This is the question asked by the masters of Yoga. The Divine Crown or Self Actualistaion cannot be given without any effort.
The aspirant who follows the path of Yoga has to face many dangers - poverty, persecution, humiliation, suffering etc. But then these dangers are all in the game and have to be transcended.
The path is not easy either. It is long, ardous, dangerous and difficult.
The formidable inner war going on in the human mind can take a heavy toll of physique and psyche. The fortunate One is he who has conquered his negative aspect and risen to the divine level. This requires heavy effort, heavy sacrifice and holding on to Cosmic Truth despite adversities !
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The intellect may be great, but the heart is greater !
The heart is 60 times more powerful than the head. The heart should be followed and not the intellect, which justifies both Thesis and Antithesis.
What the intellect justifies is true; the inverse is also true.
The pro and contra arguments are always there for every issue. In the Court of Law, we hear both pro and contra arguments. Both will be intellectual and logical and it is difficult to arrive at a resultant conclusion.
So it is better to follow the Heart than the Head, which advances both Thesis and Antithesis !
What the intellect justifies is true; the inverse is also true.
The pro and contra arguments are always there for every issue. In the Court of Law, we hear both pro and contra arguments. Both will be intellectual and logical and it is difficult to arrive at a resultant conclusion.
So it is better to follow the Heart than the Head, which advances both Thesis and Antithesis !
Universal Love is All Conquering !
It can conquer all. It is the representative of Heaven on earth.
It rules the court, the camp and the grove
All men below and saints above
It liveth not in fierce desire
And it fierce desire it doth not die !
It is Nature's second Sun and is Omnipotent !
What is this greatest positive Quality? It is Universal Love !
Let us cultivate this noble passion. Enstein said " We have to free ourselves from this ego-prison" and this quality alone can free us from this earthly ego-prison.
Let us love humanity and Nature in her beauty in their entirety !
It rules the court, the camp and the grove
All men below and saints above
It liveth not in fierce desire
And it fierce desire it doth not die !
It is Nature's second Sun and is Omnipotent !
What is this greatest positive Quality? It is Universal Love !
Let us cultivate this noble passion. Enstein said " We have to free ourselves from this ego-prison" and this quality alone can free us from this earthly ego-prison.
Let us love humanity and Nature in her beauty in their entirety !
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Immortal Self
He who shall say, “Lo! I have slain a man!” He who shall think, “Lo! I am slain!”
those both Know naught! Life cannot slay. Life is not slain! Never the spirit was born;
the spirit shall cease to be never;
Never was time it was not; End and Beginning are dreams!
Birthless and deathless and changeless remaineth the spirit for ever;
Death hath not touched it at all, dead though the house of it seems!
Who knoweth it exhaustless, self-sustained, Immortal, indestructible,--shall such Say, “I
have killed a man, or caused to kill?”
Nay, but as when one layeth
His worn-out robes away,
And taking new ones, sayeth,
“These will I wear to-day!”
So putteth by the spirit
Lightly its garb of flesh,
And passeth to inherit
A residence afresh.
I say to thee weapons reach not the Life;
Flame burns it not, waters cannot o’erwhelm,
Nor dry winds wither it. Impenetrable,
Unentered, unassailed, unharmed, untouched,
Immortal, all-arriving, stable, sure,
Invisible, ineffable, by word
And thought uncompassed, ever all itself,
Thus is the Soul declared! How wilt thou, then,--
Knowing it so,--grieve when thou shouldst not grieve? How, if thou hearest that the man
new-dead Is, like the man new-born, still living man—
One same, existent Spirit—wilt thou weep?
Article Source : UNODC
those both Know naught! Life cannot slay. Life is not slain! Never the spirit was born;
the spirit shall cease to be never;
Never was time it was not; End and Beginning are dreams!
Birthless and deathless and changeless remaineth the spirit for ever;
Death hath not touched it at all, dead though the house of it seems!
Who knoweth it exhaustless, self-sustained, Immortal, indestructible,--shall such Say, “I
have killed a man, or caused to kill?”
Nay, but as when one layeth
His worn-out robes away,
And taking new ones, sayeth,
“These will I wear to-day!”
So putteth by the spirit
Lightly its garb of flesh,
And passeth to inherit
A residence afresh.
I say to thee weapons reach not the Life;
Flame burns it not, waters cannot o’erwhelm,
Nor dry winds wither it. Impenetrable,
Unentered, unassailed, unharmed, untouched,
Immortal, all-arriving, stable, sure,
Invisible, ineffable, by word
And thought uncompassed, ever all itself,
Thus is the Soul declared! How wilt thou, then,--
Knowing it so,--grieve when thou shouldst not grieve? How, if thou hearest that the man
new-dead Is, like the man new-born, still living man—
One same, existent Spirit—wilt thou weep?
Article Source : UNODC
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bikram Yoga
- By: Robert Thomson, 2008-02-17
Hot Yoga or what is also known as Bikram Yoga is getting more and more popular. So what are the benefits of this form of Yoga?
Some of the many benefits of Bikram Yoga include, body strengthening, building endurance and emotional balance as well as improving your health. Some of these benefits can be contributed to the use of heat while performing the posture series.
With the help of a heated room, you are able to get into your postures better, and your muscles stretch more readily. In a heated room you will also find that you will lose weight more rapidly if this is your goal. Another advantage is that your metabolism speeds up and this helps to breakdown glucose and fatty acids.
The heat also helps to move oxygen to your body tissue and organs, which promotes healing as well as aids in removing harmful toxins. Another great benefit of Bikram Yoga is unlike many other forms of Yoga; it will raise your heart rate and promote cardiovascular health.
Beyond the obvious benefits of Yoga, this form has been known to actually help repair damaged tissue and ligaments as well as helping to cure those who are plagued with chronic ailments.
The health benefits alone may be a good reason to try Bikram Yoga, but this is by far not the only benefit to this form of Yoga. There are many others, including a means in which we can find balance in our lives.
Additional areas in which Bikram Yoga may be helpful include, relieving stress. This is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Stress can be a killer and the better we learn to manage our stress, the better our health can be.
The endurance required in Bikram Yoga helps you to learn how to focus your energies. This is undoubtedly a good trait to master. The better we can focus in our everyday lives, the more we can accomplish and the better we will feel about ourselves.
Though Bikram Yoga is not necessarily a highly spiritual form of Yoga, it can help in spiritual transformation. When we feel better about ourselves, it is easier to reach to a higher spiritual self.
Bikram Yoga is a wonderful form of Yoga, but it may not be for everyone. Essentially, the postures can be performed by most anyone of any age, though you may find it difficult at first unless you are in good shape and have a high tolerance for heat. It might be a good idea to begin with Hatha Yoga first and then move on to Bikram Yoga. Once you have mastered Hatha Yoga, you can be fairly certain you are ready for Bikram Yoga.
Once you reach the point that you feel you are ready to begin Bikram Yoga, you may be truly astounded by how good you begin to feel.
Thomas T is the owner of Yoga Instruction Lots of free info about Bikram Yoga, and more about Yoga Instruction.
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com
Hot Yoga or what is also known as Bikram Yoga is getting more and more popular. So what are the benefits of this form of Yoga?
Some of the many benefits of Bikram Yoga include, body strengthening, building endurance and emotional balance as well as improving your health. Some of these benefits can be contributed to the use of heat while performing the posture series.
With the help of a heated room, you are able to get into your postures better, and your muscles stretch more readily. In a heated room you will also find that you will lose weight more rapidly if this is your goal. Another advantage is that your metabolism speeds up and this helps to breakdown glucose and fatty acids.
The heat also helps to move oxygen to your body tissue and organs, which promotes healing as well as aids in removing harmful toxins. Another great benefit of Bikram Yoga is unlike many other forms of Yoga; it will raise your heart rate and promote cardiovascular health.
Beyond the obvious benefits of Yoga, this form has been known to actually help repair damaged tissue and ligaments as well as helping to cure those who are plagued with chronic ailments.
The health benefits alone may be a good reason to try Bikram Yoga, but this is by far not the only benefit to this form of Yoga. There are many others, including a means in which we can find balance in our lives.
Additional areas in which Bikram Yoga may be helpful include, relieving stress. This is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Stress can be a killer and the better we learn to manage our stress, the better our health can be.
The endurance required in Bikram Yoga helps you to learn how to focus your energies. This is undoubtedly a good trait to master. The better we can focus in our everyday lives, the more we can accomplish and the better we will feel about ourselves.
Though Bikram Yoga is not necessarily a highly spiritual form of Yoga, it can help in spiritual transformation. When we feel better about ourselves, it is easier to reach to a higher spiritual self.
Bikram Yoga is a wonderful form of Yoga, but it may not be for everyone. Essentially, the postures can be performed by most anyone of any age, though you may find it difficult at first unless you are in good shape and have a high tolerance for heat. It might be a good idea to begin with Hatha Yoga first and then move on to Bikram Yoga. Once you have mastered Hatha Yoga, you can be fairly certain you are ready for Bikram Yoga.
Once you reach the point that you feel you are ready to begin Bikram Yoga, you may be truly astounded by how good you begin to feel.
Thomas T is the owner of Yoga Instruction Lots of free info about Bikram Yoga, and more about Yoga Instruction.
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com
Saturday, February 16, 2008
To India !
Sir Edwin Arnold consecrated " The Song Celestial ", a magnificent translation of the Geetha to India. He wrote
To India
So have I read this wonderful and spirit-thrilling speech,
By Krishna and Prince Arjun held, discoursing each with each;
So have I writ its wisdom here,--its hidden mystery, For England;
O our India! as dear to me as She!
He was a great scholar skilled in English as well as Sanskrit. One can say he became immortal with his glorious book !
Article Source : UNODC
To India
So have I read this wonderful and spirit-thrilling speech,
By Krishna and Prince Arjun held, discoursing each with each;
So have I writ its wisdom here,--its hidden mystery, For England;
O our India! as dear to me as She!
He was a great scholar skilled in English as well as Sanskrit. One can say he became immortal with his glorious book !
Article Source : UNODC
Such is the likeness of the Yogi’s mind
Steadfast a lamp burns sheltered from the wind;
Such is the likeness of the Yogi’s mind
Shut from sense-storms and burning bright to Heaven.
When mind broods placid, soothed with holy wont;
When Self contemplates self, and in itself Hath comfort; when it knows the nameless joy
Beyond all scope of sense, revealed to soul—
Only to soul! and, knowing, wavers not, True to the farther Truth; when, holding this, It
deems no other treasure comparable, But, harboured there, cannot be stirred or shook By
any gravest grief, call that state “peace,” That happy severance Yoga; call that man The
perfect Yogin!
Article Source : UNODC
Such is the likeness of the Yogi’s mind
Shut from sense-storms and burning bright to Heaven.
When mind broods placid, soothed with holy wont;
When Self contemplates self, and in itself Hath comfort; when it knows the nameless joy
Beyond all scope of sense, revealed to soul—
Only to soul! and, knowing, wavers not, True to the farther Truth; when, holding this, It
deems no other treasure comparable, But, harboured there, cannot be stirred or shook By
any gravest grief, call that state “peace,” That happy severance Yoga; call that man The
perfect Yogin!
Article Source : UNODC
Being is Twofold ( Apara & Para Brahman, Relative Being & Absolute Being )
For in this world
Being is twofold: the Divided, one;
The Undivided, one. All things that live
Are “the Divided.” That which sits apart,
“The Undivided.”
Higher still is He
Article Source : UNODC
Being is twofold: the Divided, one;
The Undivided, one. All things that live
Are “the Divided.” That which sits apart,
“The Undivided.”
Higher still is He
Article Source : UNODC
The Way to Immortality !
Know thou that Nature and the Spirit both
Have no beginning! Know that qualities
And changes of them are by Nature wrought;
That Nature puts to work the acting frame,
But Spirit doth inform it, and so cause
Feeling of pain and pleasure. Spirit, linked
To moulded matter, entereth into bond
With qualities by Nature framed, and, thus
Married to matter, breeds the birth again
In good or evil yonis.[FN#29]
Yet is this
Yea! in its bodily prison!--Spirit pure,
Spirit supreme; surveying, governing,
Guarding, possessing; Lord and Master still
PURUSHA, Ultimate, One Soul with Me.
Whoso thus knows himself, and knows his soul
PURUSHA, working through the qualities
With Nature’s modes, the light hath come for him!
Whatever flesh he bears, never again
Shall he take on its load. Some few there be
By meditation find the Soul in Self
Self-schooled; and some by long philosophy
And holy life reach thither; some by works:
Some, never so attaining, hear of light
From other lips, and seize, and cleave to it
Worshipping; yea! and those—to teaching true—
Overpass Death!
Article Source : UNODC
Have no beginning! Know that qualities
And changes of them are by Nature wrought;
That Nature puts to work the acting frame,
But Spirit doth inform it, and so cause
Feeling of pain and pleasure. Spirit, linked
To moulded matter, entereth into bond
With qualities by Nature framed, and, thus
Married to matter, breeds the birth again
In good or evil yonis.[FN#29]
Yet is this
Yea! in its bodily prison!--Spirit pure,
Spirit supreme; surveying, governing,
Guarding, possessing; Lord and Master still
PURUSHA, Ultimate, One Soul with Me.
Whoso thus knows himself, and knows his soul
PURUSHA, working through the qualities
With Nature’s modes, the light hath come for him!
Whatever flesh he bears, never again
Shall he take on its load. Some few there be
By meditation find the Soul in Self
Self-schooled; and some by long philosophy
And holy life reach thither; some by works:
Some, never so attaining, hear of light
From other lips, and seize, and cleave to it
Worshipping; yea! and those—to teaching true—
Overpass Death!
Article Source : UNODC
Live like the Lotus Leaf !
The Lord of Yoga asks us to live like the Lotus leaf that lives on water, but is never moistened by water !
So is the perfect one! to his soul’s ocean
The world of sense pours streams of witchery;
They leave him as they find, without commotion,
Taking their tribute, but remaining sea.
Yea! whoso, shaking off the yoke of flesh Lives lord, not servant, of his lusts; set free
From pride, from passion, from the sin of “Self,” Toucheth tranquillity! O Pritha’s Son!
That is the state of Brahm! There rests no dread When that last step is reached! Live
where he will, Die when he may, such passeth from all ‘plaining, To blest Nirvana, with
the Gods, attaining.
Article Source : UNODC
So is the perfect one! to his soul’s ocean
The world of sense pours streams of witchery;
They leave him as they find, without commotion,
Taking their tribute, but remaining sea.
Yea! whoso, shaking off the yoke of flesh Lives lord, not servant, of his lusts; set free
From pride, from passion, from the sin of “Self,” Toucheth tranquillity! O Pritha’s Son!
That is the state of Brahm! There rests no dread When that last step is reached! Live
where he will, Die when he may, such passeth from all ‘plaining, To blest Nirvana, with
the Gods, attaining.
Article Source : UNODC
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Quantum Mysticism or Bridal Mysticism ?
This argument has been going on for centuries ! Which path is greater ?
Quantum Mysticism ( Jnana Yoga ) or Bridal Mysticism ( Bhakti Yoga )?
Quantum Mysticism has been defined as that Art of Mysticism where eternal truths are verified by Quantum Physics. The Mystic view that Reality has dual properties - as Relative Being & as Absolute Being - stands validated by Quantum Physics, which maintains that Matter has dual properties, the wave and the particle aspects !
Q M tells us to remove the veils of Ignorance, which is Mind and arrive at Reality which is Self. But imagine not that the path is easy !
The greatest enemy which is Mind
When subdued, shows us Reality !
Its conquest is the noblest conquest !
While this path is difficult and tedious, the same Seer Poets advocated another path, the Path of Bridal Mysticism, where Self is the Lover, Self is the Bride !
The world is multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-national, multi-religious and only Universal Love can redeem this world !
Love all beings
That is enough !
By loving all and serving all, we can unite with Him, who is Universal Love !
The same Seer Poets said that Bridal Mysticism is the noblest !
Quantum Mysticism ( Jnana Yoga ) or Bridal Mysticism ( Bhakti Yoga )?
Quantum Mysticism has been defined as that Art of Mysticism where eternal truths are verified by Quantum Physics. The Mystic view that Reality has dual properties - as Relative Being & as Absolute Being - stands validated by Quantum Physics, which maintains that Matter has dual properties, the wave and the particle aspects !
Q M tells us to remove the veils of Ignorance, which is Mind and arrive at Reality which is Self. But imagine not that the path is easy !
The greatest enemy which is Mind
When subdued, shows us Reality !
Its conquest is the noblest conquest !
While this path is difficult and tedious, the same Seer Poets advocated another path, the Path of Bridal Mysticism, where Self is the Lover, Self is the Bride !
The world is multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-national, multi-religious and only Universal Love can redeem this world !
Love all beings
That is enough !
By loving all and serving all, we can unite with Him, who is Universal Love !
The same Seer Poets said that Bridal Mysticism is the noblest !
Sunday, February 03, 2008
The noblest conquest is the conquest by Love !
Conquest by the sword is fraught with dangerous consequences.
