Spiritual Lounge E-Magazine April 2012

1. Issue : April 2012 Price : `. (FREE)
Vol : XXII
SPIRITUAL LOUNGE
E-MAGAZINE
Spiritual Lounge
Year of the
‘Consciousness in Motion’
2012

2. EDITORIAL April 2012
Dear Readers,
Spiritual Stories are great way to explain a point or revel in its wisdom. It helps a
person to understand and grasp the meanings or the message better. Stories could
be of any kind, funny, spiritual, fable, mythology and so on.
Here is a short story for you to understand how stories can make an impact.
There was once a man, who desperately wanted to learn the art of walking on the
surface of water. He spent years in penance and struggled great deal to obtain the
knowledge required to walk on water. Finally, he achieved what he desired; he was
able to walk on the surface of water as easily as he would do on land. He felt so
elevated that he rushed to the Buddha who happen to be passing through and told
him proudly of his achievements and how long it took him. Buddha smiled at him
and said, “Is that all?” The man wondered why such an enlightened soul would say
this. The Buddha explained, “Had you spent all that time and effort in trying to gain
the ultimate knowledge, you would have been enlightened by now and all you did
was waste it on gaining one piece of useless knowledge?” The man was obviously left
dumbstruck.
Ancient Indian beliefs and spiritualism is replete with such stories. In fact almost
every point is explained with a story or a comparison for better perception of its
words. It is like explaining 'A' for 'Apple' to generate its true
pronunciation/meaning.
I am a storyteller, are you one? If so, come share your stories here so others too may
learn and grasp things better. This is also called 'Consciousness in Motion' the
spiritual year of 2012. Come join in to spread awareness amongst all.
Join our Facebook group and like our page as well:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/spirituallounge/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiritual-Lounge/197029616975219
Connect with us anytime at: spirituallounge@live.com or +91-9619629092
Thank you,
Editor editor@spirituallounge.com
Cover page Photo: Wind Rose-Lisboa - PORTUGAL
Copyrights: All rights reserved
SPIRITUAL LOUNGE EMAGAZINE © 2010-2012
2

3. CONTENT April 2012
CONTENT
Pet Batch - By Linzi Martin Page 4 - 6
Meditation and the Sub-Conscious Mind - By Dr. Amit Nagpal Page 7
CinemaHall - Remarkable-Women review- Corina Bardasuc Page 8
Curses Spells and More- Sheila Kennedy Page 9 - 10
Teleport me - Batty Alark Page 10
The Nature of Desire - By Myra Godfrey Page 11 - 12
Unlock Power Within Me - Betty Alark Page 12
We are what we think we are - By Mohit Soni Page 13
Understanding Profound Surrender - By Master Chrism Page 14
Kaleidoscope of Life - By Sushmita Page 15 - 17
My Path - By Dr. Abhijit Das Page 17
Essentiality of Equanimity in Life - By Rahul Zota Page 18 - 19
Book Corner - Remembering to Call forth Source Energy - Page 20 -21
Jiten Soni Thoughts Page 21
PORTUGAL - Compiled by Dhara Kothari Page 22 - 30
Edited by Dhara Kothari. Published by Moksa Publishers for Spiritual Lounge.
Designed by Biren Shah. Email: spirituallounge@live.com.
Cell: +91-9619629092 / +91-9757274289
3

4. Pet Bach - By Linzi Martin April 2012
Introducing Bach Flower Remedies,
the all-natural stress relief,
as part of your Pet's First Aid repertory
As humans we share this wonderful planet with so regain a positive emotional balance I use and
many other sentient being that I think it's important recommend a range of natural, pure flower, plant and
to also respect their holistic well-being. Animals have tree essences called the Bach Flower Remedies. I'm a
feelings, as anyone who serves as a pet companion or qualified Bach Flower Remedy practitioner, trained
guardian knows only too well. We notice the in the UK, now living in Canada. In my experience I
differences in our friend's demeanor, their behavior, have found that just using a few drops of the selected
even their preferences for food/cuddles/walks etc. remedies, orally and/or topically, will often bring
They learn, feel and respond in individual ways to the soothing and calm to dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, birds,
world in which they live, like us. It is well known that horses, cows and all conscious creatures, without
happy and contented animals enjoy life and have harmful side effects.
fewer health problems, much the same as us humans.
Our companions have diverse personalities and so “Bach remedies help us to rediscover the positive side
sometimes they may suffer emotionally from of ourselves, help us to live an emotionally healthy
'negative' feelings such as fear, loneliness, life.”
bereavement, over enthusiasm etc. Thus impacting
on their behavior and physical-mental well-being. As I am not a professional
They also share stresses in Veterinary I am not legally
life, perhaps there has been a allowed to diagnose or 'treat'
new 'one' join the any animal. However I can
flock/herd/household, or a guide folk to what the positive
birth has been painful and potential for each remedy is,
long, or they are hungry and helping them to help
there's no food around. themselves. The Bach
(pronounced either as 'bacch'
Our beloved companions or like the composer) system of
clearly show us how they are natural health was devised by
feeling in both verbal and Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s
non-verbal communication; in England. Bach was a very
it's up to us to become intuitive man, trained as a
familiar with their traits, body language and bacteriologist, a medical doctor and in homeopathy.
reactions to understand their needs. Communication He treated many people and noticed that those with
is 20% expressed emotions and 80% need so what is the same dis-ease often responded in different ways.
their need behind the expressed feelings? His enquiring mind and sensitivity led him to
discover that various plants, flowers and trees had a
Some examples when a pet is out of sorts: positive/calming/soothing effect on the emotions
· does not like to be left alone when you go out; and thus often an improvement in the health. The
· continual barking/meowing or other noises
end result is a range of 38 essences that covers the
for no apparent reason (not health related);
whole range of emotions.
· looking 'sad' and dejected, staying away on
their own in corners;
“So long as our soul and personality is in harmony all
· over enthusiastic, like they have been
is joy and peace, happiness and health” Dr. Edward
drinking excess caffeine stimulated;
Bach (1886 – 1936)
· wide eyed, in shock;
· lethargic, lacking normal energy
You may have come across Rescue Remedy, often
cited as 'that amazing small bottle' used as a first aid
What can we give our companions to help regain their
measure at times of emergency and stress. That
'positive' balance?
'calmed me when I was in labor, when I was anxious
before my medical test/dentist, after the accident I
I prefer to use natural, healthful products as far as
was in such a panic, my mind in a whirl until I took
possible, for myself and my companions. To help
those few miracle drops and I felt myself again'.
4

