Blog Archives

HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY NEED (HINT: YOU PROBABLY HAVE TOO MUCH!)

1/31/2019

The Buddha recognized that we humans have four basic needs. In Buddhism these are referred to as "The Four Requisites" which are -
1. Nutrition - food and water to keep the body healthy and strong.

2. Clothing – to protect from the elements and from insects.

3. Shelter - for safety and protection from weather conditions.

4. Medicine – to help the body overcome disease.

These are basic and necessary. However, this list of four then raise these important questions:
1. How much food do you really need?
2. How much clothing do you really need?

3. How much shelter do you really need?
4. How much medicine do you really need?

So much of what we "need" is driven by advertising and resulting consumerism. The results aren't healthy -
1. Obesity.
2. Closets bulging with clothes & shoes seldom worn.

3. Huge houses often referred to as “McMansions”.
5. Health care costs soaring.
Can you incorporate these concepts, words and phrases into your life: cutting back, scaling down, reducing, donating, trimming, winding back, phase out, shrink.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1/31/2019

Choose your friends wisely.
Associate with enlightened souls.
This is not discriminatory.
It is discretionary and
will enrich your life.
- Victor M. Parachin

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1/30/2019

You cannot fight darkness.
You have to light up,
and the darkness will disappear.
- Sadhguru

SEEK AND FIND WORK WHICH SUITS YOUR PERSONALITY

1/29/2019

In the Vedic tradition it is very important to live our your "dharma", meaning your life work. The same principle shows up in the writings of management authorities and leadership experts. Here's how business consultant Mihaley Csikszentmihalyi advises:

"Finding a job that engages your natural talents and gives your constant feedback is a sure way to build happiness."

So, if you're like the majority of workers - unhappy, unsatisfied - make the change.

Do this as soon as possible.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1/29/2019

The future is not a fixed, unchangeable fate that is predetermined; it is in our hands. The future will be shaped by the vision that we hold and the actions we take today - Anam Thubten

HOW TO BE A RE-BIRTH MIDWIFE

1/28/2019

Every creature in the universe is subject to rebirth.

- Gita 8:16

Historically midwives have been available to pregnant women for the purpose of ensuring a satisfying birth experience. In a similar way, humans, who are subject to re-birth are in need of others who can help them succeed in the re-birth process. With this in mind, The Tibetan Buddhist tradition has developed a practice called Sukhavati which is offered on behalf of someone who has recently died. Sukhavati comes from two Sanskrit words: sukha meaning "happy, bliss, delight or joy" and vati meaning "filled with". The ceremony is done twice.

The first time it is offered is within three days of the death and a second time, after 49 days have lapsed. In the Buddhist tradition, it is understood that when a person dies, the physical body is no longer functional. However, the subtle body - made up of mind, spirit, and consciousness - remains active in an intermediate, transitional stage called Bardo.

During this time of transition from from one life to another, one's consciousness is heightened but there is also confusion, fear, loss and anxiety. In this state of heightened awareness, consciousness of the deceased person is receptive to guidance and assistance for completing the journey through Bardo. The ceremony of Sukhavati is offered for this reason.
Traditionally, the body of the deceased remains undisturbed for three days. During this time people are encouraged to meditate in the room with the body. After three days, the body is cremated. Also, a small shrine is created with a photo of the deceased along with flowers, incense, and candles. The shrine is left up for 49 days. After that period, a 2nd ceremony is held and includes these elements:

a brief meditation of ten minutes;
explanation of the Buddhist view of life and death;
invitation for individuals to speak about the deceased;
a eulogy is offered;
reading of the Sukhavati chant;
burning of the photo.

The 49 day Sukhavati process is a powerful help for a successful re-birth to the deceased. It has the added benefit of helping grievers come to terms with the death, accept the reality of the loss, facilitate healthy grieving and provide closure.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1/28/2019

Add some chaos to your life. A certain amount is healthy. It stimulates growth and change and passion and excitement. - Mark Manson

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1/27/2019

Point directly at the human mind, see its nature, and become Buddha. - Bodhidharma

MAKE AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT BEFORE DOING ANY YOGA

1/26/2019

Here is some sound advice on the right attitude for doing a yoga practice. It comes from Sadashiv Nimbalkar, author of Yoga For Health and Peace:

"It is best to have the body at rest and the mind at peace and cheerful when one starts yoga. In the absence of such a state, it is advisable to lie in Shavasana or sit in any of the meditation postures till the body and mind are refreshed and quieted and only then do one's recommended yoga."

His advice is important to hear and apply because too often we're too hard on ourselves. Already exhausted or stressed, we say "now I have to do my yoga practice." Consider the wisdom of delaying the actual practice by preceeding it with a nice quiet shavasana. Then proceed!

STARBUCKS OFFERS FREE 'PUPPICINO' IF YOU COME IN WITH YOUR DOG

1/26/2019

A local Starbucks in Tulsa, located near a popular dog park, offers a puppicino when you come in with your dog. The puppicino is whipped cream in a cup. As you can see from this photo taken by my friend Jodi Malone Howe. Her dog companions are Boone and Metro.

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Victor M. Parachin ...is a

Vedic educator, yoga instructor, meditation teacher and author of a dozen books. Buy his books at amazon or your local bookstore.

Victor M. Parachin ...is a

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