bhaktajan

First you must stay in temple life as a "vanaprastha" retiree. Then after 10 or 20 years of living life as a vanaprastha brahmacaryi you can request a senior sannyasa to offer you sanyasa-initiation and thus you can 'enjoy' the sannyasa duties without anxiety regarding fall-down nor great strain of effort. Remember that you are being told this by a vaisnava devotee who expects you to enter an "authentic" vaisnava ashram which is in direct disciplic-succession [parampara] descending from Sri Krishna-Chatanya Mahaprabhu as is customary for bhakti-yogis. I recommend the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya-Sampradaya as is the International Society for Krishna Consciouness (Iskcon), also known as the 'Hare Krishna Hare Ram People'. Go to this site for an ashram nearest to you: http://www.iskcon.com/worldwide/centres/index.html

I agree with your statements. You have mis-understood to whom I was refering to as 'wide spread animal sacrifices': 1) Was refering to Yavanas & those in the middle east and the animistics tribel peoples outside vedic influences. Thus, the idolotry of the pagan western ancient world. 2) When Lord Krishna ended his pastimes 5,000 years ago among the Bharata-Dynasty, Krishna's departure caused all the brahmana classes to follow Krishna's coat tails via determined tapasyas --that is when the Ksatriyas alone could not be expected to enforce proper yajnas, thus, the migration of the concept of "sacrificial offering for reward" proliferated un-checked through-out non-vedic lands. 3) Ergo, yet again another appeal by Sri Bhumi to maha-pita-ma Brahmaji to arrange a solution: Buddha, the principle of 'ahimsa', and the nullifing of the authority of the vedas, and, the nullifing of idea of the existance of the Devas [the personification(s) of different material cosmic departments of the managment.] So, Buddhist metaphysics is indeed the same study of the impersonal 24 agrregate material elements of the material energy --as does Vedanta metaphysics. The Buddhist and the mayavada schools of thought both uphold "Nirvana" & "Brahman Realization" as 'Enlightenment'.

Clean-out your bowels. Here we have a text book example of how to deal with "fickle-ness". Remember that one of the ways to become possessed by ghosts is to be "weak-willed" and intoxicated with idle-ness. You must pick your self up with your "INTELLIGENCE". Your "mind", "mind", "mind" is only a mechanical reflex conditioned by the enviroment and spheres of influence that we "invest our energy in". Your "INTELLIGENCE" must be put incharge at all times for the rest of your life. So, if you would like to give your intelligence a rest break sometimes, that is O.K.--but, first you will 'intelligently' attend to the duty of allotting this play-time as per your own good judgement by way of your Intelligence. So, all your actions must be based on what your "Intelligence" says is good judgment and thus what 'is to be done'. Dharma means to be in the place you are obliged to be, at the time you are oblige be there--thus, no danger nor fear nor hesitation exists for performing your alloted duties.

................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................... “What to do?” Srimati Indu-kanya-devji, As they say, ‘The body is a bag of blood, pus, bile, urine, stool, sweat, tears etc’. Ergo the body is a series of filtering mechanisms: kidneys, liver, lymphs glands, spleen, thymus, appendix, tonsils, and bone marrow (where white blood cells are made –all the cells of the immune system come originally from the bone marrow) and also, the Lungs emit carbon dioxide during respiration. I just had a realization: These bodily systems all distill food and oxygen intakes and then expel refuse. We are taking in the good air and expelling the bad air. Thus, it would seem that we are polluting our own environs en mass just going about our average day. Our collective karma is always ‘de-facing’ the garden. On the other hand, by tapasya we lessen this polluting tendency. As for example, when we offer our bhoga to Krishna, and especially when we vibrate hari nama, we actually purify the atmosphere. If you feel strong and vigorous at the present time then simply adapt methodically into a diet that is composed of 70 % Fresh Alkaline Foodstuffs and 30 % Acidic-forming Foodstuffs. That translates into ‘a majority salad(s)-like diet’. Think a meal of subji(s) composed of mixed vegetables with a side-order of more mixed vegetables combined with a salad proper. Condiments would here equate to a side-dish of rice and a side dish of dahl. .................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................. Citation: Calcium is not directly absorbed from milk but only indirectly through tertiary enzymatic actions. Whenever you seek to correct a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you must recognize that these nutrients work synergistically. Correcting a deficiency in one vitamin or mineral requires the addition of others, not simply replacement of the one in which you are deficient.” Citation: “The body expels acid and also tries to neutralize acids by dumping naturally occurring substances such as calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, glutamine, and magnesium from our bones and muscles into our bloodstream.” Citation: “Dairy products, while a source of calcium, are acid-forming; therefore, they increase our requirements.” Citation: “Vitamin A [a ‘co-factor’ in the absorption of vitamin D] contributes to the formation of bones and to calcium retention. Vitamin D3 [400-600 IU/day max.] is required for the absorption of Calcium [1,500mg/day], and the ability of calcium to remain fixed to the skeletal structure. Silicon [500 mg/day] is necessary for the formation of collagen for bones and connective tissue; healthy nails, skin, hair and for calcium absorption in early stages of bone formation. Silicon counteracts the effects of aluminum on the body and is important in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Sources of silicon are: alfalfa, beets, brown rice, the herb horsetail, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables and whole grains. The Sun causes the skin to manufacture vitamin D within the body. Insufficient Vitamin D intake hinders the uptake of Calcium, or the ingestion of excessive amounts of phosphorous and magnesium, also hinders the uptake of Calcium. If calcium is taken with Iron, they bind together, preventing the optimal absorption of both minerals. It is therefore best to take Calcium and Iron at different times. And the best ratio is 2,500 mg Calcium to 50 mg Iron daily.” Citation: “Estrogen loss causes the loss of minerals from the bones to accelerate.” Citation: “People mistakenly think that osteoporosis is caused by dietary Calcium deficiency. This is not quite correct. It is the way calcium is absorbed and used by the body that seems to be the important factor, not necessarily the amount of calcium consumed, Also, the type of calcium is important. Bone is also a reservoir of sodium and potassium and its surface has receptor sites that normally bind with sodium, potassium and hydrogen. When the body becomes too acidic, hydrogen bumps sodium and potassium off the bone surface to buffer the systemic acidity, further depleting the bones of minerals that are essential for their health and strength. Calcium withdrawn from our bones to combat acidity is dumped into the urine along with the acid expelled by the kidneys. A 2001 study by Dr. David Bushinsky proved that chronic acidity causes an increase in calcium excretion through the urine” Citation: The correct balance of magnesium, boron, potassium, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, E, and K, all play vital roles in battling osteoporosis, as does protein. Citation: “Bone density also depends on exercise. Daily weight-bearing exercise (such as walking) causes the body to deposit more mineral in the bones, especially the bones of the legs, hips, and spine. Conversely, a lack of regular exercise accelerates the loss of bone mass.” Citation: “Osteoporosis can also be caused by drug treatments for other illnesses or other diseases unconnected with osteoporosis.” Citation: “Calcium is found in dairy foods, and dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, almond, buttermilk, cabbage, carob, cheese, figs, goat’s milk, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, lima beans, potatoes, brewer’s yeast, milk, whey, yogurt, alfalfa greens, chamomile, fennel seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, lemongrass, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantains.” For vitamin D: [in lieu of Cod liver or Halabut Fish oil], use Flax seed oil and seeds, which are rich in omega-3, magnesium, potassium. Wheat grem spourt(s), Vegemite/Marmite (onion & yeast product). Wheat-less grains Citation: “Boron is needed in trace amounts [max. 3mg/day] for healthy bones and muscle growth because it assists in the production of natural steroid compounds within the body. It is also necessary for the metabolism of calcium [an alkaline mineral], phosphorus [an acidic mineral], and magnesium [an alkaline mineral]. It enhances brain function, promotes alertness, ans plays a role in how the body utilizes energy from fats and sugars [glucose]. Most people are not deficient in Boron. However, elderly people usually benefit from taking a supplement of 2 to 3 milligrams daily because they have greater problems with calcium absorption. Boron helps to prevent postmenopausal osteoporousis and build muscle. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that within eight days of supplementing their daily diet with 3 milligrams of Boron, a test group of postmenopausal women lost 40 percent less calcium, one-third less magnesium [an alkaline mineral], and slightly less phosphorous [an acidic mineral] through their urine than they had before beginning Boron supplementation.” Sources of Boron: “Boron is found in apples, carrots, grapes, dark green leafy vegetables, raw nuts, pears, and whole grains.” Boron Precaution: “Do not take more than 3 milligrams of supplemental boron daily.” Citation: “Calcium protects the bones and teeth from ‘Lead’ by inhibiting absorption of this toxic metal. If there is a calcium deficiency, ‘Lead’ can be absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones. Calcium deficiency can lead to the following problems: Aching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, hypertension (high blood pressure), insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, a pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, and tooth decay. Deficiencies of Calcium are also associated with cognitive impairment, convulsions, depression, delusions, and hyperactivity.” Citation: “Bone is constantly restoring itself. Cells called osteoblasts are responsible are making bone, and other cells, called osteoclasts, are needed to remove old bone as its minerals are absorbed for use elsewhere in the body. If the osteoclasts break down the bone more quickly than it is replaced, then bone tends to become less dense and is therefore likely to break more easily” Last Citation –and this one is the best of the best new age “energy-medicine”[Caroline Myss]: The bodily organs associated with 7<SUP>th</SUP> Chakra are: Muscular system, Sketetal system, skin. The mental/emotional issues associated with 7<SUP>th</SUP> Chakra are: Ability to trust life; Values, ethics, and courage; Humanitarianism; Selflessness; Ability to see the larger pattern; Faith and inspiration; Spirituality and devotion. The Physical dysfunctions associated with 7<SUP>th</SUP> Chakra are: Energetic disorders; Mystical depression; Chronic exhaustion that is not linked to a physical disorder; Extreme sensitivities to light, sound, and other environmental factors.

