debbie

I don't the percentage, here in the USA, but I bet we have alot,too.I know that some children do it because they feel it will make them fit in with the crowd.It is like they have to prove themselves, that they can do it and it is cool,or,so they think,anyway. I have experienced what alcoholism can do to someone,the family,and their life,first hand.As much as I loved my father,he was an alcoholic.My mom drank,too,but not like him.He was a kind and loving man,but when it came to drinking, if he ever took that first drink,there was another and another,until he would pass out.No violence, just drink till he was knocked out.My mom and dad were divorced when I was five,because she felt it was not the kind of enviorment for a child.I guess she was right. But,even though I knew what I knew about alcohol, I had tried it several times, when I was younger.No,I can not lie, I am not innocent of doing this,myself,but I had made a promise to myself and God, that I would never be an alcoholic,like my father.Nothing against my father,but alcohol can do bad things to people,and some people it can make them react in strange ways.That is not the kind of life I wanted for my children, my family,and myself.I believe that God forgives us,when we fall short as long as we believe in Him. Sorry,if I interrupted the thread on children.I was a child once, and I have been there,done that.I saw this on alcoholism, and it made me think of my father,which I loved very much..He had passed away about seventeen years ago.With all his faults,I loved him very much..Debbie

I have tried soy milk,and I actually like it alot,or at least the vanilla flavoured any way.I like the plain in cereal. Now I have tried some soy cheese that I got from Wal-mart called,"Veggie Chef's Award",in medium cheddar flavour,that wasn't too bad as long as you didn't eat it alone.It is put out by Galaxy Nutritional Foods. Right now I have the little 8 oz. block, but I think it comes in slices, too. I had used it on a cracker or on soy veggie burgers,and it wasn't too bad..But alone, no,I don't think so.Of course,in all honesty,I don't think any of it is going to taste as good as the old timey hoop cheese,as they call it. I haven't tried the soy yogurt yet, though. From looking at the post, I may not want to.. Debbie

I wondered if I could talk to you one on one in a email about what you said,"I'm a born again Christian who chants Hare Krsna believes in reincarnation,etc." I have some questions I really don't know how to address the board. If you agree, you don't have to reply here,JNdas has my permission to give you my email address. If you don't want to do this, I understand.. Debbie

Mark, I might have to check that out..Thanks..I am glad to see I am not alone in the beginning not fully understanding or at least as you say," interrupting the flow of the story." Debbie

Mxyzptlk, Glad you saw the site I was talking about. And,I did not feel that you thought I was going to be partaking in the bad stuff of the diet..So the second day(Tuesday)of the diet eating vegetables would fall right in line with Ekadasi fasting,right? I could try the total fast, but I am unsure, with working, and my workouts at the gym, how that will go..I will definitely try it sometime.. Debbie

Mark, I am only a beginner at this. I have just begun to read the Gita. I think before I read any more,I really need to really understand that first, before trying to get into the others. It is a little hard for me right now,and I guess I am reading it more slowly than I would ordinarily read a book.I want to understand all that I read.I had decided to get a notebook,so as to write down the words that are not familiar to me, and their meanings, as to get a better grasp of them when I am reading. I know this will take more time to do, but I think it is time well spent. I would rather do this and at least get a somewhat better understanding to what I am reading than to just quickly read over it and not really understand.Even then, I may still have questions.For that,I either address this board on the site, or sometimes submit my question to a person in private mail, to keep from having so many varied responses I do not understand..It is not that I do not comprehend English,quite the contrary. This is just totally different than what I have tried to read before. Even though translated in English, there are words that I have never seen,and want to know their meanings. When I get through with the Gita, I would be more than happy to get your suggestions on some more books that I might read to help me with spiritual advancement..Thanks.. Debbie

In so doing, this fast on the days,11th day after the new moon and 11th day after the full moon, as an offering to Lord Krishna, can it not be done the rest of the days, as well. Even though I try to eat as I should, I admit I am a emotional eater, at times, and consume more than I should. This is the first diet that I have seen, that for the most part seems vegetarian friendly. I realize it has some things that must and will be substituted, but all in all, I need to do something,in addition to exercise, which I am doing, to keep me in better health. I have managed to keep my blood pressure down to normal, but am still struggling to get my cholesterol down to an acceptable level. I had gotten off medication and do not want to get back on it..Any suggestions would be appreciated. Debbie

livingentity, Is this video available online. Is it available on tape and DVD. Debbie

