AGENDA

“To get the most success out of life have no agenda other than to give whatever you can in the present moment. A smile, a laugh, a quarter, a helping hand, an introduction or just your listening ear is more powerful than you can imagine. Beneath every gift is the knowing that the Universe is abundant and that you lose nothing by giving away what you have. Others will feel comfortable in your presence and all good things will find you – WITHOUT seeking them.”

I LOVE MOM / PIZZA

"People use the word 'love' a lot of different ways. Take me, for instance. I am often heard saying that I love my mom and dad. I am also often heard saying that I love pizza. What am I saying when I say I love my mom and dad? I'm saying that I care about them. I'm saying that I love spending time with them and that I talk to them every chance I get. I'm saying that if they needed me, I would do every humanly possible to help them. I'm saying that I always want what's best for them. What am I saying when I say I love pizza? Am I saying that I care deeply about pizza? Am I saying that I have a relationship with pizza? Am I saying that if pizza had a problem, I would be there for the pizza? (What? Not enough pepperoni? I'll be right there!) Of course not. When I say I love pizza, I'm just saying that I enjoy eating pizza until I don't want any more pizza. Once I'm tired of the pizza, I don't care what happens to the rest of it. I'll throw it away. I'll feed it to the dog. I'll stick it in the back of the refrigerator until it gets all green and moldy. It doesn't matter to me anymore. These are two very different definition of the word 'love'. It gets confusing when people start talking about love, and especially about loving you. Which way do these people love you? Do they want what is best for you, or do they just want you around because it is good for them, and they don't really care what happens to you? Next time someone looks deeply into your eyes and says 'I love you', look very deeply right back and say, 'Would that be pizza love, or the real thing?"

END LIMITING BELIEFS

Limiting beliefs are like the plague. They spread to every aspect of your behavior, thinking and personality. They keep you locked in tight, immobile and helpless. Limiting beliefs often change how people perceive the world in general and people, too. How do you know that limiting beliefs are causing havoc in your life? Do you feel that you don’t deserve some things in life? Do you doubt your own abilities when you have to do something that isn’t part of your usual routine? Are you secretly afraid of change because you feel that survival would be hard after? Do you feel that you are somehow inferior compared to your colleagues or peers? Are you afraid of sharing your own ideas because they might be rejected? Do you doubt your own skills and abilities and refuse to use them when the opportunity arises for you to showcase your capabilities? Are you watching your contemporaries rise to the top while you are still near the bottom, still ‘not ready’ for the big time? Do you have trouble trusting those around you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is confirmed: you are a victim of limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs have the ability to force out the energies needed by a person to thrive and succeed. These sabotaging beliefs are fiercely protected by your own mind. When any idea becomes a belief, it becomes fiercely protected by the conscious and subconscious mind. When a belief becomes repeated behavior, it becomes a habit. Habits are much harder to break because they are deeply rooted patterns of behavior that are embedded in the subconscious half of the mind. I know this much because I was a victim of limiting beliefs, too. That is, until I started looking into the motivations and ideas that caused me to turn away good opportunities, relationships and chances for personal success. I discovered a secret code that could be used to break apart the limiting beliefs that can cause a person’s life to crack from the middle. It took me years to perfect this code, but once I was able to organize the steps needed to wrench apart limiting beliefs from the good beliefs that sustained me, I created a whole new system that the world has never seen before: a system that focused on the actual beliefs that held back people from health, wealth and success! There are countless books that ‘help’ people by setting goals and such… But these books never address the root cause of personal failure: LIMITING BELIEFS What if I told you that all the problems that you are facing right now are there not because there is something essentially wrong with you but because you actually believe that what you are doing now is all that you are entitled to? Personal beliefs can either free you or chain you. The BIG QUESTION now is: are you free or are you being held prisoner by your own beliefs? I know that this can be difficult to believe, but here are some facts: The human mind is capable of rationalizing ANY idea or belief, whether it’s right or wrong. When a belief is accepted at the subconscious level, it becomes IRREFUTABLE. Limiting beliefs can survive for decades without the person knowing it – these beliefs live and breathe alongside other positive and constructive beliefs in a person’s mind! To detect limiting beliefs, there are three essential things that you must learn: How to discover these limiting beliefs and see them for what they are How to neutralize limiting beliefs so they won’t cause you any more harm How to create a new life FREE from the chains of limiting beliefs I know that time is precious and frankly speaking, no one has spare time to waste – so I condensed my revolutionary new system into a 8-day system that is guaranteed to change the rules of personal success forever. Click to Make the Life-Changing 360-Degree Turn with 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs For Only $19.95 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs is the result of countless hours of work and refinement – a secret code that I have developed so I can share with fellow Mind Masters who understand that what happens outside in reality is determined by what happens inside, in the mind. Just Imagine: A Life Free of Limitations and “What Ifs” Limitless Success Limitless Self-Confidence Limitless Persona Growth s The Courage to Speak Out The Ability to Grab the Universe’s Bounty The 360-Degree Life Turn That Everyone is Raving About! That’s right: you don’t have to guess or scramble in the dark anymore because everything that you could possibly need to achieve the 360-Degree Life Turn is contained within my exclusive system: 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs. You better believe it, because with this excusive, personally developed system I have been able to: Establish a very successful hypnotherapy practice Build genuinely rewarding personal relationships Develop trust with powerful players in the business Create the most wonderful bond with people I have helped and am helping currently Pursue lifelong dreams, including continuing education in the field that I love Make more real friends that help sustain me Identify the parts of my life that needed a lot of work Create balance so my work, spirituality, physical needs and other endeavors receive adequate energy and support Achieve personal happiness and I’ve never looked back Accomplish goals that I never thought were possible Achieve health and fitness and LOVE IT 110% Be part of the 360-Degree Life Turn REVOLUTION! Dr. Steve G. Jones’ 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs IF you want to overcome the limiting beliefs that have been holding you back for years or maybe decades, you have to overcome your doubt of 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs. If there is a tiny voice in your head that is saying that it is too hard to change limiting beliefs, that tiny voice is a good example of a limiting belief and I am going to show you how to throw it out of your life FOREVER. Here’s a Taste of 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs! Day One Day One marks the beginning of the 360-Degree Life Turn via 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs. During this exciting time, you will learn: The true nature of personal beliefs 3 steps to identifying limiting beliefs A 2-step process for creating new solutions to old problems How to utilize solutions to surface a limiting belief Personal revolution – transforming a limiting belief to a transformational belief Putting things into perspective: how a free man can be held prisoner by his own beliefs What happens when you live a