Friday, December 31, 2010

Water


























The highest model of goodness (for a human beings) is like water. Water benefits to the ten thousand things and does does not compete with them. It flows to the lowest places that all despise; This is why it resembles so close to the Way (Tao).

Happy New Year 2011


Saturday, December 25, 2010

Healing Herbs & Spiritual Herbs

Healing Herbs
Comfrey Root
It is not known what makes some nettle plants absorb magical energy from the earth, but we are lucky they do. The strange, bright sheen on the leaves marks such plants. They can grow anywhere, even underground. However, the very same plant growing underground doesn't look like the same as it does on surface, but is more pale and grows weaker, instead.

Comfrey roots are used into healing purposes, both on surface and beneath it. To gain the beneficial effects of the plant, the roots must be grinded in mortar, and mixed with some sort of fluid, most commonly water. Some healers are known to use even resin or other sticky plant-parts in conjunction with comfrey-mass. Once ready, the gained concoction is put into a container that can be easily accessed and is lightweight to carry, usually into a glassbottle.

In times of need, internal usage of the comfrey-mass should be avoided completely, for this may or will be fatal to the imbiber. Instead, the salve should be spread across the damaged area of the user's body, i.e. broken bone or minor laceration.

Even though this quite useful plant is somewhat common around the world, it is still priced very often for it's general healing ability.

Glowing Nettle
Small plants that sparkle of their own accord, glowing nettle contains a magical energy that can be cannibalized for use in various healing potions.

Ember Flowers
Ember flowers are beautiful, sweet-smelling orange or yellow flowers. They have powerful healing properties that make them the essential component in the strongest healing potions and in resurrection balm. They are extremely rare.

Spiritual Herbs
Holly
This thorny green plant with the red berries is renowned for its usefulness in naturalistic rituals and alchemy. It is highly poisonous, and yet, in small quantities and properly treated, can make curing potions as well.

Crypt Shrooms
A rare variety of mushroom used in some poison and energy potions. Studied by Cochran of the Tower of Magi.

Asptongue Mold
A rare, dangerous mold, used in the creation of the most powerful poisons.

Energetic Herbs
Wormgrass
Wormgrass is twisted, wicked-looking, and defends itself with razor sharp edges. The youngest, freshest, sharpest blades are valuable in alchemy.

Unique Herbs
Toadstools
One of many poisonous varieties of mushroom. Toadstools are scattered throughout the land, which contributes to their diversity.

One extremely rare species of toadstool is the Borgia toadstool. It is native to the lower caves.

Graymold
Graymold is a sweet smelling, slimy, dark gray mold. Because of its scarcity and ability to cure almost any illness or injury, it is constantly in demand by healers and alchemists. It is best known for its use in graymold salve, though it is also used in other powerful potions. It is usually only found underground, but has been known to appear in isolated crags on the surface.

Mandrake
Since the earliest dawning of magical power, mandrake root has been the key ingredient of the most powerful rituals. In addition to containing much energy waiting to be unleashed, proper treatment can turn mandrake into a vicious poison.

Animal Part Ingredients
Fangs
Fangs and glands from asps, spiders, and even drakes are sometimes used in the creation of poisons. Intact sets are hard to come by, as most venom sacs rupture soon after a creature dies. Fangs from especially strong, magical creatures, such as spider queens and drake lords, are particularly valuable.

Retrieved from "http://encyclopedia.ermarian.net/wiki/Alchemical_ingredients"

What is Vetiver Oil? 5 Reasons to Use Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver Oil

It has a number of benefits due to its therapeutic value and aroma which helps in calming the nerves of those who are stressed out mentally and want to calm down and relax. It has a sedative property which makes it a likeable choice to be used in relieving people of stress, tension, anxiety and curing patients who have been suffering from insomnia for a long period of time. The aroma is such that it eases the nervous nerves which make it easier for people to regain a steady and calm balance.

The vetiver oil has a spicy undertone and is sweet with an earthy tone. It has a revitalizing and restoring quality which helps an individual to calm their nerves and take solace under any circumstances. It helps one to take every challenge thrown in their path with courage and a sense of tranquillity. It comforts and supports those who use it to a great extent. It can eradicate the worst of your fears and inhibitions by giving you a sense of connectivity to your root and origin due to its earthy property.

Those hit by the worst of situations and those under severe shock and trauma can also get considerable relief from using this aromatic oil. It has the property to help one relax completely by putting the soul, mind and body in perfect sync and enables a person to rest peacefully. It is also a great conditioner and can be used to rejuvenate the scalp, skin and hair. The ancient science of India, Ayurveda, makes use of the vetiver oil to help the body overcome the doshas or imbalance. The balancing property of this oil puts things back in sync.

