The question is only who wants, and, to which measure !
Does spirituality curb anyone’s initiative? Self is the supreme source of strength, joy and wisdom. How can Self-knowledge or its proper pursuit take away one’s initiative? True spirituality can only bestow clarity, courage and creativity. It removes from our personality all constrictions caused by ignorance and makes our effort straightforward and free.
Parents give us birth. Educational institutions provide object-based knowledge. The Spiritual Guru is one who verily bestows the unique Soul-birth. With loving care and watchfulness, he takes the seeker to Wisdom and fulfillment. To have a Guru as Teacher and Guide, is thus the greatest fortune and blessing in one’s life.........................................
and
I have it with the Divine & Subtle Blessings from Sri Sri Parama Pujya
Nimishananda Guruji.
My prostration at the Divine & Lotus Feet of my Pujya Guruji with reverence.
"Aum Jai Matha"
"Aum Sri Gurudeva"
Do not blame any one for your torment or degeneration. The cause for your plight, in truth, inheres in yourself. To redress it, first recognize the freedom, scope and potential your mind holds within it. Make the necessary inner application to bring about the desired improvement or change. Spiritual wisdom beckons you to make such a determined effort.
In self-confession lies the key to self-improvement. Confess to yourself the errors, slips and deficiencies, not allowing the mind to delude you by excuses or explanations. Examine and evaluate to find out where lurk the lacks and impurities. Accept the finding wholeheartedly and strive to improve. Be confident. You have the body, mind and intelligence that any one else anywhere has. Be zealous and wholesome in your effort and the goal will be reached.
Be confident, cheerful and contented. The mind can produce any degree of contentment and peace. To generate these, no other source or help is required.
The world is heterogeneous. The nature and tendencies of people are varied. To live and move in this world, you will need great tolerance and a spirit of reconciliation. Your object must be to appreciate and accommodate others, whatever be their nature. Do not harp on their errors and shortcomings. By this process you will evolve and your vision will surely expand.
Receptivity and sensitiveness are what makes one’s behaviour endearing and enriching. Do not try to thrust your likes and dislikes on others. Try instead, to find out what those around would expect from you and where you can possibly contribute. Rather than feeling conflict or confrontation every time, look for and generate greater notes of harmony.
Spirituality first addresses the emotional aspect of the mind’s crisis. But soon it goes deeper and enfolds the intelligence, whose wont is ever to seek enlightenment. Once the intelligence is illumined, the mind’s turmoil subsides. This much-needed alliance between the mind and the intelligence does not usually take place. Intelligence, if at all, comes to play later and mind rules the scene. Distress, conflict and helplessness inevitably result, as in the case of Arjuna in Kurukshetra.
Every moment of your life you are being carried to fulfillment, irresistibly. Everything that comes to you does so to improve, correct or alter your nature, thereby taking you nearer perfection. So, whenever agitation assails your mind, ponder over this truth again and again.
Whether you seek intellectual wisdom, personal steadiness or religious salvation or material wellbeing, know that the source of anything and all lies just within you. Look within and unearth your own hidden treasure. Be humble but bold and keen in your attempt.
In acquiring material wealth all are not equally blessed. But in gaining mental and spiritual wealth, every one has an equal chance. Beginning from character and disciplines and ending with supreme kindness and goodness, the wealth of the mind is displayed in abundance before all. The question is only who wants, and, to which measure !
Does spirituality curb anyone’s initiative? Self is the supreme source of strength, joy and wisdom. How can Self-knowledge or its proper pursuit take away one’s initiative? True spirituality can only bestow clarity, courage and creativity. It removes from our personality all constrictions caused by ignorance and makes our effort straightforward and free.
Parents give us birth. Educational institutions provide object-based knowledge. The Spiritual Guru is one who verily bestows the unique Soul-birth. With loving care and watchfulness, he takes the seeker to Wisdom and fulfillment. To have a Guru as Teacher and Guide, is thus the greatest fortune and blessing in one’s life.........................................
and
I have it with the Divine & Subtle Blessings from Sri Sri Parama Pujya
Nimishananda Guruji.