life full of limiting beliefs The real root cause of limiting beliefs Beliefs as symptoms and not the actual disease Letting a belief ‘talk back’ to reveal its true character 360-degree life mapping – how to measure your progress with limiting beliefs Freeing the mind from the strong hold of limiting beliefs Developing the mindset needed to break free Separating fact and fiction: are your beliefs facts or not? Readying oneself for the 360 degree life turn Energies and emotions – how limiting beliefs are fed and fattened on your expense The single step that implodes a limiting belief so it will never bother you again! Day Two Day Two is all about your self-image and how you perceive yourself and what you are entitled to. It’s time to skyrocket your life state to immeasurable heights! In this module you will learn: How to create a healthy and progressive self-image How to deal with people’s perception of you Differentiating between what you truly believe in and what others think Dealing with the feeling of being helpless and paralyzed Why ‘playing it safe’ can be a traitorous companion Why ‘going with the flow’ can ruin your chances of success The location of limiting beliefs and understanding why they are so hard to find in the first place Separating limiting beliefs from the rest of your existing beliefs How to destroy limiting beliefs with pure fact The 8 common myths that can completely destroy a person’s chances of success Formulating a new way of thinking about life’s potentialities How to use limiting beliefs as the raw material for more powerful beliefs that are rooted in the positive/creative/productive The power of overestimating oneself How to detect and trash negative ideas before they can become limiting beliefs The power of taking responsibility and taking immediate action Click Below to Begin the First Day of the 360-Degree Life Turn NOW For Only $19.95! Day Three Day Three deals with fear and doubt – the twin demons of failure and discontent. Here’s what you will be learning in Day 3 of 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs: Uncovering the true, irrational nature of fear and why it should never be used as a guide to anything in life Why fear is never accountable but continues to dictate your life The secret to using fear as a motivator How to use fear constructively Finding the Universe’s rewards by grabbing fear and using it as a compass How fear can help you develop a more rewarding life Situating fear within a new winner’s mindset Finding the path that leads to success Packing for the ride of your life How to never fall victim to fear again Uncover how doubt sabotages opportunities for success Imploding doubt with action Differentiating between plain doubt and true intuition Day Four Day Four reveals the cornerstone of a person’s life – his relationships. Are you involved in genuine relationships that nurture and help you achieve your dreams? If not, prepare yourself to learn: How to deal with the possibilities of disappointments and why the latter must not be a brake but a gas pedal to better relationships Liberating the mind from the fear of rejection Re-orienting yourself to the possibility of finding true relationships that can nurture and sustain you Finding people that will form your true circle of friends How to become a true friend Dealing with personal flaws and weaknesses Developing better relationships through continuous self-improvement Measuring your true capability to become a good friend Why everyone needs true friends The reason why love seems complicated and unreachable to some Super-boosting your self-confidence in preparation for your true love Images and illusions – why beauty is a poor indicator of your likability as a unique and lovable individual Discover what makes relationships work out – clue: it’s NEVER about money or luxurious living The connection between truth and limiting beliefs End Those Limiting Beliefs Before They Strangle Your Life for Good Day Five Have you ever felt that you will never measure up to anything? If you do, you may be dealing with limiting beliefs that center on perfectionism and failure. These limiting beliefs can be extremely toxic to people because they stifle creativity and force people into rigid, unattainable molds that never bring satisfaction or happiness to people. To some, perfectionism is a ‘requirement’ but in reality, it is never a key ingredient to success. In Day Five, I will teach you about: How perfectionism ruins your true potentials The negative impact of perfectionism on the human mind How to act upon the impulse to be ‘perfect’ and win at the end The secret to feeling worthy and proud of oneself even if you do not fit the mold of ‘perfection’ The difference between doing your best and striving to be perfect The true value of obstacles and stumbling on the way to the top Dealing with the idea that you have failed at something Day Six Day Six of 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs is all about your finances and your beliefs regarding money and wealth. Too often people are stuck as to what they should believe when it comes to the acquisition of wealth. Limiting beliefs regarding wealth can cause wealth to stop coming. That is the primal law of universe – if you think you don’t deserve something, even secretly, you won’t get it. In this module you will learn: The difference between working for money and having money work for you The true nature of money and why it is not the root cause of evil The role of passion in amassing wealth How to combine passion, fun and wealth in one package that you can use again and again until you acquire the kind of wealth that you have always dreamed of How the mind adapts to negativity and why you should never adapt to something that makes life difficult for you Situation money in an abundant mindset Uncover Your True Potential with 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs Day Seven Day Seven deals with another crippling theme: fear of the future. The modern man’s mind is often filled with countless anxieties and doubts regarding the future and the trouble it can bring. Mans’ general fear of change goes hand in hand with his fear of the future. Must you be trapped by your fear of the future so much so that you are unable to see the beauty of the present time? Here are the vital lessons that you will learn in Day Seven: Choosing to be happy at the present time, at all times Protecting yourself against beliefs that bar you from your personal desires How to think of the future Dealing with instability and uncertainty How the present time can help you take control of what happens in the future Discover the role of personal happiness in creating a brighter future The importance of appreciation How to expand your comfort zone Using logic to destroy limiting beliefs regarding the future The connection between your past and the limiting beliefs regarding the future Positive affirmations to condition your mind Why you should welcome uncertainty and surprises in the present time The role of hope in sustaining your present and future Day Eight Day 8 deals with happiness, the strongest motivator in the known Universe. Happiness is often the motivator and end-goal of most, if not all, human endeavor. This is the reason why you must always choose to be happy even if it means letting go of limiting beliefs that have become part of your general thinking and behavior. In Day 8 you will learn more about the following: Where happiness is really situated in your life Choosing the beliefs that make you happy How gratefulness can increase a person’s happiness and contentment Making an effort to identify beliefs that may have been there since childhood Reinventing your conception of change and what it entails in a person’s life Learning how to be happy now with what you have Does revenge truly make people happy? Analyzing how forgiveness solves deeply-rooted pain and emotional scars The number one enemy of happiness (you know him/her very well…) Dealing with other people’s expectations Is true happiness possible? Scientific studies on happiness How to change your current actions to make yourself happier than before 8 Days to End Limiting Beliefs was designed especially for people like you, who have already discovered that happiness can only be gained if the mind is willing to receive it. This exclusive code to breaking down limiting beliefs is for anyone who wishes to pursue unstoppable wealth, health and happiness because I believe that every person has the power to perform a 360-Degree Life Turn no matter where they are right now in their life. All that is left to do now is to click here so you can start on DAY ONE.

