bodhimaram - tree of enlightenment

Meteorology and man

2005-12-01T02:45:00.000-08:00

Friend while anxiously awaiting and getting worried about the impending cyclone(low pressure area according to the Meteorological dept)it is the infficiency of this agency that add to our woes.While on one hand T.N.C.A is crossing its fingers on the test match the dept seems to take things lightly and say" it will cross the coast onWednesday,again thursday morning,again thursday night or friday nornin and today they tell the T.V people it will cross the coast between Chennai and Machili patnam on 3rd dec earkly morning!even their prediction of rains occasional or intermittent or heavy has not happenrd till this evening.In U,S I have seen in an exclusive weather channel,predictions made for a whole week and even the quantum of ice-fall predicted.
Of course I am aware of lack of certain infra structure but it is certainly not the same as it was in 1985 to1988 when I was teaching meteorology as one of the subjects under ocanography and used to take my students to the Meterological dept fecilities in nungambakkam chennai almost every month.In 1999 when I returned from U.S with a book costing90cents in 'Giant' a deptal store there with 100 years of weather statistics and dos and don'ts.I pho to a senior meterlogical officer a woman suggesting such a publication from our country with sponsors like port trusts,Agricultural depts,P.W.D,Shipping companies,AirPorts Authority, Air lines etc so that it will be very useful not only to the agencies concerned bit also general public.Alas!She poo=poohed my idea and said nothing would come out of it but that individually she is interested in reading the book I brought.A lomng way to go both in mind set and infrastructure.If there is big money then sky is the limit for all concerned.Example I.T.O.K all the best P.K

bodhimaram-appearances and the society

2005-04-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

It's said that first impressions take less than a minute to form. Every day, whether we are conscious of it or not, we leave almost indelible suggestions of ourselves in the minds of others. These suggestions are based on a multitude of factors and help others form opinions on our level of organization, our stamina, our self-respect, and our respect for others. Most people want to be seen in a positive light and one way to ensure this is to put your best foot forward.Your idea of finishing touch will be different from that of your friends and family. But, in the simple act of going a step further in your presentation of yourself, you will be able to demonstrate your respect for others and yourself, your attention to detail, your ability to organize and coordinate, your uniqueness, and your love of yourself.

I have already stated elsewhere, that you should learn to love yourself.

bodhimaram - bodhi tree at bodhgaya

2005-04-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

bodhimaram - Raghavan Narasimhan Iyer's works

2005-04-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

For those not familiar with Professor Raghavan Narasimhan Iyer, he is a renowned economist, thinker, theosophian and prolific writer. Born on March 10, 1930 to Narasimhan and Lakshmi Iyer, this bright philosopher left his stamp in whatever he did. He left the illusoriness of this world on June 20, 1995. He made Santa Barbara his residence from 1965. A sneak peek into his life and works. I particularly like his article on Buddhi Yoga and Svadharma.

bodhimaram-life has curves,twists,turns

2005-04-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Life is not and cannot be a staight line.Most of us are not able to recognise this
or come to terms with this truth.
There are both long and short roads that are sometimes curved and sometimes straight. Enjoy and learn from the adventure. Often, when we look at nature, the beauty is in the unexpected. No two plants or minerals are exactly the same and even the smallest plants curve gracefully. The curving path is often the most interesting one. The lesson we can take from that is to avoid becoming attached to what "needs" to happen and to remain flexible as we continue on our journeys. If you are determined to achieve certain goals, you will achieve them, no matter how many twists and turns you must travel to do so.

Wishing all of you,co-bloggers, a very Happy Tamizh New Year(14-04-05) partha krish

bodhimaram-You and Love

2005-04-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

We've all heard it countless times before, "To experience true love, we first must love ourselves," or some variation of such. However it is stated, the importance of self love is vital to becoming a healthy, whole, human being. We are all children of the universe, created out of love. We accept and love other people, animals, nature, all that comes from the same source as we do. We too then, are worthy of our own love. To honor oneself with love and acceptance is to honor the universe that created us.
To learn to love yourself, treat yourself the way you treat those you love. Be kind to yourself, giving yourself all that you need to be happy and healthy. Show yourself a good time by doing things you like. Eat well and take care of your body. Say nice things to yourself. Compliment and praise yourself, just as you would a friend, family member, or lover. Encourage yourself when you're feeling
And most importantly, say the words that we all long to hear. Look in the mirror and tell yourself, "I love you." This can be difficult, but it's a powerful tool in acceptance and self love. It may not be easy, you may feel foolish at first, but you can do it. Even if you don't feel it right away, keep doing it. Love yourself first and you will be able to truly love others and to be truly loved in return.

