Evil in Eye (Drishtidosha)

There are some who carry evil in their eye, what we call drishtidosha; whatever they see, gets spoiled. Our grandmother used to say that while cooking; if such a person enter the house all food loses its fragrance. Even chillies lose their savour. I may narrate here a true story.

There was a temple somewhere in south Indian where a sculptor made a beautiful idol in white marble. It was splendid. As it was getting ready, one person came in, saw, and excalimed how beautiful is was. Immediately there was a crack in the marble statue and the sculptor had to redo the whole thing. These are not stories but facts. That is why, in order not to attract the attention of the evil eye, we have a tradition a putting mark of smudge on the face of our children. It is not a superstition, there is an occult truth behind such precautions that we take in our daily life. We have lost sight of the meaning that is why we dismiss them as superstition. In an old civilization like the Indian, everything has a meaning and significance. Few civilizations have had such an occult tradition governing the life of the common folk.   

            Introducing SAVATRI, By M.P. Pandit

Aim of life

In man, both the lower and the higher natures are present. The lower nature expresses itself through lethargy, depression, disease, jealousy, hatred, anger, desire, passions, selfishness, doubts, wrong thinking, etc. While the higher nature expresses itself through love, kindness, courage, reason, benevolence, aspiration, etc. The health of man is frequently influenced by the activities of these two different natures and the aim of life is to transform the lower nature and elevate it to the higher so that man may enjoy perfect health and happiness - Sri Aurobindo.

True from of life 

He, who is caught in the grooves of the ego and in the web of desire, whose heart is afflicted by reactions received from his surrounding, over whom the clouds of ambitions hover all the time, who is unable to sleep peacefully because of living in whirlpool of dualities, who wakes in the morning with his heart full of unsatisfied desire and goes to bed in the same state- is not worthy to be called a man according to the scripture. Because, the level from which this kind of life is led, as we see is low and full of darkness, it has no light of the spirit, nor the ray of reason or discrimination. Where these things do not flourish, nor are cherished, it cannot be human life, for it is not the expression of the inner personality of man.

May by itself is a great thing and his life also should be an expression of great things. Man is great because he carries the divine presence within him. To express this inner divinity, and to transform himself and his life in to Its light is the purpose of his life here upon the earth. 

To find the Divine is highest aim of human life. It is not as important as to what method we adopt to find Him or which path we follow to reach Him. What is important is to attain to Him. All those who want to find Him can do so. The attainment of the Divine is not difficult because he is our own self. We are portions of Him. He is within us, we are within Him. He is closer to us than any other things of the world. He is utmost our own, more than anything of the world. He is the truth of our being, the fundamental cause of our existence.

The condition of His attainment of the situation in which He can be attained is also very simple, natural, and common which everyone can fulfill. No matter what we are, young or old, educated or uneducated, rich or poor. All have equal right to find Him whenever they want to.

The condition of finding Him is that, except love for Him, no worldly pleasure should touch our mind, heart, body and senses, until He is found. All our hunger and thirst, sleep and rest, thoughts, feeling and action, all should be cought by a fire of intense passion to meet him. As soon as we rise into this state of burning aspiration, and intensity of our love for the Divine reaches its limits, because maximum, we shall see that our aim has been fulfilled.

As we belong to the divine completely, so does the divine also become our own. As we dwell in Him, He appears within us, we see Him everywhere, we love Him in everything, and we feel Him in every touch.

The aim of human life is to express the divinity, which is hidden within each one of us. But, unfortunately, it has not yet been the practical fact, in general. The majority of us does not think of it, does not even seem to be awakened to the feeling of its necessity and is living under the domination of the ego and the desires and the senses, which comprise our outer personality.

When we live completely in the outer personality of our being, and are fully occupied with it, and take full interest in its affairs, indulge in its enjoyments, the veil over our soul becomes thick. It is drowned deep in the self-ignorance by the force of lust and greed and desire. Which is the play or Pranamaya Purusha, or the natural expression of Rajas, one of the three principles which govern the universal Nature, according to the Gita?

Thus to sink in ignorance, to indulge in enjoyments and in animal traits, is a fall from the pure human possibilities of intellectual, moral and spiritual uplifting, to be lost in the void of indiscrimination if we live in the lower nature, the door of the self-benediction and the golden dawn of our spiritual destiny will be closed for ages. That means, as the scripture says-‘The soul is lost in Maya,’ or ‘an irreparable loss.’

We observe that each movement of the lower nature takes us far away from our central part, the true individual in our being. Each egoistic expression veils the inner God. Each selfish action shuts the door of the Grace. When the animal passions surge up from subconscious parts of our being, we find ourselves too weak to resist the spell which the objects of the sense cast around us. ‘How to come out of it?’ Asked the disciple. ‘Be vigilant, use your will, pray and surrender to the Lord, remember the promise you have made to Him within you.’ Said the Mother.

