Survival of the Tolerant—Hinduism

Hinduism has always fascinated people across the world, only religion whose date of origin is absolutely open for anyones guess, some theologists dated the origin of Hinduism as about 3400BC, some say it dates more then 5000 BC, astonishing as such an old religion still thriving and more and more people in the world are being attracted towards it.

The reason behind the success of the Hinduism lies in its ethos of acceptance of every kind or nature of person, it values all the philosophies and forces none.

Here is my Summarisation of the essence hinduism:

1. Believe in God ! – Aastik – Accepted.
2. Don’t believe in God ! – you are Accepted as a Nastik.
3. You want to worship idols- please go ahead you are a Murti Pujak.
4. You don’t want to worship idols – no problem you can focus on Nirguna Brahmin
5. You want to criticise some thing in our religion, come forward, we are logical, Nyaya, Tarka etc are core elements of Hindu schools.
6. You want to accept beliefs as it is, most welcome please go ahead with it.
7. You want to start your journey by reading Bhagwat Gita – Sure!
8. You want to start your journey by reading Upanishads – Go ahead.
9. You want to start your journey by reading Purana- Be my guest.
10. You just don’t like reading Puranas or other books, no problem my dear, go by Bhakti tradition.
11. You don’t like the idea of Bhakti ! No Problem do your karma, be a karma yogi.
12. You want to enjoy life, very good, no problem at all, this is Charvaka Philosophy.
13. You want to abstain from all the enjoyment of life and find God, Jai Ho! be an ascetic.
14. You don’t like the concept of God, you believe in nature only- Welcome (Prakriti or nature is worthy of worship).
15. You believe in one God or supreme energy Superb! follow Advait philosophy.
16. You want a guru go ahead obtain Gyaan.
17. You don’t want a guru …Help yourself! meditate, study!
18. You Believe in Female energy! Shakti is worshipped.
19. You believe every human being is equal, you are awesome, come on lets celebrate Hinduism “Vasudev Kutumbakam” (the world is a family).
20. You don’t have time to celebrate a festival, don’t worry, one more festival is coming, there are multiple festivals every single day of the year.
21. You are a working person, don’t have time for religion, its ok you will still be a Hindu.
22.  You like to go to temples, devotion is loved.
23. You don’t like to go to temples, no problem you are still a Hindu.
24. You know that Hinduism is a way of life with considerable freedoms.
25. You believe that evert thing has god in it, so you worship your mother, father, guru, tree, river, Prani-Matra, Earth, Universe!
26. And if you don’t believe everything has GOD in it – No Problem we respect your view point.
27. “Sarv Jana Sukhino Bhavantu” (May you all happily).

This is exactly the essence of Hinduism, all inclusive, that is why it has withstood the test of time inspite of repeated onslaught both from within and outside, and assimilated every good aspect from everything. That is why it is eternal! There is a shloka in Rigveda, the first book ever known to mankind which depicts the Hindu Philosophy in a nutshell “Ano bhadrah krathavo yanthu vishwathah” let the knowledge come to us from every direction.

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10 ways to become more intuitive

Do you hear yourself often, ‘only if I were more intuitive’? Especially when you are at crossroads of life, where you do not know where to go. Or during times of trouble, when you are desperately looking for an answer but your inner voice seems to be as unresponsive as a dormant volcano.

Yet, intuition is not just a torchlight in the darkness. It is a tool that can help make better decisions at work and in relationships. It can also help you create a life that is uninfluenced by your and society’s prejudices and biases.

Fortunately enough, there are concrete ways to enhance the subtle power of intuition.

 Still the mind

We all have intuitive abilities. We all have that tiny voice that tries to guide us through life. However, the world fills our head with so many thoughts that we eventually lose the habit of listening to that voice. A daily meditation practice is a way to still your mind every day. When you silence your thoughts every day, you are able to listen to your inner voice with more clarity and ease.

Acknowledge the limitation of logic

Our logic depends on the knowledge that we perceive from our senses. This makes our knowledge limited. Our logic cannot be beyond what we know. Thus, logic and knowledge are intertwined in the same pool. When we recognize the universe and the truth are beyond that, we give a chance to our intuition.

Practice Sun Salutations

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations are a set of 12 yoga postures. Its regular practice affects a mass of nerves in your stomach called the solar plexus that directly influences your intuitive abilities.

