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bhaktajoy

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  1. Jeera - Cumin (Jiraka)

     

    An important spice used by Indians to season curries, pickles and breads. It is beneficial in digestion, gastric troubles, dysentery and diarrhoea when roasted and consumed. It is also used to make gripe water for infants and is also beneficial for pregnant women and nursing mothers (it increases lactation). It forms an important ingredient in food preparations which are cooling, appetising, protect against indigestion and a lot of water borne diseases.

     

     


  2. I don't know if Ayurveda prescribes garlic for lactation.

     

    Side Effects:

     

    Most people enjoy garlic; however, some individuals who are sensitive to it may experience heartburn and flatulence. Because of garlic’s anti-clotting properties, persons taking anticoagulant drugs should check with their doctor before taking garlic. 21 Those scheduled for surgery should inform their surgeon if they are taking garlic supplements. Garlic is not contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. In fact, two studies have shown that babies like breast milk better from mothers who eat garlic. 22

    (http://www.laurushealth.com/Library/HealthGuide/CAM/topic.asp?hwid=hn-herb-garlic)

     

    During pregnancy and lactation, excessive garlic intake must be avoided as it may cause heart-burn and affect the taste of mother’s milk.

     

    Pregnant women should use in small amounts as garlic is a mild emmenagogue (encourages menstrual flow); also therapeutic doses during pregnancy and lactation can cause indigestion problems such as heart-burn, and nursing babies may dislike the taste of breast milk.

     

    The essential oil extracted from the bulbs is extremely concentrated and can be irritating. Eating 10 or more raw garlic cloves per day can be toxic and in some cases can trigger an allergic reaction.

     

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    Garlic is a perennial plant; the bulb is compound, consisting of individual bulbs, or cloves, enclosed together in a white skin. The stem is simple, smooth, and round and is surrounded at the bottom by tubular leaf sheaths from which grow the long, flat linear leaves. The leafless stem is topped by a rounded umbel of small, white, usually sterile flowers, among which grow 20-30 small bulbils. The entire umbel is at first enclosed in a teardrop-shaped leaf (pointing upward) which eventually falls off.

     

    Other varieties: Bear's garlic (Allium ursinum) used much like regular garlic; Serpent garlic (A. sativum var. ophioscorodon) cloves are milder flavored; Elephant garlic (A. ampeloprasum) also called wild leek, great-headed garlic, and Levant garlic; Round-headed garlic (A. sphaerocephalicon) has large rounded heads; the Shoshone name, "Padzimo" is given to a garlic plant (A. falcifolium) that grows in the high mountains on dry rocky plains as a dwarf pink garlic. It has blue-green sickle-shaped leaves, flat, and a pretty flower. The bulb is also a deep pink color and is very strong in taste.

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    Where Found

    Widely cultivated as one of the most common kitchen herbs. Occasionally found growing wild. Found along roadsides and fields from New York to Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri.

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    Medicinal Properties

    Alterative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, antibiotic, antiseptic, stimulant

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    Biochemical Information

    Unsaturated aldehydes, allicin, allyl disulfides, calcium, copper, germanium, iron, magnesium, manganese, volatile oils, phosphorus, phytoncides, potassium, selenium, sulfur, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, and zinc.

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    Legends, Myths and Stories

    In ancient times, the Chinese, Romans, Egyptians, Hindus, and Babylonians all believed that garlic cured intestinal orders, infections of the respiratory system, relieved flatulence, treated skin diseases, wounds, worms and delayed the signs of aging.

     

    Garlic is even mentioned in the Calendar of the Hsia, a book of 2,000 years before Christ. It is called Hsiao-suan to distinguish it from Allium scorodoprasum which is called Ta-suan.

     

    The odor of garlic is so powerful and penetrating that if applied to the feet, its scent is in the breath and when garlic is eaten, it is communicated through the pores of the skin, even to the fingers. It may be detected in the flesh of animals that have eaten garlic; or even in the eggs of fowls that have eaten it.

     

    In Egypt several thousand years before Christ, garlic was given to laborers. The Bible records that the Israelites who lived in Egypt at the time of Moses also ate garlic before their exodus out of that country. The Romans gave garlic to their laborers; and their soldiers ate it in the belief that it inspired courage. Thus it was dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war.

     

    "When Satan stepped out from the Garden of Eden after the fall of man, Garlick sprang up from the spot where he placed his left foot, and Onion from that where his right foot touched". Such is the legend some herbalists attributed to the Mohammedans.

     

    Since the ancients believed that many diseases were the result of evil spells, garlic with its effective medicinal qualities was thought to possess magical power against evil; thus it was used in many charms and countercharms. In Greek legend, Odysseus used moly, a mild garlic, as a charm to keep the sorceress Circe from turning him into a pig. In the Middle Ages, garlic was considered strong against the evil eye, witches, and demons. Another tradition still held in rural New Mexico is the use of garlic as a charm to help a young girl rid herself of an unwanted boyfriend. She first puts a piece of garlic and two crossed pins in a spot where two roads intersect, and then she must get the boy to walk over the charm without noticing it. If the task is accomplished successfully, the boy will miraculously lose all interest in her.

     

    During the time of the Pharoahs, when Egypt was at its peak of power, garlic was given to the laborers and slaves. The common people had garlic included in the diet to help protect them from disease. The Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus dated sometime around 1500 BC, mentions garlic 22 times as a remedy for a variety of diseases. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used garlic as a laxative, a diuretic, for tumors of the uterus, leprosy, epilepsy, chest pains, toothaches, and for wounds incurred during battle. Aristotle also mentions the value of garlic and Aristophanes used garlic as a treatment for impotence.

     

    The yogis used garlic as a medicine, but did not recommend it as a food or spice because of its irritating properties.

