Deepening the mystery of creation is science. Deepening the mystery of the Self is spirituality.
The purpose of technology is to comfort human beings. When spiritual values - human values - are ignored and neglected, technology brings fear and destruction instead of comfort. Technology without human values would see nature as a dead object. Science gives insight into the life of nature, and spirituality makes nature come alive. For example, in the eyes of children, there is nothing dead in the world; animals, trees, the sun and the moon all are alive, and have emotions and feelings. But in the eyes of a stressed and ignorant person, even human beings are like robots or objects! Technology without spirituality is destructive. Spirituality is the technology of consciousness, and the whole world is the play and display of consciousness.
One whose eyes are not yet opened is not amazed by the magnificence of this creation. Tell me, what in this creation is not a mystery? Birth is a mystery.
Death is a mystery. Life itself is certainly a greater mystery.Samadhi is being completely immersed in the mystery of life and in this creation. Your knowing or believing in it doesn't really matter. This creation is an unfathomable secret! A wise person makes no effort to conceal a secret. But he does not make an effort to reveal a secret either. For example, you do not talk about menstruation or death to a five-year-old. But as children grow older, these things are not hidden from them. They become known as a matter of course.
There are five secrets that are sacred and guarded by the subtle beings and angels in this creation. They are:
Janama Rahasya or the secret of birth: Birth is a secret. How a soul takes a body, and the criteria for selecting the place and time of birth, type of body, and parents are all a secret.
Marana Rahasya or the secret of death: Death is a highly guarded secret. Death remains a mystery. The process of separation of spirit from matter and its journey from then on is a secret.
Raja Rahasya or the secret of governance: The principles of governing and the principles of maintaining orderliness in creation are a secret. Prakriti Rahasya or the secret of nature: Nature is a mystery. The more you know about nature, the more the mystery deepens. The more a scientist knows, the more he realizes there is to know. Science, though appearing to resolve the mystery in creation, has deepened it. Knowledge of particles, wave functions, black holes and the vacuum state have only deepened the mystery.
Mantra Rahasya (the secret of mantras): Mantras are the impulses or rhythms of consciousness. The mantras and their effect, influence, method and mode of working are all a mystery.
In the West, a secret is usually shameful and dishonest. However, in the East, a secret is honored and considered sacred. Mysteries of the creation only deepen. Getting steeped in mystery is devotion. Deepening the mystery of creation is Science. Deepening the mystery of the Self is spirituality. They are the two sides of the same coin. If neither science nor spirituality can create wonder and devotion in you, then you are in deep slumber. Whenever you consider a symbol, place, time, person or act as sacred, your attention is undivided and whole. When things are the same, you tend to slip into unawareness and inertia. Why does an act that is performed repeatedly lose its sacredness? This happens when your memory overpowers your consciousness and you lose your sensitivity.
For example, people living in Benaras, a holy city in India, do not feel that it is a sacred place. Through living in the present moment and through sadhana, spiritual practices, we can preserve that feeling of sacredness in our acts.There is a pleasure in rest and there is a pleasure in activity. The pleasure in activity is momentary and causes fatigue. The pleasure in rest is magnanimous and energizing. To the one who has tasted pleasure in rest (samadhi), the pleasure in activity is insignificant. But In order to have deep rest, one must be active. The proper balance of both is essential.
The Mind
Let us examine the five factors that influence the mind: space, time, food, past impressions, and associations and actions.
Space: The place you are in. Every place you are in has a different impact on the mind. Even in your house, you can see that you feel different in different rooms. A place where there has been singing, chanting and meditation has a different influence on the mind. Suppose you like a particular place, you may find that a little later it will not be the same.
Time: Time is also a factor. Different times of the day and year have different influences on the mind.
Food: Different types of food that you eat influence you for a few days. Past impressions or karmas: have a different impact on the mind. Awareness, alertness, knowledge and meditation all help erase past impressions.
Associations and actions: The people and events you are associated with influence your mind. With certain people your mind behaves one way and with others a different way. Although these five factors influence your life and your mind, know that the Self is more powerful. As you grow in knowledge, you influence them all.
Restlessness
Now let us examine the types of restlessness and its remedies. There are five types of restlessness:
The first is due to the place you are in. When you move away from certain places, streets or houses, you immediately feel better. Chanting, singing, or the innocence of children playing and laughing can change this atmospheric restlessness.. If you chant and sing, the vibration in the place changes.
The second type of restlessness is in the body. Eating the wrong food,Vata-aggravating food, eating at odd times, not exercising, and overworking can all cause physical restlessness. The remedy for this is exercise, moderation in work habits and a one to two day vegetable or juice diet.