5. Pet Bach - By Linzi Martin April 2012
I have observed how well our pets respond to the Two days later an exuberant Christine reported a
Bach remedies, so I'm enthusiastic for people to be remarkable change in Amber's well-being and also in
introduced to and use these inexpensive and safe first her own feelings about the situation. Amber was now
aids for themselves. Each remedy aids a specific asking to go out regularly and she had been
emotional state. You can take them individually or completely clean indoors. She also seemed to have
mix them together to match the way you feel. And you regained much of her zest for life. Christine felt much
may even find that your companion 'asks' for their more optimistic about Amber's condition and
bottle of remedies when they need them, reflecting confident that she had not yet reached the situation
the miracle of their sensitivity. where euthanasia needed to be considered. Many
months later Amber was still enjoying life to the full
Here is a story that brings a tear to the eyes when you and giving pleasure to her owners.
consider what might have been the outcome.
How different this story might have been if Amber
A story about how the Bach flower remedies help had not been given flower remedies. At worst she
restore Amber's zest for life might have been put to sleep prematurely, if only to
prevent further distress and inconvenience to her
Christine was very concerned about Amber, her 13 owner. She might have been given various drugs in an
year old Labrador, a much loved family pet, who until attempt to control her incontinence; drugs with
recently had seemed well in herself and still able to potentially undesirable side effects. In either event,
enjoy life, despite a degree of deafness and loss of the financial and emotional cost to her owner would
sight. Having always been have been considerable.
very clean indoors, she now
seemed reluctant to leave Source: Taken from Bach
the house to relieve herself Flower Remedies for
but became so excited when Animals by Helen Graham &
family members or visitors Gregory Vlamis
entered the house that she
lost control of her bladder A happy ending for this cow
and became distressed story! Cow Calving and an
afterwards. Christine was orphan by using the magic
anxious in case these might drops
be indications that Amber's
health was beginning to fail, A farmer had a cow that had
but more worried that if she lost her calf and also a calf
consulted her vet he would that had lost its mother. The
recommend that Amber be put to sleep simply farmer tried all the usual farming tricks to put the
because of her age and disabilities. cow and orphaned calf together but the cow kept
kicking the calf away and the calf was becoming
Christine found herself facing the same dilemma as frightened.
many caring animal owners. How could she strike the
proper balance between giving her pet every Bach remedies for the cow's water: Beech, Red
opportunity to enjoy life to the full and prevent its Chestnut, Walnut, Gentian and Star of Bethlehem
suffering unnecessarily? Christine decided to try [General key words for these remedies: intolerance,
flower remedies and asked Helen Graham's advice. over protectiveness of others, adjustment to changed
circumstances, shock].
Helen recommended a combination of flower For the calves water: Larch, Star of Bethlehem,
remedies for Amber: Gentian, Aspen and Walnut [general key words for
Aspen for her reluctance to go out of the house, a fear these remedies: confidence, shock, easily
of unknown being. despondent, worries, unknown fears, adjustment to
Larch to promote her confidence. changed circumstances].
Crab Apple to restore her dignity.
Christine was also advised to take Elm herself to help Within three hours the pair was together and the calf
her deal with the situation and Cerato to help her was happily suckling. The village now talks about the
trust her own judgment regarding Amber's 'magic drops' and the farmer is going to use the
condition. remedies again when cows and calves are separated
5

6. Pet Bach - By Linzi Martin April 2012
in the normal way. application: put 2 drops of each stock remedy into a
Source: Sheila Elmer, Bach Foundation practitioner, 30ml glass bottle with pipette. Top up with pure
UK spring water. Use 4 drops from this diluted mixed
bottle into the drinking bowl.
Some examples to illustrate when a specific remedy
might be considered: The above dosage can either be put into a drinking
bowl administered minimum 4 x daily, or given
Fireworks or fear of loud noises: Suggested remedies: directly above the tongue or on a small snack. It is not
Mimulus – for fear of know things or situations. harmful if another animal drinks the water, the
Rock Rose – feelings of terror. remedies will not affect those that do not require
Star of Bethlehem – for really loud bangs, trauma, them. Nor can you overdose on the remedies.
shock.
Rescue Remedy – general help-all in stressful Note (disclaimer): This is not an exhaustive list and
moments (note: RR this is the only combination very much depends on the individual animal's
remedy that Dr. Bach originally devised). behavior, situation and health. I would also advise to
Larch - to restore confidence so can deal with the seek the advice of a qualified veterinary practitioner
change in circumstances. and not take the Bach remedies in lieu of other
medicines.
Other situations where Bach remedies may be
helpful: I hope that this article will inspire you to seek out the
Bach flower remedies and use them to restore their
Your dog/cat suffers from travel sickness – emotional-mental balance. These essences will not
Scleranthus. change the inherent temperament of a particular
Your bird becomes withdrawn or shy whenever a new breed or animal.
person enters your home – Mimulus.
Suffered shock, distress, perhaps at the hands of a Linzi Martin is a Bach Foundation Registered
previous owner - Star of Bethlehem. Practitioner, a writer, educator, presenter and
Lacks self-confidence, would rather avoid holistic therapist. Linzi is available for paid
challenging situations such as competitions, or a commissions for articles and contributions to
puppy is submissive to an excessive degree – Larch. publications as well as Bach remedy consultations via
A remedy that will help feelings of contamination Skype and email (Skype: Sedona89,
associated with parasites or infected wounds – Crab linzimartin1988@gmail.com). She regularly writes
Apple. for Spiritual Lounge E-Magazine
Cat has become very aloof and will not mix with the http://spirituallounge.whitedrums.com
family - Water Violet.
Your old dog has not enjoyed moving house or has Resources:
trouble adjusting to new changes within its life that The Bach Centre, in the UK was the actual home of
is, pregnancy, and another animal into the property – Dr. Edward Bach, is now the administrative center
Walnut. www.bachcentre.com www.nelsons.net Nelson's
Your pet follows you about all the time and gets under worldwide manufacturer
your feet – Chicory. North America www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com/en-
Your companion is too full of energy, over excited and us/us/
highly strung – Vervain. Linzi Martin, Writer, Presenter, Educator
A pet dies and the owner continues to constantly How to live a simpler life www.feelgoodzone.com
recall 'how it used to be', only living in the past of Business and Personal clients
memories and not allowing to grieve now – Facebook group: Clutter Clear 'n Organize
Honeysuckle, allows the owner to grieve but also to www.facebook.com/groups/declutterers/
move onward. Both owner and family and other pets Twitter be a follower www.twitter.com/feelgoodzone
may also benefit from Star of Bethlehem to help the Feelgoodzone
grieving process. LinkedIn connect
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/linzimartin Linzi Martin
Dosage: YouTube channel:
2 drops from each stock remedy bottle (4 drops for www.youtube.com/theFeelGoodZone
Rescue Remedy) into the drinking bowl.
Alternatively make up a spray bottle with this
dilution. Or, for longer term treatment and practical
6

7. Meditation and the Sub-Conscious Mind - By Dr. Amit Nagpal April 2012
Meditation and the Sub-Conscious Mind
Why do most of the people start meditating to reduce Branding' by Dr. Hubert Rampersad which talked of
stress rather than find joy? Does meditation have any Theta waves and creative inspiration during
benefits except stress management? Should we not meditation. It made me even more inquisitive. Then
meditate as a proactive measure to find joy and I came across several articles and images via Google
connect with our inner selves? Is there a scientific which explained the types of brain waves and how
reason why people get inspirations and creative ideas Theta waves impacted the mind during meditation.
during deep meditation? Has meditation got some Though there were slight differences here and there,
relationship with the sub-conscious mind? These but there was a broad agreement.
were some of the questions troubling me few years
back and I began to search for answers.
The answers came from inside and outside. Inside
means the inner voice which told me how I was
getting transformed through meditation aided by
shift in mindset. Outside means the scientific
research which was validating my conclusions and
experiences.
I started with the crudest form of meditation which is
chanting. For two years the benefits were so
inconspicuous and invisible that I hardly noticed the
transformations. It was only after regular practice of
chanting for one hour every day (along with clearing
of negative energy and thoughts) for six months that
my life was turned downside up and I became an
advocate of meditation. Meditation had changed my
life in every way possible.
Why was my lost creativity suddenly coming back or (Image Source: thetahealing.co.za)
rather overflowing? Why were suddenly all the right
people and circumstances coming in my life? I had Andrew Newberg, Director of the University of
too scientific a bent of mind and was now becoming Pennsylvania's Center for Spirituality and the Mind,
balanced with faith in a higher power (or a supreme also talks of the mind-body connection in the movie
consciousness which was manifesting itself through 'What the Bleep Do We Know.' Studies at the center
all living beings). I began researching on the sub- also looked at the brains of Tibetan Buddhists in
conscious mind. I read 'The Secret' and found meditation and Franciscan nuns in prayer. Both
amazing similarities in it with Swami Sivananda's groups showed decreased activity in the parts of the
literature on the mind. Why did Buddha say, “The brain (which deals with sense of self and spatial
mind which sees the limitation is the limitation”? orientation, which also suggests the description of
There was something beyond the ordinary mind; call oneness with Supreme Consciousness sometimes
it sub-conscious, unconscious or the soul. experienced in meditation or prayer.
Spirituality and mind which seemed to be unrelated Prayer and meditation also increase levels of
topics suddenly seemed to have a close connection. dopamine, often referred to as the brain's pleasure
When I came to know of Centre for Spirituality and hormone. During meditation the conscious mind
Mind at University of Pennsylvania School of gets silent. As a result, we are able to hear the sub-
Medicine, it jolted me further. How could I ignore conscious mind or we can say that the sub-conscious
such a simple thing that meditation calmed the mind gets activated.
and since meditation is a spiritual tool, spirituality Then begins the sweet journey of creativity, joy,
had a close connection with the mind. I met diverse wisdom, intuition, awareness and in fact a point of
people from spiritual scientists to believers and many ecstasy and oneness, where none of these matter.
of them pointed out to interesting facts. Why did
ancient church fund all the scientific research and Dr. Amit Nagpal
discoveries? When did science and amitknagpal@gmail.com
spirituality/religion diverge and became symbols of
logic and faith or two opposing forces?
I was reading a book called 'Authentic Personal
7

