Yoga instruction can be the first step in changing and improving your life and creating a whole new you. When one comes to the decision that they are in need of a real life change, there are many ways to accomplish this, but few will be as beneficial as Yoga.

Yoga is a means in which you can improve yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually as well as improving your physical body. The benefits of Yoga are immense; you will become stronger, healthier and feel better about yourself when you commit yourself to Yoga instruction.

The health benefits alone are enough to get many people started with yoga instruction, but there are many reasons why yoga can help you to change your life for the better. Yoga is a type of all in one approach to life change, though alone it cannot work miracles to help better your life, it can be a great foundation for a start.

Aside from health, there are other ways in which yoga instruction can help to improve your life.

It could help you to earn more money. Yoga can provide you with the ability to manage stress, and this alone can assist you in the workplace, but it can also aid you in your concentration skills. The better you can concentrate, the more you can get accomplished.

Another advantage of learning Yoga is increased energy. Many people claim that they begin to feel more refreshed and energized after they begin practicing Yoga. This translates into more energy to devote to your interests, as well as family and friends. There is little doubt that our loved ones and those things that absorb our interest is what really make life worth living. Imagine a life in which only a small portion of your energy and thoughts are used for work, and the rest is saved for what is most important to us. This alone could help change your life for the better.

Coping with depression is another area in which Yoga can be of use. Yoga postures are designed to stretch, compress and massage your internal organs and glands. This stimulation is thought to help balance hormone levels in the body, which can help to attain a more balanced emotional condition.

Maybe you would like to stop smoking, or conquer some other habit that may be harming you. Yoga will increase your motivation, energy and focus, which will aid you in changing whatever habit you set out to change.

Yoga instruction can truly be beneficial for those who are looking to make some meaningful life changes.

By: Robert

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

Today, you can choose a huge amount of choices to maintain your exercise regimen. Although you have so many choices of yoga classes at clubs, gyms and community centers in your neighborhood, you may wonder why it’s so hard to find the time to make it to a class. Perhaps with this popular form of exercise, yoga DVD’s have become a solid competitor with other at home programs.

A basic essence of what to consider before you begin your at home yoga practice is as follows:

1. Know that there are many forms of yoga out there.

Even though yoga has been around in the U.S.A. for decades, there are still new styles cropping up every year. It is good to familiarize yourself with the oldest and the latest practices before your purchase. Some practices will focus on building stamina while others help you to remove stress from your mind. While others focus on how to relax your mind and body with different kinds of breathing exercises, others are centered around the purpose of fast movements.

2. Go online or read yoga magazines.

Nowadays more people simply use the internet as the easiest tool to find anything they want. There are most yoga sites that will give you the newest information about yoga practice at home. You might want to start by searching for sites that will allow you to sneak peek at%a review of% yoga DVDs/videos. Interview fellow yoga practitioners and a teacher at your yoga studio and go to a site to ask questions on blogs and forums that are pretty useful.

Useful sites:

* http://www.YogaVideoSource.com - Good Resources for DVDs/videos

* http://www.YogaHub.org - Excellent Blog

* http://www.YogiTimes.com - Magazine with News & Useful Information

3. Your body condition today.

Are you a beginner, an intermediate or a professional? Is there back pain, neck pain, or other ailments? The better understanding you have of your body’s flexibility, the better it will be to determine what level of instructional DVDs/videos that is best suitable for you. Do you want to know how to release your stress, lose and keep the weight off, or tone and strengthen your total body? Perhaps it’s to find a way to obtain more balance of your stress life or to simply enjoy a gentle way of stretching? Look for some of these key words when you browse through the many choices. And most importantly do not forget to ask your instructor before you do anything with any new exercise practice.

Using yoga DVDs/videos at home, while traveling, or with friends will be one of the best alternatives to actually being in a class. It is a good opportunity to see a variety of yoga teachers from around the world. You can choose what time of the day best suits your schedule and feel free to take a break during a session anytime.

Once you have started using your first yoga DVD, you will quickly find yourself returning to the store for a second, a third and soon you will have a full library of yoga practices. It is not so hard to understand why the yoga practice has been more popular than ever and the convenience and time you save from going to a class just may be what you need to maintain a consistent practice.

Sara Valencourt has always been interested in health and fitness, particularly in holistic medicine and alternatives. Sara has been a written a lot of information related to yoga at YogaHub.com. Check out the blog site at http://www.yogahub.com

By: Sara Valencourt

About the Author:

Kansieo.com

As a yoga practitioner for over 40 years and someone generally interested in self improvement, I have tried many different practices. While most of them have been beneficial, one has made me fundamentally happier and more relaxed in the world, in a way the others have not. This same exercise is perhaps the easiest to perform. All I had to do was to set aside 15 minutes each day to reflect on three good things that I had experienced during the day just that passed. This discipline of reflection is not one I learned from my guru, but my time with him made me sensitive enough to recognize the value of this fantastic idea, when I saw it.

One of the things I like best about the traditional Raja Yoga I practice is that it is a “living tradition”. While its roots and the thrust of its philosophy date back to thousands of years before the birth of Christ, it is inherently open to new influences. The following story illuminates the balance that is critical to a healthy yoga practice.

I had spent years training at the feet of Sri Yogi Dharma Mittra. I loved the fact that he often told us how people had been doing certain practices for millennia and that these rites were charged by the energy of the throngs of people who had done them before us. It made me feel comfortable to know that there was consensus around the value of what we were doing.

Then, one day, while talking to Dharma after a workshop, he revealed a secret to me that stunned me and also made perfect sense. What he told me is that some of the postures, he now teaches, he invented himself. I had been doing yoga by rote for many years. I tried to do my yoga exactly the way it was “supposed” to be done. I revelled in the idea that these were time tested and honored practices. Now, I knew that some of them Dharma had made up on his way to the class! Whoa. What a shocker.