My prostration at the Divine & Lotus Feet of my Pujya Guruji with reverence.
Mind you ...Its all about "Mind"...............
Mind you............................................. its all about Mind ................Make it stabler and enriched.
"Your mind has enormous hidden dimensions. Open yourselves completely to whatever reactions and emotions the world evokes from time to time. Accept them all without any reservation or resentment. By assimilating everything and all, your mind grows deeper, stabler and more enriched."
The functioning of the mind, along with the disciplines and virtues it is capable of acquiring, discussed rationally, becomes a scientific treatise like any other subject of science.
One’s own mind is the cause for everything favourable and unfavourable. To think of relatives, friends or others as the cause is fallacious.
We are born in this world to lose as well as to gain, to have happiness as also misery. Enrich your mind by understanding this and improve, gaining stability thereby.
"Your mind has enormous hidden dimensions. Open yourselves completely to whatever reactions and emotions the world evokes from time to time. Accept them all without any reservation or resentment. By assimilating everything and all, your mind grows deeper, stabler and more enriched."
The functioning of the mind, along with the disciplines and virtues it is capable of acquiring, discussed rationally, becomes a scientific treatise like any other subject of science.
One’s own mind is the cause for everything favourable and unfavourable. To think of relatives, friends or others as the cause is fallacious.
We are born in this world to lose as well as to gain, to have happiness as also misery. Enrich your mind by understanding this and improve, gaining stability thereby.
Some insight on "Agni"- Fire............................
Agni transmits our offerings to Deva.
The Glory of Agni- "The Agni was created for the welfare of the World."
Tending of Agni yields wealth, health and a higher position in Society.
"To Agni, who is intelligent, who is an embodiment of true religion, who is celestial and finally who is the eradicator of diseases, I offer my prayers during the rituals.- Rig Veda-.
Manifestations of Agni-" Practically no part of life is untouched by Agni.
"Ayurveda gives importance to Agni because of its vital functions."
The sacred Fire(Agni):- "Agni was our first Guru from whom we learnt the secrets of light and consciousness."
"Among the panchabuthas(the five elements of nature, Agni (fire) is most entwined with human. In fact the earliest discovery of man, which led to his evolution in a civilised way, is Agni.
"Te flame of lamp (Agni) dispels darkness, but even a spark of fire can destroy a whole forest"-
Agni Sthal " Seat of many legends around Lord Siva's fire aspect."
&
Agni is one of the most important of the vedic Gods. Is the God of fire and acceptor of sacrifices. The sacifices made in Agni go into the deities, because Agni is a messenger from and to the other Gods.. Agni is ever young,because the fire is re-lit every day.Yet Agni is also immortal.
To be continued...............
The Glory of Agni- "The Agni was created for the welfare of the World."
Tending of Agni yields wealth, health and a higher position in Society.
"To Agni, who is intelligent, who is an embodiment of true religion, who is celestial and finally who is the eradicator of diseases, I offer my prayers during the rituals.- Rig Veda-.
Manifestations of Agni-" Practically no part of life is untouched by Agni.
"Ayurveda gives importance to Agni because of its vital functions."
The sacred Fire(Agni):- "Agni was our first Guru from whom we learnt the secrets of light and consciousness."
"Among the panchabuthas(the five elements of nature, Agni (fire) is most entwined with human. In fact the earliest discovery of man, which led to his evolution in a civilised way, is Agni.
"Te flame of lamp (Agni) dispels darkness, but even a spark of fire can destroy a whole forest"-
Agni Sthal " Seat of many legends around Lord Siva's fire aspect."
&
Agni is one of the most important of the vedic Gods. Is the God of fire and acceptor of sacrifices. The sacifices made in Agni go into the deities, because Agni is a messenger from and to the other Gods.. Agni is ever young,because the fire is re-lit every day.Yet Agni is also immortal.
To be continued...............
Our Ancient Treasure....................................
Our Ancient Treasure- Purana's(Writings on Hindu Mythology).......Relish the treasure.