One can use this oil to stimulate the muladhara chakra which is the first chakra in the body and the Manipura chakra which is the third one respectively. This oil can be blended with any of the citrus oils like orange and petitgrain though it has the quality to be used on its own as well. You can use this oil when you feel low, feel that you need to soothe your nerves, bring your body imbalance back to normal or simply rejuvenate yourself with the aromatic value. It is a definite treat you can sit back and enjoy.


http://www.thegreenlivingexpert.com/vetiver-oil.html

5 Reasons to Use Vetiver Essential Oil
Oct 16, 2010 Stephanie Holland

Vetiver is the only grass cultivated worldwide for the root essential oil. Used extensively in perfumery and cosmetics, it is less well known for its powerful healing properties and ease of use for day to day ailments.

Vetiver is a fantastic essential oil good for helping to relax frayed nerves, healing skin, relieving muscular aches and pains, treating PMS and menopause as well as being deeply grounding and uplifting. For these 5 reasons alone it is a fantastic oil to keep at home for day to day ailments.

The sweet, heavy, woody and earth aroma of vetiver is unmistakeably green and rich. Native to India, the grass also grows in Java, the Seychelles, Reunion, Brazil, Haiti and Japan. Its nature as the oil of tranquility is reflected in a dark amber liquid that is so thick and almost treacle-like. It is a beautiful oil for the home as it can help with many day to day ailments.

Here are the 5 reasons to use vetiver essential oil:

Use #1: Vetiver essential oil is deeply relaxing
Known as the oil of tranquility, it is beneficial for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, insomnia or depression. It is a nervine (strengthens the nerves and nervous system) and sedative (reduces nervousness, distress and agitation) therefore the perfect oil to help you ground, relax and balance yourself in "I want to scream and pull my hair out" moments.

Use #2: Vetiver oil is great for skin, especially wrinkles and stretchmarks

Its vulnerary (prevent tissue regeneration and promotes wound healing) and cicatrisant (promotes formation of scar tissue) properties make it excellent for healing tired and stressed skin.

It is excellent for revitalizing skin after childbirth to minimize stretchmarks. It can also help with cuts, wounds and scars. It is helpful in daily skincare in the treatment of dry, dehydrated skin as well as bruises. Very moisturizing, it can even be used in facial blends for wrinkles. It is up there with a woman's best friend.

Use #3: Vetiver is very effective at relieving muscular aches and pains
Vetiver oil is rubefacient (meaning it's warming and increases blood flow) and therefore superb in the treatment of general body aches and pains, bruises, rheumatism and arthritis.

The use of vetiver in a massage blend is a deeply relaxing treatment that soothes aches and pains and is highly recommended for anyone with sore joints. Very good for massage in stressful times that manifest into a very sore and achy body.

Use #4: Vetiver essential oil is superb at treating PMS and menopausal symptoms
Vetiver oil is an excellent oil to have in the house when there are women around (of any age!). Whether it is you that suffers PMS or menopausal symptoms or the person you live with, vetiver essential oil is a star in helping to regulate hormones!

It is said to regulate the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, making it very helpful during menopause. Its cooling action also helps with hot flushes and its grounding action helps to balance the emotions.

PMS can be caused by estrogen deficiency and therefore is helpful for the same reasons as menopause. Its uplifting and grounding nature can help with unbalanced emotions during the menstrual period.

Use #5: Vetiver is great for the digestive system
Vetiver oil is able to support the body's restorative, absorptive and anabolic functions. It is therefore useful for stimulating a poor appetite, for weight loss, in cases of anemia and malabsorption. It is also said to be helpful for a congested liver and pancreas.

5 reasons to use vetiver essential oil
Vetiver oil is a gounding and uplifting essential oil great for revitalizing the skin, relaxing the mind and relieving muscular aches and pains, treating PMS and menopausal symptoms and helping with digestive complaints.

For the oil burner or diffuser it blends excellently with essential oils of frankincense, grapefruit, lemon, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

Sources:
Battaglia, Salvatore, 2007, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, The Healing Arts Press, London

Mojay, Gabriel, 1999, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, The Healing Arts Press, London


http://www.suite101.com/content/5-reasons-to-love-vetiver-essential-oil-a297713#ixzz19CQT0mHh

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

What is the Solar Plexus

What is the Solar Plexus

In the human body, a complex collection of nerves of the nervous system in one specific location is known as a plexus. And this is exactly what the solar plexus really is. It is a location where a number of nerve endings meet, and this increases the sensitivity and the functionality of this specific region. The general location of the solar plexus in a human being is in the back of the stomach, or the upper abdomen, and it is also referred to as the celiac plexus by doctors and medical experts. Some of the components that merge in the solar plexus location are as follows.
Splanchnic Nerves - These are nerves that stretch to both sides of the body, and the sensory fibers that they carry enable a person to feel pain and other feelings.
Vagus Nerve - These are nervous tissues that communicate the state of certain organs to the human brain, so they too are sensory nerves in their own right.
Celiac Ganglia - These are 2 big nerves located in the abdomen, and they overlook and communicate information about the digestive system.
Aorticorenal Ganglia - These constitute a part of the celiac ganglia.
Where is Your Solar Plexus Located

This basic information should be enough for you to get a simple idea about the solar plexus. This is why the area is so sensitive, and causes an individual to reel in agony if he receives a blow there. When you learn self defense or any other martial arts techniques, you will be told about the solar plexus location in the body, and you will be instructed on how to target it in your opponent. Doing so will enable you to gain an upper hand in combat.