Love yourself ,You will love the Universe and get the Universal Love.

bodhimaram - toonlightment

2005-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

bodhimaram-18 steps-significance

2005-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

in my earlier posts on Numerology i have emphatically stated the importance and indestructibility of number 9.The culminating primary number has been omitted in 'Cheiro's'Numerology!Now if u look at some of our ancient literature,mythology and even historical events 18 plays a significant role.
There are 18 chapters in 'Bhagavat Geetha'
There are 18 'purAnAs'
There are 18 battle techniques
Kurukshetra war went on for 18 days
4 'vedAs'+6 'SoothrAs'+5 senses+3 functional deities(Thirumurthys)=18
There are 18 steps in'Sabarimala'considered very sacred and which have to be climbed with senses and mind controlled, by 41 day observance of austerities(Vratam).What do these steps signify?R they only gold plated granite steps?No;
there are several philosophical explanations for this.In the first interpretation,
Seventeen steps symbolize the 17 'vAsanas' whch are detailed below and the 18 th step
symbolizes the last stage of evolution to the status of a 'Gnani'(ultimate state of enlightenment)The bad and good 'vAsanas' are combined so that initially yhe bad 'vasanas' can be eliminated, good 'vAsanas' cultivatwed, only to be given up totally,when reaching the Zenith or 'Poornatvam'.The 17 are
1)Agnana(ignorance) 2)Garvam(false prestige) 3)Dambh(self pride) 4)Spite
5)ayogyam(crookedness) 6)KAma(sensuousness) 4)KrOdh (anger) 8)Bhayam
9)SOkam(sorrow) 10)KshamA(patience) 11)DhayA(kindness) 12)ShAnthi
13)Janapriyatvam)(love of beings)14) AkrOdam(absence of anger)
15)VairAgyam(Determination)16)NirlobhA(doing the right thing)17)Datha(charity)
and ofcourse the 18 th step Gnanam(Enlightenment)
Let us examine the other explanations in the coming posts

bodhimaram-healing-self-"Jin Shin Jyutsu-method

2005-04-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Main Central Vertical Flow is the source of our life energy. Harmonizing the flow regularly helps us feel centered and energized or relaxed, depending on what our body needs. Jin Shin Jyutsu works like "jumper cables" to recharge the "battery of life." For optimum results, do the following exercise daily.

Place the fingers of your right hand on top of your head. Place the fingers of your left hand on your forehead, between the eyebrows, and hold them there for two to five minutes or until the pulses at your fingertips synchronize. Move the fingers on your left hand to the tip of your nose and again hold for two to five minutes or until the pulses synchronize. Next, move the fingers of your left hand to your sternum at the center of your chest and then to the base of your sternum, the center where the ribs start, above your stomach. Stay at each point for two to five minutes or until the pulses synchronize. Move the fingers of the left hand to the top of the pubic bone and again stay there for two to five minutes or until the pulses synchronize. Now, keep your left fingers in place and move your right hand to cover your tailbone, holding for two to five minutes until your fingertips synchronize.

Self healing opens the door to self knowledge. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a simple practice that can be done in a matter of minutes leading to a life time of healing.
Though several native systems were in vogue for thousands of years all over the orient this Japanese system seems to be very efficient in energising our mind and body.(more to come)P.K

bodhimaram-man and woman/Masculine-feminine

2005-04-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Woman or man, each human being is whole. We are all a compendium of many different forms of energy that interact to create a balanced person. To be human, therefore, is to be both gender specific (man or woman) and gender complemented (masculine and feminine). It may sound strange to say that in every person there exists both female and male aspects, but these aspects are tightly interwoven within each of us and learning to access these aspects can help you understand parts of yourself that were previously hidden by a lack of knowledge. Denying this unique polarity can lead to feelings of frustration and confusion, while embracing your gender opposite can bring about a sense of harmony and peace.
If the creative genius of God is understood there is no need for gender wars,gende discrimination,discord and discontent in the society.

bodhimaram-freedom-casting away

2005-03-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

There is tremendous freedom in letting go. It is liberation to free ourselves of things that clutter our lives; too many possessions, useless emotions, unhealthy habits, old beliefs, even people who drain our energy. All of these things and more can weigh us down. Every once in a while it's good to "clean out our closets" literally and figuratively.