8. Cinema Hall April 2012
A journey into women's spirituality- review of documentary
Meetings with Remarkable Women
The documentary Meetings with Remarkable Women is spiritual path, whether male or female. Women viewers
an inspiring film by up and coming director/producer will find inspiration and strength they never encountered
Shawn Nevins, who previously directed the spiritually- before, and energy to continue on a path that other women
themed documentary Closer than Close. treaded before them. The men who watch this film will
Filmed in 2010 and 2011, Meetings with Remarkable find an emotional honesty and gentleness of spirit that
Women explores the spiritual paths of five women from may be sorely needed on their own spiritual path.
varied backgrounds: Meetings with Remarkable Women touched me as a
· Linda — an Australian spiritual teacher whose viewer on several emotional levels: I found myself
discipline of meditation led to a profound spiritual swinging from compassion and sadness to awe and
realization. fearlessness, as the women exposed their souls to the
· Anima — whose childhood in India steeped her in camera. The texture and depth of the documentary is
spiritual traditions, but it took a journey to America before woven by the women's recounting of their lives and trials
she realized her true desire was to find enlightenment. illustrated by snapshots from their past and clips of the
· Jem — who lived the roles of wife, mother, places they came from. Director Shawn Nevins interlaces
engineer, musician, and writer the women's stories with clips of
before discovering Reiki and A poetry and meditative musical
Course in Miracles; paths that scores, and he does so with the
eventually led her to a spiritual gentle grace of a Celtic monk
awakening. illustrating an illuminating
· Heather — from manuscript. In his effort to
Christian to Atheist, Buddhist convey the women's
to free-form seeker of self- determination, vulnerability and
knowledge wrestling with openness on their path, he offers
meditation, self-inquiry, and the viewer more than a revealing
prayer. encounter, but a genuine work of
· Deborah — who, after art.
the tragic loss of her husband, At the end of the documentary I
launched a years-long spiritual was left feeling not only
path through ancient Buddhist emotionally inspired, but also
texts and the practice of Yoga feeling calm and renewed, as if I
that culminated in the discovery of a deep and lasting inner had just participated in a meditation session myself. The
peace. quality of silence, which is evoked by 'blank screen breaks'
Each of these women tells of her life and how she came to in-between the different story chapters, reflects a seeker's
be on a spiritual path, and what experiences brought her moments of silence upon the spiritual path, as well as
closer to the truth of her existence. What is truly giving us as viewers a break to contemplate what we have
'remarkable' about these women is their willingness to just seen.
practically experiment with different spiritual systems in This documentary is especially relevant to me, as young
order to find something that works for them. From woman about to turn 30, still searching for the meaning of
meditation to poetry and writing, from yoga and music to my life; embittered and hardened yet made vulnerable and
self-inquiry, their methods are as varied as their broken open by personal trials and sorrows, I am more
personalities, and they inspire the viewer with their thirst determined than ever to find 'the truth' on my spiritual
for truth. path. At times I waiver, at times I give up. At times I shut
The most engaging aspect of the documentary is the down and never want to deal with the world again. But
women's honesty in their personal search, and their sense always, always I return, and persist on my path to find
of experimenting with different techniques in order to whatever it is that will make me 'complete.' Some of the
approach an abstract concept such as 'enlightenment.' remarkable women in this documentary have found it, and
How does one 'search' for an abstract concept with one's as such, they are invaluable resources and teachers to me.
feelings? How does one send one's tentacles through the They are, like the stars in the sky, distant and yet ever
darkness, searching as if blind for something that is giving in their inspiration to those who follow them with
unseen? These questions are hard if not impossible for anxious hopefulness from the darkness of the earth.
anyone to answer, yet the women in this documentary Meetings with Remarkable Woman are available at
have managed to answer them for themselves. www.poetryinmotionfilms.com or visit Poetry in Motion
The flow of the documentary takes on a meditative feel as Films on Facebook.
the stories of each protagonist are connected by clips of a Also a short trailer of the movie is available at:
young woman reading poetry that reflects her spiritual http://www.poetryinmotionfilms.com/remarkable.htm
longings and existential frustration. The feeling of
honesty and sharing is pervasive through the entire film, By Corina Bardasuc
and is an invaluable tool to anyone sincerely interested in a
8

9. Curses Spells and More - By Sheila Kennedy April 2012
Curses Spells and More
Some weeks ago I replied to a comment on web well to the fore. You can however have the 'spells'
posted by another metaphysical practitioner. cast for you, for a fee of course, and again the spells
and fees are many and varied.
'I have come across quite a few clients with spells or
curses on them. I would be interested to hear how 'Important - Please Read!
others remove these. Is there a safe easy way to do
it?' Casting a spell or creating a good luck piece is more
of an art than science, and even the most gifted
As a practitioner with considerable expertise in psychic will not be successful each time. Anyone
this field I replied to the comment. The responses who tells you otherwise is not being honest. This is
themselves have been many and varied: from why the California Astrology Association offers a
'there is no such thing as a spell or a curse, and any one-year unconditional guarantee: If you're not
one telling you that you have been cursed etc., is completely satisfied, we'll refund your money.
misleading you', through to the “I use sage/ Period! No questions asked.'
incense, spirit guides, guardian angels, glyphs,
incantations, magical ceremonies' and the like. So once you have the 'spell' in place, just what can
you expect?
It is my belief that this is too big of a subject to cover
in a short article and I am going to create a series of Depending on what the spell was cast for, how it
articles based on the different areas of the subject. was cast, by who, and the recipient of the intention
The articles will include Spells and Curses, Voodoo behind the spell the results can be many and
and Black Magic, Energetic Enslavement which varied. Often little harm will be done and the
covers, vows, contracts, bindings, shackles effects may not take or wear off within a short
enforceable obligation and agreements. period of time. In other instances assistance may
Possession which may be seen as demonic and or be sought to identify and remove the spell should it
entity possession, the evil eye and amulets, and present as being an issue or a problem.
Initiations Rituals and Assimilations all of which
may 'bind' some one into a contract, agreement or There are many people who profess to have the
the like from which there is difficulty releasing ability to remove such spells and incantations; I
oneself or being released. would however always recommend doing your
research or homework and finding a suitable
Spells qualified practitioner as some issues are more
difficult to deal with than others.
A spell is a paranormal or magical formula, and
may take the form of a spoken or written Curses
pronouncement intended to bring about a specific
effect. The age old version of old crones mumbling Curses have been spoken of for many thousands of
over a fire as they stirred their cauldron, years: there are many ancient references to curses
accompanied by a 'familiar', often a black cat seems mentioned in old books across cultures.
to have gone by the wayside
'A curse (also called execration) is any expressed
Spells come under a number of headings or wish that some form of adversity or misfortune will
categories and are offered on places such as the befall or attach to some other entity, one or more
internet and in magazines under Black magic or persons, a place, or an object. In particular, 'curse'
Magick and White Magic spells: They cover the may refer to a wish that harm or hurt will be
areas of health both, for and against, wealth, love, inflicted by any supernatural powers, such as a
beauty enchantment and binding to name just a spell, a prayer, an imprecation, an execration,
few. One site offers more than 6000 magical spells. magic, witchcraft, God, a natural force, or a spirit.
Many 'New Age' shops offer prettily packaged In many belief systems, the curse itself (or
'Spell Kits' for those who wish to 'do it for accompanying ritual) is considered to have some
themselves', and moon rituals and candles are also causative force in the result'
9