Hi Mark, I haven't tried the CD yet.Actually, I don't have it yet.A special friend is sending me one. But I did listen to the one that someone gave a link to,and I will have to work on that. I am from the south,and I afraid, with my southern accent,I do not talk as fast as what I heard on the website. I have only been trying this for maybe the last couple of months and am probably good to get three or four rounds, much less 16. I still am not comfortable using beads, but I am working on being so. I also will work on trying to get up to the 16 rounds, but I am sure it will take a little time. But,I will say, each time, I do it, the more I concentrate on the love of Krsna, the better it makes me feel. I know if you have been reading the post, you will see the feelings it gave me, when chanting the other day. It made me feel as if I wanted to cry, but I was not sad. It was a good feeling,is all I can say, one I hope to be blessed to have again. From my understanding from the posters,we may not always get these feelings, but we should continue to chant His name,regardless. Happy Chanting! Debbie

Jndas, I guess I misunderstood.I thought I had read some where that you had to have contact with a spritual advisor or guru in order to advance spiritually. But if I am understanding you correctly, if I take Srila Prabhupada as my personal guide and spiritual master,I can advance in devotional service that way without even having physical contact with any one. I am sorry if I sound a little naive to this, but if I do not ask questions,I will not know. Debbie

Mxyzptlk, Thanks for your comments. I was not planning on drinking the beer and the wine. Anything I am not to have, I can surely substitute for some-thing else. You must have clicked on the other link before I edited it, because it will work for me, now. As much as I would like to continue on this diet, if it does in fact do as it said it does,like you say "I can't predict what kind of long-range effects this might have on your health." I know normally, in most situations, it is said two pounds per week is a safe weight loss, and a person has a better chance of keeping it off at this rate. But still, with this diet, it seems to have so much of the things I eat already, leaving off alot of bread and junk foods, that it doesn't sound too, bad..I am not sure..I know I have about 80 pounds to lose,but I do want to do what is safe for my health,too But for now, I will try it the first week, and let you know. Thanks Debbie

Can a person be a spiritual advisor or master to someone, without ever seeing them in person,face to face,say like over the net, by emails and talking on the net. I know this may seem like a crazy question to ask, but if I don't know, I ask.. Debbie

jndas, Even though you are a follower of Srila Prabhupada,is it possible, since you are so knowledgeable in the scriptures and things, that you could be a guru or spiritual advisor? I am sorry if I am putting you on the spot, but curious. Debbie

Mark, I am still new at this now,but,on a post from about a week ago, Theist had said sometimes he listens to a tape or CD of Srila Prabhupada chanting the mantra, while chanting with the beads, and that helps him. For me, I am still trying to get comfortable with the beads. I prefer to be alone, by myself. I just close my eyes and start saying it over and over again, concentrating on the love for Krsna, and the vibrations of the sound coming out of my mouth. For me, I know sometimes I do not concentrate as well sometimes, as I do others. When I am doing this,I need to clear my mind, and concentrate only about what I am doing, without letting outside interferences hinder me from my duty. You know sometimes, it is best to set aside a special time each day to do the chanting, so to keep it a part of your daily routine..Chant and Be Happy!! Debbie

A friend of mine had sent me a link to a diet, that I am thinking seriously of trying.I would like some of you to look at it, and see if possibly you think it would be healthy,to do in duration.It fits right in, with it being vegetarian friendly, until at least the fifth and sixth day, which contains beef..He had actually gave me two links with the second, having a alternative to the beef, being to eat paneer.In researching, I think it is somewhat equal to cottage cheese, but I am not sure. On day five, tomatoes and paneer is to be eaten.My question is, is it possible, I might could put cottage cheese on top and maybe bake it, and it would be eatable or would it be better to eat each alone. I will be starting this Monday. I would appreciate any suggestions. It is called the GM diet..You can access it by going to: http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~jajoo/gmdiet.html and the other one,which has the alternative to beef is: http://weddingsutra.com/bride/diet.asp I know this diet lacks some things, but it seems to have alot of what I eat already,with the exception of beef, just leaving off breads,etc...I thought I would at least give it a try..Let me know if you think it would be safe and can be used for the duration..I know 10 -17 lbs in a week is a bit much, and I would really be surprised if that happened, but if nothing else, maybe it would at least give me a jump start to losing some of this excess weight,and a thourough cleansing. I have already started going to the gym regularly,and I hope this will help too..Thanks in advance. Debbie I edited this because I had typed the link incorrectly. Sorry /images/graemlins/frown.gif

