translation and commentary by Smt. Savitri Puram 

 Repetition of Bhagavaan’s names purifies our mind and guides us to the Ultimate Truth. 

Introduction 

Njanappaana can be considered as the Bhagavad Gita of Malayalees. This is a Darshanika kaavyam or philosophical poem expressed in the most simple Malayalam language for ordinary people. Poonthanam Nambudiri, an ardent devotee of Shri Guruvayurappan, transformed his unbearable sorrow from his infant son’s death into a “yogavishesham”. He used this sad experience to build his Bhakthi soudham or house of devotion and opened it for all devotees for all time. Even though the language is very simple, this njaanappana, or song of wisdom deals with the essence of all vedas and upanishads. May Bhagavan Guruvayurappan, Bhagavathy Sarswathi Devi and Sri Poonthaanam Nambudiri bless us to become wiser by going through this great Song of Wisdom!!

This is continued from

 Part One: http://luthar.com/njanappaana-1
 Part Two:   http://luthar.com/njanappaana-2 
Part Three:  http://luthar.com/njanappaana-3 
Part Four:  http://luthar.com/njanappaana-4th/ 
Part Five:   http://luthar.com/njanappaana-5/  
Part Six:      http://luthar.com/njanappaana-6/

Ithra kaalamirikkuminiyennum 
Sathyamo namukkethumonnillallo 

Some people walk around shamelessly talking and quarrelling about their status (sthaanam) and pride (maanam) (first two lines). Some people walk around thinking too much about ego (madam) and rivalry (rivalry) and loose their mind (mathi) over that (lines three and four). Some people visit coquettish women’s house (chanchalaakshimaar veetukalil pukku) and dance to their tunes like a circus monkey (kunchiramanaai aatunnu). Some people serve in King’s palaces and show off ( lines seven and eight). Some people do pooja all day for survival (lines nine and ten). Some people do not even give food or feed own mother, father and wife (lines eleven ans twelve). Some people do not see their wife whom they married with the fire as witness, even in their dream (lines thirteen and fourteen).

“Shtaanam” has more than one meaning: title or status or place. “Maanam also has two meanings: pride and measure. Some people are very conscious of their status, title, their birth in a good family etc and do not want to socialize with people whom they think belong to lower status in the society. With undue pride and arrogance they fight with everybody to make the life of themselves and the lives of everybody around miserable. Also fights break out about issues such as what belongs to whom, about how much area of land belongs to one, about the correct and incorrect measurements of different things etc. Finally these immature people when they meet with failures or disappointments or undesirable results, they shamelessly walk around as if nothing has happened.

When one becomes proud of his status and accomplishments, arrogance and rivalry also takes birth in his mind. This leads one to act with out the power of discrimination. “Mathi” is intelligence which gives a balanced mind. So Poonthaanam says that with arrogance and an attitude of unhealthy competition, one turns off their lamp of intelligence and moves in the darkness of ignorance.

Some immature people driven by lust become womanizers and act like circus monkeys dancing to the tune of pretty women. Some others take pride in serving and pleasing the rich kings and landlords and decorate themselves lavishly to express their status. The word “Njeliyunnu” indicates that they forget themselves and show off like a fool.

Some other people use prayers, worship and any knowledge they have acquired as a means to make both ends meet. They do pooja, homams and yanjnaas only with the remuneration in mind. They do it like a business for survival. These group of people make Sankaraachaaryar’s words meaningful: “udaranimittham bahukrutha vesham” – different outfits to feed the stomach. These people go from house to house doing pooja mechanically from dawn to dusk and with never ending desires negotiate for money and other gifts or Dakshina. The word “shanthi” indicates the job as a priest with fixed income. If the priest is not doing the pooja sincerely, then it is just like any other job for survival. Some priests accepts “shanthi” in several temples and then everything is done in a hurry. Poonthaanam is teasing these type of people in lines nine and ten.