Solar Plexus Chakra

In Hindu mythology and in the Sanskrit language, Chakra represents a wheel of energy. This information was used for medicinal purposes in ancient times, and there are apparently 7 such Chakras in the body. The Solar Plexus Chakra is known as the Manipura or the Manipuraka, and it is associated with the digestive and metabolic processes of the human body due to the Solar Plexus location (Read more about the other Chakra points). The symbol of this Chakra is a downward pointing triangle enclosed in a circle, and bordered by 10 flower petals. Even Tibetan Buddhism propagates the concept of these Chakras, and they have a symbol for the Solar Plexus Chakra as well. This Chakra is also said to correspond with feelings of fear, anxiety, introversion, personal power, opinion-formation and spiritual growth.

With so much known about the solar plexus location, there is still a lot of mysticism and spirituality associated with this part of the human anatomy. Its vulnerability to physical blows is well known, but its real significance runs much deeper than that.

By Rahul Thadani
Published: 12/4/2010


Solar Plexus Pain Causes

As mentioned earlier, because the cluster of nerves in the solar plexus is interconnected to various parts of both the digestive and the nervous system, the causes of solar plexus pain can be many and may also be hard to define without proper medical examination. The common causes of solar plexus pain are as follows.
Improper functioning in the nerves of the solar plexus.

A hit or a blow on the stomach or the solar plexus area.

Cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Chronic Pancreatitis
A pulled muscle can again be a cause for pain in solar plexus as there are so many nerves in there.
Too much of stress
Metastatic cancer
Acid reflux diseases which may cause solar plexus pain after eating.
Treatment of Solar Plexus Pain

When speaking of the treatment of solar plexus pain, it is very important to first determine the appropriate cause for the same. This is done through various medical procedures for testing including the scans, MRI's, blood tests etc. Therefore, in order to treat the solar plexus pain, it is best to get in touch with your health care specialist as soon as possible. Below mentioned are some treatments that might be helpful by the time you check with your doctor.
Avoid taking painkillers as they may cause trouble if the cause of the pain is ulcers.
You can go for antacids which may prove to be beneficial for the first 3-4 days, however, if you still fail to get some relief, then it is best advisable to get in touch with your doctor.
If you feel that the solar plexus pain is due to a muscle pull, then application of hot and cold packs on the solar plexus would also help.
If the pain is way to much then you can also take a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil on a warm damp towel and place it on the naked skin for sometime. Remember to cover it with a blanket so that the heat passes through the solar plexus.
There are many yoga exercises for muscle relaxation which can prove to be of help. Some simple activities like deep breathing, chanting loudly while placing your hands on the solar plexus, shallow and rapid breathing, etc, can help to relieve the pain.
Although the above mentioned treatments and causes might help you understand this subject better, I would like to remind you again about the amount of muscles and nerves that are a part of the solar plexus. Therefore, it is best to check with your doctor to know the exact cause of solar plexus pain, who will then provide you with the correct and relevant treatment. Do not take it lightly as a delay might only worsen the situation. The solar plexus is a complicated and sensitive part of your body, so you need to take special care of it. Take care.

By Shalu Bhatti
Published: 12/6/2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Your Awareness Comes from Sensing or Intuition!

Your Awareness Comes from Sensing or Intuition!

Type Dynamics of Energy Impact How You See the World!
Words to Describe Personality on the Awareness Level

Sensing and Intuition describe how you most instinctively BECOME AWARE of what is going on around you.

How do you SEE THE WORLD literally?

Why do you pay attention to some things more intently than others?

Why do you remember some things better/worse than others?

Sensors are naturally focused on the present moment,details, on concrete information in the here and the now, information gained powerfully from their five (5) senses; seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling.


Intuits are naturally focused on the future, what is over the horizon, with a view to concepts, patterns and possibilities.

Sensors more instinctively notice the facts, details,


and realities of the world around them in the here and the now. Consider the following list of personality traits NATURALLY associated with sensing:


•perceiving with the five senses
•clear straightforward speech pattern
•attends to practical and factual details
•focused on actual experiences
•very in touch with physical realities
•more literal using facts and real examples
•present oriented in the moment folk
•sensible down to earth
•see little things in everyday life
•attend to step-by-step experience
•the eyes will tell the mind what is going on

This is not a complete list of words to describe personality but these can be considered a list of personality traits and/or characteristics commonly displayed by Sensors.

Intuits more naturally see the potential connections and relationships between facts as well as the meaning, or possibilities of the facts as well as the meaning, or possibilities of the information.

Consider the following list of personality traits NATURALLY associated with intuition:

•perceive with memory and associations
•complex conceptual speech pattern using lots of compound sentences
•more figurative using analogies/metaphors
•focused on the possibilities
•more in their heads
see patterns and meanings
•repeat themselves recap and rephrase
•project possibilities for the future
•bored easily after learning skills
•read between the lines
•looking for the big picture
•get hunches out of nowhere
•finish other peoples thoughts (interrupt)
•leap around in a roundabout way mentally

http://www.personality-power-for-everyday-living.com/Sensing-intuition.html

Discover Your Thinking-Feeling Reasoning Style!

