karma

In the pursuit of our day to day lives, our attitudes towards Karma have become purely materialistic. Every time we think about spiritual life, we think in terms of renouncing Karma. But, this is not the right attitude, Karma can never be bondage. Karma Yoga is any action done with the higher awareness. Nature has created Karma as a scheme for man to evolve and to know the behaviour and deeper stages of the mind through the mind, to achieve spiritual awareness.

3 Bodies

3 Bodies; Physical, Astral and Casual

Physical Body(tangible) made of 5 gross elements-Earth/Water/Fire/Air/Ether
(Birth/Growth/Change/Decay/Death)
Has one sheath to it, the food sheath, FOOD goes 1/3 to physical 1/3 to create the mental body or thoughts and 1/3 to waste.

Astral Body, where we experience pleasure and pain, has 3 sheaths to it, and 19 elements.
19 elements are, 5 organs of action(karma indriya)-mouth/hands/feets/anus/genitals, 5 organs of knowledge(janan indriyas)-ears/eyes/nose/tongue/skin 5 prana's prana/apana/samana/udana/vijana and 4 elements of Antahkarana(inner instruments)-mind/subconcious/intellect/ego
The 3 sheaths are; Pranamaya Kosha-purifies the pranic sheath, it constitutes of the karma indriyas which is also experiencing hunger thirst, heat and cold AND the prana's is what gives energy to the Karma indriyas, so they can carry out their functions. The second sheath, the manamaya kosha, has the jnana indriyas-it's how we aquire knowledge, this sheath is purified through japa and kirtan. The third sheath is the Vijnamaya kosha, purifiying this sheath is done by right-inquiry, discrimination and decision making. It is the home of the buddhi(intellect) works in conjuctin with jnana indriyas, this means that the manamaya kosha gathers information and the Vijnamaya kosha makes sense of it.

Causal Body, is the blue print of both the gross and subtle bodies, contains all the impressions of all lives lived. It has one sheath to it, the anandamaya kosha, which is the most subtle and where bliss is experienced.

quote

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him".

Buddha

Excerpt

According to Vedanta, liberation can be achieved only through spiritual knowledge, which requires meditation. Other factors, such as good works or rituals, are merely aids in the process. But such liberation knowledge is not any ordinary or conceptual knowledge. It is direct insight into one's own nature of pure consciousness.
Vedanta's main approach is threefold:hearing the teaching with a receptive mind (shravana), deep thinking about it (manana), and meditating on it consistently (nididhyasana) until full realization dawns, which is the state of samadhi.

This is an excerpt from the book "Vedantic Meditation" which I started reading..by David Frawley. This is the first book of his that I'm reading and I'm really enjoying how he writes, it's very direct and to the point, easily comprehensible.

recipe...

So I once mentioned that when I started to be a vegetarian it was dificult for me. And as one I love faux meats and love veggie burgers, and have them many different ways..this is just one recipe I like


TOFU/TVP Burgers

celery-use like it an onion
1/2 part Tofu
1/2 part TVP
ground oatmeal- as binder
tamari
cilantro-chopped
parsley-chopped
hing
hickory salt
paprika
chili powder
oil

Optional: Roasted Sunflower Seeds or Ricotta Cheese

Rinse tofu with water and soak in water for 10 minutes changing water once to remove the funny taste. Remove from water, press all excess water out and crumble into a bowl. Put enough tamari in the bowl to slightly change color of tofu and give it a little seasoning and set aside.

Meanwhile, food process or dice celery and saute in oil with a hing. Place TVP in bowl and place a little water to moisten it. Add the TVP to sauteed celery mixture and heat until flavor is absorbed.

In a bowl combine TVP/Celery mixture with tofu, cilantro, parsley, optional ingredients and oatmeal-just enough to hold the patty together. Oil a tray. Form mixture into patty. Bake in 375 Oven for 20-30 minutes. Baste top with oil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Have No Fear.....

Fearlessness is listed as the first quality to be developed by a spiritual aspirants.
Courageous people have one thing in common-control over their imagination. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the conquest of fear.

The conquest of fear yields the courage of life.

"A courageous person is cool and calm. He is resolutely-minded. Have the courage of your convictions. Have the courage to act up to or consistently with your views and opinions".