And yet, it made perfect sense. Parts of the tradition guided me to always check things with my own heart and to listen to my inner voice, even to ignore the teacher’s advice if it felt wrong. Sometimes that voice suggested I modify a pose to help with my comfort or growth or just because it felt great that way. If I was stuck doing it in some “one size fits all” framework that rigidly declared there was only one way to achieve bliss, I was going to have to ignore the stirrings of my own heart and that, in our tradition, is the biggest sin of all.

So, when I was at my desk, at work, eating my lunch and reading Yahoo! News and I saw a notice that Martin Seligman, a Psychology Researcher at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, had discovered a simple practice that makes people happier I was ready to explore it with an open mind. Intrigued, I read the article and realized that Seligman’s simple practice fits right in with the type of work the Eastern Masters call us to do. The moment I heard of it, it sounded right. Years later I can vouch for its effectiveness.

Here are the instructions as I understand them after also reading Seligman’s book on learned optimism and consulting his website many times. Each day, for one week, set aside 15 quiet minutes to reflect on the last 24 hours and choose three good things that you experienced in that day. (Rather than do this all in my head, I chose to write mine down, but it is not necessary.) Then take each one and reflect on it individually and think of the causes of this good experience. Reflect on the efforts you or others made to create it. Also consider what may flow from it, the benefits you or others may receive as a result of it. You may also savor the sheer good fortune of the event, but keeping in mind what lead to it and will come from it should not be left out. Then, move on to the next good thing and repeat this process. And then the next. When you are done with all three, you are finished until tomorrow.

Studies have shown, that people who do this simple practice, each day, for one week are happier six months later than they were before they tried this. Long term studies are not in yet, but it is possible that the effects are indelible. For my part, I enjoyed doing it so much that I continued regularly doing it for many months and continue to do it still, when the spirit moves me.

Here’s what I have experienced. For most of my life I’ve been a person who rarely savors the good things all around me. While I strove for things and achieved them, when they happened, I spent little time acknowledging positive outcomes. Rather, I would look immediately for the next challenge and begin pursuing it. Here is the key point, I would let my mind always be full of the obstacles ahead of me, rather than the happy events I was hoping for or had just participated in. I’m sure you can imagine how tense and uncomfortable I was with my brain always processing my problems.

Once I tried the practice of reflecting on the three good things, my mind liked doing it. Very soon, I was spending my day cataloging the good things when they occurred. It made me more generous with my praise for myself and others, since I was more present for and aware of these positive events and eager to share about them. It also made me more energetic, since I looked forward to discovering the next good thing. You can see how each day became more rewarding. You can also see how obstacles when they arose could immediately become further opportunities for positive outcomes and not the energy sappers they had been.

And here is something else I discovered. A small event, like success changing a burnt out light bulb, could be as satisfying or even more satisfying than landing a big account or meeting a new girlfriend. Based on the joy I took from it and the benefit I realized I was creating for myself and others, I might value a small act of service, more than something that I would normally brag about with friends or family. Wow! Viewed in this new light, I found that I really value a life full of little joys rather than one marked by dramatic outcomes. Oddly enough, while following my heart in this way, I have found that the big things arise whether I emphasize them in my thinking or not.

So here is the Yoga Life Style challenge. I dare you to try this. If you are a person who thinks there is room for more happiness in your life then you owe it to yourself to give it a whirl. And I want to hear from you about your experience. Try it for a week and let me know if you do or do not agree that this is a strong positive practice. Here is my email address ray@yogalifestyle.com. I look forward to hearing your good news.Peace,

Yogeshvara OM

Owner

Yoga Life Style Yoga Supply

PS This is not some gimmick or marketing ploy. I won’t try to sell you anything if you get in touch. I just enjoy sharing things that work for me and I like knowing the how others do with them.

By: Yogeshvara OM

About the Author:

Create a video blog

If you are considering taking up yoga, then it is important to understand that there are a variety of types to choose from, each with their own philosophy and techniques. As you embark on your personal yoga journey, it may help to understand the alternatives so you can choose the one that is right for you.

I have experience with four different types of yoga; these being Iyengar, Hatha, Ashtanga and Bikram yoga, so this article will focus on them. There are plenty of others so please don’t feel restricted by my experience.

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is the most popular style of yoga. It is widely practiced and there are a large number of schools available. I found Iyengar yoga enjoyable and challenging. My main struggle initially was with holding static poses and managing my breathing for the length of time that was required. Over time, I definitely improved and felt a real sense of accomplishment for doing so.

There are a huge variety of poses which means that a good teacher will focus each class on different objectives relating to both your body and state of well being. For me, that meant that I did not get bored or complacent, because there were lots of different things for me to try.

Hatha

Hatha is a really lovely, gentle form of yoga. It is excellent for all age groups and fitness levels because you are very fluid in your movements. If you are feeling a bit intimidated by yoga, then this would be the one that I would recommend as a starting point.

It is very accessible so that if you are lacking experience you can still easily manage a Hatha yoga class. As this practice is inherently gentle, it is an excellent form of relaxation combined with exercise. You may feel some exertion at times, but certainly not the intensity that Iyengar or Bikram yoga provides. The breathing techniques offer a great opportunity to observe your body and create a sense of stillness in your mind.

Ashtanga

I have had the least experience with Ashtanga yoga but I really enjoyed it. It is somewhere between Hatha and Iyengar in that it combines movement with breathing (Hatha) but also has poses that are maintained for a period of time (Iyengar).