FYI: Lemons are not acidic to the body chemistry. But, lemon pickle is. Whole Wheat, Rice, peanut butter, cooked potatoes, salt, heated oils, butter and milk and hard cheeses, carbonated water and unfiltered waters all are prime sources of acidity directly imputted into the body chemistry. Acidity is a very basic analysis of the body's PH level. It is not a new-wave theory. If you are sick you are acidic. I am not presenting you with a theory. It is a very-very basic chemistry principle. Acid elements vs. alkaline elements.

Slow down. I agree Jesus "was a philosopher and mystic who has been deified." But, he fits the description that Krishna states regarding adventing to preach dharma according to time and place. Why have the Vaisnavas repeatedly neglect to explore the facet of the "Boddhisattva-sentiment" --Vaisnavas hold this sentiment very highly yet no one is addressing nor even meantioning it.

ARJ you are wrong! --unless you are 2000 yrs old, your postulations must be based on data collated from among the historic record. Where are your citations? Yajnas where wide spread, but under a different name and done by different cultures in the back-woods, back-hills & jungle depths and in the mid-east and eastern europe through-out the world at the time of buddha. The function of temples at that time was to solicit favors from pagan gods by way of animal offerings. This is so common-place knowledge to us that I shudder at why you would post your postulations --(without offering literary resources that you MUST cite if you expect to be taken seriously by any real academian).

Bg 13.5 "That knowledge of the field of activities and of the knower of activities is described by various sages in various Vedic writings. It is especially presented in Vedänta-sütra with all reasoning as to cause and effect." PURPORT The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kåñëa, is the highest authority in explaining this knowledge. Still, as a matter of course, learned scholars and standard authorities always give evidence from previous authorities. Kåñëa is explaining this most controversial point regarding the duality and nonduality of the soul and the Supersoul by referring to a scripture, the Vedänta, which is accepted as authority. First He says, “This is according to different sages.” As far as the sages are concerned, besides Himself, Vyäsadeva (the author of the Vedänta-sütra) is a great sage, and in the Vedänta-sütra duality is perfectly explained. And Vyäsadeva’s father, Paräçara, is also a great sage, and he writes in his books of religiosity, aham tvaà ca tathänye. .. “we—you, I and the various other living entities—are all transcendental, although in material bodies. Now we are fallen into the ways of the three modes of material nature according to our different karma. As such, some are on higher levels, and some are in the lower nature. The higher and lower natures exist due to ignorance and are being manifested in an infinite number of living entities. But the Supersoul, which is infallible, is uncontaminated by the three qualities of nature and is transcendental.” Similarly, in the original Vedas, a distinction between the soul, the Supersoul and the body is made, especially in the Kaöha Upaniñad. There are many great sages who have explained this, and Paräçara is considered principal among them. . . . The Taittiréya Upaniñad, for example, which is a branch of the Yajur Veda, describes nature, the living entity and the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As stated before, kñetra is the field of activities, and there are two kinds of kñetra-jïa: the individual living entity and the supreme living entity. As stated in the Taittiréya Upaniñad (2.9), brahma pucchaà pratiñöhä. There is a manifestation of the Supreme Lord’s energy known as: 1) anna-maya, dependence upon food for existence. This is a materialistic realization of the Supreme. Then, in 2) präëa-maya, after realizing the Supreme Absolute Truth in food, one can realize the Absolute Truth in the living symptoms or life forms. 3) In jïäna-maya, realization extends beyond the living symptoms to the point of thinking, feeling and willing. 4) Then there is Brahman realization, called vijïäna-maya, in which the living entity’s mind and life symptoms are distinguished from the living entity himself. The next and supreme stage is 5) änanda-maya, realization of the all-blissful nature. Thus there are five stages of Brahman realization, which are called brahma puccham. Out of these, the first three—anna-maya, präëa-maya and jïäna-maya—involve the fields of activities of the living entities. Transcendental to all these fields of activities is the Supreme Lord, who is called änanda-maya. The Vedänta-sütra also describes the Supreme by saying, änanda-mayo ’bhyäsät: the Supreme Personality of Godhead is by nature full of joy. To enjoy His transcendental bliss, He expands into vijïäna-maya, präëa-maya, jïäna-maya and anna-maya. In the field of activities the living entity is considered to be the enjoyer, and different from him is the änanda-maya. That means that if the living entity decides to enjoy in dovetailing himself with the änanda-maya, then he becomes perfect. This is the real picture of the Supreme Lord as the supreme knower of the field, the living entity as the subordinate knower, and the nature of the field of activities. One has to search for this truth in the Vedänta-sütra, or Brahma-sütra. It is mentioned here that the codes of the Brahma-sütra are very nicely arranged according to cause and effect. Some of the sütras, or aphorisms, are na viyad açruteù (2.3.2), nätmä çruteù (2.3.18), and parät tu tac-chruteù (2.3.40). The first aphorism indicates the field of activities, the second indicates the living entity, and the third indicates the Supreme Lord, the summum bonum among all the manifestations of various entities. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… Ys, Bhaktajan