He who overcomes by force
Hath overcome but half his foe !
The conquered resents the conquest. That grudge will continue for centuries.
The noblest conquest is the conquest by Love. When Love triumphs, both, the conqueror and the conquered, win !
He who overcomes by force
Hath overcome but half his foe !
The conquered resents the conquest. That grudge will continue for centuries.
The noblest conquest is the conquest by Love. When Love triumphs, both, the conqueror and the conquered, win !
The noblest conquest is the conquest of oneself !
Buddha's realisation was that Mara or Satan was an aspect of himself, his own negative aspect.
We all have a dark side, symbolised in Eastern Literature as the dark form of Diti. Only after we conquer our negative aspect, can we hope for Self Acutalisation.
I walk on the Razor's edge alone,
The path is narrow, the way Unknown !
So let us embrace Universal Love, Universal Brotherhood and Friendship. Let us remove our negative aspect and embrace all of humanity and Nature in her beauty, as Einstein said !
Yet till evil is slain in its own house
And Light invades the world's inconscient base
And perished has the Adversary Force
He must still labour on, his work half done !
We all have a dark side, symbolised in Eastern Literature as the dark form of Diti. Only after we conquer our negative aspect, can we hope for Self Acutalisation.
I walk on the Razor's edge alone,
The path is narrow, the way Unknown !
So let us embrace Universal Love, Universal Brotherhood and Friendship. Let us remove our negative aspect and embrace all of humanity and Nature in her beauty, as Einstein said !
Yet till evil is slain in its own house
And Light invades the world's inconscient base
And perished has the Adversary Force
He must still labour on, his work half done !
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Noblest Conquest is the Conquest of Mind !
The most dangerous enemy which is Mind
Conquer it and he who does so wins !
Subjugated becomes Sorrow worldly
Fortunate indeed is the winner, the Mystic !
Mano Jaya eva Maha Jaya - the noblest conquest is the conquest of Mind !
Manasvasthathaiva Ananda - The greates bliss is mental peace !
Thus say the wise !
Conquer it and he who does so wins !
Subjugated becomes Sorrow worldly
Fortunate indeed is the winner, the Mystic !
Mano Jaya eva Maha Jaya - the noblest conquest is the conquest of Mind !
Manasvasthathaiva Ananda - The greates bliss is mental peace !
Thus say the wise !
The Razor's Edge
Somerset Maugham came to India to learn about her philosophy and the quintessence of the Upanishads he wrote as the "Razor's Edge".
The Law of the Way is as dangerous as the Razor's Edge. ( Kshurasya dhara nishitha durathyaya durgam pathasthat kavayo vadanti ).
Says the Upanishadic verse
Arise, awake
And stop not till the Goal is reached !
Like the Edge of the Razor
So is the path difficult to tread !
Those who have travelled that Path and reached the Goal triumphant, to them belongs eternal fame !
They alone are the conquerors
The conquerors of the Spirit !
The Self Actualised Poets
Whose fame body knoweth no disease !
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Yoga for Back Pain Relief
- By: Emmanuel Chavez, 2008-01-31
The back is a well-designed body part that is made up of bones, muscles, nerves, and soft body tissues. It is a very important part of the human body because the bones of the back acts as a supporting frame for the back and the whole body. The back muscles work with abdominal muscles to keep the body upright and mobile. However, because of the stress of everyday life, many individuals tend to overwork or overuse their back muscles, which then leads to back pain. This condition may hamper performance and affect everyday. Common symptoms of back pain may include spasms, stiffness, pain, numbness, and sometimes pain in the leg area and depends on the cause of pain and its severity. Back pain is one the most frequent health complaints that are received by doctors in the United States. However, individuals experiencing back pain should not despair because of the availability of many methods and medication that may give back pain relief. One of the most popular alternative back pain treatments is the ancient Indian meditative exercise called yoga.
Not long ago, the primary treatment for chronic back pain was sufficient rest and the use of painkillers. Nowadays, doctors are encouraging their patients to manage pain and illness by engaging in activities like yoga. Many medical researches suggest that yoga is one of the most effective treatments for body pain. Yoga has gone from a spiritual discipline practiced by many in the Far East into a mainstream exercise routine that is taught in many fitness gyms around the world. Other than back pain relief, many medical researches also show that yoga helps strengthen one's bones and muscles, reduce stress, and promote moments of relaxation. Yoga works by building strength, improving flexibility, and reducing joint and muscle pain.
Other proven benefits of yoga include:
Increases muscle strength, endurance, and stamina;
Develops muscles in the abdomen, legs, and arms;
Release of physical tension;
Helps maintain good and proper posture;
Serves as a good warm up for athletes; and
Improves an individual's overall performance
However, not all forms of yoga can be used for back pain relief. When the back is injured or hurting, slow-paced and gentle stretches and poses should be practiced. Some yoga posses and stretches may aggravate back pain and lead to serious injuries. A type of yoga called Viniyoga is adapted from yoga that gives emphasis on precise deep breathing and slow stretches. Another type of yoga called Iyengar yoga, focuses on accurate bodily alignment. Students of this practice use different props like straps, blocks, blankets, and many more. This type of yoga works best with individuals who have little mobility and need some support.
Individuals who want to engage in physical activities like yoga should consult doctors and other health professionals before taking yoga classes. Certain injuries to the wrist, back, and ankles may prevent some individuals from practicing yoga postures and positions. Furthermore, yoga should be practiced with care and precaution. Some people have reported injuries that were acquired by executing yoga postures without focus, or by attempting difficult positions without working on them gradually or by not having proper supervision. Oftentimes, beginners complain of muscle soreness and fatigue after engaging in yoga. These effects may disappear with continuous practice. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the body and improve overall health.
Emmanuel Chavez is a sports writer and holds a graduate degree in Sports Nutrition. He is active in promoting weight loss programs and healthy lifestyle among inner city youth. Is your Back Pain slowly killing you? Try this one Buy Fioricet Online More articles like this at Related Pharmacy Articles
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com
The back is a well-designed body part that is made up of bones, muscles, nerves, and soft body tissues. It is a very important part of the human body because the bones of the back acts as a supporting frame for the back and the whole body. The back muscles work with abdominal muscles to keep the body upright and mobile. However, because of the stress of everyday life, many individuals tend to overwork or overuse their back muscles, which then leads to back pain. This condition may hamper performance and affect everyday. Common symptoms of back pain may include spasms, stiffness, pain, numbness, and sometimes pain in the leg area and depends on the cause of pain and its severity. Back pain is one the most frequent health complaints that are received by doctors in the United States. However, individuals experiencing back pain should not despair because of the availability of many methods and medication that may give back pain relief. One of the most popular alternative back pain treatments is the ancient Indian meditative exercise called yoga.
Not long ago, the primary treatment for chronic back pain was sufficient rest and the use of painkillers. Nowadays, doctors are encouraging their patients to manage pain and illness by engaging in activities like yoga. Many medical researches suggest that yoga is one of the most effective treatments for body pain. Yoga has gone from a spiritual discipline practiced by many in the Far East into a mainstream exercise routine that is taught in many fitness gyms around the world. Other than back pain relief, many medical researches also show that yoga helps strengthen one's bones and muscles, reduce stress, and promote moments of relaxation. Yoga works by building strength, improving flexibility, and reducing joint and muscle pain.
Other proven benefits of yoga include:
Increases muscle strength, endurance, and stamina;
Develops muscles in the abdomen, legs, and arms;
Release of physical tension;
Helps maintain good and proper posture;
Serves as a good warm up for athletes; and
Improves an individual's overall performance
However, not all forms of yoga can be used for back pain relief. When the back is injured or hurting, slow-paced and gentle stretches and poses should be practiced. Some yoga posses and stretches may aggravate back pain and lead to serious injuries. A type of yoga called Viniyoga is adapted from yoga that gives emphasis on precise deep breathing and slow stretches. Another type of yoga called Iyengar yoga, focuses on accurate bodily alignment. Students of this practice use different props like straps, blocks, blankets, and many more. This type of yoga works best with individuals who have little mobility and need some support.
Individuals who want to engage in physical activities like yoga should consult doctors and other health professionals before taking yoga classes. Certain injuries to the wrist, back, and ankles may prevent some individuals from practicing yoga postures and positions. Furthermore, yoga should be practiced with care and precaution. Some people have reported injuries that were acquired by executing yoga postures without focus, or by attempting difficult positions without working on them gradually or by not having proper supervision. Oftentimes, beginners complain of muscle soreness and fatigue after engaging in yoga. These effects may disappear with continuous practice. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the body and improve overall health.
Emmanuel Chavez is a sports writer and holds a graduate degree in Sports Nutrition. He is active in promoting weight loss programs and healthy lifestyle among inner city youth. Is your Back Pain slowly killing you? Try this one Buy Fioricet Online More articles like this at Related Pharmacy Articles
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Understanding The Benefits Of Yoga
Understanding The Benefits Of Yoga - By: Noel Swanson, 2008-01-23
What are the benefits of yoga? This is the most asked question by people who are thinking about practising yoga. It may not be entirely possible to give a comprehensive explanation, as there are simply too many. We will only discuss in this article some of the most important benefits that you can expect from doing yoga.
* Overall Harmony
The most important benefit of yoga is its primary goal, which is harmony. Those who have practised yoga for a long time have already enjoyed physical, mental and psycho-spiritual harmony. All the other so-called life-changing benefits of yoga should drive home to this single most important benefit. It is through the achievement of harmony that one's entire life is modified and enhanced. When one's parts of the self are harmonized, one can function productively and respond positively to internal and external stimuli.
* Enhanced Self-awareness
Before practitioners got into yoga, they were probably experiencing body or mental pain and discomfort due to various reasons. Those who practise yoga are usually able to recognize problems in their body and mind before they can even cause problems. Early recognition allows prompt correction. One, for example, can quickly correct bad posture to avoid back pain.
* Stress Management
The management of stress is always included in any list of the benefits of yoga. This encompasses stress of both physical and psychological kind. Concentration, detachment, breathing exercises and other meditative techniques involved in yoga all contribute to inducing calmness, relaxation and a critical change in personal views.
* A Pain Reliever
Those who are experiencing temporary acute pain or chronic pain due to certain medical conditions can benefit from yoga. At the very least, yoga can improve one's strength, posture and alignment which in effect can reduce some muscle and joint pains. Yoga has also been known to help increase the release of natural body chemicals that can relieve pain. For those who are suffering severe pain conditions, more advanced yoga techniques may be needed. It is possible for yoga practitioners to learn to detach themselves from feelings of pain and even change the way they view pain.
* Body Strength and Flexibility
Some physical pains and discomfort may be due to problems with the bones, muscles and joints. These parts may lack physical strength and endurance and therefore are limited in the ability to move about. Yoga can remedy the problems in these parts by improving your overall body strength and flexibility. With yoga, you learn to move better and in a wider range. You can also endure certain activities better.
* Physical Healing
For most people who are not ill, yoga can improve physical and mental health by improving the circulation of the blood and the functioning of the organs and body systems. Those who have certain medical conditions however can also benefit from yoga. Those with diabetes, arthritis, weight issues, high blood pressure and asthma can all hope to improve their condition and reduce symptoms through yoga techniques.
The benefits of yoga are just too many to be ignored. If you want to improve your body, health and outlook in life, you should consider learning yoga now. It is simply the best way to heal and harmonize your entire self.
Now that you understand the enormous benefits of yoga, you probably would like to get started. Be sure you also check out our complete online yoga guide for more information to help your yoga practice.
Article Source : www.articlewisdom.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Pregnancy Exercises: The Role of Yoga
By: Bishop Candy, 2008-01-12
Pregnancy is the time when every woman is motivated since she wants to do the best for herself as well as the baby. In this way, even for women who have not exercised before, pregnancy is the time to start by beginning with simple ones with stretching, relaxation, meditation and deep breathing. Thus exercises relieve simple day-to-day problems of pregnancy but precautions should be taken not to be hard and fast on exercises. Since during the first trimester, maximum number of mis-carriages take place, it is important to be extra careful and start exercising from first trimester onwards. If the pregnancy is normal and the woman can do normal activities, exercises can be carried on until the time of childbirth. Exercises should be a combination of physical and relaxation kind.
During pregnancy, a gentle way of keeping active and agile is doing yoga. The magnificent effects of yoga asanas ensure a smooth pregnancy, natural childbirth and restoration of body shape after childbirth. It also does wonders on the physical and mental development of the fetus.
Yoga has five important tools for pregnancy.
Yoga exercises: At the subtle level, exercises ensure optimum blood supply and nutrients to the developing fetus and a relatively easy childbirth.
Pranayama: This gives abundant oxygen supply to the child.
Mudras and Bandas: They have powerful effect on the reproductive organs of the woman.
Meditation: Fears conflicts and trauma, which are so common during pregnancy, can be alleviated through meditation and it also brings an inexplicable bondage between the mother and the child.
Deep relaxation: Yogic sleep is very effective for childbirth preparation as it gives mental and physical relaxation.
Following these practices gives a delightful pregnancy and a chance for the best development of the child. Yogic exercises also help in relieving fluid retention, which is quite common in the last month. It also raises the level of energy and slows down the metabolism to restore calm. Pranayama also reduces nausea and mood swings quite prevalent during the first trimester. Even in postnatal care, yoga exercises restore the uterus abdomen and pelvic floor, relieving back tension and breast discomfort.
Women who have had frequent mis-carriages and bleeding during pregnancy and who have twins or low birth weight babies are advised not to exercise. Women with frequent backache feel relieved after exercises. Of all the exercises, walking for twenty to thirty minutes is the easiest and the best because it makes the blood flows right down evenly. But exercises need to be supervised and done in a controlled manner during pregnancy.
The web guide on pregnancy - http://www.myhealthinfo.info deals extensively with pregnancy related topics. You can find useful resources on a proper weight management during pregnancy on http://www.healthopts.com
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com
Pregnancy is the time when every woman is motivated since she wants to do the best for herself as well as the baby. In this way, even for women who have not exercised before, pregnancy is the time to start by beginning with simple ones with stretching, relaxation, meditation and deep breathing. Thus exercises relieve simple day-to-day problems of pregnancy but precautions should be taken not to be hard and fast on exercises. Since during the first trimester, maximum number of mis-carriages take place, it is important to be extra careful and start exercising from first trimester onwards. If the pregnancy is normal and the woman can do normal activities, exercises can be carried on until the time of childbirth. Exercises should be a combination of physical and relaxation kind.
During pregnancy, a gentle way of keeping active and agile is doing yoga. The magnificent effects of yoga asanas ensure a smooth pregnancy, natural childbirth and restoration of body shape after childbirth. It also does wonders on the physical and mental development of the fetus.
Yoga has five important tools for pregnancy.
Yoga exercises: At the subtle level, exercises ensure optimum blood supply and nutrients to the developing fetus and a relatively easy childbirth.
Pranayama: This gives abundant oxygen supply to the child.
Mudras and Bandas: They have powerful effect on the reproductive organs of the woman.
Meditation: Fears conflicts and trauma, which are so common during pregnancy, can be alleviated through meditation and it also brings an inexplicable bondage between the mother and the child.
Deep relaxation: Yogic sleep is very effective for childbirth preparation as it gives mental and physical relaxation.
Following these practices gives a delightful pregnancy and a chance for the best development of the child. Yogic exercises also help in relieving fluid retention, which is quite common in the last month. It also raises the level of energy and slows down the metabolism to restore calm. Pranayama also reduces nausea and mood swings quite prevalent during the first trimester. Even in postnatal care, yoga exercises restore the uterus abdomen and pelvic floor, relieving back tension and breast discomfort.
Women who have had frequent mis-carriages and bleeding during pregnancy and who have twins or low birth weight babies are advised not to exercise. Women with frequent backache feel relieved after exercises. Of all the exercises, walking for twenty to thirty minutes is the easiest and the best because it makes the blood flows right down evenly. But exercises need to be supervised and done in a controlled manner during pregnancy.
The web guide on pregnancy - http://www.myhealthinfo.info deals extensively with pregnancy related topics. You can find useful resources on a proper weight management during pregnancy on http://www.healthopts.com
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The First Book of Yoga
The Bhagavad Gita has influenced great Americans from Thoreau to Oppenheimer. Its message of letting go of the fruits of one's actions is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written some two millennia ago.
By Stefanie Syman
At the sight of this, your Shape stupendous,
Full of mouths and eyes, feet, thighs and bellies,T
errible with fangs, O master,
All the worlds are fear-struck, even just as I am.
When I see you, Vishnu, omnipresent,
Shouldering the sky, in hues of rainbow,
With your mouths agape and flame-eyes staring—
All my peace is gone; my heart is troubled.—
Doctor Atomic (act 2, scene 2, chorus)
Had you attended any one of the performances of Doctor Atomic, a John Adams opera about the detonation of the first nuclear bomb near Los Alamos, New Mexico, you would have heard those words and perhaps been terrified by the image they painted of the Hindu god Vishnu. But the verse is not original to Adams's work; it was respectfully pilfered from the Bhagavad Gita (in this case the 1944 translation by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood). Adams is hardly alone among Americans to have found inspiration in this work. Rather, he's operating in a long tradition of borrowing and appropriation. If you know where to look, you can find the Gita in some of the most famous and revered works of American literature and philosophy, from Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem "Brahma" to T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, not to mention British pop songs that topped the American charts. As it turns out, the Bhagavad Gita has appealed to Westerners in general and Americans in particular almost since the moment they got their hands on an English translation in the middle decades of the 19th century.
