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Monday, 11 May 2009

There are no certainties in life, just probabilities

There are no certainties in life, just probabilities. The only certainty is death. Therefore, everyday what are we doing to prepare for death? Have we created a legacy to leave behind? Will we be remembered? Did we leave an impact? These are all elementary questions, to which the answer usually is 'no'. But then why not? Are we not good enough to leave a legacy, or did we choose not to be responsible for humanity? If there is one thing I have understood, it is that an ordinary human being can choose to be extraordinary. It is just a choice, either to choose that one is not good enough or to choose to leave an impact on humanity irrespective of ability. The greatest men and women who have walked this Earth have not been superhuman, but have merely chosen to let go of their excuses to make a difference. What will you choose?

There are no certainties in life, just probabilities

There are no certainties in life, just probabilities. The only certainty is death. Therefore, everyday what are we doing to prepare for death? Have we created a legacy to leave behind? Will we be remembered? Did we leave an impact? These are all elementary questions, to which the answer usually is 'no'. But then why not? Are we not good enough to leave a legacy, or did we choose not to be responsible for humanity? If there is one thing I have understood, it is that an ordinary human being can choose to be extraordinary. It is just a choice, either to choose that one is not good enough or to choose to leave an impact on humanity irrespective of ability. The greatest men and women who have walked this Earth have not been superhuman, but have merely chosen to let go of their excuses to make a difference. What will you choose?

Thursday, 7 May 2009

Illusion & Reality

It is not those things which make sense which make sense, it is those things which do not make sense which make sense. The difference is in illusion and reality. Reality is reality - what is real or physical. Illusion is a mental projection or stipulation which does not correspond to linear thinking. Thus the two are mutually exclusive, opposed yet complimentary. For without illusion, reality cannot exist and without reality there is no illusion. For those who live in illusion, illusion is reality, for those who live in reality, reality is never illusion. This is the fundamental difference between the two concepts. To live in reality is to live in consciousness, to live in illusion is to live in mental intrigues of the mind. Reality gives freedom, illusion creates bondage. Reality is love, illusion is hate.

If we are to create a world of peace we must seek to address our illusions and convert them into reality, giving us a clear and neutral picture of the past, present and future.

Sat Naam.

Illusion & Reality

It is not those things which make sense which make sense, it is those things which do not make sense which make sense. The difference is in illusion and reality. Reality is reality - what is real or physical. Illusion is a mental projection or stipulation which does not correspond to linear thinking. Thus the two are mutually exclusive, opposed yet complimentary. For without illusion, reality cannot exist and without reality there is no illusion. For those who live in illusion, illusion is reality, for those who live in reality, reality is never illusion. This is the fundamental difference between the two concepts. To live in reality is to live in consciousness, to live in illusion is to live in mental intrigues of the mind. Reality gives freedom, illusion creates bondage. Reality is love, illusion is hate.

If we are to create a world of peace we must seek to address our illusions and convert them into reality, giving us a clear and neutral picture of the past, present and future.

Sat Naam.

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

H1N1 Influenza in Española, New Mexico

Please Note: the information in this blog post is only correct as of Tuesday 6th May 2009 and will not be updated as more information becomes available.
For those coming to Summer Solstice Sadhana 2009 in Española, New Mexico (Between June 18 – June 27, 2009), I thought you may be interested to be aware of the current developing situation of H1N1 Swine Flu there. I've been keeping tabs on this from the New Mexico's Department of Health Page.

Firstly, for those who may be visiting New Mexico for the first time, New Mexico is not Mexico, where the H1N1 flu originated. New Mexico is a state of USA, whereas Mexico is a country. From each other the two places are around 2064 kilometers or 1283 miles apart (1), and so should not be confused together. New Mexico consists of 33 counties (5), and Española, where the Summer Solstice Sadhana takes place, sits between Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe County.

As of Tuesday 5th May 2009, currently in the state of New Mexico there are 3 confirmed cases of H1N1 and the New Mexico Department of Health is investigating a total of 24 probable cases (3). The 3 confirmed cases include an 18 year old male from Valencia County, and a 14 year old female and 15 year old male both from Sorocco County. All 3 of the confirmed people with the flu have since recovered (4). Thus, in the state of New Mexico no one has yet died from the virus.

The majority of the 24 probable cases are being investigated in Hidalgo County and Eddy County, totalling 15. In Española, which is in between Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe County, there are currently no probable or confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (4).

Also, to put the H1N1 influenza into the wider context of USA, New Mexico only accounts for 0.5% of cases in USA (2). The death rate of the H1N1 influenza in USA is 2 out of 642 confirmed cases (2). In other words, 1 out of every 321 people who contract the H1N1 influenza in the USA actually die. Both of the deaths from H1N1 happened in the state of Texas (2). As a comparison, in the USA every month on average 5310 people die from pneumonia/influenza, or 63,730 annually (6).