HINDUISM

If you require additional information or links please click on any of the words which have been underlined and this will take you to additional resources. Brahma creating the sound of OM at the beginning of the world Click on any of the underlined to take you straight to that part of the document, Size & Location, Origins, Holy Texts, What does a Hindu believe, Practices, The Gods, Worship, The Organisation INTRODUCTION Hinduism is a name that Westerners gave to the part of the Indian sub-continent. It was therefore defined by geography (and then came to represent to the West a set of traditions, beliefs and practices). The Hindu way of life, is more often called by Hindus ‘Sanatana Dharma’ (the eternal way of life). SIZE AND LOCATION This is the largest religion in Asia and the world's third largest, in terms of numbers of followers with approximately 806 million worldwide. About 400,000 – 555,000 followers are based in the UK. These tend to be descendants of Hindu immigrants. It is the main religion of India, where it began. From there it spread, about 1000 years ago, east along the trade routes to other lands. In some places other religions later became more important In others, like Sri Lanka and Malaysia, it is still the main religion. Back to top ORIGINS Hinduism has no single founder, no central authority or fixed creed. It is the world's oldest existing religion. Some aspects of Hinduism (such as the worship of natural forms e.g. rivers as gods) can be traced back 3,500 years to the peoples who moved into India from central Asia. By 400 BC Hinduism had developed most of its present features. However since then, there have been important changes in its beliefs and practices. Back to top HOLY TEXTS Hinduism has no one statement of beliefs (a creed.) A number of texts are however sacred. The basis of Hindu philosophy is found in the four Vedas. These are a collection of hymns, which had been passed on orally up until 1200BCE which is when the Vedas began to be written although they took hundreds of years to complete. The Rg Veda is the earliest and holiest (about 800BC). The Upanishads (about 600BC.) These consider the nature of the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman.) One of the Upanishads contains the earliest reference to the reincarnation of the soul in different bodies (transmigration) of the soul. The Mahabharata is an epic poem. It tells the story of a war between two branches of a family. The Bhagavad-Gita forms part of this and means "The Song of God." In it Vishnu relates his philosophy through Krishna. Krishna has come down in human form to the earth to help; he is an avartar of Vishnu i.e.. At the end of the Gita, Arjuna, who Krishna is talking to about his duty realises that he is Vishnu. This sets out rules for daily life that are still major sources of reference for Hindus today. One of the most famous Hindu epics is the Ramayana. This was probably based on the Mahabharata. It tells the story of the god Rama's battle with Ravana( the demon King.) One reason why it is so respected can be found in the introduction. This states: " He who reads and repeats this holy life giving Ramayana is liberated from all his sins and exalted with all his posterity to the highest heaven " Other important sacred books – Smriti (‘tradition) are the Laws of Manu (250 BC) and the Puranas (ancient tales) written at about the same time. Hindus revere all these works, as expressions of a shared belief, but do not follow all of the practices to which they refer, such as animal and even human sacrifice. Back to top WHAT DOES A HINDU BELIEVE? Despite the fact that Hinduism is not one belief or practice there are common ideas that run through it. Reincarnation One feature is a belief in reincarnation- the transmigration (the movement of the soul from one body to another ) of the soul( samsara.) A person's soul lives on and on through a continuous cycle of birth death and rebirth. This belief in the rebirth of the soul may have encouraged the further doctrine of non injury/violence (ahimsa.) If you thought that your life continued beyond the present one you might consider very carefully the warning contained in an inscription that reads that anyone who interfered with certain rights would: " suffer rebirth for 8,000 years as a worm in dung" A way of life not a theory. S. Radhakrishnan( a former President of India and a philosopher) said that for a Hindu, religion: "is not an idea but a power , not an intellectual proposition but a life conviction. Religion is consciousness of ultimate reality not a theory about God. " For many Hindus there are four goals in human life (purusharthas); 1 Moksha This is the ultimate goal. It means the release of the soul from the cycle of rebirth. The individual soul (Atman) unites with Brahman the universal soul. There are different ways to Moksha. There is the spiritual. This involves acquiring spiritual knowledge through yoga and meditation. The second way is by devotion to god and the third is by working selflessly for the good of society. 2 Dharma This is the code for leading one's life. What one's duties are depends on ones age and position. Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son's religious duty. This requires three sorts of order/ harmony. One at a spiritual level with the universe. A second that requires order/ harmony in society and revolves around the caste system and a third which requires order/harmony of the individual by obedience to a moral code. The 10 embodiments of Dharma are listed in the Mahabharata. 3 Artha This is the pursuit of material gain by lawful means. 4 Karma This is a sort of snakes and ladders. Through pure acts, knowledge and devotion, you can reincarnate to a higher level. The opposite achieves the contrary result. There are four different paths to achieve Moksha which a Hindu can take. The Hindu can choose one or all four of the paths they are: 1 The path of knowledge - Jnana-Yoga Spiritual knowledge -leading to the knowledge of the relationship between the soul (atman) and God (Brahman) 2 The path of meditation - Bhakti-yoga The idea is to concentrate so you can reach the real self within you and become one with Brahman 3 The Path of Devotion - Bhakti-yoga Choosing a particular god or goddess and worshipping them throughout your life in actions, words and deeds. 4 The path of good works - Karma-yoga This involves doing all your duties correctly throughout your life. Back to top PRACTICES There are three basic practices: 1 Worship This is an integral part of the faith. Offerings (puja) are usually made to representations of the gods. 2 Cremation The dead are burnt not buried 3 Compliance with the rules of the caste system The caste system is a complicated division of society into different groups. Each group has rules of conduct to be obeyed. Caste is a matter of birth. You cannot apply to become a member of another caste and a change of job won't affect it. Change can only come about by re birth and the caste into which you are born depends on the acts committed in your previous life. The caste system is known as the Varnas, there are four varnas and they consist of: · Brahmins – the priests and intelligentsia · Kshatriyas – the administrators and military · Vaishyas – shop keepers, traders, farmers · Sudras – labourers and service workers Another group known as the ‘untouchables’ were below the other four groups. They would do all the dirtiest jobs. The Hindu leader Mahatma Gandhi in the early part of the 20th century worked tirelessly to try and integrate them into Hindu society. He called them ‘Harijans’ – the children of God. They preferred to be known now as Dalit – oppressed. The Varnas are then broken down into Jatis which are subsections of the main Varna such as: · Rarhi Brahmins - traditionally priests · Baidyas – traditionally doctors · Patidars – traditionally traders Elaborate taboos evolved around everyday matters such as diet or travel. It was once the case that if a high caste Brahmin worshipped at the same temple as a Dalit he would have to go through various rituals afterwards, to cleanse himself. Many of these rules disappeared after Indian Independence as the government sought to remove discrimination on the basis of caste. Now it is impossible to tell caste by a person's occupation. A poor peasant may well be from the Brahmin caste. It remains however an important aspect of the social culture. Many marriage arrangements are dictated by caste rules. Back to top THE GODS For many, but not all Hindus their religion is monotheistic.( They believe in one God only.) They believe in one ultimate truth that encompasses all reality ( Brahman.) At first glance it seems hard to reconcile this belief with the Knowledge that there are said to be as many as 330,000,000 Hindu gods and demons. This apparent contradiction can be explained on the basis that they are all manifestations of Brahman, the creative force. In early texts Brahman (the elemental creative spirit) was impersonal. It was not a god but something beyond god, it was " the unproduced producer of all that exists." No image of Brahman exists, as it has no form. It is an eternal presence. Reference to Brahma (the masculine of the neuter Brahman), (a manifestation of Brahman) as the creator god, started to appear later. By the 4th /5th century AD Brahma was one of a trinity of gods (the three gods are known as the Trimurti), in one of the creation myths Brahma emerges from a lotus flower which Vishnu is holding whilst resting on the back of the cosmic serpent in the primeval waters. The Trimurti is represented by Brahma (the creator) Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). They comprise the three main physical representations of Brahman, who together are all powerful. Brahma is the creator god. Images tend to show him with 4 heads and 4 arms. In these he holds a variety of objects. These usually include a drinking pot, a sceptre and the Vedas. Vishnu is the preserver. He protects what is good in the world, and appears whenever evil threatens to overwhelm it. He is shown wearing a high crown and smiling. His symbols are the conch, the lotus, the club and the discus. He has already had 9 incarnations and is expected to have another on the final destruction of this world. His incarnations have taken animal and human form. As a human he was incarnated as Rama and Krishna (and also as the Buddha). Shiva is the destroyer but as, in Hinduism, there can be no rebirth without death he is also the creator. Images show him with 1 or 5 faces, sometimes with a third eye and with 4 arms. These may hold his symbols of fire, a drum, a horn, and a trident or take up positions of action or protection. Often an arch of flame surrounds him (a common image is the dancing Shiva. He is also often represented by the lingam, a phallus. A follower of Vishnu is a Vaishnavite and a follower of Shiva is a Shaivite. Numerically Vaishnavites form the largest sect. The gods appear in different forms male, female, animal such as Ganesha the Elephant god. Other popular gods are Indra (god of rain), Chandra (moon god), Yama (god of death), Surya (sun god), Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Hanuman (the devotee of Rama), Sarasvati (goddess of learning). The gods are important as they are regarded as channels through which the godhead can work . They provide an opportunity for darshan. This means the sight of the god, but also the insight that can be obtained through worship. Back to top WORSHIP Purpose This is often a normal part of daily life designed to meet daily needs e.g. requests for good health. It may also precede important events. Before new buildings are opened or new enterprises begun puja (ritual worship) is usually made to Ganesha (the elephant god) the bringer of prosperity and the clearer of obstacles. Places of worship Hindu Temples (Mandhirs), which are dedicated to different gods, are the focus of religious life. There is neither however any strong tradition of communal worship nor any obligation to worship in a Temple. There are simple shrines in streets and villages and most Hindu homes have their own where they undertake Puja at home, they will make offerings to their chosen god in the morning and the evening as a minimum. The shrine may be no more than a corner of a room, with a picture or statue of one or more gods. There is no obligation on a Hindu to go on pilgrimage, but many do. There are many places sacred to Hindus. These cover mountains, rivers and towns. Many Hindus try to bathe in the River Ganges, as it is said to wash away sins. Seven cities are considered particularly holy. These are known as tirthas. They are centres of pilgrimage. They include Ayodha, the birthplace of Rama, and Varanasi. They are looked upon as good places to die plus to be cremated as they are believed to link the world of earthly suffering to the divine plane. Forms of worship Any Hindu can worship but a priest normally carries out the more important acts. Worship may take several forms such as meditation, performing yoga (exercises aimed at controlling mind and body), reading holy texts or use of prayer beads Alternatively Puja may be performed. This must comply with forms laid down in holy texts (e.g. the Shastras and Agamas). Usually it involves an offering to the image of a god. It usually commences with the purification of the shrine. This is done by singing hymns and mantras (sacred psalms or words or phrases designed to aid concentration. These include the "om " creation symbol. The god is then awoken by the use of cymbals or bells. Rituals, which follow those of daily or yearly life cycles, may then be carried out. These can include washing or dressing the image. Finally gifts of money food or flowers are given and silent prayers offered. If performed in a Temple the Priest will mark the worshipper's forehead with red paste (a tika) as a sign of blessing. At the end of the ceremony the food which has been offered to the god is given out to those attending, this is called Prasad (Holy food). In special cases worship may include a procession. Each Temple will have a special festival. Festivals can range from simple village affairs to those that draw millions. There are also ceremonies that mark important life events. Back to top ORGANISATION Hinduism has no one organisation with the ability to define belief and dictate practice. Widely respected spiritual leaders and philosophers have however developed despite the lack of formal structure. Hindu life is structured so that people understand their personal and social roles, the four ASHRAMAS are seen as the ideal stages of life which a person should go through – it is not lived exactly as listed but they remain a powerful influence still today on a Hindu’s life – they are: · Brahmacharin – Student stage · Grihastha – Householder stage · Vanaprastha – Retiring / Retreating from society · Sannyasin – Holy man no ties with society SAMSKARAS - The Hindu Rites of Passage For Hindus they represent the important stages in a person's development. There are 16 samskaras and they are found in the law books of Manu (one of the Hindus sacred books). The 16 stages are: 1. Conception of a child 2. Special rituals performed during pregnancy 3. Special rituals performed during pregnancy 4. Birth ceremony 5. Naming ceremony 6. Child’s first outing at 4 months 7. Child’s first solid food 8. Child’s first haircut (1-3 years old) 9. Child’s ear pierced 10. Sacred thread ceremony 11. Start of formal education 12. Graduation from studies 13. Marriage 14. Retirement at around 60 15. Withdrawing from worldly concerns at around 75 to become a Sanyasa – Holy man. 16. Death rites