The third type of restlessness is mental restlessness. It is caused by ambition, strong thoughts, likes or dislikes. Knowledge alone can cure this restlessness; this includes seeing life from a broader perspective, knowing about the Self and realizing the impermanence of everything. If you achieve everything, so what? After your achievement, you will die. Knowledge of your death or life, Confidence in the Self and in the Divine can all calm down mental restlessness.
There is also emotional restlessness. Any amount of knowledge does not help here. Sudarshan Kriya helps! All that emotional restlessness vanishes. Also the presence of the Guru, a wise person, or a saint will help calm emotional restlessness.
The fifth type of restlessness is rare. It is the restlessness of the Soul.When everything feels empty and meaningless, know you are very fortunate. Do not try to get rid of it. Embrace it! This restlessness of the Soul can bring authentic prayer in you. It brings perfection, Siddhis and miracles in life. It is so precious to get that innermost longing for the Divine. Satsang and the presence of enlightened ones, soothe the restlessness of the Soul. Do not look for the Divine somewhere in the sky. See God in every pair of eyes, in the mountains, water, trees and animals. How? Only when you see God in yourself. Only Gods can worship Gods.
Heightened awareness brings you close to the reality. And for this, you have to increase your prana. This can be done through: 1. Fasting and eating fresh food
2. Pranayamas, Sudarshan Kriya, and meditation 3. Silence 4. Cold water baths 5. The right amount of sleep 6. Emotional contentment 7. Presence of the Master 8. Singing and chanting 9. Giving without Givership and service without Doership. All of these together is Yagya. When you have reverence for the whole universe, you are in harmony with the whole universe. Then, you do not need to reject or renounce anything. When you have reverence in all your relationships, your own consciousness expands; Even small things appear to be significant and big.
Every little creature appears dignified. It is the reverence in every relationship that saves the relationship.
Cultivate the skill of having reverence for every moment in your life.
HOW TO DEAL WITH REAL LIFE SITUATIONS
In Patanjali's Yogasutras, It is said there are four clues, ideas, or concepts on how to deal with real life situations. First, there is friendliness. If you feel Friendly for those who are happy, you will overcome jealousy. For people who are suffering, you should have only compassion, and not friendliness. Be happy for those who do good work, who are productive, and meritous. For those who are doing bad things, feel indifference , not hatred.
Fear
You cannot totally eliminate fear, nor should we. Fear is like salt in the food, it keeps one on his toes. Fear keeps one’s feet on the ground, but fear is essential to some degree only. Life salt in the food, if there is too much salt, the food is not consumable, but you cannot eat the food without any salt. A little bit of fear is essential in the process of growth.
Manthan
What we need to do is 'Manthan', introspection. Think what have you got. Think what you have not got. This helps in purification of intellect! And by frequent introspection, you will remember Who you are!! It's like you know it all, you know what it is, but cannot see that all the time. There is a mirror in your hand, but it is dusty! Lots of dusts have accumulated on it... We need to clean off the dust. And what are these dusts called? Craving, aversion... which leads to lack of enthusiasm.
Valor
If you think I have no will power, you will never have it. You have locked your own hands, put a label on your forehead that you are weak. Invoke the valour in you, take a pledge. You have all the force available for you when you need it. You have all the strength and energy!
Fear
You cannot totally eliminate fear, nor should we. Fear is like salt in the food, it keeps one on his toes. Fear keeps one’s feet on the ground, but fear is essential to some degree only. Life salt in the food, if there is too much salt, the food is not consumable, but you cannot eat the food without any salt. A little bit of fear is essential in the process of growth.
Manthan
What we need to do is 'Manthan', introspection. Think what have you got. Think what you have not got. This helps in purification of intellect! And by frequent introspection, you will remember Who you are!! It's like you know it all, you know what it is, but cannot see that all the time. There is a mirror in your hand, but it is dusty! Lots of dusts have accumulated on it... We need to clean off the dust. And what are these dusts called? Craving, aversion... which leads to lack of enthusiasm.
Valor
If you think I have no will power, you will never have it. You have locked your own hands, put a label on your forehead that you are weak. Invoke the valour in you, take a pledge. You have all the force available for you when you need it. You have all the strength and energy!
Health Benefits of A-Z fruits and vegetables (PART I)
Fruit and vegetables should play an important role in our diet. They are good sources of many essential vitamins and minerals, low in fat, and high in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are associated with healthier lives including lower risks of cancer and coronary heart disease. It is recommended that children eat five fruits and vegetables a day.Education is needed to help increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. As a part of it I am giving the health benefits of fruits and vegetables in 2 parts.