     

    The juice of garlic is said by the old-timers to be the best and strongest cement that can be adopted for broken glass and china, leaving little or no mark, if used with care.

     

    In the 1950's, Dr. Albert Schweitzer used garlic to treat cholera, typhus, and amebic dysentery while he was working in Africa as a missionary. The Soviet army relied heavily on garlic during World Wars I and II, it earned the name "Russian penicillin."

     

    During the Great Plague epidemic, some herbalists avoided the deadly disease by eating large amounts of garlic and wearing garlic strands around their necks. To date, it has not been determined whether the garlic's antibiotic properties protected these people against the plague, or whether the foul stench of the herb discouraged others from getting close enough to spread their infection.

     

    Since 1979, Gilroy, California, known as the "Garlic Capital of the World," has hosted the Annual Garlic Festival in celebration of the annual garlic harvest. Held the last weekend of July each year, the event is a 3 day gourmet food and wine tasting party drawing more than 140,000 garlic fans. 90% of the United States garlic crop is grown in Gilroy and its environs. American humorist Will Rogers once said of Gilroy "the only town in America where you can marinate a steak by hanging it on the clothesline."

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    Uses

    A natural antibiotic. Protects from infection, detoxifies the body, promotes sweating, strengthens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure. Aids in treatment of arteriosclerosis, hemorrhoids, impotence, hysteria, edema, asthma, arthritis, good against all venom, spider bites, and poisons, tuberculosis, circulatory problems, colds, bronchitis, fever, flu, toothache, headache, earache, digestive problems, constipation, genito-urinary diseases, heart disorders, reduces cholesterol if eaten raw, insomnia, liver disease, jaundice, sinusitis, dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, gastritis, rheumatism, ulcers, and yeast infections. Good for all diseases, infections, fungus, earache, some cancers, and bacteria. Taken internally it will destroy worms (used as an enema or made into a paste with olive oil inserted into the rectum), and used externally, blended with a little sesame or olive oil, it will rid the skin of parasites. However, its strong odor may repel humans as well as parasites. Doesn't do much for halitosis though, unless the odorless tablets are used. Externally, helps old sores, bruises, falling hair, wounds.

     

    Garlic's strong aromatic compounds are excreted via the lungs and the skin; eating fresh parsley may eliminate odor on the breath. According to one reference, by eating baked beet-root the offensive smell is entirely taken away.

     

    It is an effective antibiotic for staphylococcus, streptococcus and salmonella bacteria and it is effective against bacteria that are resistant to standard antibiotic drugs.

     

    Plant cloves of garlic near fruit trees, cabbages, beans, berry canes or any other susceptible crop to keep away aphids or Japanese beetles. (Might taint underground crops).

     

     

     

     

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 06-02-2002).]


  3. Srila Prabhupada says the same thing in one of his lectures.Actually Gurus who give secret mantras are bogus.Distribute Maha Mantra freely Posted Image

     

    Thanks for sharing your stories.You know in dreams we travel in subtle realms may be you met Lord Krsna who knows Posted Image He is Everywhere

     

    How old are you?

     

    God bless u.

     

     

     


  4. Healing Herbs and Spices

     

    Diet and herbal medicines are key remedies in auryvedic practice. Foods, spices, and herbs are each assigned to a dosha.

     

    One example involves garlic and onion. Garlic and its cousin are a strong pitta foods, fiery and pungent, to be used by people who need to boost passion and energy, and not recommended for hot-tempered individuals. Garlic especially is too intense for them, and may throw their energies out of balance, leading to anger, and disease.

     

    But auryveda considers garlic as a valued herb with a number of applications. As a diuretic, it moves out accumulated vata, and as an decongestant, it stimulates mucus (kapha) to be expelled from the body. Externally, garlic oils are applied to bruises and sprains, and ear infections.

     

    The herb boswellia serrata is thought to counteract excess vata. It is anti-inflammatory, to reduce pain and stiffness from arthritis and sports injuries. It is native to hilly regions of India and is a botanical relative of the Biblical plant frankincense.

     

    Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is a botanical relative of ginger. Turmeric is the auryvedic equivalent of an antacid to address excess pitta, for relief from stomach upset and ulcers. It is also used topically for sunburns, insect bites, and skin rashes. Turmeric contains a pigment called curcumin, which is widely used in the food and spice industry as a coloring for curries and mustards, as well as a food preservative. Western science has confirmed turmeric's therapeutic potential. Curcumin exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious activities. It has been studied by organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, and is currently in clinical trials with AIDS patients.

     

    Other auryvedic herbs include gotu kola for clear thought, mental and emotional well being; guggul, to lower blood cholesterol; and triphala to enhance digestion. Products containing these plants are found in most health food stores.

     

    Along with healthful herbs, modern auryvedic thinking also encompasses practices such as drugs, surgery, steam therapy, and even acupuncture. But the emphasis is balancing food and lifestyle. This includes a diet of whole, natural foods, meditation, rest, regular exercise, massage, and yoga. Most of all, the goal is to teach preventative health practices so we can minimize our encounters with illness, and enjoy longer, happier lives.

     

     

     

     


  5. Garlic

     

    It, used extensively in Ayurveda and increasingly in the West, is effective in treating indigestion and relieving chest pain and toothache. Garlic in the reduced cholesterol levels. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

     

    Thanks to Ayurveda and the revival of ancient practises, a lot of awareness and acceptance of age-old customs has been created.

    Result: a renewed interest in Garlic.

     

    Garlic, the legend goes was discovered in some 3000 BC in China. Originating from Asia, it was popularised by the Chinese, who used it in everything from medicines to food. It later travelled to Africa and beyond through India.

    It is grown all over the world, predominantly in the Mediterranean region, India, Philippines, China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil and Mexico. Garlic is the most widely used of the cultivated alluviums after onions.