Some insight on Puranas.:-
Purana's are referred to as them fifth Veda in Upanishads. Smriti describes that puranas are commentaries on Vedas.
Tha Mahabaratha mentions that the puranas are stories of Gods,Goddesses,Devas and Sages that existed even before historic times.
The word Purana is said to have been derived from "Pura"(Old) "Nava" (New).
It means that the contents of the puranas are as good as new thoughts, though they existed even in the very olden days.
It was Sage Veda Vyasa who composed all the Puranas. Later, Bana,Kumarilla Bhatta and Sri. Adi Sankara highlighted the truth from various puranas Sankara highlighted the truth from various puranas.
Puranas are the main source of Indian thinking on subjects of social,cultural, religious,political and architectural. They are classified into three viz.:-
1. Those pertaining to Brahma.
2. " Vishnu.
3. " Siva.
In total there are 18 Puranas and the divisions are as follows:-
1.Puranas relating to Brahma are:-
1.Brahma Purana.
2.Brahmanda Purana.
3.Brahma Vaivarta Purana
4.Markandeya Purana
5.Bhavishya Purana.
6.Vamana Purana.
2.Puranas relating to Vishnu are:-
1.Vishnu Purana.
2.Bhagavadha Purana.
3.Narada Puraana.
4.Garuda Purana.
5.Padma Purana.
6.Varaha Purana.
3.Puranas relating to Siva are:-
1.Siva Purana.
2.Vayu Purana.
3.Skanda Purana.
4.Agni Purana.
5.Matsya Purana.
6.Kurma Purana.
Some insight on Puranas.:-
Purana's are referred to as them fifth Veda in Upanishads. Smriti describes that puranas are commentaries on Vedas.
Tha Mahabaratha mentions that the puranas are stories of Gods,Goddesses,Devas and Sages that existed even before historic times.
The word Purana is said to have been derived from "Pura"(Old) "Nava" (New).
It means that the contents of the puranas are as good as new thoughts, though they existed even in the very olden days.
It was Sage Veda Vyasa who composed all the Puranas. Later, Bana,Kumarilla Bhatta and Sri. Adi Sankara highlighted the truth from various puranas Sankara highlighted the truth from various puranas.
Puranas are the main source of Indian thinking on subjects of social,cultural, religious,political and architectural. They are classified into three viz.:-
1. Those pertaining to Brahma.
2. " Vishnu.
3. " Siva.
In total there are 18 Puranas and the divisions are as follows:-
1.Puranas relating to Brahma are:-
1.Brahma Purana.
2.Brahmanda Purana.
3.Brahma Vaivarta Purana
4.Markandeya Purana
5.Bhavishya Purana.
6.Vamana Purana.
2.Puranas relating to Vishnu are:-
1.Vishnu Purana.
2.Bhagavadha Purana.
3.Narada Puraana.
4.Garuda Purana.
5.Padma Purana.
6.Varaha Purana.
3.Puranas relating to Siva are:-
1.Siva Purana.
2.Vayu Purana.
3.Skanda Purana.
4.Agni Purana.
5.Matsya Purana.
6.Kurma Purana.
Righteousness leads to Peace..........................
Righteousness(Dharma) Leads to Peace, Peace Leads to Happiness & Happiness means contentment from all angles.
Where there is Righteousness in the heart, there is Beauty in the Character.
Where there is Beauty in the Character, there is harmony in the Home (Family).
Where there is Harmony in the Home (Family), there is order in the Country.
Where there is Order in the Country, there is Peace in the World Society................
For a Society to be Righteous, we need righteousness in the :-
Family.
Education.
Career.
Business.
Industry.
Administration.
Law & Order.
Justice and of course mainly in
Politics as Politics and Politicians are expected to play a vital role to
build up Righteousness in through governance.
Where there is Righteousness in the heart, there is Beauty in the Character.
Where there is Beauty in the Character, there is harmony in the Home (Family).
Where there is Harmony in the Home (Family), there is order in the Country.