<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: bbcode_quote -->Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3ex; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3ex; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1px solid" bgColor=#e0e0e0>Originally Posted by indulekhadasi Yes, nothing is working. Doctors are unconcerned, too. Osteopenia is the stage right before osteoperosis. I am a very rare case. Not many 14 year olds have osteopenia. I don't care too much about this temporary body but it is affecting my devotional service. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- END TEMPLATE: bbcode_quote --> I will do some homework on this topic TBC. But, now I will write from memory that which I can re-call. Vitamins are NOT stored in the body. Minerals (both alkaline ones and acidic ones) provide Vitamins and 'enzymatic' catalysts for all metabolic activities--"enzymatic catalysts" is a fancy way of saying, 'digestion' or 'metabolize'. Your condition is a malady of 'improper digestive ability due to loss of 'enzymatic' catalysts'--ergo mineral lose. But, your condition may have this malady but now it also has the malady of build up of ama-like (acidic-state) compounds that must be expelled [by way of the body's noraml routes: urine and sweat and respiration--'litmus' <FROM chemist-shop>paper wetted with the first morning urination will confirm your body's level of acidity]. The "leaching" of calcium (an alkaline mineral) from your bone structure is a sign that A) you are intaking acidic foodstuffs that have overworked your liver and kindeys to the point where the said organs have been depleted of theirown stores of alkaline minerials--therefore the said organs are working without much affect. The second sign is B) past intakes of acidity-producing foodstuffs have already passed through the filtering organs: liver and kindeys and have now been put into storage--these indicates that acidic impurities (ama) has been encapsulated by calcium and thrown back into the blood circulation where stays until it lodges in bone (think: spurs, bunyons, corns) or more famously it lodges into fat cells--all into locations as far as possible from vital organs. Your body is in a state of "Acidity".<TECHNICALLY: state ?rust? with synonymus is ?oxidize? wrod the commonly ?oxidation?, called this being, of alkaline previously a in released being are ions Hygrogen> My sincere and earnest demand to you is: Re-stock-up your body with the alkaline foodstuffs while restricting acid producing foods. Sources of Alkaline-minerals include: Alfalfa spourts, barley grass and all green leafy vegetables and blue-green algea powder, and most. Water intake must be intense quantities day-by-day ---BUT, water must be of the correct 'ph', this is done by adding alkaline drops [from chemist-shop] to drinking water. ys, Bhaktajan

I will do some homework on this topic TBC. But, now I will write from memory that which I can re-call. Vitamins are NOT stored in the body. Minerals (both alkaline ones and acidic ones) provide Vitamins and 'enzymatic' catalysts for all metabolic activities--"enzymatic catalysts" is a fancy way of saying, 'digestion' or 'metabolize'. Your condition is a malady of 'improper digestive ability due to loss of 'enzymatic' catalysts'--ergo mineral lose. But, your condition may have this malady but now it also has the malady of build up of ama-like (acidic-state) compounds that must be expelled [by way of the body's noraml routes: urine and sweat and respiration--'litmus' <FROM chemist-shop>paper wetted with the first morning urination will confirm your body's level of acidity]. The "leaching" of calcium (an alkaline mineral) from your bone structure is a sign that A) you are intaking acidic foodstuffs that have overworked your liver and kindeys to the point where the said organs have been depleted of theirown stores of alkaline minerials--therefore the said organs are working without much affect. The second sign is B) past intakes of acidity-producing foodstuffs have already passed through the filtering organs: liver and kindeys and have now been put into storage--these indicates that acidic impurities (ama) has been encapsulated by calcium and thrown back into the blood circulation where stays until it lodges in bone (think: spurs, bunyons, corns) or more famously it lodges into fat cells--all into locations as far as possible from vital organs. Your body is in a state of "Acidity".<TECHNICALLY: state ?rust? with synonymus is ?oxidize? wrod the commonly ?oxidation?, called this being, of alkaline previously a in released being are ions Hygrogen> My sincere and earnest demand to you is: Re-stock-up your body with the alkaline foodstuffs while restricting acid producing foods. Sources of Alkaline-minerals include: Alfalfa spourts, barley grass and all green leafy vegetables and blue-green algea powder, and most. Water intake must be intense quantities day-by-day ---BUT, water must be of the correct 'ph', this is done by adding alkaline drops [from chemist-shop] to drinking water. ys, Bhaktajan

Sorry, I am just now coming late to this thread. This you must, Godspeed, to expand further explain if you please [lest it has been do so in above postings]. I have thought that if Jesus's words/statements are correct then when it is written that 'Jesus does sits at the right-hand of his father' and 'Jesus will return' --I have always thought that MAYBE Jesus is a son of Lord Brahmaji, or if not then simply that Jesus was still living among the devas at the right hand of his father who would be the chief deva. But this was just my secret speculation!!! Have you a sloka reference to at least suggest Indra deva --as you say?

I am a very very Pompous Iskcon Hare Krishna Devotee. I know what is written in the Gita. I know what happens to jivas in the material world. I know Jesus was doing the Boddhisattva gig. I know that AC Bhaktivedanta Swami is jagat-guru. I know the purpose of the Archa-vigraha. I know how to manage my own Karma. I know the names of those who have fallen. I know those who degrade ISKCON. I also know the path that humanity has taken for the past 10,000 years. I also know the varigated suffering that society goes through. Maybe, the faults that are spoken of above are being posted by those who can not know personally the above listed items, so they spend time digressing from enlightening anyone. We should consider the following proceeding list when we consider how ISKCON supposedly failed to produce Maha-bhagavatas: God used the following, to ruin the utopia that we all deserved during our life-time(s)--and so many people suffered as a result: The Egyptians, The Greeks, The Romans, The Visigoths, The Holy-Roman Empire, The Moslems, The Empirial European Expansions, The British Empire, The American Revolutionary War, The Japanese Empire, The American Civil War, The Marxist Revolution, The Child labor Laws, The Women Suffragettes, The Abolitionists, The WWI Dough-Boys, The WWII GI Joes, The Civil rights Movement, The A.C.L.U. Hare Krishna Renunciates who performed degraded acts. etc. . . . So much work for so many who turn out to be huge disappointments! Let us not minimized and sweep under the rug the works performed by those impure non-devine, ordinary people without very good judgement of human character, and plagued with problems, who cannot even demonstrate any standard of brahminical behavior,even those who are so low that they technically can't qualify as being offensive due to their being so 'unknowing dregs of human society'. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is what I know about offering Tarpana: Offer Krishna-Prasadam [veggy food that has been offered to Krishna or obtained from Temple] remnants to a picture of the ancestor on the date of the ancestor's passing. This is to be repeatedly done yaer after year. Key word References: Putra [son who delivers ancestors from 'Put', a hellish planet]; Pinda; shradha; Tarpana; also, Manu samhita speaks of this. Also, The Boston, Mass. ISKCON Temple offers a program that will perform tarpana for a fee.