BUDDHISM

BUDDHIST FAITH FELLOWSHIP OF CONNECTICUT BECOMING A BUDDHIST? HOME & CALENDAR ABOUT THE BUDDHIST FAITH FELLOWSHIP OUR NEWLY PUBLISHED BOOK LUNCH AND LEARN Q & A SEMINAR FACEBOOK ABOUT SUNDAY GATHERINGS SUNDAY SCHOOL MOTHER DHARMA BUDDHIST COURSES BECOME A MEMBER - DONATIONS PODCAST TALKS ON ITUNES CONNECTICUT AND WORLD WIDE CHAPTERS 12 STEP BUDDHIST GROUP BUDDHIST PRISON FELLOWSHIP SHIN BUDDHISM IN A NUTSHELL BASIC BELIEFS, PRACTICES AND EXPERIENCES WHAT IS SHIN BUDDHISM? SHINRAN SHONIN: BUDDHIST REFORMER EIGHTFOLD PATH FOR SHIN BUDDHISTS DAILY EIGHTFOLD PRACTICES AND CHANTS BUDDHIST PRAYER BECOMING A BUDDHIST? BFF FILMS, VIDEO AND YOUTUBE CLUB GOSPEL OF THOMAS: THE BUDDHIST JESUS? STAR WARS, AVATAR & BUDDHISM RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND BUDDHIST READING ROOM CONTACT US, DIRECTIONS & GUESTBOOK Beginning Your New Life In the 21st century, Buddhism has become the fastest growing religion among Americans. Many people these days are reading books about Buddhism, practicing Buddhist meditation, and applying Buddhist ideas at work, play and with relationships. If you are one of those who is very interested in the dharma, you may one day decide to formally become a disciple of Buddha and live the path of understanding, faith and love. The aim of this web page is to help you familiarize yourself with what is needed to become a Buddhist. Below covers these topics: 1) Know the basics, 2) Understanding is Important, 3) How do I become a Buddhist? 4) The Affirmation and Ordination Ceremony, 5) What is the Meaning of Taking Refuge? 6) Taking the Bodhisattva Vows, 7) Taking the Five Precepts, 8) A Path Open to All. Buddhist Faith Fellowship of Connecticut Know the Basics If you would like to make Buddhism your religion, there are some things to consider. First, you should be familiar with the basic tenants of Buddhism such as karma, rebirth, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts, the Nembutsu, the Pure Land, and Amida Buddha. It is not necessary to accept all of these concepts in the beginning, but one should be willing to consider them. The Buddha never asked his disciples to believe something because he said it. He said that one needed to prove it true for oneself. Understanding is Important In Buddhism, understanding is the most important thing and understanding takes time. So do not impulsively rush into Buddhism. Take your time, ask questions, consider carefully, and then make your decision. The Buddha was not interested in having a large number of disciples. He was concerned that people should follow his teachings as a result of a careful investigation, consideration of the facts and personal experience. How do I become a Buddhist? Join a Buddhist sangha (a temple, church or group), support them, be supported by them and continue to learn more about the Buddha's teachings. Read about the teachings, apply them in your life, attend services and retreats, open your heart and mind to the working of Great Compassion. Then, when you are ready, you can formally become a Buddhist by undertaking the Affirmation or Ordination Ceremony. Affirmation and Ordination The decision to become a Buddhist is marked by either Affirmation or Ordination Ceremony. These two types of ceremonies are different but share certain religious aspects. First of all, the Affirmation Ceremony or the Kikyoshiki is unique to Shin Buddhism only. It is a form of personal religious confirmation, in which the participant publicly acknowledges his/her orientation and commitment to the Pure Land path of Shinran Shonin and the recognition of the working of Great Compassion (Other Power) in their lives. At the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, one must successfully take the Discovering Buddhism 101 Course in order to participate in this ceremony. We believe that one should have some background in the Buddha’s life, teachings and practices in order to undertake such an important ritual. As stated above, this ceremony is unique to Shin Buddhism, which is a lay religious movement and not a religious order. This ceremony does not entail the transmission of the Three Jewels or the Five or Ten Precepts from teacher (monk) to disciple. In Shin Buddhism, we are each others teachers. Moreover, according to Shin Buddhism, the ultimate transmission can only come from the direct and personal experience of the working of Great Compassion, which is called shinjin or true entrusting. What's more, Shin Buddhism does not formally have lay precepts, which can be received from human to human transmission; instead they manifest naturally through the shinjin experience. The Affirmation Ceremony allows the participant to publicly acknowledge his/her personal faith experience in the Buddha (Amida), the Dharma (the teachings and the truth) and the Sangha (those who practice the dharma and entrust themselves to the infinite life and light). Furthermore, the Affirmation Ceremony may also confirm the Five Precepts as the best ways to compassionately live in our suffering world. Again, this is not a transmission of the ethical code but just a reminder of its importance. In addition, the Affirmation Ceremony may include the reciting of the Six Paramitas, the Bodhisattva Vows and/or the Shin Buddhist Affirmation as reminders of the Buddhist path. In this ceremony, recipients are given a Buddhist name (homyo), an Affirmation Certificate and Shin Buddhist Okesa. There is usually a small donation requested to cover the costs. In contrast, the Ordination Ceremony is only conferred by a fully ordained monk, in which the lay participant receives the human to human or teacher to student, transmission of the Three Jewels and the Five Precepts and sometimes even can take the Bodhisattva Vows. The participant is then ordained as a lay follower or as it is know in Sanskrit as an upasaka (ordained lay male follower) or upasika (ordained lay female follower). He/she then receives a certificate and a Buddhist name. As a result, the ordainee is formally initiated as a lay member and linked to a monastic order, in which he/she dedicates him/herself to the Three Jewels and the Five Precepts. The ordaining monk is usually seen as the lay followers main teacher. These ordained lay followers may then, in the future, decide to intensify their practice and become fully ordained as monks (bhikkus) or nuns. The Ordination Ceremony is conducted by monastic orders only. Since the BFF is a lay congregation, it does not conduct ordinations. If you are interested in lay ordination please refer to a local Buddhist temple or center with a resident monk or nun. What is the Meaning of Taking Refuge? To publicly take refuge in the Three Jewels is to change the direction of ones life and make an effort to embody the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. To take refuge in the Buddha is to take refuge in the living source of understanding, faith and compassion, symbolized as Amida, the Buddha of Eternal Life and Light and her historical human manifestation, Shakyamuni Buddha. One sees the historical Buddha as the greatest teacher and the embodiment of our true human potential. To take refuge in the Dharma is to take refuge in Reality-as-it-is, the Ocean of Oneness, the Buddhas teachings and the path of understanding, faith and compassion. To take refuge in the Sangha is to take refuge in the community that practices according to the Buddhist path and strives to manifest and embody Enlightenment here on Earth. The Three Jewels are present in every quarter of the universe as well as in our hearts, in every person and in all other species inhabiting every galaxy. By dedicating ourselves to learn, practice and embody the Three Jewels, you will have the proven vehicle to nourish the ability to love and understand within ourselves The Affirmation ceremony is the first step to becoming a disciple of Buddha. You begin the process to be transformed from within. Gradually, through the working of Other Power, you will be made to deeply realize that each of us is the main concern of Great Compassion. As Shinran Shonin said, we who are like rubble will be turned into gold. The colors of Buddha's enlightenment buddhistflag.gif The official Buddhist Flag Taking the Bodhisattva Vows The Bodhisattva Vows are the very essence of the Mahayana (Universal Vehicle) Buddhism. They are the torch lighting our spiritual path. These Vows are the great boat that carries us all to the Other Shore, the Pure Land, and the inspiration guiding us in this life with the great heart of compassion and love. A Bodhisattva is a being that devotes him or herself to compassionate deeds, striving to benefit all beings and seeking their Enlightenment before his or her own. By taking refuge in the Bodhisattva Vows, we endow our lives with profound spiritual meaning. They allow us to embody our highest religious aspirations, in which we commit ourselves to deeper understanding and love and selfless service. They have the power to transform us into gentle spiritual warriors with courageous armor of patience, perseverance and mindfulness, and enduring arrows of generosity, wisdom and compassion. These Vows are a living promise that we reaffirm everyday, not just once in a lifetime. Therefore, we should strive to recite them regularly and practice them always. Sentient Beings are numberless, I vow to save them all. Sufferings are inexhaustible, I vow to end them all. Dharmas are boundless, I vow to learn them all. The Buddha Way is unsurpassable, I vow to embody it. Taking the Five Precepts The Fivefold Precepts have the capacity to protect life and make our lives beautiful. They are not rules or commandments but are guidelines to wholesome and ethical living and truly witness our commitment to live an awakened life. Through the compassionate working of Amida in our lives, we are empowered to better practice them and are encouraged to move forward in the direction of peace, joy and awakening. Likewise, they are the foundation for the happiness of the individual, family and society. These Precepts help us avoid making mistakes and creating suffering, fear and despair but instead bring joy, understanding and peace into our suffering world. The Five Precepts are as follows: 1. I practice the training of love, I refrain from killing. 2. I practice the training of generosity, I refrain from stealing. 3. I practice the training of contentment, I refrain from sexual misconduct. 4. I practice the training of mindful speech, I refrain from harmful speech. 5. I practice the training of mindful consumption; I refrain from intoxicants & harmful substances that harm myself, society and the environment. A Path for All We are talking about going on a wonderful path and living a new kind of lifestyle. For 2,500 years, Buddhism has been a proven path for millions of practitioners. It may be now up to you to travel it too. You must understand this is completely possible; there is no reason at all that you cannot travel this path. This is the beauty of the Pure Land teachings: it is completely available to all whether we are saints or sinners, ignorant or wise. Remember Great Compassion always remain with us. She is moving, seeking and working to liberate you from suffering. Just stop, take notice and be grateful.

WHAT IS LOVE

What Is Love? August 28, 2013 by Amy Chan 0 Love Comments Amy Profile Picture Standard.jpgLove is appreciating and being thankful everyday for the person you have, and treating them with care and thoughtfulness. Love is not waiting until you lose that person to know this. Love is remembering the power of those three words, I love you, I love you, I love you. Love is making decisions for “we”. It’s having the forethought and consideration to know that anything that is going on with you, any problem, any success – is also happening to your partner. Love is nourishing your body and making your health a priority. Because when you’re sick, it’s the people around you that suffer the most. Because you want to be able to maximize your time on earth being a partner, a parent and a friend. Love is being the best person you can be, every day. It is waking up and making the choice to act with integrity, honesty, loyalty, and commitment. It is choosing to act with love over fear, even when you are in pain. It is acting with dignity and grace regardless of how angry or upset you may be. Love is forgiving. Love is wanting the best for your partner, even if that sometimes means to let them go… Love is commitment. Love is a verb, not a noun. Love is not fleeting; it does not come and go with the feelings and emotions of the day. Love is not dictated by lust, rather, lust is just one of its many forms. And while love may not look like how it was portrayed in fairytales, it is magical. Because for love you will make sacrifices, you will be selfless and you will say sorry even when you know you are right. And when you hit a roadblock where the odds seem stacked against the survival of your relationship, you will fight for it with everything you’ve got. Because love is worth it. Because the person you have chosen to commit to is worth it. Sometimes you will do things for love without rhyme or reason. And sometimes love is the only reason you need.