The Gita is the sixth book of the Mahabharata, one of India's most famous epic poems. It's unclear exactly when the Gita was composed—estimates vary widely, but a number of scholars suggest it was completed around 200 CE and then inserted into the larger work; many see it as the first fully realized yogic scripture. Curious though it may seem that such an ancient text from a foreign culture has been so enthusiastically received by Westerners, the Gita, like all truly great works of literature, can be read on many levels: metaphysical, moral, spiritual, and practical; hence its appeal.
For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading it, the Gita recounts a dialogue between Arjuna, one of five Pandava princes, and the Hindu deity Krishna, who in this epic serves as Arjuna's charioteer. Arjuna and his brothers have been exiled from the kingdom of Kurukshetra for 13 years and cut off from their rightful heritage by another faction of the family; the Gita takes up their struggle to reclaim the throne, which requires that Arjuna wage war against his own kinsmen, bringing his considerable military skills to bear.
The story begins on the dusty plains of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna, a famed archer, is poised to fight. But he hesitates. He sees arrayed against him friends, teachers, and kin, and believes that to fight—and likely kill—these men would be to commit a grievous sin and could bring nothing good even if he were to win the kingdom back. Krishna chides him for his cowardice—Arjuna is from the warrior caste after all, and warriors are meant to fight—but then goes on to present a spiritual rationale for battling his enemies, one that encompasses a discussion of the karma, jnana and bhakti yogas, as well as the nature of divinity, humankind's ultimate destiny, and the purpose of mortal life.
Borrowed Poetry
A work of luminous and startling intensity, the Gita offers what Henry David Thoreau described as a "stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy...in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial." While no single thread has been picked up and woven into Western culture by the various thinkers, poets, songwriters, yoga teachers, and philosophers who have been drawn to the Gita, three main themes seem to have intrigued its readers: the nature of divinity; yoga, or the various ways of making contact with this divinity; and finally, the resolution of the perennial conflict between a renunciation of the world—often considered the quickest path to spiritual enlightenment—and action.
Take Ralph Waldo Emerson. In November of 1857, Emerson made one of the most dramatic declarations of affection for the Gita imaginable: He contributed a poem titled "Brahma" to the inaugural issue of The Atlantic Monthly. The first stanza reads:
"If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again."
The poem owes a great debt to the Gita as well as the Katha Upanishad. The first verse in particular seems to have been lifted almost verbatim from chapter 2 of the Gita, when Krishna is trying to persuade Arjuna to fight: "The man who believeth that it is the soul which killeth, and he who thinketh that the soul may be destroyed, are both alike deceived; for it neither killeth, nor is it killed." Taken with a few lines that appear later—"I am the sacrifice; I am the worship" and "He also is my beloved servant...to whom praise and blame are one"—you have many elements of Emerson's poem.
Emerson's journals confirm the Gita's impact on him. In the 1840s, not long after he got hold of Charles Wilkins's 1785 translation (the first English rendering of it), Emerson wrote what became the opening lines of "Brahma." A decade later the rest came to him. "Brahma" appears as an exhalation of verse between long paragraphs he had copied out of the Upanishads.
What's striking about this poem, which may be somewhat lost on modern readers, is how radically different this conception of divinity was from the mainstream view of God and even from the more forgiving Unitarian God of the religious liberals who held sway in Concord and Cambridge, Massachusetts, during Emerson's life.
"Brahma" the poem was a meditation on what we refer to today as Brahman, or the "Absolute, behind and above all the various deities...beings, and worlds." In Emerson's day, the names for this vast inclusive idea of divinity and the name of the creator deity of the Hindu trinity were barely distinguishable; but his description and sources give him away. Emerson was not merely trading one trinity for another. He was celebrating an idea of a God that animated everything (both slayer and slain) and dissolved all opposites ("Shadow and sunlight are the same").
Emerson's audience was less offended than bewildered by his insertion of this bit of the Gita into the Atlantic. They found his poem impenetrable and comically nonsensical. Parodies were published widely in newspapers across the country.
And yet, if taken seriously, this version of divinity might be either a tremendous relief (if Brahman is behind everything, humans have far less agency than we tend to believe) or incredibly disturbing (what happens to morality when "shadow and sunlight" or good and evil are the same?).
A Glorious and Ghastly God
In the Gita, the most powerful articulation of this idea comes not in the second chapter, echoed in Emerson's poem, but in the 11th, when Krishna shows his true nature to Arjuna. To do this, he must temporarily give Arjuna the gift of mystic insight, for it is impossible to see Krishna in his glory with the naked eye.
What Arjuna sees is a multiform image that can barely be described. It's boundless, containing all the worlds and gods, and stupefyingly beautiful, with garlands and jewels and "celestial ornaments," and it burns with the radiance of a thousand suns. At the same time, this being is terrifying, for it has "countless arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes" and brandishes divine weapons. Even more horrifying was this: As Arjuna watched, thousands rushed through the being's fangs and were crushed between his teeth, Arjuna's foes on the battlefield among them. Arjuna sees the being "lick at the worlds...devouring them with flaming mouths" (these quotations are from the Barbara Stoler Miller translation). That is, he sees endless holocausts and violence, untempered by any force known to humankind. Arjuna nearly faints.
It was this very visage, at once glorious and ghastly, that J. Robert Oppenheimer invoked on one of history's most fateful days, July 16, 1945. Oppenheimer headed the team of scientists that detonated the first nuclear bomb. Upon witnessing the fireball blazing over the New Mexico desert, Oppenheimer quoted Krishna in the moment that he displays his true nature as Vishnu: "I am become death, the shatterer of worlds." Words failed Arjuna in the face of Vishnu's destructive nature, but the Gita gave Oppenheimer a language to match the power and fearsomeness of the atomic bomb.
The quote has been memorialized in many articles, books, and films. And so it was that Oppenheimer seared a piece of this yogic scripture into the minds of another generation of Americans. In fact, he had long been a student of the Gita, reading it in translation as an undergraduate at Harvard and later in Sanskrit with Arthur W. Ryder when Oppenheimer taught physics at the University of California at Berkeley. The experience was exhilarating, he said, and he found reading the Sanskrit "very easy and quite marvelous." (Albert Einstein, in contrast, was moved by the Gita's depiction of creation, and once remarked, "When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.")
But what of seeing this divinity for oneself? Krishna gave Arjuna the gift of a divine eye. There's hope for the rest of us, of course, and that's in yoga. The Gita can be read as a user's guide to various types of yoga, all of which will lead to illumination and liberation. Thoreau found this possibility so compelling that he tried to practice yoga based solely on his reading of the Gita and other Indic texts in translation.
By the time he wrote Walden (during the late 1840s and early 1850s), Thoreau had fairly precise ideas about yoga, which he inserted into the essay's conclusion as if recounting a hoary Hindu parable. There the American essayist tells the story of the artist of Kouroo who possessed a rare and complete single-pointed concentration and set out to carve a perfect wooden staff. Eons had passed by the time he finished, but the artist had, by his devotion to this simple task, made "the fairest of all the creations of Brahma. He had made a new system in making a staff."
The Game of Awakening
More recently, people like Ram Dass as well as contemporary yoga teachers have conveyed, in supremely accessible vernacular, this more practical element of the Gita. In the summer of 1974, Ram Dass, who had been a professor of psychology at Harvard until 1963, taught a course called the Yogas of the Bhagavad Gita. The setting was historic—a summer session of the newly created Naropa Institute (today a university) in Boulder, Colorado, founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist.
Ram Dass treated reading (and teaching!) the Gita as a spiritual exercise and encouraged his students to read this work at least three times, with a slightly different perspective in mind each time. He also assigned exercises based on the Gita that could "evolve into a complete sadhana," or program for spiritual practices. These included keeping a journal, meditating, kirtan (chanting), and even "going to Church or Temple."
Over the course, Ram Dass peeled back the layers of the Gita, one by one, but he summed it up thusly: "It's about the game of awakening, about the coming into Spirit." In this context, he presented the karma, jnana, and bhakti yogas as different, if completely interrelated, ways of playing that game. Karma yoga was, in Ram Dass's formulation, an injunction: "Do your work...but without attachment." Besides giving up your attachment to the fruits of your labors, he said, you must also act "without thinking of yourself as being the actor."
Personally, Ram Dass relied most on bhakti, or devotional, yoga, specifically Guru Kripa, in which the practitioner focuses on the guru and relies on the guru's grace. That summer he offered his students some ideas about how to cultivate a devotional attitude; he told them how to set up a puja table (similar to an altar) and how to know when they'd found their guru. But the point for Ram Dass was that all methods, or types of yoga, had their pitfalls and "traps"; it was the practitioner's job to use even the "traps" themselves as tools of awakening.
Many contemporary yoga teachers, including Mas Vidal, the spiritual director of Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda in Los Angeles, turn to the Bhagavad Gita to balance the overemphasis on the asana practice in the West. Like Ram Dass, Vidal sees the Gita as a practical guide for "raising consciousness."
He is also quick to emphasize the coherence of its approach. He presents the "four main branches of yoga" to his students as a single system: "It was never intended to be practiced as a fragmented system," Vidal insists. The branches are bhakti (love), jnana (study), karma (service), and raja (meditation). Above all, Vidal teaches the Gita as a metaphor for spiritual struggle in which the practitioner learns to use the mind and body as tools for awakening—tools that don't have much value in themselves.
There is still another element of the Gita: Krishna's insistence on the value of acting in this world rather than shirking its demands, a value that has long appealed to Westerners. This concept underlies karma yoga and Krishna's insistence that Arjuna fight his kinsmen, dreadful as that seems. True, Arjuna must renounce the fruits of his actions, but he also must give up the idea that it is ever possible not to act. As Krishna explains in chapter 3 (from Barbara Stoler Miller's translation):
A man cannot escape the forceof action by abstaining from actions...No one exists for even an instantwithout performing action
Historian James A. Hijiya argues that this teaching of the Gita solves the riddle of Robert Oppenheimer's career: that he created the bomb and advocated its use on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, only to become a leading critic of nuclear weapons and war. Just as Krishna insisted that renouncing action was far worse than taking disciplined action (and was ultimately not possible in any case), so Oppenheimer rejected the ivory tower, and its illusion of remove, for the Manhattan Project.
According to Hijiya, Oppenheimer believed scientists should "act selflessly but effectively in the world" and once said, "If you are a scientist you believe...that it is good to turn over to mankind at large the greatest possible power to control the world." Oppenheimer never shrank from what he considered his professional duty and was quite able to detach himself, at least in the short term, from its untoward consequences. It was, he believed, for humankind, not him, to deal with the awesome power he helped unleash, "according to its lights and values."
That American thinkers, poets, and yoga teachers have drawn so much inspiration from the Gita over more than a century is a testament to this scripture's power. That they have pulled out different strands and woven them into their lives and our culture is even more remarkable considering how apologetically that first English translator presented this work. "The reader will to have the liberality to excuse the obscurity of many passages," Charles Wilkins pleaded in his translator's note to the Bhagvatgeeta, "and the confusion of sentiments which runs through the whole in its present form."
Wilkins, for all his efforts, felt he hadn't fully lifted the veil of the Gita's mystery. Undeterred by such difficulties, Americans have long sung this celestial song, harmonizing it with the peculiar temperament of each era.
Stefanie Syman is the author of Practice: A History of Yoga in America, to be published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, and is the editorial director of Lime.com.
Article Source : http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2509?print=1
By Stefanie Syman
At the sight of this, your Shape stupendous,
Full of mouths and eyes, feet, thighs and bellies,T
errible with fangs, O master,
All the worlds are fear-struck, even just as I am.
When I see you, Vishnu, omnipresent,
Shouldering the sky, in hues of rainbow,
With your mouths agape and flame-eyes staring—
All my peace is gone; my heart is troubled.—
Doctor Atomic (act 2, scene 2, chorus)
Had you attended any one of the performances of Doctor Atomic, a John Adams opera about the detonation of the first nuclear bomb near Los Alamos, New Mexico, you would have heard those words and perhaps been terrified by the image they painted of the Hindu god Vishnu. But the verse is not original to Adams's work; it was respectfully pilfered from the Bhagavad Gita (in this case the 1944 translation by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood). Adams is hardly alone among Americans to have found inspiration in this work. Rather, he's operating in a long tradition of borrowing and appropriation. If you know where to look, you can find the Gita in some of the most famous and revered works of American literature and philosophy, from Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem "Brahma" to T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, not to mention British pop songs that topped the American charts. As it turns out, the Bhagavad Gita has appealed to Westerners in general and Americans in particular almost since the moment they got their hands on an English translation in the middle decades of the 19th century.
The Gita is the sixth book of the Mahabharata, one of India's most famous epic poems. It's unclear exactly when the Gita was composed—estimates vary widely, but a number of scholars suggest it was completed around 200 CE and then inserted into the larger work; many see it as the first fully realized yogic scripture. Curious though it may seem that such an ancient text from a foreign culture has been so enthusiastically received by Westerners, the Gita, like all truly great works of literature, can be read on many levels: metaphysical, moral, spiritual, and practical; hence its appeal.
For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading it, the Gita recounts a dialogue between Arjuna, one of five Pandava princes, and the Hindu deity Krishna, who in this epic serves as Arjuna's charioteer. Arjuna and his brothers have been exiled from the kingdom of Kurukshetra for 13 years and cut off from their rightful heritage by another faction of the family; the Gita takes up their struggle to reclaim the throne, which requires that Arjuna wage war against his own kinsmen, bringing his considerable military skills to bear.
The story begins on the dusty plains of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna, a famed archer, is poised to fight. But he hesitates. He sees arrayed against him friends, teachers, and kin, and believes that to fight—and likely kill—these men would be to commit a grievous sin and could bring nothing good even if he were to win the kingdom back. Krishna chides him for his cowardice—Arjuna is from the warrior caste after all, and warriors are meant to fight—but then goes on to present a spiritual rationale for battling his enemies, one that encompasses a discussion of the karma, jnana and bhakti yogas, as well as the nature of divinity, humankind's ultimate destiny, and the purpose of mortal life.
Borrowed Poetry
A work of luminous and startling intensity, the Gita offers what Henry David Thoreau described as a "stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy...in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial." While no single thread has been picked up and woven into Western culture by the various thinkers, poets, songwriters, yoga teachers, and philosophers who have been drawn to the Gita, three main themes seem to have intrigued its readers: the nature of divinity; yoga, or the various ways of making contact with this divinity; and finally, the resolution of the perennial conflict between a renunciation of the world—often considered the quickest path to spiritual enlightenment—and action.
Take Ralph Waldo Emerson. In November of 1857, Emerson made one of the most dramatic declarations of affection for the Gita imaginable: He contributed a poem titled "Brahma" to the inaugural issue of The Atlantic Monthly. The first stanza reads:
"If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again."
The poem owes a great debt to the Gita as well as the Katha Upanishad. The first verse in particular seems to have been lifted almost verbatim from chapter 2 of the Gita, when Krishna is trying to persuade Arjuna to fight: "The man who believeth that it is the soul which killeth, and he who thinketh that the soul may be destroyed, are both alike deceived; for it neither killeth, nor is it killed." Taken with a few lines that appear later—"I am the sacrifice; I am the worship" and "He also is my beloved servant...to whom praise and blame are one"—you have many elements of Emerson's poem.
Emerson's journals confirm the Gita's impact on him. In the 1840s, not long after he got hold of Charles Wilkins's 1785 translation (the first English rendering of it), Emerson wrote what became the opening lines of "Brahma." A decade later the rest came to him. "Brahma" appears as an exhalation of verse between long paragraphs he had copied out of the Upanishads.
What's striking about this poem, which may be somewhat lost on modern readers, is how radically different this conception of divinity was from the mainstream view of God and even from the more forgiving Unitarian God of the religious liberals who held sway in Concord and Cambridge, Massachusetts, during Emerson's life.
"Brahma" the poem was a meditation on what we refer to today as Brahman, or the "Absolute, behind and above all the various deities...beings, and worlds." In Emerson's day, the names for this vast inclusive idea of divinity and the name of the creator deity of the Hindu trinity were barely distinguishable; but his description and sources give him away. Emerson was not merely trading one trinity for another. He was celebrating an idea of a God that animated everything (both slayer and slain) and dissolved all opposites ("Shadow and sunlight are the same").
Emerson's audience was less offended than bewildered by his insertion of this bit of the Gita into the Atlantic. They found his poem impenetrable and comically nonsensical. Parodies were published widely in newspapers across the country.