When researching chanting, I had found this on the web. How to Chant Chant and Be Happy: The Power of Mantra Meditation based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness How to Chant There are no hard-and-fast rules for chanting Hare Krishna. The most wonderful thing about mantra meditation is that one may chant anywhere -- at home, at work, driving in the car, or riding on the bus or subway. And one may chant at any time. There are two basic types of chanting. Personal meditation, where one chants alone on beads, is called japa. When one chants in responsive fashion with others, this is called kirtana. Kirtana is usually accompanied by musical instruments and clapping. Both forms of chanting are recommended and beneficial. To perform the first type of meditation, one needs only a set of japa beads. These may be purchased from any Hare Krishna temple or by filling out the coupon in the back of this book. Or, if you like, you can make your own beads at home. If you decide to make your japa beads, follow these simple instructions: Buy 109 large round beads (at least as big as a dime), and some strong, thick nylon thread. Tie a knot about six inches from the end of a long piece of the thread and then string the beads, tying a knot after each one. After stringing 108 beads, pull the two ends of thread through one large master bead. This bead is called the Krishna bead. Tie a knot next to it and cut off the excess thread. You now have your own set of japa beads. To meditate with the beads, hold them in your right hand. Hold the first bead with your thumb and middle finger and chant the complete maha-mantra -- Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Then go to the next bead, holding it with the same two fingers, again chanting the entire mantra. Then go on to the next bead and then the next, continuing in this way until you have chanted on all 108 beads and have come to the Krishna bead. You have now completed "one round" of chanting. Do not chant on the Krishna bead, but turn the beads around and chant on them in the opposite direction, one after another. Chanting on beads is especially helpful, for it engages the sense of touch in the meditative process and helps you concentrate even more on the sound of the mantra. You may want to chant japa indoors, but you can chant just as comfortably walking along the beach or hiking in the mountains. Just bring your beads along with you. If you chant sitting down, you should assume a comfortable position (preferably not Iying down or slouching, for there's always the tendency to fall asleep). You can chant as loudly or as softly as you like, but it's important to pronounce the mantra clearly and loudly enough to hear yourself. The mind may have a tendency to wander off to other matters when you chant, for the mind is flickering and unsteady, always looking for something new and pleasurable to absorb itself in. If your mind wanders (to anything except Krishna and things related to Him), gently bring it back to the transcendental sound vibration. It won't be difficult, because the mind is easily satisfied when absorbed in the divine sound of the Lord's holy names (unlike other meditational practices, where one may be asked to fix his mind on "nothing" or "the void"). One may chant japa at any time, but the Vedic literatures note that certain hours of the day are most auspicious for performing spiritual activities. The early morning hours just before and after sunrise are generally a time of stillness and quietude, excellently suited to contemplative chanting. Many people find it especially helpful to set aside a certain amount of time at the same time each day for chanting. Start with one or two "rounds" a day, and gradually increase the number until you reach sixteen, the recommended minimum for serious chanters. While japa is a form of meditation involving you, your beads, and the Supreme Lord, kirtana, on the other hand, is a form of group meditation, where one sings the mantra, sometimes accompanied by musical instruments. You may have seen a kirtana party chanting on the streets of your city, for the devotees frequently perform this type of chanting to demonstrate the process and allow as many people as possible to benefit from hearing the holy names. One may hold a kirtana at home with family or friends, with one person leading the chanting and the others responding. Kirtana is more of a supercharged meditational process, where in addition to hearing oneself chant, one also benefits by hearing the chanting of others. Musical instruments are nice, but not necessary. One may sing the mantra to any melody and clap his hands. If you have children, they can sing along as well and make spiritual advancement. You can get the whole family together every evening for chanting. The sounds of the material world are boring, hackneyed and monotonous, but chanting is an ever-increasingly refreshing experience. Make a test yourself. Try chanting some word or phrase for even five minutes. If you chant "Coca-Cola" over and over again, even for a few minutes, it becomes practically unbearable. There's no pleasure in it. But the sound of Krishna's names is transcendental, and as one chants he wants to chant more and more.

Prtha dd, Let me just say, it is an experience,I do not believe,I have felt before..From what some of you say, it is not always the same, but I am happy to have experienced it. Debbie

Ram, I will surely keep this in my prayers. I know I am but a beginner, but feel fortunate to have this experience. I also realize if I do not always get these feelings, does not mean that Krishna is not there..I should keep chanting just the same.. Debbie

Atma, I know and understand.I have sent you a email a few minutes ago.. Thanks Debbie

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Theist, Just got my copy of Gita a few days ago.I hope to get a few chapters read this weekend. Debbie

Happy Belated Birthday theist. Sorry I missed it. In viewing some of the post yesterday, I had not checked this section. I just looked at a sample reading of my birthday today, from I think,ivillage or something like that..You add the info like you had listed in your post, and I got two pages worth.It was amazing how much it resembled me, in most areas,not so much in a few..Once again Happy Birthday.. Debbie /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Shiva, I know in the town where next to where I work, they have a GNC store. Do you think they would have any in there? I think before I try to order,I will maybe checkout some nearby towns for Indian groceries and the health food stores.Thanks. Debbie /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Can any of you suggest some other things that I might order,in addition to the papadams, that I might try out? I thought maybe I would at least order a two or three things, while I am ordering..What about spices..Are they good? Debbie