Where there is Order in the Country, there is Peace in the World Society................
For a Society to be Righteous, we need righteousness in the :-
Family.
Education.
Career.
Business.
Industry.
Administration.
Law & Order.
Justice and of course mainly in
Politics as Politics and Politicians are expected to play a vital role to
build up Righteousness in through governance.
Values of Religious Education............................
Values of Religious Education of children......... Where has it disappeared. ????
Education is a major issue in religious communities around the world today, including our own Hindu communities. Those who value their traditions everywhere are worried. They see all too clearly that children are learning another culture, or a non culture, instead of absorbing the precious things in the various heritages. Elders, mothers and fathers, teachers and spiritual leaders are all wondering the same thing about traditional values:
"How are we going to pass them along, assure that they will survive?"
There is certainly solution to this :
Involvement of youth at all levels. They know the importance of inculturalization. Individual families have another answer: keep kids out of public schools, use home-schooling systems, of which there are many these days. India is seeking answers, too, and is striving for a balance that incorporates Western knowledge and Eastern wisdom--not an easy goal to accomplish, and as yet unaccomplished for India's 250 million school children. It's even hard to offer them wholesome Hindu literature, since so many books for children and other educational tools are heavily slanted toward violence. Many will excuse it when a God slays a demon or when an indignant sage destroys some evil person, making such stories unacceptable for the minds of our young ones. Presenting violence as a good thing, even a somehow holy thing, definitely causes problems in today's society, where hurtfulness is seen as a simple and legitimate solution to many problems.
Many parents are at a loss as to how to solve the problems that surround the education of their youth. One solution they turn to is sending them off to boarding school. This is not a great answer. This is not even a good answer or solution.
Religious and spiritual people of the world are now uniting in one common cause:
How to pass on the knowledge of religion and spirituality to the next generation. They are protecting the minds of their children, saturating the minds of their children, educating the minds of their children, penetrating the minds of their children with the knowledge of Science, Maths etc. devoiding from religious and spiritual subjects- suppose to be the powerful subjects for righteous growth from the tender age.
Where is religion preserved? It is preserved in the minds of children, recorded in the brain cells of our youth, stored there for the future. We must teach the religious Dharma to our children. For this we need more religious courses, more religious schools and more religious parents willing to teach the young ones. We owe it to the next generation, the next, the next and the next. Share your knowledge with them. Have them memorise a consistent and logical approach to Hinduism. Then their life experiences are imprinted intelligently and righteously, as they draw upon those memories to control their karma and dharma.
In the ancient days, the kings/ Maharajas, were responsible for the religion. They saw to it that the priests performed their duties, that the pandits added to the store of knowledge, that the temples were built and maintained and that religion flourished throughout the land and remained alive in the minds and hearts of the people. This was the dharma of the kshatriya caste, headed by the kings, their ministers and heads of state. When the kings fell from power, the entire caste system was, for all practical purposes, left there on the battlefields. Decades have passed, and now we are in a technological age where computers and machinery replace more burdensome work, where caste is a matter of choice, not by birth, where the common man and woman have replaced the royal powers as the protectors of religion and spirituality ( I mean the present political system of our country). Hardly any importance is given to teach religion and spirituality in the
school curriculum.
Let those responsible to impart religious ans spiritual teaching to children take initiative and interest to do the needful on a war footing in the best interest of the children to preserve the religious culture and heritage of our Motherland.
Compiled & edited by J.K
Education is a major issue in religious communities around the world today, including our own Hindu communities. Those who value their traditions everywhere are worried. They see all too clearly that children are learning another culture, or a non culture, instead of absorbing the precious things in the various heritages. Elders, mothers and fathers, teachers and spiritual leaders are all wondering the same thing about traditional values:
"How are we going to pass them along, assure that they will survive?"