Put into context therefore, my personal unprofessional opinion is that the H1N1 virus is not as dangerous as the media has made out and does not pose as big a threat yet as other viruses out there. Nevertheless, prevention is better than cure, and so although there are no cases of H1N1 in Española, New Mexico yet, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following guidelines to limit the spread of the virus and stop it turning into a pandemic:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Sat Naam.

Sources
  1. Time and Date.com
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: H1N1 Flu
  3. New Mexico Department of Health: H1N1 Influenza Resources
  4. New Mexico Department of Health: H1N1 Update 5/5/2009
  5. Wikipedia: List of Counties in New Mexico
  6. Wrong Diagnosis.com

H1N1 Influenza in Española, New Mexico

Please Note: the information in this blog post is only correct as of Tuesday 6th May 2009 and will not be updated as more information becomes available.
For those coming to Summer Solstice Sadhana 2009 in Española, New Mexico (Between June 18 – June 27, 2009), I thought you may be interested to be aware of the current developing situation of H1N1 Swine Flu there. I've been keeping tabs on this from the New Mexico's Department of Health Page.

Firstly, for those who may be visiting New Mexico for the first time, New Mexico is not Mexico, where the H1N1 flu originated. New Mexico is a state of USA, whereas Mexico is a country. From each other the two places are around 2064 kilometers or 1283 miles apart (1), and so should not be confused together. New Mexico consists of 33 counties (5), and Española, where the Summer Solstice Sadhana takes place, sits between Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe County.

As of Tuesday 5th May 2009, currently in the state of New Mexico there are 3 confirmed cases of H1N1 and the New Mexico Department of Health is investigating a total of 24 probable cases (3). The 3 confirmed cases include an 18 year old male from Valencia County, and a 14 year old female and 15 year old male both from Sorocco County. All 3 of the confirmed people with the flu have since recovered (4). Thus, in the state of New Mexico no one has yet died from the virus.

The majority of the 24 probable cases are being investigated in Hidalgo County and Eddy County, totalling 15. In Española, which is in between Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe County, there are currently no probable or confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (4).

Also, to put the H1N1 influenza into the wider context of USA, New Mexico only accounts for 0.5% of cases in USA (2). The death rate of the H1N1 influenza in USA is 2 out of 642 confirmed cases (2). In other words, 1 out of every 321 people who contract the H1N1 influenza in the USA actually die. Both of the deaths from H1N1 happened in the state of Texas (2). As a comparison, in the USA every month on average 5310 people die from pneumonia/influenza, or 63,730 annually (6).

Put into context therefore, my personal unprofessional opinion is that the H1N1 virus is not as dangerous as the media has made out and does not pose as big a threat yet as other viruses out there. Nevertheless, prevention is better than cure, and so although there are no cases of H1N1 in Española, New Mexico yet, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following guidelines to limit the spread of the virus and stop it turning into a pandemic:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Sat Naam.

Sources
  1. Time and Date.com
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: H1N1 Flu
  3. New Mexico Department of Health: H1N1 Influenza Resources
  4. New Mexico Department of Health: H1N1 Update 5/5/2009
  5. Wikipedia: List of Counties in New Mexico
  6. Wrong Diagnosis.com

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Keeping the heart healthy

Recently I just started doing some running in the local park, and I've not ran for at least two years - properly at least. I have to say that I was absolutely exhausted after just 15 minutes of running non-stop and it made me realise how unhealthy I really am! I was getting blurred vision and felt quite sick - it took a few minutes to regain my composure. It's quite strange because I'm a lacto-vegetarian, I can do very difficult yoga sets and sit in meditation for an hour effortlessly, but to run for 15 minutes really is something else! For me it's been a real wake-up call, that no matter how young you are, no matter how much you meditate and do yoga, no matter how healthy your diet is, working the cardiovascular system is extremely important too - keeping the heart healthy is crucial.

I've now committed to doing at least 20-30 minutes of running everyday and after just a few days, running the same distance is getting easier and easier. It's really quite beautiful to be outside and enjoy the natural surroundings of the park, especially the trees. Whilst I'm running I'm listening to some music to keep me motivated, a bit of Aretha Franklin, Black Eyed Peas and Snatam Kaur. Whilst I'm running I try and keep focused on the mantra "Sat Naam" to avoid the mental excuses of "I can't run anymore" or "Just stop and walk for a bit" amongst many others. After finishing a run, I try and control the breath and breathe more deeply to expand the capacity of my lungs. I love it! I feel so free when I run! I can't think why I didn't start it sooner.