APPLE: The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," addresses the health effects of this fruit.Although an apple has a low vitamin C content compared to many other fruits and vegetables, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhance the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart attack, stroke type II diabetes ans asthma.The fiber content helps improve the bowel movements.
AVOCADO:Creamy rich avocado is considered the world's healthiest fruit, because of its nutrient contents such as vitamin K, dietary fiber, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, and reasonable calories in it. Avocados contain “oleic acid”, a monounsaturated fat that may help lower cholesterol. Avocado is a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.High avocado intake has been shown to have an effect on blood serum cholesterollevels. Specifically, after a seven day diet rich in avocados, hypercholesterolemia patients showed a 17% decrease in total serum cholesterol levels. These subjects also showed a 22% decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and 11% increase in HDL(good cholesterol) levels.
BANANA: Due to their high content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy.Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood. Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function.
BARLEY: Barley is a rich source of dietary fiber, niacin, magnesium, selenium and copper. Beacause of its high fiber content it has cholesterol lowering property and offers good intestinal protection.Niacin provides Protection Against Atherosclerosis. Trace minerals like selenium, magnesium and copper reduce the risks of colon cancer, type-2-diabetes and arthritis respectively.
BEANS: Beans actually contain a wider variety of healthy nutrients than most foods. These include calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, and alpha-linolenic acid and are a great source of the B-vitamins, thiamin and niacin, essential in metabolizing carbohydrates to release energy in the body.Another nutritional benefit of beans is that they have a high fiber content. The dietary fiber in beans is called guar gum, which is known to bind with cholesterol and aid in controlling the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream.Fiber is also nature's own laxative. Overall, Studies done in universities have shown that eating beans on a regular basis reduces a person’s risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
BITTERGOURD: Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.Bitter melon contains a unique phyto-constituent that has been confirmed to have a hypoglycemic effect called charantin.
BLUE BERRY: These are high in Antioxidants and Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products called "free radicals" that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases.
BROCCOLI: Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. Broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products. Calcium does more than build strong bones. Research shows that this mineral may play a role in the control of high blood pressure, and it may work to prevent colon cancer.
CABBAGE: Cabbage is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C. These antioxidant phytonutrients are associated with lower incidence of a variety of cancers, including lung, colon, breast and ovarian cancer.The juice of fresh raw cabbage has been proven to heal stomach ulcer.Cabbage contain Sulforaphane, a substance that can increase the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane works by stimulating the production of glutathione, the body's most important internally produced antioxidant which plays a role in liver detoxification. Red cabbage contain anthocyanin (red pigment/color) is an antioxidant that can help protect brain cells, thus can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
CANTALOUPE: Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6 and C, and potassium. It’s also a very good source of dietary fiber, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and thiamine. One cup of cantaloupe contains 112.5% of the daily value for this well-known antioxidant. Cantaloupe has antioxidants that help us fight heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, aging, etc.
CELERY: Celery is a rich source of vitamin C, phthalides and coumarins. Phthalides present in celery relax the muscles around arteries and allow those vessels to dilate. Coumarins and acetylenics have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. It also contains a variety of various minerals and nutrients such as tryptophan, folate, dietary fiber, molybdenum, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B1 (thiamin), B2(riboflavin).
CRANBERRY: Cranberries are high in antioxidants, flavonoids and vit.C. Particularly in the prevention of urinary tract infections, cranberries have proven benefits as an anti-adhesion agent. This means that there are elements in cranberries that can inhibit or stop bacterial adhesion to the walls of the urinary tract.
GARLIC: Garlic contains sulfur compounds , such as allicin and diallyl sulphides . Garlic also houses vitamin C, B6, selenium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and manganese and flavonoids. Allicin has antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, and is used for skin infections such as Athletes’s foot, herpes and warts, digestive and lung infections such as diarrhea, coughs and colds, and Candida yeast and other microbes. Garlic also contains diallyl sulphides, which, are good for the blood and circulation, lowering bad cholesterol and boosting the immune system.
APPLE: The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," addresses the health effects of this fruit.Although an apple has a low vitamin C content compared to many other fruits and vegetables, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhance the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart attack, stroke type II diabetes ans asthma.The fiber content helps improve the bowel movements.