     

    In India Garlic became very popular. It became an integral part of the staple diet and herbal medicines. It is widely used in the preparation of all kinds of soups, sauces and pickles. The Egyptians also took to Garlic in a big way, it is said that in 4500 B.C when Khnoon Khoufouf was building of one of the oldest pyramids in Egypt, he insisted that all his workers consumed Garlic everyday to maintain their health and strength. He could have been the first preacher of the powers of Garlic!

     

    In India, traditionally Garlic has been used in a lot of medicines and cures. Ayurveda emphasises on the healing powers of Garlic and the benefits of Garlic juice on the entire system. It has been used in herbal medicine for asthma, deafness, leprosy, bronchial congestion, hardening of arteries, fevers, worms and liver & gall bladder trouble. Juice of garlic has a most beneficial effect on the entire system and the ethers in garlic juice are so potent and penetrating that they help dissolve accumulation of mucus in the sinus cavities, bronchial tubes and the lunges. They also help in the expulsion of poisons from the body through the pores of the skin. Garlic's unpleasant odour is due to its sulphur content. This mineral is contained to a greater degree in its volatile oil, which has remarkable medicinal virtues.

     

    Garlic has been considered a good healing medicine especially for the heart. It is also an appetite stimulant and a strength-giving tonic. The goodness of garlic has been confirmed by recent clinical experiments, its extracts and juice has also been used in research for medicines, treating human and animal cancer.

     

     


  6. Kapha Dosha

     

    The Kapha Energy is made up Water and Earth. It regulates water-based functions in the body and governs strength and mass. It lubricates and maintains the body's immune system. Kapha-dominant people tend to over-weight; they gain weight easily and find it difficult to shed it. They are inclined to be slow and ponderous. It is not unusual for those who begin life as Vata-dominant types to become more Kapha-dominant types and as they get older, they accumulate material wealth and eat more than their bodies can comfortably accommodate. They often have thick, oil skin and thick, lustrous hair. They have big eyes and strong nails. They can tend to laziness and getting other people to do things for them; but they can cope with hard physical work. They sleep well and have to guard against sleeping too much. Temperamentally, Kapha types can seem dull. Slow and resistant to change and the unfamiliar. They are inclined to conserve (energy, strength and money} rather than spend. They are tolerant, forgiving, calm and slow to anger, are often good in business and wealthy, but are slow to absorb information. They tend to be clinging and greedy in their personal relationships. They have a low sex drive and find fidelity easy. They are not prone to depression. They are more materialistic than spiritual. The Kapha pulse is known as 'the Swan'. Its beats are is 60 - 70 per minute. It is slow, steady, soft, broad, regular and warm.

     

    The Five types of Kapha are

     

    Kledaka kapha (The Stomach)

     

    It resides in the stomach. I helps to moisten food. It protects the mucous membranes in the mouth, oesophagus, stomach and intestines. Its imbalance results in indigestion and abdominal cramps.

     

    Avalambaka kapha (The Heart)

     

    It resides in the thorax. It supports the heart and the other four Kaphas in the performance of their functions by secreting minute quantities of fluid. An imbalance results in heartburn, and weakness in the heart and lungs.

     

    Bodhaka kapha (The Tongue)

     

    The Bodhaka Kapha resides in the tongue and governs the ability to taste.

     

    Tarpaka kapha (The Head)

     

    This resides in the brain, and maintains its strength. An imbalance results in headaches, nausea, insomnia, vertigo, diarrhoea and mental disturbance.

     

    Sleshaka kapha (The Joints)

     

    It resides in the joints and keeps them well lubricated. An imbalance results in conditions such as arthritis.

     

    Some symptoms of a kapha imbalance

     

    An imbalance of kapha energy may also cause the following symptoms: a thin , flabby appearance due to poor nutrition, loose joints, a weak and over-soft body, impotence, slow digestion, excess mucus and overriding feelings of jealousy, insecurity and intolerance.

     

     

     

    Characteristics of a Kapha Individual

     

    A body prone to fat Unprominent veins and muscles Unimaginative attitude to Sex

    Thick, oily hair and skin Heavy Bones Tendency to oversleep

    Clear whites of the eyes Strong smelling body odour Medium Intelligence

    Thick heavy eyelids Slowness, ponderousness, inactive

     

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    Pitta Dosha

     

    The Pitta Energy is composed of Fire and Water. It governs the generation and conservation of body heat, digestion and metabolism, and intelligence. The main seat of Pitta energy is the stomach. Pitta-dominant people tend to be medium both physically and psychologically. They have a generally smooth skin and they tend to go gray early, and men go bald prematurely. Pitta types have a strong metabolism and good appetite, favoring bitter, astringent, sweet flavors and cold drinks. They perspire freely and tend to a warm body temperature. They are fairly active, but baulk at hard work. They are sharp, ambitious, display leadership qualities, tend to be moderately affluent and enjoy fine things. They are both creative and stable. The Pitta pulse is known as 'the Frog'. Its rate is 70-80 per minute. It is erratic.

     

    There are five types of Pitta

     

    Paachaka Pitta (The Stomach)

     

    It resides in the stomach and is the most important Pitta energy as it helps the other four to function properly. It influences the activities of the digestive juices, bile and the other enzymes which aid digestion). An imbalance leads to a malfunctioning of all five Pittas.

     

     

    Ranjana Pitta (The Liver)

     

    It resides in the spleen and stomach, but mainly in the liver whose functions it influences. A healthily functioning liver is vital for the effective elimination of toxic wastes; it is the principal organ of elimination and detoxification and tends to accumulate chemical medications. An imbalance results in a poor liver function.