Feel contented

Whether we like it or not, desires bring mental noise and restlessness which don’t allow intuition to shine forth. Simply because this subtle power thrives on silence. Feeling contented is one way to satiate restlessness and cut unnecessary noise. You may wonder, how is it possible to feel content just like that? According to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the answer is being of service. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “When a few people get comfort and relief because of you, then the happiness and contentment that you experience cannot be expressed in words.”

Tend to your gut health

Numerous studies have shown the connection between the gut and the brain. A healthy gut promotes intuition, wisdom, and the feeling of positivity. You can strengthen your gut by reducing stress and supplementing your diet with good bacteria. You can minimize stress from your life with yoga, meditation, proper sleep and diet.

Pay attention

Be more observant of the world around you and within you (the mind-body complex). As you pay more attention, your mind will be more rooted in the present and mental noise will reduce. Intuition thrives on the practice of attention and quiet.

Engage in right-brain activity

While the left-brain is involved in analysis and logical thinking, the right-brain promotes intuitive thinking and creativity. As the left side of the brain promotes thoughts, it can create noise when overactive. To silence the left side of your brain and activate the right side, you can get involved in creative pursuits and listen to music regularly or especially when you find yourself overthinking.

Slow down

If you feel tired or burnt out, your intuition is likely to weaken. On the other hand, a refreshed mind is the perfect home to intuition. To slow down and rejuvenate, get away from the world, and relax for a while. Go on a sabbatical, a retreat, an unplanned holiday, or spend time with nature. A treat to your soul is fuel to your intuition.

Focus on your values
Our minds are sensitive beings of their own. They get muddled in the world and get trapped in a vicious cycle of negativity. Negative thoughts clog our intuition. Yet, a focus on values like kindness, forgiveness, contentment helps one break the cycle of negativity. Keep a focus on these values and allow your intuition to blossom.

Be comfortable with your intuition
Many times, we ignore our intuition or run away because of the fear of the unknown. However, intuition is like a shy child. It will only blossom if you pay heed and allow it to blossom.

 

The Afghan Betrayal

It’s incredible to watch how fast the USA can forget the biggest attack on its soil, once again  turning its back on the dark world the AFPAK region,  and my fear is that whenever (not if ever) islamists attack the USA, it won’t be as simple and medieval as the 9 “11”.

Islam is the most violent religion in the universe, it advocates and justifies killing innocents in the name of God , they glorify revenge and allows pedophilia. Taliban, ISIS, and Al Qaeda are the true disciples of the Islam, they are blood thirsty monsters who want to destroy life on earth, the monstrosity they manifested on the innocent women and children in Afghanistan, would put the most dreaded historical monsters to shame.

Exit of USA is like a surgeon leaving the patient in the middle of surgery, within a week of the exodus of US forces, Taliban baked by Pakistan, has started wracking havoc on Afghanistan, they have already conquered 2 provinces and it will be only a matter of time, when Taliban will have the country and millions of men, women and children, under there bloody claws.

Reeling under popular political pressure, Joe Biden made the decision of abruptly leaving Afghanistan, no prise for guessing, who would be the first country the Taliban would come after, they are unabashedly supported by nuclear armed Pakistan, in fact they are proxies of the Pakistan Army.

Last time the US turned its back on Afghanistan, was right after the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of USSR, it resulted in 9’11, once again they are leaving the country in an even precarious situation, in the hands of Taliban, Pakistan and China.

In the last 20 years of US occupation, the various US administrations were concerned only about achieving the military objectives, they never tried to uplift the average Afghani, they spent billions on bombs and missiles, pounding Taliban and afghans in general, but not a single dollar was spent on education or health care which the Afghans needed so badly, its a deja vu, USA did exactly the same in the 80s when they supported Afghan uprising against the USSR.

I won’t be surprised that the next attack on the US soil would dwarf all earlier terrorist attacks, including 9’11, and it would for sure emanate from Afghanistan.

 

 

Self Care

Once upon a time, there was a cobbler who was famous for the elegant shoes that he used to make. He was also generous and kind hearted, helping anyone in need. He lived in a small village and he was the only talented cobbler in that village. He was responsible for repairing the shoes and making new shoes for everybody in that village. After some days, he noticed that his own shoes were torn but he was busy tending to the needs of the villagers and making exquisite shoes for some of the rich, getting a lot of praise in the process. He completely ignored the worn out shoes that he was wearing. Initially, there was no problem, but slowly there was a big hole in the sole of his shoes and it started becoming frail and torn. However he neglected the state of the torn shoes and kept on making footwear for others, feeling happy with the appreciation. He felt satisfied when you made free shoes for the people who did not have the means to afford it.
In due course of time, his tattered and worn out shoes started giving him painful blisters and he began walking with a limp, some of his customers started to worry about it, but he reassured them that it will get cured in a while. They continued to shower him with blessings and wishes for a selfless service and hard work. He was lauded for doing a fantastic job in spite of the boils, blisters and the limp.