Another group of people do not even care for their parents, wife and children. They do not worry about their welfare or feeding them properly with nourishing food. This selfish and irresponsible people make the lives of their families miserable. According to Hindu Dharma, parents are “prathyaksha daivam” or God personified in the form of parents and Poonthaanam says that forgetting that truth is one of the greatest sins. All Hindu marriages are performed with Lord Agni as witness. While taking saptapadi or seven steps with the bride, bridegroom promises:

“O dear damsel, by the first step may Lord Vishnu bless us with plenty of food, by the second step with bodily strength, by the third step success in the performance of all vows, by the fourth step happiness, by the fifth step cattle and all other wealth, by the sixth step may all the seasons be favourable to us, by the seventh step may Lord Vishnu bless that we may together perform all the ordained Vedic rites successfully. By taking seven steps with me you have become my most intimate friend and well-wisher. I shall never swerve from this relationship. God has united us. We shall perform all our actions together with mutual love and full faith in each other. We shall always be of one mind. We shall perform all our religious duties together. We are complementary to each other. May we have good progeny and prosperity” (with immense gratitude, I have taken this part from respected S.N Sathriji’s Geocities site)

It is deplorable to ignore the wife after all these promises one made in front of Agni bhagavan. If they do not take care of their own wife, definitely we can guess what  they are up to. “Even in dream they do not think of their wives” indicates the seriousness of the situation.

Poonthaanam expressed all these ideas in a teasing or ridiculing way, but he brings the seriousness back by reminding us to chant Bhagavaan’s divine naamam so that we will not belong to the above group of people. Nammasankeerthanam will purify our mind and take us far away from these kind of people. Naamasnakeerthanam will bless us with satsangam.

Sathukkal kandu sikshichu chollumbol
Sathruveppole krudhikkunnoo chilar
Vandithanmaare-kkaanunna nerathu
Nindichathre parayunnithu chilar; 
Kaanka nammude samsaaram kondathre
Viswameevannam nilpuvennum chilar 
Brahmanyam kondu kunthichu kunthichu
Brahmavu-meni-kkokkayennu chilar 
Ardhaasaykku viruthu vilippaan
Agnihothraathi cheyyunnithu chilar 
Swarnangal navaratnagale-kkondum
Ennam koodaathe vilkkunnithu chilar

Sajjanaas or good people see this and advise them, they see them as enemies and get angry with them (lines fifteen and sixteen). Some people when they see individuals who are worthy of respect, behaves disrespectfully.(lines seventeen and eighteen). Some people think that the whole universe has a stable existence because of their capability to talk (lines nineteen and twenty). Some people think that they are better than even Brahma because of their undue pride as a Brahmana (lines twenty one and twenty two). Some people do Yanjnas like Agnihothram to get money and titles (lines twenty three and twenty four). Some people sell huge quantities of gold and gems (to make money with out limit) (last two lines).

We should be very blessed to meet mahaatmas or great souls. When we get such a chance we should pay respect to them and seek their advice and blessings to advance ourselves in our spiritual path. Instead some egoistic people treats them disrespectfully. Poonthanam is hurt to see such people wasting their precious life in ignorance.

When somebody tries to act like he is the most indispensable individual, often he is compared to a house lizard sitting on the ceiling. If the lizard thinks that he is the one who supports the ceiling, what is more ridiculous than this? But in real life, Poonthanam says there are people who really think and act as if they are the architects of the destiny of everybody in this world. He ridicules them saying that they think the stability of the universe rests in the words that come out of their mouth.

A Brahmin is a person who has the highest spiritual knowledge (brahmavidya). It is a very difficult process of discipline of body, mind and senses, and people irrespective of their birth or class, who successfully completes this spiritual training are recognized as brahmins. Athri maharshi says:

“By birth, every man is a Shudra (an ignorant person). Through various types of disciplines (samskaras), he becomes a dwija (twice born). Through the studies of scriptures, he becomes a vipra (or a scholar). Through realization of supreme spirit(brahmajnana), he becomes a brahmin.”

Poonthaanam says that some who are not Brahmins in the real sense of the word (with out spiritual knowledge), takes pride in their false Braahmanyam and acts as if they are superior even to Brahma Devan!! In other words, they raise their false Brahminhood even above Brahma!