     

    Saadhaka Pitta (The Heart)

     

    The Pitta resides in the heart and governs intelligence, intellect, creativity, memory, self-esteem, the ability to achieve goals, and romantic attachments. It is not yet known whether this Pitta, which governs mental rather than physical functions, is in the heart itself or works throughout the body. An imbalance undermines the functions listed.

     

    Aalochaka Pitta (The Eyes)

     

    The Aalochaka Pitta resides in the pupils of the eyes and influences the ability to see external objects. An imbalance results in visual disturbance.

     

    Bhraajaka Pitta (The Skin)

     

    This resides in the skin. It regulates body temperature, sweating and the secretion of sebum (which keeps the skin soft and moist). It also influences the complexion and skin colour. An imbalance results in a range of skin complaints, from psoriasis to vitiligo.

     

    Some symptoms of Pitta imbalance

     

    A pitta imbalance may lead to the following disorders : poor digestion, an irregular body temperature, excessive perspiration. poor eyesight, blotchy skin and other skin complaints, a tendency to heartburn, dyspepsia, irritable bowel and diarrhoea, anxiety and irritability. Most Ayurvedic practitioners consider that disorders caused by disturbed Pitta are less serious than those due to Vata disturbance.

     

     

     

    Characteristics of a Pitta Individual

     

    Free often excessive perspiration

    Medium veins, muscles and bones

    Decisiveness and leadership qualities

     

    Smooth skin, possibly with moles and freckles

    Thin hair which fall out easily(males prone to baldness)

    Good appetite but not prone to rapid weight gain

     

    Small eyes, often green, brown or grey

    Medium body, neither too light nor too heavy

    High intelligence, but a tendency to anger and being judgmental

     

    Openness to new ideas

    Moderate sex drive

     

     

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    Vata Dosha

    The Vata energy is composed of Air and Space. It corresponds approximately to the body's nervous system and, in modern terms, Vata's functions could be said to be equivalent to the actions of neuro-transmitters in the brain. Vata controls respiration and elimination, and is characterised as dry, light, rough and quick. Vata is considered to be the most influential of the Doshas as it guides all bodily functions and is the main principle of movement in the body. It is connected with activity and vitality, controls the 'empty' spaces within the body (the sinuses, the abdominal cavity, the tracts of the lungs and the inner ear) and the nervous system. Vata also controls cell division, the formation of cell layers, and the actions of the heart, lungs, stomach and intestines. It guides the activities of the brain and the motor organs, and it is responsible for the elimination of waste matter. An excess of Vata energy may result in dehydration and associated problems, premature ageing, dry skin and other skin complaints and the slow healing of wounds. An insufficiency of Vata can result in a feeling of heaviness and sluggishness, and poor circulation. Vata-dominant types tend to be light in weight, insubstantial, ethereal and creative, they can also be unreliable and changeable. When young, they are usually very thin and athletic, and often display originality of thought. The pure Vata types is either very tall or very short, tending to one extreme or the other - boney and energetic. Other features of Vata types include thin hair and eyelashes, and small eyes. They are not very muscled and the voice may have a high, thin, cracked tone. Skin tends to be dry. They do not eliminate copiously, have rapid metabolism, enjoy their food) and do not gain weight readily. These are quick, active people, always on the go. Vata people are quick to learn, but often do not retain their recently acquired knowledge. They may be found working in the media where there is a rapid turnover of information. They are prone to anxiety, tension, fear and depression. They tend towards asceticism and often have a well-developed spiritual side which leads them to study and an interest in esoteric subjects. Some may even have clairvoyant or psychic abilities. The Vata are seated (in a loose rather than literal sense) in the body:

     

    There are five types of Vata

     

    Praana vata (The Head)

     

    It resides in the mouth, head, ear, tongue, nose and chest. Its purpose is to regulate functions such as breathing, sneezing and spitting. An imbalance causes hiccups, hoarseness, coughing and breathing difficulties.

     

    Udana vata (The Chest)

     

    It resides in the chest, larynx and throat. It governs speech, mental attitudes such as enthusiasm and positiveness. physical and mental strength, and the body's colouring. Imbalance causes ear, nose and throat complaints, speech difficulties, and heart problems.

     

    Samaana vata (The Stomach)

     

    The Vata resides in the stomach and duodenum. It controls digestion and the conversion of food into waste products, and carries away indigestion, diarrhoea, gastric ulcers and inflammations.

     

    Vyaana vata (The Heart)

     

    Vyana Vata is present every where, but its main seat is in the area of the heart. It is the most powerful vata in the body and controls the circulation of the blood. It also governs the formation of sweat and lymph (a colourless fluid), and motor functions. An imbalance causes fever, spasms, high blood pressure, blood disease, and circulatory problems.

     

    Apaana vata (The Pelvis)

     

    The Apaana Vata resides in the colon, rectum, bladder and genitals. It governs urination, defecation, menstruation and the delivery causes colorectal, urinogenital and intestinal disorders.

     

    Some symptoms of a Vata imbalance

     

    An excess of Vata influence may also cause the following symptoms : a darker than usual complexion, furrowed tongue and dry lips, dry eyes, a hacking cough, dark yellow urine and hard, dry, dark faeces. In short, Vata excess leads to the whole body being dehydrated. There is too much Air and not enough Water.

     

     

     

    Characteristics of a Vata Individual

     

    A thin body & little weight gain

    Insomnia

    Difficulty in sustaining relationships

     

    Rough dry skin which cracks easily

    Restlessness

    Ability to earn & spend money easily

     

    Teeth prone to decay

    Nail biting

    Dreams about flying, jumping, climbing, running and tall trees

     

    Small, dull looking eyes

    Decisiveness

     

    Erratic memory

    High Sex drive

     

     

     


  7. In Ayurveda "One Man's Food is Another Man's Poison."Once you know your body constitution you can take advantage of selecting the right diet for maintaining balance of Tridosha(three doshas). Many foods you eat could be the cause of your health problems even if they are healthy ones.