So, I shall keep you all updated on my progress. For now the question remains: what are you doing to keep your heart healthy? Please do not make the same mistake I did, regular exercise which works the cardiovascular system should be part of your routine. May we all remain healthy, happy and holy and keep a healthy body so we may house a healthy God. Sat Naam!

Keeping the heart healthy

Recently I just started doing some running in the local park, and I've not ran for at least two years - properly at least. I have to say that I was absolutely exhausted after just 15 minutes of running non-stop and it made me realise how unhealthy I really am! I was getting blurred vision and felt quite sick - it took a few minutes to regain my composure. It's quite strange because I'm a lacto-vegetarian, I can do very difficult yoga sets and sit in meditation for an hour effortlessly, but to run for 15 minutes really is something else! For me it's been a real wake-up call, that no matter how young you are, no matter how much you meditate and do yoga, no matter how healthy your diet is, working the cardiovascular system is extremely important too - keeping the heart healthy is crucial.

I've now committed to doing at least 20-30 minutes of running everyday and after just a few days, running the same distance is getting easier and easier. It's really quite beautiful to be outside and enjoy the natural surroundings of the park, especially the trees. Whilst I'm running I'm listening to some music to keep me motivated, a bit of Aretha Franklin, Black Eyed Peas and Snatam Kaur. Whilst I'm running I try and keep focused on the mantra "Sat Naam" to avoid the mental excuses of "I can't run anymore" or "Just stop and walk for a bit" amongst many others. After finishing a run, I try and control the breath and breathe more deeply to expand the capacity of my lungs. I love it! I feel so free when I run! I can't think why I didn't start it sooner.

So, I shall keep you all updated on my progress. For now the question remains: what are you doing to keep your heart healthy? Please do not make the same mistake I did, regular exercise which works the cardiovascular system should be part of your routine. May we all remain healthy, happy and holy and keep a healthy body so we may house a healthy God. Sat Naam!

Monday, 4 May 2009

Know yourself?

I always see people walking around with a certainty in where they are going and what they are doing. But do people really stop to think what they are doing? Personally I find it quite bizarre that we as a species assume we know what we are, but if we were ever to really stop and reflect in silence, it would reveal dimensions to ourselves we never knew even existed.

Ultimately, it is our basic goal to feel fulfilled, happy and joyous. And thus, is what we are doing everyday bringing us closer to that goal, or further away? Usually we tend to mistake those things which bring some degree of happiness as being a way to fulfilment. For example, recreational drugs, alcohol, relationships, job promotions, going on holiday, lots of money, friends and personal possessions. However, in the end these things cannot provide sustained happiness without negative side effects. For example, working hard to get a job promotion may bring lots of wealth and recognition, but the cost may be your aliveness, family time and health. Trying out recreational drugs may bring a buzz for 2 hours, but the cost is your health, time and money. All these things do bring happiness, but in order to sustain that happiness, the cost continues to multiply in its severity. Therefore, to reach the goal of happiness and to sustain it, none of these solutions are practical.

So what should we do? We should practice a tried and tested science for happiness - indeed this is what all spiritual teachers have taught, but overtime people have diluted the teachings, making it difficult to ascertain what is authentic. And so the quest for happiness lies in getting back to an original authentic science and then practising that science - such teachings are known as the eternal teachings for humankind. The eternal teachings are concerned with the heart and the head (mind).

The Heart
The heart-centre, located in the centre of the chest two and a half inches below the neck, is where God resides. God is everywhere but we can find Him in the heart. The heart-centre is an infinite source of love, joy and compassion. When people fall in love it is this centre which is activated and a person experiences bliss. Similarly, this experience gives a glimpse of the state of happiness which can be achieved through devotion to God. Devotion. There's no right or wrong way to love or worship God, so long as a person doesn't hurt others in the process. Love is love is love. Love is in sacrifice, communication and service. Sacrificing your own time to serve your higher self, communicating with God constantly through the heart-centre and serving others without intending for reward.

The Head/Mind
The mind is more precious than a diamond but treated worse than dust. The secret of the mind is that when it is clear it is as expansive as the universe and allows us to know the unknown, see the unseen and hear the unheard, but when it is dirty it makes us limited and becomes our worst enemy. All authentic spiritual practices should result in the purification of the mind's thought waves to bring it to stillness. There are many practices which do this, but one of the most effective of all in the current age is the chanting of the Name of God at the Third Eye (in between the two eyebrows) along with an awareness of the breath incoming and outgoing through the nose. Two eternal Names of God are Sat Naam (rhymes with But-Mom) meaning 'Truth is My Identity" or Wa-Hey-Guru which is an expression of complete intoxication in God.