This had a really positive effect overall, as I felt that the class was a bit more physically challenging but still gave me a presence and clarity of mind that I expect from any form of yoga. I would definitely be interested in exploring this method further however it is not as common in Australia, which makes it difficult to find instruction.

Bikram

Bikram, or hot yoga as some will know it, is rapidly growing in popularity and numbers. Whilst the philosophy of Bikram emerged from India, the trend was born in Los Angeles. Bikram outlines a set of standing and floor-based poses that are designed to work each part of your body over the course of the session. It is recommended that you practice in a hot room (approx. 38 degrees Celsius) to elevate the heart rate and improve muscle movement. Each session follows the same format, offering limited variety. For that reason, a common complaint is that people get bored over time.

As a yoga practice, Bikram has a tendency to polarize people. You either love it or loath it. Those that are devoted to Bikram will go three to four times per week and become extremely committed. Those that loath it, will go once or twice and then choose to leave it there. It really comes down to personal preference. I did not have a great experience to be honest but I have met plenty of people that are devoted to Bikram so don’t let me put you off!

As you can see, all of these techniques are extremely different from each other and no matter which you choose, you will find some huge benefits. For me, I would encourage you to explore yoga because it brings a full awareness to your body and helps create a sense of well being across so many different dimensions. Good luck!

By: Kareene Koh

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Vedic Astrology Lesson 15

The twelve dimensions of life are represented by the twelve houses of the Zodiac.

The rising Sign at the Eastern Horizon is known as the Ascendant and is the First House. First House represents personality and fame. The native’s complexion is indicated by the color of the Ascendant lord ( brownish if the Ascendant lord is Jupiter ) and the color of the planets aspecting the Ascendant .

If the Ascendant lord is exalted or aspected by a benefic in Amsa in own house or friend’s house, posited in quadrants or trines, the native will be blessed with wealth, happiness and the eightfold Siddhis or paranormal powers.

If on the other hand, the Ascendant lord is weak, debilitated, with malefic planets, in inimical Amsa and aspected by malefics, the native will be unhealthy, poor and will be indulging in self-destruction.

If the North Node is posited in the Ascendant with malefics, he will be insulted by people. He will be tormented by enemies and crooks.

The Effects of the Ascendant Lord in the 12 Houses

The Ascendant lord in the Ascendant If the ascendant lord is in the ascendant itself, the native will be famous automatically. Endowed with material happiness he/she will be known for his/her independent spirit to live by own efforts. The native will be fickleminded. The native will maintain multiple interests in unrelated subjects & people. The native will always be alert physically & mentally. Chances are that he/she will visit foreign or far away lands. He/she will be endowed with fame & wealth. They command respect in their circle. They will have a magnetic personality & majestic appearance. They will be endowed with personal magnetism & charisma.

The Ascendant lord in the Second House Since the lord of the ascendant is in the 2nd house the native will be graced by scholarship. They will be blessed by many outstanding qualities. They will be spiritual and religious by nature. They will have a charming, magnetic personality. They will be blessed by the gift of the gab or the divine gift of articulate speech. They will impress others by eyes which are penetrating and by articulate abilities. They will have domestic happiness. They will be sweet- tongued and graceful in speech. It is said that Goddess of Speech will reside in them indicating poetic & communication abilities.

The Ascendant lord in the Third House Since the lord of the ascendant is in the 3rd house, the native’s courage will be indomitable. His/her actions may be considered unorthodox and unconventional by society. They know that character is the greatest wealth and they should not let anything mar their reputation. He/she have the potential to become a great musician. Similarly if they develop their mathematical abilities they can become great mathe- maticians. They should be careful about their health. They are able to maintain parallel interest or relationships with different individuals.

The Ascendant lord in the Fourth House Since the ascendant lord is in the 4th house the native will be born in an aristocratic family. The native will generally be good looking and ambitious. He/she will be a workaholic and prosperity is sustained by hard work. The native is well behaved in society. He/she will have good physique & and impressive personality. They will have happiness from mother. They will be blessed by a house and conveyances. They will have a lot of friends. They become famous amidst their circle. They become a leader amidst friends & relatives. Uncles may be favourable to them. They will have a good house with all comforts.

The Ascendant lord in the Fifth House Since the ascendant lord is in the 5th, fame will come to the native by its own. They become aggressive and belligerent. They may gain the good will of the political parties in power. It is quite likely that they will benefit from commercial & diplomatic services. They will shine in Govt Service. They will get the support of officials and seniors. They will be lucky in speculation and they know the adage ” You can’t accumulate if you don’t speculate”. If they use their intellect they can be lucky in investments. The speculative stock market has its charms for them.

The Ascendant lord in the Sixth House Since the ascendant lord is in the 6th they will be courageous and distinguished. They will be financially OK. They employ means that are not above board. There may be debts which they are capable of paying in time. They may join the armed forces and reach a high official position. They will be helped by brothers and sisters. They may be employed in the health sector. They are advised to care of their health. Enemies they will have in plenty and they have to be careful about their machinations. Their success may generate jeal- ousy amongst their enemies. They will be successful generally.

The Ascendant lord in the Seventh House Since the ascendant lord is in the 7th they have to be careful about the health of their partner. It is quite likely that they may develop vairagya and turn to asceticism during the latter part of their life. They may wander without gaining momentum. They experience vicissitudes and moods always alternate between dejection & elat- ion. They may end up in a foreign country. They may examine people & ideas in order to get at Truth. They will become famous & trustworthy. He/she will have a powerful personality with penetrating eyes.