Through the identification with the Divinity within, one can overcome any weakness of one’s nature.

“All can be done if the god –touch is there.”

“Savitri”-Sri Aurobindo

If you desire the transformation of your whole being, understand the importance and know its value then you should choose it as the aim of your life. Take a resolution and offer all of yourself for this end. The practical from of what you have to do is as follow:

First and foremost, be sincere. Let your thoughts, your emotions, your actions, your life be full of truth. Thereafter try to open yourself towards the force which is going to accomplish this work of transformation in you. Let not only your mind and vital, but even each cell of your body, be conscious and receptive to the supramental force that is descending on the earth. The being who is open the most suitable base for the transformation. The descents of higher consciousness automatically take place in him. Each descents is a help to increase the possibility of transformation in us. The last act, although there is nothing as last in the process of sadhana, that one has to do is the surrender of the entire being. That is what one is, what one has, what one aspirer to become, total surrender of all that. You will have no right on your life. It will belong to the Master within. All will move according to his will. Under His guidance. To follow His command will be your duty and your occupation in life. You will walk on the road of life only with His permission. The direction and the goal will be decided by Him.

Reject the idea of success and failure. The notion about the personal success and failure which people generally have in their mind. Should have no meaning for you. Similarly the desire for fruit of action, in your heart, is meaningless. The value of these things for a divine instrument, for a discoverer of the inner truth and for a surrendered man is changed.

You have only to be a flute in the hand of the Lord. With this attitude, you will be accepted by Him, and acceptance by the Lord in itself is, one of the highest achievements in the world.

Be Positive to live Happily

Learn Positive

Learn positive from a pair of walking legs, the foot that is forward has no pride and the foot which is behind has no shame, they both know that their situation will change.

An Abstract from magazine Yog-Manjiri by Dharamveer

Attitude is the way we think and respond to life. It is our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual approach towards life. Right attitude is one of the most important tools towards self-actualization and self-empowerment. It is even more important than money, knowledge and education. Attitude can single-handedly make or break a person, a team, an organization, a home or a relationship.

In life, misfortunes happen. It is not what happens to us but we deal with what happens that makes the difference. Life can be seen as an up and down ride. Most of us only want to experience the ups, so we go around complaining about the downs, not realizing that the downs can be “blessings in disguise”. There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.

Positive attitude helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life and makes it easier to avoid worry and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it will bring constructive changes in your life and make you happier, brighter and more successful.

With a positive attitude we see the bright side of life and expect the best to happen. Whole life becomes filled with light. This light affects not only you and the way you look at the world but also your environment and the people around you.

Negativity can take terrible toll on our brains, our energy, our relationship, ultimately, our health. That is why choose to be positive.

Being positive does not mean that bad things will not happen to you. It does not mean that you will not face some incredible challenges. It simply means that you will have a much greater chance of succeeding at everything you experience. I have overcome some incredible challenges through my life and learnt many lessons along the way. Each challenge I faced, whether won or lost, helped me prepare for the next challenge.

As a Mechanical Engineer, I worked in different positions with a reputed Automobile Spring Manufacturing firm at Mumbai. Just 20 years ago, I faced my greatest challenge. I had serous condition of ULCERATIVE COLITIS resulting acute diarrhea and I used to pass 8-10 loose motions (uncontrollable) and it continued for 4-5 years.

The eminent doctors of Delhi and Mumbai were part of my life and in the end, I was operated for ILLEOSTOMY in 1990. The good news is: it is that miracle that I am here today. I had a lot of time to think during the minutes, hours, days, weeks and months I spent battling with my colitis. I now use the lessons I have learnt to inspire others to believe in themselves, be their own greatest fan and achieve things they never even thought were possible.

Since I am living proof of what ‘A Positive Attitude’ can do, I am now on a mission to share my secrets with as many people as I can. Adopt 10 steps that would augment a Positive Attitude in a natural and stantaneous way. I promise, you shall rear a positive outlook towards life and all its happenings.

These ten steps can be taken by any one, at any time, at any place:

Take Responsibility – For yourself your life is to live, and to live lively. It is your responsibility to define yourself and ensure your own happiness. Think that you could do to earn that merit. Do good and be good to yourself as well as to others.

Choose Your Attitude – Happiness does not just happen or appear. You will be happy when you decide to be happy. Deciding to be positive means deciding not to be negative. Fill your world and your mind with things that refresh you to stay positive and make you feel good.

Learn From Every Experience – There is a lesson to be learnt in every experience, every encounter and every person. Appreciate and imbibe the lessons learnt as part of your personality.

Live Like A Child – Never lose your joy. Believe in yourself and in your possibility to be child like. The average child laughs over 400 times each day. How many times a day do you laugh? Learn to laugh and you will be more positive and happy.