When people perform yaagas or yanjnaas, they get different titles. These titles are only to show how knowledgeable they are. Because of their knowledge ordinary people show lot of respect for them by giving gifts and money as dakshina. But some people do yaagaas and get the titles like Agnihothri for the sole purpose of collecting money and gifts. They see it as a money making business. Desire for money (arthaasha) eliminates the element of spirituality in performing the yaagaas like Agnihothram.

When one sells things like rice, vegetables etc for profit, their desire for money can be some what justified because they are at least selling things people need to survive. As long as they do not exploit the clients, we can see an element of “helping others attitude” or “Paropakara manasthithi” in that. But what if somebody sells limitless quantity of gold and gems? They are doing this only to make money and in reality they are encouraging client’s attachment to those material possessions. They who sell these in abundance are actually pulling ignorant people more towards materialism and Poonthanam says there is no dharmam or punyam in their action.

Poonthaanam ridicules several kinds of people that he see around him. He is sad that they are wasting their precious time. He hopes these lines ridiculing different kinds of people will help to open the eyes of at least some fortunate and blessed people and they will turn to Bhagavan. He begs us to start chanting naamam and promises that it will guide us through out our journey of life and lead us to salvation.

Krishna! Krishna! Mukunda! Janardana!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbI4Uk8fSYk&feature=player_embedded

Samasthaaparadham kshamaswa
Sreekrishnaarpanamasthu

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• The Gospel of Jesus Decoded: Christ and Kundalini, Part 1 by Michael Bowes

The last article I wrote, titled “Depression – Lifting the Cloud with Natural Medicine”, asked for something more. I have decided to interview 8 people of different faiths, cultures and careers. My question to them was: “What makes you happy and what keeps you antidepressant-free?” Let’s get going and explore this wealth of answers!

“Most of us spend our whole lives in veiled search for the only two things we really want. Those are to be loved and happy. We wrap this search into a lifetime of actions, events, things and people. If I could just have a little more free time, I would be happy. If I just had a little more money, I would be happy. If I could get a new car, I would be happy.” These are the first thoughts of Dr. Rodney Dunetz, an Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Boca Raton, Florida. He continues by explaining how helping others is at the core of true happiness: “I too, did this dance for much of my life. Then I realized, it was not the getting of my “stuff” that made me happy, it was the no longer wanting the “stuff”. I realized at the end of my life, I was going to give all my stuff back. I didn’t even get to keep my body. I give that back too. The stuff only made me a little happy and for a little while. And when I really looked at my life, I realized what truly made me happy was helping others. I embraced the idea of helping others. I made helping others a priority in my life and found my path to happiness. The more happiness I give, the more happiness I get. May you find your happiness, may you find your path. The truth is they’re one in the same.” He beautifully ends his thoughts by quoting Rabindranath Tagore: ”I slept — and dreamed that life was joy. I woke — and saw that life was but service. I served – and understood that service was joy.”

Dr. Martha Lucas holds a PhD in Psychology; she is a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, teacher, and author, and has a practice in Denver, Colorado. She begins by summarizing all that brings her happiness in one single sentence: “My life is so full and, in part, it is gratitude that makes me happy.” She goes on through every major aspect of her life showing us how every day and every moment can be lived at its fullest: “Wonder - I have beautiful, healthy grandsons who fill my heart with joy and whose wonder about the world is so sweet to watch.  There’s a line in one of Neil Young’s song I am a Child that says, “you can’t conceive of the pleasure in my smile”.  That is a perfect description of how I feel when I watch the young ones wonder at the world; their smiles are so sweet and innocent. Service/Career - as a Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I see all manner of illness and pain.  This often makes me very grateful for my good health and that of my family.  Having the ability using this wonderful medicine to help someone who has given up on life is very rewarding.  Further, knowing the energetic effects of antidepressants make me want to avoid taking them; for the most part, we can treat emotional distress using acupuncture and herbal prescriptions rather than relying on pharmaceuticals. Nature - I love the outdoors, sunlight, moonlight, the quiet after a deep snowfall … I think that it is important to truly “see” those experiences. Sometimes we take the burst of Spring for granted but it is so rewarding to appreciate all the new growth, sweet smells, warm sun on your skin. Relationships - my children, husband, good friends, and students, all add wealth to my life. Don’t get me wrong; I have stresses and disappointments just like most other people.  The bottom line is though that this moment is in a real sense, the only moment.  Therefore I do my best to enjoy the moment and put worry aside.”