There is certainly solution to this :
Involvement of youth at all levels. They know the importance of inculturalization. Individual families have another answer: keep kids out of public schools, use home-schooling systems, of which there are many these days. India is seeking answers, too, and is striving for a balance that incorporates Western knowledge and Eastern wisdom--not an easy goal to accomplish, and as yet unaccomplished for India's 250 million school children. It's even hard to offer them wholesome Hindu literature, since so many books for children and other educational tools are heavily slanted toward violence. Many will excuse it when a God slays a demon or when an indignant sage destroys some evil person, making such stories unacceptable for the minds of our young ones. Presenting violence as a good thing, even a somehow holy thing, definitely causes problems in today's society, where hurtfulness is seen as a simple and legitimate solution to many problems.
Many parents are at a loss as to how to solve the problems that surround the education of their youth. One solution they turn to is sending them off to boarding school. This is not a great answer. This is not even a good answer or solution.
Religious and spiritual people of the world are now uniting in one common cause:
How to pass on the knowledge of religion and spirituality to the next generation. They are protecting the minds of their children, saturating the minds of their children, educating the minds of their children, penetrating the minds of their children with the knowledge of Science, Maths etc. devoiding from religious and spiritual subjects- suppose to be the powerful subjects for righteous growth from the tender age.
Where is religion preserved? It is preserved in the minds of children, recorded in the brain cells of our youth, stored there for the future. We must teach the religious Dharma to our children. For this we need more religious courses, more religious schools and more religious parents willing to teach the young ones. We owe it to the next generation, the next, the next and the next. Share your knowledge with them. Have them memorise a consistent and logical approach to Hinduism. Then their life experiences are imprinted intelligently and righteously, as they draw upon those memories to control their karma and dharma.
In the ancient days, the kings/ Maharajas, were responsible for the religion. They saw to it that the priests performed their duties, that the pandits added to the store of knowledge, that the temples were built and maintained and that religion flourished throughout the land and remained alive in the minds and hearts of the people. This was the dharma of the kshatriya caste, headed by the kings, their ministers and heads of state. When the kings fell from power, the entire caste system was, for all practical purposes, left there on the battlefields. Decades have passed, and now we are in a technological age where computers and machinery replace more burdensome work, where caste is a matter of choice, not by birth, where the common man and woman have replaced the royal powers as the protectors of religion and spirituality ( I mean the present political system of our country). Hardly any importance is given to teach religion and spirituality in the
school curriculum.
Let those responsible to impart religious ans spiritual teaching to children take initiative and interest to do the needful on a war footing in the best interest of the children to preserve the religious culture and heritage of our Motherland.
Compiled & edited by J.K
Be a "Peace Maker" by being a Vegetarian.......
Be a "Peace maker" by being Vegetarian.......
by John Dear
In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., last week to speak at the National Convention of Unitarian Universalists, I met my old friend Bruce Friedrich. We spent eight memorable months together in a tiny jail cell, along with Philip Berrigan, for our 1993 Plowshares disarmament action. A former Catholic Worker, Bruce is now one of the leaders of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. He gave a brilliant workshop on the importance of becoming a vegetarian, something I urge everyone to consider.
I became a vegetarian with a few other Jesuit novices shortly after I entered the Jesuits in 1982 and later wrote a pamphlet for PETA,:-
"Christianity and Vegetarianism." I based my decision solely on Francis Moore Lappe¹s classic work, Diet for a Small Planet, a book that I think everyone should read.
In it, Lappe, the great advocate for the hungry, makes an unassailable case that vegetarianism is the best way to eliminate world hunger and to sustain the environment.
At first glance, we wonder how that could be. But it¹s undisputable. A hundred million tons of grain go yearly for biofuel a morally questionable use of foodstuffs. But more than seven times that much some 760 million tons according to the United Nations go into the bellies of farmed animals, this to fatten them up so that sirloin, hamburgers and pork roast grace the tables of First-World people. It boils down to this. Over 70 percent of U.S. grain and 80 percent of corn is fed to farm animals rather than people.