Mudra/Hand

Mudras have an intense effect on the nadis(energy channels). Each finger represents an element, a chakra, a planet, a body organ and an emotion. Each finger is also the ending of a meridian.
Mudras can be enhanced with breathing exercises, mediation, mantras, colour, affirmations and music.
The thumb is associated with the fire element, the lung meridian and the planet Mars and represents willpower and logic.
The index finger is associated with the air element, the stomach meridian and the planet Jupiter. It represents the mind and the power of thought.
The middle finger (not to be held up in the traffic) is associated with the ether element, the circulation and gallbladder meridians and the planet Saturn. It represents our spiritual path. Hindus call it the ‘heavenly finger’.
The ring finger is associated with the earth element, the liver meridian and
the sun (or Apollo, the sun god). It represents vitality and health.
The little finger is associated with the water element, the heart meridian and the planet Mercury. It represents communication, sexuality and personal
relationships.
Our hands are important......

Sunday

So today was a rainy dreary day and I so wished it was sunny, it would be soo nice.. and that made me think how today Sunday is associated with Sun. It also made me think that I want to try and coordinate certain days of the week with certain topics, some stories of the dieties, asanas etc...hopefully I will start that process this week.

But today I thought I would mention that each of the seven days in a week has a special significance and is apportioned to one or more Hindu gods or goddesses

*Sunday is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). Red is the color of the day
*Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, associated with the Moon (Chandra)
*Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Durga, Goddess Kali. Associated with Mars (Mangala)
*Wednesday is dedicated to Krishna, associated with the planet Mercury (Budha). Green is the color. The day is highly auspicious for starting new ventures
*Thursday is Guru Day, the planet is Jupiter (Brihaspati)
*Friday is dedicated to Mother Goddess, the planet is Venus (Shukra)
*Saturday is dedicated to Lord Hannuman, the planet is Saturn (Shani)

There are also many different stories associated with each days, fasting rituals, color significances and other observances for special purposes.

Dharma

So the last few months have been very interesting for me, a lot of changes going on, a lot of learning....

In Yoga your always taught that things are impermanent and that even though you may plan on something, that may not happen. Though I know this..I've been proactive and making plans on what I want to do in the next few months, and of course two separate people who did energy work on me in the last few weeks have been telling me other things, which frustrated me and today I was really wondering what it is I'm suppose to do....
What is my dharma?????..and hopefully that answer will come to me soon :)

Dharma

Dharma is a very complicated word, for which there is no equivalent word in any other language, including English. Dharma actually means that which upholds this entire creation. It is a Divine law that is inherent and invisible, but responsible for all existence. Dharma exists in all planes, in all aspects and at all levels of creation. In the context of human life, dharma consists of all that an individual undertakes in harmony with Divine expectations and his own inner spiritual aspirations, actions that would ensure order and harmony with in himself and in the environment in which he lives.

The Upanishads saw dharma as the universal principle of law, order, harmony, all in all truth, that sprang first from Brahman. It acts as the regulatory moral principle of the Universe. It is sat, truth, a major tenet of Hinduism.

Importance of Meditation.

One of the most difficult things we can do in life is to show up - to be fully present - for ourselves and for the people we love and care about. So many times, at the end of the day, we say, "Where did the time go?" Years can go by in this manner. Your precious life is worth fully inhabiting.

There cannot be enough said about the importance of meditation to a person's quality of life, the list of benefits is numerous. Meditating on a daily basis allows you to clear away the stress and tension that occurs each and every day of our lives. To open yourself up to whole new way of life, being more intuitive even on a spiritual level. A technique that will make you feel complete and whole.

When starting meditation practice it's best to have realistic goal, that instead of meditating a 1/2hr daily, to start off by doing only 10 minutes and then working your way up to that half hour.
Other suggestions...
Regularity of time, place and practice are important. Regularity conditions the mind to slow down its activities with a minimum of delay.
The most effective times are early dawn and dusk, when the atmosphere is charged with special spiritual force.
Try to have a separate room for meditation. As meditation is repeated, the powerful vibrations set up will be lodged in the area; an atmosphere of peace and purity will be felt.
When sitting, face North or East in order to take advantage of favorable magnetic vibrations. Sit in a steady, comfortable, cross-legged position with spine and neck erect but not tense.
Before beginning, command the mind to be quiet for a specific length of time. Forget the past, present and future.
Consciously regulate the breath. Begin with five minutes of deep abdominal breathing to bring oxygen to the brain. Then slow it down to an imperceptible rate.