FIND LOVE

Find Love- Find Your Mate With Brainwave Stimulation The Secrets to Help You Find Love Love is the single most important emotion anyone will ever feel. And yet some people find it exceedingly difficult to find that right person to love. It seems almost like a magical gift that some people receive while others are left out in the cold. But just as with so many things in our lives, love (and the ability to find it) is little more than a state of mind. And by finding the exact harmonic frequencies of people who naturally attract love you too can find yourself in a fulfilling relationship. What about our minds keeps us from finding the love we all want? In our most natural state, everyone can both love and be loved. It is life's gift that makes it all worth going through. And yet somehow we get lost along the way. We lose sight of the true meaning of relationships and become nervous about interacting with our potential love interests. But it shouldn't be that way, and thanks to our love entrainment recording it doesn't have to be! You too can live a life full of those wonderful emotions you've seen so often in others. You too can be much loved. Love is attracted to love. Deep down we all know that those who find someone special have become tuned in to their own ability to feel positively toward others. It is this intimate connection some of us have with the rest of the human race that naturally allows others to gravitate toward us. And when we become isolated due to a painful past or fears about the future, we lose this ability to love. And tragically others find it difficult to love someone who cannot love them back. The result? Unfortunately, these people often find themselves in difficult and emotionally draining situations or simply let relationships pass them by altogether. But it shouldn't be that way. You can start to change the world by filling your own life with the kind of love others find intoxicating and attractive. By being open with others and connecting in ways you once thought impossible you too can quickly achieve the level of love you thought once was only a fairy tale. Everyone wants to find their soul mate. But even if you have found yours, are you truly connecting with them in the way you always knew you could? What kind of life would you lead if each morning you woke up grateful just to be near that special someone? There's a void in the lives of so many of us. That void cannot be filled with material possessions. It can only be filled with love. What if you could flip a switch and open your heart? What would you do with it? Who would you finally open up to? Our entrainment therapy specializes in those who wish to attract love and fill their lives with more fulfillment than ever before. We can help you find it within yourself to live a more fulfilled and happy life. Facts to Consider: Too often people are injured by the past and close themselves off from love. Imagine a world where everyone were capable of loving you. Even if you've been with someone a long time, our recording can help bring you closer together. So many relationships with limitless potential are stopped short by the very things our recordings work to remove. Intimacy with someone you love is infinitely more rewarding than any other time. How Can We Help? By stimulating your brainwaves with our Low Theta frequency, your feelings of fear and isolation will melt away. To put it simply, you will be thinking like someone who is ready for that special someone. Then we put you in an Alpha state you will feel the kinship with others you've always desired. Conversations with others will become easier, social anxiety around lovers will diminish, and your mind will allow positive emotions to rise up within yourself. A positive emotional sensation has been reported in users who have allowed this frequency to work within themselves. Let these positive emotions thrive and soon you'll be looking into the beautiful eyes of your lover and recognizing the right emotions within you. The rest will come naturally. How Does It Work? Binaural Beats- Sine wave generators are used to create two separate frequency waves, which are introduced to each ear independently. The brain reacts by creating a third tone, making up the difference of the two. It instantly reacts to these frequencies causing a Shift In Consciousness. Using this technology, your brain can be programmed to weed out interferences and open up the communication channels inside your mind that are blocked by your own consciousness. Isochronic Tones- If you are looking for the most effective type of brainwave entrainment, Isochronic tones are the way to go. Isochronic Tones also use equal intensity tones, but the pulse speed is greater, causing the brain to synchronize with the rhythm. In 1999, Thomas Budzynski Ph.D. published a case in the Journal of Neurotherapy which showed that a group of 8 college students increased their GPA with the use of audio brainwave stimulation, and their GPA continued to increase even after the brainwave entrainment was finished.... Usage Suggestions As your body drifts into a relaxed Theta state you will feel negative memories that have blocked you for a long time drifting away as if they never happened. These negative emotions serve to block your ability to find love. Many of the things that have bothered you and isolated you will simply melt away and you will find yourself ready to talk to others. Let yourself feel the good in others as well as in yourself. With these positive new emotions, you will be able to get out and approach people more readily and fear interacting with them a lot less. And if that alone isn't enough to help you, the second half then lets your brain coast into a more mild relaxed state where you can start actively generating these positive emotions yourself and bring them into your more permanent consciousness. It's easy to isolate yourself, but you miss out on so much good in the world! After your personality becomes more loving you will find it comes back to you ten-fold.

EGO CONTROL

Ego Control Made Easy With Isochronic Audio Ego Control For The Better Everyone needs to have confidence in order to function well within social groups. We need to be sure of ourselves, have faith in the things we say, and rebuff attacks on our sense of well being and self esteem. But occasionally, this confidence gets out of control leading to an ego problem that can result in many of the same issues a lack of confidence can. Our ego control entrainment therapy is designed to help those of us who have an inflated ego deflate it a bit to ensure it doesn't interfere with our lives. Those with egos too large for their own good will undertake tasks far beyond their ability. Rather than honing their skills and focusing on what they can accomplish, they are too wrapped up in the fight to become the best and as a result rob themselves of the journey it takes to actually get there. Obviously, most people with inflated egos do not know they have them. And many people whose egos are wildly out of control still need reinforcement in their confidence. An ego out of control typically is only counterbalanced by a crushing defeat. Why wait for an event that causes so much pain to help you get your ego where it needs to be? Our ego control program will help you get an accurate picture of your capabilities without forcing yourself into a difficult situation. When is Ego dangerous? It's generally dangerous to yourself and others when you confidently take on tasks and dangers that are simply beyond your ability. Someone with an ego out of control will distance themselves from others and even lose relationships that were once important to them. Though they may feel they are the greatest thing on Earth at first, they will eventually realize they have overextended themselves and lose everything they once thought important. It's important to reflect on yourself and take heed of warning signs to ensure you don't end up ruining the incredible and exciting life you have in store, just for the sake of an illusion. When does Ego disconnect you from others? There are various unkind words in the English language used to describe people whose egos are out of control. These words emphasize the importance we all place on a dose of character. When we are a little humbled, connections come easier between people and make certain our friends and relatives know we appreciate them. A well placed joke aimed to poke fun at oneself can do more to create bonds of familiarity than all the boasting in the world. Facts to Consider: Knowing when to boast and when to be humble is a good way to create strong and lasting ties. Just as you can't boast convincingly if you don't believe in yourself, you cannot fake knowing your weaknesses With an out of control ego you will fool yourself into accepting all challenges yourself rather than asking for help when you need it most. One of mankind's greatest assets is cooperation. Learn to use it painlessly Humble people are seen as virtuous and more secure with themselves than those with out of control egos How Can We Help? By utilizing High Alpha and Low Beta tones at precise frequencies, your neural pathways strengthen, and you gain an honest evaluation of your strengths as well as areas that must be improved. These frequencies work miracles with self image because they enhance your ability to see the whole picture while allowing you to truly get in touch with your real talents. They are specifically designed to help you get a firm and strong image of your real strengths so you can flaunt them through action in ways people will notice and not just through word of mouth, while curbing irrational vanities and hubris. How Does It Work? Binaural Beats- Sine wave generators are used to create two separate frequency waves, which are introduced to each ear independently. The brain reacts by creating a third tone, making up the difference of the two. It instantly reacts to these frequencies causing a Shift In Consciousness. Using this technology, your brain can be programmed to weed out interferences and open up the communication channels inside your mind that are blocked by your own consciousness. By promoting honesty in the mind through the connections made here, we ensure you don't risk the pitfalls of an out of control ego. Isochronic Tones- If you are looking for the most effective type of brainwave entrainment, Isochronic tones are the way to go. Isochronic Tones also use equal intensity tones, but the pulse speed is greater, causing the brain to synchronize with the rhythm. In 1999, Thomas Budzynski Ph.D. published a case in the Journal of Neurotherapy which showed that a group of 8 college students increased their GPA with the use of audio brainwave stimulation, and their GPA continued to increase even after the brainwave entrainment was finished.... Usage Suggestions When you listen to the ego control recording, try to put yourself in a third person perspective and take a deep look at yourself. View your morals and actions in an unbiased way and you will soon be able to see what needs improvement. Once you have them narrowed down, you can begin corrective actions and increase your overall value. Particularly useful for those involved in occupations and relationships where confidence is a necessity, and ego can get in the way, leading to poor judgment.