AVOCADO:Creamy rich avocado is considered the world's healthiest fruit, because of its nutrient contents such as vitamin K, dietary fiber, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, and reasonable calories in it. Avocados contain “oleic acid”, a monounsaturated fat that may help lower cholesterol. Avocado is a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.High avocado intake has been shown to have an effect on blood serum cholesterollevels. Specifically, after a seven day diet rich in avocados, hypercholesterolemia patients showed a 17% decrease in total serum cholesterol levels. These subjects also showed a 22% decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and 11% increase in HDL(good cholesterol) levels.
BANANA: Due to their high content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy.Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood. Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function.
BARLEY: Barley is a rich source of dietary fiber, niacin, magnesium, selenium and copper. Beacause of its high fiber content it has cholesterol lowering property and offers good intestinal protection.Niacin provides Protection Against Atherosclerosis. Trace minerals like selenium, magnesium and copper reduce the risks of colon cancer, type-2-diabetes and arthritis respectively.
BEANS: Beans actually contain a wider variety of healthy nutrients than most foods. These include calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, and alpha-linolenic acid and are a great source of the B-vitamins, thiamin and niacin, essential in metabolizing carbohydrates to release energy in the body.Another nutritional benefit of beans is that they have a high fiber content. The dietary fiber in beans is called guar gum, which is known to bind with cholesterol and aid in controlling the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream.Fiber is also nature's own laxative. Overall, Studies done in universities have shown that eating beans on a regular basis reduces a person’s risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
BITTERGOURD: Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.Bitter melon contains a unique phyto-constituent that has been confirmed to have a hypoglycemic effect called charantin.
BLUE BERRY: These are high in Antioxidants and Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products called "free radicals" that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases.
BROCCOLI: Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. Broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products. Calcium does more than build strong bones. Research shows that this mineral may play a role in the control of high blood pressure, and it may work to prevent colon cancer.
CABBAGE: Cabbage is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C. These antioxidant phytonutrients are associated with lower incidence of a variety of cancers, including lung, colon, breast and ovarian cancer.The juice of fresh raw cabbage has been proven to heal stomach ulcer.Cabbage contain Sulforaphane, a substance that can increase the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane works by stimulating the production of glutathione, the body's most important internally produced antioxidant which plays a role in liver detoxification. Red cabbage contain anthocyanin (red pigment/color) is an antioxidant that can help protect brain cells, thus can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
CANTALOUPE: Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6 and C, and potassium. It’s also a very good source of dietary fiber, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and thiamine. One cup of cantaloupe contains 112.5% of the daily value for this well-known antioxidant. Cantaloupe has antioxidants that help us fight heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, aging, etc.
CELERY: Celery is a rich source of vitamin C, phthalides and coumarins. Phthalides present in celery relax the muscles around arteries and allow those vessels to dilate. Coumarins and acetylenics have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. It also contains a variety of various minerals and nutrients such as tryptophan, folate, dietary fiber, molybdenum, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B1 (thiamin), B2(riboflavin).
CRANBERRY: Cranberries are high in antioxidants, flavonoids and vit.C. Particularly in the prevention of urinary tract infections, cranberries have proven benefits as an anti-adhesion agent. This means that there are elements in cranberries that can inhibit or stop bacterial adhesion to the walls of the urinary tract.
GARLIC: Garlic contains sulfur compounds , such as allicin and diallyl sulphides . Garlic also houses vitamin C, B6, selenium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and manganese and flavonoids. Allicin has antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, and is used for skin infections such as Athletes’s foot, herpes and warts, digestive and lung infections such as diarrhea, coughs and colds, and Candida yeast and other microbes. Garlic also contains diallyl sulphides, which, are good for the blood and circulation, lowering bad cholesterol and boosting the immune system.
Health in Your Hand
Ten Mudras for Amazing Health Benefits
Mudras are very powerful. If you practice these mudras regularly you can see the wonderful health benefits.
1. Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge):
Method:
Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out.
Specialty:
As it is a mudra of knowledge, it enhances the knowledge. The tip of thumb has centers of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centers by index finger the two glands work actively.
Time duration:
There is no particular time duration for this mudra. You can practice by sitting, standing or lying on bed whenever and wherever you have time.
Benefits:
• Increases memory power and sharpens the brain
• Enhances concentration and prevents Insomnia
• If we practice it regularly, it will cure all psychological disorders like Mental, Hysteria, Anger and Depression
2. Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth):
Method:
Tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out.
Specialty:
It reduces all physical weaknesses.
Time Duration:
It has no particular time duration. You can practice it any time you want.
Benefits:
• It helps to increase the weight for weak people
• It improves the complexion of skin and makes the skin to glow
• It makes the body active by keeping it healthy
3. Varuna Mudra (Mudra of Water):
Method:
Tip of little finger touches the tip of thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out.