Like pruning the dead branches or like a snake shedding its old skin, we need to let go of things which no longer serve or what no longer fit, so that there is room for something new, alive, and what is needed at this time in our lives. Yet, we are a possessive society. We often hold on to things, feelings, and relationships out of habit or even dogmatic, many times, out of fear of being without. For so much of learning, to let go, is about learning to trust. We have to be able to trust that, indeed, new branches will grow, that there is a new skin under the old one. And yet, to the degree that we are willing to let go, we are able to receive. When we stop holding on and clinging to anything, we realize we have everything.

For in reality, we really own nothing. Certainly, we don't own people. Our spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, children,properties etc are not really "ours." Even if we own the title to our house or car, such possessions can be gone in a moment, taken by a natural disaster, an accident, or financial circumstances. For everything belongs to the universe, as even we do. When we allow ourselves to rethink our sense of "ownership," it is easier to let go. We no longer need to feel burdened by the responsibility of having to hold on to something. Rethink the value of a prized book collection, a coveted job, and feelings for an old flame. Perhaps it isn't necessary to physically get rid of something, but letting go of the power that a person, ideology, or material object possesses, is truly the FREEDOM

bodimaram-7 chakras-'mooladhara' or root chakra

2005-03-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

I t is common knowledge now in various therapy systems the existance of 'Chakras' in the body is well recognised.These chakras are power centres whch are responsible for proper functioning of glands.
The first is "Root Chakra" or 'Mooladhara' to start with.
.In Vedic texts, the body is interspersed by points of energy known as chakras. The first or root chakra, also known as the Muladhara, is the point of manifestation and is associated with a sense of stability and grounding, courage, loyalty, order, and self preservation. As the first chakra forms a foundation connecting us to life, so is it located at the base of the spine and it is the root and thus associated with the earth. Its primary color is red and its secondary color is black. Your first chakra is a center of balance, which can be an important factor in living energetically, with great awareness, and in prosperity.
In Vedic texts, the body is interspersed by points of energy known as chakras. The first or root chakra, also known as the Muladhara, is the point of manifestation and is associated with a sense of stability and grounding, courage, loyalty, order, and self preservation. As the first chakra forms a foundation connecting us to life, so is it located at the base of the spine and it is the root and thus associated with the earth. Its primary color is red and its secondary color is black. Your first chakra is a center of balance, which can be an important factor in living energetically, with great awareness, and in prosperity.

Ideally, the energy of your root chakra is a source of health, wealth, and security. It may seem that some of the root chakra's other elements, such as greed and anger, are negative, but all are fundamental to a balanced existence and part of spiritual development

bodhimaram-friends and friendship

2005-03-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

Of all relationships, friendship can be the most versatile and fulfilling because it is a gift bestowed willingly. Each person who receives your friendship should receive a part of you in the form of caring, concern, happiness, and support. In return, you enjoy the companionship of your friends because they offer comfort, cheer, and a shoulder to cry on. Like any relationship, however, friendship does not simply exist, but must be nurtured and encouraged to grow through actions, words, and reciprocal feelings. The first and most important aspect of being a good friend is treating others with the same respect and kindness with which you wish to be treated. Doing so can be a guide in forging friendships with others.
Being a good friend is easiest and most rewarding when you choose your friendships wisely.
Friendships should be built upon a foundation of mutual trust, acceptance, and support. Show them you care, not just using words, but also using actions: Be courteous and kind, honest, and willing to compromise, and shy away from being overly critical. When your friend encounters trouble, support their decision wholeheartedly, but always be willing to tell them when they're about to step onto a dangerous path. In doing so, you will help your friend flourish in their own way, while still being a there for them. Really listen to and share in your friend's triumphs as well as their upsets with patience, kindness, and a sense of humor.