Dr. Cynthia O’Donnell is the CEO of the East West College of Natural Medicine, Sarasota, Florida, and has been in the Natural Medicine field for 25 years; she is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Acupuncture Physician, she has extensive training in Taoist longevity exercises such as Qi Gong and has had full training as a Classical Homeopath. Cynthia answered the following to my question: “I have been lucky in my life in that I had an incredibly happy childhood, and my disposition has always been positive. I have incorporated classical constitutional homeopathic treatment, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage and herbs and nutrition into my lifestyle as health maintenance therapies and I have exercised regularly my entire life. I also have guided my life with spiritual principles and have been blessed to enter the career of my choice and be successful at it. However, I did once become terribly depressed for a long period of time after having received anesthesia for surgery. For that, I received healing sessions of external qi healing (a hands on healing technique similar to reiki) from a Taoist master and I was cured. After having been depressed for several months, with sluggishness and excessive tiredness, three external qi gong treatments had my friends marveling at the difference.”

Dr. Harsh Luthar, PhD, professor in Providence, Rhode Island, and the founder of HarshaSatsangh based on Ahimsa (the philosophy of nonviolence) and the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, states that “In terms of what happiness means, I am not sure it is a transient stage where some external thing or force can make us happy or unhappy. In Advaita, we use the term the Sahaj state or the natural state of the Self.” He feels that reading his article called “Easy and Natural is the Way” posted on his personal blog site, will describe more of his underlying orientation.

Claire Bangasser from San Juan, Puerto Rico, holds a Masters in Human Resource Development and a Masters in Pastoral Studies, with a focus on Feminist Theology. She is a passionate writer and she is sharing her first contact with depression and antidepressants: “I have friends who have to take anti-anxiety pills for long whiles to help them cope with their daily life. I may never have suffered from a depression because I understand that it is a real illness. On the other hand, when I was a child, I saw my mother taking sleeping pills and tranquilizers to escape a life that she did not like. I saw her groggy and no long remembering where she was. Once, I had to guide her to the bathroom as she was too lost to find it by herself. Having seen what pills did to her, I have never had any desire to follow her path. Strangely enough, it is also my mother who has taught me to look at the small ways Life blesses each of my days: a bird on the window sill, the blueness of the sky, the balminess of the wind. Thus, possibly, the attention I give to the moment helps me enjoy life more than others and prevents me from falling into a funk.  Finally, I remember reading psalms of praise when feeling really down some years back. I praised God despite my deep fear of what was to come. This had a way of lifting me up and place me just a little above the fear itself.”

My dear sister, Mariana Corca, B.Sc, nun at the Valeni Monastery, Romania, for over 10 years, is sharing her view by quoting the devout Paisie of Mount Athos, “Psychiatric clinics would be empty if Christians would confess sincerely, humbly and reverently to an experienced confessor, who may even be a little harsh. No one would then experience anxiety, troubles and great temptation, as you should know they all arise from selfishness, disobedience and bad thoughts…” She continues by showing her gratitude for the simple joys of life, “I praise God for the world he created, for the snowdrops and violets already into bloom these first days of March, and for the snowflakes which seem to have forgotten winter is gone and are joyfully dancing in the air.”

Iuliana Olteanu from Brasov, Romania, B.A. and Certified Translator in 3 languages, is my cousin and best female friend. Iuliana truly lets love shine through her words. “When it comes to happiness, I have come to realize that we pursue it so eagerly in the wrong places, being blissfully unaware that in trying to cope with our daily routine, we have become blind to wonderful things right under our nose. As soon as things do not turn out as we wish, we tend to jump to conclusions, dramatize things and whine about being unhappy, and even envy others who SEEM to have a happier lot. Experience has taught me that situations having a quite black picture often result in the happiest outcome. I am truly blessed and thankful to have learned lately the most wonderful lesson, which is seeing life again through the innocent eyes of a child. Since my own eyes have started to betray me, I will from now on rely more on the apple of my eye, Sara-Marie.”