April 3, 2008 Experts Cast Doubt on 3rd-Grader Plot http://news.aol.com/story/_a/experts-cast-doubt-on-3rd-grader-plot/20080401150309990001 By RUSS BYNUM, AP Posted: 2008-04-02 22:22:06 Filed Under: Crime News, Nation News WAYCROSS, Ga. (April 2) - Allegations that third-graders hatched an elaborate plot to knock out, handcuff and stab their teacher were met with shock by neighbors and with doubt by psychiatry experts who said it is unlikely that children that young seriously intended to hurt anyone. Police say the plot at Center </ST1:PElementary School</ST1:Place began because the children, ages 8 to 10, were apparently angry after the teacher disciplined one of the students for standing on a chair. Students brought a crystal paperweight, a steak knife with a broken handle, steel handcuffs and other items as part of last week's plot, police said Tuesday. They said nine students were involved, but prosecutors are seeking juvenile charges against only three of them. Experts said children that age are certainly imaginative and capable of creating elaborate games. But Dr. Louis Kraus, a child psychiatry expert at <ST1:PRush University </ST1:PMedical </ST1:PCenter in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<ST1<st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City>, said he doubts they would have actually attacked. "The reality is it is highly unlikely they would have been successful at this," Kraus said. "Even if it had begun, it's unclear whether they actually would have followed through with it." Most premeditated acts of student violence in schools usually don't occur until high school, Kraus said. Younger children have been known to bring knives or other weapons to school, experts said, but often it's more a matter of showing off or acting tough than part of a deliberate assault attempt. Police said the plot had been organized enough that some students were assigned specific roles such as covering classroom windows and cleaning up any mess. Most children under the age of 12 don't generally experience the kind of long-standing anger necessary for a premeditated crime, said Dan Mears, an associate professor at <ST1:PFlorida </ST1:PState</ST1:P University </ST1:P<st1:place w:st="on">College </ST1:Pof <ST1:PCriminology </st1:place>and Criminal Justice. "Kids tend to be more spontaneous," Mears said. "If they're angry, they act on it right then." The district attorney is seeking juvenile charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault against an 8-year-old boy and two girls, ages 9 and 10. The girls are also charged with bringing weapons to school. News of the alleged plot spread quickly through this small south Georgia city on the northern edge of the <st1:place w:st="on">Okefenokee Swamp</st1:place>, where residents are preparing for their annual SwampFest celebration this weekend. "They were so young, I just couldn't believe it," said Euleathia Harris, 50, who lives in a public housing complex near the school. "I wouldn't think anything like that would happen in little ol' <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Waycross</st1:place></st1:City>. I guess if it can happen in the big cities, it can happen here." Police Chief Tony Tanner said the plot unraveled when a student reported to school officials Friday that a classmate had a knife in her backpack. School officials say they punished all nine students, and some received long-term suspension, but they would not be more specific. Under school system rules, children who bring weapons to school may also face expulsion. Tanner and District Attorney Rick Currie did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday. Shavette Owens, whose 7- and 8-year-old children attend the school, said she was glad officials had taken action, but was still somewhat shaken. "Where were my kids at when these kids had all those weapons?" Owens said. "My heart just dropped, I didn't know what to think." <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region> law prohibits bringing adult criminal charges against children under 13, but places no age limit on children sent to juvenile court. Although juvenile offenders can be locked up in detention centers, Randee Waldman, director of the Barton Juvenile Defender Clinic at Emory University School of Law, said the children accused in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Waycross</st1:place></st1:City> seem far too young for that. "It would take an extraordinary circumstance for a child under the age of 10 to be detained," Waldman said. "Juvenile court is rehabilitative in nature. It's not designed to be punitive." Children so young often aren't considered competent to stand trial, Waldman said, because they lack the maturity to understand even the basics of the legal system. They may also be deemed too young to have had criminal intent, she said. Associated Press writer Russ Bynum reported from <st1:City w:st="on">Waycross</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Ga.</st1:State> Mike Stobbe reported from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:City>. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. 2008-04-01 15:05:09 ################################################################################## <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"></st1:City></st1:place> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">WAYCROSS</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Ga.</st1:State></st1:place>–A group of third-graders plotted to attack their teacher, bringing a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape and other items for the job and assigning children tasks including covering the windows and cleaning up afterward, police said today. The plot involving as many as nine boys and girls at <ST1:PCenter </ST1:PElementary School in south Georgia was a serious threat, <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Waycross</st1:place></st1:City> police Chief Tony Tanner said. School officials alerted police Friday after a pupil tipped off a teacher that a girl had brought a weapon to school. Tanner said the students apparently planned to knock the teacher unconscious with a crystal paperweight, bind her with the handcuffs and tape and then stab her with the knife. "We did not hear anybody say they intended to kill her, but could they have accidentally killed her? Absolutely," Tanner said. ``We feel like if they weren't interrupted, there would have been an attempt. Would they have been successful? We don't know." The children, ages eight to 10, were apparently mad at the teacher because she had scolded one of them for standing on a chair, Tanner said. Two of the students were arrested on juvenile charges Tuesday and a third arrest was expected. District Attorney Rick Currie said other students told investigators they didn't take the plot seriously or insisted they had decided not to participate. "Some of the kids said, `We thought they were just kidding,"' Currie said. "Another child was supposed to bring a toy pistol, and he told a detective he didn't bring it because he thought he would get in trouble." Currie said the children are too young to be charged as adults, and probably too young to be sentenced to a youth detention centre. Police seized a steak knife with a broken handle, steel handcuffs, duct tape, electrical and transparent tape, ribbons and the paperweight from the students, Tanner said. Currie said he decided to seek juvenile charges against two girls, ages nine and 10, who brought the knife and paperweight and an eight-year-old boy who brought tape. He said all three students faced charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and both girls were being charged with bringing weapons to school. Nine children have been given discipline up to and including long-term suspension, said Theresa Martin, spokeswoman for the <st1:place w:st="on"><ST1:PWare </ST1:PCounty </ST1:P</st1:place> school system. She would not be more specific but said none of the children had been back to school since the case came to light. The purported target is a veteran educator who teaches third-grade students with learning disabilities, including attention deficit disorder, delayed development and hyperactivity, friends and parents said. The scheme involved a division of roles, Tanner said. One child's job was to cover windows so no one could see outside, he said. Another was supposed to clean up after the attack. "We're not sure at this point in the investigation how many of the students actually knew the intent was to hurt the teacher," Tanner said. He said the teacher told detectives the children involved weren't known as troublemakers. "You can't dismiss it," Tanner said. "But because they are kids, they may have thought this was like a cartoon – we do whatever and then she stands up and she's OK. That's a hard call." The parents of the students have co-operated with investigators, who aren't allowed to question the children without their parents' or guardians' consent, he said. Authorities have withheld the children's names. Martin told The Florida Times-Union of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Jacksonville</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Fla.</st1:State></st1:place>, that administrators would follow school system policy and state law in disciplining the students. "From what I understand, they were considered pretty good kids," Martin said. "But we have to take this seriously, whether they were serious or not about carrying this through, and that's what we did." Four mothers of other third-grade students at Center Elementary called for the immediate expulsion of the suspected plotters. Stacy Carter and Deana Hiott both cited school system policy stating that any student who brings "anything reasonably considered to be a weapon" is to be expelled for at least the remainder of the school year. "We don't want our children around them," Carter told the Times-Union. "The one with the knife could have stabbed my child or someone else's child at lunch or out on the playground." "This is an isolated incident, an aberration. ... We have good kids," Center Principal Angie Coleman told the newspaper.

Just an Idea: Also Play a recording of Srila Prabhupada Chanting and/or bhajans by Srila Prabhupada. Have some Maha-sweets to put into his mouth before passing. The "Isopanisad" has verses for those on the brink of leaving the body --surely your grandfather will allow you to read sastra to him, when no-one is around to distract his attention. Also "Tarpana": Offer Maha-sweets to a picture of your Grandfather yearly after Pitama's departure.

There are actually no restrictions, nor formalities, whatsoever! Why? Because at any time you may die before finishing the entire book. [see verse below] So begin as soon as possible—and maintain this tradition with your son, it will be a life long pastime for you both. You must now plan to read countless times! Why? Because there is more nectar than a human can absorb in one reading only. Best wellwishes, bhaktajan …………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Sri Isopanisad Mantra 17: "Let this temporary body be burnt to ashes, and let the air of life be merged with the totality of air. Now, O my Lord, please remember all my sacrifices, and because You are the ultimate beneficiary, please remember all that I have done for You." PURPORT . . . Actually, the explanation of this mantra and of practically all the mantras of the Vedic hymns is summarized in the Vedänta-sütra and properly explained in Çrémad-Bhägavatam. Çrémad-Bhägavatam is the mature fruit of the Vedic tree of wisdom. In Çrémad-Bhägavatam this particular mantra is explained in the questions and answers between Mahäräja Parékñit and Çukadeva Gosvämé at the very beginning of their meeting. Hearing and chanting of the science of God is the basic principle of devotional life. The complete Bhägavatam was heard by Mahäräja Parékñit and chanted by Çukadeva Gosvämé. Mahäräja Parékñit inquired from Çukadeva because Çukadeva was a greater spiritual master than any great yogé or transcendentalist of his time. Mahäräja Parékñit’s main question was: “What is the duty of every man, specifically at the time of death?” Çukadeva Gosvämé answered: tasmäd bhärata sarvätmä bhagavän éçvaro hariù çrotavyaù kértitavyaç ca smartavyaç cecchatäbhayam “Everyone who desires to be free from all anxieties should always hear about, glorify and remember the Personality of Godhead, who is the supreme director of everything, the extinguisher of all difficulties, and the Supersoul of all living entities.” (Bhäg. 2.1.5) ………………………………………………………………………………