Discover Your Thinking-Feeling Reasoning Style!

Type Dynamics of Becoming Informed Impact How You Make Decisions!

Words to Describe Personality on the Reasoning Level

Thinking and Feeling describe how you like to go about DECIDING THINGS.Thinkers make decisions and reason based primarily on objective and impersonal criteria-what makes the most sense and what is the most LOGICAL-period. Feelers make decisions and reason based primarily on their PERSONAL VALUES and how they Feel about the choices.

Thinkers naturally tend to be cool, analytical, and are convinced by logical reasoning. Feelers tend to be sensitive, empathetic, and are convinced by extenuating circumstances and a constant search for HARMONY.

Thinkers more naturally reason with objectivity, pro and




con, cause and affect, most logical, factual bottom line analysis. Consider the following list of personality traits NATURALLY associated with thinking:

•use logical analysis
•truth is an objective
•notice ineffective reasoning
•act cooler distant toward others (while reasoning)
•deal with people firmly as needed
•expect world to run on logical principles
•may seem insensitive, blunt and tactless at times
•argue and debate for fun
get right to the point
•give praise sparingly
•usually very assertive
•more likely to be male (65%++)

This is not a complete list of words to describe personality but these can be considered a list of personality traits and/or characteristics commonly displayed by Thinkers.

Feelers more naturally tend to base their decisions primarily on people centered values and on subjective evaluations of people centered concerns and harmony.Consider the following list of personality traits NATURALLY associated with feeling:

•applying personal priorities
•harmony as a goal
•notice when people need support
•act warmer, friendlier toward others
•deal with people compassionately
•very sensitive to other’s feeling
•usually very gentle and diplomatic
•ANY feeling is valid
•avoid arguments conflict and confrontation
•thin skin feelings get hurt easily
•take most things personally
generous with praise
•may lack assertiveness
•more likely to be female (65%++)

This is not a complete list of words to describe personality but these can be considered a list of personality traits and/or characteristics commonly displayed by Feelers.

http://www.personality-power-for-everyday-living.com/Thinking-feeling.html

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Heart Meditation

Heart Meditation
Heart meditation helps you with your ability to love and also your ability to let things go, both of which are very important in everyday life when dealing with other people, whether its loved ones or just acquaintances. Your ability to love effects your relationships on many levels, the ability to let go is also very important as resentment and anger can build up to dangerous levels if left unchecked.

Heart meditation helps on both of these matters by activating two important chakras, the heart chakra and the navel chakra. The heart chakra is in the heart centre which is located between the breast and slightly to the left. The navel chakra is located about 2 to 3 inches below your navel.

To practice the heart meditation firstly take your usual meditating position (heart meditation is not dependent on position and can be practiced in any), my favorite is to sit on a meditation cushion cross legged, with my knees touching the floor and my back straight.

Heart meditation is aligned with your breathing so you might want to take a minute to relax and take a few deep breaths. When you are comfortable, breathe in and imagine the breath going into your heart center.

The second stage is, when you breathe out, imagine your breath is flowing down to your navel chakra; this stimulates a feeling of letting go.


The third stage of heart meditation is when you breathe in you imagine you breathe in from your navel chakra to your heart center.
Stage two is then repeated with an inner feeling of letting go.
Stage three is repeated again, as you imagine that you breathe in from your navel to your heart center.

The process is repeated between stage 2 and stage 3 until your meditation is over.

When you have practiced and mastered the heart meditation technique, you may like to imagine when breathing to your heart center that a white light and a feeling of love is engulfing the heart, some yogi have said that the feeling of love is so intense that it has brought such joy and a inner peace that is unrivaled.
By Greg Hyman

Friday, December 17, 2010

Self-enquiry

Self-enquiry- Practice
Edited by David Godman

Preamble
By David Godman

Beginners in self-enquiry were advised by Sri Ramana to put their attention on the inner feeling of ‘I’ and to hold that feeling as long as possible. They would be told that if their attention was distracted by other thoughts they should revert to awareness of the ‘I’-thought whenever they became aware that their attention had wandered. He suggested various aids to assist this process- one could ask oneself ‘Who am I?’ or ‘Where does this I come from?’- but the ultimate aim was to be continuously aware of the ‘I’ which assumes that it is responsible for all the activities of the body and the mind.

In the early stages of practice attention to the feeling ‘I’ is a mental activity which takes the form of a thought or a perception. As the practice develops, the thought ‘I’ gives way to a subjectively experienced feeling of ‘I’, and when this feeling ceases to connect and identify with thoughts and objects, it completely vanishes. What remains is an experience of being in which the sense of individuality has temporarily ceased to operate. The experience may be intermittent at first but with repeated practice it becomes easier and easier to reach and maintain. When self-enquiry reaches this level there is an effortless awareness of being in which individual effort is no longer possible since the ‘I’ who makes the effort has temporarily ceased to exist. It is not Self-realisation since the ‘I’-thought periodically reasserts itself but it is the highest level of practice. Repeated experience of this state of being weakens and destroys the Vasanas (mental tendencies) which cause the '‘I’-thought to rise, and, when their hold has been sufficiently weakened, the power of the Self destroys the residual tendencies so completely that the ‘I’-thought never rises again. This is the final and irreversible state of Self-realisation.