10. Curses Spells and More - By Sheila Kennedy April 2012
Some well-known curses include the Bjorketorp Teleport Me
Runestone in Blekinge Sweden, dating back to the
6th century AD. It speaks of being plagued by:
maleficence, doomed to insidious death, and a
Teleport me – dimensionally
prophecy of destruction. The Hope Diamond dates Ascend me to domains above!
back to 1642 and is famous for bringing misfortune
to its owner who allegedly stole the diamond from Release the barrier of being
the statue of the Hindu goddess Sita. earth bound
Tutankhamen's tomb is credited with the deaths of My talents are hampered by
eleven people within a few years of it having been
opened. Other curses go back to the European
the confines of supernatural
times of Vlad the Impaler, the son of Count Drac, conspiracy
who later became Bram Stoker's prototype for
Count Dracula.
Teleport me - then transport
me back
In more modern times, curses may appear as being
passed down a family line, both backwards and With knowledge to veer the
forwards, and may be generational, ancestral, supernatural cracks!
associated with a land, a place an object or a
situation, race or creed. Provide me with power to
Depending on the culture and type of curse how it
change the status quo –
needs to be dealt with and there are many people power to defeat the forces of
who profess to have the ability to remove such
things as curses, I would however, always
the foe
recommend doing your research or homework and Teleport me – dimensionally
find a suitable qualified practitioner as some issues
are more difficult to deal with than others. Curses Let me return with the key
may also be 'booby trapped' and can back fire on Let the key unlock the sea of
the person removing them.
darkness that abounds
Rev Sheila Kennedy B.Msc Let it disperse light all
sheila@soundsfromsource.com around
www.soundsfromsource.com The result is - the profound!
www.soundsfromsourceacademy.com
www.energeticbalanceandharmony.com The dimensions above
descend below
Resources include: Conspiracy no longer hinders
En.wikepedia.org/wiki/Spell
www.calastrology.com Finally we are free!
www.spellsandmagic.com
www.luckymojo.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse
www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/c/curses
/htm
Betty Alark
listverse.com/2007/10/11/top-10-bizarre-curses
10

11. The Nature of Desire - By Myra Godfrey April 2012
The Nature of Desire
There is an old saying, “be careful what you wish structure, turning it into a seed of desire. This
for because you might get it!” When looking at very tangible seed then needs to be dealt with
this from a spiritual perspective, it can be when growing spiritually. When a seed of desire
changed to say “be careful what you wish for, is created, it most often times gets stored in the
because you will get it!” Whether in this lifetime subconscious mind and forgotten. The other
or in a future one, all desires have to come to option is to work with the desire consciously to
fruition, or be completely destroyed by the inner manifest it, if it is a big enough desire. Third,
fire. For a person who is consciously walking on desires can be burned away and destroyed in a
a spiritual path (any path), this becomes even person's inner fire. Think of all the small,
more true, for your desires can come to manifest passing desires a person has on a daily basis. If
in this lifetime itself. these desires do not come to pass immediately,
they become stored for future expression. Once
When a person is growing spiritually, closer to stored, it's very difficult to consciously burn
themselves and to their divine nature, it becomes these desires in the inner fire because you don't
easier to let go of frivolous desires and move into even remember you have created them.
dharma. But to move into dharma, the old
desires have to go somewhere! Let me use an The spiritual process acts to de-clutter the
example from my own life. In my late teens and subconscious mind by purifying it. During this
early 20's when starting college, I found myself process, the stored desires (sometimes referred
greatly respecting and admiring yoga teachers. to as karmas or samskaras) come up to be
They seemed so balanced, calm and able to deal expressed. Some will be expressed through
effectively with life and the world at large. This coming to pass and others will be burned in the
created a seed of desire that got stored in the fire. Do you get to decide which come to pass and
subconscious, long after this little fantasy was which get burned? Not really! Not unless you
forgotten. Nearly 12 years later, I found myself can remember every single desire you have ever
completing yoga teacher training and teaching had and consciously either bring it to fruition or
my own yoga classes. By that point in my life, burn it in the fire. Everything left in the
teaching yoga did not seem to be such a distant, subconscious will find its most appropriate
unattainable thing. In fact what I had once put avenue of release, either through expression or
on a pedestal (having a daily yoga practice and through being destroyed in the fire.
helping others to use yoga for health and well-
being) became a very basic part of my life that I What does this mean on a practical level? First,
did not think of at all, and in no way glamorized everything you think about leaves an impression
anymore. My desires and my aspirations had in the psyche. To understand this deeply shows
shifted greatly in that 12 year time span; that one experientially the need to learn to silence the
however did not change the fact that once upon a mind. A silent mind leads to a state of inner
time, I had the deep attraction to and desire to be peace, because new desires are not being
a yoga teacher. created, or needing to be expressed or burnt.
The process alone of silencing the mind is an
The point in this is the importance of effective tool to burn away many stored desires.
understanding the power of thought combined When a person is able to reach a deep enough
with emotion; this creates desires. Thought is state of meditation, this silence starts to
very powerful; it's merely projection through the penetrate deeply into the subconscious,
lens of the mind. What we think is like a prayer destroying and writing over the previously made
that we are asking to be fulfilled. When the impressions.
emotions latch onto a thought, it no longer
becomes merely a projection; it adds a density to Second, it shows how we are the creators of our
it which brings the thought from a projection lives and have free will to manifest those things
into a form. The emotion gives it shape and we desire. Free will is an extremely powerful
11

12. The Nature of Desire - By Myra Godfrey April 2012
thing. How could we not be a spark of God when About Myra: Myra Godfrey is a dynamic spiritual
we have free will to be anything we want to be, figure who has dedicated her life to helping
and are able to co-create our own destiny? It's mankind. She is the founder of both Gita for the
absolutely amazing to think about! This Masses (a non-profit organization) and Hridaya
naturally begets a deep responsibility; happiness Healing. Myra is a devotee of the Divine Mother
lies within our grasp, if we are willing to learn and has received full diksha into the Tantric Sri
enough about ourselves to move in its direction! Vidya lineage, as well as being an avid teacher of
Third, this demonstrates the power of emotions the Bhagavad-Gita. She helps people to
and feelings to cause attachment that keeps ones completely merge the spiritual and material
perceptions veiled by the senses. It's the realms of existence, seeing the Divine
emotional feeling combined with thought that consciousness present everywhere.
creates a desire; without the emotional www.gitaforthemasses.org, www.hridaya-
component, the desire would never be created. healing.com
Without the thought component, desire would © 2012 Myra Godfrey. All rights
never be created. Look and see how intricately reserved.
everything is connected. This gives a very good
entry for deep contemplation on the nature of
desire and how to best curtail it in yourself.
UNLOCK THE POWER WITHIN ME
Since the nature of desire is expression, this can
also give further insight into the power of the
manipura chakra and to fire element. If the I call forth the powers within
desires we have are in alignment with our me that lie dormant – awaken
dharma, then moving further towards them is
great. Not all desire is bad. Even the Bhagavad in me!
Gita refers to this when Krishna says “I am that I call them forth from their
desire that is not contrary to your dharma.” The
key is in learning the nature of desire, what it is sleep, slumbering in dormancy
and how to work with it effectively to move you – awaken in me!
further towards your goals in life. When your
desire is in alignment with your hearts deepest Actively kindled – I call them
knowing, desire enables you to manifest your forth – awaken be active in me!
reason for being alive. It's only when desire gets
mixed up with trivial things in life that it causes a Slumber, no more – open that
problem. sealed door
By learning how to focus on the inner-Being, the Take your place among me
divine Self that we all are at our core, desire will You are now free to reign
naturally start to come into alignment with the
desires of the heart. When a person is not tuning within me!
in to the deepest part of the self, desires can run Actively come forth within me
around and create life circumstances that do not
benefit the Soul or its highest calling. Daily – Be!
spiritual practice will help to train the mind and
burn away old desires. Learn to tune into the
love you carry deeply then nothing else will have
the ability to sway you. Until then, desire is Betty Alark
natural. Know yourself and you'll also know how
to control your desire and work with your inner
fire.
12