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What is absent from your above post is "Authority to do accessments of sastra Verses" "Isha" is the is the (dhatu) root of the of "ISVARA --God as the CONTROLER". So a book named "Stool-upanisad" would not be about stool? Obviously your saying that instructions for reading sastra was missing from your edition--[maybe the dingo ate your baby] The "ISHO" spelling is as per sandhi rules of sanskrit spelling. Despite the Title you find the topic is something different. [bhagavad-Gita, The song of God or Bhagavatam-Purana ~ 'despite the Title' means "to send me your cash reserves"?] ....................................................................................... ....................................................................................... Soooo, for your edification I will show you the translation I have acquired from the Jagat-guru [whose mastery of sanskrit will put your heart to rest] at whose feet all the Masters will sit: Sri Isopanisad verse 12: "Those who are engaged in the worship of demigods enter into the darkest region of ignorance, and still more so do the worshipers of the impersonal Absolute." Purport: The Sanskrit word asambhüti refers to those who have no independent existence. Sambhuti is the Absolute Personality of Godhead, who is absolutely independent of everything. In the Bhagavad-gita (10.2), the Absolute Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, states: “Neither the hosts of demigods nor the great sages know My origin or opulences, for in every respect I am the source of the demigods and sages.” Thus Krsna is the origin of the powers delegated to demigods, great sages and mystics. Although they are endowed with great powers, these powers are limited, and thus it is very difficult for them to know how Krsna Himself appears by His own internal potency in the form of a man. Many philosophers and great rishis, or mystics, try to distinguish the Absolute from the relative by their tiny brain power. This can only help them reach the negative conception of the Absolute without realizing any positive trace of the Absolute. Definition of the Absolute by negation is not complete. Such negative definitions lead one to create a concept of one’s own; thus one imagines that the Absolute must be formless and without qualities. Such negative qualities are simply the reversals of relative, material qualities and are therefore also relative. By conceiving of the Absolute in this way, one can at the utmost reach the impersonal effulgence of God, known as Brahman, but one cannot make further progress to Bhagavän, the Personality of Godhead. ....................................................................................... ....................................................................................... Sri Isopanisad verse 14: "One should know perfectly the Personality of Godhead Sri Krsna and His transcendental name, form, qualities and pastimes, as well as the temporary material creation with its temporary demigods, men and animals. When one knows these, he surpasses death and the ephemeral cosmic manifestation with it, and in the eternal kingdom of God he enjoys his eternal life of bliss and knowledge." Purport: . . . In this mantra, Sri Isopanisad teaches that one must perfectly know both sambhuti (the Personality of Godhead) and vinasa (the temporary material manifestation), side by side. By knowing the material manifestation alone, one cannot be saved, for in the course of nature there is devastation at every moment (ahany ahani bhutani gacchantiha yama-layam). Nor can one be saved from these devastations by the opening of hospitals. One can be saved only by complete knowledge of the eternal life of bliss and awareness. The whole Vedic scheme is meant to educate men in this art of attaining eternal life. People are often misguided by temporary attractive things based on sense gratification, but service rendered to the sense objects is both misleading and degrading. We must therefore save ourselves and our fellow man in the right way. There is no question of liking or disliking the truth. It is there. If we want to be saved from repeated birth and death, we must take to the devotional service of the Lord. There can be no compromise, for this is a matter of necessity. .................................................................................... .................................................................................... kimfelix, you are on a forum where Personalist/Thiests are to be found. Most, especially myself went through the sastras that describe God as a formless cloud and/or temporary visiting devine form--but we Hare Krishna's have been rewarded by destinies with a Bone-fide Guru who first supplied us with transliterated sanskrit slokas from the Gita as it is. Also, His Devine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami provided us fools with all the equipment needed by fools to succeeded in conquering samsara and the ego and Maya. Thank you Srila Prabhupada, Thank you Bhaktivedanta Swami. Please bless kimfelix with a plate of Maha-prasadam remnants. Please bless kimfelix with the desire to seek the nectar of sanatana-Dharma. Please bless kimfelix with a friend who is a good as Arjuna who was your cousin. yours in Krishna's devotees' service, Bhaktajan

OFF TOPIC ALERT !!! BHAKTAJAN: THESE POSTINGS DO NOT RELATE TO THE THREAD TOPIC!!! On the other hand it nicely timed with today's headlines. Don't ya'll have real dharma to perform? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Quote: <TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 4.5pt 4.5pt 4.5pt 4.5pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.25in; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.25in; BACKGROUND: #e0e0e0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4.5pt; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 4.5pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid #666666 .75pt">Originally Posted by Kulapavana Post # 43 Srila Prabhupada would relate to others based on their conditioning, yet at the same time touching their soul. That is what people appreciate and need. In our preaching we are too often focusing on someone "joining" our camp, instead of merely trying to hep this person make a next step in spiritual life. There is usually no need to show that our tradition is better then the one this person is currently embracing. We just need to explain our tradition to them in a way they will understand and appreciate. Beating people over the head with strong arguments rarely works, even if our arguments are valid. We need to learn how to simply present the beauty of Krsna and the sweet nature of Krsna cosnciousness process. That is what attracts people and what changes their heart. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> I love this thinking. If you want to talk to Christians further then you can reach them through the teaching of Christ. Jesus totally was renounced to the things of this world and only approached the Lord for service. Help them break their attachment to the mundane world and encourage them to become more fervert in their devotion to Christ and The Supreme Lord. Even though the Bible has little information and much disinformation on the nature of the Lord if they become truly devoteed to Christ and try to follow His teachings they will go to planet that Prabhupada called Christ-loka and there receive further knowledge. This trying to make someone become a member of our camp is kanistha mentality. BHAKTAJAN: IT DOES NOT RELATE TO THE THREAD TOPIC!!! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. BHAKTAJAN: Oh look, this will really confuse these dudes . . . <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place> official: Muslims outnumber Catholics ‘For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top,’ monsignor says 3/31/08 AP updated 1 hour, 17 minutes ago <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">VATICAN CITY</st1:place></st1:State> - Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion, the Vatican newspaper said Sunday. "For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have overtaken us," Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the <st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place> newspaper L'Osservatore Romano. Formenti compiles the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s yearbook. He said that Catholics accounted for 17.4 percent of the world population — a stable percentage — while Muslims were at 19.2 percent. "It is true that while Muslim families, as is well known, continue to make a lot of children, Christian ones on the contrary tend to have fewer and fewer," the monsignor said. Formenti said that the data refer to 2006. The figures on Muslims were put together by Muslim countries and then provided to the United Nations, he said, adding that the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region> could only vouch for its own data. When considering all Christians and not just Catholics, Christians make up 33 percent of the world population, Formenti said. Spokesmen for the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region> and the United Nations did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment Sunday. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Quote: <TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 4.5pt 4.5pt 4.5pt 4.5pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.25in; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.25in; BACKGROUND: #e0e0e0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4.5pt; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 4.5pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid #666666 .75pt">Originally Posted by bhaktajan Post # 51 What the %$#@ does any of your postings have to do with the title of the thread? --this is a rhetorical question. If the original poster was ernest in wanting questions answered --then yooz guys can't "pay attention" for more than a few minutes at a time, correct? Please answer the requested questions, or else, there will be no chipatis and dahl. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> I believe that actually it does have something to do with the original question... It relates to the way our movement preaches and interacts with other religious groups. Too much negative preaching usually leaves a bad impression on people that is hard to reverse. BHAKTAJAN: IT DOES NOT RELATE TO THE THREAD TOPIC!!! PS: My Posting herein also has nothing to do with the topic!!! ~ But I digress: "Too much negative preaching usually leaves a bad impression on people that is hard to reverse." ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3ex; BORDER-TOP: #666666 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3ex; BORDER-LEFT: #666666 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #666666 1px solid" bgColor=#e0e0e0>Originally Posted by Pretender Beggar Prabhu, Please. This an earnest discussion amongst souls who really care about the tarnished reputation of Mahaprabhu's Sankirtan Mission and are also concerned about the suffering of others? </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <!-- END TEMPLATE: bbcode_quote --> Beggar is a good man, but sometimes his posts are a bit criptic and you have to know him to understand where he is coming from. <!-- / message -->.................................................................................................... What the %$#@ does any of your postings have to do with the title of the thread? --this is a rhetorical question. If the original poster was ernest in wanting questions answered --then yooz guys can't "pay attention" for more than a few minutes at a time, correct? Please answer the requested questions, or else, there will be no chipatis and dahl. ys, Bhaktajan