There are other suggestions that can be added to this, but it's best when starting something new, and as not to feel overwhelmed to keep things simple and easy, and once you have a daily practice then you can add the other suggestions..and just begin to feel the peace and tranquility that comes with meditating.

om shanti

Hearty Soup for the Soul

So lately I haven't been eating as well as I should, and been to lazy to cook. So this morning when I was sitting at my altar I decided to pick a card from my angel deck( A friend of mine gave me this as a gift about a year ago, when I was made a big shift in my life) and I knew it, not feeling well...that the card I would and did picked was to "Cleanse and Detoxify"..so of course I took that as a message to change some things..and now I'm off to cook some foods, always my quinoa salad but I thought it would be good to do a hearty soup, especially since it cold and rainy outside.

LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP

This traditional hearty soup features lentils, chick peas, pasta and
vegetables with aromatic yet mild spices.

1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
2 tsp of hing
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground pepper
2 tsp turmeric
2 cans (each 10 oz) vegetable stock
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups diced peeled seeded squash ( I used Butternut )
3/4 cup green or brown lentils
1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cooked small pasta or rice ( I used both )
1 zucchini, diced
1/4 cup each chopped fresh parsley and coriander
1/4 cup lemon juice


In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; fry celery, hing,
cinnamon, cumin, ginger, pepper and turmeric, about 5 minutes.
Scrape into slow-cooker.
Add vegetable stock, tomatoes, squash, lentils and 4 cups water. Cover
and cook on low until squash is tender, about 6 hours.
Stir in chickpeas, pasta/or/rice and zucchini. Increase heat to high;
cover and cook until pasta is hot and zucchini is softened, about 25 minutes. Stir
in parsley, coriander and lemon juice. MAKES 10 - 12 SERVINGS.


Per each of 12 servings: about 161 cal, 7 g pro, 2 g total fat (trace sat.
fat), 30 g carb, 5 g fibre, 0 mg chol, 487 mg sodium, % RDI: 6%
calcium,
22% iron, 23% vit A, 32% vit C, 49% folate.

Enjoy and bon appetit.

quote...

"If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work."

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Observing Silence

This morning when I was doing my Meditation and Arati, I was thinking how different things are from last year at this time. That instead of being in a community of yogi's its just me.....and I miss it, but it's okay it's only temporary and how fast things can change, next year at this time can be a totally different story.

So during my little satsang I was reading from "Sivananda Daily Readings" and realised that it's really important to read a message daily..that sometimes we don't have so much time in our day to do our practice. Last year I would put in about 3-4hrs of spiritual practice daily, but now I don't have that luxury, but just reading a message helps, and it doesn't take that much time. And it can be anything for you, choosing one that best meets your interests and your desires but making sure it's something positive, encouraging and uplifting..

Anyways I will share with you an exert from what I read this morning..

OBSERVE SILENCE
Use measured words in talking. Do not talk much. Try to finish a conversation within a few minutes. Do not indulge in long unnecessary talks and discussions. Man is a social animal. He is prone to much talking. This talkative habit is ingrained in him and he is much troubled when he cannot get any company. The observance of mauna(silence) is death and punishment for him.
I always prescribe the practice of mauna for one and all, as this helps in the preservation of energy, development of will and enjoyment of peace. All sorts of quarrels. misunderstandings, anger, etc..., can be easily avoided by mauna for two hours daily.
Even during other periods talk very few words. When you speak, speak gently and sweetly.

DETACHMENT

what is detachment and how do we practice it?

The problem when we talk about detachment is that people tend to wrongly think that if they detach, they will loose something, deprive themselves of something. Life will be boring and tasteless. They would argue: If God has created the senses and the emotions, then why not enjoy them? If I have a problem with something, it is because of this and that. We are then determined to try something different to fix the problem in hopes that the situation will be different. This is the common mis-understanding of detachment practice.

TRUE DETACHMENT COMES WITH DISCRIMINATION.

True detachment is based on discrimination. This means the realization of what is Real and not real. It's the discrimination between what is going to bring you true happiness and lasting fulfillment, and knowing for sure what will not bring you happiness.

TEMPORARY DETACHMENT IS LIKE TAKING AN ASPIRIN.
If we do not go to the cause of our problem, it will reproduce itself again in different forms. Temporary detachment doesn't usually lead to questioning of the mistake. We don't usually spend time to think about the root of the mistake, therefore, our discrimination doesn't increase. So it is a running away from pain that brought about temporary wisdom and not the discrimination and the self awareness. When the pain vanishes, we will forget the past misery and will do it again. We did not go to the root cause of the problem, the root cause of our spiritual ignorance.