Finally, Dr. Catalin Buiu, PhD and professor in Bucharest, Romania, has practiced Integral Yoga since 1992. Here is his answer to my question: “there are a lot of reasons for me to be happy, and none to be unhappy. I’d even go so far as to say that the mere fact that I can answer this quite inspired question and share a bit of my innermost feelings makes me happy. As I was thinking about all these reasons, I’ve come to realize that behind them there must be an ultimate reason. It has to do with the fact that I am intuitively aware and many times I happen to directly feel the divine presence inside my being, that eternal spark bestowed upon me by God the Father, the individual Supreme Self. It is to me an inexhaustible source of beauty, harmony, hope and love. How could I ever be unhappy or unsure of my spiritual destiny and myself now that I feel I am Everything?”

The truth is, WE ALL HAVE A CHOICE. This being said, I have nothing more to add and I’d better leave you to meditate upon all these thoughts! Maybe you too would care to share your experience with the quest for happiness?

Click on each person’s name to learn more about them and read part I of this article “Depression – Lifting the Cloud with Natural Medicine”.

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Could this be the reason why the latest research shows such a high number of Americans – 1 in 5 – are feeling depressed? Well, it is one of the reasons, to be sure. Do the antidepressant drugs really work? The latest research is contradictory, some of the studies showing that drug therapy works no better than placebo for light to moderate depression, having some better results in severe depression. Anyway, talking about research on drug therapies or their side effects is not what I had in mind for this article.

Moreover, my first instinct was to give you some statistics – and there are plenty when it comes to depression. But if you are reading this article because you or a loved one is feeling depressed, I bet statistics become just a bunch of meaningless figures to you. This is why my article will focus on the safe and effective solutions that natural medicine has to offer.

Depression has got this bad reputation, as it is generally associated only with negative thoughts. Depression could actually be compared to physical pain – is pain our enemy? No, because it lets us know we need to take care of ourselves. Likewise, a sense of depression is a symptom prompting us to solve or deal with certain emotions, such as sadness, grief, anger, etc. This makes sense, as depression often co-exists with panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and compulsive-obsessive behavior. So, what is to be done? Severe or not, depression can be debilitating and can make life feel like a punishment. It is in our nature to always be happy so let’s find out how to achieve and maintain that happiness.

Yoga – The Ultimate Depression Remedy

There is extensive evidence that yoga not only lifts up the spirit but also quiets the mind, which helps deal with our daily life, from relationships at work or home to living a life full of joy – but most importantly to achieve that higher and deeper purpose that ultimately is what can keep us happy every day.

The April 2009 Issue of Harvard Health Publications published a comprehensive article called “Yoga for Anxiety and Depression”[i] where a few studies show that yoga not only improves well-being but also decreases the threshold response to stress and pain.

Yoga is a discipline that combines breathing exercises, various yoga positions, and meditation. All of these bring awareness to your whole being and if practiced consistently, enormous benefits could be seen in each aspect of your life.

Let yoga become part of your life; try different teachers and styles to find out which one fits you best. Hard to quiet your mind during meditation? There are different ways to meditate, from listening to music to visualizing techniques, from specific focus points to, why not, chanting. Again, let your inner wisdom guide you in finding which meditation technique is more appropriate if you are a beginner.

Massage – Advanced Manual Techniques for Any Emotional Trauma

Both physical and emotional traumas are stored within the soft tissues complex – more exactly the soma. The emotions are retained and many times suppressed for our whole life in the non-conscious level. They really act like a protection mechanism, trying to keep us away from painful memories – but this will only cover the problem and not solve the core issue. The SomatoEmotional Release concept promoted by Dr John E. Upledger suggests that traumas are stored within different parts of the body.

The SomatoEmotional Release processes are often triggered by techniques such as CranioSacral Therapy and Myofascial Release. The proper and skilful stretching and activating of the fascia through Myofascial Release can help let go much of the stored emotion and lead to spontaneous healing[ii]. It creates the perfect environment for healing and when the patient is ready, facilitation of moving ahead and letting go of past issues becomes easier to handle. Moreover, the fascia is strongly connected to the CranioSacral rhythm[iii]. So, these two therapies work beautifully together and can lead to deep relaxation, which is ultimately the perfect environment for resetting and bringing awareness within our whole being.