This practice of Self-attention or awareness of the ‘I’-thought is a gentle technique, which bypasses the usual repressive methods of controlling the mind. It is not an exercise in concentration, nor does it aim at suppressing thoughts; it merely invokes awareness of the source from which the mind springs. The method and goal of self-enquiry is to abide in the source of the mind and to be aware of what one really is by withdrawing attention and interest from what one is not. In the early stages effort in the form of transferring attention from the thoughts to the thinker is essential, but once awareness of the ‘I’-feeling has been firmly established, further effort is counter-productive. From then on it is more a process of being than doing, of effortless being rather than an effort to be.

Being what one already is is effortless since beingness is always present and always experienced. On the other hand, pretending to be what one is not (i.e. the body and the mind) requires continuous mental effort even though the effort is nearly always at a subconscious level. It therefore follows that in the higher stages of self-enquiry effort takes attention away from the experience of being while the cessation of mental effort reveals it. Ultimately, the Self is not discovered as a result of doing anything, but only by being. As Sri Ramana Maharshi himself once remarked:

‘Do not meditate – be!

Do not think that you are – be!

Don’t think about being – you are!’

Self-enquiry should not be regarded as a meditation practice that takes place at certain hours and in certain positions; it should continue throughout one's waking hours, irrespective of what one is doing. Sri Ramana Maharshi saw no conflict between working and self-enquiry and he maintained that with a little practice it could be done under any circumstances. He did sometimes say that regular periods of formal practice were good for beginners, but he never advocated long periods of sitting meditation and he always showed his disapproval when any of his devotees expressed a desire to give up their mundane activities in favour of a meditative life.

The Magic of Five Seconds of Silence

The Magic of Five Seconds of Silence

You have heard that "silence is golden," right?

There are many teachers of the power of silence and you can buy books about the benefits of silence.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls."

Many of us spend our lives waiting to speak, forming our words, anxious to respond, ready to answer instantly when another stops speaking.

Today, as I was talking with one of my beloved spiritual partners, I suddenly felt a prompting to purposefully practice five seconds of silence before responding to my partner's statements. I suggested this to my partner and we both began to observe the five second rule.

The results were profoundly amazing - so amazing that we both became giddy with joy.

During those five seconds of silence, we experienced peace and a connectedness to spirit that I had not experienced before. Those five seconds of silence felt like pure consciousness, an acute awareness of my spiritual self.

We both became the Observers of ourselves, watching as our consciousness shifted and our energy vibrations were raised.

We began to giggle as we talked about how others would react to us if we began to exercise our new power of silence by pausing for just five seconds before responding to another's words.

Just five seconds.

We realized that during those five seconds of silence, we were in a state of allowing, receptive to Divine guidance, without the necessity of racing to be ready to speak immediately.

It is so simple, yet not easy to do. Can you imagine?

If you observe just five seconds of silence in a conversation on the telephone, others will respond with, "Are you still there?"

And if we practice our five seconds of silence with friends and family, they will say, "Did you hear me?"

And we can respond with, "Yes, I am here... Yes, I hear you... I am simply observing five seconds of silence before I respond."

Perhaps they will hear the peace in your voice or see the joy in your face as you begin to practice the art of truly listening, knowing that in your five seconds of silence you are in a state of receiving, trusting that your next words will be perfect and Divinely guided.

Try it! Simply pause to observe five seconds of silence before speaking in any conversation. Watch the shift in your consciousness and observe the peace that washes over you.

That is the magic of five seconds of silence.

http://www.whatismetaphysics.com/powerofsilence.html

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Spiritual Growth Benefits, Tips and Suggestions

Spiritual Growth Benefits, Tips and Suggestions
By Remez Sasson

Spiritual growth is an important inner process, not only for people who live in far away and secluded places, and who seek spiritual awakening. Spiritual growth is of paramount importance for a better, happier and more harmonious life, free of tension and strain, fear and anxiety.

Spiritual growth is the process of getting rid of wrong concepts, thoughts and beliefs about who we are and about the world in which we live. Through this process we increase our awareness of our true inner being, the true spirit that we are. It is a process of looking inside us, shedding our illusions and uncovering our true essence, which is always present, but hidden beyond the ego-personality.