In any strong friendship, conflict will inevitably arise, but be willing to compromise and respect your friend's opinions. If they apologize, accept their apology with grace and forgive them promptly. Try to never hold a grudge, because holding on to negative emotions can put a strain on a friendship. Let your friend be who they are, not who you'd prefer them to be. Friends don't always agree, but it's helpful to keep in mind that it's their enjoyment of each other's company that makes dealing with disagreements worthwhile.

There may be times when you feel ill-equipped to be a good friend, but knowing and admitting this is just another part of a strong friendship. Your friend will understand that you, too, have issues of importance in your life. Developing and maintaining rewarding and lasting friendships is a challenge, but one that yields beautiful results.

bodhimaram-Agree to disagree

2005-03-25T15:41:00.000-08:00

We all have disagreements. To clash at times with family and friends is a part of life. Whether we simply have a difference of opinion with someone or engage in an argument, disagreements offer an opportunity for us to learn and grow.
However, when we are discussing something of importance to us, or if we disagree with someone we don't particularly like, it may be difficult to keep from becoming angry and exchanging harsh words. From there, it's all too easy for a disagreement to escalate and become a full blown shouting match
During any disagreement, it's important to be respectful and let the other person state their opinion. Then listen and really try to hear what the other person is saying. Try to understand not just their words, but their feelings as well. Understanding is more important than agreeing. You may not come to an agreement, but you can agree to disagree and still keep peace.

bhodimaram

2005-03-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

More than just a place to live, a home is a sanctuary, a place of refuge where serenity awaits. As well as a safe, nurturing place for the body, a home is a shrine for the spirit. We do much to make our homes comfortable and tranquil for ourselves and our families. We want to make our home inviting to our friends, as well. We can also reach out beyond our walls to send that tranquility out to the world, which so desperately needs love and compassion. Imagine sending healing energy that can transform lives without even leaving the comfort of your living room
To create an environment from which to send loving light outward, start by going inward. Take care that your own body is well nurtured physically and spiritually, with prayer, meditation, exercise, and good nutrition. Keeping a clean and tidy house honors the sanctity of your home, but beyond surface cleaning, it's important to cleanse regularly as well. Apply the spiritual principals of feng shui or vatsu to create harmony in every room of your home. Open windows to let in fresh air and sunshine. Clear stagnant energy by smudging with sage or incense, drumming, and/or clapping.
Ask for a blessing on your home through prayer or meditation. In a quiet place, breathe in calmness and center yourself. Begin to focus on a small, golden ball of light in front of your navel. You may cup your hands around the light and feel its warmth spread through your fingers, up your arms, radiating throughout your body. Imagine the ball of light growing in your hands and open your hands to accommodate it. As it continues to grow, stretch your arms out wider until the golden ball overflows, spilling loving light all over the room. Now watch the light spread throughout your house, pouring out the doors and windows to your garden and into your neighborhood. See the light flow like lava until the whole earth is engulfed in a golden glow of peace and love.
Wish U all the best and peace. Partha krish

bodhimaram-perspectives and perceptions

2005-03-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

Those who renounce the desire for an award, according to the Bhagavad-Gita, attain perfect peace. Being overly focused on the outcome of an action actually ties one down, while being detached enough to view the relativity of the situation sets one free and lends tranquility. Being detached does not mean that one can't enjoy anything or anyone. It just refers to the fact that clinging very strongly to a person, a thought pattern or an emotional habit makes it difficult to cope with life. We begin to think that if we don't get a specific job or have a certain relationship, we will be miserable. Being detached means saying that if we achieve a certain goal, we will be fine and if for some reason we don't, we will still be fine. A Buddhist saying describes detachment as "Not flattered by praise, not hurt by blame."

Once we are able to detach ourselves from difficulty, we gain a broad perspective and a multiplicity of possibilities become apparent. Many solutions that we would never have considered when we were emotionally drowning in the problem now appear. When you are faced with a particularly trying personal problem, try taking some time to consciously detach yourself. Meditation, listening to calming music and taking a long walk are all possible detachment rituals. Traveling to another location either actually or through a favorite book or film are also good ways of finding a new perspective. When you let go of your limited view and gain greater objectivity, you put the law of Yoga into practice. You open the door togreaterintuition andincreaswed serenity.

bodhimaram a few info

2005-03-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Not only do studies show that meditation is boosting [the] immune system, but brain scans suggest that it may be rewiring their brains to reduce stress…. Meditation is being recommended by more and more physicians as a way to prevent, slow or at least control the pain of chronic diseases like heart conditions, AIDS, cancer and infertility