TRUE DETACHMENT MEANS REMAINING IN THE FULLNESS OF BEING.
And not running after the illusion of desire which sprung from the forgetfulness of Self. Detachment means understanding the usual temptations of the mind that lead us astray to find happiness (externally), and then choosing to not be fooled again. Detachment is remaining calm and content in the delight of one's own Self. It is not emptiness; rather, it is fullness.

TRUE DETACHMENT IS NOT LOOSING THE SENSE OF SELF;
IT IS ALLOWING YOU TO REMEMBER YOUR TRUE SELF.

HANUMAN

HANUMAN, is the monkey deity renowned for his courage, power and faithful, selfless service. He is one of the most popular concepts of devotees of God (bhakti) (devotion to God) in Hinduism and one of the most important personalities in the Indian epic Ramayana.

Almond Milk Recipe

ALMOND MILK


This sustaining and soothing drink is a rich source of easily digestible food for the rapid replenishment of energy. Almonds are a concentrated source of protein as well being high in vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Their fat content makes them excellent for skin and muscle repair.

These ingredients are per person

10 Almonds (soaked overnight in water to cover)
Pinch of cardamom
Pinch of pepper
1 Cup of milk, water or soy (warmed)
1 Teaspoon of honey

you can also add any dried fruit that you might like..I like to add dates(3)

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Mentally visualise the person you were angry with that day or someone you’ve been angry with for a long time. First forgive that person for making you angry, then ask that person for forgiveness and finally forgive yourself for over-reacting, so that you have cleared the space for the future relationship. Learn to pardon others’ mistakes;

To err is human, but to forgive to divine. Forgiveness is like a cancelled note – you tear it in two and throw it into the fire. Forgiveness is much harder than being angry, and may involve deep suffering. When we ask for forgiveness of others, we are primarily asking for a removal of anger.

How do we know if we have forgiven somebody? It is when we see them and the reaction has gone, or even better we feel love. Forgiveness must becomes part of our psychological make-up. Forgiveness should also be silent and unknown – don’t advertise it, because then you have not forgiven as forgiveness doesn’t involve any further action. When we forgive, the other person’s reaction is not our business.

Forgiveness, forbearance and patience are all qualities that counteract anger.


Adaptability. Train yourself to adapt to others. If you adapt yourself you will draw out the best of others.


Humility. Learn to see yourself as not the most important person in life. Start to practice from today.


Gratitude and Cheerfulness.


Be positive

When things change in your mind things will fall into place. If there is a small amount of pain somewhere, that is excellent. If things are difficult or not how you want them to be, then take your time. That is usually the best time to learn some spiritual truths. When things don’t happen, don’t force them. Time is our best friend and teacher.


Surrender

Only God knows what the best is for us; stay where you are and wait and see. Life is like driving. There may not always be green lights, but red light might even save your life. We don’t know why we have to wait, but even if sometimes that may be uncomfortable, it might save us from a deeper catastrophe. The whole teaching of yoga is of living in the present moment.


Focus on what you have to do. Your boss might be angry but focus on your work. Every moment of your life focus on what you have to do.

Today January 14th

Today is....Uttarāyaṇa it is the six month period between Makar Sankranti around (January 14) and Karka Sankranti around (July 14), when the Sun travels towards north on the celestial sphere. The period from July 14 to January 14 is known is Dakshināyana

In yoga they say on this day the sun ascends – is in uttarayana, and on Makar Sankranti, the sun descends – is in dakshinayana. These are the two paths: northwards or uttarayana, and southwards or dakshinayana.

Those who want to understand yoga should know that uttarayana and dakshinayana are the two paths an aspirant can walk on. The jivatma, individual soul, that practices yoga, travels on one of these paths. One soul may go the uttarayana route, and another the dakshinayana route.

The Bhagavad Gita (8:24-26) refers to the paths of uttarayana and dakshinayana
"Agnirjyotirahah shuklah shanmaasaa uttaraayanam
Tatra prayaataa gacchanti brahma brahmavido janaah."

Fire, light, daytime, the bright fortnight, the six months of the northern path of the sun, departing by these, those who know Brahman go to Brahman.This is the reference to uttarayana.