13. We are what we think we are - By Mohit Soni April 2012
We are what we think we are
The title reminds me of a story. Once a man you don't have but you will appreciate all that
approached a sage with a question, 'How to be you have.
happy?' The sage said, 'The best way to be happy
is to be happy.' I'll give you a mantra. It's “Positive un-
conditional regard”. It's a medicine. It works for
Simple as that! Just be happy to be happy. It may everyone who takes it and also for the person
sound a little silly but that is the way it is. who gives it. Treat everyone with unconditional
Happiness is not something to be searched. It is regard. Don't expect in return. And you will
something to be. suddenly notice that no one is indebted to you for
providing happiness. It's only you who has been
And how is it possible? sitting on the pile of it and restricted it by the
We have to understand a simple fact that weight of the expectations. Get up and stand
happiness or pleasure are not possible to attain aside.
in this world. Who ever will go in search of it will
only find that in turn he has only earned more A stone never gets sad. But also remember it
grievances. It's paradoxical. But if we think more never gets happy either. You don't need to be
about it, eventually we will understand that it is hard.
actually right.
A foolish person may always be sure of his idea.
Once we achieve what we want to achieve, we will Because his intelligence falls too short to see the
discover that there is still more to achieve and shortcomings of his idea! An intelligent person
whatever achieved is too short to be qualified as may always be doubtful of his idea. Because he
happiness. We will start again for the next goal. knows there are more alternatives available to
And again we might end up with the same his idea. Both the people will suffer in the end.
feeling. One who understands and accepts that The foolish because he will be overthrown by the
happiness and sadness are only two states which opponents with better idea and intelligent
exist aptly only in the psychological frame of because he may never present his idea in the first
mind and vaguely defined in the opaque place because of the fear of others having better
structure of reality, will certainly be happy with idea than him. It somewhat relates to our lives
whatever he has attained till that time. also. Sometimes we foolishly chase a plan to be
happy and end up discovering that it has failed.
There is always more to 'a lot'. What qualifies as And sometimes we too intelligently leave a plan
standard of happiness to us can be mere in-between, expecting it to fail only and then we
reflection of our insatiable want. Mind the word discover that it was actually what we were
'insatiable'. How can we be happy with more if looking for!
we are not happy with what we have right now,
knowing the fact that it's more than what we Try to be intelligent enough to have a plan to be
earlier had! We will keep on asking more after happy and foolish enough to be happy with it
getting more. without putting conditions on consequences.
So where to stop in this cycle? Here only. At this Stay simple. Stay sure. Stay happy.
point only.
Mohit Soni.
Just stop and look around. You may find each Mob no.: +91 8130824151
and every thing you need with you that is needed Email id: mohit.soni97@rediffmail.com
to live happily. No need to search beyond this.
Decide that you will greet everyone with a smile
today. Decide that you will not think about what
13

14. Understanding Profound Surrender - By Master Chrism April 2012
Understanding Profound Surrender
This is crucial to the Kundalini awakening We surrender our life, our love, our body, our
process. This will at times go against every awareness, and our future to the divine within
societal taboo that we have been warned about that is also without. We open ourselves to
and have come into agreement with not complete removal and re-organization of our
experiencing or expressing in regards to thoughts and proclivities and understandings of
allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and exposed life. We are no more who we have been and yet
to. we are at the same time familiar to
ourselves. We are not lost we are surrendered
Even more so when it is a teacher or another and in that placement are we given the deep and
human person that is giving one the instruction continuous transformation that reaches into our
to surrender. distant past of this time line of life and even
further into other forms of distant pasts and
We are not used to these levels of trust. lifetimes.
It isn't a common level of trust in our society and This is the sculpting of our soul in a 'conscious
with good reason in my humble opinion. So real time' that is far removed from the often blind
many have been abused in these areas and we are education and balance of karmic thought and
correct to come into such an agreement with a deed. We open and surrender our mind into the
strong degree of caution. infinite by surrendering its ego element of
control.
When Kundalini brings a teacher to an
individual however this changes the dynamic as So we become seemingly helpless and exposed.
it is no longer a flesh person that is giving the Yet within the arms of divinity we are safe within
instruction for surrender but a divine source this exposure. For this to occur the deepest form
which is doing so and in this circumstance I will of trust must be reached for and attained. A trust
suggest that a person come into the surrender so powerful and those we give into so deeply and
with full immersion to the teachings and the with such profound surrender that we become
instructions that are being given. the naked child of innocence we were shortly
after our birth.
Even if it is from a human source.
This is profound surrender and in this place do
Kundalini will pick our teachers and our we dare to tread when Kundalini
teachings. And no matter how strange or difficult calls to us in our transformation.
or impossible they may seem to the ego we are
advised to follow these teachings. The Divine Blessings all!
knows you better than you know you and in that
context we will need to surrender completely to Master Chrism
the person or the teaching that is being given.
This surrender is profound.
It is profound in the depths of its reach into our
soul and life and all of the people and dynamics
that we are experiencing within this life. It is
profound in its ability to transform us and open
us into the consciousness of grace that propels
our transformation.
14

15. Kaleidoscope of Life - By Sushmita April 2012
Kaleidoscope of Life
That is what life is! But that life is a through their writings, echoing their
Kaleidoscope, can be realized only through experiences and the impact of the same. And
sharing, as life is continuously sharing each has a unique expression, as each experience
everything with us in the form of the varied is unique. An experience cannot be copied nor
colors of nature, of beings, of situations, of can it be experienced by the other person nor can
events and offers a Kaleidoscopic scope to one it be levied. It can only be shared and that it is,
and all thus… through the expression in the written form. As
one expresses, one shares!
That is why life is many things to many, and
again many things to one and the same For painters, life in its entirety, is a canvas and
individual. The yet at the same time a palette. Life is its own
Kaleidoscopic nature is the canvas and an array of
infinite scope that life infinite colors and hues; the
symbolizes infinite that life palette, at the same time, to
is, wherein nothing is choose from and is chosen
singular. It is the apparent differently by different
singularity that cradles painters as also differently
plurality inherently. It is by the same painter, but at a
how life makes sense, as it is different moment. Life is the
the essence of life. What color, it is the canvas and it is
else could be the proof, the artist, with it being 'one'
other than the mechanism with its all inhabitants that
of creation, and existential form the life and through
mechanism of the entire whom, and which, life
creation? Infinite, yet the expresses itself.
origin is 'One', for all of
Creation. The origin itself is Photographers capture the
plural, yet singular. Hence artist, the canvas, the palette
whole of life is that its that life is. How else one
plurality, that too infinite, would experience the
forms the kaleidoscope of ecstasy, the riot of colors, the
infinite dimension. kaleidoscope, that life
expresses in, and as, nature
How the Kaleidoscope is and offers to us? The colors,
viewed? offered, by life are proffered to us by those who
As to how we perceive life is dependent on our capture it through their lens and we are
perception, which is dependent on the level of privileged to enjoy what our eyes could not,
our consciousness. That is why life has a unique directly. They have their unique sense of angles
meaning for each one of us. For Shakespeare it and each is affected by the hues of nature in
was a stage; for scientists, life is a macro- unique ways. And since the observed is affected
laboratory; for philosophers, quite alike by the observer, the 'shot' that comes off as the
scientists, reason is of quintessence: is sought observation of a photographer, acts like 'shots' of
and provided for all that happens. The reason, as feelings, differing as the photographer differs
accessed by the philosopher becomes the and with our very own differing response to the
philosophy. For psychologists each behavior has photographs.
a reason rooted in, and routed to, the psyche.
And whatever be the response, it is made
For writers everything is beheld by, and in, possible by this sharing. We share as we know at
words. Life is an expression (of self) for them, the core of our being that we are one, and, “That
15