 

 

After a few months, the blisters became extremely painful and the infection started spreading to the extent that he could no longer work. He could neither repair his shoes nor make or repair anyone else’s. He started regretting the gross neglect of his part as he lay on his bed tending to his wounds.
Does this story seem familiar to what many of us have done with our lives or what we have faced? This is a simple story which would have struck a chord with many of you to address an important issue this significant aspect of our life which we tend to ignore often is self-care and self- love.
In this self absorbed world, we tend to ignore the fact that our cup is not only half empty, it is almost empty. We spend years neglecting the poor state of our own half filled cup while tending to the needs of the people around us. Taking care of others gives us a sense of satisfaction and contentment. We often ignore ourselves and our own needs were trying to appease others.

If you do not look after yourself, after a while, the hollowness within you will make you incompetent to tend to the needs of others. Even with the best of your intentions, you won’t be able to radiate or share any happiness, or take care of the needs of anyone if youareempty from within. If one does not have time to care for themselves, then no one will.
This principle is applicable in the current global scenario where in we are under tremendous stress and pressure due to the ongoing pandemic. This is particularly in the case of frontline workers and all those who are impacted by the invisible monster, who have barely any time for self care and self grooming.

 

Self-Awareness answer to all your problems

 Awareness is the solution 4

Awareness bring a heightened understanding of intense emotion and distorted thinking. Awareness breaks the cycle of turmoil, alienation and isolation caused by inner wounds. Look for guidance and presence on the journey to awareness, especially as you begin the work of healing and the painful emotions from the past start to surface. Do not act out the emotion or inner sensations in ways that hurt you , other property or the environment.

you must become aware of your emotions and learn to accept them. Feel your emotions and express them safely.  n abused; either mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually.Abuse combined with a lack or absence of love can create deeply painful inner wounds. Abuse is the extreme of lovelessness.

In your journey, you will meet people who are in touch with being. They are precious gifts on the road of healing, but you must be ready to recognise them as valuable allies in confronting the inner pain and the untruth associated with inner wounds.Lack of love and abuse lead you to believe lies about yourself and others,  which can distort your awareness.Inner wounds not only cloud perception but also block being.

Awareness of being is essential in the work of inner healing.

It is only from the solidity of being that you will be able to face the inner pain of abuse and confront the lies of lovelessness. Take the time to become aware of being. If you want to begin the work of inner healing, work with safe and trusted mentors or friends who have travelled the road of healing or who have been on the road for some time. This is especially important when beginning the journey of healing. The presence of others is a powerful way to awaken your intellect to your presence within.

The being of others touches the Love, Life, Existence,Presence and Truth within you.

This is one way the intellect is awakened to the Reality of Being within. The intellect, body and emotions are awakened to Love, Life,Existence, Presence and Truth “within”.

The Love of other awakens the Love”within”. In Being there is communion with self, others and God.

Emergency In India “Decoded”

How Emergency imposed by ex – PM Indira Gandhi in 1975 changed Indian politics forever 

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and grandson of late PM Indira Gandhi said that Emergency                    was a ‘mistake’ and what happened in that period was ‘wrong’.

On June 26,1975, former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Proclaimed a national emergency across India, Under the directions of the then Prime minister of India Indira Gandhi- which lasted for 21 months. During this time elections were suspended and civil liberties curbed.

After 46 years, on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi- Congress leader and grandson of late PM Indira Gandhi, said at an event that the emergency was a mistake and what happened in that period was “Wrong”. Rahul Gandhi also said the emergency during which time constitutional rights and civil liberties were suspended, the media was severely restricted and many opposition leaders were jailed, was “fundamentally different from the current scenario.'”I think that was a mistake. Absolutely, that was a mistake. And my grandmother (Mrs Gandhi) said as much. (But) the congress at no point attempted to capture India’s institutional framework…frankly, it does not even have that capability,” Rahul Gandhi said in a conversation with renowned economist Kaushik Basu.