The Ascendant lord in the Eighth House Since the ascendant lord is in the 8th the native will be a scholar with excellent academic records. They will have to be careful about their health. They should avoid gambling & speculation. They have love & interest for occultism. They may give chances to others to ques- tion their character. Unfortunate events may invade their life. They may try to escape tension by taking to drugs, alcohol & day dreams instead of meditation & prayer. These tension relieving tendencies should be controlled. Many deaths in the family may be witnessed.

Ascendant lord in the Ninth House Since the native’s ascendant lord is in the 9th they will be fortunate as regards luck both material & spiritual. Oratorial skills & commu- nication ability will be well developed. He/she will be known as a silver tongued orator. They are dignified and majestic and will be well appreciated by the opposite sex. They are likely to inherit a paternal legacy. They will have domestic happiness. They will be deeply spiritual and religious. They will be devoted to the prece- ptors and God. Philosophy & Religion will sway them & they may take to asceticism during the latter part of their life.

The Ascendant lord in the Tenth House Since the ascendant lord is in the 10th the native will have professional enhancement & reputation. They will enjoy parental happiness It is likely that they may feel stifled by parental authority. Ascendant lord in the 10th is excellent for fame in the professional sphere. When they show their sense of discipline and workaholism it will be appreciated by the seniors and thereby they will earn fame name and patronage. They will grow up in the right direction only. He/she will be a self made man with self made wealth. They may have income from many sources.

The Ascendant lord in the Eleventh House Since the ascendant lord is in the 11th the native will be inclined to beauty and harmony in music, art and romance. They associate freely with all, particularly with the opposite sex. They are advised to guard against marital infidelity. They will be subject to delays or difficulties in marriage. They will not experience financial difficulties. They will succeed in business and their fiscal success will be due to their elder brother. Elder sisters will also be fav- ourable to them. As far as gains are concerned they will make prof- its commensurate with their abilities.

The Ascendant lord in the Twelfth House The native has to be careful with money as he/she are likely to be a spendthrift. They have a duality or polarity in their character which they must bring into harmony. Beware of gambling. They believe in the principle that Right means for the right ends. They will fare well in education. They derive more pleasure serving than being served and from giving than receiving. They are likely to become altruists consecrating their life for the welfare of their fellowmen. They have self control & mastery of the senses.

More quality information about Vedic Astrology & an Astrological

Analysis can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/vedichoroscope.htm

Astrology and the Science of Numbers ( Numerology )

Can Numbers represent Reality ? Yes, said Pythagorus. Each number has a vibration which corresponds to the nine revolving heavens.

More quality information about Astro-Numerology and a free Astro-

Numerological Report can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/numerology.htm

Astrology & Gemology

Flawless gems are auspicious and flawed gems are a source of misfortune. Richard Shaw Brown, Jr ( www.agt-gems.com) writes that the Vedic texts which state that pure flawless gems have auspicious powers ( Garuda Purana, Agni Purana) are correct. ” After 25 years of researching and experimenting with gemstones, it is our carefully considered opinion that the Vedic texts are correct. Flawed gems are simply a source of misfortune, not to mention their being ugly ! Think about it ! How many people are prepared to tolerate defects in their clothing, or any other personal items they possess?. Even a single scratch on a nice automobile is an eyesore, so why do people tolerate flawed gems? “

Howard Beckman ( www.p-g-a.org ) writes that different Chakras absorb different cosmic colors and nourish particular glands in the body.

Diseases can be cured by using appropriate gems.

More information about Planetary Gemology & a FREE Gem Prescription

Report can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/planetarygemology.htm

Astrology, Holistic Medicine & Ayurveda Regulation of Food, Sleep and Exercise

” Food is medicine; Medicine is food ” said Hippocrates. “Food is Brahman. Food was verily born before all creatures: therefore it is called the medicine for all” declares the Upanishads. By stating that food is the root cause of all ills & illnesses Vedanta have formulated one of the foundational principles of holistic health. At least half the ailments of man can be traced directly or indirectly to the problems of food. Regulation of food is not easy, because it is an addiction like alcohol. Problems like obesity, higher cholesterol level & irritable bowel syndrome crop up if food is not controlled. By controlling food, the whole body comes under control. “When taste is conquered everything is conquered ” averrs Vedanta. What really matters is not how much we eat but how much of what we eat is transformed into bioenergy & the building materials of life.

Sir William Osler pointed out many years ago ” Only a small percentage of what we eat nourishes us; the balance goes to waste and loss of energy”. In holistic health, food should be revered & a proper attitude towards food should be developed. ” Be thankful for all food, for food is Brahman ” said Vivekananda. Six hours have been prescribed for all even though requirement of sleep varies from person to person Research studies have indicated that even moderate levels of exercise bolster the immune system. No amount of sleep is sufficient for unwinding the mind for it is always in a tense state under the stressful conditions of modern life. Antidotes to stress include yogic techniques like Meditation, prayer, cultivation of the Witness attitude & practice of absolute self-surrender to the Divine, which enable us to avoid a lot of unnecessary stress. Doing nothing or simply lying down is not relaxation. The muscles when stretched bring in relaxation as it frees them from the tense condition. Some of the yogic Asanas are highly effective because they can relax the muscles. There will be focal point in the body which reflects the mental tension which one finds oneself in. That focal point of mental tension should be identified and you can choose that type of yogic exercise which will relax the muscles & tendons of the specific focal point of tension in you.

A good site where you can get quality information about Holistic Medicine is www.holistic-alt.com

Regulation of Breath “Breathlessness is deathlessness ” averrs Yoga. Regulation of breath gives tremendous relaxation.Pranayama, without the help of a bona fide Master, can lead to serious complications. What is needed is the practice of breathing deeply ( as deeply as possible ) through both the nostrils & then slowly breathing out ( without breath retention ). This kind of regulated deep breathing can be done at any time, even in your office. Psychosomatic pain can be alleviated by these simple yogic techniques more effectively than allopathic pills or tablets. Here we employ the internal pharmacy of Skill power in lieu of the external pharmacy of Pill Power!