Specialty:
It balances the water content and prevents all diseases which come due to lack of water.
Time Duration:
It has no specific time duration and one can practice it according to their time.
Benefits:
• It retains clarity in blood by balancing water content in the body
• Prevents the pains of Gastroenteritis and Muscle Shrinkage
4. Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air):
Method:
Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press with thumb keeping the other three fingers straight.
Specialty:
It prevents all the diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air.
Time Duration:
The practice of this mudra for 45 minutes reduces the severity of the disease in 12 to 24 hours. For better results practice it for two months.
Benefits:
• It cures Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Parkinson's disease and paralysis without any medicine
• It is useful for Cervical Spondilytis, paralysis to face and catching of nerve in neck
• It corrects the disorder of gas in the stomach
5. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness):
Method:
Keep the middle finger at the mount of Venus and press it with thumb.
Specialty:
It reduces the dullness in our body.
Time Duration:
One can practice it for 40 to 60 minutes daily until to be cured from the disease.
Benefits:
• It relieves an earache within 4 or 5 minutes
• It is useful for the deaf and mentally challenged, but not for inborn ones.
6. Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun):
Method:
Bend the ring finger and press it with thumb.
Specialty:
It sharpens the center in thyroid gland.
Time Duration:
Practice it daily twice for 5 to 15 minutes.
Benefits:
• It reduces cholesterol in body and helps in reducing weight
• It reduces anxiety
• It corrects indigestion problems
7. Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life):
Method:
Bend ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of thumb with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched.
Specialty:
As it is the mudra of life, it improves the power of life. Weak people become strong. It reduces the clamps in blood vessels. If we practice it regularly, we will become active.
Time Duration:
No specific time duration. One can practice it any time.
Benefits:
• It improves immunity
• Improves the power of eyes and reduces eye related diseases
• It removes the vitamin deficiency and fatigue
8. Apana Mudra (Mudra of Digestion):
Method:
The tips of middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb while the other two fingers are stretched out.
Specialty:
It plays an important role in our health as it regulates the excretory system.
Time Duration:
Practice it daily for 45 minutes, but practice for longer time yields more benefits.
Benefits:
• It regulates diabetes
• It cures constipation and piles
• It helps excreting the normal waste regularly
9. Apana Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart):
Method:
The tips of the middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb, while the index finger touches the base of thumb and little finger stretched out.
Specialty:
It benefits the heart. It works like injection in the reduction of heart attack. It is as powerful as sorbitate tablet. It reduces the gas content in body.
Time Duration:
Practice it as many times as you can. Heart patients and BP patients can practice it for 15 minutes daily twice for better results.
Benefits:
• It strengthens the heart and regularizes palpitation
• It regulates excretory system
• It redeems gastric trouble
10. Linga Mudra (Mudra of Heat):
Method:
Interlock the fingers of both the hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically straight and encircle it with the thumb and the index finger of the right hand..
Specialty:
It generates heat in our body. Take milk, ghee, more water and fruit juices in addition to practice of this mudra for much benefits.
Time Duration:
Practice it any time you want. But don't practice it a lot as it produces heat in the body. It can cause sweating even in winter if you practice it longer.
Benefits:
• It stops production of phlegm and gives power to lungs
• It cures severe cold and bronchial infection
• It invigorates the body
Mudras are very powerful. If you practice these mudras regularly you can see the wonderful health benefits.
1. Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge):
Method:
Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out.
Specialty:
As it is a mudra of knowledge, it enhances the knowledge. The tip of thumb has centers of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centers by index finger the two glands work actively.
Time duration:
There is no particular time duration for this mudra. You can practice by sitting, standing or lying on bed whenever and wherever you have time.
Benefits:
• Increases memory power and sharpens the brain
• Enhances concentration and prevents Insomnia
• If we practice it regularly, it will cure all psychological disorders like Mental, Hysteria, Anger and Depression
2. Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth):
Method:
Tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out.
Specialty:
It reduces all physical weaknesses.
Time Duration:
It has no particular time duration. You can practice it any time you want.
Benefits:
• It helps to increase the weight for weak people
• It improves the complexion of skin and makes the skin to glow
• It makes the body active by keeping it healthy
3. Varuna Mudra (Mudra of Water):
Method:
Tip of little finger touches the tip of thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out.
Specialty:
It balances the water content and prevents all diseases which come due to lack of water.
Time Duration:
It has no specific time duration and one can practice it according to their time.
Benefits:
• It retains clarity in blood by balancing water content in the body
• Prevents the pains of Gastroenteritis and Muscle Shrinkage
4. Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air):
Method:
Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press with thumb keeping the other three fingers straight.