Believe That You Are Incharge of Your Destiny – No one can take your dreams from you except yourself. Life is what you make of it. There is no limit to how much you can accomplish in life and the way you could do it. Cherish your mission till your last breath.

Accept What You Cannot Change – There are many things in our life that we can and should change. There are others that you cannot change. Face them bravely. Some things may be beyond your control and decide it is time to let go and move on.

Be Always First – Take the first step to make the first move. Why wait on others lest miss some incredible opportunities, experiences, and friendships? Be the first one to smile, to speak, to ask, to apologize, to compliment, to reach out, to help.

Be Grateful – Learn to be always grateful for what you have achieved in your life. Don’t forget to be grateful as it is the key to positive way of life. A positive attitude attracts positive actions. Gratitude attracts positive energy.

Never Ever Quit – Keep learning, keep experiencing, keep trying, keep striving, keep setting goals. Quitting them could be frustrating. Thus, never ever quit your dreams.

Live For Today – Today is the only thing that is truly guaranteed and you will never have it again, so make it memorable and make it count. The end is really the beginning, that should not ever cease.

Life is a challenge and there is no age bar to learn and improve. At 63, I am more active than what I was at 50. I have had major surgery. I have severe3 backache problem too, but what keeps me going is my Positive frame of mind, a strong will and above all Grace of Almightily God. The world has become for me a better place than it used to be.

Be strong enough internally and ensure that Positive Attitude becomes part of your lifestyle. Take a decision to improve the quality of your life. Therefore, program your mind with a Positive Attitude to enjoy the journey.”

Stress aggravates neck pain

The causes for chronic neck pain are varied such as bad posture, siting in front of the computer for prolonged periods, reading incessantly without a break. Stress, sensitive nature, insomnia (lack of sleep), etc, aggravate chronic neck pain. Such patients apart from suffering from neck pain also complain of headache, dizziness, etc. Long supple necks are more vulnerable to pain as these require strong muscles to support them.

Symptoms

Pain at the back of the head and neck.

Pain and restricted movements of the neck in one or more directions.

Individuals suffering from anxiety and certain psychological disorder are candidates for expericing pain on slight provocation vis-à-vis the feeling of excessive pressure of weight of the head on the pillow which often becomes intolerable.

Complaints like numbness, tingling and burning felt in the scalp region.

In certain cases, a buffalo hump may develop at the lower part of the neck.

Physical examination reveals various trigger points around the neck which are tender.

Treatment

The primary aim of treatment is alleviation of pain and stress.Individuals afflicted with pain avoid exercises in order to prevent pain which in turn weakens the neck muscles. In such cases, there is loss of the natural healthy curve, and such curve restoration cures chronic pain. Execises facilitate curve restoration.

Manipulation and mobilization of the spine doen correctly bgy qualified individuals bring immediate relief in most cases of neck pain.

Message combined with electro-therapies like ultra-sound is greatly helpful.

Trigger points: Certain trigger points (tender spots) around the neck are associated with referred pain as the original pain spot is located at some distance. Ideally, the cause of pain in the neck is treated and trigger points are dissolved via a local injection, Vapo-coolant spray, and massage or stretching of the concerned muscle.

In acute cases, short-term immobilization with cervical collar provides relief. However, cervical collar usage for prolonged periods is not advocated as it could weaken neck muscles. The collar should be removed for an hour once every three hours.

Pranayam and meditation go a long way in relieving neck pain due to anxiety, stress and psychological causes.

Exercises

Exercises should be done correctly to relieve pain as wrong exerecises may aggravate pain. Head-rolling exercises, holding the neck in an extra position, should be avoided.

In the first week, initiate stretching exercises for relaxation. This is followed by strengthening exercises with stretch bands for upper neck muscles.

Shoulder shrugs: Standing erect, place your hands on the shoulder in the forward direction 10 times followed by backward rotation. Repeat it three times every day.

Strengthening exercises

Place the palm of the hand on the forehead. Try touching the chin to the chest against the resistance of the hand for a count of 10.

Place bothe hands behind the back of the head; tilt the head backward against the resistance of hands.

Place one hand behind the ear, resisting the motion of bringing the ear to the shoulder on the same side.

Ordinarily neck pain responds to conservative treatment in a short span. If neck pain persists for a long time the associated causes like stress and anxiety should be diagnosed and treated.

Beware of Lurking 'Near Enemies

In Buddhist teachings, the four Brahmaviharas, translated as the Immeasurable, Divine Abodes, or Divine Abidings are: metta or loving-kindness, karuna or compassion, mudita or sympathetic joy, and upeksha or equanimity. These are not just emotions we may or may not feel; they are states that we cultivate on our journey to being truly awakened.