16. Kaleidoscope of Life - By Sushmita April 2012
which is 'mine' that of which I have had the first Therapy), wherein the energy component in that
'look' the first 'shot' is not only mine, but for all”, particular chakra is balanced, which had been
is the sentience. One is just a part of the whole, affected, by use of the color of corresponding
and plays a part, by sharing that part of life that energy.
one has been privileged to experience. As we all
come forward with our experiences we realize This color of life, treating lives with colors to heal
the 'whole' that we are giving each other the utilizes the therapeutic properties of colors and
scope to experience the 'wholesome' feeling of manifests further the infinite scope that life
'wholeness'. presents to us and all, for us to heal and be the
healing for all.
As life is, so it chooses to express as the
kaleidoscope… Life and its Healing Colors
This sharing is an arcane, yet primal desire of Life is for healing quite contrary to the common
one and all as is that of life. Life is for self- beliefs. We are here, as the spiritual beings, on a
expression. When choked, the suppression human journey to resolve our pending issues, as
chokes the natural flow of life and its infinite we move through the eternity of life, with the
colors, which then are under-developed. Soul's sole intention to realize itself and
experience its perfection, which it has at the
Colors that form a Kaleidoscope origin.
Life's infinite shades include: colors resplendent And this healing is provided not only by colors
in nature, colors in us (even we are different but even by the metaphorical colors the varied
colors of creation), as various moods and expressions of life. When we are completely in
feelings, which evokes responses of resonance, within and without, we experience a
corresponding colors; and excludes nothing. light within enlightenment we call it. The color of
Some colors we define as dark some as bright enlightenment is the color of harmony as we
with respect to moods. For life each color is harmonize, so we resonate and healed we are.
beautiful and through nature it simply shares,
fully, all the beautiful colors. It is polychromatic, The Scope
neither dichromatic nor monochromatic. It
shares without keeping anything for self as for it, Life, as a Kaleidoscope provides us with infinite
what it shares, is, with its own self as it considers colors to choose from and choose the experience
itself to be one with us. of our choice thus. The physical kaleidoscope,
with a given set of colors, changes the view and
Colors and Healing experience, with a rotation and thus a change in
the angle. Life too does that. And as in a life the
And when considered from the view-scope of given set of colors is infinite, the experience too is
energy, all colors are electromagnetic radiation, magnified as compared to the physical
vibrations, vibrating at different frequencies, but kaleidoscope. As our perception (the angle of our
all in the visible region. The VIBGYOR, the viewing) is, so is our experience.
rainbow the spectrum of seven different colors
are vibrations corresponding to different With colors infinite, Life's Kaleidoscope
frequencies. In fact it is known that all seven provides infinite scope: of experience and
colors are found in us, signified by the seven materializations. As we evolve and revolve, the
chakras each chakra having its own significance Kaleidoscope remains the same, yet the scopes
and function. A deficient functioning of any of modify and magnify and amplify. And the
the chakras causes a disease in the body. It is this experience again is incomparable as is for the
malfunctioning, when detected, with respect to individual, who sees through the physical
the chakra, is treated with the aid of Color kaleidoscope. But the individual, as forms the
Therapy (which in ancient times was referred to part of the whole through the individual
as by Surya Kiran Chikitsa or Solar Rays experiences, goes on to build a collective
16

17. Kaleidoscope of Life - By Sushmita April 2012
experience, as co-creation, of life each coming
forward with one's unique expression out of the
unique experience.
MY PATH
Experiencing Life as a Kaleidoscope
This path is arid
The only riot, that one expresses effusive with It shows the way
praise, appreciation, gratitude, happiness and We move
excitement, is the 'riot of colors'. And when the
colors of life too are perceived and appreciated in Towards a destination
the same manner, we enjoy the Kaleidoscope of We do not know
life and utilize it, by fully living through it living it
as colors in harmony with one another, within
and without. These footprints are mine
But the fact that life is a Kaleidoscope, and
One of many
Kaleidoscope of infinite potential too, is My footprint lost
acknowledged only when one is able to Amongst the many
experience one's own self one's reactions and
responses all, as different, and as unique, as
different colors of life. I leave this path
That Kaleidoscope of life is a symbol, of
To tread the woods –
singularity in plurality, is realized time and
again. And the harmony between these The path I made
pluralities allows the infinite colors to be
enjoyed, experienced and realized, as infinite Was mine alone
potential materialized. No color is perceived as Misty eyed
dark, but as an essential component of the
Kaleidoscope without which the Kaleidoscope I thanked Him for the courage
would be incomplete and the effect To pave my way
compromised. But life is not for compromise To break away
rather it is a promise of realizing all the colors
that life symbolizes and through this realization;
realizes the primary objective of life to self- In this lonely self made path
realize, to heal self and be the color that heals all.
I found my most elegant dreams
In my eyes I saw many who fear
Email:
to be free
philosopher.mukherjee@gmail.com The many whose elegant dreams
Credit for Photo: Sumit Roy are but lost
(sumitroyid@gmail.com)
Walking on the well trodden path
That I walked on first….
Dr. Abhijit Das
17