     

    All matter is thought to he composed of five basic elements ( panchamahabhutas ) which exhibit the properties of earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and space (akasha). These elements do not exist in isolated forms, but always in a combination, in which one or more elements dominate. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of derivatives of the five basic elements, in the form of doshas, tissues (dhatus) and waste products (malas).

     

    Doshas : The most fundamental and characteristic principle of Ayurveda is called "tridosha" or the Three Humours.Doshas are the physiological factors of the body. They are to be seen as all pervasive, subtle entities, and are categorized into vata, pitta and kapha. Vata regulates movement and is represented by the nervous system. Pitta is the principle of biotransformation and is the cause of all metabolic processes in the body. Kapha is the principle of cohesion and functions through the body fluids. Together, these three doshas determine the physiologic constitution of an individual.

     

    Dhatus : the tissues are classified into seven categories: plasma, blood cells, muscular tissue, adipose tissue, bony tissue, bone marrow and the reproductive tissue.

     

    Malas : three main waste products are urine, faeces and sweat.

    For the metabolic processes in the body, there are three main groups of biological factors, probably exhibiting enzymatic functions (agnis). Jatharagni is responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutritious substances During this process, digestion takes place in three stages: first the digestion of sweet (madhura) and salty (lavana) nutrients, then the digestion of sour (amla) nutrients, and finally the digestion of sharp (tikta), bitter (katu) and astringent (kasaya) nutrients. The respective products of these three stages are sweet, sour and sharp.

     

    Panchabhutagnis : containing five types of biological factors, is responsible for the processing of the five basic elements into a composition useful to the body Dhatvagnis. The third group contains seven types, each for the assimilation of the seven tissues This assimilation takes place successively. From the absorbed nutritious substance, plasma (rasa) is produced first; from plasma, blood (rakta) is formed, then muscular tissue (mamsa), adipose tissue (meda), bony tissue (asthi), bone marrow (majjan) and the reproductive cells (shukra).

     

    Under normal conditions, the doshas, dhatus and malas correspond to certain standards regarding their quantity, quality and function. However, this situation is not static, and due to several endogenous and erogenous factors, the doshas may become unbalanced, resulting in disease. Every disease is related to an imbalance of the doshas. Other coherent factors can be: the disturbance of the biological factors (agnis), the formation and accumulation of undigested nutrients (ama), obstruction of the body channels (shrotorodha), and a disturbed assimilation in the tissues.

     

    Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas (Prakruti) and thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a persons health challenges. When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become imbalance, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing or increasing the doshas that has become imbalance. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.

     

    Few Examples:

     

    Obesity:

    mainly due to absence of physical activity. Other causes may be

    sleeping during the day, intake of Kapha - increasing foods, finally results in the accumulation of fat. These block the channels of nutrition. This blocking causes an increase in hunger because the body does not get nutrition.

     

    Rheumatism:

    Eating foods which are incompatible, lack of physical exercise in general, doing exercise particularly after eating fatty foods , incorrect use of purgatives, causes improper digestion. The half digested food called Ama associates itself with Vata and moves about. It fills the seats of kapha, and blocks the transport channels of the body. This blocking of channels produces weakness of the heart, which is the seat of the disease. This results in loss of strength, feeling of heaviness, stiffness of the body , and small and big joints alike.

     

    Indigestion/dyspepsia:

    Taking excess of water, taking small/large quantities of food at odd times, suppression of the natural functions of the body, loss of sleep at night and sleeping during the daytime, causes gastric fire (Jatharagni) responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutritious substances weak.

     

    Skin problems:

    Are often due to imbalances in Pitta dosha & rakta(blood) dhatu. This is caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, taking foods which are pungent, hot and alkaline

     

     


  8. http://www.near-death.com/experiences/storm5.html

     

    The therapy was their love, because my life’s review kept tearing me down. It was pitiful to watch, just pitiful. I couldn’t believe it. And the thing is, it got worse as it went on. My stupidity and selfishness as a teenage only magnified as I became an adult – all under the veneer of being a good husband, a good father, and a good citizen. The hypocrisy of it all was nauseating. But through it all was their love.

     

    When the review was finished they asked: "Do you want to ask any questions?" and I had a million questions. I asked, for example, "What about the Bible?" They responded: "What about it?" I asked if it was true, and they said it was. Asking them why it was that when I tried to read it, all I saw were contradictions, they took me back to my life’s review again – something that I had overlooked. They showed me, for the few times I had opened the Bible, that I had read it with the idea of finding contradictions and problems. I was trying to prove to myself that it wasn’t worth reading.

     

    I observed to them that the Bible wasn’t clear to me. It didn’t make sense. They told me that it contained spiritual truth, and that I had to read it spiritually in order to understand it. It should be read prayerfully. My friends informed me that it was not like other books. They also told me, and I later found out this was true, that when you read it prayerfully, it talks to you. It reveals itself to you. And you don’t have to work at it anymore.

     

    My friends answered lots of questions in funny ways. They really knew the whole tone of what I asked them, even before I got the questions out. When I thought of questions in my head, they really understood them.

     

    I asked them, for example, which was the best religion. I was looking for an answer which was like: "Presbyterians." I figured these guys were all Christians. The answer I got was: "The best religion is the religion that brings you closest to God."

     

    Asking them if there was life on other planets, their surprising answer was that the universe was full of life. Because of my fear of a nuclear holocaust I asked if there was going to be a nuclear war in the world, and they said no. That astonished me, and I gave them this extensive explanation of how I had lived under the threat of nuclear war. That was one of the reasons I was who I was. I figured, when I was in this life, that it was all sort of hopeless; the world was going to blow up anyway, and nothing made much sense. In that context I felt I could do what I wanted, since nothing mattered.