Why should we be interested in spiritual growth? What are the signs that we are growing spiritually? What are the benefits? Here are a few signs and benefits:

# We develop detachment, which leads to inner peace.

# We learn not to let outside circumstance affect our moods and states of mind.

# We become more patient and tolerant.

# We learn to rise above frustration, disappointment and negative feelings.

# Inner power and strength increase.

# This process leads to increased feeling of happiness.

# Our intuition gets sharper.

# We become better citizens of the world.

# Our understanding of our inner essence, what we are, and why we are here grows.

How can one grow spiritually? The term spiritual growth is not really correct. The spirit is perfect and does not need to grow. It is a term that describes a process of becoming more aware of what and who we are, growing to look at our life and circumstances from a different, more detached point of view, and of putting things into the proper perspective. It is a process of shedding negative and limiting habits, thoughts and beliefs, and letting the inner self within us shine out.

Imagine a radiant bulb of light, hidden beneath layers of various materials. To let the light of the bulb shine out and illuminate the surroundings, you do not have to strengthen the light or change the bulb. All you have to do is to take away the layers that are covering it. As you remove layer after layer the light shines more radiantly and strongly.

How do you remove the layers that are covering the light of your inner self? You do so through positive thinking, reading spiritual literature, reading spiritual quotes, and by practicing concentration, meditation and other inner training techniques. If you browse this website, you will find a lot of information, advice and instructions for spiritual growth.

Here are a few suggestions to start you on the road of spiritual growth:

# Acknowledge the fact that you are a spirit with a physical body, not a physical body with a spirit. If you can accept this idea, it will change your attitude toward many things in your life.

# Look inside you, and try to find out what it is that makes you feel alive.

# Make an effort to think positively. If you find yourself thinking negatively, immediately direct your mind to thinking on something positive. Open the door for the positive and close it for the negative.

# Always try to look at the bright side of life. Your inner self is stronger than your circumstances. Don't let circumstances and situations dictate to you how to feel or think.

# Endeavor to focus your attention on everything you do, instead of letting your attention go wherever it desires.

# Start learning and practicing meditation.

# Do your best to be tolerant, patient, tactful and considerate.

# Thank the Universe for everything that you get.

http://www.successconsciousness.com/spiritual_growth.htm

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Happy Friendship Day...

Friends are angels
who bring sunshine and warmth
to brighten our days;
they give us hope and happiness
in many wonderful ways.



They wrap us in their wings,
offering comfort and love,
and they bring us
blessings from above.



Their smiles mysteriously
summon the sun,
and fill our lives with
endless fun.



Friends are like angels,
an angel like you,
and I'm glad that I found
a friend in you.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Rudraksha Beads


Rudraksha beads are the material from which garlands (108 beads in number) are made. The term is used both for the berries themselves and as a term for the type of mālā made from them.[5] In this sense, a rudraksha is a rosary, used for repetitive prayer (japa), a common aid to worship in Hinduism. Rudraksha is also used for treatment of various diseases in traditional Indian medicine.

The seeds show variation in the number of grooves on their surface, and are classified on the basis of the number of divisions that they have. Different qualities are attributed to the rudraksha based on the number of grooves, or 'faces' that it has. A common type has five divisions, and these are considered to be symbolic of the five faces of Shiva. It can only be worn with black string or a gold chain.[6]

Rudraksha Mala has been used by Hindus (as well as Sikhs and Buddhists) as rosary for thousands of years for meditation purposes to sanctify the mind, body and soul. The word Rudraksha is derived from Rudra (Shiva—the Hindu God of all living creatures) and aksha (eyes). One Hindu legend says that once Lord Shiva opened His eyes after a long period yoga, because of extreme fulfillment He shed out a tear. This single tear from Shiva’s eye grew into the Rudraksha tree. Rudraksha fruit is blue in color but turns black when dried. The central hard Rudraksha uni-seed has 1 to 108 faces and 2 to 21 faces Rudraksha are available, 1 faced Rudraksha is scarcely available, Rudraksha having 22 to 108 are almost extinct, there are claims that 22 to 108 faced Rudraksha plants still survive at the foot hills of the Himalayas and Manasa-sarovar regions, but a person is yet to see them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudraksha

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Quotes by intellectuals

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone.
--Audrey Hepburn

And yet I should have dearly liked, I own, to have touched her lips; to have questioned her, that she might have opened them; to have looked upon the lashes of her downcast eyes, and never raised a blush; to have let loose waves of hair, an inch of which would be a keepsake beyond price: in short, I should have liked, I do confess, to have had the lightest license of a child, and yet been man enough to know its value.
--Charles Dickens

He has shown you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord ask of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly before your God?
--Anonymous

First, a few words about tools.