And yet, if taken seriously, this version of divinity might be either a tremendous relief (if Brahman is behind everything, humans have far less agency than we tend to believe) or incredibly disturbing (what happens to morality when "shadow and sunlight" or good and evil are the same?).
A Glorious and Ghastly God
In the Gita, the most powerful articulation of this idea comes not in the second chapter, echoed in Emerson's poem, but in the 11th, when Krishna shows his true nature to Arjuna. To do this, he must temporarily give Arjuna the gift of mystic insight, for it is impossible to see Krishna in his glory with the naked eye.
What Arjuna sees is a multiform image that can barely be described. It's boundless, containing all the worlds and gods, and stupefyingly beautiful, with garlands and jewels and "celestial ornaments," and it burns with the radiance of a thousand suns. At the same time, this being is terrifying, for it has "countless arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes" and brandishes divine weapons. Even more horrifying was this: As Arjuna watched, thousands rushed through the being's fangs and were crushed between his teeth, Arjuna's foes on the battlefield among them. Arjuna sees the being "lick at the worlds...devouring them with flaming mouths" (these quotations are from the Barbara Stoler Miller translation). That is, he sees endless holocausts and violence, untempered by any force known to humankind. Arjuna nearly faints.
It was this very visage, at once glorious and ghastly, that J. Robert Oppenheimer invoked on one of history's most fateful days, July 16, 1945. Oppenheimer headed the team of scientists that detonated the first nuclear bomb. Upon witnessing the fireball blazing over the New Mexico desert, Oppenheimer quoted Krishna in the moment that he displays his true nature as Vishnu: "I am become death, the shatterer of worlds." Words failed Arjuna in the face of Vishnu's destructive nature, but the Gita gave Oppenheimer a language to match the power and fearsomeness of the atomic bomb.
The quote has been memorialized in many articles, books, and films. And so it was that Oppenheimer seared a piece of this yogic scripture into the minds of another generation of Americans. In fact, he had long been a student of the Gita, reading it in translation as an undergraduate at Harvard and later in Sanskrit with Arthur W. Ryder when Oppenheimer taught physics at the University of California at Berkeley. The experience was exhilarating, he said, and he found reading the Sanskrit "very easy and quite marvelous." (Albert Einstein, in contrast, was moved by the Gita's depiction of creation, and once remarked, "When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.")
But what of seeing this divinity for oneself? Krishna gave Arjuna the gift of a divine eye. There's hope for the rest of us, of course, and that's in yoga. The Gita can be read as a user's guide to various types of yoga, all of which will lead to illumination and liberation. Thoreau found this possibility so compelling that he tried to practice yoga based solely on his reading of the Gita and other Indic texts in translation.
By the time he wrote Walden (during the late 1840s and early 1850s), Thoreau had fairly precise ideas about yoga, which he inserted into the essay's conclusion as if recounting a hoary Hindu parable. There the American essayist tells the story of the artist of Kouroo who possessed a rare and complete single-pointed concentration and set out to carve a perfect wooden staff. Eons had passed by the time he finished, but the artist had, by his devotion to this simple task, made "the fairest of all the creations of Brahma. He had made a new system in making a staff."
The Game of Awakening
More recently, people like Ram Dass as well as contemporary yoga teachers have conveyed, in supremely accessible vernacular, this more practical element of the Gita. In the summer of 1974, Ram Dass, who had been a professor of psychology at Harvard until 1963, taught a course called the Yogas of the Bhagavad Gita. The setting was historic—a summer session of the newly created Naropa Institute (today a university) in Boulder, Colorado, founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist.
Ram Dass treated reading (and teaching!) the Gita as a spiritual exercise and encouraged his students to read this work at least three times, with a slightly different perspective in mind each time. He also assigned exercises based on the Gita that could "evolve into a complete sadhana," or program for spiritual practices. These included keeping a journal, meditating, kirtan (chanting), and even "going to Church or Temple."
Over the course, Ram Dass peeled back the layers of the Gita, one by one, but he summed it up thusly: "It's about the game of awakening, about the coming into Spirit." In this context, he presented the karma, jnana, and bhakti yogas as different, if completely interrelated, ways of playing that game. Karma yoga was, in Ram Dass's formulation, an injunction: "Do your work...but without attachment." Besides giving up your attachment to the fruits of your labors, he said, you must also act "without thinking of yourself as being the actor."
Personally, Ram Dass relied most on bhakti, or devotional, yoga, specifically Guru Kripa, in which the practitioner focuses on the guru and relies on the guru's grace. That summer he offered his students some ideas about how to cultivate a devotional attitude; he told them how to set up a puja table (similar to an altar) and how to know when they'd found their guru. But the point for Ram Dass was that all methods, or types of yoga, had their pitfalls and "traps"; it was the practitioner's job to use even the "traps" themselves as tools of awakening.
Many contemporary yoga teachers, including Mas Vidal, the spiritual director of Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda in Los Angeles, turn to the Bhagavad Gita to balance the overemphasis on the asana practice in the West. Like Ram Dass, Vidal sees the Gita as a practical guide for "raising consciousness."
He is also quick to emphasize the coherence of its approach. He presents the "four main branches of yoga" to his students as a single system: "It was never intended to be practiced as a fragmented system," Vidal insists. The branches are bhakti (love), jnana (study), karma (service), and raja (meditation). Above all, Vidal teaches the Gita as a metaphor for spiritual struggle in which the practitioner learns to use the mind and body as tools for awakening—tools that don't have much value in themselves.
There is still another element of the Gita: Krishna's insistence on the value of acting in this world rather than shirking its demands, a value that has long appealed to Westerners. This concept underlies karma yoga and Krishna's insistence that Arjuna fight his kinsmen, dreadful as that seems. True, Arjuna must renounce the fruits of his actions, but he also must give up the idea that it is ever possible not to act. As Krishna explains in chapter 3 (from Barbara Stoler Miller's translation):
A man cannot escape the forceof action by abstaining from actions...No one exists for even an instantwithout performing action
Historian James A. Hijiya argues that this teaching of the Gita solves the riddle of Robert Oppenheimer's career: that he created the bomb and advocated its use on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, only to become a leading critic of nuclear weapons and war. Just as Krishna insisted that renouncing action was far worse than taking disciplined action (and was ultimately not possible in any case), so Oppenheimer rejected the ivory tower, and its illusion of remove, for the Manhattan Project.
According to Hijiya, Oppenheimer believed scientists should "act selflessly but effectively in the world" and once said, "If you are a scientist you believe...that it is good to turn over to mankind at large the greatest possible power to control the world." Oppenheimer never shrank from what he considered his professional duty and was quite able to detach himself, at least in the short term, from its untoward consequences. It was, he believed, for humankind, not him, to deal with the awesome power he helped unleash, "according to its lights and values."
That American thinkers, poets, and yoga teachers have drawn so much inspiration from the Gita over more than a century is a testament to this scripture's power. That they have pulled out different strands and woven them into their lives and our culture is even more remarkable considering how apologetically that first English translator presented this work. "The reader will to have the liberality to excuse the obscurity of many passages," Charles Wilkins pleaded in his translator's note to the Bhagvatgeeta, "and the confusion of sentiments which runs through the whole in its present form."
Wilkins, for all his efforts, felt he hadn't fully lifted the veil of the Gita's mystery. Undeterred by such difficulties, Americans have long sung this celestial song, harmonizing it with the peculiar temperament of each era.
Stefanie Syman is the author of Practice: A History of Yoga in America, to be published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, and is the editorial director of Lime.com.
Article Source : http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2509?print=1
Yoga for weight loss
Yoga for weight lossBy: Robert Baird
Obesity is a necessary evil that has gripped modern society and it has several adverse affects on the body and is capable of causing life threatening diseases like cancer and diabetes and high blood pressure. Therefore, the primary agenda of the overweight individuals is to lose weight and at present there are scores of weight loss products available in the market like diet pills, diet foods and drinks etc. and they are marketed so well that most people lured by the prospect of having quick weight loss indulge into investing on these products. But extensive research has revealed that most of these products are absolutely inefficient in causing effective weight loss and in fact some of them are even capable of causing harm to the body. Thus it is always better to follow a balanced diet low in calorie and this is aided by a strict exercising regimen and can be supplemented by some other weight loss techniques. Yoga is a very effective means of losing weight and not only does it aid in regaining the physical posture it allows equal enhancement of the mental and emotional aspects of a person. Therefore it is able to address the issues of obesity far more effectively than many other weight loss programs. It ensures a positive impact on the body and the soul and is one of the very few weight loss programs which have no negative effects on the body and its organs. This is because yoga takes into account the fact that apart from excess consumption of food, excess fat accumulation in the body can also be a result of various other psychological factors like anxiety, depression and frustration.
There are several means by which yoga can aid weight loss. It consists of various exercise regimens like the ‘sun salutation' which is very beneficial for the peace of mind and for the lungs as well and 24 sun salutations in a day at the rate of 4 rounds in a minute need to be followed for best results. The yoga is abundant in several ‘asanas' which are extremely important for allowing the loss of body weight and fat burning near the arms and legs are facilitated by the swinging lotus pose, tree pose, hero pose etc. the ‘pranayama' is extremely popular as it is extremely useful for energy management and such fast breathing techniques are useful for the obese individuals as well. Along with these, a healthy diet is a pre-requisite.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Looking for more weight loss tips? Check out www.lookcut.com/ today!
Obesity is a necessary evil that has gripped modern society and it has several adverse affects on the body and is capable of causing life threatening diseases like cancer and diabetes and high blood pressure. Therefore, the primary agenda of the overweight individuals is to lose weight and at present there are scores of weight loss products available in the market like diet pills, diet foods and drinks etc. and they are marketed so well that most people lured by the prospect of having quick weight loss indulge into investing on these products. But extensive research has revealed that most of these products are absolutely inefficient in causing effective weight loss and in fact some of them are even capable of causing harm to the body. Thus it is always better to follow a balanced diet low in calorie and this is aided by a strict exercising regimen and can be supplemented by some other weight loss techniques. Yoga is a very effective means of losing weight and not only does it aid in regaining the physical posture it allows equal enhancement of the mental and emotional aspects of a person. Therefore it is able to address the issues of obesity far more effectively than many other weight loss programs. It ensures a positive impact on the body and the soul and is one of the very few weight loss programs which have no negative effects on the body and its organs. This is because yoga takes into account the fact that apart from excess consumption of food, excess fat accumulation in the body can also be a result of various other psychological factors like anxiety, depression and frustration.
There are several means by which yoga can aid weight loss. It consists of various exercise regimens like the ‘sun salutation' which is very beneficial for the peace of mind and for the lungs as well and 24 sun salutations in a day at the rate of 4 rounds in a minute need to be followed for best results. The yoga is abundant in several ‘asanas' which are extremely important for allowing the loss of body weight and fat burning near the arms and legs are facilitated by the swinging lotus pose, tree pose, hero pose etc. the ‘pranayama' is extremely popular as it is extremely useful for energy management and such fast breathing techniques are useful for the obese individuals as well. Along with these, a healthy diet is a pre-requisite.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Looking for more weight loss tips? Check out www.lookcut.com/ today!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Meditation is a Quiet Revolution
By Jeanie Marshall
For over 30 years, I have been meditating. For almost as many years, in workshops, consultations, friendly conversations, and writing, I have been encouraging, teaching, or leading people to meditate and create quiet times. During this time, the world has changed considerably, and so have I. My most important learning is: everyone is different. Certainly there are commonalities in meditating, but each individual is unique. I consider that meditation is one of the most empowering practices that anyone can engage in.
A "quiet revolution" is an oxymoron, of course. Meditation is generally a private, quiet practice. In North America its acceptance has changed dramatically over the last several years, although it is still not universally accepted. As with most revolutions, an underground is established before, during, and after the outward manifestations of the awakening. In this culture which I know, more and more individuals are speaking and writing about their meditation practice.
Meditating in groups is also common and very powerful, and yet each meditator still has a unique, quiet, private experience. In the workplace, meditation is rarely practiced openly, nor is it discussed, except in safe, small groups or among friends. When I was a frequent workshop presenter, I had many participants speak to me privately in hushed tones at break times to confess that they meditate. The voices may not be as hushed these days, but still there is a quietness, even a silence, about the practice in many settings.
I am comfortable with the variety of words used to describe meditation. My own purpose for meditation is to connect with the Divine and be replenished by the Source. Some speak about mystical experiences and higher consciousness, while others are more comfortable talking about relaxation, calmness, and resilience. Heightened awareness, intuition, imagery, and vision are frequently used to describe experiences of meditation. I find that helping others to express their own meditation experiences is a powerful process for them, even when the words do not flow smoothly.
Long-time meditators can find other long-time mediators easily. Meditators give off signals or vibrations that are calmer and more aligned with self than those who do not meditate or do not have a meditative-type practice that taps into higher consciousness. Gardening, yoga, certain athletic activities, and regular relaxation can achieve the same soothing signals when practiced in ways that achieve harmony with self.
No matter how or where you meditate, you must make a choice to meditate and practice it regularly in order to benefit fully. Full benefits come with regular practice over a period of time. Meditating only when stressed may certainly be beneficial in the immediate situation, but the long-term benefits of a regular practice include general well-being, health, a strong immune system, longevity, clarity of thought, and balance.
Meditation is sometimes associated with certain religions. Meditation can be practiced in any and all religions, but the two are not synonymous. In my work, I keep meditation distinct from religion; if my clients choose to join the two, that is fine. Those with strong religious beliefs gravitate to the types of meditation that fit their beliefs. Wikipedia has a comprehensive listing of meditation methods.
Regardless of the chosen method, the benefits of regular meditation, over time, are as varied as the individuals who meditate. It is quite common for long-time meditators to acknowledge they benefit physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Recently I received an email message from a long-time meditator in India talking about her meditation experiences. It was a delight to read. It became clear to me that she has integrated the same elements that I encourage people to discover and use.
She uses her breath to relax. She has several processes to handle mind chatter and stress so that she is not disturbed by them in her meditation. She has two different "focal points" for her attention. One is a visual focus, a traditional Indian lamp, which she visualizes as divine light that lightens her heart. Another focal point is one of the most famous mantras, Om, which she chants repeatedly, finding that it takes only a brief time to achieve the state of consciousness that is her purpose for meditation. And she has a regular practice.
Her message was a beautiful summary of what many long-term meditators might report. While working with both new and long-time meditators, I have discovered that the most difficult aspect of meditation is to practice it regularly. All the elements of meditation are easy to understand, but to sit and do it challenges many new meditators.
If you have not meditated before, it may seem mysterious. However, meditation is simple. I recommend a maximum of twenty minutes for new meditators. Here are the elements:
Arrange time when you will not be disturbed;
Sit in a comfortable position and relax;
Close your eyes, unless you prefer an open-eye meditation;
Breathe intentionally for a few breaths;
Choose a focal point, such as music, a chant, a pleasing image, a guiding voice;
Stay with the focal point; if your mind wanders, gently return to the focal point;
Bring the meditation to a close and return to your activities, refreshed.
If this is your first time meditating, you may feel that "nothing is happening" during the first few times you sit to meditate. That is a common sensation. At the end of your chosen meditation time, simply get up and continue with your day. The benefits are cumulative, which is why I advocate a regular practice. If you want to meditate, yet are not meditating or are not meditating as frequently as you want, please be gentle with yourself. While it is true that only you can sit down and do it, you can also find ways to make it more appealing. In order to have a meditation practice, you must practice meditation. Above all else, follow your heart and trust your own inner guidance.
What about you? Do you want to be part of this quiet revolution? Are you already part of the revolution but wanting to meditate more regularly? If so, meditate one session at a time until it becomes a natural part of your life.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com/
Copyright © 2007 Marshall House, http://www.mhmail.com/. Jeanie Marshall, Personal Development Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment. Her course to help people to meditate regularly is Meditate Now: 21 Days to Meditate Regularly. You may republish this article at your web site or blog, provided you include this paragraph and make all links active.
For over 30 years, I have been meditating. For almost as many years, in workshops, consultations, friendly conversations, and writing, I have been encouraging, teaching, or leading people to meditate and create quiet times. During this time, the world has changed considerably, and so have I. My most important learning is: everyone is different. Certainly there are commonalities in meditating, but each individual is unique. I consider that meditation is one of the most empowering practices that anyone can engage in.
A "quiet revolution" is an oxymoron, of course. Meditation is generally a private, quiet practice. In North America its acceptance has changed dramatically over the last several years, although it is still not universally accepted. As with most revolutions, an underground is established before, during, and after the outward manifestations of the awakening. In this culture which I know, more and more individuals are speaking and writing about their meditation practice.
Meditating in groups is also common and very powerful, and yet each meditator still has a unique, quiet, private experience. In the workplace, meditation is rarely practiced openly, nor is it discussed, except in safe, small groups or among friends. When I was a frequent workshop presenter, I had many participants speak to me privately in hushed tones at break times to confess that they meditate. The voices may not be as hushed these days, but still there is a quietness, even a silence, about the practice in many settings.