Conscience dictates that the grain should stay where it is grown, from South America to Africa. And it should be fed to the local malnourished poor, not to the chickens destined for our KFC buckets. The environmental think-tank, the World Watch Institute, sums it up:
"Continued growth in meat output is dependent on feeding grain to animals, creating competition for grain between affluent meat eaters and the world¹s poor.²
Meanwhile, eating meat causes almost 40 percent more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, and planes in the world combined. (The world¹s 1.3 billion cattle release tons of methane into the atmosphere, and hundreds of millions tons of CO2 are released by burning forests due to dry conditions as in California or due to purposeful burns to create cow pastures in Latin America.)
And global warming isn¹t the only environmental issue. Almost 40 years ago, Lappe spelled out the environmental consequences of eating meat in stark relief. But more recently, her analysis received some high-power validation. The United Nations recently published ³Livestock¹s Long Shadow.² It concludes that eating meat is ³one of the most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.² And it insists that the meat industry "should be a major policy focus when dealing with problems of land degradation, climate change and air pollution, water shortage and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity."
Much of our potable water and much of our fossil fuel supply is wasted on rearing chickens, pigs, and other animals for humans to eat. And over 50 percent of forests worldwide have been cleared to raise or feed livestock for meat-eating. (A recent protest in Brazil denounced Kentucky Fried Chicken for clearing thousands of acres of untouched Amazon rain forest for chicken feed.)
As a Christian, I became a vegetarian because of the Gospel mandate of Matthew 25, ³Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me² ‹ because I do not want my appetites to contribute to the ongoing oppression of the world¹s starving masses. As a Catholic and Jesuit, I want somehow to side with the poor and hungry.
But another issue arises, too, over the decades, I¹ve learned that our appetite for meat leads to cruelty to animals ‹ chickens pressed wing-to-wing into filthy sheds and de-beaked, for example. And since I¹ve always espoused creative nonviolence as the fundamental Gospel value, my vegetarianism helps me not to participate in the vicious torture and destruction of billions of cows, chickens, and so many other creatures.
The chickens never raise families, root in the soil, build nests, or do anything natural. Often they are tormented or tortured before they are slowly killed, as PETA has repeatedly documented in its undercover investigations ‹ for your chicken dinner or hamburger. (All this is documented on a video narrated by Alec Baldwin, at www.Meat.org.)
Animals have feelings, they suffer; they have needs and desires. They were created by God to raise their families and breath fresh air; and if chickens to peck in the grass, if pigs to root in the soil. Today¹s farms don¹t let them do anything God designed them to do. Animal scientists attest that farm animals have personalities and interests, that chickens and pigs are smarter than dogs and cats.
Animals figure in the Gospels. They brim with lovely, respectful images of animals. Clearly Jesus was familiar with animals, and cared for them, as he urged us to look at the birds of the air or be his sheep. He even identified himself as ³a mother hen who longs to gather us under her wings.²
And animals figure in the Hebrew Bible. Isaiah 11, a vision of reconciled creation, dreams of a day when ³the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together with a little child to guide them. The cow and the beast shall be neighbours, together their young shall rest. The lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra¹s den and the child lay his hand on the adder¹s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the God of peace, as water covers the sea.² (Isaiah 11:1-9)
A vision of a nonviolent world, all creatures nonviolent, children safely at play with them, and no violence anywhere. That is the peaceful vision of creation that we are called to pursue in every aspect of our lives, from the jobs we hold, to our use of gasoline and alternative energies, to what we eat and wear, say and do.
I admire the Bible¹s greatest vegetarian, Daniel, the nonviolent resister who refused to defile himself by eating the king¹s meat. He and three friends became healthier than anyone else through their vegetarian diet. And they excelled in wisdom, for ³God rewards them with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.²
In his workshop at the Unitarian Universalists convention, Bruce added another beautiful image, the Garden of Eden. The Bible opens with a vision of paradise where God, animals, and humans recreate in peace together. Clearly, the Bible calls us to return to that paradise.
And Bruce reminded us that from the beginning we are directed to be vegetarians. Genesis 1:29 says, ³See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food.²
Biblical images and justice issues aside, there are medical reasons to stop eating meat. Vegetarian diets help keep our weight down, support a lifetime of good health and provide protection against numerous diseases, including the U.S.¹s three biggest killers: heart disease, cancer and strokes.
Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn both have 100 percent success in preventing and reversing heart disease using a vegan diet. Meanwhile, Dr. T. Colin Campbell writes that one of the leading causes of human cancer is animal protein. More, vegetarians are also less prone to developing adult-onset diabetes. And then we have to contend with the spread of Mad Cow disease and Avian influenza. One could almost argue that:-
" The human body is not designed for meat-eating."
But for me being vegetarian boils down to peacemaking. If you want to be a peacemaker, Bruce said, reflecting the sentiments of Leo Tolstoy, you will want to eat as peaceful a diet as possible. ³Vegetarianism,² Tolstoy wrote, ³is the taproot of humanitarianism.² Other great humanitarians like Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer and Thich Nhat Hanh agree.
"The only diet for a peacemaker is a vegetarian diet."
"Not to hurt our humble brethren, the animals," St. Francis of Assisi said, ³is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it. If you have people who will exclude any of God¹s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity,² he continued, "you will have people who will deal likewise with other people."
So it was good to visit with my friend Bruce, and hear once again the wisdom of vegetarianism. It¹s a key ingredient in the new life of peace, compassion and nonviolence.
by John Dear
In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., last week to speak at the National Convention of Unitarian Universalists, I met my old friend Bruce Friedrich. We spent eight memorable months together in a tiny jail cell, along with Philip Berrigan, for our 1993 Plowshares disarmament action. A former Catholic Worker, Bruce is now one of the leaders of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. He gave a brilliant workshop on the importance of becoming a vegetarian, something I urge everyone to consider.
I became a vegetarian with a few other Jesuit novices shortly after I entered the Jesuits in 1982 and later wrote a pamphlet for PETA,:-
"Christianity and Vegetarianism." I based my decision solely on Francis Moore Lappe¹s classic work, Diet for a Small Planet, a book that I think everyone should read.
In it, Lappe, the great advocate for the hungry, makes an unassailable case that vegetarianism is the best way to eliminate world hunger and to sustain the environment.
At first glance, we wonder how that could be. But it¹s undisputable. A hundred million tons of grain go yearly for biofuel a morally questionable use of foodstuffs. But more than seven times that much some 760 million tons according to the United Nations go into the bellies of farmed animals, this to fatten them up so that sirloin, hamburgers and pork roast grace the tables of First-World people. It boils down to this. Over 70 percent of U.S. grain and 80 percent of corn is fed to farm animals rather than people.
Conscience dictates that the grain should stay where it is grown, from South America to Africa. And it should be fed to the local malnourished poor, not to the chickens destined for our KFC buckets. The environmental think-tank, the World Watch Institute, sums it up:
"Continued growth in meat output is dependent on feeding grain to animals, creating competition for grain between affluent meat eaters and the world¹s poor.²
Meanwhile, eating meat causes almost 40 percent more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, and planes in the world combined. (The world¹s 1.3 billion cattle release tons of methane into the atmosphere, and hundreds of millions tons of CO2 are released by burning forests due to dry conditions as in California or due to purposeful burns to create cow pastures in Latin America.)
And global warming isn¹t the only environmental issue. Almost 40 years ago, Lappe spelled out the environmental consequences of eating meat in stark relief. But more recently, her analysis received some high-power validation. The United Nations recently published ³Livestock¹s Long Shadow.² It concludes that eating meat is ³one of the most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.² And it insists that the meat industry "should be a major policy focus when dealing with problems of land degradation, climate change and air pollution, water shortage and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity."
Much of our potable water and much of our fossil fuel supply is wasted on rearing chickens, pigs, and other animals for humans to eat. And over 50 percent of forests worldwide have been cleared to raise or feed livestock for meat-eating. (A recent protest in Brazil denounced Kentucky Fried Chicken for clearing thousands of acres of untouched Amazon rain forest for chicken feed.)