Every day we get reports fro all over the world about the relavance of mind as dealt with extensively in our Yoga Saastra and other soothras and while the west is fast catching up it is a pity in our own land very few realise the importance.A
classic example: for years I was getting Maharishi Mahesh Yogis T.V. channel at Chennai even before 'Sumangali' or 'Hathway' ever thought of a cable job but
all of a sudden they stopped it.I indignantly took up tje matter with the cable operator , only to get a reply that the channel is not popular and hence blocked
While scientific 'Yoga Mandirams' are available for a methodical approach to meditation,'Praanaayama' and Yoga a few go to westernised Gymns even to know about Yoga.I wish we have a Messiah like Swamy Vivekaananda. P.K

2005-03-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

In the 1920s the richest man in America, Andrew Carnegie commissioned a young writer called Napoleon Hill to study America’s most successful men to understand what made them a success. Napoleon Hill put the results of his work into two best-selling books, "The Laws of Success" and "Think and Grow Rich."

What did Napoleon Hill find?

It was not education, or brains or powerful networks, that were the main determinants of a super-achiever. It was the spiritual and psychic use of their mind.

I have been writing about the power of mind especially at the 'Alpha' level
Scores of people have adopted various techniques to train this mind to succeed in matrialistic or spiritualistic pursuits.
Was it not the urge of the mind that made Siddhartha to go to the"Tree",sit,
think,analy and ultimately realise

more from the' maram'

2005-03-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

March 16, 2005
Adapting To Motion
Embracing Change

Motivated by the need for security, sometimes we stop taking risks. We love a particular field of study, lifestyle or job, but we let those talents go unnourished because we believe that our dreams are impractical. Instead we spend energy trying to keep things the same as they were before. Yet, we can also look at our existence in a different way, accepting that the world is always in flux instead of trying to keep ourselves grounded. If we could truly accomplish this, we would welcome change instead of fearing it. We would forego security in favor of the excitement of tomorrow. This concept is expressed through the Hindu Law of Maya, one of the seven spiritual truths of that faith. The Law of Maya states that the phenomenal world is always in midst of constant change. An individual has to accept and prepare to face change through designing innovative responses to challenges.

In our world of technological complexity and shifting values, we feel even more strongly that we are always in motion. But instead of making change easier, it can make it feel even more daunting. We have to make sure that our creative responses fit our modern needs. Psychological and technological adaptation can help us sort out and meet our desires. While support from family may have been sufficient in an earlier era, we now need other tools as well.

Here are some ways to prepare for and deal with change:

* Get rid of the guilt about change. Instead of thinking that change is a punishment, begin viewing it as a necessary and positive part of life, which always opens the door to something new.

* Surround yourself with positive role models. Get to know people who flow with life instead of fighting it every step of the way.

* Plan for and celebrate each step. As you find yourself changing, either emotionally or practically, take time to savor the moment.

* Practice changing. Try something new every week so that when an unexpected change comes your way, you'll be a pro at handling it.

* Keep an open mind. Instead of assuming that things are "good" or "bad," wait and see how life develops.

According to Indian philosophy, change is not just inevitable; it can be used as a tool to reach a higher spiritual state. If we learn how to enjoy the motion of the world and how to adapt ourselves within it, change can become a part of our highest expression, our most sacred self.

bodhimaram-the tree

2005-03-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks All the best in the world to U.This is a new blog but the author or rather authors are all old but gold.Their sayings are not 'old wine in new bottle' but ancient 'Amrith'in modern bottle'.After all'Amrith' was got by churning the milky ocean with great effort.These words of 'Amruth' was developed after churning the Ocean of life itself.Time comes in cycles.The birth and death of plants and animals are also in cycles.Remember the famous quote of 'Aadi Sankara'!
"Punarapi Jananam Punarapi Maranam
Punarapi Janani Jadare Sayanam".(aside ; those of U who have not heard the
musical rendering of this by M.S.S may kindly do so) Ofcourse the following passages are also important but let us take it up later.
If so, who are we,what are we,and what will we be in the 'Time Cycle'?
A million dollar question is'nt it?
Let us try to find some answer atleast to quench our curiosity thirst if not for the soul's unrest.