I am comfortable with the variety of words used to describe meditation. My own purpose for meditation is to connect with the Divine and be replenished by the Source. Some speak about mystical experiences and higher consciousness, while others are more comfortable talking about relaxation, calmness, and resilience. Heightened awareness, intuition, imagery, and vision are frequently used to describe experiences of meditation. I find that helping others to express their own meditation experiences is a powerful process for them, even when the words do not flow smoothly.
Long-time meditators can find other long-time mediators easily. Meditators give off signals or vibrations that are calmer and more aligned with self than those who do not meditate or do not have a meditative-type practice that taps into higher consciousness. Gardening, yoga, certain athletic activities, and regular relaxation can achieve the same soothing signals when practiced in ways that achieve harmony with self.
No matter how or where you meditate, you must make a choice to meditate and practice it regularly in order to benefit fully. Full benefits come with regular practice over a period of time. Meditating only when stressed may certainly be beneficial in the immediate situation, but the long-term benefits of a regular practice include general well-being, health, a strong immune system, longevity, clarity of thought, and balance.
Meditation is sometimes associated with certain religions. Meditation can be practiced in any and all religions, but the two are not synonymous. In my work, I keep meditation distinct from religion; if my clients choose to join the two, that is fine. Those with strong religious beliefs gravitate to the types of meditation that fit their beliefs. Wikipedia has a comprehensive listing of meditation methods.
Regardless of the chosen method, the benefits of regular meditation, over time, are as varied as the individuals who meditate. It is quite common for long-time meditators to acknowledge they benefit physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Recently I received an email message from a long-time meditator in India talking about her meditation experiences. It was a delight to read. It became clear to me that she has integrated the same elements that I encourage people to discover and use.
She uses her breath to relax. She has several processes to handle mind chatter and stress so that she is not disturbed by them in her meditation. She has two different "focal points" for her attention. One is a visual focus, a traditional Indian lamp, which she visualizes as divine light that lightens her heart. Another focal point is one of the most famous mantras, Om, which she chants repeatedly, finding that it takes only a brief time to achieve the state of consciousness that is her purpose for meditation. And she has a regular practice.
Her message was a beautiful summary of what many long-term meditators might report. While working with both new and long-time meditators, I have discovered that the most difficult aspect of meditation is to practice it regularly. All the elements of meditation are easy to understand, but to sit and do it challenges many new meditators.
If you have not meditated before, it may seem mysterious. However, meditation is simple. I recommend a maximum of twenty minutes for new meditators. Here are the elements:
Arrange time when you will not be disturbed;
Sit in a comfortable position and relax;
Close your eyes, unless you prefer an open-eye meditation;
Breathe intentionally for a few breaths;
Choose a focal point, such as music, a chant, a pleasing image, a guiding voice;
Stay with the focal point; if your mind wanders, gently return to the focal point;
Bring the meditation to a close and return to your activities, refreshed.
If this is your first time meditating, you may feel that "nothing is happening" during the first few times you sit to meditate. That is a common sensation. At the end of your chosen meditation time, simply get up and continue with your day. The benefits are cumulative, which is why I advocate a regular practice. If you want to meditate, yet are not meditating or are not meditating as frequently as you want, please be gentle with yourself. While it is true that only you can sit down and do it, you can also find ways to make it more appealing. In order to have a meditation practice, you must practice meditation. Above all else, follow your heart and trust your own inner guidance.
What about you? Do you want to be part of this quiet revolution? Are you already part of the revolution but wanting to meditate more regularly? If so, meditate one session at a time until it becomes a natural part of your life.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com/
Copyright © 2007 Marshall House, http://www.mhmail.com/. Jeanie Marshall, Personal Development Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment. Her course to help people to meditate regularly is Meditate Now: 21 Days to Meditate Regularly. You may republish this article at your web site or blog, provided you include this paragraph and make all links active.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Yoga: The Holistic Treatment for Arthritis Pain Relief
By: Cecilia Artates, 2007-12-27
Living with arthritis pain is not something that anyone would like to happen to them. Many people suffer the aches and pains of damaged or inflamed joints. Some are just uncomfortable, and some become crippled as a result of a disease that has been recognized since prehistoric times but understood only in the past few decades.
Arthritis affects the joints, specifically where the areas in the body where two or more bones meet. There are several different parts of the joint that may be affected by arthritis, such as cartilage, synovium, tendons, and muscles. The neighboring ends of bones that form the joints are covered by a soft, protective material called cartilage that cushions the bones and keeps them from rubbing together. The joint is also enclosed in a capsule and lined with a tissue called synovium.
The term arthritis covers a group of more than 100 diseases that involve inflammation of joints and discomfort in connective tissues throughout the body. In many parts of the world, the disease is called rheumatism.Arthritis is a frequent conversational topic because it affects so many people. It is estimated that about one out of every seven people in America have arthritis in some form and the need to find arthritis pain relief is on top of most sufferers’ minds. It could mean taking a pill, performing gentle exercises, stretching or trying some other means to obtain relief such as yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice using a system of postures and breath controls, which aim to achieve the perfect union of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga can be customized to help with a wide range of specific conditions including chronic pain conditions such migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and arthritis.
Yoga for arthritis pain relief does not necessarily mean bending and contorting the body into weird and impossible positions just to get comfort from the pain. It is enough that a person suffering from arthritis may practice breathing and self-awareness, the core of yoga practices. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher has trained. Yoga poses can be tailored for different joints.
A common arthritic problem is swelling of the fingers and knuckle joints. In this case, if the condition is not too severe and the person suffers mild to moderate pain, a series of poses can be worked on that lengthen and spread the fingers. Hand stretches also create energy flow to the area that eventually moves to the fingers. Experts say that the heat is really good to the joints. As a therapeutic practice, yoga helps a person create heat through deliberate breathing and movement.
DrugstoreTM.com is a reputable online drug store. From sexual health to a woman's health, sleeping aids to weight loss pills, our online pharmacy offers convenient customer access to various health medicines, including an array of health product and medicare prescription drug.Buy Soma Buy TramadolCecill Artates is a writer, athlete, and women's health advocate. She is also active in promoting sports and health among women and the youth in disadvantaged communities. She is also currently researching on various alternative and natural medications.
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com/
Living with arthritis pain is not something that anyone would like to happen to them. Many people suffer the aches and pains of damaged or inflamed joints. Some are just uncomfortable, and some become crippled as a result of a disease that has been recognized since prehistoric times but understood only in the past few decades.
Arthritis affects the joints, specifically where the areas in the body where two or more bones meet. There are several different parts of the joint that may be affected by arthritis, such as cartilage, synovium, tendons, and muscles. The neighboring ends of bones that form the joints are covered by a soft, protective material called cartilage that cushions the bones and keeps them from rubbing together. The joint is also enclosed in a capsule and lined with a tissue called synovium.
The term arthritis covers a group of more than 100 diseases that involve inflammation of joints and discomfort in connective tissues throughout the body. In many parts of the world, the disease is called rheumatism.Arthritis is a frequent conversational topic because it affects so many people. It is estimated that about one out of every seven people in America have arthritis in some form and the need to find arthritis pain relief is on top of most sufferers’ minds. It could mean taking a pill, performing gentle exercises, stretching or trying some other means to obtain relief such as yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice using a system of postures and breath controls, which aim to achieve the perfect union of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga can be customized to help with a wide range of specific conditions including chronic pain conditions such migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and arthritis.
Yoga for arthritis pain relief does not necessarily mean bending and contorting the body into weird and impossible positions just to get comfort from the pain. It is enough that a person suffering from arthritis may practice breathing and self-awareness, the core of yoga practices. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher has trained. Yoga poses can be tailored for different joints.
A common arthritic problem is swelling of the fingers and knuckle joints. In this case, if the condition is not too severe and the person suffers mild to moderate pain, a series of poses can be worked on that lengthen and spread the fingers. Hand stretches also create energy flow to the area that eventually moves to the fingers. Experts say that the heat is really good to the joints. As a therapeutic practice, yoga helps a person create heat through deliberate breathing and movement.
DrugstoreTM.com is a reputable online drug store. From sexual health to a woman's health, sleeping aids to weight loss pills, our online pharmacy offers convenient customer access to various health medicines, including an array of health product and medicare prescription drug.Buy Soma Buy TramadolCecill Artates is a writer, athlete, and women's health advocate. She is also active in promoting sports and health among women and the youth in disadvantaged communities. She is also currently researching on various alternative and natural medications.
Article Source : http://www.articlewisdom.com/
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Some Simple Tantric Yoga Exercises to Improve the General Health and Sexual Abilities
A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance both for the general well-being and for the sexual abilities. The same is thrue about a healthy respiratory tract and breathing apparatus.
Here are presented three poses and three breathing exercises that have the following effects when done together in a series:
-They stimulate the physiological functions of the genital and anal area.
-They correct muscle weakness and anatomical problems of the anal and genital region.
-They increase the sexual drive and abilities.
-They produce a stimulating response that spreads upwords along the spine and revitalizes the whole body.
-They stimulate the physiological functions of the respiratory tract and help against infections in the airways.
-The exercises are very good to start each day with, or to do before going to bed in the night.
POSE 1
Stand on your hands and knees upon the floor.
Kneel backword so that your buttocks go backword and down towords your feet and stretch your arms foreword.
Breath out and then take a deep breath in, filling your lungs totally with air. Hold your breath with the air inside.
Squeeze your anal muscles and pull your anal opening as deeply inword as you can. However do not strain when squeezing. This exercise shall not be exhausting.Relax your anal muscles compleetely again.
Repeat the sqeesing and relaxing 3-5 times, but not so long that you go out of oxygen in your body.
Empty your lungs. Rize up on your hands and knees again. Relax a while in this position and then you can repeat the exercise if you wish.
POSE 2
Lie on your back upon a carpet on the floor with your arms along your sides and relax.
Breath out.
Then breath inn deeply while relaxing all the muscles you do not need for the breathing.
Then breath out. When breathing out, squeeze your anal muscles and pull your anal opening as deeply inword as you can. However do not strain when squeezing. This exercise shall not be exhausting.
After having breathed out, relax your anal muscles again.
Repeat the breathing in and breathing out whiile squeezing 3-8 times, but not som much that you get exhausted.
Then relax again.
POSE 3
Lie on your back upon a carpet on the floor.
Breath out completely.
Swing your armes in an arch over your head and down to the floor over your head so that your whole body is stretched from top to toe. When swinging your arms, take a deep breath filling your lungs totally with air.
Hold your breath with the air inside.
Squeeze your anal muscles and pull your anal opening as deeply inword as you can. However do not strain when squeezing. This exercise shall not be exhausting. Relax your anal muscles compleetely again.
Repeat the sqeezing and relaxing 3-5 times.
Swing your arms back at the same time as you empty your lungs. Relax some while and then you can repeat the exercise if you wish.
BREATHING EXERCISE 1
Sit upon a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed and the back streight.
Empty your lungs completely.
Breath in counting to 4. When breathing in, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other:
Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves out.Then fill further by using your chest muscles. And then complete the filling by using the muscles around your shoulders.
Hold your breath counting to 16.
Then breath out counting to 8. When breathing out, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other:Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves in. Then empty further by using your chest muscles.And then complete emptying by using the muscles around your shoulders.
BREATHING EXERCISE 2
Sit upon a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed and your back streight. Take 10 rapid deep breathes in and out after another, but not so rapid that you get strained or breath uncompleetely.
When breathing in, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other: Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves out. Then fill further by using your chest muscles.And then complete the filling by using the muscles around your shoulders.
When breathing out, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other: Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves in.Then empty further by using your chest muscles. And then complete emptying by using the muscles around your shoulders.
After the last in-breath , hold your breath with your lungs filled counting to 10.
Then breath out.
BREATHING EXERCISE 3
Sit upon a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed and your back streight.
Empty your lungs completely.
Close your left nostril with the fingers of one of your hands. Breath in through your right nostril counting to 4.
When breathing in, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other:Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves out. Then fill further by using your chest musclesAnd then compleete the filling by using the muscles around your shoulders.
Hold your breath counting to 16.
Then close your right nostril with your fingers.
Then breath out through your left nostril counting to 8.
When breathing out, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other: Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves in. Then empty further by using your chest muscles. And then complete emptying by using the muscles around your shoulders When you have breathed out, repeat the exercise, but this time begin by closing your right nostril first.
RELAXING AT THE END OF THE SERIES:
When the series is done, then lie down upon a carpet on the floor andrelax for 2-5 minutes. This relaxation will increase the effects of the exercises and make you recover if the exercises have made you tired.
Concentrate upon relaxing your legs first, then your lover body, then your upper body, then your arms and shoulders, and at last your head and face. When the whole body is relaxed, try not to think about anything, and relax your whole body even furter. Then lie some time in this relaxed state without thinking about anything.
Author Info:
Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. Please go here to find anti-aging supplements, medicines against acne, eczema, scars, wrincles, other skin problems, other common diseases. http://www.abicana.com
Article Source : http://www.media13.com/19213/Some_Simple_Tantric_Yoga_Exercises_to_Improve_the_General_Health_and_Sexual_Abilities.html
Here are presented three poses and three breathing exercises that have the following effects when done together in a series:
-They stimulate the physiological functions of the genital and anal area.
-They correct muscle weakness and anatomical problems of the anal and genital region.
-They increase the sexual drive and abilities.
-They produce a stimulating response that spreads upwords along the spine and revitalizes the whole body.
-They stimulate the physiological functions of the respiratory tract and help against infections in the airways.
-The exercises are very good to start each day with, or to do before going to bed in the night.
POSE 1
Stand on your hands and knees upon the floor.
Kneel backword so that your buttocks go backword and down towords your feet and stretch your arms foreword.
Breath out and then take a deep breath in, filling your lungs totally with air. Hold your breath with the air inside.
Squeeze your anal muscles and pull your anal opening as deeply inword as you can. However do not strain when squeezing. This exercise shall not be exhausting.Relax your anal muscles compleetely again.
Repeat the sqeesing and relaxing 3-5 times, but not so long that you go out of oxygen in your body.
Empty your lungs. Rize up on your hands and knees again. Relax a while in this position and then you can repeat the exercise if you wish.
POSE 2
Lie on your back upon a carpet on the floor with your arms along your sides and relax.
Breath out.
Then breath inn deeply while relaxing all the muscles you do not need for the breathing.
Then breath out. When breathing out, squeeze your anal muscles and pull your anal opening as deeply inword as you can. However do not strain when squeezing. This exercise shall not be exhausting.
After having breathed out, relax your anal muscles again.
Repeat the breathing in and breathing out whiile squeezing 3-8 times, but not som much that you get exhausted.
Then relax again.
POSE 3
Lie on your back upon a carpet on the floor.
Breath out completely.
Swing your armes in an arch over your head and down to the floor over your head so that your whole body is stretched from top to toe. When swinging your arms, take a deep breath filling your lungs totally with air.
Hold your breath with the air inside.
Squeeze your anal muscles and pull your anal opening as deeply inword as you can. However do not strain when squeezing. This exercise shall not be exhausting. Relax your anal muscles compleetely again.
Repeat the sqeezing and relaxing 3-5 times.
Swing your arms back at the same time as you empty your lungs. Relax some while and then you can repeat the exercise if you wish.
BREATHING EXERCISE 1
Sit upon a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed and the back streight.
Empty your lungs completely.
Breath in counting to 4. When breathing in, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other:
Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves out.Then fill further by using your chest muscles. And then complete the filling by using the muscles around your shoulders.
Hold your breath counting to 16.
Then breath out counting to 8. When breathing out, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other:Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves in. Then empty further by using your chest muscles.And then complete emptying by using the muscles around your shoulders.
BREATHING EXERCISE 2
Sit upon a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed and your back streight. Take 10 rapid deep breathes in and out after another, but not so rapid that you get strained or breath uncompleetely.
When breathing in, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other: Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves out. Then fill further by using your chest muscles.And then complete the filling by using the muscles around your shoulders.
When breathing out, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other: Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves in.Then empty further by using your chest muscles. And then complete emptying by using the muscles around your shoulders.
After the last in-breath , hold your breath with your lungs filled counting to 10.
Then breath out.
BREATHING EXERCISE 3
Sit upon a pillow on the floor with your legs crossed and your back streight.
Empty your lungs completely.
Close your left nostril with the fingers of one of your hands. Breath in through your right nostril counting to 4.
When breathing in, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other:Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves out. Then fill further by using your chest musclesAnd then compleete the filling by using the muscles around your shoulders.
Hold your breath counting to 16.
Then close your right nostril with your fingers.
Then breath out through your left nostril counting to 8.
When breathing out, try to do it in three stages that proceed smoothely into each other: Use first your diafragm so that your stomack moves in. Then empty further by using your chest muscles. And then complete emptying by using the muscles around your shoulders When you have breathed out, repeat the exercise, but this time begin by closing your right nostril first.
RELAXING AT THE END OF THE SERIES:
When the series is done, then lie down upon a carpet on the floor andrelax for 2-5 minutes. This relaxation will increase the effects of the exercises and make you recover if the exercises have made you tired.