ANIMAL-RIGHTS CONNECTIONS Progress in the vegetarian movement has been paralleled by progress in the animal-rights movement. Two of the pioneer activists are Alex Pacheco and Ingrid Newkirk. They founded PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in 1980. It has since become the most prominent animal-rights group, and has been associated with aggressive, innovative events that keep animal issues in the public`s attention. Among its many activities was exposing the inhumane treatment of monkeys in a research lab in Silver Springs, an event that helped make the public question the use of animals in medical research. The group has many educational programs and publications; Newkirk`s book, Save the Animals: 101 Easy Things You Can Do (Warner Books, 1990) gives practical suggestions, including adopting a vegetarian diet. Among the many more recent books that have helped make people aware of the brutal ways in which animals are treated are Animal Factories (1990) by Peter Singer and Jim Mason, and The Case For Animal Rights (1983) and The Struggle for Animal Rights (1987) by philosophy professor, Tom Regan. Regan has become one of the strongest and most eloquent advocates for animal rights. Initially uninvolved, his life was changed when his pet dog was killed by a car and he read the non-violence writings of Gandhi and learned that "a fork can be a weapon of violence". Alex Hershaft, a holocaust survivor, decided to become involved in animal rights after seeing a ceremony involving the sacrifice of an animal carried out by a sect in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>. He formed FARM, Farm Animals Reform Movement, to help make people aware of the plight of animals. Under his dedicated direction, FARM has organized and carried out a number of annual consciousness raising events, including "The Great American Meatout", modeled after the American Cancer Society`s "Great American Smokeout", World Farm Animal Day on October 2, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, a "Ban Veal Campaign", and several animal rights' conferences. A number of fine animal-rights publications have kept activists up-to-date on recent ideas and events. Perhaps the first comprehensive one was Agenda, a quarterly publication, started and edited by Jim Mason, in 1979, to link the many animal rights groups that were starting at that time. Mason, co-author of Animal Factories (1980; updated edition, 1990) has been one of the most active supporters of animal-rights. In 1986, Agenda merged with the Animal Rights Network News to become The Animals` Agenda, an expanded magazine that is published 10 times a year. Looking at a copy of one of these well written and edited publications, one is amazed at the changes that have occurred since Jim Mason started Agenda as a limited handout in 1979. RELIGIOUS CONNECTIONS There has been much activity in religious communities, especially in the last decade, that have had great influence in furthering the vegetarian movement: 1. When my book, Judaism and Vegetarianism was first published in 1982, I felt that a case for Christian vegetarianism could relatively easily be built on it. However, when I spoke to some Christian vegetarian activists about this, they responded that there just wasn`t a strong enough case that could be based on the Christian tradition. Since then, however, there has been a virtual explosion of material relating Christianity to vegetarianism and animal rights. Among the many recent publications are Christianity and the Rights of Animals (1987) by Reverend Andrew Linzey, and Animals and Christianity - A Book of Readings (1988) edited by Rev. Linzey and Tom Regan, and Love the Animals (Meditations and Prayers) (1989), also edited by Rev. Linzey and Tom Regan. 2. The International Jewish Vegetarian Society was established in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">London</st1:City></st1:place> in 1965 by Philip Pick. He edited a quarterly publication, the Jewish Vegetarian , until his death in 1990. Many local Jewish vegetarian societies have been established and become affiliated with the International society. Eva and Israel Mossman coordinate the Jewish Vegetarians of North America and edit their quarterly newsletter . The group has many American chapters and is led by its president, <st1:place w:st="on"><ST1:PRabbi </ST1:PNoach </ST1:PValley</st1:place>. A course on "Judaism and Vegetarianism" was taught by activist Jonathan Wolf at Lincoln Square Synagogue in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> for many years. Two important books that present the case for vegetarianism based on Jewish teachings are Vegetarianism and the Jewish Tradition (1982) by Professor Louis Berman and Judaism and Vegetarianism (2nd edition, 1988) by this author. Roberta Kalechofsky, founder of Jews for Animal Rights, established Micah Publications to publish books on Jewish views on vegetarianism and animal issues. Among the books she has authored or edited are Rabbis and Vegetarianism (1995), Judaism and Animal Rights (1992) and Haggadah for the Liberated Lamb (1985). Her book, Vegetarian Judaism, is scheduled for publication in 1998. 3. Other religions have also seen recent vegetarian activities and publications. A Buddhist case for becoming vegetarian, To Cherish all Life ,was authored by Philip Kapleau, a Buddhist monk and Zen master (Roshi) for over 30 years. Other religioms that have had a positive impact on the vegetarian movement include the Jains, Hare Krishna, and the Seventh Day Adventists. The Adventists pioneered in the production of several innovative vegetarian meat substitutes that are still available today. 4. Two books that provide valuable, comprehensive overviews of religious views and activities related to vegetarianism are Replenish the Earth (1991) by Lewis Regenstein and Food for the Spirit (1986), by Steve Rosen. VEGETARIAN CELEBRITY ACTIVISTS The vegetarian cause has also been aided by a number of vegetarian celebrity activists. Perhaps the first celebrity to actively promote the vegetarian cause was comedian, Dick Gregory. He was raised on a very unhealthy, heavily meat-centered diet and weighed as much as 340 pounds before meeting a nutritionist who changed his life. He now advocates health and nutrition, primarily through eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. In support of a number of causes, including human rights, he has conducted extensive public fasts and even jogged across the country. His book, Dick Gregory`s Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat: Cookin` with Mother Nature (1973), uses humor to promote healthy eating. Recently, Gregory has become involved in helping people with serious overweight problems, and has developed and promoted the Bahamian Diet, a dairy-free, chemical-free diet aid. Another vegetarian celebrity activist, Casey Casem, is best known as the host of "American Top 40" and more recently "Casey`s Top 40". He actively advocates the vegetarian cause and has turned down many lucrative contracts for ads for products that exploit animals. He believes that people should stop eating animals for moral, ecological, and nutritional reasons. An activist vegetarian couple is Paul McCartney, the former Beatle, and his wife Linda. They are vegetarians primarily due to their commitment to animal rights. Paul dedicated a world tour in September, 1989 to helping the environmental cause. Linda has written a book, Linda McCartney`s Home Cooking: Quick, Easy and Economical Vegetarian Dishes for Today (1990), which has about 50 recipes for familiar foods using "fake meats" made of textured vegetable protein. Among the many other recent vegetarian celebrities are Meredith Baxter, Candice Bergan, Brigid Brophy, Ellen Burstyn, Cesar Chevez, Patti (Reagan) Davis, Sandy Dennis, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, Steven Jobs (former chairperson of Apple Computer and current head of Next, Inc.), Jeff Juliano (former "Ronald McDonald"), K. D. Lang, Madonna, Hayley Mills, Gary Null, Phylicia Rashad, Fred "Mister" Rogers, William Shatner, Ally Sheedy, Cicely Tyson, Lindsay Wagner, Alice Walker, Dennis Weaver, and Gretchen Wyler. William Shatner is the narrator of an influential early short film, "Vegetarian World", which later became available as a VHS video. Other recent factors that have also had an impact on the modern increased interest in vegetarianism include mainstream films, such as Academy Award nominee, "Babe", vegetarian videos, such as "Diet for a New America", that have been widely viewed, the rapid increase in health food stores and vegetarian restaurants, and vegetarian conferences and expositions, including the well attended "Whole Life Expos". The above is an all-too-brief tribute (in terms of the credit deserved) of some of the many often relatively unsung heroes that have helped make the modern vegetarian movement as dynamic as it is today. What the future holds, of course nobody knows, but based on recent history, it is probable that these people and groups and others will continue to be active to further the vegetarian cause. I would appreciate information about omissions in the above list, and more recent material that should be added.