Vedic Holistic Medicine ( Ayurveda) gives priority to the Whole and not to the parts, contrary to chemotherapy which treats the parts only.

More info about Ayurveda can be had from http://www.chakrapaniayurveda.com

Astrology & Yoga

All knowledge is threefold (” Thraigunya Vishaya Veda “). In Freudian Psycho-analysis we have three impulses, Id, Ego and Supergo. The Vedantic Satwa, Rajas and Thamas correspond to these impulses. The mind is always gripped by these three impulses. Sometimes we are Rajasic ( worldly ) and go after wealth. When intense anger and other negative emotions grip us, we are Thamasic. When divine qualities like Love and Peace influence us, we are Satwic ( divine ). The Ego with its ten heads ( symbolised as the ten-headed Ravana ) is the major block in attaining Self_Actualisation. The ten heads of the Ego are Lust,Anger,Pride, Avarice, Sloth, Covetousness, Attachment, Mind, Intellect, Conceit & Egoistic Mentality. Only when the ten heads of the Ego are removed can we hope to get Self-Realisation. ( Symbolically only when the Ravana in us is destroyed ). When we do our yoga, we will be assailed by three type of Ego. Rajasic ( wordly ), Thamasic ( bestial ) and Satwic ( noble ). In order to overcome the three types of Ego, we are given certain commandments.

” Ma the Sanghostha karmani ” - (Let there be not in you any attachment to inaction. ) This commandment is given so that we can overcome the Thamasic ( bestial ) ego.

” Ma Karma Phala Heturbhoo ” - (”Dont expect any reward”) This commandment is given to protect us from the Rajasic ( wordly ) ego, which always expects rewards for work done.

“Ubhe Sukruta Dushkrute ” ( “Be beyond good and evil ” ) This commandment is given to us to overcome the Satwic Ego, for one should not hang on to Punya ( divine merit ).

In other words, during the process of Yoga, we will be assailed by all sorts of negative thoughts. Our aim is to identify with the Source of all thought, the Self. We will find, as we progress on the path of yoga, that these negative thoughts leave us slowly and steadily. Conquering our negative aspect is not easy. The negative elements in man are the true villains.

Alone, powerful & cruel are the dark and dreadful forces that profit from the reign of Night and Ignorance and they dont want any change in the body. We have to annihilate them one by one.

In tragic life, God wot

No villains need be, passions spin the plot

We are betrayed by what is false within !

The entire Vedic wisdom is contained in one word ” Transcend “. Transcend both pain & sorrow, transcend the triune attributes of Nature. Transcend negativity !.

More information about Transcendental Philosophy & Yoga can be

had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/yogamain.htm

Astrology & Occult Vibratory Chemistry ( Tantra )

Tantra focusses on the Chit-Shakti, the Consciousness-Force latent in the Universe. The entire Universe is the play and display of this Cosmic Force and this Force is latent in human beings as the Kundalini. She rises from the Root Chakra to the Crown Chakra during Meditation. Tantra is a similar discipline like Yoga and is very important from the Divine perspective.

More quality information about Tantra & Yantras can be had from http://www.eastrovedica.com/html/yantra.htm

Books as the source of knowledge

Dante’s Divina Commedia or Goethe’s Faust were never the product of the Rational Mind. They were the products of the Intuitive Mind. Books can instruct, they can teach & they can elevate man from the mundane to the sublime !

More quality information about spiritual Books & CDs can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/Books.htm

Article by G Kumar, Astrologer, writer & programmer of www.eastrovedica.com. Recently he was awarded a Certificate by the Planetary Gemologists Association Global ( www.p-g-a.org ) as a Planetary Gem Advisor. He has 25 years psychic research experience in the esoteric arts. To subscribe to his free informative Ezine, the Z Files mailto:info@eastrovedica.com?subject=SubscribeZF. His Astro blog is up at http://www.zodiacastrology.blogspot.com & his Philosophy blog is http://transcendentalphilosophy.blogspot.com Mobile 091 9388556053

By: G Kumar

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

Normal 0

Meditating involves sitting still for a period of time maybe 10 minutes, or maybe 100 minutes. The increased flexibility that yoga brings helps the body to remain comfortable during this physical inactivity. I remember very well being on retreat, and noticing that I had more energy available to me in my meditation practice after doing yoga. Maybe it’s something as simple as endorphin release, or maybe it’s something more mysterious I don’t know and don’t really need to know. What I found in my experience was that in the meditation, in which normally I would be struggling to keep my body upright and in which my brain would tend to “go on standby” I was suddenly wide awake if I did yoga just beforehand.

More than that, I noticed that I felt full of life, as if I was plugged into the mains electricity. Those late afternoon meditations were certainly more productive than they used to be. Awareness of the body is said to be the first “foundation” of mindfulness. Mindfulness can’t exist in the abstract we have to have something to be mindful of. And it’s hard to be aware of what the more subtle elements of our experience are doing if we aren’t aware of what relatively substantial parts of our experience are doing. Yoga helps us to be more aware of the body, which helps with the overall process of developing mindfulness. That brings me onto the fourth benefit that I noticed.

 

Yoga helps to promote a deeper awareness of the body and of its muscles and joints. This has a grounding effect, helping to calm the mind, which in turn slows down our emotions so that we feel more relaxed. At the end of a session of yoga, I’d notice a definite emotional buoyancy accompanied by mental clarity and calmness.