Specialty:
It prevents all the diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air.
Time Duration:
The practice of this mudra for 45 minutes reduces the severity of the disease in 12 to 24 hours. For better results practice it for two months.
Benefits:
• It cures Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Parkinson's disease and paralysis without any medicine
• It is useful for Cervical Spondilytis, paralysis to face and catching of nerve in neck
• It corrects the disorder of gas in the stomach
5. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness):
Method:
Keep the middle finger at the mount of Venus and press it with thumb.
Specialty:
It reduces the dullness in our body.
Time Duration:
One can practice it for 40 to 60 minutes daily until to be cured from the disease.
Benefits:
• It relieves an earache within 4 or 5 minutes
• It is useful for the deaf and mentally challenged, but not for inborn ones.
6. Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun):
Method:
Bend the ring finger and press it with thumb.
Specialty:
It sharpens the center in thyroid gland.
Time Duration:
Practice it daily twice for 5 to 15 minutes.
Benefits:
• It reduces cholesterol in body and helps in reducing weight
• It reduces anxiety
• It corrects indigestion problems
7. Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life):
Method:
Bend ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of thumb with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched.
Specialty:
As it is the mudra of life, it improves the power of life. Weak people become strong. It reduces the clamps in blood vessels. If we practice it regularly, we will become active.
Time Duration:
No specific time duration. One can practice it any time.
Benefits:
• It improves immunity
• Improves the power of eyes and reduces eye related diseases
• It removes the vitamin deficiency and fatigue
8. Apana Mudra (Mudra of Digestion):
Method:
The tips of middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb while the other two fingers are stretched out.
Specialty:
It plays an important role in our health as it regulates the excretory system.
Time Duration:
Practice it daily for 45 minutes, but practice for longer time yields more benefits.
Benefits:
• It regulates diabetes
• It cures constipation and piles
• It helps excreting the normal waste regularly
9. Apana Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart):
Method:
The tips of the middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb, while the index finger touches the base of thumb and little finger stretched out.
Specialty:
It benefits the heart. It works like injection in the reduction of heart attack. It is as powerful as sorbitate tablet. It reduces the gas content in body.
Time Duration:
Practice it as many times as you can. Heart patients and BP patients can practice it for 15 minutes daily twice for better results.
Benefits:
• It strengthens the heart and regularizes palpitation
• It regulates excretory system
• It redeems gastric trouble
10. Linga Mudra (Mudra of Heat):
Method:
Interlock the fingers of both the hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically straight and encircle it with the thumb and the index finger of the right hand..
Specialty:
It generates heat in our body. Take milk, ghee, more water and fruit juices in addition to practice of this mudra for much benefits.
Time Duration:
Practice it any time you want. But don't practice it a lot as it produces heat in the body. It can cause sweating even in winter if you practice it longer.
Benefits:
• It stops production of phlegm and gives power to lungs
• It cures severe cold and bronchial infection
• It invigorates the body
DON'T YOU EAT EGG YOLK?
EGG YOLK - BENEFITS
The title of the article is to get the attention. Yes, I have exaggerated the title to get the attention. This article is not in support of egg yolk but in support of eating whole egg. Reading this article is very important to those health enthusiasts who discard egg yolks and eat only egg whites. Well, it is not their mistake. Most health professionals, health magazines and books claim that egg yolk packs more amount of fat and cholesterol, and as the world is full of misconception, most people easily believe them and mistakenly think that egg yolk is the worst part of the egg, when in fact, the YOLK IS THE HEALTHIEST PART OF THE EGG. I don’t say that egg white is bad for your health, but it is far inferior to egg yolk in terms of providing you with essential nutrition. By discarding yolk and only eating egg white, you are just chucking away the most nutritional antioxidant rich, vitamin and mineral loaded portion of the egg. Yes, egg yolks contain so many B-Vitamins, fat soluble vitamins, trace minerals, folate, choline, lutein and other powerful nutrients.
Below is a table that compares the nutritional value of egg whites and yolks, with data provided by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
Table 1: Egg Yolks Versus Egg Whites
As you can see from the table, the yolk contains 100% of the carotenoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, E, D, and K (6 items). The white does not contain 100% of any nutrient.
The yolk contains more than 90% of the calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, B6, folate, and B12, and 89% of the panthothenic acid (9 items). The white does not contain more than 90% of any nutrient, but contains over 80% of the magnesium, sodium, and niacin (3 items).