A Brief Recent History of ffice:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> Vegetarianism FROM: http://www.jewishveg.com/schwartz/ushstry.html It has been said that, "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come." Based on the tremendous, almost incredible, progress that has recently been made in many aspects of the vegetarian movement, it can easily be said that its time has come. This article will discuss many of the important recent events and the (often unsung) heroes who contributed to them. Inadvertently, but inevitably, we will omit people and groups who deserve much credit, and we apologize in advance to them. (Most of this material was originally written in 1993, so it may not be completely up to date in all aspects.) BEGINNINGS In the mid 1970`s the vegetarian movement was only a pale shadow of what it is today; tremendous changes have occurred since that time. In 1975, the bi-annual World Vegetarian Congress was held in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Orono</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Maine</st1:State></st1:place>. It proved to be a turning point, because for the first time in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>, almost 1500 vegetarians got together and began to form alliances. Paul Obis started publishing Vegetarian Times in 1974. He began by distributing 300 copies of a 4-page typewritten free handout at Chicago-area health food stores. From his original $17 investment the magazine has steadily grown until today its circulation is about 350,000. Their special "Sweet 16 Issue" (December, 1990; Issue 160) gives many details about vegetarian events and personalities. At the conference at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Orono</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">Victoria</st1:State></st1:place> Moran, a vegetarian since 1969 and a contributor of articles to publications such as Well Being and Vegetarian World, met Paul Obis, who asked her to write for Vegetarian Times . Since then Ms. Moran has been contributing articles to that publication and other vegetarian and animal rights publications. Later she became a vegan, and wrote a comprehensive book on veganism, Compassion - The Ultimate Ethic (1985) She frequently speaks on various aspects of this diet, and she recently wrote The Love Powered Diet - When Willpower Isn`t Enough (1992) to show people how to move toward a healthier way of eating. PIONEERING BOOKS A book that was extremely influential in promoting the animal-rights cause was Animal Liberation, by philosopher Peter Singer (1975). Updated in 1990, it presented a scholarly, yet graphic, condemnation of factory farming and medical research. It has had a great influence in persuading many readers to reconsider their casual acceptance of meat eating and the abuse of animals. The vegetarian cause was furthered from the early 1970s by a number of pioneering books. These include Eating For Life by Nat Altman (1973), Food Reform: Our Desperate Need by Robin Hur (1973), The Vegetarian Alternative by Vic Sussman (1978), Vegetarianism: A Way of Life by Dudley Giehl (1979), and A Vegetarian Sourcebook by Keith Akers (1983). Each of these books helped make people aware of the many benefits of vegetarian diets, in such areas as health, the environment, conservation of resources, helping hungry people, and humane treatment of animals. Perhaps the most influential book that helped move many people (including the author of this article) to vegetarianism was the popular Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappe (1971). While it did not directly promote vegetarianism, it made many people aware that raising animals for food was extremely wasteful of land, grain, water, energy, and other resources, at a time when millions of people were dying annually due to hunger and its effects. Her book also introduced the concept of protein complementing, an approach she initially thought necessary for getting adequate protein. This theory has since been discredited, and Ms. Lappe abandoned it in the 10th anniversary revised edition of her book. Her research led her to become an activist for helping the hungry; along with Joseph Collins, she started the Institute for Food and Development Policy and wrote Food First: Beyond the Myth of Scarcity (1977), a comprehensive analysis of causes of world hunger and approaches to alleviating it. Under their direction, the Institute has produced many books and other educational material that have helped people better understand food and development issues. A recent extremely influential and popular book is Diet for a New America (1987), by John Robbins. While the book is well written and documented, perhaps its impact is largely due to the fact that Robbins, the only son of Irving Robbins, a founder and chief executive of the Baskin and Robbins ice cream empire, rejected a life of wealth and comfort in order to follow "his higher dream". Rather than perhaps discovering one more ice cream flavor, Robbins gave up an extremely affluent lifestyle, which included a swimming pool in the shape of an ice cream cone in his backyard, to devote his life to educating people about a diet that would result in healthier individuals and a healthier planet. He established a group, EarthSave, to help educate people on the benefits of vegetarianism. He has appeared on a number of popular television shows, including Donahue and Geraldo . His later book, May all Be Fed: Diet for a <st1:place w:st="on">New World</st1:place> (1992), addresses world hunger and the spiritual side of food, and promises to be another trendsetter. His most recent book addresses the American health-care industry, and why it focuses on cure of disease rather than prevention. Following in the footsteps of Diet for a Small Planet and Diet for a New America is another very important book, Beyond Beef (1992), by technology-author, Jeremy Rifkin. In devastating detail, it chronicles the tremendous health, environmental, and economic problems associated with the raising and consumption of beef. Rifkin also started a "Beyond Beef" coalition of environmental, nutrition, and anti-hunger groups in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> and other countries, that is dedicated to educating people with the goal of reducing beef consumption by 50% in 10 years. In 1997, Eric Marcus wrote a book, Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating which cogently summarizes the case for veganism. He has also written some cogent articles related to veganism and is currently (February, 1998) planning a major speaking tour of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> to promote veganism. Another book that promises to also have a major impact is Slaughterhouse, by Gail A. Eisnitz (1997). VEGETARIAN GROUPS Many vegetarian groups have been extremely important in furthering the vegetarian cause. Among the more important are the following: 1. The American Vegan Society (AVS), founded by Jay and Freya Dinshah in the early 1970s, is one of the oldest existing American vegetarian societies, excluding religious institutions. Since its inception, it has provided background information and support to many local vegetarian and vegan groups throughout the country. It publishes a periodic magazine, Ahimsa, which keeps its member abreast of vegan thought and events. 2. The North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS), an offspring of the AVS, pushes the vegetarian cause through publications, a quarterly Vegetarian Voice magazine, and an annual Vegetarian Summerfest, a gathering which attracts many outstanding vegetarian thinkers and speakers to make presentations. Many local vegetarian groups are affiliated with the Society. Among its dedicated leaders are Jennie Collura, president and editor of the Vegetarian Voice, and Brian Graff, vice president and Summerfest coordinator. 3. The Vegetarian Resource Group, founded by Charles Stahler and Debra Wasserman, started in 1982 as the Baltimore Vegetarians. The group has been rapidly expanding and becoming more influential recently. They publish The Vegetarian Journal 6 times a year and provide a great deal of material and books on nutrition and other vegetarian issues. Among their many publications are Simply Vegan (1991), I Love Animals and Broccoli (for children), Meatless Meals for Working People (1990), and Conveniently Vegan (1997). 4. The Vegetarian Union of North America (VUNA), a recently formed group, attempts to unite vegetarian groups throughout all of <st1:place w:st="on">North America</st1:place> in one group. They publish a periodic newsletter for individual and group members. Among their founding members is Keith Akers, author of Vegetarian Sourcebook . 5. Among the many young vegetarian activists is Pamela Teisler, who started the VivaVegie Society as a means to more actively advocate vegetarianism. She leads a group of fellow activists to populated areas wearing an outfit that says, "Ask me why I`m a Vegetarian", where they hand out a flyer, "101 Reasons Why I`m a Vegetarian", which she compiled based on facts in Diet for a New America by John Robbins and other sources. Her 1998 version is soon to be published. MEDICAL CONNECTIONS There have been a number of medical discoveries and publications that have had a positive impact on vegetarianism: 1. T. Colin Campbell, M. D. and others conducted a huge study of eating habits in various areas in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>, a project so comprehensive and significant that it was described by New York Times` nutrition writer Jane Brody as the "grand prix of epidemiology". It showed strong links between many health problems and high-fat, high-protein diets. 2. Dean Ornish, M. D. has done research that showed that severe heart problems that normally are treated by drugs and surgery can be reversed through a very low-fat diet, exercise, meditation, and stress reduction. In contrast, people in his control group, who followed the recommendations of the American heart association - no red meat, but chicken (without the skin) and fish instead, and up to 30 percent of calories from fat - did not improve; some stayed about the same, but most saw a worsening of their heart- related problems. His findings have been presented at conferences of the American Medical Association and have been published in his book, Dr. Dean Ornish`s Program for Reversing Heart Disease (1990). His pioneering work with vegetarianism and heart disease is already influencing the medical mainstream. His method is being used at six hospitals in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and Mutual of Omaha, a major provider of health insurance, reimburses policy holders who use the Ornish approach under supervision. His dietary approach proved to also be valuable for weight reduction, and he has written a book on this, with many recipes and dietary suggestions. 3. Neal Barnard, M. D., a psychiatrist, started a group, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which advocates medicine based on nutritious vegetarian diets and other positive life style changes, rather than reliance on animal experimentation and the use of drugs and surgery. His approach is given in his book, The Power of Your Plate (1990), in which he presents the views of many modern doctors who have practiced wholistic medicine. To counter the negative effects of the old "Basic Four Food Groups", with its heavy reliance on animal products, Dr. Barnard presented the "New Four Food Groups", which puts fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes at the center of the American diet. Dr. Barnard has recently written other nutrition books, including one on weight reduction, based on the use of the "New four food groups". 4. Among the more active modern doctors in promoting vegetarianism through talks, articles, and books is Michael Klaper, M. D. He is a very popular speaker at the annual Summerfest of the North American Vegetarian Society and other vegetarian conferences. He has written two books, Vegan Nutrition: Pure and Simple ( 1987) and Pregnancy, Birth and the Vegan Diet (also 1987). He has recently been speaking out on environmental threats related to animal agriculture. He is an advisor to several vegetarian groups on health and environmental issues. 5. Another activist and prolific vegetarian writer and speaker is John McDougall, M. D., who also speaks frequently at conferences and contributes articles to vegetarian and general publications. Among his books are The McDougall Plan (1983), written with his wife, Mary, and McDougall`s Medicine: A Challenging Second Opinion (1985), which show how vegetarian diets are the best way to be healthy. He has established a "McDougall Program" at <ST1:PSt. Helena </ST1:PHospital and Health center in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Dear Park</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">California</st1:State></st1:place>, where residents spend 12 days learning how to change to healthier lifestyles. He also publishes a newsletter and has produced several videos to help spread his nutritional findings. 6. In 1988, the American Dietetic Association came out with a position paper on vegetarianism, authored primarily by Suzanne Havala, R. D, a nutrition educator who has established a vegetarian dietitian group within the Association. For the first time, this respected national nutrition group indicated the nutritional advantages of vegetarian diets. In 1997, they came out with an even stronger statement on vegetarianism which discussed how vegetarian diets reduce the risk of several degenerative diseases. 7. One of the pioneers of vegetarian nutrition is George Eiseman who founded "Vegedine", an organization of vegetarian dieticians. He has published several books on the subject, frequently lectures at conferences, and has started a correspondence course on vegetarian nutrition. Many other nutrition, health, and recipe books also played a major role in the advancement of vegetarianism. Probably most important was Fit for Life, by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond (1985). While not exclusively vegetarian (in order to reach the widest possible audience, including meat-eaters), this best-selling book (about 3.5 million copies sold) brought their primarily vegetarian message to unprecedented numbers of people worldwide. Their second book, Fit for Life II: Living Health (1987) and Marilyn Diamond`s cookbook, The American Vegetarian Cookbook (1991) are strictly vegetarian and continue to promote natural-foods diets. Harvey Diamond`s recent book, Your Heart - Your Planet (1990), documents that meat-centered diets are harmful to our planet`s health, as well as that of individuals. Other diet-based books that have had great significance include: The Moosewood Cookbook and The Enchanted Broccoli Forest (1982) by Mollie Katzen, and The New Laurel`s Kitchen: A Handbook for Vegetarian Cookery and Nutrition by Laurel Robertson (1986). These and other recipe books are discussed in the Bibliography.