Dakshinayana has been referred to as:
"Dhoomo raatristathaa krishnah shanmaasaa dakshinaayanam
Tatra chaandramasam jyotiryogee praapya nivartate."

Attaining the lunar light by smoke, night time, the dark fortnight, also the six months of the southern path of the sun, the yogi returns.

Very simply put, this is like New Years day, an auspicious time, to start new adventures, business, get married etc...The period of Uttarayana is marked by brightness, peace, rejoicing, fearlessness, and purity.

Flexibility

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility of the body, especially the spinal cord and flexibility of the mind are interrelated. Flexibility of the mind means adaptability. It's opposite, rigidity of mind, is called ego. And as ego puts stress upon the nervous system, it creates a rigid body. So yoga says that flexibility of the spine and flexibility of the mind are interrelated. If you keep the spinal column flexible, you'll have a flexible mind, and you will find that the flexible mind can do more work than the inflexible mind.

A Rigid Tree Can Be Uprooted. Have you ever seen a tree standing on the shore? Such trees are very strong, still standing after 70, 80, or 90 years. But when a sudden flood comes, they are completely uprooted and washed away because they are very rigid. But when the flood waters subside, the tall grasses are still there. The powerful flood waters could not wash them away. Why? Because they just bent with the flow of the waters instead of resisting, the water could not do anything. Although more powerful, the rigid tree was uprooted. "Grasses bow before the gale and again raise their heads to the midday sun. But the proud giants of the forest remain stiff, not budging an inch, only to be rudely uprooted."
The humble servant prostrates to all and goes on serving till retired by old age, while his unbending master is envied, only to be thrown out as Prime Minister or Senator, or even disgraced and thrown in prison. But the ordinary servant goes on.

Various religions also became rigid and inflexible; we call it fanaticism. But they are wiped out eventually. In Indian religious life you must be adaptable. In south India, when you go to the temple, you must not wear a head covering. But in the north you can because it is cold there. In the south you must take a bath before going to the temple, and if you enter with your clothing still wet, it is considered even more religious. But if you did that in the north, you would get pneumonia.
So you must understand and adapt to the individual situation.

Yoga for Flexibility....For a spiritual aspirant especially, flexibility is necessary. Once the prana starts growing, any resistance will prevent its free movement. So every morning you should practice your asanas, pranayama, mantra and japa. Flexibility of the spinal column will allow the energy to flow properly, so that instead of going downward, it will go upward. It is just like water, which, in a gross state, flows downwards, but when in subtle form (as in steam) it rises. In the same way, a flexible spinal cord will allow your energy to flow upward, past the lower centers and up to the higher centers. That is what is meant by the "ascent of kundalini shakti."

Quote

"Enrich your blood through Japa, Kirtan, Meditation, Sattva, Pranayama, Asanas, tomatoes, grapes, spinach, pure air and sunlight."
Swami Sivananda

Challenge for the week

When I first started to give Satsangs(spiritual gathering), it was nerve racking and to be truthfull I never did get use to it.
The one thing I use to do, pretty much every Sunday night when I was in Chicago, was read from the book "How to Cultivate Virtues and Eradicate Vices" by Swami Sivananda, probably my favorite book by him. I use to randomly pick a virtue and a vice, read about them and then give them out as practice for the week.

Since we always like to start things, practices or diets etc..at the beginning of year, month or week and tomorrow is Monday..I thought it would be good to do a practice this week

This of course came to me because today wasn't great. I don't think I've been so annoyed and irritated like that in a long time..( I was stuck at work with no electricity and no heat, there was a power outage and the powers to be where more concern about the bottom dollar then they where about their staff)

...anyhow thinking over the day was upsetting, just at how I let my emotions get the better of me and how I could have handle myself much better.

Irritation is defined in Yoga as simple form of Anger. Irritability bring with it a lack of peace. When you want to control Anger you have to control these small forms first. So of course if you want to control something you need to practice the opposite form and for anger that would be Patience.

Patience: The ability to remain calm and undisturbed in the face of difficulties. Involves dissolving anger energy. Calmness is not passivity. It gives us the opportunity to evaluate situations clearly and to make wise decisions.

So this week I will try and Culivate my Patience and Eradicate my Anger, taking it day by day....of course this is my practice, which you can also do or pick something that pertains to you, and remember when we practice these exercises they help us develop both will power and self discipline.