All this makes me think I should get to yoga classes more often. And I want to encourage you to do the same, so I asked my friend and colleague if he’d contribute some basic instruction in yoga. You’ll find his advice on the following pages, and you might be interested also in his Body Wisdom CD, which leads you through the asanas that are illustrated here. For more details visit http://www.soundbodytrainer.com/

By: prabakar

About the Author:

Create a video blog

[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]

The Various Traditions

In these series of articles we shope to describe the mudra practices to be found in various religious practices, such as in Buddhism, and Hinduism; and in various countries rich in cultural traditions as for instance, Japan, India, China, Tibet, and Indonesia. Mudra teachings are also to be found in Christianity and in the Egyptian tradition. Contemporary development of Runic lore has also its own version of hand-gestures designed to offer psychic benefits. We will describe some of these and teach how our readers may put these mudras into practice to assist their spiritual unfoldment and the improvement of their mundane lives.

Regrettably, there are many powerful mudras to be found in mystical schools and traditions that we have not been able to get access to and thus present in these articles. For instance, Chen Yen or Shingon Buddhism, which is considered as an esoteric tradition, has a rich heritage on mudra practices. These mudras are performed in conjunction with mantras and the visualization of mandalas. According to their doctrines, mudras, mantras, and mandalas represent body, speech, and mind. Chen Yen Buddhism teaches that the culture of these three aspects of the microcosm leads the practitioner to a higher spiritual state of being. Another Buddhist school that teaches mudras is the True Buddha School led by the Living Buddha Lu Sheng-yen. One would have to be a follower of the Living Buddha in order to acquire the mudra teachings.

The Spiritual Path

At the very outset of these articles we would caution our readers not to misapply any phenomenal powers that they may acquire through the practice of the mudras. Always aim for spirituality, not for the attainment of illusory baubles. Do not strive for the phenomenal, the sensational; or be obsessed with spiritual powers. The goal is soul-development, not self-aggrandizement. The spiritual tyro should not succumb to self-deception, self-complacency, self-centeredness, self-importance, and all egoistic tendencies. Until the false ego is subdued, one has not reached the proper state where enlightenment may be acquired or where spiritual forces and powers may be properly harnessed and applied; even the so-called awakening and rising of the kundalini force will not be optimal in its influence. There is too much deception here. Psychicism is often mistaken for spirituality. Visions may delight the ego, seeing spirits may make one think highly of oneself, the vain display of “supernatural” powers may leave one too self-complacent. In the end the evolving soul gets stuck in the astral mire, no matter how sublime visions or experiences may be. The nature and apprehension of one’s visions is related to one’s evolutionary status. The higher we are the more true our understanding and perception. Those who claim the ability to see sublime visions while being morally bankrupt are only perceiving the lower astral planes and the projections of their own subconscious minds.

What true spirituality is cannot be stated too openly for the reason that it would be falsely adopted or assumed by those pretending to be “Masters” in order to fool an unwary and ignorant crowd. The true Master, however, has his own criteria and is able to differentiate the false from the real, the quacks from those who are genuine.

If the reader argues that he or she seeks powers so that they may be of help to humanity it is time for introspection. With what you have right now, are you helping humanity? Do you make sacrifices on behalf of humanity? Do you serve selflessly? Please do not deceive yourself. It is always wise to first work upon your own character before undertaking the unfoldment of powers. Without a true Guru one could be led astray by dark forces posing as representatives of Light.

The spiritual path is filled with thorns and mirages. The closer one gets to the goal, the more temptations, obstacles, tests, and trials one encounters. The chelas, students of the spiritual path often succumbs to glamour and illusions, false understanding and beliefs. Without the Guru’s aid, they could fall. But most often while bathing in the false astral light they forget the Guru and seek instead temporary delights. Students of metaphysics should not attempt to fly before they can run, run before they can walk, walk before they can stand, or stand before they can crawl.

In their ambition to attain spiritual power and personal bliss quickly, students of metaphysics make the mistake of jumping from Guru to Guru, from teaching to teaching, from tradition to tradition, not realizing the traps that they are laying for themselves, and thus delaying the divine grace that the true Guru would channel to them. They would also not experience the Guru’s essence in such a manner; nor will they receive all that the Guru would like to give. It is like digging a well for water. We would dig 5-6 m before reaching water. If we were to dig a meter here, a meter there, we would end up with nothing substantial. Students would end up confused: one Guru says this, another says that, etc. Students that follow many Gurus simultaneously are not loyal to the instructions of any one of them. It is also unfair to the Guru as a problem might arise in their spiritual disciplines. Who would then be responsible for that? To which Guru should the student go to? The spiritual aspirant is unaware that certain traditions are incompatible, that some rays do not mix well, and that by practicing them together these might eventuate in psychic and psychological impediments and problems.

Masters have always cautioned us to “make haste slowly.” The ancient Rishis and Yogis were well aware of this problem of the neophyte, they therefore established Guru Puja, or the worship of the Guru. Essentially this was not for the purpose of glorifying the Guru in any way, it was for the purpose of assisting the chelas or students to maintain focus, to develop divine love, to instill a sense of identification with their Guru so that they may become like the object of their adoration.

Students would derive the utmost benefit by sticking to a single Guru. Only in this manner would it be possible for the chela to experience “Guru Tattva,” “Zat Guru,” or the essence of the Guru where the Supreme Being expresses and bestows through the Guru untold spiritual wealth upon the loyal and devoted student. We may claim that we express unconditional love; and yet, if we do not have trust and faith in our Preceptor, if we do not apply his instructions and advice seeking pastures in other fields and hoping for a quick attainment, and thus destroying all that the Guru wishes his disciples to accomplish–that is, to unfold in an orderly and proper manner–then it simply proves that our claim of unconditional love is false.