     

    They said: "No, there isn’t going to be any nuclear war." I asked if they were absolutely sure there wasn’t going to be nuclear war. They reassured me again, and I asked them how they could be so sure. Their response was: "God loves the world."

     

    They told me that at the most, one or two nuclear weapons might go off accidentally, if they weren’t destroyed, but there wouldn’t be a nuclear war. I then asked them how come there had been so many wars. They said that they allowed those few to happen, out of all the wars that humanity tried to start. Out of all the wars that humans tried to create, they allowed a few, to bring people to their senses and to stop them.

     

    Science, technology, and other benefits, they told me, had been gifts bestowed on humanity by them – through inspiration. People had literally been led to those discoveries, many of which had later been perverted by humanity to use for its own destruction. These friends of my friend wanted war, because of the level of our technology, to be put aside. We could do too much damage to the planet. And by the planet, they meant all of God’s creation. Not just the people, but the animals, the trees, the birds, the insects, everything.

     

     


  9. Lord Jesus is the "perfect" son of God that's why he was glorified.In near death experiences when people see liberated souls and Christ,it becomes hard to distinguish who is who.They all look alike with light of 10,000 suns eminating from their spiritual being.Krsna is the supreme personality and all others are his various expansions including us.


  10. Hare Krsna Master Prabhu!That site is very profound with all the relevant facts compiled together.Srila Prabhupada said we should take the essence and you will see nde's explain vedic knowledge in simple lay man terms.

     

    They are at :

     

    nde/

     

    I often post Hare Krsna articles and they are very much appreciated.

     

    God bless u.

     

     

     

     

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 05-30-2002).]


  11. We can stop it by raising our conciousness to Krsna prema.It will burn much bad karma of our surroundings.We can pray to God and depend on his mercy.We should help other whenever possible like feeding poor children.This way we will help making the world peaceful Posted Image


  12. Hare Krsna Master Prabhu!

    www.near-death.com is a great site.

    God gave us personal path because we needed it.The goal is to develop love for Godhead while still in this body.Sometimes when chanting Hare Krsna I have experienced ectasy equal to the light in the NDE.It happened only once,I saw eternal peace and stillness...didn't eat for 7 days I just lay there it was wonderful.Now I am again falling because of my depression and anxiety but trying,We will reach there someday.Krsna is causeless mercy.

     

     


  13. Krsna spoke poignantly of a devotee's equanimity when He said, to

    paraphrase, "If you can look at the most heinous slaughter, or the

    most beatific Acarya(Spiritual Master), or the lowest form of life,

    or the most pitiable display of human insanity, and see in all of

    them Me, then like Arjuna, you're doing your duty as a sacrifice and

    devotion to Me; and you will impact the world you live in.

    Notwithstanding you've become my true devotee."

     


  14. I read this in Path of Perfection.It's common understanding among all world religions even near death experiences that we have place our false ego before God's will and that's why we are here to learn.More mistakes=more learning.Karma and Time factor present us with new challenges+valuable lessons.We have to become perfect(like Jesus Christ) in order to enter spiritual world.


  15. My friend when the right time comes,on the order of Godhead the veil of maya is lifted and we start to see things clearly as they are without illusion.Near death experiences are great in their own way they motivate those who have doubts in their minds or find it hard to accept.Vedic philosphy is universal it's not sectarian.Even 5000 years ago the great sages knew everything about the absolute truth.Gradually the system got degraded.

     

    Are you a devotee?Just curious Posted Image

     

    Take care.

     

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 05-29-2002).]


  16. Dear MasterSingh,

    Yes what you say is right and the best religion is religion which brings you closer to God(Love).All the knowledge of near death experiences is already there in Vedic philosphy,it is not something dogmatic actually Krsna conciousness is Christ conciousness,it's a great science.

     

    After going through many many cycles of birth and death one attains pure love for Godhead in some religion,personal savior,nde's,etc.

     

    God bless u.

    Joy

     

     

    Originally posted by MasterSingh:

    When will people realize that we are all blind. Different cultures have come up with various methods that they claim to be the way. The way to God or to transcend the realm of physical matter. All these methods have belief based on the structure of the inherit society and the prexisting paradigms of the time. I think the best religion is the one that leads you closest to God. We hear more and more from people that have had the NDE experience that God is more interested in the quality of life that we have led rather than the restricted closed minded dogmatic view that most people adhere to. If Christ is your way to God than so be it. If Krishna than that is fine as well. But by placing yourself in any category ie Christian, Hindhu, Taoist, whatever, remember to keep an open mind to others views and not to totally discredit the advances of the scientific comunity as well. We are all blind but by the grace of the imperishable supreme Godhead, light has been allowed to flow through the cracks of our sinful natures to reveal that which is always possible. The return to our true home. Live through love, detachment and absolute surrender to the one true God and be free. Hare Krishna!!

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 05-28-2002).]

     

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 05-28-2002).]

     

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 05-28-2002).]


  17. SB 5.26.6 - Yama

     

    yatra ha vava bhagavan pitr-rajo vaivasvatah sva-visayam prapitesu sva-purusairjantusu samparetesu yatha-karmavadyam dosam evanullanghita-bhagavac-chasanah sagano damam dharayati.

     

    yatra - where; ha vava - indeed; bhagavan - the most powerful; pitr-rajah - Yamaraja, the king of the pitas; vaivasvatah - the son of the sun-god; sva-visayam - his own kingdom; prapitesu - when caused to reach; sva-purusaih - by his own messengers; jantusu - the human beings; samparetesu - dead; yatha-karma-avadyam - according to how much they have violated the rules and regulations of conditional life; dosam - the fault; eva - certainly; anullanghita-bhagavat-sasanah - who never oversteps the Supreme Personality of Godhead's order; saganah - along with his followers; damam - punishment; dharayati - executes.