Concentrate upon relaxing your legs first, then your lover body, then your upper body, then your arms and shoulders, and at last your head and face. When the whole body is relaxed, try not to think about anything, and relax your whole body even furter. Then lie some time in this relaxed state without thinking about anything.
Author Info:
Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. Please go here to find anti-aging supplements, medicines against acne, eczema, scars, wrincles, other skin problems, other common diseases. http://www.abicana.com
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Experiences of Cosmic Consciousness
Experiences of CC differ.
One poet defined it as
Nothingness, where neither land nor sea
Neither the moon nor the stars resplendent
Neither planets nor constellations exist
Sunk as they are in the Ocean of Bliss Absolute !
Another defined it as a state of omnipresence !
Aware of his occult omnipotent source
Allured by the omniscient Ecstacy
He felt the invasion and the Nameless joy
wrote Aurobindo
A force came down into his mortal limbs
A current from the eternal seas of Bliss
He felt the invasion and the Nameless joy.
It is this invasion of Bliss which characterises Cosmic Consciousness. The Nameless joy is our true nature and the symbol of the Cross, the symbol of the World-Pain, is only ephemeral, hanging as it is on the background of Eternity !
One poet defined it as
Nothingness, where neither land nor sea
Neither the moon nor the stars resplendent
Neither planets nor constellations exist
Sunk as they are in the Ocean of Bliss Absolute !
Another defined it as a state of omnipresence !
Aware of his occult omnipotent source
Allured by the omniscient Ecstacy
He felt the invasion and the Nameless joy
wrote Aurobindo
A force came down into his mortal limbs
A current from the eternal seas of Bliss
He felt the invasion and the Nameless joy.
It is this invasion of Bliss which characterises Cosmic Consciousness. The Nameless joy is our true nature and the symbol of the Cross, the symbol of the World-Pain, is only ephemeral, hanging as it is on the background of Eternity !
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Truth is Omniscient !
We are all Truth seekers, but Truth seems to be far away. Wisdom seems to be far away !
Conquest of Truth, its actualisation, was the sole object of the Seer-Poets of yore. The path celestial had a grand objective and Goal, Cosmic Truth. The Rishi, the Seer-Poet, was a Rithwik, or a Drishta, a Seer of Cosmic Truth.Truth Actualisation was Self_Actualisation, as the Seers discovered that Truth lay hid in them as the Absolute Self.
Savitri tells death about Cosmic Truth
Who can show thee Truth's supreme face
To thought an incomprehensibe supreme light
To speech a marvel inexpressible
If Thou wert to unmask Truth's supreme face
Thou shalt suddenly grow wise and cease to be !
Conquest of Truth, its actualisation, was the sole object of the Seer-Poets of yore. The path celestial had a grand objective and Goal, Cosmic Truth. The Rishi, the Seer-Poet, was a Rithwik, or a Drishta, a Seer of Cosmic Truth.Truth Actualisation was Self_Actualisation, as the Seers discovered that Truth lay hid in them as the Absolute Self.
Savitri tells death about Cosmic Truth
Who can show thee Truth's supreme face
To thought an incomprehensibe supreme light
To speech a marvel inexpressible
If Thou wert to unmask Truth's supreme face
Thou shalt suddenly grow wise and cease to be !
Monday, December 10, 2007
Life, the Evolution of Consciousness.
In the initial stage of Yoga, one can feel " some mighty Force, not situated in the body but possessing it, is acting for you, thinking for you and that your entire body is moved by that Force and not by yourself ". This is experiential wisdom. It is the Superconscious Might which uses the individual as a center and as a means.
Now Life is the Evolution of Consciousness and we have to pass through different stages. The Ego will rebel against this leading by the Divine. All the negative traits of the Ego - lust, greed, anger, jealousy, sloth, covetousness and gluttony - drop off one by one, paving the way for Self Actualisation.
We have to understand that the Divine Will is leading us, through every circumstance, towards the Final Self Realisation. This is known as the Transfiguring Hour, as it transfigures the aspirant into something divine, something rich and strange. This is also known as the Hour of the Divine.
To him who seeks Self Realisation with a clear mind, to him the Lord reveals as " I am That " !
Now Life is the Evolution of Consciousness and we have to pass through different stages. The Ego will rebel against this leading by the Divine. All the negative traits of the Ego - lust, greed, anger, jealousy, sloth, covetousness and gluttony - drop off one by one, paving the way for Self Actualisation.
We have to understand that the Divine Will is leading us, through every circumstance, towards the Final Self Realisation. This is known as the Transfiguring Hour, as it transfigures the aspirant into something divine, something rich and strange. This is also known as the Hour of the Divine.
To him who seeks Self Realisation with a clear mind, to him the Lord reveals as " I am That " !
Saturday, December 08, 2007
How to Meditate
- By: Juliet Cohen, 2007-12-09
Meditation is the art of silencing the mind. When the mind is silent, concentration is increased and we experience inner peace in the midst of worldly turmoil. We can learn how to transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy. Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is the purpose of the transforming meditations found in the Buddhist tradition. Meditating a few minutes each day is a proven stress reducer, and it can improve your view of life as well. Various types of meditation that are recognized include transcendental meditation, prayer, Zen meditation, Taoist meditation, mindfulness meditation, and Buddhist meditation. Meditation is a practice that brings about not only physical benefits, but psychological benefits as well.
Some methods of meditation may require the body being absolutely still or to be moved with controlled deliberation, while other types allow for free movement of the body. It isn’t difficult to meditate, but it most certainly requires a few elements that are required to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to meditation. To get the most from meditation you need to do it every day. This requires a place and time where you will not be disturbed. Sit with a straight back. Don’t try to meditate lying down because you are likely to fall asleep. Meditation brings relaxation and peace but at the same time this is a dynamic peace. Meditation is quite different than the relaxation of sleep. Don’t eat before meditating. After a heavy meal your body will be lethargic with digestion.
Observe your breath. Don't try to change the way you are breathing, just let your attention rest on the flow of your breath. The goal is to allow the "chattering" in your mind to gradually fade away. Relax every muscle in your body. Don't rush this, as it takes time to fully relax, and relax bit by bit, starting at your toes, and working up to your head. Take a meditation retreat of at least a few days. Some of these are silent, others are not. Once you experience the feel of actually meditating, you will better know how and if it applies to your life. Some of the benefits of meditation such as concentration. Knowledge of self is also benefits of meditation. Creates a state of deep relaxation and general feeling of wellbeing is benefits of meditation.
Benefits of meditation Tips
1. It decreases respiratory rate.
2. Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
3. It is also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.
4. It is increased learning ability, moral reasoning and memory.
5. Meditation is decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
6. Regular practitioners of MTH have increased sizes of chakras and auras making the energy body stronger and more dynamic.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for fitness tips and weight loss tips. She also writes articles on home remedies.
Meditation is the art of silencing the mind. When the mind is silent, concentration is increased and we experience inner peace in the midst of worldly turmoil. We can learn how to transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy. Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is the purpose of the transforming meditations found in the Buddhist tradition. Meditating a few minutes each day is a proven stress reducer, and it can improve your view of life as well. Various types of meditation that are recognized include transcendental meditation, prayer, Zen meditation, Taoist meditation, mindfulness meditation, and Buddhist meditation. Meditation is a practice that brings about not only physical benefits, but psychological benefits as well.
Some methods of meditation may require the body being absolutely still or to be moved with controlled deliberation, while other types allow for free movement of the body. It isn’t difficult to meditate, but it most certainly requires a few elements that are required to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to meditation. To get the most from meditation you need to do it every day. This requires a place and time where you will not be disturbed. Sit with a straight back. Don’t try to meditate lying down because you are likely to fall asleep. Meditation brings relaxation and peace but at the same time this is a dynamic peace. Meditation is quite different than the relaxation of sleep. Don’t eat before meditating. After a heavy meal your body will be lethargic with digestion.
Observe your breath. Don't try to change the way you are breathing, just let your attention rest on the flow of your breath. The goal is to allow the "chattering" in your mind to gradually fade away. Relax every muscle in your body. Don't rush this, as it takes time to fully relax, and relax bit by bit, starting at your toes, and working up to your head. Take a meditation retreat of at least a few days. Some of these are silent, others are not. Once you experience the feel of actually meditating, you will better know how and if it applies to your life. Some of the benefits of meditation such as concentration. Knowledge of self is also benefits of meditation. Creates a state of deep relaxation and general feeling of wellbeing is benefits of meditation.
Benefits of meditation Tips
1. It decreases respiratory rate.
2. Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
3. It is also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.
4. It is increased learning ability, moral reasoning and memory.
5. Meditation is decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
6. Regular practitioners of MTH have increased sizes of chakras and auras making the energy body stronger and more dynamic.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for fitness tips and weight loss tips. She also writes articles on home remedies.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Fame, only if one perseveres in the Path Celestial !
This is the quintessence of the Geetha, Sreyan Swadharmo Vigunah. Perseverance in one's chosen path is all in all.
We find that there are military people ( Kshatriyas ), businessmen ( Vaishyas ), spiritual people ( Brahmanas ) & people who are devoted to service ( Shudras ). These are the Four Noble Professions ! No caste system is meant here. The Lord says the He created the Four Noble Professions ( Thasya kartharamapi mam ) & at the same time He is the uncreator ( that He is blissful in the transcendental realm ).
So when a spiritual aspirant seeking Self Actualisation is beset by adversities, he should not give up his striving for the Absolute. This is what is meant by Sreyan Swadharmo Vigunah. When he underwent initiation, there was something in him which was not ignorant and something that made him crave for the Eternal. But tests and tribulations are part of the Law of the Way. Only after mortal dross is purged from his being, only after the Seven Deadly Sins fall away from him, then only can he hope to get Self Actualisation. So he has to persevere and not quit.
Sreyan Swadharmo Vigunah
Para Dharman Swanishtithal
Swadhame Nidhanam Sreyah
Para Dharmo Bhayavaha
The second line says one's own Path is better than the Path chosen by others. Persistence in one's path is ennobling; while other professions cause fear.
Sahajam Karma Kauntheyah
Sa Dosham api na thayjeth
Sarvarambha hi doshena
Dhoomenagni ri vavrutha
All paths have merits and demerits. The field of Business has its demerits and merits. So also the field of Military and Police. Also Service. And it is not fair to say that the spiritual path alone is infested with adversities. Philosophy has been defined as Adversity's sweet milk, by Shakespeare. OK, difficulties and adversities are real for an aspirant. So what, why abandon the path? Despite its difficulties, the Lord advises the discriminative intellect not to quit and bear the pain calmly ( O mortal, bear this great world's Law of Pain ).
We find that there are military people ( Kshatriyas ), businessmen ( Vaishyas ), spiritual people ( Brahmanas ) & people who are devoted to service ( Shudras ). These are the Four Noble Professions ! No caste system is meant here. The Lord says the He created the Four Noble Professions ( Thasya kartharamapi mam ) & at the same time He is the uncreator ( that He is blissful in the transcendental realm ).
So when a spiritual aspirant seeking Self Actualisation is beset by adversities, he should not give up his striving for the Absolute. This is what is meant by Sreyan Swadharmo Vigunah. When he underwent initiation, there was something in him which was not ignorant and something that made him crave for the Eternal. But tests and tribulations are part of the Law of the Way. Only after mortal dross is purged from his being, only after the Seven Deadly Sins fall away from him, then only can he hope to get Self Actualisation. So he has to persevere and not quit.
Sreyan Swadharmo Vigunah
Para Dharman Swanishtithal
Swadhame Nidhanam Sreyah
Para Dharmo Bhayavaha
The second line says one's own Path is better than the Path chosen by others. Persistence in one's path is ennobling; while other professions cause fear.
Sahajam Karma Kauntheyah
Sa Dosham api na thayjeth
Sarvarambha hi doshena
Dhoomenagni ri vavrutha
All paths have merits and demerits. The field of Business has its demerits and merits. So also the field of Military and Police. Also Service. And it is not fair to say that the spiritual path alone is infested with adversities. Philosophy has been defined as Adversity's sweet milk, by Shakespeare. OK, difficulties and adversities are real for an aspirant. So what, why abandon the path? Despite its difficulties, the Lord advises the discriminative intellect not to quit and bear the pain calmly ( O mortal, bear this great world's Law of Pain ).
Self Realization Is On A Moment By Moment Basis
By: Elysha
What makes you different to the life forms around you (animal, plant, mineral), at this stage of the evolution of the divine one consciously entering into its manifestation, is that you have the capacity to consciously realize who "you" are. You have the capacity to consciously be this "you" of you, and as a result of this beingness, have the luxury of the journey of self and heart discovery – the greatest journey in existence.
This "you" of you is the very central point of existence. It is the divine one of all time. It is the beyondness itself.
This one has created - from within its own intelligence, beyondness, genius-ness and innateness – a manifestation that is precisely designed for the incarnation of the very beyondness that this manifestation arises in. The precision of its design is beyond our current comprehension – however, this very journey of self and heart discovery is what brings the awakening of this comprehension. It is immaculate and flawless.
Who "you" are is truly the very divine one that this most amazing play of life is all about the incarnation of. "You" are not these short changed activities that you keep on believing yourself to be, after all, which quite obviously do not meet the mark of the recognition of this "you" that is this divine one.
Is that not fantastic news for you? If it isn’t, then you are bound for a lot more of what you are currently getting.
You are no longer bound to suffer the creating of an imprisonment that cannot bind who "you" are to it. You can actually find this "you" that you already are and stop at and as this one. You can actually be deeply at rest in this "you" of you through many consecutive moments of remaining stopped in and as your self.
You can begin to awaken to just how free "you" are as this one through your at-rest-ment in the beingness of this one.
Perfection is always what is going on from one moment to the next, it cannot be otherwise, this is the very nature of the divinity of "you". You can never not be this "you" of you. "You" have always been and since this "you" is immortal it is always going to be.
Because you are who you are you can attempt to be something that is not true of you, as well – and this is the particular game that you have been playing out for the longest of times now. Because you are who you are you can convolute yourself into such knots as to make yourself out to be or appear lost from realizing just who "you" already are and you can believe yourself to be what you are not. You can believe yourself to be who you think you are.
This belief has you suffering the forgetting of who you are, of not knowing who you are and of not being this "you" of you - although the moment you remember, recall and realize who you are once more, you will know immediately that this is who you are.
Right now, you are simply suffering the belief that you are a something and a someone that is not and never was this "you" of you.
As you realize just who it is that "you" truly are and you begin to establish your realization momentarily – on a moment by moment basis - you will awaken out of the dream, bondage and prison of your own making.
You will awaken to the fact that this mindbody, that you find yourself so intimately involved with, is not who "you" are. You will awaken to the fact that you are "that" which is flowing through this mindbody that you find yourself flowing through.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Visit Elysha’s website for more free information on Self Realization and self help products - www.elysha.org - so that you can free up from the bind of the mind and stand in the freedom of the heart that you already are.
What makes you different to the life forms around you (animal, plant, mineral), at this stage of the evolution of the divine one consciously entering into its manifestation, is that you have the capacity to consciously realize who "you" are. You have the capacity to consciously be this "you" of you, and as a result of this beingness, have the luxury of the journey of self and heart discovery – the greatest journey in existence.
This "you" of you is the very central point of existence. It is the divine one of all time. It is the beyondness itself.
This one has created - from within its own intelligence, beyondness, genius-ness and innateness – a manifestation that is precisely designed for the incarnation of the very beyondness that this manifestation arises in. The precision of its design is beyond our current comprehension – however, this very journey of self and heart discovery is what brings the awakening of this comprehension. It is immaculate and flawless.
Who "you" are is truly the very divine one that this most amazing play of life is all about the incarnation of. "You" are not these short changed activities that you keep on believing yourself to be, after all, which quite obviously do not meet the mark of the recognition of this "you" that is this divine one.
Is that not fantastic news for you? If it isn’t, then you are bound for a lot more of what you are currently getting.
You are no longer bound to suffer the creating of an imprisonment that cannot bind who "you" are to it. You can actually find this "you" that you already are and stop at and as this one. You can actually be deeply at rest in this "you" of you through many consecutive moments of remaining stopped in and as your self.
You can begin to awaken to just how free "you" are as this one through your at-rest-ment in the beingness of this one.
Perfection is always what is going on from one moment to the next, it cannot be otherwise, this is the very nature of the divinity of "you". You can never not be this "you" of you. "You" have always been and since this "you" is immortal it is always going to be.
Because you are who you are you can attempt to be something that is not true of you, as well – and this is the particular game that you have been playing out for the longest of times now. Because you are who you are you can convolute yourself into such knots as to make yourself out to be or appear lost from realizing just who "you" already are and you can believe yourself to be what you are not. You can believe yourself to be who you think you are.
This belief has you suffering the forgetting of who you are, of not knowing who you are and of not being this "you" of you - although the moment you remember, recall and realize who you are once more, you will know immediately that this is who you are.
Right now, you are simply suffering the belief that you are a something and a someone that is not and never was this "you" of you.
As you realize just who it is that "you" truly are and you begin to establish your realization momentarily – on a moment by moment basis - you will awaken out of the dream, bondage and prison of your own making.
