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When the body is directed to become more aware of itself, it can heal itself. - John Doulliard
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Some of us label ourselves “an angry person,” ignoring that the basic nature of sentient beings is more likely compassionate and kind, not angry and unpleasant. We allow ourselves to believe that anger and impatience are a part of who we are rather than understanding that they are simply feelings that arise. Like anything else that arises, feelings pass away. They do not define character.- Alan Lokos
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A literal translation of darshan simply means “to see” in Sanskrit. However, a more expanded understanding of darshan involves seeing by placing oneself in the presence of someone or something which exhibits higher consciousness. “Someone” usually involves being in the presence of a person known for his or her spirituality such as Mother Teresa, a Pope, the Dalai Lama or other spiritual master. “Something” includes being in the presence of a sacred place known for it’s strong
Dr. Deepak Chopra, a Western trained physician and Vedic teacher grew up in India and often experienced darshan when his uncle would take him to visit various gurus and teachers. Dr. Chopra says his uncle’s “real purpose” for visiting sages “was to soak up the person’s energy. As a ten year old boy, Dr. Chopra also experienced spiritual energy of evolved persons describing the effect these ways:
Dr. Deepak Chopra, a Western trained physician and Vedic teacher grew up in India and often experienced darshan when his uncle would take him to visit various gurus and teachers. Dr. Chopra says his uncle’s “real purpose” for visiting sages “was to soak up the person’s energy. As a ten year old boy, Dr. Chopra also experienced spiritual energy of evolved persons describing the effect these ways:
- some sages made him feel “buoyant and carefree”;
- others made his mind become quiet, still, peaceful;
- sometimes the darshan felt highly feminine “as if my mother were smiling at me” in spite of the fact the sage was a man.
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If we want a joyous life,
we must think joyous thoughts.
If we want a prosperous life,
we must think prosperous thoughts.
If we want a loving life,
we must think loving thoughts.
- Louise Hay
we must think joyous thoughts.
If we want a prosperous life,
we must think prosperous thoughts.
If we want a loving life,
we must think loving thoughts.
- Louise Hay
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Three young men once approached St. Francis of Assisi asking for his blessing to become hermits each living separately in a cave and devoting their lives to seeking God, each in his own way. Francis gave his blessing commending them for wanting to live as spiritual hermits but he instructed them to be hermits together in a single hut or cave. He offered this additional instruction: one of them should take on the role of a father; the other, the role of a mother; the third should think of himself as their child. Then every few months they were to exchange roles feeling what it was to be in a community as a father, as a mother, as a child.
Consider what insights would emerge if, in our significant relationships, we swapped roles. If you’re a man, what would it feel like for you to be in the female role or, if you’re a woman, what would it feel like for you be in the male role. How would your understanding and, possibly appreciation, deepen if, from time to time, we all placed ourselves into the position of another person, walked briefly in their shoes, experienced their pressures and stresses?
Consider what insights would emerge if, in our significant relationships, we swapped roles. If you’re a man, what would it feel like for you to be in the female role or, if you’re a woman, what would it feel like for you be in the male role. How would your understanding and, possibly appreciation, deepen if, from time to time, we all placed ourselves into the position of another person, walked briefly in their shoes, experienced their pressures and stresses?
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We women must listen to our inner voice. It is easier for women to do this as they are not afraid to say what they feel. We must keep both our femininity and our strength. Men have to descend from their pedestal and learn how to be more broadminded and spiritual.
- Indra Devi
- Indra Devi
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(public domain image from www.pixabay.com)
In the Vedic tradition, incense plays an important role for promoting health and deepening spirituality. Here are some benefits of using incense:
- It is aromatherapy. Of all human senses, smell is the most primal and has a direct influence on the frontal lobe of the brain improving memory, attention, and motivation;
- It stimulates the first chakra which is responsible for generating feelings of stability, security and confidence in life;
- It heightens our sense of smell increasing the enjoyment of foods;
- It is connected to two of the five ayurvedic elements - air and space - and purifies air and creates an environment for optimal healing;
- Because of it’s influence over the air and space element, it transforms ordinary space into sacred space when used in the home, office, yoga studio or meditation center;
- It prevents infections because incense has anti-bacterial properties. Some Asian hospitals burn incense for that very reason. One Chinese pharmacopoeia, states that incense remove “evil vapors in heart and belly” and is especially recommended for eye troubles, including cataract;
- It calms the mind, and therefore, is an aid for meditation;
- It reduces stress and anxiety;
- It offers headache relief. Our sense of smell is a direct path to the brain and certain scents trigger an immediate response via the Limbic System stimulating the brain to produce essential chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which cause feelings of happiness and relaxation;
- It stimulates creativity, motivation and positive energy.
Some raise a concern about incense smoke and pollution. Dr. Andrew Weil says it is "unlikely" that burning a stick or two can cause any health dangers.
(please feel free to re-post and/or link to your social media)
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In spiritual cultivation , we must refine our hearts and polish our characters by disciplining ourselves through events in our daily lives. - Cheng Yen
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ABC News is reporting that an unemployed millennial threw a telephone at her mother's head because the mother declined to drive her to a yoga class, Montgomery County Police allege in court documents obtained by the news outlet. Holly Albert, 30, of the 12500 block of Northline Court in Potomac, Md., is charged with second-degree assault.
In August 2017, Albert's mother called 911 to report a domestic violence incident. Responding officers arrived at the family's single-family home and found Albert's mother with a blood-saturated shirt and hair that was "matted down with blood."
Albert's mother told police that her daughter wanted to attend an afternoon yoga class for meditative purposes. When Albert's mother refused to drive her there, the 30-year-old allegedly became irate, shouted insults, grabbed a house phone striking the mother in the head. Albert's mother suffered a cut that caused a "large amount of bleeding." Ironically the phone was still functional and she used it to call police.
(source: www.wjla.com)
In August 2017, Albert's mother called 911 to report a domestic violence incident. Responding officers arrived at the family's single-family home and found Albert's mother with a blood-saturated shirt and hair that was "matted down with blood."
Albert's mother told police that her daughter wanted to attend an afternoon yoga class for meditative purposes. When Albert's mother refused to drive her there, the 30-year-old allegedly became irate, shouted insults, grabbed a house phone striking the mother in the head. Albert's mother suffered a cut that caused a "large amount of bleeding." Ironically the phone was still functional and she used it to call police.
(source: www.wjla.com)
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The wonderful thing about patience, unlike commodities, is the more we use it, the more we offer it, the more we have. - Alan Lokos