LOVE MAKING

Love Making Beta Recording- Play While Making Love Love Making Skills for a Better Intimate Life How Valuable is a Better Love Life? It's no mystery that some people do better than others in the love department. But the most important thing that makes lovemaking healthy and fulfilling is the human mind. Those who are dynamite lovers are that way because their minds are open, willing, creative, and committed to a mutually fulfilling and positive experience. But there's a little more to it than just that. There's a certain spark to truly incredible love making that can be generated only from an unspoken intensity that wells up from the emotional centers of the brain more than the biological ones. English has only one word for love, but those who have experienced it can tell you that love is not defined so simply. There is a deeper emotion, for which there is no real word in our language. It is this emotion that our lovemaking recording stimulates. And with it, we allow you to truly become a master of the senses and have climactic experiences unlike anything you dreamed possible. And this experience can be shared with that special someone in new ways each time. But we help with more tangible elements of the experience as well. After using our recording you will discover that your confidence has greatly increased as well. The very act of tapping into this deeper and more powerful form of love will allow you to instantly change the landscape of your relationship into what you've always dreamed of. Each new day (and night) will become an adventure. Every new experience will bring you both to the pinnacle of experience. And as you find yourself performing in ways you never thought you could, your relationship will thrive as well. And no relationship security is greater than an incredible love life. Facts to Consider: The most important elements of lovemaking happen within the mind. This gift will help your partner as much as yourself live a better life. Everyone can use some help, but it's all within you right now. With the proper mindset even the most casual relationship can become an incredible adventure. How Can We Help? Whether you use it shortly before or during your most intimate moments, this recording will unleash the most impressive and fulfilling lovemaking centers of your brain to allow them to work together for a truly satisfying experience for both you and your partner. The frequencies we use start you off in a Beta state so you are open, relaxed, and confident of yourself. Imagine a life where something you and your partner share is truly more satisfying than anything either of you have ever experienced in your lives. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing each time will be the best for both of you, to be topped only by the next adventure you both will share. How Does It Work? Binaural Beats- Sine wave generators are used to create two separate frequency waves, which are introduced to each ear independently. The brain reacts by creating a third tone, making up the difference of the two. It instantly reacts to these frequencies causing a Shift In Consciousness. Using this technology, your brain can be programmed to weed out interferences and open up the communication channels inside your mind that are blocked by your own consciousness. Isochronic Tones- If you are looking for the most effective type of brainwave entrainment, Isochronic tones are the way to go. Isochronic Tones also use equal intensity tones, but the pulse speed is greater, causing the brain to synchronize with the rhythm. In 1999, Thomas Budzynski Ph.D. published a case in the Journal of Neurotherapy which showed that a group of 8 college students increased their GPA with the use of audio brainwave stimulation, and their GPA continued to increase even after the brainwave entrainment was finished...

POWERFUL THINGS FOR HEALTHY BODY

One of the most common practices found in the world’s great spiritual traditions is fasting. The Buddha refrained from food and drink during his period of asceticism – and Buddhist monks fast on the new moon and full moon each month. Fasting is an integral part of the Hindu religion. And abstaining from food and drink from sunup to sundown during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Bible contains dozens of references to fasting. It is prescribed as preparation for an important event (Judges 20:26, I Samuel 14:24), as a mourning rite (II Samuel 1:12, 12:16-23), and as a form of atonement (Jonah 3:5, Jeremiah 36:9). In the New Testament, Jesus fasts for 40 days. In the Old Testament, Moses does (twice). Orthodox Jews fast during Yom Kippur, Tzom Gedaliah, and Purim. Early Christians fasted every Wednesday and Friday. Many do today during Advent, Pentecost, the Assumption or Lent. For skeptics, of course, fasting evokes some of the worst associations with religion: irrationality, guilt, self-denial, or punishment. But practitioners contend it is a way of purifying and recharging. Fasting strengthens temperance and self-control. It can be a time to focus on your inner life rather than your physical needs. And it promotes humility and empathy. After all, is it not easier to identify with the plight of the world’s hungry when your own stomach is rumbling? Now science is trumpeting the benefits of fasting, as well. Research shows that nothing is more effective in increasing human lifespan than caloric restriction. But during fasting periods, the body also kicks into repair mode, fixing and protecting tissues, organs and the nervous system. And it can lead to a powerful sense of catharsis, especially for those who have overindulged in processed or unhealthy foods. In short, this ancient spiritual practice is gaining millions of secular adherents today. Why? Because the scientific evidence in favor of it is unequivocal. Just ask Dr. Michael Mosley. Mosley trained as a doctor at the Royal Free Hospital in London, but after passing his medical exams joined the BBC and began making science documentaries. He has won numerous awards, including being named Medical Journalist of the Year by the British Medical Association. His 2012 documentary “Eat, Fast, and Live Longer”, viewed by more than 30 million people worldwide, has become something of a sensation. Dr. Mosley insists there is nothing else you can do for your body that is as positive and powerful as fasting. He points to mountains of evidence – and his own personal experience – to prove it. Fasting doesn’t have to mean giving up food for an entire day. Dr. Mosley’s recommended technique is intermittent fasting. He recommends consuming a quarter of your regular calorie intake on two nonconsecutive days each week. That’s 600 calories for men and 500 for women. For obvious reasons, it’s called a 5:2 Diet – five days on and two off. But calling it a “diet” is a misnomer, really. Diets are about what you eat. Intermittent fasting is about not eating. With this plan, there are no complicated rules to follow, no recipes to learn, no points to add up, and no lists of foods you can or can’t consume. Instead of saying “no” all the time, you get to have a life. You can plan ahead and still enjoy yourself at parties, cookouts and banquets. You get to eat all the foods you enjoy most of the time. And there are numerous health benefits. Studies indicate that intermittent fasting: Improves your cholesterol count and blood glucose levels. Moves you closer to a Body Mass Index of 25 or less, reducing your risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes, gallbladder disease, colon and breast cancer, osteoarthritis and respiratory problems. Improves IGF-1 – a hormone that prevents cell death and slows the aging process – reducing the risk of a number of age-related diseases. Switches on millions of repair genes in response to the minor physiological stress of fasting. Gives your pancreas a rest, boosting the effectiveness of the insulin it produces. Promotes an enhanced sense of wellbeing. Many fasters report a “glow,” perhaps the result of something going on at a metabolic level that governs our moods. Why is intermittent fasting so good for you? Scientists hypothesize that it is because human beings evolved in an environment where food was often scarce. We are the product of hundreds of thousands of years of feast or famine. Intermittent fasting mimics the environment in which our bodies and genes were shaped. Your body is exquisitely adapted to respond to stresses and shocks in a way that makes it tougher and healthier. (The scientific term is hormesis.) When you severely restrict your calorie intake, you “fool” your body into believing it is in a potential famine situation. It switches from its ordinary “go-go” mode to a maintenance mode. And that leads to a cornucopia of health benefits. Intermittent fasters generally make some unexpected discoveries. They find they commonly eat not because they’re hungry but because they’re bored, thirsty, or just because food happens to be in front of them. We eat from habit, or because it’s a certain hour, or because we are afraid that if we don’t we will be hungry later. There are a number of common misperceptions about fasting, too. The first is that it is incredibly difficult. You might imagine that hunger builds and builds until it becomes unendurable and you find yourself face down in the local pizza buffet. The reality is that hunger comes and goes in waves, then passes. We tend to assume that fasting makes it harder to concentrate. Yet fasters report that it sharpens their senses and concentration. Most believe fasting will make them irritable. But studies show it improves mood and protects the brain from dementia and cognitive decline. Of course, the biggest misperception is that if you fast one day you’ll just blow it by pigging out the next. Yet study participants told to eat all they want on non-fast days regularly report eating only slightly more than they ordinarily do. The biggest obstacle to fasting is fear. Our brains evolved to persuade us to eat as much as we can as often as we can to guard against future hunger. That was an effective strategy in a food-deprived environment. But in our modern world of inexpensive, easy-to-access, fatty, salty and sweetened foods, it’s a decided handicap. If you’d like to give fasting a go, you might begin by watching Dr. Mosley’s documentary, widely available on the Internet. In a follow-up book, he also offers these tips: Find a friend or family member to join you… or at least support you in your endeavor. Which two days you fast each week are unimportant, any two nonconsecutive days will do. But for scheduling reasons, many find that Mondays and Thursdays work best. Try fasting from 2 to 2. Most daily fasts are from morning until night. But they needn’t be. Any 24-hour period will do. You may find it easier to fast, say, from 2 p.m. one day until 2 p.m. the next. When tempted to eat, always wait 10 or 15 minutes to see if the hunger subsides. Stay hydrated. You can be tempted to eat when you are only thirsty. Distract yourself, if necessary, with a walk, a phone call or anything that takes your mind off eating. As fasting advocate Brad Pilon notes, “No one’s hungry the first few seconds of a sky dive.” Prep your fast-day food in advance. This keeps you from the dangerous temptation of foraging in the pantry or fridge. Whatever you eat on a fast day, relish it. Go slow. Many describe fasting as the equivalent of hitting a reset button for your entire body. You may fear that going an entire day while consuming 600 calories or less is sheer torture. But anyone who has had to prep for a colonoscopy knows that a day without eating is hardly the end of the world. Mosley reports that men enjoy intermittent fasting because it is uncomplicated, requires no cooking skills, and can be viewed as a challenging but enjoyable test of willpower. Women tend to like it because it’s easy to implement, their bodies respond to it rapidly and while they may not be eating their beloved chocolate today, they know they will be tomorrow. Intermittent fasting is not an invitation to binge and starve. It is calibrated and sensible. Over time most fasters see their appetites moderate. And while it may seem like a tough slog at first, over time the sense of deprivation diminishes and eating this way becomes second nature. Not everyone should fast, of course. The list includes children, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions or those who are already too thin. But for the rest of us, there are good reasons to give it a try: a self-repairing physiology, greater disease resistance, a cognitive boost, and improved longevity. And, not least of all, steady and sustainable weight loss. Dr. Mosley reports that he dropped pounds so rapidly that he switched to fasting just one day a week once he reached his ideal weight. In short, intermittent fasting offers a host of physical and psychological benefits. It is not a diet, but a sustainable strategy for a longer, healthier life. You stand to gain a lot… and perhaps lose a bit, as well.