The yolk contains between 50% and 80% of the copper, manganese, and selenium, while the white contains between 50% and 80% of the potassium, riboflavin, and protein.
It should also be kept in mind that the yolk of an egg is smaller than the white. Where the white contains a slim majority of nutrients, such as protein, this is not due to a greater concentration in the white, but simply to the fact that there is more white in the egg than yolk.
Egg Yolks Contain Essential Fatty Acids DHA and Arachidonic Acid
One important set of nutrients that should not be overlooked is the long-chain essential fatty acids. Egg yolks contain the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is necessary for the brain and proper retinal function in the eye, and the long-chain omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, which is required for the healthy skin, hair, libido, reproduction, growth and response to injury. These fatty acids are primarily needed by young children, pregnant and lactating women, and people with degenerative diseases involving oxidative stress, especially those of the nervous system such as Alzheimer's. While fatty fish and cod liver oil supply DHA in larger amounts, egg yolks have an advantage over these foods because they also contain arachidonic acid and because they do not contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism. According to NutritionData.Com, one egg yolk contains 75 mg of arachidonic acid (AA), 20 mg of DHA, but no EPA.
Egg Yolks Contain Choline
Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient that contributes to fetal brain development and helps prevent birth defects. Two eggs provide about 250 milligrams of choline, or roughly half of the recommended daily intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Choline also aids the brain function of adults by maintaining the structure of brain cell membranes, and is a key component of the neuro-transmitter that helps relay messages from the brain through nerves to the muscles.
Egg Yolks Contain Carotenoids
Lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in egg yolks, help prevent macular degeneration, a leading cause of age-related blindness. Though eggs contain a small amount of these two nutrients, research shows that the lutein from eggs may be more bioavailable than lutein from other food sources.
Eggs contain High quality protein
The high-quality protein in eggs helps you to feel full longer and stay energized, which contributes to maintaining a healthy weight. Research also indicates that high-quality protein may help active adults build muscle strength and help prevent muscle loss in middle-aged and aging adults.
Now I will discuss about the common objections which are heard when I say yolks are the most nutritious part of the egg.
1. Whole eggs will shoot-up my cholesterol level to the roof: Many people believe that dietary cholesterol directly contributes to raising blood cholesterol. Because eggs provide about half the dietary cholesterol in a typical Western diet, the public has been advised to limit its egg consumption. No, this is incorrect. First of all, the dietary intake of cholesterol should be 300 mg a day. One large egg has about 213 mg of cholesterol. So, eating one or two eggs a day will not increase your blood cholesterol, moreover, when you eat a food that contains a high amount of dietary cholesterol such as eggs, your body down-regulates it's internal production of cholesterol to balance things out. On the other hand, if you don't eat enough cholesterol, your body simply produces more since cholesterol has tons of important functions in the body. Second point is that, phospholipid or lecithin found in egg markedly inhibits the cholesterol absorption. So, even though a good amount of cholesterol is consumed when an egg is eaten, much of the cholesterol becomes “unavailable for absorption” in the presence of phospholipid. Third, eating whole egg actually raises the good cholesterol (HDL) to a degree higher than bad cholesterol (LDL). Even New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat and trans fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.
Below is an article to clear the cholesterol myths and to know that cholesterol is not a villain.
http://www.truthaboutabs.com/cholesterol-myths.html
2. Consuming the egg white for its protein is important to build your muscles: This is true egg white is important in muscle building but this protein in egg whites isn't as powerful without the yolks to balance out the amino acid profile and make the protein more bio-available.
By reading the above article I think all your misinformation and misconceptions are cleared. So, next time when a health and fitness advisor tells you that egg whites are superior, you can simply ignore them knowing that you understand the real deal about egg yolks.
Forget the hurts given by others but not the HELP
We should never forget the help given by others. At times we forget the help and we remember the bad they have done to us. But it should be vice versa . The happiness of forgiving the bad is so heavy that our heart feels so light. Here is a very interesting story to analyse this fact. Two friends were walking through the desert. At some point along the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, and without saying a word he wrote the following in the sand:Today my best friend slapped me in the face. They kept walking until they came to an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started to drown,
but his friend was able to save him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he picked up a stone and carved the following. Today my best friend saved my life.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him the following. After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone, why? The friend replied, When someone hurts us we should write it in the sand where the winds of
forgiveness can erase the pain. But, when someone does us a kindness we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it. We must all strive to write our hurts in the sand and carve our blessings in stone. It is said, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, and a day to come to love them. But, an entire life to forget them.
but his friend was able to save him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he picked up a stone and carved the following. Today my best friend saved my life.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him the following. After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone, why? The friend replied, When someone hurts us we should write it in the sand where the winds of
forgiveness can erase the pain. But, when someone does us a kindness we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it. We must all strive to write our hurts in the sand and carve our blessings in stone. It is said, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, and a day to come to love them. But, an entire life to forget them.