The Buddha taught his son: Rahula, practise loving-kindness to overcome anger. Loving kindness has the capacity to bring happiness to others without demanding anything in return. Practise compassion to overcome cruelty. Compassion has the capacity to remove the suffering of others without expecting anything in return. Practise sympathetic joy to overcome hatred. Sympathetic joy arises when one rejoices over the happiness of others and wishes others well-being in success.

Practise equanimity to over come prejudice. Equanimity is looking at all things openly and equally... Do not reject one thing only to chase after another. I call these the Four Immeasurable. Practise them and you will become a refreshing source of vitality and happiness for others.

Although each of these states is a mark of wakefulness and evolving, each can be confused with a condition that mimics the true state, but actually arises out of fear, and is aptly referred to as a near enemy.

When westrive to follow a path like the Brahmaviharas, we may not find it too difficult to identify and perhaps steer away from their absolute opposites – sometimes referred to as 'far enemies' – which are anger, cruelty, envy and bias.

Much less easy to notice are the near enemies, as they cunningly masquerade as a spiritual quality being subtle, disguised versions of what we might ordinarily see as pure and wholesome. One thing that makes these distinct from The Four Divine Abodes is that this path is essentially about connecting – to the deepest parts of our selves as well as to other beings. The near enemies end up being about compartmentalization or separation, and moral arrogance.

The near enemy of loving kindness is attachment. Attachment may feel like love, but as it grows is revealed as insecure clinging, fear and the desire to control.

The near enemy of compassion is pity; a superior attitude, seeting up above or apart from suffering around us, turning it to a kind of unhealthy spectator sport.

The near enemy of sympathetic joy is comparison, checking whether we have or are more, the same, or less than another. Manifestations range from hypocritical humility to even over identifying with success of others, especially those near to us.

The near enemy of equanimity is indifference. True equanimity is about balance and acceptance in any situation; indifference is withdrawal and not caring, often numbing us to the need to stand and act for justice.

Without examining these near enemies that create separations, our spiritual life stagnates and our awareness cannot continue to grow.

Wise teachers suggest that we need to work on near enemies not as something to ignore, or roughly discard, but to first know as intimates – after all they are termed near ones – by drawing on out inherent gifts of self – reflection and self-awareness. This we do mainly by applying loving – kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and then to others, enabling us to become those refreshing sources of vitality and happiness for others that the Buddha taught of.

The Astral World

According to some people the Astral world, the formless world, the invisible world, the Heaven and the Hell the dream world etc, symbolize the most essential part of the universe. They are also called the “Home of God”. These different names originated because of the difference in the cultures, customs and spiritual experiences.

The world “astral” actually is a Greek word, which means. “Related to a star” and it originally describes the Heavers of the Greeks and the Abode of their gods. Under normal circumstances the limitations of our five physical senses keep us away from seeing into the astral world. That is because that world is made up of an energy, which is invisible to us, owing to the fact that it is vibrating at a higher rate than the energy that comprises the material world.

Clairvoyants and well-trained occultists have developed numerous methods to become aware of this astral travel. The clairvoyants, since ancient times are in connection with the astral world. The clairvoyants and occultists have the power to see the future events and to communicate with the dead. If an occultist or clairvoyant possesses high energy, he can easily shift from material to astral perception through a conscious act of will. The astral world works on its own supernatural laws. It is also subject to constant change, just as the physical world is. Astral world also looks similar to the physical world.

In other words, the astral world is a real place but we sense its manifestations in our imagination. In due course of life the thoughts and experiences of ego, violence, hatred, false attitude and lust etc. entrap human mind. These make a human being spiritually blind. In order to have a clear view of the astral world, first of all we have to remove all the ill sills or desires from the soul. Only after doing so, we can reach closer to the divinity and can visualize the astral world. In Sanskrit it is referred to as Arupa or Formless world. In astral world the soul does not bear any resemblance to its physical form, which once it had. In formless world these souls exhibit pulsating and radiant light. After spending some time on the astral plane, the soul eventually feels itself attracted again to the physical world because it has not yet freed itself completely from its physical ties. Again to soul is ready for reincarnation.

Astral and Physical world are closely interwoven with each other. But judged by general human mental level, it is said to be a hypothetical concept. But we can support its existence through an example:

We all now days watch cable T.V. Network at home. The cable wire can carry any number of channels of different languages. How amazing and wonderful it is that from a single wire we can see the motion pictures with sound in different languages at the same point of time. Cable wire is a small diameter wire, which is suitably arranged with wire network. If we explain to a technically ignorant person how this small cable wire works, naturally he finds it difficult to believe it, he will not agree with the concept that a small diameter wire could perform this function. The only question in his mind will be how this wire can accommodate hundreds of channels with such a clear perception at a given time. But all his queries could be answered by saying that this cable wire carries the electronic signals, which are interpreted by the electronic instruments in television and show programs. Still after listening to all the answers, his queries about the function of the cable wire might again make him mentally confused because he cannot see the signals. Naturally he finds it difficult to believe. Just in the similar way, the astral world is connected with the physical world but can be seen only through spiritual awakening. Due to incomplete knowledge, at present, most of the mankind believes itself to be only a physical body whereas long ago mankind possessed a much greater knowledge and awareness of the astral world. Astral world is also said to be the world of the deceased, which means people who have died recently. It is our illusion that we call them deceased or dead. Actually they are still living as they were in the physical world. Although now in the astral world. The souls in the astral want only peace and harmony. Astral world is also a place of transformation for the soul. At this very place a soul judges its activities of physical life on earth and on careful analysis prepares again for the next birth, which could be better than the previous one. During this process of transformation a soul tries to remove all the layer of ill wills and desires.

In the astral world, we can also find fairies and shadows of deceased people who have died. The negative attitude of the soul makes its transformation quite slow. The aura of the earth once used to shine for its humanitarian feeling, But now it is getting bloody day by day. The earth is sick and tired of feeding human beings, who kill each other and continuously send out negative vibrations into the environment. The feeling of hatred is making the planet sick. Man must learn to love his planet and spread the thoughts of peace and harmony among all living beings, Souls work harmoniously with the astral and the physical world. It is difficult to assess the boundaries of astral world as to from where does it start and where does it end. The divine souls in astral world have given a lot to mankind. Religions are the biggest gifts. The divine souls are also fighting their battle against the negative forces on earth.

The Astral world also possesses the record of the past civilizations on earth. It contains the divine plan for the future of the earth. An important part of the astral world exists in Himalayas, where different kinds of divine planning as executed for the establishment of the spiritual righteousness in the physical world.

Divine Souls

When a soul takes the form of a human being or in other words when a child is born, he has a golden chance to work for the achievements of goal of God-realization. There are numerous ways through which God can be realized. It can be realized through love, meditation, prayer, and selfless work etc. On becoming self realized the soul is free. Now the soul merges with the divine. At this stage it also attains the status of a divine soul. After this it works for the divine planning so that more and more people realize God.

The divine soul does not have any attachment to Religion, cast, color or place. Every human being on this earth is dear to it. The divine soul bestows its love and kindness not only on human beings but on animals and plants also. The divined should keep watch over this world. Whenever human beings go astray from the way of God-realization, these divine souls come into action. To accomplish this task sometimes these souls come in the form of human bodies like Buddha, Christ, Moses, Zoroaster, Krishna etc.

The other phenomenon is super-imposition by the divine souls.  Sometimes these divine souls select particular human being on this earth on the bases of divine qualities. Then these divine souls guide that man for the establishment of peace and harmony. During super-imposition the divine soul entraps the mind of the concerned individual and makes use of his body as a vehicle to carry out its work. The only objective of the divine souls is to create divine human beings on earth so that man can lead a life of complete divinity.

From the book "Global Citizen and One Nation" by SIDHARTHA Published by I-Universe

HOW TO GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Once, Mullah Nasiruddin firmly decided that he will give up alcoholic drink forever. He avowed with strong determination that he won’t even touch alcohol. His wife was much pleased. Next morning, when Mullah was to leave for his work, his wife reminded him of his promises. Mullah said proudly, “Oh, yes I remember it well. You need not worry on that account... absolutely!” The whole day mullah worked very hard with sincere application. In the evening he was returning back his house, as usual. En-route, he came across the liquor-shop… the same shop, from where he used to buy liquor every day. He was led there without being actually inclined to do so. But, he suddenly remembered his firm decision. And, with that ensued a battle between his mind and the power of discrimination. The power of discrimination cautioned, “Well, on the very first day you have accepted defeat! Is this all your will power?” From the other side, the mind began to tender its arguments, “What fun in making such determinations? Are you going to be awarded some medal by giving up alcohol? Life is for enjoyment... What will happen if you take a few pegs?  You aren’t going to harm anyone by doing so!” For quite some time, Mullah remained entangled in that dilemma. Sometime the discrimination power won and sometime the mind took control. In the end, finally the power of discrimination won! Mullah crossed the liquor shop, without actually visiting it. Ah! What a feeling of victory! He patted himself and exclaimed, “Excellent, Mullah the great, salutations to you! Full created to your power of discrimination and decision-making capacity! You walk crossed the liquor shop without consuming the liquor! Indeed, this victory deserves celebration! So, Why not celebration with a few pegs! Come on, let’s go…” Saying thus mullah took the U-turn and reached out of the liquor shop.

This story tells us that when a person is about to reach near his goal there are more chances for slipping. Hence we must be careful up to the end of our goal.