Monkeys & Rabbits have more sex then humans--for humans this is called gratification of the senses. The intelligence and the spirit soul are not satisfied by sex, only the ego is addressed in excess sexual engagements. ............................................................................................................................. Sri Isopanisad #13: It is said that one result is obtained by worshiping the supreme cause of all causes and that another result is obtained by worshiping what is not supreme. All this is heard from the undisturbed authorities, who clearly explained it. Purport by Bhaktivedanta Swami: . . . Nowhere in authentic scriptures is it said that one will ultimately reach the same goal by doing anything or worshiping anyone. Such foolish theories are offered by self-made “spiritual masters” who have no connection with the parampara, the bona fide system of disciplic succession. The bona fide spiritual master cannot say that all paths lead to the same goal and that anyone can attain this goal by his own mode of worship of the demigods or of the Supreme or whatever.

Originally Posted by kimfelix Namas te, Dark Warrior. This is the problem isn't it? If one has a particular preconception and then finds an Upanishad doesn't match that preconception, it is necessary to come up with an interpretation to show that the text doesn't actually mean what it appears to mean . . . .................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... NOTE: 1) The Upanisads are composed of expostions on the aspect(s) & ramifications of impersonal conceptions of Godhead's existance. 2) The Bhagavad-gita is considered to summary of all the Upanisads. 3) Sri Isopanisad is connected to the Yajur-veda, and, is also considered one of the 11 most important of the 108 upanisads. Sri Isopanisad #13: It is said that one result is obtained by worshiping the supreme cause of all causes and that another result is obtained by worshiping what is not supreme. All this is heard from the undisturbed authorities, who clearly explained it. Purport by Bhaktivedanta Swami: . . . Nowhere in authentic scriptures is it said that one will ultimately reach the same goal by doing anything or worshiping anyone. Such foolish theories are offered by self-made “spiritual masters” who have no connection with the parampara, the bona fide system of disciplic succession. The bona fide spiritual master cannot say that all paths lead to the same goal and that anyone can attain this goal by his own mode of worship of the demigods or of the Supreme or whatever. . . . “I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts [bG 10.8].” Here is a correct description of the Supreme Lord, given by the Lord Himself. . . . The Upaninads indirectly draw our attention to the primeval Lord, Sri Krsna, but the Bhagavad-gita, which is the summary of all the Upaninads, directly points to Sri Krsna. Therefore one should hear about Krsna as He is by hearing from the Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam, and in this way one’s mind will gradually be cleansed of all contaminated things. Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.2.17) says, “By hearing of the activities of the Lord, the devotee draws the attention of the Lord. Thus the Lord, being situated in the heart of every living being, helps the devotee by giving him proper directions.”

"God" = is the Coolest Guy ever and ever. [Got a problem with that?] There was a person who spent all his time seeking out the extent of his own prowess. He found that [actually he knew it instantly] he was unlimited and that there was only one of Him to be found. He was also the only one with a personality. So he sought out the extent of his potencies and as he did this created the cosmos and thus so many living entities to play with and he's been doing this always. He is the coolest Bon vivant, indeed he is the standard of coolness and sophistication and grace. He's also so good looking and amiable that everyone falls in love with him. Sometimes folks ask him permission to leave his company to pursue an independent path [ie: to start his own Rock Band] where they could pretent to be him. But then this coolest Guy is seen reflected in all things and so the Sojourner sees that wherever he goes he can't escape remembering the "Original Primeval Supreme Coolest Godhead". And so, the Sojourner, ironically feels cheated so, out of a perverted sense of determination, he tries harder to enjoy independently until he is smashed --thus again he recalls what the good life was like when all he had to do was be part of the coolest's entourage. Let get on the band wagon and jamb with the coolest--but remember that it takes practice, practice, practice. ys, bhaktajan