A Practice on "Active Listening"

Active Listening

Be direct, specific and tactful;

One of the main rules for active listening is always to minimize the number of distractions. But the real problem in active listening isn’t what takes place on the outside. It’s what’s going on inside one’s mind that presents the greatest challenge.

Here are some guidelines:

Focus on the conversation, putting everything else in your mind on hold.
(Don’t focus on what to do next etc.)

Make no assumptions about what other person thinks, feels, or wants. (People are not 100% predictable.)

Don’t spend time rehearsing what you’re planning to say while the other person is speaking.

Let the other person have their say. Don’t interrupt.
(There are people who tend to finish other people’s sentences.)

Those people who interrupt may do it for several reasons:
a) impatience b) dominance c) ‘mind-reading habit’.
Whatever the reason the effects are usually negative.

Listen for feelings as well as thoughts.

Notice the other person’s nonverbal as well as verbal behaviour.

Demonstrate nonverbal attentiveness.

Use active listening responses such as clarifying, restating, paraphrasing, reflecting, and summarizing to bring out the other person’s wants and needs.

Ask questions designed to gather information rather than to criticize.

Be patient. Make sure you understand the problem as completely as possible before offering solutions.

Don’t use the words ‘but’ but ‘yes and’.

recipe

Quinoa Salad

This is probrably my favorite thing to eat... I make a batch and it usually last 3 days and I do this weekly..completly addicted to it. It's takes about 30-40 minutes to make, really quick and easy.

I usually do a 1 cup of quinoa that last me three feedings :)....you can do whatever amount you want.

So first on med to high heat toast the quinoa, no water no oil, nothing!..shake it around a bit like your making popcorn..it takes about 5 minutes and when it actually starts to smell like popcorn, looks golden brown(be very careful because within a minutes they can start to burn), it's ready for the next stage...so once that's done, turn the heat down to mild and add double the amount of water, now what I do to speed it up, is I boil the water while it's toasting and then slowly adding the water, and I mean slowly, otherwise it will spew everywhere. Now simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, slightly covered.

While that is going on I make the salad part..pan on the stove heating it up, add some oil once heated add the spices..I add first asofetedas(hing) 1/2tsp, then cumin powder 3tsps, mix for a minute. Then add two finely diced carrots, marinate and cook for about 5 minutes, then add 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, toss around. After a few minutes I add two finely diced celery sticks..toss around. At that point most of the oil should have been sucked up so I put about 2-3tsps of tamari, toss, then add a touch of chili powder, 3tsp of paprika toss again and then squeeze about a half a lemon, or 2 teaspoons of bottled lemon juice..mix add some more cumin powder and then simmer for about another 5 minutes....at this point the quinoa should be almost ready so I turn it off, taking off the lid..and with a big spoon turn over the top of it, three times (burning off water) and again move it around, when there is no more steam..then I put it into a bowl and mix it with the salad part......and your all set

enjoy :)

Quote

Be Kind. Be Compassionate. Be Honest. Be Sincere. Be Truthfull. Be Bold. Be Pure. Be Wise. Be Virtuous. Enquire: 'Who am I'? Know thyself and be free

Happiness

sukha: Sanskrit word meaning happiness; real happiness is keeping your consciousness in the pituitary and above, in the state of vacuum and nothingness.

So I've had my traditional New Year's cold that I seem to catch every year from my lovely nephew and today was the first day in a week that I'm feeling better...and even though I'm not 100% it's soo funny how happy I was today just to feel a little bit normal.

So where does Happiness come from?
Yoga teaches that Happiness comes only from within. Most peoples minds are scattered, unfocused with no higher aspiration or goal in their life. Happiness doesn't come from outside as all things in life are transitory and conditioned to change. When we search for happiness outside ourselves we meet with frustration, When we find the positive center within us we become less demanding and happier. We are led to believe that certain things can make us happy.

Temporary pleasure is not to be equated with happiness. (We use golf as an example). This example will demonstrate that happiness in this case is temporary) comes as a result of our mind becoming deeply focused on trying to hit the ball into the hole with a club. If this wasn't the case we could have walked up to each one of the holes and put the ball in. So you feel happy as a result of deep concentration experienced by you- you have less or almost no thoughts at all. This brings in the experience of happiness-absence of thoughts and concentration. The mind is calm.