But what is Emergency and how did it came into effect and how it changed the entire political dynamics of this nation – is something this generation may not know. So here we bring you in simple words on what happened in 1975, which can be easily be termed as the biggest political blunder of independent India.

 

The Justification for Emergency

The reasons given for the emergency in the country was to control “internal disturbance”, for which the constitutional rights suspended and freedom of speech and the press withdrawn. Former PM Indira Gandhi gave three reasons to justify the extreme step- first, India’s security and democracy was in danger owing to the movement launched by Jayaprakash Narayan.

The second reason cited was that Indira in 1971- In parliamentary elections, Indira Gandhi had defeated Raj Narain from the Rae Bareli constituency, who subsequently had filed a petition in the Allahabad High court accusing Indira Gandhi of electoral malpractices.

January 1974- Students in Gujarat protested against raising prices of food grains and other essential commodities and corruption in the state government. Major opposition parties joined the protests, this led to the imposition of the president’s rule in the state.Demands for fresh elections became intense. subsequently elections were held in Gujarat in June 1975, which the congress lost.

1974- Students in Bihar started a movement to protest against the same issues. Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), who had given up active politics and was involved in social work, lead the movement. This took the issue to a national level.

June 12, 1975- Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha found the Prime Minister guilty of misuse of the government machinery during her election campaign and declared her election null and void and also barred her from contesting an election for the next 6 years. The court, however gave the congress 20 days to find a replacement to Gandhi as PM. Indira Gandhi moved the Supreme Court against the verdict.

June 24, 1975 – The Supreme Court granted her a partial stay on the High court order till her appeal was decided and that she could remain an MP but could not take part in proceedings of the Lok Sabha.

June 25, 1975- JP Narayan led a huge political rally in Delhi’s Ramlila ground where he announced a nationwide Satyagraha for Indira Gandhi’s resignation. The employees of the railways too called for a nationwide strike, led by George Fernandes.

June 25, 1975- This fateful night a state of emergency was declared as a government response to the June 25 Strike. All the powers were concentrated in the hands of the Union Government. The Government restricted the fundamental rights of the citizens during the period. All elections were suspended  and civil liberties curbed.

Most political opponents were imprisoned. Press was censored. All newspapers needed to get prior approval for the articles to be published. Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jamait-e-Islami were banned. Constitution was amended in an autocratic manner, particularly in the 42nd amendment.

An amendment was made declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice- President could not be challenged in the court. Sanjay Gandhi, who did not hold any official position at the time gained control over the administration. The period saw the symbolic forced mass sterilisation campaign spearheaded by Sanjay Gandhi.

Blessings and Disguise

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it , and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only halffull.

For a full two year this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do

After two year of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the steam. “I am ashamed of my self, and I want to apologise to you. “why?” ‘I have been able , for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,”the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot , and in his compassion he said , As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path. “Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of up the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this charred it somewhat. But at the end of the trail.it still felt bad beacuse it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologised to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot,”Did you notice that there were flower only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them For two year I have been able to pick these beautiful flower to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are , he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots. In this world, nothing goes to waste. You may think like the cracked pot that you are inefficient or useless in certain areas of your life, but somehow these flaws can turn out to be blessing in disguise.”

Who is Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s next President ?

From his time at the seminary in Qom to hardline president elect, Ebrahim Raise has come a long way

                          raise will remain chef justice until he takes over from outgoing president Hassan Rouhani

    Iran – Judiciary head Ebrahim Raisi has been elected as the next president of Iran at a critical juncture for the country. Who is the conservative leader and what are his positions ?

The 60-year- old Raisi , who enjoys wide backing from the conservative and hardline revolutionary camp and its base , will remain Chief Justice until he takes over from moderate outgoing president Hassan Rouhani in early August as did not resign from his post to run for president.

Like supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , the leader wears a black turban, which signifies that he is a sayyid – a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

Raisi is referred to as a likely successor to the  82-year-old Khamenei when he passes away

 

sun salutation (Surya Namaskar)12 poses highly effective for weight loss

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) For weight loss.

Sun Salutation is said to be the complete body workout for weight loss. Yoga experts say that doing 12 sets of Sun Salutation translates into doing 288 powerful yoga poses in a span of 12 to 15 minutes! Sun Salutation is another example of how good things came in small packages.