     

    "The King of the pitas is Yamaraja, the very powerful son of the sun-god. He resides in Pitrloka with his personal assistants and, while abiding by the rules and regulations set down by the Supreme Lord, has his agents, the Yamadutas, bring all the sinful men to him immediately upon their death. After bringing them within his jurisdiction, he properly judges them according to their specific sinful activities and sends them to one of the many hellish planets for suitable punishments."

     

    Quote from Hindu Dictionary by Manurishi Foundation

     

    Yama - Restrainer. Pluto, etc. In the Vedas Yama is god of the dead, with whom the spirits of the departed dwell. He was the son of Vivasvat (the Sun) and had a twin-sister named Yami or Yamuna. These are by some looked upon as the first human pair, the originators of the race; and there is a remarkable hymn, in the form of a dialogue, in which the female urges their cohabitation for the purpose of perpetuating the species. Another hymn says that Yama "was the first of men that died, and the first that departed to the (celestial) world." It was Yama who found the way to the home which cannot be taken away. "Those who are now born follow) by their own paths to the place where our ancient fathers have departed.But," says Muir, "Yama is nowhere represented in the Rigveda as having anything to do with the punishment of the wicked." So far as is yet known, "the hymn of that Veda contain no prominent mention of any such penal retribution... Yama is still to some extent an object of terror. He is represented as having two insatiable dogs with four eyes and wide nostrils, which guard the road to his abode, and which the departed are advised to hurry past with all possible speed. These dogs are said to wander about among men as his messengers, no doubt for the purpose of summoning them to their master, who is in another place identified with death, and is described as sending a bird as the herald of doom." In the epic poems Yama is the son of the Sun by Sanjna (conscience) and brother of Vaivasvata (Manu). He was the father of Yudhishthira. He is the god of departed spirits and judge of the dead. A soul when it quits its mortal form goes to his abode in the lower regions; there the recorder, Citragupta, reads out his account from the great register called Agrasandhani, and a just sentence follows, when the soul either ascends to the abodes of the Pitris (Manes), or is sent to one of the twenty-one hells according to its guilt, or it is born again on earth in another form. Yama is regent of the south quarter, and as such is called Dakshinashapati. He is represented as having a green color and clothed with red. He rides upon a buffalo, and is armed with a ponderous mace and a noose to secure his victims. In the Puranas a legend is told of Yama having lifted his foot to kick Chaya, the handmaid of his father. She cursed him to have his leg affected with sores and worms, but his father gave him a cock which picked off the worms and cured the discharge. Through this incident he is called Shirnapada, "Shrivelled foot." Yama had several wives, as Hemamala, Sushila, and Vijaya. He dwells in the lower world, in his city Yamapura. There, in his palace called Kalichi, he sits upon his throne of judgment, Vicharabhu. He is assisted by his recorder and councillor, Citragupta, and waited upon by his two chief attendants and custodians, Canda or Mahacanda, and Kalapurusha. His messengers, Yamadutas, bring in the souls of the dead, and the door of his judgment-hall is kept by his porter, Vaidhyata. Yama has many names descriptive of his office. He is Mrityu, Kala, and Antaka, "death"; Kritanta, "the finisher"; Shamana "the settler"; Dandi or Dandadhara, "the rod-bearer"; Bhimashasana, "of terrible decrees"; Pashi, "the noose-carrier"; Pitripati, "lord of the manes"; Pretaraja, "king of the ghosts"; Shraddhadeva, "god of the exequial offerings"; and especially Dharmaraja, "king of justice." He is Audumbara, from Udumbara, "the fig-tree," and from his parentage he is Vaivasvata. There is a Dharmashastra which bears the name of Yama.

     

    <font color=red face=verdana size=4>How to become a Yamaduta</font>

     

    "Those who have passed several years in the dreadful hell and have no descendants (to offer gifts) in their favor become messengers of Yama." (Garuda Purana 2.18.34)

     

    <font color=red face=verdana size=4>Avoiding Yamaraja: Ajamila's story</font>

     

    Ajamila's story is given in the Bhagavata Purana (Astama Skandha, Chapter 1) as an example to illustrate that even the most wicked person can attain Visnupada (salvation).

     

    Ajamila was a brahmana who was once sent by his father to the jungle to fetch samit (leaves and twigs to make the sacrificial fire). Ajamila met there a beautiful sudra woman. Forgetting everything, the brahmana made her his wife and children were born to them. When that brahmana, who was the very embodiment of all vices, reached the age of eighty-seven, the time came for him to die. Yamadutas (agents of Yama, the god of death) had arrived. The frightened Ajamila shouted loudly the name of his eldest son, "Narayana". Hearing the repeated call of his name "Narayana", servants of Visnu appeared there and dismissed the agents of Yama. From that day Ajamila became a devotee of Visnu and did penance on the bank of the Ganges and after some years attained salvation.

     

    Ajamila was saved from hell because he chanted "Narayana" as the Yamadutas approached him. Afterwards Yamaraja forbade his servants from touching devotees who "even if by mistake or because of bewilderment or illusion... sometimes commit sinful acts," because "they are protected from sinful reactions because they always chant the Hare Krsna mantra."

     

    Yamaraja then told the Yamadutas:

     

    "Paramahamsas are exalted persons who have no taste for material enjoyment and who drink the honey of the Lord's lotus feet. My dear servants, bring to me for punishment only persons who are averse to the taste of that honey, who do not associate with paramahamsas and who are attached to family life and worldly enjoyment, which form the path to hell.

     

    "My dear servants, please bring to me only those sinful persons who do not use their tongues to chant the holy name and qualities of Krsna, whose hearts do not remember the lotus feet of Krsna even once, and whose heads do not bow down even once before Lord Krsna. Send me those who do not perform their duties toward Visnu, which are the only duties in human life. Please bring me all such fools and rascals."