18. Essentiality of Equanimity in Life - Rahul Zota April 2012
Essentiality of Equanimity in Life
Jainism (not a religion but science) emphasizes auspicious Karma which gives sweet fruits
great importance to the state of equanimity. In the whenever they arise. The cluster of karma particles
state of equanimity, free from attachment and is known as 'Karma Vargan' in Jin terminology.
aversion one eradicates high amount of Karma Now, if one is ignorant about this philosophy then
particles bounded with the Soul. Usually one acts he/she reacts with either attachment or aversion at
with attachment or aversion when one becomes the time of the emergence of previously acquired
happy or unhappy. One becomes happy when Karma and thus binds even more Karma. Thus the
things are going according to his/her desire and bondage extends and as a result the soul suffers
one becomes unhappy when things are not going more in the never ending cycle of birth and rebirth.
according to his/her desire. Now why things are
not going according to someone's desire? To The Omniscient have explained; to react with
understand this we need to go through the equanimity at the time of emergence of the
Philosophy of Karma. previous Karma. The omniscient has explained not
to act with attachment when good things are
Every living being has a soul which has basic happening with us and aversion when bad things
attributes like, Infinite Knowledge, Infinite are happening with us. In the state of perfect
Perception, Infinite Bliss and Infinite Energy. equanimity one blocks the influx of fresh Karma
There are two different types of energy working in and even eradicates previously acquired Karma.
this Universe; sentient and non-sentient. Non- This process of eradicating old Karma (in the state
sentient is explained in Physics and very well of equanimity) is so fast that one destroys much
explained by the famous Einstein's Equivalence strong Karma in a few seconds that the other (who
Principle. It is connected with Matter. On the other is ignorant and does austerities without practicing
hand there exists another kind of energy which is equanimity) can destroy in millions of years!
Sentient Energy. Sentient energy is the basic
attribute of a soul. The soul is independent There is a beautiful story in Jain history which can
substance in the cosmos which was never born and help to better understand this!
which will never vanish. There are infinite souls in
the Universe. The souls can be categorized into two In the times of the 22nd Tirthankar, Lord
types; Liberated and Non-Liberated. The liberated Neminath and Shri Krishna there lived a great
souls are those who are free from the cycle of birth monk named Dhandhan Muni. He was actually the
and death. The Non-Liberated are in bondage of son of Shri Krishna but he left his kingdom after
Karma and thus goes through the cycle of birth, hearing Lord Neminath's magnetic sermons. Since
death and re-birth. However, from the Absolute the time of his renunciation he faced difficult
Point of View (Nishchaya Naya) there is no problems. Jin monks and nuns do not cook their
difference between the mundane and liberated food; do not get it prepared for them. They go to
souls. They both possess the same qualities. different householders and receive a little food
from each house. For monk Dhandhan Muni, it
The mundane soul is clogged by the eight types of was the rise of Benefit Obstructing Karma (Laabh-
Karma. The four are destructive and the rest are antray Karma). Such type of Karma obstructs
non-destructive. The soul itself is the doer of its benefit whatever he/she gains. For Dhandhan
own action (From the absolute point of view it's Muni, this Karma obstructed the gaining of food.
pure but it does action because of misbelief or Wherever he went he would not get food from the
Mithyatva). The action created through mind, householders. The householders would close their
speech and body causes the Karma particles to doors whenever they would spot Dhandhan Muni
stick to the soul's space points and thus the soul approaching their door.
wanders in the cycle of birth and death and
experiences suffering. There are two types of One day one of his colleagues asked Lord
action; Inauspicious and Auspicious. Inauspicious Neminath, “Dear Lord, why such a great monk is
action causes to accumulate inauspicious Karma having problem for receiving his food? Why does
which gives bitter fruits whenever they arise. Same he always return without any food? Why the
way, auspicious action causes to accumulate householders of this great town of Dwarka are not
18

19. Essentiality of Equanimity in Life - Rahul Zota April 2012
offering food to this monk who is the son of great One day while walking in the street he met his
King Vasudev (Lord Krishna)?” mundane father Shri Krishna. Krishna stepped
down from the elephant and bowed before
The Omniscient Lord replied, “Oh monk, this is Dhandhan Muni and inquired about his life as a
the emergence of the Benefit Obstructing Karma monk. When Shri Krishna went back, the nearby
that blocks benefits of the food for monk householder called Dhandhan Muni for alms.
Dhandhan. Everything, either good or bad The householder put some laddus (Indian sweet)
happens because of our good or bad deeds. There in the monk's bowl. Dhandhan Muni thought
is a reason, nothing happens without any reason. this must be end of his Benefit Obstructing
In one of his previous births, monk Dhandhan karma. So before eating and breaking his fast he
was the minister of a King. His name was went to Lord Neminath to confirm whether his
Parashar and he was ordered to keep an eye on Benefit Obstructing Karma had ceased. The Lord
farming. There were many farmers and cattle's said, oh Dhandhan, your karma has not ceased
working under him. yet, you received the food not because of your
karma but because of Shri Krishna's karma. The
Once, during noon all the farmers took a break householder thought you were a great monk that
for their lunch. They all had worked hard and even the king like Shri Krishna bowed before
thus all were hungry. The farmers were taking him! So he called you and offered you this food.”
their meal and the bulls and cows were eating
grass. At that time, Parashar stopped them from Upon hearing this fact from the Omniscient,
eating and ordered them to plant seeds. The Dhandhan started to think, “How strong karma I
farmers were hungry so they asked Parashar to bound by obstructing other's meal in my
let them take their lunch first, but Parashar previous life!” Thus he decided to forsake the
didn't even listen to them and ordered them to alms (laddus). At the time of forsaking he
work for more hours. He said, “First you must performed strong equanimity. He didn't show
plant more seeds in the farms, I will let you eat any hate towards the householders, instead he
after the whole work is done.” found responsible himself behind this. Soon, at
the time of forsaking laddus he entered Shukla
All the farmers, bulls and cows were hungry, they Dhyan (Pure Meditation) and climbed the ladder
were not interested to pursue their work at that of annihilation. In the second step of this
time but they had to accept the order, there was meditation (Ekatva Vitark Savichar Shukla
no other way. So they pursued their work Dhyan) he destroyed not only the Benefit
without any interest. Thus by interrupting their Obstructing Karma but also destroyed all the
meal, Parashar bounded Benefit Obstructing four destructing Karma attached to his soul. As
Karma and that karma has now come into action all four karma shed away he became the
in the present birth. Thus he is not getting any Omniscient, the all-knowing, all perceiving
food from any householders.” Arihant.
By listening to the Lord, monk Dhandhan This shows how one can destroy karma by
realized the truth and vowed that he will accept practicing strong equanimity and can attain
food only gained by his own effort. He will not liberation. If we accept the fact that we are
accept food brought by other monks. Thus, since responsible behind our happiness and sorrow
that time he would daily go to at the doors of the then we can attain the state of equanimity and
householders of the town of Dwarka and would ultimately the state of ultimate bliss.
return without any food. This lasted for six
months. Monk Dhandhan had been observing
fast since six months with ultimate equanimity. Rahul Zota
He had realized his mistake and he was not
showing any hatred toward the householders as
he knew that he was responsible for all this.
19

20. Book Corner April 2012
Remembering to Call forth Source Energy
This passage is an excerpt from the last welcome Loving Divine Energy to pulse through
chapter of Linda J. Ferguson's newly me at this very moment. Divine Love is present
released book, "Staying Grounded in today, as always, and expands my awareness and
Shifting Sand: Awakening Soul soul presence. I allow my true nature of Divine
Consciousness for the New Millennium" Essence to be fully expressed.
In the new era of understanding the Holy Oneness, I release any judgments, fears, or animosity to
our spiritual practice includes remembering we are those who are here to awaken me. When I meet
not separate from Divine Creation. We are the others who act in ways that I don't like, I affirm we
hologram of Divine Essence. As soul beings we are all from the same Source. I ask for guidance and
express Divine Essence naturally. It's only through support to re-connect with them as a thread of the
social conditioning that many Holy Oneness.
have forgotten. As you follow
your awakened soul journey, it Mastery in the Aquarian Era
becomes easier to remember
you are that expression of Those who don't feel this Love
Love. pulling them, those who don't
drink dawn like a cloud of spring
Draw upon Spirit and bathe in water or take in sunset like supper,
the comfort of Love's grace those who don't want to change, let
daily. Doing so gives you them sleep. ~Rumi
strength and support to stay
grounded in shifting sand. If you've felt inspired so far from
Your tendency may be to run this book on this earth plane-
for cover or shut down remember or re-commit to your
emotionally during a crisis or journey as a soul being. You are
when stressed. This only invited now to step fully into your
blocks Source Energy from personal power and personal
coming through you. Affirming mastery. You develop personal
Divine Essence as your true mastery by expanding yourself
nature raises your energy. emotionally, mentally, physically,
Greater flow of Source Energy and spiritually. Mastery in the
supports your movement Aquarian era involves the ability to understand
through challenges. Your life conditions then shift your material, physical experiences and respond to
more easefully to greater harmony, balance, and them energetically. Mastery involves
peace. Remember you are Divine Essence as the remembering that the energy that flows through
acorn knows it's a mighty oak tree. you is from Source. Personal mastery in the
Aquarian era entails living as a pure expression of
Source Energy is unlimited and accessible. It can Oneness with Source.
neither be created nor destroyed. The key is in how
you use it. Remind yourself in as many ways as As we are learning from cutting edge research
necessary that you are a vessel for this Source within Quantum physics, neurophysiology and
Energy. Remember as well to call on your spirit other areas of science, the old paradigms for
guides, power animals, angels, or ancestors to understanding the world are challenged, and need
support your journey. to be revised if not replaced. Studies in mind-body
medicine have found that the physical body
Here is an affirmation to use as a daily reminder of responds remarkably well to positive affirmations,
your Divine Essence: visualizations, and healing energy. Studies of
monks and others highly practiced in meditation
I am a Divine Expression of pure Love. I allow and have found that their thoughts can affect distant
20