STONES FOR PLANETS

GemstonesGemstones are defined as organic materials, mineral or rock that are used for several purposes. Like for instance, they are used in jewelleries, ornamentations and other art forms. Gemstones like pearl or opals are commonly styled into art or jewellery and they do not require any sort of polishing or cuts. They can be called as gemstones, but not gems. On the other hand, Diamond is a type of gem that needs proper cutting as well as polishing for making its true beauty visible. Gemstones are also known as crystalline rock. Gemstones appear like a piece of attractive mineral. Origin of Gemstones The origin of gemstones is from deep beneath the earth, while the others are formed from hot fluids and other chemical components. The gemstones that are formed deep beneath the earth ultimately brought to the surface by explosions of molten rocks. Some stones are also crystallised slowly from hot fluids and gases as they cooled and solidified eventually. These stones are formed far below the surface of the earth. Others stones are formed from liquids that are filtered into crack and pockets in the rock. Some stones are formed when rocks were heated and pressurised by the natural earth movements, and then again formed as a new, different mineral altogether. Characteristics of Gemstones The characteristics of gemstones can be explained by technical terminology. This is the specific subject for the gemologists. Gems are characterised by means of their refractive index, specific gravity, hardness, dispersion, luster, etc. They may exhibit pleochroism or double refraction. Gemstones may also have a distinctive absorption spectrum and luminescence. The gem may occur in certain locations; this is popularly known as `occurrence`. Classification of Gemstones There are around 30 popular varieties of gemstones and many rarer collector gemstones. Some varieties of gemstones have been treasured since pre-historic times while several others were discovered recently. Gemstones are classified on the basis of succeeding characteristics such as Crystal Structure, Optical Characteristics, Chemical Composition, Specific Gravity, and Durability. Grading of Gemstones Many years ago, there were only two types of gemstones. Some of them were precious while some were semi-precious. Some basic principles are involved in grading gemstones of both types. There are 4 C`s regarding gemstones. These can be mentioned as colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. One of the significant factors for determining the value of coloured gemstones is comprehensive colour grading. Unlike diamonds, where the cut is one of the most important factors, the `colour` of coloured gemstones can influence as much as fifty percent of a gemstone`s value. Most of the gemstones are cut and polished for usage. Stones, which are opaque, are commonly cut as cabochons whereas the transparent gems are normally faceted. Colour of Gemstones The actual colour of a gemstone is because of the reflective and absorptive properties of any elements or impurities within the precious stone. This colour does not include any optical effects caused by reflection or refraction. It is said that gemstones are the most deeply coloured natural material. In fact they have become a sort of synonymous with colour that nowadays mostly people recognise them with their colours. The colours of gemstones have a wide range of variations. Synthetic Gemstones Some gemstones are manufactured to replicate other gemstones. But these artificial synthetic gemstones copy the look and colour of the real stone but possess neither their chemical nor physical characteristics as well. There are around 130 varieties of minerals that have been cut into gems with 50 species in common use. Power of Gemstones Gems are largely used as an astrological remedy to counteract unpleasant effects of different planets. The ancient prophets of India used to call them as `ratnas`. They also used them to help an individual native. Among the many gemstones, the lunar astrology advocated the use of nine stones to counteract the adverse effect of the planets. But these gemstones should be carefully selected according to the planetary positions and these can bring about prosperity, mental peace and success. Semi-Precious Gemstones The use of semiprecious stones has been very popular in the country since time immemorial. There are around 84 different types of gemstones, out of which only 8 gems have been described as precious and the remaining are called semi-precious gems. Most of them are used for making cutlery, idols and ornamental items. Significance of Gemstones Gemstones often carry significant role in the wearer`s life. People like to wear them but most of them do not have any idea how the gemstones are made and why they are so precious. Many gemstones have healing and medicinal power that protect against the bad effect of planets. They are also known to boost the spiritual power in a person`s body. Research has proved that gemstones usually heal people suffering from dangerous and fatal illnesses by energizing them as well. Gem Therapy The healing power of gems is not entirely an illogical belief. If it were, oral administration of gems as oxides and powder would never be so extensively practiced and so effective. Ayurvedic medicines and the Greek system, known as the Unani system in India, both utilize gems. Practitioners of these systems have studied gems and their typical effects on human organs, because gems are mineral in pure crystalline form and human body is composed of the same materials. Gems provide the lacking colour in any human body for which the person may suffer from various diseases. Navratna Gemstones Navratna gemstones are the set of nine precious stones that are related to nine ruling planets. A person should wear either the ring of a single gemstone or a set of nine precious stones. This navratna gemstone is worn to increase the power of planets and for removing their malevolent effects. Gemstones for Planets There are many gemstones, which are effective for planets. These can be mentioned as Blue Sapphire that is gemstone for Saturn planet, Cat`s eye that is gemstone of Ketu planet, Coral, which is the gemstone for Mars planet, Emerald that is the gemstone for Mercury planet, Gomed that is gem stone of Rahu planet, Ruby that is the gemstone for Sun, Pearl that is the gemstone for Moon, and Yellow Sapphire that is the Gemstone of Jupiter planet. Types of Gemstones There are various types of gemstones present. All the gemstones are basically differentiated in two distinct groups of precious and semi-precious stones. Diamonds have also been considered as the most valuable of such stones. Other precious gemstones are rubies, emeralds, topaz, zircon and sapphires used in a wide range of purposes. Amethyst, opal, aquamarine, jade, turquoise, garnet, agate, onyx, apis lazuli, and malachite are some of the popular semi-precious stones. Gemstones are highly prized and are known for their beauty, durability, and rarity.

GEMS STONES

More... GemstonesGemstones are defined as organic materials, mineral or rock that are used for several purposes. Like for instance, they are used in jewelleries, ornamentations and other art forms. Gemstones like pearl or opals are commonly styled into art or jewellery and they do not require any sort of polishing or cuts. They can be called as gemstones, but not gems. On the other hand, Diamond is a type of gem that needs proper cutting as well as polishing for making its true beauty visible. Gemstones are also known as crystalline rock. Gemstones appear like a piece of attractive mineral. Origin of Gemstones The origin of gemstones is from deep beneath the earth, while the others are formed from hot fluids and other chemical components. The gemstones that are formed deep beneath the earth ultimately brought to the surface by explosions of molten rocks. Some stones are also crystallised slowly from hot fluids and gases as they cooled and solidified eventually. These stones are formed far below the surface of the earth. Others stones are formed from liquids that are filtered into crack and pockets in the rock. Some stones are formed when rocks were heated and pressurised by the natural earth movements, and then again formed as a new, different mineral altogether. Characteristics of Gemstones The characteristics of gemstones can be explained by technical terminology. This is the specific subject for the gemologists. Gems are characterised by means of their refractive index, specific gravity, hardness, dispersion, luster, etc. They may exhibit pleochroism or double refraction. Gemstones may also have a distinctive absorption spectrum and luminescence. The gem may occur in certain locations; this is popularly known as `occurrence`. Classification of Gemstones There are around 30 popular varieties of gemstones and many rarer collector gemstones. Some varieties of gemstones have been treasured since pre-historic times while several others were discovered recently. Gemstones are classified on the basis of succeeding characteristics such as Crystal Structure, Optical Characteristics, Chemical Composition, Specific Gravity, and Durability. Grading of Gemstones Many years ago, there were only two types of gemstones. Some of them were precious while some were semi-precious. Some basic principles are involved in grading gemstones of both types. There are 4 C`s regarding gemstones. These can be mentioned as colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. One of the significant factors for determining the value of coloured gemstones is comprehensive colour grading. Unlike diamonds, where the cut is one of the most important factors, the `colour` of coloured gemstones can influence as much as fifty percent of a gemstone`s value. Most of the gemstones are cut and polished for usage. Stones, which are opaque, are commonly cut as cabochons whereas the transparent gems are normally faceted. Colour of Gemstones The actual colour of a gemstone is because of the reflective and absorptive properties of any elements or impurities within the precious stone. This colour does not include any optical effects caused by reflection or refraction. It is said that gemstones are the most deeply coloured natural material. In fact they have become a sort of synonymous with colour that nowadays mostly people recognise them with their colours. The colours of gemstones have a wide range of variations. Synthetic Gemstones Some gemstones are manufactured to replicate other gemstones. But these artificial synthetic gemstones copy the look and colour of the real stone but possess neither their chemical nor physical characteristics as well. There are around 130 varieties of minerals that have been cut into gems with 50 species in common use. Power of Gemstones Gems are largely used as an astrological remedy to counteract unpleasant effects of different planets. The ancient prophets of India used to call them as `ratnas`. They also used them to help an individual native. Among the many gemstones, the lunar astrology advocated the use of nine stones to counteract the adverse effect of the planets. But these gemstones should be carefully selected according to the planetary positions and these can bring about prosperity, mental peace and success. Semi-Precious Gemstones The use of semiprecious stones has been very popular in the country since time immemorial. There are around 84 different types of gemstones, out of which only 8 gems have been described as precious and the remaining are called semi-precious gems. Most of them are used for making cutlery, idols and ornamental items. Significance of Gemstones Gemstones often carry significant role in the wearer`s life. People like to wear them but most of them do not have any idea how the gemstones are made and why they are so precious. Many gemstones have healing and medicinal power that protect against the bad effect of planets. They are also known to boost the spiritual power in a person`s body. Research has proved that gemstones usually heal people suffering from dangerous and fatal illnesses by energizing them as well. Gem Therapy The healing power of gems is not entirely an illogical belief. If it were, oral administration of gems as oxides and powder would never be so extensively practiced and so effective. Ayurvedic medicines and the Greek system, known as the Unani system in India, both utilize gems. Practitioners of these systems have studied gems and their typical effects on human organs, because gems are mineral in pure crystalline form and human body is composed of the same materials. Gems provide the lacking colour in any human body for which the person may suffer from various diseases. Navratna Gemstones Navratna gemstones are the set of nine precious stones that are related to nine ruling planets. A person should wear either the ring of a single gemstone or a set of nine precious stones. This navratna gemstone is worn to increase the power of planets and for removing their malevolent effects. Gemstones for Planets There are many gemstones, which are effective for planets. These can be mentioned as Blue Sapphire that is gemstone for Saturn planet, Cat`s eye that is gemstone of Ketu planet, Coral, which is the gemstone for Mars planet, Emerald that is the gemstone for Mercury planet, Gomed that is gem stone of Rahu planet, Ruby that is the gemstone for Sun, Pearl that is the gemstone for Moon, and Yellow Sapphire that is the Gemstone of Jupiter planet. Types of Gemstones There are various types of gemstones present. All the gemstones are basically differentiated in two distinct groups of precious and semi-precious stones. Diamonds have also been considered as the most valuable of such stones. Other precious gemstones are rubies, emeralds, topaz, zircon and sapphires used in a wide range of purposes. Amethyst, opal, aquamarine, jade, turquoise, garnet, agate, onyx, apis lazuli, and malachite are some of the popular semi-precious stones. Gemstones are highly prized and are known for their beauty, durability, and rarity.