Basically, a tool is an object that enables you to take advantage of the laws of physics and mechanics in such a way that you can seriously injure yourself. Today, people tend to take tools for granted. If you're ever walking down the street and you notice some people who look particularly smug, the odds are that they are taking tools for granted. If I were you, I'd walk right up and smack them in the face.
--Dave Barry

An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
--Henry David Thoreau

They leave Omelas, they walk ahead into the darkness, and they do not come back. The place they go towards is a place even less imaginable to most of us than the city of happiness. I cannot describe it at all. It is possible that it does not exist. But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas.
--Ursula K. Le Guin

A cat's rage is beautiful, burning with pure cat flame, all its hair standing up and crackling blue sparks, eyes blazing and sputtering.
--William S. Burroughs

To all those who walk the path of human cooperation war must appear loathsome and inhuman.
--Alfred Adler

I value kindness to human beings first of all, and kindness to animals. I don't respect the law; I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper, and old men and women warmer in the winter, and happier in the summer.
--Brendan Behan

If a child annoys you, quiet him by brushing his hair. If this doesn't work, use the other side of the brush on the other end of the child.
--Anonymous

If I were to walk on water, the press would say I'm only doing it because I can't swim.
--Bob Stanfield

Each honest calling, each walk of life, has its own elite, its own aristocracy based on excellence of performance.
--James Bryant Conant

The words figure and fictitious both derive from the same Latin root, fingere. Beware!
--M.J. Moroney

Telephone books are like dictionaries -- if you know the answer before you look it up, you can eventually reaffirm what you thought you knew but weren't sure. But if you're searching for something you don't already know, your fingers could walk themselves to death.
--Erma Bombeck

Walk softly and carry a BFG-9000.
--Anonymous

I do enjoy a good long walk -- especially when my wife takes one.
--Anonymous

The kindness I have longest remembered has been of this sort, the sort unsaid; so far behind the speaker's lips that almost it already lay in my heart. It did not have far to go to be communicated.
--Henry David Thoreau

Jesus don't walk on water no more; his feet leak.
--Edward Abbey

It's good to see so many friends here in the Rose Garden. This is our first event in this beautiful spot, and it's appropriate we talk about policy that will affect people's lives in a positive way in such a beautiful, beautiful part of our national - really, our national park system, my guess is you would want to call it.
--George W. Bush

Like an expensive sports car, fine-tuned and well-built, Portia was sleek, shapely, and gorgeous, her red jumpsuit moulding her body, which was as warm as seatcovers in July, her hair as dark as new tires, her eyes flashing like bright hubcaps, and her lips as dewy as the beads of fresh rain on the hood; she was a woman driven -- fueled by a single accelerant -- and she needed a man, a man who wouldn't shift from his views, a man to steer her along the right road: a man like Alf Romeo.
--Rachel Sheeley

My music is the spiritual expression of what I am my faith, my knowledge, my being When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups I want to speak to their souls.
--John Coltrane

The lovely woman-child Kaa was mercilessly chained to the cruel post of the warrior-chief Beast, with his barbarian tribe now stacking wood at her nubile feet, when the strong clear voice of the poetic and heroic Handsomas roared, 'Flick your Bic, crisp that chick, and you'll feel my steel through your last meal!'
--Winning sentence

Walk softly and carry a megawatt laser.
--Anonymous

The two most beautiful words in the English language are "Cheque Enclosed."
--Dorothy Parker

Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair.
--George Burns

Although there are now twice as many of us as there were in 1961, each of us has more to eat, in both developed and developing countries. Fewer people are starving. Food is far cheaper these days and food-wise the world is quite simply a better place for far more people.
--Bjorn Lomborg

A career is great, but you can't run your fingers through its hair.
--Anonymous

Walk softly and carry a big stick.
--Theodore Roosevelt

VI:
A hungry dog hunts best.
A hungrier dog hunts even better.
VII:
Decreased business base increases overhead.
So does increased business base.
VIII:
The most unsuccessful four years in the education of a cost-estimator
is fifth grade arithmetic.
IX:
Acronyms and abbreviations should be used to the maximum extent
possible to make trivial ideas profound. Q.E.D.
X:
Bulls do not win bull fights; people do.
People do not win people fights; lawyers do.
--Norman Augustine

Saturday, December 04, 2010

About Koi Fish Symbolism

About Koi Fish Symbolism
The koi is an ornamental carp and there are at least 14 different classifications of koi distinguished by their color and markings. Many people believe that the koi originated in Japan; however, much of the ancient historical accounts place China as the first home to the koi fish. This fish has been used as a feng shui symbol and cure for thousands of years. Feng shui principles state that the koi is auspicious and attracts prosperity and abundance.

Koi Attributes
Regardless of its origins, the koi is a prominent symbol of feng shui. Many of the attributes of the koi symbolize several lessons and even trials individuals often encounter in life. The koi fish has a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream.

In fact, one of the oldest Chinese legends tells about a brave koi that fought its way upstream to reach the Longmen's Dragon Gate, a series of caves in the mountainside bordering the Yi River. The fish endured many hardships and overcame innumerous obstacles, but its tenacity helped it to be victorious. Its reward when it finally leapt over the falls at the gate was the transformation from a simple carp into a magnificent dragon god.

Koi as a Chinese Food Source
No symbol in the Chinese culture has a singular meaning behind its status, especially when it comes to feng shui symbols. The koi has a varied background of how it was elevated to the symbol status of being auspicious. One of the things to remember is that in less modern times, the koi was a vital part of the Chinese diet. The farmers raised the fish in their rice fields in a perfect ecosystem. The fish provided fertilizer for the rice crops while the aquatic life found in the rice fields sustained the koi.This is a good example of the balance in life that the koi represents. When times became hard, often during the winter months, the rice farmers would survive by eating the highly nutritious koi. Some feng shui experts believe this history of the koi and its importance in sustaining the Chinese people first as a fertilizing source for the rice crop and then as a direct food source was the beginning of the koi becoming a symbol of prosperity.