21. Book Corner April 2012
computers, and the thoughts of others sitting in
meditation. No longer are cause and effect Jiten Soni's thoughts
happening in a linear fashion in time and space. If
you want to learn more about these studies, read
Lynne McTaggart's fascinating books, 'The Field Three things once ceased takes
and The Intention Experiment'. No longer is this you to humanity, they are ones
considered “new age mumbo-jumbo”, it is the
current path for healing, communicating, and which are tough to be ceased but it
working. It is time to learn, practice and master the definitely needs to be ceased, they
skills necessary to connect with Source for healing
and wholeness around the globe. are Negativity, Anger and Egoism.
When you understand how to function as a
spiritual being in a physical world, you not only
Some situations though they are
work through daily challenges more effectively, not in control, you need to have
but you help shift the energy for others around you.
This paradigm shift is happening around the globe.
faith and courage in you to bring it
More synergy is created as each of us step more to control, you have to believe in
fully into the truth and beauty of who we are as soul you and still if those situations are
beings. Many have been draw to greater mastery of
spiritual skills for the Aquarian era. out of control you have to say it to
As you master your energy you become more
yourself 'WHO I AM - MAKES A
positively potent. You express your innate Divine DIFFERENCE'.
Essence regularly with family, at work, with
neighbors. Personal mastery involves the
conscious awareness of being a Divine Expression. We started judging everyone by
Regardless of how challenging the circumstances their mistakes than their actions,
are, you know you are an infinite radiant being
working with abundant flow. You have your feet that's the world of today, we do not
firmly planted on the ground and your heart fully believe in what we say, than listen
open to Oneness.
to others. -
Dr. Linda Ferguson is a seasoned facilitator
and speaker. She provides spiritual life coaching,
workshops, retreats, and webinars that support Be as you are and remain always
people living intentionally, finding greater inner the same, that's when no one keep
peace, and connecting to their Source of Wisdom
as they navigate daily life stresses. seeing your perfection and they
remain to be with you forever in
www.lindajferguson.com to read her blog posts,
see inspiring videos, and download helpful your life.
handouts for your soul journey. Let Love Prevail-
Facebook page. Linda's books are available in
paperback and as e-books: 10th Anniversary https://www.facebook.com/page
Edition - "Path for Greatness: Work as Spiritual s/Jiten-Soni/168446966565745
Service" by Infinity Publishing, PA
21

22. PORTUGAL - Compiled by Dhara Kothari April 2012
PORTUGAL
Pioneers of Age of Discovery
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic plateaus indented by river valleys, whereas the
(Portuguese: República Portuguesa) is a country south, that includes the Algarve and the Alentejo
situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian regions, is characterized by rolling plains.
Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country Portugal's highest peak is the similarly named
of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean Mount Pico on the island of Pico in the Azores.
to the West and South and by Spain to the North This ancient volcano, which measures 2,351 m
and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores (7,713 ft.) is a highly iconic symbol of the Azores,
and Madeira are part of Portugal. The country is while the Serra da Estrela on the mainland (the
named after its second largest city, Porto, whose summit being 1,991 m (6,532 ft.) above sea level)
Latin name was Portus Cale. is an important seasonal attraction for skiers and
winter sports enthusiasts. The archipelagos of
It has continuously been settled since prehistoric Madeira and the Azores are scattered within the
times. Occupied by Celts Atlantic Ocean: the Azores
integrated into the Roman straddling the Mid-Atlantic
Republic and later settled Ridge on a tectonic triple
by Germanic peoples. In the junction, and Madeira along
8th century most of the a range formed by in plate
Iberian Peninsula was hotspot geology.
conquered by Moorish Geologically, these islands
invaders professing Islam, were formed by volcanic and
which were later expelled by seismic events.
the Knights Templar under
the Order of Christ. During Portugal is defined as a
the Christian Reconquista, Mediterranean climate,
Portugal established itself Semi-arid climate or Steppe
as an independent kingdom climate and is one of the
from León in 1139, claiming warmest European
to be the oldest European countries: the annual
nation-state. In the 15th and average temperature in
16th centuries, as the result mainland Portugal varies
of pioneering the Age of from 12 °C (53.6 °F) in the
Discovery, Portugal mountainous interior north
expanded western influence to over 18 °C (64.4 °F) in the
and established a global south and on the Guadiana
empire that included river basin. The Algarve,
possessions in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South separated from the Alentejo region by
America, becoming the world's major economic, mountains reaching up to 900 meters in Pico da
political and military global power. The Foia, has a climate similar to that of the southern
Portuguese Empire was the first global empire in coastal areas of Spain. Snowfalls occur regularly
history and also the longest lived of the in the interior North and Center of the country.
European colonial empires, spanning almost In the south of the country snowfalls are rare but
600 years. Today, Portugal is one of the world's still occur in the highest elevations. Both the
most globalized and peaceful nations. archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira have a
subtropical climate, although variations
Mainland Portugal is split by its main river, the between islands exist, making weather
Tagus that flows from Spain and disgorges in predictions very difficult.
Tagus Estuary, near Lisbon, before escaping into
the Atlantic. The northern landscape is Owing to humans occupying the territory of
mountainous towards the interior with several
22

23. PORTUGAL - Compiled by Dhara Kothari April 2012
230 deputies elected for a four-year term. The
government, whose head is the Prime Minister
chooses a Council of Ministers that, comprises
the Ministers and State Secretaries. The courts
are organized into several levels; judicial,
administrative, and fiscal branches. The
Supreme Courts are institutions of last
resort/appeal. A thirteen-member
Constitutional Court oversees the
constitutionality of the laws. Portugal operates a
multi-party system of competitive
legislatures/local administrative governments
at the national, regional and local-levels.
Portugal for thousands of years, little is left of the Portuguese universities have existed since 1290.
original vegetation. Protected areas of Portugal The oldest Portuguese university was first
include one national park, twelve natural parks,
nine natural reserves, five natural monuments,
and seven protected landscapes. These natural
environments are shaped by diverse flora, and
include widespread species of pine, the chestnut,
the cork-oak, the holm oak, the Portuguese oak
and eucalyptus.
Portugal has been a democratic republic since
the ratification of the Constitution of 1976, with
Lisbon, the nation's largest city, as its capital.
The constitution grants the division, or
separation, of powers among legislative,
executive, and judicial branches. The four main
institutions as described in this constitution are
the President of the Republic, the Parliament,
the Government, headed by a Prime Minister, established in Lisbon before moving to Coimbra.
and the courts. The President, who is elected to a Historically, within the scope of the Portuguese
five-year term, has a supervisory non-executive Empire, the Portuguese founded in 1792 the
role. The Parliament is a chamber composed of oldest engineering school of Latin America, as
well as the oldest medical college of Asia (the
Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de Goa) in 1842. The
largest university in Portugal is the University of
Porto. Total adult literacy rate is 99%.
Portuguese primary school enrollments are close
to 100%. Portuguese is the official language of
Portugal. Portuguese is a Romance language that
originated in what is now Galicia (Spain) and
Northern Portugal, from the Galician-
Portuguese language. It is derived from the Latin
spoken by the Romanized Pre-Roman peoples of
the Iberian Peninsula around 2000 years ago.
Portugal has the right mix of nature, peaceful
atmosphere and scenic locations that give one
the privacy to meditate and self-contemplate.
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