You will awaken to the fact that this mindbody, that you find yourself so intimately involved with, is not who "you" are. You will awaken to the fact that you are "that" which is flowing through this mindbody that you find yourself flowing through.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Visit Elysha’s website for more free information on Self Realization and self help products - www.elysha.org - so that you can free up from the bind of the mind and stand in the freedom of the heart that you already are.
Power Yoga: Physical Activity and Meditation for a Overall Health
By: EMMANUEL CHAVEZ
Health is the real wealth of an individual. Good health does not mean the absence of physical illness but also the lack of mental and social illness. A healthy person can properly survive and easily cope with the difficulties and stress of daily living. Incorporating regular physical activities, nutritious diet, and refraining from alcohol and cigarettes are necessary in maintaining a fit and healthy body. Yoga is a physical activity that has been used in the ancient times to alleviate health problems associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, shallow breathing, backaches, chronic illness, and many other forms of discomfort. Nowadays, Yoga has gone from a spiritual discipline practiced by many in the Far East, into a mainstream exercise routine that has been taught in many gyms around the world. Other researches suggest that yoga may promote relaxation and reduce distress.
A new form of yoga that focuses on a more fitness-based approached has been developed. It is called Power Yoga, a method closely modeled after the Ashtanga style of practice. The term Power Yoga became widely used in the mid-'90s when many yoga teachers tried new ways to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to the western audience. Both Power and Ashtanga Yoga focuses on strength and flexibility. The only difference between the traditional method and Power Yoga is that the latter does not require the performance of a series of poses. It took the basics of yoga and and gave it a dose of aerobics to tone the muscles, sharpen focus, and strengthen the heart.
Other known benefits of practicing Power Yoga include:
Improved strength, endurance, and stamina
Tighter abs, legs, and arms
Helps release physical tension
Helps maintain good and proper posture
Serves as a good warm up for athletes
Improves an athlete's overall performance
Power Yoga is a very accessible exercise. To practice this new yoga method, all that is needed is a flat floor surface, a mat or towel, and enough overhead space to extend the arms. It can be performed by individuals of different ages and level of physical condition. However, not all poses should be attempted by everyone. Proper posture and alignment should always be maintained during stretch or posture to avoid injuries. These activities should be stopped when there is fatigue, pain, or dizziness. In addition, the mental component of yoga is as important as its physical activities. Concentration and meditation should not be taken for granted. Yoga should be done with an open and gentle mind when one performs yoga positions and posture. Impatience, self-criticism, and comparing oneself with others may hamper the improvement of one's physical and mental health.
Individuals who want to engage in physical activities like yoga should consult doctors and other health professionals before taking yoga classes. Certain injuries to the wrist, back, and ankles may prevent some individuals from practicing yoga postures and positions. Furthermore, yoga should be practiced with care and precaution. Some people have reported injuries that were acquired by executing yoga postures without focus, or by attempting difficult positions without working them gradually or by not having proper supervision. Oftentimes, beginners complain of muscle soreness and fatigue after engaging in yoga. These effects may disappear with continuous practice. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the and body and improve overall health.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Choose Variety of High Quality Medicines at Online Medicines Enjoyed Reading this article? More here: Pharmacy Articles
Health is the real wealth of an individual. Good health does not mean the absence of physical illness but also the lack of mental and social illness. A healthy person can properly survive and easily cope with the difficulties and stress of daily living. Incorporating regular physical activities, nutritious diet, and refraining from alcohol and cigarettes are necessary in maintaining a fit and healthy body. Yoga is a physical activity that has been used in the ancient times to alleviate health problems associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, shallow breathing, backaches, chronic illness, and many other forms of discomfort. Nowadays, Yoga has gone from a spiritual discipline practiced by many in the Far East, into a mainstream exercise routine that has been taught in many gyms around the world. Other researches suggest that yoga may promote relaxation and reduce distress.
A new form of yoga that focuses on a more fitness-based approached has been developed. It is called Power Yoga, a method closely modeled after the Ashtanga style of practice. The term Power Yoga became widely used in the mid-'90s when many yoga teachers tried new ways to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to the western audience. Both Power and Ashtanga Yoga focuses on strength and flexibility. The only difference between the traditional method and Power Yoga is that the latter does not require the performance of a series of poses. It took the basics of yoga and and gave it a dose of aerobics to tone the muscles, sharpen focus, and strengthen the heart.
Other known benefits of practicing Power Yoga include:
Improved strength, endurance, and stamina
Tighter abs, legs, and arms
Helps release physical tension
Helps maintain good and proper posture
Serves as a good warm up for athletes
Improves an athlete's overall performance
Power Yoga is a very accessible exercise. To practice this new yoga method, all that is needed is a flat floor surface, a mat or towel, and enough overhead space to extend the arms. It can be performed by individuals of different ages and level of physical condition. However, not all poses should be attempted by everyone. Proper posture and alignment should always be maintained during stretch or posture to avoid injuries. These activities should be stopped when there is fatigue, pain, or dizziness. In addition, the mental component of yoga is as important as its physical activities. Concentration and meditation should not be taken for granted. Yoga should be done with an open and gentle mind when one performs yoga positions and posture. Impatience, self-criticism, and comparing oneself with others may hamper the improvement of one's physical and mental health.
Individuals who want to engage in physical activities like yoga should consult doctors and other health professionals before taking yoga classes. Certain injuries to the wrist, back, and ankles may prevent some individuals from practicing yoga postures and positions. Furthermore, yoga should be practiced with care and precaution. Some people have reported injuries that were acquired by executing yoga postures without focus, or by attempting difficult positions without working them gradually or by not having proper supervision. Oftentimes, beginners complain of muscle soreness and fatigue after engaging in yoga. These effects may disappear with continuous practice. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the and body and improve overall health.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Choose Variety of High Quality Medicines at Online Medicines Enjoyed Reading this article? More here: Pharmacy Articles
Is Yoga Honestly A Form of Exercise?
By: Javier Melendez
India's most ancient gift to the human species is said to be Yoga. "Uniting" is what the word Yoga can be translated to in Sanskrit and consequently we take this small word as having a very large meaning: thre uniting of discipline.
Yoga is practiced for mental and moral development and helps generate whole health - Yoga practitioners call this "arogya". Yogic exercise also cultivates "chirayu", which is longevity. Yoga in its whole aims to develop inner peace and positive, perennial happiness. As such, Yoga is thought of as being essential for an individual's ultimate completion in life.
Yoga is really a kind of science that not only affects the consciousness of oneself, but also one's subconscious. Yoga's physiological training practice (Kriya Yoga) when done correctly, can lift human beings to a supra-mundane level.
Yoga shows people how to embrace life. It promotes mental control and self-development and brings out the noble in any being, thus removing the ignoble in any human. Yoga is pertinent to all people regardless of their belief system, race, religious inclination and gender. There is no doubt that everyone can benefit from Yoga – the sick and the healthy, the bad and the good, the non-believer and the believer, the ignorant and the educated and the young and the old. Age does not matter; anyone can reap the advantages of Yoga.
Yoga began as wandering Hindu monks sought solitude in the forests to practice contemplative techniques. These monks (Yogis) passed on their knowledge with ardent students who resided at Hindu hermitages. The Yogis were quite possessive when it came to the teching of Yoga, and they did not consider popularizing the techniques. Yogic postures alongside the different stages of the Yogic techniques were only passed on to students that deserved them, so the art of Yoga remained in remote caves and forests and was not shown to anyone but the Yogis and their students.
Developing Yogic techniques (like the Asana - a sitting position) aids the circulation of the blood. Other techniques (like Pranayama - breathing exercises) decrease carbon dioxide in the body, ensuring good health: Yoga gives a wealth of benefits to people.
Many doctors prescribe air baths, sun baths, shower baths and steam baths to maintain blood purity and toxin elimination. Yogis have created the "Neti" (nasal cleansing), the "Dhouti" (stomach wash) and the "Vajroli" (purgation of the bladder, intestines and reproductive organs).
Yoga can also have major benefits on the nervous system. The physiological activities are non-tiring and also engender composure of the mind and body. Almost every other type of exercise concentrates more on muscle activity whereas Yoga focuses on looking after every part of an individual's anatomy.
Yoga is not some "reach down and touch your feet" exercise: for example, asanas is an all over exercise that trains one’s physical and spiritual body function.
Yoga's effects are:
- Physical – through relaxing, stretching, strengthening and healing the muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems.
- Spiritual – the preparation of contemplation.
- Mental – developing a tranquil and calm mind, concentration and alertness.
Yoga truly offers something for anyone.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Javier Melendez writes for several health web sites such as the Muscle & Fitness UK website. His recent work concerns weight loss clinics research.
India's most ancient gift to the human species is said to be Yoga. "Uniting" is what the word Yoga can be translated to in Sanskrit and consequently we take this small word as having a very large meaning: thre uniting of discipline.
Yoga is practiced for mental and moral development and helps generate whole health - Yoga practitioners call this "arogya". Yogic exercise also cultivates "chirayu", which is longevity. Yoga in its whole aims to develop inner peace and positive, perennial happiness. As such, Yoga is thought of as being essential for an individual's ultimate completion in life.
Yoga is really a kind of science that not only affects the consciousness of oneself, but also one's subconscious. Yoga's physiological training practice (Kriya Yoga) when done correctly, can lift human beings to a supra-mundane level.
Yoga shows people how to embrace life. It promotes mental control and self-development and brings out the noble in any being, thus removing the ignoble in any human. Yoga is pertinent to all people regardless of their belief system, race, religious inclination and gender. There is no doubt that everyone can benefit from Yoga – the sick and the healthy, the bad and the good, the non-believer and the believer, the ignorant and the educated and the young and the old. Age does not matter; anyone can reap the advantages of Yoga.
Yoga began as wandering Hindu monks sought solitude in the forests to practice contemplative techniques. These monks (Yogis) passed on their knowledge with ardent students who resided at Hindu hermitages. The Yogis were quite possessive when it came to the teching of Yoga, and they did not consider popularizing the techniques. Yogic postures alongside the different stages of the Yogic techniques were only passed on to students that deserved them, so the art of Yoga remained in remote caves and forests and was not shown to anyone but the Yogis and their students.
Developing Yogic techniques (like the Asana - a sitting position) aids the circulation of the blood. Other techniques (like Pranayama - breathing exercises) decrease carbon dioxide in the body, ensuring good health: Yoga gives a wealth of benefits to people.
Many doctors prescribe air baths, sun baths, shower baths and steam baths to maintain blood purity and toxin elimination. Yogis have created the "Neti" (nasal cleansing), the "Dhouti" (stomach wash) and the "Vajroli" (purgation of the bladder, intestines and reproductive organs).
Yoga can also have major benefits on the nervous system. The physiological activities are non-tiring and also engender composure of the mind and body. Almost every other type of exercise concentrates more on muscle activity whereas Yoga focuses on looking after every part of an individual's anatomy.
Yoga is not some "reach down and touch your feet" exercise: for example, asanas is an all over exercise that trains one’s physical and spiritual body function.
Yoga's effects are:
- Physical – through relaxing, stretching, strengthening and healing the muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems.
- Spiritual – the preparation of contemplation.
- Mental – developing a tranquil and calm mind, concentration and alertness.
Yoga truly offers something for anyone.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Javier Melendez writes for several health web sites such as the Muscle & Fitness UK website. His recent work concerns weight loss clinics research.
Benefits of Yoga
By: Michael phillips
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not a form of exercise but is a form of meditation. The term ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘yog’ which means to “add” or in simpler terms to be in oneness with god. Yoga relaxes a person and allows him/her to enter a deep meditative state. Although, there are numerous physical benefits of yoga, but the primary purpose and ultimate goal of yoga is to help a person reach a relaxed and spiritually elevated state. Yoga is a complete exercise that helps improve body tone and also helps relieve tension and anxiety.
Yoga is now recommended by many physiotherapists as a means to improve muscle tone and to improve the flexibility of joints. People that are recovering from muscle injuries are often prescribed easy yoga exercises to help improve blood circulation to damaged or injured ligaments and muscles. Yoga is also believed to be a strong detoxification exercise, and the body is detoxified by improving blood circulation and draining way built up toxins from body parts.
Yoga is also a great way to increase the flexibility of the body, there are various levels of yoga exercises, and as and when a person improves his yoga skills he can move on to complicated yoga exercises. Yoga allows a person to exercise not just the body but also exercise and strengthen internal organs. Yoga is perhaps the only form of exercise that has asana (exercises) that are designed to stimulate internal organs like the stomach. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the fact that yoga can stimulate and strengthen internal organs, people all over the world have reported much better health after regular yoga.
Yoga is also believed to be a great way to ‘lubricate’ joints, ligaments and tendons. Yoga is a result of thousands of years of research, and people that indulge in yoga regularly have reported fantastic muscle tone even in muscles they were not ‘working on’. Yoga is a complete exercise that works on muscles, body organs and the mind.
Yoga is one of the few exercises in the world which is designed to give the entire body a work out. Apart from physically strengthening and relaxing muscles and tendons, yoga also helps people relax their minds. Yoga was originally intended to be a spiritual exercise and was designed to help a person gain control of all his ‘senses’ and yoga can help an individual curb aggressiveness and control anger. People the world over are now turning to yoga to relieve tension and stress, and unlike other exercises yoga has exercises that are specifically designed to relieve stress and help a person relax both mentally and physically.
Although, yoga claims to offer numerous benefits; scientific studies have shown that not all benefits can be verified, however even physiotherapists and doctors recommend basic yoga exercises for recovering patients. In conclusion, Yoga is one of the few forms of exercise that is designed to exercise both the body and mind.
For more yoga exercises visit www.yogaonlineguide.com
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Michael phillips is the author of this article on Benefits of Yoga For a Better Health. Find more information about Yoga Book Onlinehere.
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not a form of exercise but is a form of meditation. The term ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘yog’ which means to “add” or in simpler terms to be in oneness with god. Yoga relaxes a person and allows him/her to enter a deep meditative state. Although, there are numerous physical benefits of yoga, but the primary purpose and ultimate goal of yoga is to help a person reach a relaxed and spiritually elevated state. Yoga is a complete exercise that helps improve body tone and also helps relieve tension and anxiety.
Yoga is now recommended by many physiotherapists as a means to improve muscle tone and to improve the flexibility of joints. People that are recovering from muscle injuries are often prescribed easy yoga exercises to help improve blood circulation to damaged or injured ligaments and muscles. Yoga is also believed to be a strong detoxification exercise, and the body is detoxified by improving blood circulation and draining way built up toxins from body parts.
Yoga is also a great way to increase the flexibility of the body, there are various levels of yoga exercises, and as and when a person improves his yoga skills he can move on to complicated yoga exercises. Yoga allows a person to exercise not just the body but also exercise and strengthen internal organs. Yoga is perhaps the only form of exercise that has asana (exercises) that are designed to stimulate internal organs like the stomach. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the fact that yoga can stimulate and strengthen internal organs, people all over the world have reported much better health after regular yoga.
Yoga is also believed to be a great way to ‘lubricate’ joints, ligaments and tendons. Yoga is a result of thousands of years of research, and people that indulge in yoga regularly have reported fantastic muscle tone even in muscles they were not ‘working on’. Yoga is a complete exercise that works on muscles, body organs and the mind.
Yoga is one of the few exercises in the world which is designed to give the entire body a work out. Apart from physically strengthening and relaxing muscles and tendons, yoga also helps people relax their minds. Yoga was originally intended to be a spiritual exercise and was designed to help a person gain control of all his ‘senses’ and yoga can help an individual curb aggressiveness and control anger. People the world over are now turning to yoga to relieve tension and stress, and unlike other exercises yoga has exercises that are specifically designed to relieve stress and help a person relax both mentally and physically.
Although, yoga claims to offer numerous benefits; scientific studies have shown that not all benefits can be verified, however even physiotherapists and doctors recommend basic yoga exercises for recovering patients. In conclusion, Yoga is one of the few forms of exercise that is designed to exercise both the body and mind.
For more yoga exercises visit www.yogaonlineguide.com
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Michael phillips is the author of this article on Benefits of Yoga For a Better Health. Find more information about Yoga Book Onlinehere.
The Healing Power of Yoga
I used to be one of those people that only worked out if it
involved serious, jolting cardiovascular movement, lifting
heavy weights, and basically moving fast and sweating my
butt off.
Then I was introduced to yoga, a practice that I knew
helped a lot of people with back and muscle problems, which
I was starting to experience both with age and with my
continuing status as a "desk job" professional. The funny
thing is, I did not start practicing yoga to actually get a
"work out", which I thought could only be obtained through
my grueling sessions on the treadmill, eliptical machine,
and recumbent bike.
Oh no, for me yoga was strictly a relaxation exercise, one
designed to help stretch my muscles and soothe my busy
mind. Little did I realize, I was getting an excellent
workout with yoga, combined with all the benefits of a
serious cardio workout, as was apparent upon waking up the
next day to an invariably sore rump and tummy.