Often, it so happens with us too. Our decision also remains unfulfilled like the one by Mullah. Therefore, only making a decision isn’t enough. If you really wish to get a rid of negative and other vasanaas, the get connected to the real source of determination and dedication through Brahm Gyan. The root cause if negative lies within you, which can be annihilated with the sword of Bhram Gyan only. That’s why Lord Krishna has also revealed. 

Relief from Cervical Spondylitis

Every second person you meet is found complaining about cervical spondylitis. And, with computers becoming an integral unit of our day-to-day life, this ailment has gained even more prominence. Though the ailment has become common, but it doesn't mean that we can ignore its impact on our bodies. Let's look at the causes, symptoms and some cures to deal with the trouble of neck-pain.

CAUSES

The primary cause of cervical spondylitis is:  wear and tear i.e. degeneration of the cervical spine, including the cushions between the bones of the cervical spine. In other world, the discs become dehydrated and lose the ability to act as cushions between spinal bones. It is essentially due to less of elasticity in the spinal and cervical disks. The ligaments connecting neck bones and muscles become stiffened. With time, these changes can compress or press down one or more never roots.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of this ailment depend on the nerves that are affected, which can range from a tingling sensation in shoulders and arms to deadness in the legs. The symptoms can be listed as under: 

·      Stiff and painful neck; it worsens with the movement of the neck.

·      Pain in shoulder, arm and/or chest

·      Tingling and pinprick sensation in the arms, hands, legs and/or feet

·      Weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet

·      Frequent headaches, often starting at the back of the head just above the neck and travelling over the top to the forehead.

BENEFICIAL EXERCISES 

Yoga and exercise are very essential to regain flexibility and maintain good posture in case of spondylitis. Practicing yoga helps to relax the muscles and relieve stress in stiffened areas. Asanas like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)and Salabhasana (Locust Post), wherein the weight of the head is lifted against gravity, provide strengthening benefits for the back of the neck muscles. But, make sure that you do not compress the back of your neck.

HALF-CIRCLES:

Half circles in the front can be done. Follow these steps: 1. Drop your chin to your chest. 2. Move chin towards the right shoulder. 3. Bring your chin back to your chest. 4. Move your chin towards the left shoulder. 5. Bring your chin back to your chest. 6. Repeat this movement three to five times.

          Pranayam should be practical regularly. It serves as a natural treatment for cervical spondylitis. Various breathing exercises, in which the breath is held for longer duration of time, provide strength to the back and the shoulders.

 HOME REMEDIES

·      Use Cow's ghee while cooking food. It is considered as the best natural "Vata" reliever, which gives nourishment to the nerves and other body parts.

·      Avoid exposure to cold, violent neck muscle exercise, improper posture while reading, writing or working, etc.

·      Try to consume wheat instead of rice in your regular diet.

·      Gentle massage using herbal oils on the affected part twice or thrice a day can be helpful. Violent massage should be strictly avoided as it applies deep pressure and may do more harm than good. In winters, you may heat the oil before application.

·      One of the effective treatments for cervical spondylitis is to consume milk, once every day, with I tabespoonful of turmeric added after boiling it in milk for half an hour.

·      Constipation needs to be avoided at all costs as it tends to increase pain in cervical spondylitis.

·      Avoid spicy and fried foods, sour curd, excess sweets, tea, coffee, and alcohol.

·      Bitter vegetables are useful like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers, bitter gourd etc.

·      Sedentary workers should take frequent breaks. Very soft-cushioned seats should be avoided.

·      Sleeping posture: In one of the CBS News website reports, it is mentioned that the worst sleeping position is on one's stomach. It is because, when we sleep in this manner, our neck remains twisted at an awkward angle throughout the night. This causes strain in the neck and misalignment of the joints. It is recommended to sleep on one's back without a pillow as it helps the natural curves along the spine to align properly. It's also advised to sleep on one side with a pillow of the size of the gap between the shoulder and head, to release the strain on the neck.

SMILE PLEASE

“Smile changes your mood.”

“Smile brings happiness.”

“Smile reduces stress.”

“Smile boosts your inner System.”

“Smile lowers your B.P.”

“Smile lifts the face and makes you younger.”

“Smile gives you confidence.”

SPIRITUAL LAWS

Always respect your consciousness.

The principal that operate in the outer universe, discoverable by scientist, are called natural laws. But there are subtler laws that rule the hidden spiritual planes and the inner real of consciousness; these principles are knowable through the science of yoga. It is not the physicist but the self realized master who comprehends the true nature of matter. By such knowledge Christ was able to restore the servant’s ear after it had been severed by one of the disciples.

Keen intelligence is two-edged. It may be used constructively or destructively, like a knife, either to cut the boil of ignorance or to decapitate oneself. Intelligence is rightly guided only after the mind has acknowledged the inescapability of spiritual laws.