     

    <font color=red face=verdana size=4>They came in through the open window!</font>

     

    By Tribhuvannatha Das

     

    A devotee named Jeremy was with us on our Festival 98' tour of East & Central Africa. Jeremy is more of a congregational member of ISKCON and is just starting to understand the commitment that there is in Krsna Consciousness. He caught malaria and had to come back early.

     

    Upon his return I spoke to him on the phone. I mentioned how he should be careful not to fall down from the process of KC. Two weeks later he was back to his 'old ways' but still a devotee - not as strict as before though.

     

    He'd been out with his girlfriend, and while admiring some waterfalls in the mountains of Wicklow, Ireland, he slipped and fell 60 ft down the side of the mountain - lucky for him he chanted at the top of his voice Krsna! Krsna! as he went tumbling down the side of the mountain, the bushes slowed his pace, but then over the edge... another 160 ft sheer drop to death! He screamed "Krsna" and suddenly he stopped... 'smack' he had landed on the only rock jutting out from the side of the mountain. He was damaged - broken pelvis, leg, etc. but still alive.

     

    The rock had an unusual inward curve, just the right size to cushion his body. If it had been a normal rock he would have simply bounced off it, to his death!

     

    The rescue team said that they could not believe his fortune. Ten others before him had fallen from the same spot, nine died, one crippled. Then in hospital (where he is making a full recovery) in comes Michael who has just fallen off a crane. His head hit a steel girder on the way down (his luck was he had a hard hat on), the whole top of his head, peeled like an orange. Miraculously his heavy coat had got caught on the way down and saved his life.

     

    He came over to see Jerry - by this time in his life he has gone from been one of the most debauched personality to almost a saint, even setting up his own alter at the hospital!

     

    He had heard that Jerry was a 'Hare Krsna' and was intrigued to meet him. After some conversation Jerry complained about the 'nightmares' he was getting.

     

    "Nightmares!" says Michael. "I was attacked by five horrible-looking monsters that came in through the window. They said they had come to get me." (While in intensive care Michael was 'dead' three times, in the same night). He described them in detail. He was so frightened at their appearance that he threw a chair at the window, four nurses had to restrain him! They had come to get him, he even mentioned that one appeared to have a rope.

     

    "They came back again, and said they were coming to get me very soon. "Was it just a nightmare?" asked Jerry. "No!" said Michael, "these guys were as real as you or me... These guys were very real!"

     

    <font color=red face=verdana size=4>Encounter with Yamadutas</font>

     

    By Vaidyanatha Das

     

    One day a very freakish artist came to old "steel wagon" Sochi temple with Sri Isopanisad in his hand and told devotees his story:

     

    "I was looking for you, people, for three days and I am unbelievably glad I have finally found you. One day I bought this book (he couldn't even name its name and author, Srila Prabhupada, but only stammered something) and tried to read it. But it was very difficult to understand, so many strange words. Therefore I put it on the shelf and cared no more about it. I was drinking lot of alcohol. One day while lying drunk in my bed I heard strange voices nearby. It was something absolutely new. I was looking for the source and saw two persons indistinctly. They were speaking about me - about my life and how sinful it was. They were recounting all my sins in great detail which I even didn't remember and also a few good things. Finally they came to conclusion: "He must go to hell!" I was screaming in protest: "I don't want to hell and don't know what is going on at all." But anyway, at once one of them put a stringent rope on my neck. I tried to get rid of it and run away but to no avail - the rope was very tight. I was almost finished but suddenly a cover picture of this book (Sri Isopanisad with Lord Kesava and Sesa Naga) appeared before my eyes. It was actually not picture but reality. The snake was moving and out of sudden a flame emanated from his many mouths. Totally bewildered about it I asked those persons - what does it all mean? They answered: "This is just the hell where you are going to go." But all of sudden everything disappeared and I awoke in my bed, completely shocked. Immediately I stopped drinking and smoking and tried to find you, devotees, to find explanation about all of this. I beg on my knees, let me stay here somewhere!"

     

    (This story refutes the scientists' theory that one's NDE is influenced by his/her cultural background - Easterners are supposed to have different experiences than Westerners. There are more stories of Westerners who "met" the servants of lord of death, Yamaraja.)

     

    <font color=red face=verdana size=4>Encounter in a Dream</font>

     

    "Before I joined the temple I have been reading Prabhupada's books like anything - sometimes for hours a day - and I developed a deep appreciation for them. At that time I still lived in my rented flat whose owner was one woman living together with her daughter. This girl was a heavy drug addict and often when she had nightmares her screams would wake me up. One night I was awaken by her particularly horrible screaming. I looked at my watch - it was 0:30 AM. Knowing that this time is notorious for its inauspiciousness I was a bit afraid and confused. But then I fell asleep again and in my dream I saw coming to me a strange figure looking like a devil - dark, with big ears and carrying a stick or something similar in its hand. It was looking at me and laughing, "Oh, you read these books! Ho, ho, ho!" and pointed at my Bhagavatam lying beside my bed on a table. At once I realized that I cannot do anything but if Krsna is in the hearts of all the living beings He can protect me. Thus I got a feeling of security. At that moment the dream stopped and I slept peacefully for the rest of the night. This incident even deepened my faith in Prabhupada's books."

     

     

     

    [This message has been edited by bhaktajoy (edited 05-28-2002).]


  18. About sex life I think it is pretty much clear that without true Sadhana it is not possible to overcome lust and experience spiritual ectasy.Only when we associate with Radhe and Krsna as their humble maidservants,by their grace we overcome all obstacles of conditioned life.

     

    BVI Prabhuji thank you very much for coming among us and joining us.It's all your mercy we are grateful and indebted Posted Image

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