Sun Salutation: Wholesome yoga workout for “busy bee” to loos weight

Face a time crunch? Want to feel fit but don’t know how? welcome to the world of Surya namaskar. Literally translated as Sun Salutation , Surya Namaskar comprises of 12 yoga postures, The best part about sun salutation is that it works well for those super busy people who often complain about not being able to do yoga because of a time crunch. Doing at least 12 sets salutation, preferable at sunrise, at a fast pace provides a good cardiovascular workout. If done at a slow pace, these postures help tone the muscles and can be relaxing and meditative. Moreover it allows you to enjoy the stretch and feel the body getting flexible.

Though pretty much an exercise in itself, Sun Salutation forms an excellent link between worm ups and intense yoga postures. Start your early morning yoga routine with some worm up stretches to ease out body stiffness. You can then do a few rounds of sun salutation to help increase body flexibility and also prepare the body to stretch more during the intense yoga posture sequence.

Why Sun Salutation is good for you?

But that’s not all. Regular practice of sun salutation offers a lot of interesting benefits for every part of the body.These yoga poses have a great impact on the heart, liver,intestine, stomach, chest, throat and legs- the whole body from top to bottom. It purifies the blood and improves blood circulation throughout the body, and ensure proper functioning of the stomach, bowels and nervous centres. Practicing Sun Salutation practicing daily helps balance three constituents – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – that the body is made of.

More on benefits of Sun Salutation.

288 yoga poses in 12 minutes!

One round of Sun Salutation consists of 12 yoga poses, one set consists of two rounds of Sun Salutation: First stretching the right side of your body and then the left side. So when yo do 12 sets of Sun Salutations you are completing 12 sets * 2 rounds in each set * 12 yoga poses in each = 288 yoga poses in 12 to 15 minutes.

Surya Namaskar calorie calculation:

One round of Surya Namaskar burns upto 13.9 calories for an average weighing person. you can now set the target for yourself. Slowly you can increase the number of rounds of surya namaskar to 108. By the time you reach this number, you will find a leaner you.

30 -minutes workout calorie meter

Sun Salutation : Gratitude wit Yoga

Remember those school lessons on how the sun makes life possible on this planet? As a kid, we all learnt about the indispensable role of this glowing yellow ball, plays in our life, casting away darkness, breathing life into the creation. Now its our turn to say thank you to our closest star. Surya Namaskar gives up this opportunity . Sun salutation is a great way to exercise the whole body while feeling grateful to our revered life force, the Sun.

Eager to try out Sun Salutation for weight loss? Follow these simple steps on how to do Sun Salutation. All you need to do is get onto the yoga mat , flow gracefully from one yoga pose into another , keep smiling and enjoy the stretches. Add a dollop of gratefulness to the sun and make your sun salutation practice more scared and rewarding. You are now trending your way to a disease – free body and a relaxed mind.

 

How to sleep well

 

https://anchor.fm/neha-bajpai0/episodes/How-to-sleep-well-e12ui1e

I am sure you do already prepare to sleep however , it is worth mentioning some steps that will enhance and vastly improve your chances of good sleep .

Room temperature is critical , however this can pose some issues for couples, where one partner prefers cooler temperatures against a partner who likes a warm to hot room. So as best you can get the temperaturehow you are most comfortable.

Having a comfortable bed helps , along with the right pillow and height of pillow. it is Important to realise your body knows it needs to rest and sleep , it also knows it needs to be comfortable doing so .Give it what it needs.

Do away with as many electronic devices as possible , their very presence is a distraction ,and as previously said the subconscious mind takes onboard all prompts, good and bad it will do so even while you sleep. Even a stand by light on a tv can emit enough light to distract sleep.

As we have evolved from our distant primitive ancestors who had little extra light after the sun went down, save the light from a fire, the stars and the Moon. It stands to reason we still have the inbuilt ability to turn off when the light naturally fades at the end of the day, just like they did. However, this ability has been sabotaged by Morden living with lighting at the flick of a switch and electronic devices that admit light. So to give your body the best possible chance to rest, turn the lights off, darkness won’t harm you. If required have a small battery torch beside the bed for emergencies.

Don’t eat or drink immediately before retiring  to bed , both food and drink stimulate the body , and this will work against you ;your body will want to act on the introduction of fresh fuel into its system , a glass of water is fine, but cut out all other types of drink for at least an hour before bedtime. Alcohol is not only a stimulant but also a depressant ; many believe it will help them sleep , but in truth it can make good sleep harder