O Man! Rise above your present level. Bring a change into your present nature. Come out of all your boundaries – be it individual, social, communal or racial, and lead a higher kind of life, full of spiritual qualities—peace, light, joy, truth. You will see what a blissful state it is too live in the height and the vastness of the Consciousness, what a freedom and joy is there. We feel lightness in ourselves. There is no burden, no tension of any kind that level, the shadow of ego and the forge of anger touch not; we are above the pangs of violence, malice and ill-will. We remain safe from the restlessness of impulses. There is, no trace of fear of danger. The slavery of senses and the quagmire of delusion are far away. The heart is full of love and affection for everyone. The life is splashed with splendor of the self and illumined by its light.

A life that flow in the sunshine of the inner Godhead is within our reach today. If we aspire and are prepared to pay the price, we can enter into this new life, make it our permanent abode. We can come out of over ordinary, dark narrow and selfish mentality and live free, in the wideness o the spirit and can help others too, to live in the sane wideness.  

Towards the divine life by Sukhvir Arya

(Sri Aurobindo Chetana Samaj, Delhi) 

When to respect and love every human being becomes natural for us, and our sincerity becomes transparent, then he pulls us by our arms, lifts up and taken us into His bosom and showers His love and grace upon us.

SEVEN LOKAS

The worlds or lokas of creation are seven: Bhu, Bhuvar, Swar, Mahar, Jana, Tapo and Satya. Of these seven planes, the first three (Bhulok, Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, and swarloka) comprise the material creation, the kingdom of Darkness, Maya; and the last three ( Janaloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka) comprise the spiritual creation , the kingdom of light. Bhuloka, the sphere of gross matters; Bhuvarloka , the sphere of fine matters or electric attributes; Swarloka, the sphere of magnetic poles and auras or electricities.

Maharloka or the sphere of atom, being in the midst, is said to be the  “door”communicating between these two - the material and the spiritual creation-and is called Dasamadwara, the tenth door, or Brahmarandhra, the way to divinity.

Janaloka, the sphere of spiritual reflections, the sons of God; Tapaloka belongs to rishi and yogi. Satyaloka, the sphere of God, the eternal substance.    

It is known in Islam that khuda (GOD) lives in seventh place or a sky. 

SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY

“Science and spirituality are complementary to each other spirituality without science is lame and science with spirituality is blind.”

Without spirituality science cannot be a boom for the society. Without spirituality science may create various problems like global warming, environment pollution and then find the solution of the problems. The whole world be happy when we adopt both science and spirituality simultaneously.

These are benefits of spirituality

Good Health

Good  Habits by self control and self discipline

Fearlessness

Curiosity, creativity and capability 

Friends, the whole world can be broadly categorized into two parts science and spirituality.

We say that the two most imp. asputs of life are science and spirituality.

See provides us various types of resources and spirituality teacher us the proper utilization of these resources for the welfare of the humanity.

See is related with the physical requirements life bread, clothes houses and various other means. Spirituality is concerned with the art of living, i.e. positive attitude, moral values and good vitues its.  

Progress in both directions is essential for the bright future of this world.

Friend each human being is the mixture of three object Body, Mind and Soul.

For healthy body we require good food and physical exercises.

For the upliftment of the soul we need high ideas and strong will power. This can he ashamed through  I pray and wish for the over all development of our students.

Fate, Destiny and Karma

The Indian explanation of fate is karma. We ourselves are our own fate though our actions. But the fate created by us blind us; for what we have sown, we must reap in this life or another. Still we are creating our fate for the future even while undergoing old fate from the past in the present. That gives a meaning to our will and action and does not, as European critics wrongly believe, constitute a rigid and sterilizing fatalism. But again, our will and action can often annual or modify even the past karma it is only certain strong effects, called utkata karma, that are non-modifiable. Here too the achievement of the spiritual consciousness and life is supposed to annul or give the power to annul karma. For we enter into union with the will Divine, cosmic or transcendent, which can annul what it had sanctioned for certain condition, new-create what it had created, the narrow fixed lines disappear, there is a more plastic freedom and wideness. Neither Karma nor Astrology therefore points to a rigid and forever immutable fate. 

I must, however, guard against the idea that the signs and planets determine a man’s character or fate. They do not; they only indicate it, because they are the sensational, celestial and astral influences or nervous force in nature which become the instruments of our Karma. But man is mightier than his sensations or vitality or the sensational or vital force of the universe. Our fate and our temperament have been built by our own wills and our won wills can alter than. But man is mightier than his sensations or vitality or the sensational or vital forces of the universe. Our fate and our temperament have been built by our own wills and our own wills can alter them. 

In Indian astrology which considers all life-circumstance to be Karma, mostly predetermined or indicated in the graph of the stars, there is still provision made for the energy and force of the being which can change or cancel part or much of what is so written or even all but the most imperative and powerful binding of Karma. 