There are agents of the dark forces stomping around looking for victims. They entrap their prey by flattery, big promises and a show of “psychic powers” and the like. Metaphysical students should be on guard and not fall into their clutches for their path lead downward to the abyss.

The spiritual path toward the lofty goal of Buddhahood, human perfection, or the ascension may be compared to a ladder consisting of many rungs. Each rung should be treaded upon. Missing a rung would only mean returning again in a later life time to learn or experience it. Attaining nirvana, experiencing bliss, or acquiring an expanded consciousness is all well and good but a person is no closer to the goal than before. Prior to starting off his career as a human soul Man was in such a divine natural state, tranquil, blissful, sans ego; and yet he incarnated for a reason, for a spiritual purpose. Would we negate this purpose now by ignoring it and experiencing bliss for our own sakes alone? The goal is the Ascension and in order to do that the quaternary principles–the physical, the etheric, the astral, and the lower mental bodies would have to be transmuted and raised to the causal level, and this cannot be done with the false ego still running amuck, when the sense of mortality still holds sway, when self-centeredness is the whole purpose of existence.

The experience of bliss does not indicate a high spiritual development. There are various levels of bliss, not all of which originate in the blissful center of the Soul, or Higher Self. Man possesses certain components in his being that records past feelings whether of trauma or joy. When stimulated or cleansed these components release their contents and is experienced by the consciousness. This experience is often mistaken for the impregnation of the Holy Spirit.

An advanced consciousness no longer judges dualistically what it perceives. It does not differentiate between the good and the bad, the evolved and the unevolved, the beautiful and the ugly. It is only aware of the presence of God in all.

When we get down to spiritual basics, psychic powers mean nothing. They do not take a person closer to God. Possessing paranormal abilities do not make a person spiritual. Spirituality has nothing to do with what you have or what you know. It has to do with what you are, and how well you are expressing your Divine Self. Therefore, in conjunction to the study of mudras we would adjure our readers to develop purity, love, affection, detachment, disinterestedness, gentleness, harmlessness, beauty, selflessness, self-abandonment, and other divine virtues. Also, deepen your metaphysical knowledge of Cosmic laws and apply spiritual precepts. Do not miss a rung of the ladder leading toward the goal of human perfection. As said before, if any rung is missed you would have to return to start all over again in order to tread it. It is wonderful to unfold unconditional love and to experience bliss but do no forget that Divine Consciousness has many spiritual aspects and attributes, each one of which the spiritual aspirant would have to personally unfold. The person with the full unfoldment of one or two divine virtues has still a long way to go to reach perfection compared with another who has almost unfolded all of them but incompletely as yet. It is therefore, difficult to judge another using human values and perception.

Mudras are tools to spiritual development. They should be used in conjunction with other metaphysical disciplines and not applied as a sole sadhana or spiritual practice. There is no one method or technique that is superior to another. They all have their place in a disciple’s daily work-out, and each have their own purpose and effect. Thus, while engaging in mudras, one should not give up one’s daily prayers, meditations, occult disciplines and other yogic practices.

Chelas should not be attached to the sensations that mudras give–their purpose is not to offer personal delight; rather chelas should be focused more on the goal of human existence.

Purpose of These Series of Articles

All that we need to progress spiritually may be found within us. We were told by the Master Jesus that heaven is within us, within our beings; it is not a place that we go to when we pass away, or after the last angelic trumpet call during the last days of the Apocalypse. We do not deny that in some scriptures heaven is said to be a place. There is some truth in this belief, in this context we may equate heaven to the various dimensions, planes of existences, or realities. However, the heaven referred to by Master Jesus is quite different. It is more of a state of being, a level of awareness, a spiritual attitude.

The more we depend upon our inner being, our own Self, our own resources for our own evolvement, the more quickly we will reach the goal of human existence. Excessive dependence upon external agencies simply prolongs our state of ignorance and our human, mortal condition. This is one of the reasons why in Holy Scriptures we are warned not to visit street fortunetellers, paranormals and such, for they frequently instill in us a false sense of self-assurance and complacency, or conversely–needless fear. They misdirect our attention to things of no eternal worth. They are part of that materialistic scheme of the Dark Ones that hope to delay and if possible, thwart humanity’s soul progress.

Salvation does not come from without, it comes from within. The savior of humanity lies within our own hearts. We have to find him there. This is a simple message that all mystics and saints have been telling us. We may disregard it at our own peril.

The purpose of these articles is to assist the raising of the awareness and the expansion of the consciousness of our readers who apply the teachings of the mudras. They are keys to personal development and spiritual unfoldment. By practicing the mudras consistently, the practitioner would in time realize the following:

The existence of unseen forces and Intelligence

The omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience of Energy

The existence of other dimensions and realities

The oneness of all life

The errors of dualistic perception

The blissful nature of the Spirit, or the Self

The various powers of the Soul

The illusions of time and space

The birthrights of the Soul such as health, tranquility, prosperity, joy, etc.

The powerful nature of Divine Love

The ephemeral nature of physical life

Morality as a soul necessity

The sacredness of all sentient life

The reality of the Soul

. . . and many other things that cannot be put into print or understood intellectually. Mudras may take us to spiritual heights that we have not reached heretofore. It initiates us into the world of pragmatic mysticism. All that a true spiritual Guru may do is to offer keys, guidance, advice, and teachings. He or she is unable to force any chela to comply or to obey because of the Law of Free Choice. It is up to the disciple to trust, have faith in and to open-up to the Teacher.