Msudra , Science of Gesture

Mudra , Science of GesturesMudra is a gesture by hand or seal which symbolizes energy. This is one of the most beautiful forms of expression by using the fingers and thumb. Mudra is a voluntary neuromuscular action (contraction) or posture by which the prana is controlled and directed through a particular nadi, known as Mudra. That is why Viparita Karani Mudra is practiced as an asana with a limited objective at the physical level. Mudra also means Seal or the cast (mould), Stamp, impression, currency, gesture, a body position which provides pleasure and joy, symbol and action with some expression on the face. It is also known as the ritual or symbolic gesture which is practiced from very old times in Buddhism and Hinduism. Mudra calls for the involvement of the whole body and it is performed by the use of fingers of both the hands and the hands as well. Mudra is regarded as energetic or the `seal of authenticity` utilized in the Indian religious spiritual practice. There are references of Mudras in the philosophies of the Eastern world and it is also a part of Yogic practice and culture. Mudra is justly defined as a mystical gesture of the hand in order to focus elusive energy by symbols. Moreover, the bandhas are also included in the mudras. The reason is probably that they are only four in number. Usually they are practiced as an essential part of pranayama. When they are practiced without pranayama, they are mudras. Therefore, mudras, which are practiced in pranayama, are known as bandhas. They bind and direct the current of prana from a particular region and generate specific impulse. When these impulses are understood at the experiential level, the prana or the force or vital energy, can be directed further through the specific route or nadi. Gherand Samhita speaks of about 25 mudras in 100 verses. Tantra mentions Ankush mudra, Abhaya mudra, Kumbha mudra, Vara mudra, and Shankha mudra. In Goroksha Shatak, only six mudras are described. The word mudra is not limited to yoga. They are also included in Tantra (e.g., Vijay Tantra, which saves a person from evil) and the art of Indian traditional dance as well as drama. Unlike in Hatha Yoga, in Tantra the importance is given to the special arrangements of the fingers and hands. While in Indian dance and drama, mudras are done with the help of face and eyes. The purpose is clearly of an expression or indication of the feelings. The term `mudra` is derived from two words; `mud` and `ra`. Here, `mud` means to rejoice or to be happy and `ra` means `to give`. Thus, Mudra is an action which offers delight or extreme joy. This is an indication that the practice of mudra is concerned with sensory aspect. Concept of Mudras Mudras` concept depends upon all the fingers of both the hands of an individual. Each of the fingers is linked with specific meaning and energy. The accurate use of the fingers provides the Mudra with the energy to heal. Fingers are stated to bear the human body`s five elements, which are air, water, fire, earth and sky. These are there in set proportions and a slight imbalance may cause severe disaster. The striking of balance in between these elements is however not easy. Thus, the practice of Mudra facilitates the harmonizing of the five elements present in the human body. An elaborate study concerning the fingers and their links with the five elements unveils the fact that the element earth, worry and stomach are represented by the thumb. Index finger of a human being comprises of the element metal and has an influence over the large intestine, lungs, and also the control over emotions like sadness, depression and grief. The hand`s middle finger is regarded as the element fire which is connected with the small intestine, heart, respiratory and circulatory systems and the emotions include hastiness and impatience. The element wood is constituted by the ring finger and the same is associated with the gall bladder, liver and nervous system, and represents anger, while the little finger represents water, fear and kidney. Apart from this, the fingers of the hands are linked to profound meaning in palmistry and astrology. The hand`s little finger is Mercury which is associated with communication. The little finger is also linked with the second chakra. Ring finger is linked to the Sun God called Apollo, and it refers to the association and it forms the root chakra. The middle finger is associated with Saturn and it denotes responsibility and is linked with throat chakra, which is the entrance to purity. The index finger is related to Jupiter and it denotes self-worth and is linked to heart chakra. Lastly, the thumb is linked to Mars, and this denotes self-assertion and is relates to the element of fire. Origin of Mudras Mudras have an ancient origin. As per mythology, Lord Shiva is regarded to have started the basic Mudras. Mudra practice is prevalent all over the world. Mudra is found in all forms and is used in dance, religion, art and also in Tantra. The importance of Mudra is both esoteric and exoteric. It also forms an useful identification of the Bodhisattvas, the Buddha and deities. The science dealing with finger postures or the Mudra Vigyan holds a significant position in ancient Indian Sciences. Science of Mudra is very much interesting. For harmonizing the mind`s undercurrents, Mudra science is regarded very much significant. Moreover, the Mudra science of Mudra Vigyan is the feature which helps one to practice meditation. Mudras are always regarded as a mysterious science. Thus, Mudra Vigyan is an independent and separate branch of yoga. Furthermore, Mudra Vigyan represents the five fingers that represent the five tattvas. Purpose of Mudra The most prominent purpose of Mudra is to boost the soul of a human being and encourage the individual in order to secure divine powers. Mudras help in keeping the body in perfect condition. Apart from giving spiritual gains, Mudras are also known to be of great therapeutic use. Research on Mudra has revealed several gains by practicing Mudras. Mudras are described as emotional, devotional, psychic and aesthetic attitudes or gestures. Several kinds of Mudras are brought in for varied uses. Yogis have reckoned Mudras as postures of energy flow and associated them to pranic force of individuals with the cosmic or universal force. As per Hathapradipika and Shiv Samhita there are ten types of mudras which are Mahamudra, Mahabandha, Mahauedha, Khechari, Uddiyan, Mula bandha, Jalandhara bandha, Viperita karani, Vajroli and Shaktichalana. Vajroli is further subdivided into Amroli and Sahajoli. According to Hathapradipika, Mudras are practiced in order to awake the Kundalini power or the Kundalini Prabodhana while Gherand Samhita recommends it for stability or sthirata and equilibrium. Mudras are practiced to stimulate a particular neuromuscular area (e.g., anal sphincters as in Ashwini Mudra) of the body by voluntary muscular contraction maintained for some length of time or repeated with counter relaxation. This generates currents of energy that travel upward and they minimize the activity of mind and the sadhaka experiences the emotional and mental stability. Mudra Vigyan - five fingers which are the representation of five tattvasBenefits of Mudras The benefits obtained from Mudra are large in number, since Mudra Vigyan is used in different ways. Mudra helps in maintaining the smooth energy flow by the `nadis` which nourish the internal organs of human body. Mudras in therapeutic use have also gained prominence. A regular practice of Mudras can cure arthritis, insomnia and memory loss. Mudras can be practiced to get a particular state of consciousness. Apart from these, mastering the Mudras will help an individual to reject the thoughts of negative nature which will help in mood elevation. Mudras can also be applied in meditation. Meditation and Mudra together can provide a change of human mind. Colour and Mudras form an exclusive combination and arouses positive energy in the human mind, body and soul. Mudras comprise of the slight physical movements which change attitude, mood and perception, and it also deepens the concentration and awareness. Mudra is a term which has universal application. It generally brings in unbelievable improvements and changes in the human body. Mudras also create power in order to offer happiness and peace. Mudras are practiced before or after yoga practices like asanas or pranayama. Mudras form a part of the seven practices which yogis employ in order to listen to their inner sounds. A wide variety of Mudras may be practiced with no difficulty; mainly to assist the visualization of sushumna. Several Mudras are usually associated with the hands and are utilized in Indian dancing including Chit-Mudra which denotes wisdom or chit of the utmost consciousness.