Our thought and feeling are also forces and can have effects upon other. One has to grow conscious of the movement of these forces and the one can control one’s own mental and vital formations and cease to be affected by those of others.  

Sri Aurobindo

Warren Buffet's Secret of Happiness

Mr. Warren Buffet is one of three richest men in the world. He lives in a small three bedroom house, drives his own car, never travels by private jet, wears what is comfortable but not branded, and has donated over 31 billion dollars to charity without making a show of it. And he is the happiest man. His belief is that the happiest people are those who spend their wealth in a manner that makes a difference in the lives of others.

In his maiden visit to India in March 2011. Mr. Warren Buffet said that life is about planting trees for others to sit under and enjoy their shades and fruits. Elaborating this he said: "Somebody planted a tree for me long ago in the form of an educational institution and I sat under that tree, metaphorically".

O Lord! Grant that men may rise above the selfishness, come out of their little self, and receive the ray of spiritual knowledge which will enlighten their heart and mind and make them understand that the life which is given to them is a priceless gifts from Thee. Therefore , remaining grateful, they should make use of it in the best possible way, they should not waste it in satisfying the desires of their lower nature and pleasing their ego. Whatever time they get apart from their life-duties, they should spend in contemplation, in benevolences and in the well-being of mankind.

EXISTENCE OF GOD

History proves that many a great scientist like Albert Einstein and James Jeans had to prostrate to the fact that science cannot sail across the ocean of divine secrets but can only give a reflection of the presence of divinity. The realm of science is limited to the knowledge of corporeal world, which is the subject of senses; whereas God is subtle and cannot be perceived through senses. All the discoveries, laws and inventions, based on which are present day science boasts, have already been mentioned in our scriptures centuries ago. Modern science is right now passing through its infancy whereas Vedas, Upanishads and other religious text reflect the fully-mature state of science.

Even after having unearthed many secrets of the universe, he had to accept the existence of God and he declared that “The universe is not outcome of an unplanned colligation or occurrence but is the result of disciplined forethought. A Supreme mind is working behind the scene and the whole frame of the nature bespeaks an intelligent author.” Another scientist James Jeans has mentioned in his book “The Mysterious Universe”-“Modern scientific theory compels us to think of the creator as working outside time and space.”  That supreme mind, the creator who orchestrates the dance of this universe is none else but God, about whom the enlightened souls say- “Yes we know that supreme man who is Himself radiant like the sun and is far away from darkness. After knowing Him, one can go beyond the mortal world and attain salvation.” (Yajurveda-31/18s-3/8)

A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.  

You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. 

When you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you. 

Our powers, our energies, our resources may be limited and insufficient to reach the height of success. But if we club our limited resources with His unlimited grace, no one can stop success from coming to us.

MAKE SUPREME LORD YOUR COMPANION

In every facet of our life, we often feel the need to bracket together with a partner... A companion who is intelligent, quick at making right and wise decision, source of immense energy and power! A friend, who never deceives us, never betrays us, who is never green eyed with us! Someone, who can guide us and help us in accomplishing our goal of life! If we look around, we would definitely be unable to hunt for such as absolute personality, who encompasses all these traits. But, for sure there exists one... He is none other than God, the Supreme Lord Himself. So, why not make God as our companion, who is the foundation of all these qualities, the source of all these traits, and above all who is eagerly waiting for us to extend a hand of friendship to him. Believe it! Once He stands by us, we will experience an aroma of confidence around us.

God bears our responsibility and we simply proceed as His assistants. His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji often recounts a very inspiring instance. It's a story of Saint Theresa. She had a dream to build an outstanding, magnificent temple of the Lord. She, therefore, went from door to door in order to collect donations. In one of the houses, when she rang the door-bell, a lady came out shouting angrily – "What do you want from me?" Theresa replied calmly – "Actually, I wish to erect a temple of the Lord. I am collecting donations for the same". The lady asked suspiciously- "How much will your temple cost?" Theresa replied – "Perhaps, millions of dollars". The lady looked at Theresa from head to toe and asked – "How much do you have right now?" Theresa very confidently replied – "I have two paise". The lady mocked – "Have you gone insane or are you daydreaming? It's easy to build castles in the air, but not temple on the ground. You have just two paise and....." Saint Theresa interrupted and said – "Ma'am, probably you are mistaken. I have not completed my statement when you asked me about my possessions. I have two paise plus God.. His bountiful grace with me." And it's recorded on the pages of history that Theresa succeeded in her mission! Of course, because God was her companion!

Our powers, our energies, our resources may be limited and insufficient to reach the heights of success. But, if we club our limited resources with His unlimited grace, no once can stop success from coming to us. So, choose Him as your companion, your best friend.. not in words but practically. And, be among those fortunate once who are remembered as successful personalities, for generations to come.