The more you are focused, the fewer the thoughts in your mind, the happier you feel.

Peace begins with a smile :)...holiness grows fast where there is kindness, The world is lost for want of sweetness and kindness...There are many people who can do big things, but there are very few people who will do the small things.

small kind acts, small courtesies, small consideration, small benevolence, ...habitually practiced in your social intercourse give a great charm to your character then great platform lectures, discourses, oration, exhibitions of talents etc..

Fewer the desires, lesser the thoughts. Fewer the thoughts, greater the peace, greater the mental strength and concentration.

Lead a well-regulated life respecting the natural rhythms as much as possible.
Adapt. Adjust, Accommodate
Live in the present

And as the song says "Don't Worry Be Happy"

Esoteric Meaning of Om Namah Sivaya

OM NAMAH SIVAYA

Namah, read backwards is manah, the mind which is directed outwards and confused, dull, etc…
you turn the mind inwards, it becomes Namah, and when you go inwards, what do you find? Shiva!
The embodiment of Bliss, Peace and Tranquility… So we chant the Om Namah Sivaya to turn ourselves inwards to the Bliss and Tranquility of the Being…

There are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets. As the 9 planets move through the 12 signs, their positions affect us either negatively or positively. Chanting the Om Namah Sivaya 108 times (12 x 9 = 108), nullifies any negative effects and enhances positive effects of the planets on us.

The real name for the mantra is Panchakshara or mantra that has 5 letters or syllables.
Om does not count as Saguna mantras are expansions of Nirguna OM. Na Ma Si Va Ya. Each letter also has a specific meaning. Na=creation or sristi Ma=preservation or stithi Si=destruction or samhara Va=avarana or maya Ya=anugraha or grace that liberates.

Definition of OM

OM:

This sacred syllable, sometimes written AUM, is the original mantra. The Sanskrit letter represents the journey of the human spirit toward eternal peace.

OM is the sound of creation. It emanates from the mouth of Lord Brahma at the beginning of each creative cycle called a kalpa. This sound forms the substratum of all of creation, both gross and subtle. Gross meaning embodied creatures and subtle meaning the mind. Though it is pronounced OM, it is made up of three different syllables. A, U, and M are the three sounds of the mantra OM.

"A" manifests as the creative principle of God. This syllable resonates in the abdominal area of the psyche. It has its physical counter part in the body. In the human body the abdominal area is the spot of conception and incubation and ultimately the birth of a new life. Thus the syllable "A" manifests as creation from the earth sphere to the apex of Mount Meru. This process of creation is presided over by Lord Brahma, the subtlest of material nature. Next, the syllable "U" is responsible for the process of sustenance. This sound is born out of the chest region of the astral body. Things are maintained by keeping them pure and ever fresh. This quality of purity and freshness is called sattwa in Sanskrit. MahaVishnu presides over this quality and is directly responsible for the liberation of the soul from matter. Located in the physical body of a human is the heart, the muscle necessary to Maritain life.

Thus "U" represents the process of preservation. To preserve things one needs wealth. Wealth is 2 kinds: material and spiritual. Thus, MahaVishnu is "wedded" to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, both material and spiritual. The sound of "U" also represents that part of creation from the tip of mount Meru to the Pole star called Dhruva or the North Star in the bible. This encompasses the dwelling places of different types of astral entities.

Lastly, "M" stands for the destructive power of God embodied in Lord Siva. This sound manifests in the closing of the mouth. Also when we have closed our mouths we have finished or destroyed something, either our words or our food etc. Destruction in the Hindu mind is not viewed as a negative activity, but the necessary function to help prepare one's consciousness for the descent of divine knowledge that takes the shape of Love of God. Siva presiding over this action of destruction is the embodiment of auspiciousness. Meaning it is His presence that allows the incubation of liberation to be possible. This sound represents creation from the pole star to Brahma Loka or the sphere of Lord Brahma.

Namah means prostrations. This is a bastard form of the original word used to say prostrations. It was previously the word namama, which literally means not (na) mine (mama). So the secret to prostration is in the renouncing the sense of egoism that is born from the notion of "I" and "mine" or ownership.