Acupuncture – Emotions Uncovered

Chinese Medicine sees emotions as associated with specific organs of our system. The liver does not only consist of the organ itself as known in Allopathic Medicine, but also of its associated energy. Furthermore, it also has emotions associated with it – liver for example is specifically related to anger and depression. However, each of the organs can be linked to depression. For example, kidneys are strongly related to fear, spleen to rumination and disappointment, heart to fear of being hurt, and lung to grief and sadness.

When the acupuncture meridians are activated, either with needles or with Myofascial Release, the organ systems are regulated, and depression and emotional upset is thereby solved. Keep in mind that long-term excessive emotions, be they anger, depression, or over thinking, will sooner or later disturb physiological processes such as digestion. So, be kind to yourself!

A recent study[iv] has shown that acupuncture is even effective against depression during pregnancy. This makes acupuncture a very valuable tool, as pregnancy is a very sensitive period, where more natural and safe remedies are preferred for the safety of both the fetus and the mother.

Herbs

St. John’s Wort has definitely enjoyed the most attention as regards the treatment of depression. Studies have show that it can be effective in mild to moderate depression. However, practice caution when taking St. John’s Wort as increased photosensitivity occurs when ingested. In addition, it should not be taken concurrently with antidepressants.

Chinese formulas are prescribed according to the pattern found after proper diagnosis. Treating the root of the imbalance leads to long-term and effective results.

Other remedies known to bring relief in depression are Kava Kava, Valerian root, Ginseng, and Gingko biloba. From the Ayurvedic Medicine, some of the mixtures thought to have an effect on the mood are shavateri (asparagus racemosus), jatamansi (nordostachys jatamansi), brahmi (gotu kola), and gudachi (tinospora cordifolia)[v].

Always consult a licensed herbalist for proper diagnosis and safe combination of herbs.

Homeopathy

Classical Homeopathy offers an excellent choice for all types of depression. A session with a Classical Homeopath to assess your constitutional remedy can not only help with your mood but also influence your personality and your genetic predispositions. The right homeopathic remedy can truly go deep to the core of the problem, bringing long-term results. In addition, such remedies are one of the best choices, as they are totally safe and free of side effects, and can be taken together with other treatments without fear of drug interactions.

Nutrition & Supplements

B Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids are important factors in dealing with depression. A whole food diet is crucial in keeping balanced and reaching homeostasis – emotionally and physically.

Nature and Healing

Spend time outdoors, take a walk everyday and remember to breathe. 10 minutes spent in nature is more valuable than you can imagine.

As this is such a special topic, it really deserves more attention. While writing this article, it has dawned on me that nothing is more powerful than other people’s testimonials. I am honored to have interviewed 8 people of different faiths, carriers, and cultures.

They are all sharing a glimpse of their happiness with us, so don’t miss the second part of this article.

Coming soon! Depression – Secrets Unveiled

www.elitehealthplex.com

Reference:

[ii] Barnes F.J., (2000).Healing Ancient Wounds, The Renegade’s Wisdom. Paoli, PA: Rehabilitation Services.

[iii] Upledger E. J. (1996). SomatoEmotional Release and Beyond. Palm Beach Gardens, FL: UI Publishing

[iv] Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (2010, February 4). Acupuncture found effective against depression during pregnancy.

[v] Cherniak P, Cherniak N. (2003). Alternative Medicine for Elderly. New York: Springer

Disclaimer

The information on this blog is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained on this blog should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this blog, nor does Elite HealthPlex Blog make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Elite HealthPlex Blog, its employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this blog or any of the information available on this blog.