As a Christian, I became a vegetarian because of the Gospel mandate of Matthew 25, ³Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me² ‹ because I do not want my appetites to contribute to the ongoing oppression of the world¹s starving masses. As a Catholic and Jesuit, I want somehow to side with the poor and hungry.
But another issue arises, too, over the decades, I¹ve learned that our appetite for meat leads to cruelty to animals ‹ chickens pressed wing-to-wing into filthy sheds and de-beaked, for example. And since I¹ve always espoused creative nonviolence as the fundamental Gospel value, my vegetarianism helps me not to participate in the vicious torture and destruction of billions of cows, chickens, and so many other creatures.
The chickens never raise families, root in the soil, build nests, or do anything natural. Often they are tormented or tortured before they are slowly killed, as PETA has repeatedly documented in its undercover investigations ‹ for your chicken dinner or hamburger. (All this is documented on a video narrated by Alec Baldwin, at www.Meat.org.)
Animals have feelings, they suffer; they have needs and desires. They were created by God to raise their families and breath fresh air; and if chickens to peck in the grass, if pigs to root in the soil. Today¹s farms don¹t let them do anything God designed them to do. Animal scientists attest that farm animals have personalities and interests, that chickens and pigs are smarter than dogs and cats.
Animals figure in the Gospels. They brim with lovely, respectful images of animals. Clearly Jesus was familiar with animals, and cared for them, as he urged us to look at the birds of the air or be his sheep. He even identified himself as ³a mother hen who longs to gather us under her wings.²
And animals figure in the Hebrew Bible. Isaiah 11, a vision of reconciled creation, dreams of a day when ³the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together with a little child to guide them. The cow and the beast shall be neighbours, together their young shall rest. The lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra¹s den and the child lay his hand on the adder¹s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the God of peace, as water covers the sea.² (Isaiah 11:1-9)
A vision of a nonviolent world, all creatures nonviolent, children safely at play with them, and no violence anywhere. That is the peaceful vision of creation that we are called to pursue in every aspect of our lives, from the jobs we hold, to our use of gasoline and alternative energies, to what we eat and wear, say and do.
I admire the Bible¹s greatest vegetarian, Daniel, the nonviolent resister who refused to defile himself by eating the king¹s meat. He and three friends became healthier than anyone else through their vegetarian diet. And they excelled in wisdom, for ³God rewards them with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.²
In his workshop at the Unitarian Universalists convention, Bruce added another beautiful image, the Garden of Eden. The Bible opens with a vision of paradise where God, animals, and humans recreate in peace together. Clearly, the Bible calls us to return to that paradise.
And Bruce reminded us that from the beginning we are directed to be vegetarians. Genesis 1:29 says, ³See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food.²
Biblical images and justice issues aside, there are medical reasons to stop eating meat. Vegetarian diets help keep our weight down, support a lifetime of good health and provide protection against numerous diseases, including the U.S.¹s three biggest killers: heart disease, cancer and strokes.
Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn both have 100 percent success in preventing and reversing heart disease using a vegan diet. Meanwhile, Dr. T. Colin Campbell writes that one of the leading causes of human cancer is animal protein. More, vegetarians are also less prone to developing adult-onset diabetes. And then we have to contend with the spread of Mad Cow disease and Avian influenza. One could almost argue that:-
" The human body is not designed for meat-eating."
But for me being vegetarian boils down to peacemaking. If you want to be a peacemaker, Bruce said, reflecting the sentiments of Leo Tolstoy, you will want to eat as peaceful a diet as possible. ³Vegetarianism,² Tolstoy wrote, ³is the taproot of humanitarianism.² Other great humanitarians like Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer and Thich Nhat Hanh agree.
"The only diet for a peacemaker is a vegetarian diet."
"Not to hurt our humble brethren, the animals," St. Francis of Assisi said, ³is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it. If you have people who will exclude any of God¹s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity,² he continued, "you will have people who will deal likewise with other people."
So it was good to visit with my friend Bruce, and hear once again the wisdom of vegetarianism. It¹s a key ingredient in the new life of peace, compassion and nonviolence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)