POWER OF SANKALPA
Have you ever wondered how so many goals, which we must achieve, are
nothing but a defeated exercise? So many resolutions, so many affirmations seem to make a difference but with an impact that doesn't last forever.
I will to lose 12 pounds. The inner voice says 'I AM FAT. '
I have to get up early. The inner voice says, 'I am a Lazy Bum.'
I should forgive people. Message to self, 'I am mean and bad.'
Why not celebrate the life by resolving to 'Sankalpa' instead of resolutions or affirmations? The meaning of Sankalpa or Samkalpa (Sanskrit) [from sam-klrip to be brought into existence, wish, produce] A conception or idea formed in the mind or heart; thought, ideation, desire.
The Vedas say that the whole universe is evolved through sankalpa -- the ceaselessly acting impulsions of karma driven by cosmic kama -- and hence it is only through sankalpa that the universe retains its karmic structure, appearances, and continuance. In simple words sankalpa is thought, intention, or will directed toward a specific outcome. So give your resolutions and affirmations a yogic twist. While the affirmation or resolutions revolve around the dark side of us, or the perceived negative element, Sankalpa is the acceptance of dark/ shadow self, the negative element.
When you say, "I need to lose weight or I am slimmer by 10 pounds", sankalpa explores the core feeling behind the negative self talk of being fat. So when you take sankalpa you set your intention, "I need to slim by 10 pounds. I accept that I crave for sweets, fried and unhealthy food. I accept that I feel worthless and defeated. I accept that I may not be able to slim at all. I accept that my Thyroid is slowing me down... Yet I set my intention to explore the feelings behind it. I agree to listen to my inner voice and guidance without judgements. I will allow all these feelings to arise and pass. I will be a spectator for these feelings." Thus, you give yourselves more room for exploration and tolerance/acceptance for your own patterns, negative self talk and criticism.
There will be times when you will feel blocks and balances. That time wait and watch your feelings. Watch what arises due to those blocks. Create space for your growth. When you come in contact with such feelings just accept them like a friend. Slowly, the blocks will melt and you will feel lighter, wiser and happier.
To develop the Sankalpa Power, take one small sankalpa each day. This will create balance in your life and strengthen your will power.
nothing but a defeated exercise? So many resolutions, so many affirmations seem to make a difference but with an impact that doesn't last forever.
I will to lose 12 pounds. The inner voice says 'I AM FAT. '
I have to get up early. The inner voice says, 'I am a Lazy Bum.'
I should forgive people. Message to self, 'I am mean and bad.'
Why not celebrate the life by resolving to 'Sankalpa' instead of resolutions or affirmations? The meaning of Sankalpa or Samkalpa (Sanskrit) [from sam-klrip to be brought into existence, wish, produce] A conception or idea formed in the mind or heart; thought, ideation, desire.
The Vedas say that the whole universe is evolved through sankalpa -- the ceaselessly acting impulsions of karma driven by cosmic kama -- and hence it is only through sankalpa that the universe retains its karmic structure, appearances, and continuance. In simple words sankalpa is thought, intention, or will directed toward a specific outcome. So give your resolutions and affirmations a yogic twist. While the affirmation or resolutions revolve around the dark side of us, or the perceived negative element, Sankalpa is the acceptance of dark/ shadow self, the negative element.
When you say, "I need to lose weight or I am slimmer by 10 pounds", sankalpa explores the core feeling behind the negative self talk of being fat. So when you take sankalpa you set your intention, "I need to slim by 10 pounds. I accept that I crave for sweets, fried and unhealthy food. I accept that I feel worthless and defeated. I accept that I may not be able to slim at all. I accept that my Thyroid is slowing me down... Yet I set my intention to explore the feelings behind it. I agree to listen to my inner voice and guidance without judgements. I will allow all these feelings to arise and pass. I will be a spectator for these feelings." Thus, you give yourselves more room for exploration and tolerance/acceptance for your own patterns, negative self talk and criticism.
There will be times when you will feel blocks and balances. That time wait and watch your feelings. Watch what arises due to those blocks. Create space for your growth. When you come in contact with such feelings just accept them like a friend. Slowly, the blocks will melt and you will feel lighter, wiser and happier.
To develop the Sankalpa Power, take one small sankalpa each day. This will create balance in your life and strengthen your will power.
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