The koi is used in feng shui as various symbols. The most prominent one is as a bringer of good fortune, wealth and prosperity. If you wish to be successful in your career, or if you need courage when asking for a promotion, a koi symbol will imbue you with the fish's positive attributes.

Good Luck: The koi is a tried and true symbol of auspiciousness. If you're in search of a good luck symbol then this colorful carp is the perfect choice.
Wealth and Prosperity: If you wish to draw wealth and prosperity to you and your family then buy seven red carp and one black one. The number eight is an auspicious number of prosperity. The black fish will attract and absorb any negative luck destined your way.
Auspicious Happiness: The official symbol of auspicious happiness is that of a young boy holding a carp. The fish is vital to the Chinese culture and the symbol is often combined with other good luck symbols.
Decorative Symbolism: Red envelopes presented as wedding gifts, birthdays, and on New Year's Day are typically decorated with colorful koi often highlighted with gold.

Lucky Bamboo: Fu Gwey Zhu


Lucky bamboo meaning plays an important role as a living example of the feng shui elements of water, wood and earth.

History of Lucky Bamboo
When you place this plant in the correct pot, it introduces fire and metal to complete a balance of the five elements. This plant is one of the most recognizable feng shui cures. Its popularity is two-fold. The plant is elegant and simplistic in care requirements and it can survive in any kind of light.

Feng shui principles suggest using bamboo to attract vibrant fresh chi. Because the bamboo is a strong plant, it helps to energize your home.

http://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/Lucky_Bamboo_Meaning

Lucky Bamboo: Fu Gwey Zhu
In Chinese, lucky bamboo is known as Fu Gwey Zhu.

Fu - Luck and fortune
Gwey - Power and honor
Zhu - Bamboo
Bamboo Symbolism
Bamboo has long been the Chinese symbol for strength. Many admire the bamboo's qualities of fast-growth and resilience.

Lucky Bamboo As a Gift
Many people give this kind of plant for a housewarming gift, birthdays, anniversaries, grand openings, awards, and other occasions. Having someone give you one increases the amount of luck the plant attracts to you.

Lucky Bamboo Meaning: Number of Stalks
Much of the luck that is associated with bamboo comes from the number of stalks bunched together or woven together into an arrangement. The number of stalks determines the kinds of energy the plant attracts into your home and life. The more stalks in the planter, the greater the blessing of good fortune and luck.

Lucky Log
This is a certain kind of bamboo that looks like a log with no roots. You'll want to place one end in water so it can grow leaves and continuously produce new leaves. Lucky log bamboo is symbolic of a strong life that's filled with prosperity. This plant is a favorite for businesses to give as gifts, especially to other companies since it promises to keep the business growing. Some varieties produce fragrant white flowers in addition to the healthy green leaves.

Two Bamboo Stalks
People often send two stalks of bamboo as an expression of love. This number also is said to double your luck.

Three Bamboo Stalks
The plant of three bamboo stalks is one of the most favorite number combinations to have in your home. It brings three kinds of luck to you:

Happiness - Fu
Long Life - Soh
Wealth - Lu
Especially career-related income such as a promotion
Four Bamboo Stalks
In the Chinese language, the word used as four sounds very similar to the word used for death. The number four has the same kind of connotation and draws sha (negative) energy. You'll never find a four-stalked bamboo plant in the Chinese culture; much less ever give one for a gift. To do so is extremely rude and would be interpreted that you're giving the recipient a death wish.
Five Bamboo Stalks
With this number there's one stalk for every area of your life that can bring you wealth. The overall energy attracted to a five bamboo stalk plant is one of health which is needed to benefit from any of the five areas of your life. You'll want to have a healthy career, healthy relationships, etc. The five-stalk bamboo reinforces each of the five areas of your life that can influence the level of wealth for each area.

Five Areas of Life:
Spiritual
Mental
Emotional
Physical
Intuitive
Six Bamboo Stalks
Six in the Chinese language also sounds like the word luck. Six stalks of bamboo attracts prosperity and advantages to achieve greater wealth.

Seven Bamboo Stalks
Seven stalks of bamboo bestows good health to you.

Eight Bamboo Stalks
Once more the Chinese language plays a big part in this number's law of attraction. Eight sounds like the word used for grow or thrive. Eight stalks also improves fertility.

Nine Bamboo Stalks
This is the symbol for good luck and bestows great luck to whoever receives a nine stalk plant.

Ten Bamboo Stalks
If you have a ten-stalk bamboo arrangement then the wish for you is to feel complete and complacent. The hope is that you find your life to be perfect. The sender want you to have everything in life just as you envision and desire.

Twenty-One Bamboo Stalks
If someone has gifted you with a plant with this number of bamboo stalks, then the well wishes for you and your family are being delivered in a very powerful overall blessing for great wealth and enduring health.