Ultimately, it shall be God who gives us liberation through His Grace, and thus chanting the Name of God connects us back to the source of happiness and liberation. The single-pointed concentration at the Third Eye gives us direct access to our soul, so we may discover who we really are. Chanting Sat Naam gives us the power to discover the truth in all areas of our life and to control all the 5 elements of earth, fire, water, air and ether within the being to give command of our domain. Chanting Wa-Hey-Guru brings us to our origin so that we may see God in all and be intoxicated with love of God day and night, night and day, forever. These Names of God are universal and may be chanted by anyone, not just those practicing Sikh Dharma.

Conclusion
Until we purify the mind and connect to God in our heart, the eternal teachings explain that fulfilment is not possible. The heart and the mind are the two keys in unlocking a life of sustained happiness without negative side effects. By using these two keys it is possible to live a life free from all worry, anxiety, stress and pressure, irrespective of time, space or circumstance. If we are fortunate enough to come across an authentic science of happiness which deals with the heart and the mind, may we practice it and be fulfilled and then go on to help others find fulfillment.

Sat Naam.

Know yourself?

I always see people walking around with a certainty in where they are going and what they are doing. But do people really stop to think what they are doing? Personally I find it quite bizarre that we as a species assume we know what we are, but if we were ever to really stop and reflect in silence, it would reveal dimensions to ourselves we never knew even existed.

Ultimately, it is our basic goal to feel fulfilled, happy and joyous. And thus, is what we are doing everyday bringing us closer to that goal, or further away? Usually we tend to mistake those things which bring some degree of happiness as being a way to fulfilment. For example, recreational drugs, alcohol, relationships, job promotions, going on holiday, lots of money, friends and personal possessions. However, in the end these things cannot provide sustained happiness without negative side effects. For example, working hard to get a job promotion may bring lots of wealth and recognition, but the cost may be your aliveness, family time and health. Trying out recreational drugs may bring a buzz for 2 hours, but the cost is your health, time and money. All these things do bring happiness, but in order to sustain that happiness, the cost continues to multiply in its severity. Therefore, to reach the goal of happiness and to sustain it, none of these solutions are practical.

So what should we do? We should practice a tried and tested science for happiness - indeed this is what all spiritual teachers have taught, but overtime people have diluted the teachings, making it difficult to ascertain what is authentic. And so the quest for happiness lies in getting back to an original authentic science and then practising that science - such teachings are known as the eternal teachings for humankind. The eternal teachings are concerned with the heart and the head (mind).

The Heart
The heart-centre, located in the centre of the chest two and a half inches below the neck, is where God resides. God is everywhere but we can find Him in the heart. The heart-centre is an infinite source of love, joy and compassion. When people fall in love it is this centre which is activated and a person experiences bliss. Similarly, this experience gives a glimpse of the state of happiness which can be achieved through devotion to God. Devotion. There's no right or wrong way to love or worship God, so long as a person doesn't hurt others in the process. Love is love is love. Love is in sacrifice, communication and service. Sacrificing your own time to serve your higher self, communicating with God constantly through the heart-centre and serving others without intending for reward.

The Head/Mind
The mind is more precious than a diamond but treated worse than dust. The secret of the mind is that when it is clear it is as expansive as the universe and allows us to know the unknown, see the unseen and hear the unheard, but when it is dirty it makes us limited and becomes our worst enemy. All authentic spiritual practices should result in the purification of the mind's thought waves to bring it to stillness. There are many practices which do this, but one of the most effective of all in the current age is the chanting of the Name of God at the Third Eye (in between the two eyebrows) along with an awareness of the breath incoming and outgoing through the nose. Two eternal Names of God are Sat Naam (rhymes with But-Mom) meaning 'Truth is My Identity" or Wa-Hey-Guru which is an expression of complete intoxication in God.

Ultimately, it shall be God who gives us liberation through His Grace, and thus chanting the Name of God connects us back to the source of happiness and liberation. The single-pointed concentration at the Third Eye gives us direct access to our soul, so we may discover who we really are. Chanting Sat Naam gives us the power to discover the truth in all areas of our life and to control all the 5 elements of earth, fire, water, air and ether within the being to give command of our domain. Chanting Wa-Hey-Guru brings us to our origin so that we may see God in all and be intoxicated with love of God day and night, night and day, forever. These Names of God are universal and may be chanted by anyone, not just those practicing Sikh Dharma.

Conclusion
Until we purify the mind and connect to God in our heart, the eternal teachings explain that fulfilment is not possible. The heart and the mind are the two keys in unlocking a life of sustained happiness without negative side effects. By using these two keys it is possible to live a life free from all worry, anxiety, stress and pressure, irrespective of time, space or circumstance. If we are fortunate enough to come across an authentic science of happiness which deals with the heart and the mind, may we practice it and be fulfilled and then go on to help others find fulfillment.

Sat Naam.