But it didn't always "feel" like I was working out when I
did yoga, especially the better I got at it. I wondered
why this could be. Then I figured it out, with a little
help from a yoga instructor. She said that as you begin to
learn to use your breath through the practice of yoga
breathing techniques, your muscles actually get more oxygen.
Lack of oxygen to the muscles builds up lactic acid within
the muscles, which leads to our sore muscles after a
serious workout. Oxygen also plays a vital role in
managing stress. It has been found in numerous studies
that one who is under stress has low blood oxygen levels,
and this is due to the fact that they are not breathing
properly through the stressful or anxiety inducing event.
This is why you will often find that you feel short of
breath when you are going through a stressful situation,
and this is also why asthmatics often have asthma attacks
during highly stressful episodes, or when their emotions
are on "high".
This made perfect sense. Not only did yoga help to
streamline my body, but it helped me learn to manage my
breathing, and condition my body and mind to manage stress
and anxiety through breathing with my body, not against it.
You see, yoga is much more than a meditational or
contortionist exercise. It actually transcends what we
think of as exercise.
Yoga is a tool that we can use to manage stress, condition
our mind and body to be more in touch with one another, and
to also gain a sense of tranquility and well being.
Yoga practice ranges from a more active, moving practice
called Ashtanga yoga or power yoga, to a more methodical,
slower moving practice called Hatha yoga, which
concentrates more on a slower, fluid movement and is geared
toward those that may not have exercised in a while or who
have back issues.
There is also another type, which I had the pleasure of
participating in on my recent trip to northern California,
called Bikram yoga, where you practice yoga poses ranging
form beginner to advanced in a room heated to almost 100
degrees farenheit.
This type of yoga can be strenuous on the beginner, and is
usually only recommended for those who are very fit or very
well versed in the practice of yoga. I found the Bikram
yoga to be challenging, but after I emerged from the room
after the two hours of posing, I felt a sense of
empowerment and clarity that continued on for the rest of
the evening.
It is said that Bikram yoga may actually help rid the body
of toxins through the sweat that is produced during the
practice. And believe me, sweat you will. There was not a
person in the room that had anything less than soaking wet
clothes.
Since I've started regularly practicing yoga about three
times a week, I find my stress levels are down, my back
hurts me less while I am working at my desk, and my muscles
have taken on a longer, leaner look.
I feel that I am more intuned with my breathing, and I use
my breath now to get me through stressful situations that
usually would leave me breathless and anxious. I have
found yoga to be a true blessing to my life, and will be a
lifetime devotee of this empowering and enriching practice.
About the Author:
Danna Schneider is the founder of
http://www.herbalne wsmagazine. com and
http://www.herbal- therapeutics. com where news on new
natural products and alternative health can be found.
involved serious, jolting cardiovascular movement, lifting
heavy weights, and basically moving fast and sweating my
butt off.
Then I was introduced to yoga, a practice that I knew
helped a lot of people with back and muscle problems, which
I was starting to experience both with age and with my
continuing status as a "desk job" professional. The funny
thing is, I did not start practicing yoga to actually get a
"work out", which I thought could only be obtained through
my grueling sessions on the treadmill, eliptical machine,
and recumbent bike.
Oh no, for me yoga was strictly a relaxation exercise, one
designed to help stretch my muscles and soothe my busy
mind. Little did I realize, I was getting an excellent
workout with yoga, combined with all the benefits of a
serious cardio workout, as was apparent upon waking up the
next day to an invariably sore rump and tummy.
But it didn't always "feel" like I was working out when I
did yoga, especially the better I got at it. I wondered
why this could be. Then I figured it out, with a little
help from a yoga instructor. She said that as you begin to
learn to use your breath through the practice of yoga
breathing techniques, your muscles actually get more oxygen.
Lack of oxygen to the muscles builds up lactic acid within
the muscles, which leads to our sore muscles after a
serious workout. Oxygen also plays a vital role in
managing stress. It has been found in numerous studies
that one who is under stress has low blood oxygen levels,
and this is due to the fact that they are not breathing
properly through the stressful or anxiety inducing event.
This is why you will often find that you feel short of
breath when you are going through a stressful situation,
and this is also why asthmatics often have asthma attacks
during highly stressful episodes, or when their emotions
are on "high".
This made perfect sense. Not only did yoga help to
streamline my body, but it helped me learn to manage my
breathing, and condition my body and mind to manage stress
and anxiety through breathing with my body, not against it.
You see, yoga is much more than a meditational or
contortionist exercise. It actually transcends what we
think of as exercise.
Yoga is a tool that we can use to manage stress, condition
our mind and body to be more in touch with one another, and
to also gain a sense of tranquility and well being.
Yoga practice ranges from a more active, moving practice
called Ashtanga yoga or power yoga, to a more methodical,
slower moving practice called Hatha yoga, which
concentrates more on a slower, fluid movement and is geared
toward those that may not have exercised in a while or who
have back issues.
There is also another type, which I had the pleasure of
participating in on my recent trip to northern California,
called Bikram yoga, where you practice yoga poses ranging
form beginner to advanced in a room heated to almost 100
degrees farenheit.
This type of yoga can be strenuous on the beginner, and is
usually only recommended for those who are very fit or very
well versed in the practice of yoga. I found the Bikram
yoga to be challenging, but after I emerged from the room
after the two hours of posing, I felt a sense of
empowerment and clarity that continued on for the rest of
the evening.
It is said that Bikram yoga may actually help rid the body
of toxins through the sweat that is produced during the
practice. And believe me, sweat you will. There was not a
person in the room that had anything less than soaking wet
clothes.
Since I've started regularly practicing yoga about three
times a week, I find my stress levels are down, my back
hurts me less while I am working at my desk, and my muscles
have taken on a longer, leaner look.
I feel that I am more intuned with my breathing, and I use
my breath now to get me through stressful situations that
usually would leave me breathless and anxious. I have
found yoga to be a true blessing to my life, and will be a
lifetime devotee of this empowering and enriching practice.
About the Author:
Danna Schneider is the founder of
http://www.herbalne wsmagazine. com and
http://www.herbal- therapeutics. com where news on new
natural products and alternative health can be found.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Modern Meditation
By: Editor 123
With the changing times, the ways to enjoy the complexities of life has changed too. To run with the increasing pace of time, a person has to be choosing the ways that gives him or her most benefits. Modern meditation is the result of this increasing pace of life. In recent time, people have realized the utility of meditation method and its ever green benefits that will help a person to gain happiness and inner peace in his life.
To enjoy this process of meditation fully, a person has to learn the tricks and correct practice of meditation process to fully and then has to be practiced continuously to obtain the positive effects in the life for long. So, first thing is to learn the concept from a practiced master and avail the benefits. With proper learning process, you can develop great means to satisfy your meditating concentration and just feel on the top of the world.
The concept of modern meditation is to become aware about yourself, your surroundings and things happening in your life. It gives a way to realize there is another life besides just running around something or chasing something in life. With meditation you can stop and focus on something inside in body and what it wants to convey to you for betterment. Also, meditation helps in realizing things which generally miss in our daily lives and refill the pleasures of joy and fun back into the activities of life positively.
Learning meditation teaches you to control on your stress levels and learn to really relax the mind and body. With doing meditation regularly, you feel less stressed and can see the changes in your life. With meditation, we learn to bring back focus in our lives and this focus helps us to make the right decisions that we need for our happiness.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Visit Modern Meditation, for further information on meditation community, meditation workshops, meditation news, meditation exercises etc please visit at www.modernmeditation.net
With the changing times, the ways to enjoy the complexities of life has changed too. To run with the increasing pace of time, a person has to be choosing the ways that gives him or her most benefits. Modern meditation is the result of this increasing pace of life. In recent time, people have realized the utility of meditation method and its ever green benefits that will help a person to gain happiness and inner peace in his life.
To enjoy this process of meditation fully, a person has to learn the tricks and correct practice of meditation process to fully and then has to be practiced continuously to obtain the positive effects in the life for long. So, first thing is to learn the concept from a practiced master and avail the benefits. With proper learning process, you can develop great means to satisfy your meditating concentration and just feel on the top of the world.
The concept of modern meditation is to become aware about yourself, your surroundings and things happening in your life. It gives a way to realize there is another life besides just running around something or chasing something in life. With meditation you can stop and focus on something inside in body and what it wants to convey to you for betterment. Also, meditation helps in realizing things which generally miss in our daily lives and refill the pleasures of joy and fun back into the activities of life positively.
Learning meditation teaches you to control on your stress levels and learn to really relax the mind and body. With doing meditation regularly, you feel less stressed and can see the changes in your life. With meditation, we learn to bring back focus in our lives and this focus helps us to make the right decisions that we need for our happiness.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Visit Modern Meditation, for further information on meditation community, meditation workshops, meditation news, meditation exercises etc please visit at www.modernmeditation.net
Personal contact with your Higher Self
By: Basavaraj Udapudi
The higher self is the true expression of you as an individual. Its purpose is to fulfil your heart's desire and soul purpose of your present life. The experience of the higher self is joy, self-confidence, and selfempowerment. It uses the faculties of clairvoyance, clairaudience,clairsentience and intuition.
Higher self is a wise and highly perceptive, unconditionally interested in your highest good, and capable of figuring out where you are getting off track with the same intensity that is required to get you to really listen.In this sense your higher self is a powerful mentor. You can certainly get assistance from your powerful mentor if you are setting out to change your life or achieve other types of seemingly impossible things and get stuck in important decisions of your life.
How to get assistance from your higher self: Here is a two step formula to contact your higher self. 1) The more relaxed you are mentally and physically, the better your contact with the higher self will be. So the best way to contact the higher self is through meditation. Then ask the higher self for the solution to any area of your life situations and decisions. 2)Keeping the conscious mind in an expectant but detached attitude is very important. Otherwise the other levels of mind would attempt to pose guesses as true knowledge thereby often confusing the true information received from the higher self. Usually the first impression or thought to pop up in your mind is the right one. Record it at once or speak it out-before your conscious mind has a chance to argue you out. However, you must analyze each experience to make sure it is not made up of your fears, worries, wishful thoughts, prejudices or imaginations before accepting the impressions as genuine or acting on them. As a matter of fact, a true higher self experience generally carries a feeling of joy, well being, authenticity, enthusiasm, contentment, clarity and conviction about it. As you gain more proficiency in using your ability to recognize answers from the higher self you will be able to recognize this feeling of conviction quite easily.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Ready to know more about higher self now. Get Three FREE chapters of success wisdom ebook by Basavaraj Udapudi by visiting www.success-wisdom.com
The higher self is the true expression of you as an individual. Its purpose is to fulfil your heart's desire and soul purpose of your present life. The experience of the higher self is joy, self-confidence, and selfempowerment. It uses the faculties of clairvoyance, clairaudience,clairsentience and intuition.
Higher self is a wise and highly perceptive, unconditionally interested in your highest good, and capable of figuring out where you are getting off track with the same intensity that is required to get you to really listen.In this sense your higher self is a powerful mentor. You can certainly get assistance from your powerful mentor if you are setting out to change your life or achieve other types of seemingly impossible things and get stuck in important decisions of your life.
How to get assistance from your higher self: Here is a two step formula to contact your higher self. 1) The more relaxed you are mentally and physically, the better your contact with the higher self will be. So the best way to contact the higher self is through meditation. Then ask the higher self for the solution to any area of your life situations and decisions. 2)Keeping the conscious mind in an expectant but detached attitude is very important. Otherwise the other levels of mind would attempt to pose guesses as true knowledge thereby often confusing the true information received from the higher self. Usually the first impression or thought to pop up in your mind is the right one. Record it at once or speak it out-before your conscious mind has a chance to argue you out. However, you must analyze each experience to make sure it is not made up of your fears, worries, wishful thoughts, prejudices or imaginations before accepting the impressions as genuine or acting on them. As a matter of fact, a true higher self experience generally carries a feeling of joy, well being, authenticity, enthusiasm, contentment, clarity and conviction about it. As you gain more proficiency in using your ability to recognize answers from the higher self you will be able to recognize this feeling of conviction quite easily.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Ready to know more about higher self now. Get Three FREE chapters of success wisdom ebook by Basavaraj Udapudi by visiting www.success-wisdom.com
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Yoga - Benefits of Yoga
By: Juliet
Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Yoga also strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. This allows people to take early collective action, such as adjusting posture, when discomfort is first noticed. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi's increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems.
In general, yoga is a very safe form of exercise for most people. For those with specific back conditions, it is advisable to speak with one's treating physician prior to starting yoga. Yoga is dynamite to make you feel younger with heightened mental prowness. Longer life often result from following yogic ways of health maintenance. Yoga is approximately 4,000 years old and is a scientific methodology aimed at uniting the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain's pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.
Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
Biochemical benefits of Yoga are as follows:
1. Sodium decreases.
2. Triglycerides decrease.
3. Cholinesterase increases.
4. Hemoglobin increases.
5. Total white blood cell count decreases.
6. Thyroxin increases.
7. Vitamin C increases.
Exercise Benefits of Yoga:
1. Rapid forceful movements.
2. Increased muscle tension.
3. Moderate to high caloric consumption.
4. Fatiguing.
5. Imbalance activity of opposing groups.
6. Boredom factor.
Physiological Benefits of Yoga
Some of the Physiological benefits of Yoga are as follows:
1. Pulse rate decreases.
2. Cardiovascular efficiency increases.
3. Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase.
4. Posture improves.
5. Strength and resiliency increase.
6. Immunity increases.
7. Pain decreases.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Juliet Cohen writes articles for yoga and health. She also writes articles for health beauty tips and family health guide.
Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Yoga also strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. This allows people to take early collective action, such as adjusting posture, when discomfort is first noticed. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi's increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems.
In general, yoga is a very safe form of exercise for most people. For those with specific back conditions, it is advisable to speak with one's treating physician prior to starting yoga. Yoga is dynamite to make you feel younger with heightened mental prowness. Longer life often result from following yogic ways of health maintenance. Yoga is approximately 4,000 years old and is a scientific methodology aimed at uniting the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain's pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.
Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
Biochemical benefits of Yoga are as follows:
1. Sodium decreases.
2. Triglycerides decrease.
3. Cholinesterase increases.
4. Hemoglobin increases.
5. Total white blood cell count decreases.
6. Thyroxin increases.
7. Vitamin C increases.
Exercise Benefits of Yoga:
1. Rapid forceful movements.
2. Increased muscle tension.
3. Moderate to high caloric consumption.
4. Fatiguing.
5. Imbalance activity of opposing groups.
6. Boredom factor.
Physiological Benefits of Yoga
Some of the Physiological benefits of Yoga are as follows:
1. Pulse rate decreases.
2. Cardiovascular efficiency increases.
3. Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase.
4. Posture improves.
5. Strength and resiliency increase.
6. Immunity increases.
7. Pain decreases.
Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com
Juliet Cohen writes articles for yoga and health. She also writes articles for health beauty tips and family health guide.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Yoga, the Science of the Superconscient Mind
Psychology deals with the Subconscious and Psycho Analysis with the Unconscious.
Yoga, on the other hand, deals with the Superconscious or the Superconscient.
EEG signals measured shows that Meditation generates a Fourth State of Consciousness, characterised by Alpha waves.
High beta waves (above 25 MHz ) characterise the Waking State or Jagrat
Alpha waves characterise Meditation is in between 7.8 and 14 MHz.
Theta waves characterise Dreaming State or Swapna ( 3.2 to 7.28 MHz).
Delta waves chacterise Deep Sleep or Sushupti (.1 to 3.2 )
Hence it is possible to commune with the Superconscious Mind and Yoga is the Art of Cosmic Union
Yoga, on the other hand, deals with the Superconscious or the Superconscient.
EEG signals measured shows that Meditation generates a Fourth State of Consciousness, characterised by Alpha waves.
High beta waves (above 25 MHz ) characterise the Waking State or Jagrat
Alpha waves characterise Meditation is in between 7.8 and 14 MHz.
Theta waves characterise Dreaming State or Swapna ( 3.2 to 7.28 MHz).
Delta waves chacterise Deep Sleep or Sushupti (.1 to 3.2 )
Hence it is possible to commune with the Superconscious Mind and Yoga is the Art of Cosmic Union
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Universal Will will not lead you where the Universal Grace cannot keep you!
This is a Law " The Divine Will will never lead you, where His Grace cannot keep you"
When I returned from the Gulf, I had no problem in starting Zodiac Computers way back in 1988. I had always felt the hand of the Supreme. His Grace has protected me throughout.
The hand of the Divine guided me to Philosophy and Astrology. When I was in crisis, I always felt His hand guiding me and protecting me. I did not have any major problem whatsover. Minor problems I had, but then they were all solved by Grace Divine !
When I returned from the Gulf, I had no problem in starting Zodiac Computers way back in 1988. I had always felt the hand of the Supreme. His Grace has protected me throughout.
The hand of the Divine guided me to Philosophy and Astrology. When I was in crisis, I always felt His hand guiding me and protecting me. I did not have any major problem whatsover. Minor problems I had, but then they were all solved by Grace Divine !
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