Narayana is the Name for Mahavishnu who lives within the waters of the causal ocean. He is the in dweller that lends divinity to the human soul. His presence dwelling in our bossom is what make us divine. This is the real meaning of the biblical statement that Man was created in the image of God. We share in His divine heritage. Narayana means one who dwells in the water. Water is ones consciousness. Not the consciousness that keeps our eyes open but the state that is beyond all three states of existence, waking, dreamimg and deep sleep. He maintains equilibrium in the physche of the devotee by keeping all his thoughts, words and deed harmonized, thus making them in accordance with dharma or righteousness

Atmajyothi

By lighting the lamp in a temple we are praying for our paths to be illumined and our positive desires to come to fruition. The light outside in the form of the sun instigates healthy growth and change in all of creation. The light inside in the form of atma or soul promotes positive spiritual growth leading towards happiness and self realization. Fire transforms the material into spiritual and allows our prayers and positive intentions to enter the realms of the heavens. Agni or fire is one of the physical elements that have an unlimited energetic potential. Therefore, it is used as a symbol of the highest good or God that is the unlimited source of energy and benevolence for the entire humanity and world at large. Fire is the power that manifests as intelligence and discrimination in the mind. It allows us to clearly see the difference between what is good or what will draw us closer to our spiritual ideals and what is bad or that which obscures the mind with inertia and negativity.

Lead us from the unreal to the real
Lead us from Darkness to light
Lead us from mortality to immortality

Divine Name

Kirtan is singing the Divine Name with Faith and devotion. Through constant reptition of His Name the Heart becomes pure, the mind becomes still and He reveals His presence to the devotee (Darshan). Kirtan means to praise. In Bhakti Yoga philosophy Kirtan follows Sravanam or listening. In reality Kirtan does not only refer to singing but to any outward, joyous expression of an internal realisation. Kirtan is positive thinking in its highest form. The Name is the embodiment of all divine qualities or Daivi Sampat and is identical to God Himself. Therefore, no negativity born of egoism can manifest in its prescence. Repetion in kirtan is used like a mala is used for japa. It helps to keep the mind focused until its released from its desires, ambitions and schemes. As you think so you become. Think you are weak, you become weak. Think you are good, you become good. Think you are Divine and you become Divine. The mind has three major defects; mala (impurity), vikshepa (restlessnes) and avarana (veiling power). Karma yoga removes mala, bhakti remove vikshepa and jnana yoga removes the veil of ignorance. Kirtan removes all three. It is the Yuga Dharma or the practice for this age. It acts as a full moon on the white lotus of our spirtual heart and allows us to taste the bliss and unruffled happiness we all long for. Sing with faith. Sing when you are happy. Sing when you are sad. Feel His presence through His Name and fulfill the goal of life through Kirtan

Triple Cannon

The infastructure of Yoga philosphy is built upon the tenents of ahimsa (non-injury), satyam (truthfulness) and Brahmacharya (godly-conduct). Without a proper understanding and practice of these 3 virtues our spiritual merits gained through our sadhana will waste away like water from a bucket full of holes.

Ahimsa is generally understood as not causing harm to anyone. This idea of non-violence to be fully realized must be extended to all facets of our personality; thought, word and action. However, it is not only the negation of negativity, but is the positive application of love. Ahimsa is the first step we must take in trying to spiritualise our lives. Himsa or violence is the predominate charestistic of animal nature. If we wish to grow spiritually we first must aim at transforming our brutality. The sense of seperateness born of our ego creates fear in our minds. This fear makes us view the world as something to conquer or something that opposes us. This base thinking creates a feeling of retaliation that manifests itself as violence of all types. One soul dwells in all. Harm to another is harm to one Self.

Satyam is truthfulness. On on level it is harmony between what we think and what we do or how we speak. On another level satyam is our true nature, it is synonimous with Self or Soul. It is a direct means to self-realisation as our very nature is nothing but Truth. Truth must be spoken at any cost, but never to the effect of purposly hurting anothers feelings or exposing ones faults. Truthfulness unities, untruthfulness divides. Lasting peace is found in unity, therefore yogis practice satyam.

Brahmacharya is in a strict sense understood as celibacy. It is the conduct (achar) that leads us to Godliness (Brahman). The soul is neither male or female. A brahmachary or one who practices bramcharya negates all differences born of mind and trys to perceive the Atma that indwells all of creation. Any form of overindulgence is a break in brahmacharya. The veerya or sexual is transformed through spiritual practice into Ojas and allows the sadhaka to rapidly advance in his spirtual practice.

These three discplines are not exclusive to one another. A break in one is an infringment on the other. Strive to live a divine life.