One of our intentions in the writing of these articles is to help preserve an important aspect of the cultural heritage of humanity. Here and there in these works are to be found spiritual gems and seeds that may not be recognized as such. In any case, we believe that they will eventually take root in the fertile grounds of our reader’s mind and sprout in an active enhancement of the human condition disregarding commercialism and all partisanship and fanaticism of race, religion, color, gender, tribal affiliation, etc.

Although these series of articles are incomplete and have their shortcomings, the author feels that it would still fill the void in most people’s awareness concerning esoteric methods of spiritual development. There are many occult techniques, systems, and traditions at our disposal, we only need to search for the tools that work for us. An open mind, fearlessness, and humility are all necessary qualities that would help us in our search for the keys to spiritual knowledge and unfoldment.

We reiterate: everything that we need to evolve and grow spiritually we already possess within us. We just need to be shown and given the keys that opens the right portals. These articles, it is hope, would offer a bunch of these keys that would unveil for the reader a greater world of understanding and experience. This is what the writer wills.

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

By: Leonard Lee

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress

Both men and women long to have a flat and trimmed stomach which can be achieved through proper regular diet and abdominal exercises. Some people, who are overweight and are embarrassed to go to the gym to cut their weight, can opt to purchase abdominal exercise equipment and try them from their home.

There are many equipment that are specifically designed to tone the muscles of the abdomen but they have to be practiced regularly to achieve good results. Before starting abdominal exercise, walking can be done to warm up. Balance ball is abdominal exercise equipment that is perfect for those who want to sweat out to reduce abdomen fat from the comfort of their home.

A balance ball is an oversized ball made of rubber and to get the proper way of utilizing it, an instructional video can be followed. Medicine curbs are other kind of abdominal exercise equipment that is almost similar to balance ball and balance trainer is an equipment that strains the entire body to keep the body agile and balances it as well. There are many kinds of exercises that can be performed using the balance trainer.

When done with good coordination, this equipment yields good results. Since exercise equipment have undergone many modifications in course of time, there are a variety of machines like abdominal exercise wheels, abdominal crunch machines and for less industrious people, there are stools that rotate to flatten the stomach.

The burst resistant body ball is an abdominal exercise equipment that is claimed to be better than floor sit-ups and also helps in sculpting legs and gluts. A wheel is for those who enjoy getting down on the floor for a work out and is simple equipment. It also helps to work the internal and external oblique and firms up the abdominal area.

Abdominal crunches machines give a feeling of working out in the gym which has bars with handles to offer up and down motion. Some may also have a weighted harness to give a pulley kind of action that reduces the fat in the abdomen. But for those who want to workout without such ado, watching their favorite television programs, fitness Quest Red XL exerciser offers a rotating stool to sit on and gripping the handles and while rotating, offers a good exercise to the abdominal muscles.

But of all the equipment, the good old method of sit ups and crunches combined with a healthy and proper diet are the best way to get rid of the unwanted muscles in the middle region. A flat stomach cannot be achieved over night and it is necessary to maintain a regular schedule of exercising, followed by good diet to achieve the desired result.

By: Lesley Lyon

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress

Good yoga instruction makes one more aware of the body, alignment and patterns of movement. Beginning yoga is a great way to not only to lose flab, but to stay fit lifelong. In the right environment and setting, the yoga exercises, also known as yogaasanas, make the body supple and toned. Weight loss yoga is a very gentle way to stretch the body and makes it slimmer. Yoga training might not be the best for fast weight loss, but it is a wonderful way to keep the body and mind in shape. Yoga weight loss means losing fat that does not come back, if the yoga exercises are continued after the weight loss.

Beginning yoga

Beginning yoga is easy one has to find a convenient place for yoga instruction, or with yoga videos. The yoga movements are usually performed in a group, with a yoga mat with specialized yoga instruction. There are no expensive equipments required - the body’s own weight is used for resistance and a great deal of importance is accorded to the method with no stressful or abrupt movements. Even in the first week, one can feel the difference and the exercise makes one more energetic, happier and peaceful.

Different yoga styles

There are many different yoga styles, like ashtanga yoga, patanjali yoga etc, and they differ in their emphasis. The pilates yoga exercise system was formulated by joseph pilates over 80 years ago for cultivating more strength and lengthening the spine, and is especially popular among dancers. Pilates yoga exercises can be a valuable tool for enhancing strength, definition, and good posture, although it is not a complete balanced tool for all round well being.

Weight loss yoga

Weight loss yoga focuses on different asanas through which one can easily reduce extra fat from the body. Postures that stimulate sluggish glands to increase their hormonal secretions are included in the program, for example, asanas like shoulder stand and the fish posture are particularly effective for the thyroid gland, which secrete hormones that affect the body metabolism. Thus fat metabolism is increased with these exercises, as well as the muscle tone improved, which gives double benefit.

Yoga training reduces stress and anxiety

Yoga also entails deep breathing that increases the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells, inducing the conversion of these fat deposits to energy. Another amazing aspect of yoga training is that it reduces stress and anxiety. This stops the compulsive gobbling up of food, relaxes the mind so that the food is eaten with satisfaction and pleasure. Lesser calories are burnt with yoga than in other exercises, but it an extremely relaxing way of exercising, as it works with both the mind and the body. Weight loss yoga can be extremely fulfilling way of shedding those stubborn pounds, and can introduce a new kind of better healthier living.

By: Dennis Carter

About the Author:

Create a video blog

chilliemurphy asked:

Yoga deck of cards is there doityourself way with the basic poses was thinking something like yoga deck of cards is it.

The basic poses was thinking something like yoga deck of cards is it vital to get different workout every time have an instructor or is it.

Create a video blog