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But before exploring the details of Kundalini in the Judeo/Christian scriptures, I would like to introduce the subject by examining the authentic and original message of Jesus.  Unless one understands Jesus’ core message it will not be possible to see how Kundalini is the key to his teaching.  The original message of Jesus was lost in translation, couched in symbol and metaphor and obscured by time, and has never been commonly understood.  Today there are many different Christian sects with vastly different interpretations of Jesus’ sayings.  How then is it possible to decipher the mystery so long after the fact?  To determine the original and authentic message of Jesus, as well was the involvement of Kundalini; we will examine his words in the original languages that the Bible was written in – Hebrew and Greek.  And then we can compare his message to the teachings of other spiritual luminaries such as Shankara, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Ramakrishna, and others.  We will discover that the great spiritual teachers all agree on the most sacred essence of spirituality.

And what is his fundamental message?  In the Bible when Jesus uses the word “gospel”, which usually means message, the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” or “Kingdom of God” is always present in the same sentence or passage.  So Jesus’ message is that the “The Kingdom of Heaven/God is within you.”

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

– Luke 17:20, 21

Jesus did not teach that he had come to earth to be a sacrifice for men’s sins.  He proclaimed the amazing message of the Kingdom of Heaven.  He also commanded his disciples to proclaim the message of the Kingdom of Heaven/God, and as far as I know he did not instruct them to preach anything else.  But what is the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God?

In the Bible the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” is translated from the Greek words BASILEIA OURANOS.  BASILEIA is translated as “kingdom”.  According to Thayer’s Lexicon the primary meaning of BASILEIA is “royal power”.  Power creates and sustains a “kingdom”.  Without power a kingdom cannot exist.  Without power a king is nothing.  That is why the word “kingdom” is actually a secondary definition of BASILEIA.  BASILEIA is feminine gender and its primary meaning is “royal power” or “governing power”. 

When Jesus replied to the disciples about the coming of the Kingdom (Acts 1:8), he stated that they would “…receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”  By this statement Jesus related the “kingdom” to a “spiritual power”.

Jesus expressed the same fact in Mark 9:1.

And He was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

The apostle Paul asserted the same truth:

For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.

– First Corinthians 4:20

It is obvious from the primary definition of the word BASILEIA and its use in the scriptures, that it can be translated as “royal power or governing power”.  In this sense BASILEIA is very similar to the definition of SHAKTI.  According to the Monier-Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary the word SHAKTI, usually translated as “divine power” (feminine), also means “regal power” and “feminine or procreative energy”.

The word “heaven” in the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” is translated from the Greek word OURANOS.  The definition of OURANOS is—UNIVERSE.  In old English the concept of the universe was expressed as “the heavens”.  Somewhere along the way the plural expression “heavens” was replaced by the singular expression—“heaven”.  The attempt to translate or interpret OURANOS–“universe” as “heaven” (singular), is totally erroneous and misleading.

The biblical Greek phrase BASILEIA OURANOS should translate as—“the DIVINE POWER OF THE UNIVERSE”.  Jesus’ message was about the “power of the universe”, The Cosmic Lord; not about an “earthly kingdom” or a “paradise” to be enjoyed after death.  Jesus taught that the “divine power of the universe” or the “power of God” is within you.  Jesus taught a version of pantheism (worship or reverence of the universe and nature).  But Jesus also taught that the very power that manifests itself as the Universe is within you, and can be experienced within one’s self and that it IS one’s true SELF – the Self of All.  He referred to this experience as the New Birth.  The concept of the New Birth is also found in Hinduism, and is expressed as DWIJA (the twice-born).

A microcosm of the universe, the universal ocean of power and bliss, dwells within one’s own heart.  The sum total of all of the light, power and bliss that is manifested throughout the entire macrocosm can be experienced within the Spiritual Heart, which is the same as one’s own Self.

Please consider the following quotations from various sources:

7:5.  This is My lower nature.  But, different from it, know, O mighty Arjuna, My higher nature—the Indwelling Spirit by which the universe is sustained.

7:6.  Know that these two form the womb of all beings.  I am the origin of the entire universe and also its dissolution.

7:7.  There exists nothing whatever higher than I AM, O Dhananjaya.  All is strung on Me as a row of gems on a thread.

Bhagavad Gita, Translated by Swami Nikhilananda

To realize the whole universe as the Self is the means of getting rid of bondage.  There is nothing higher than in identifying the universe with the Self.  One realizes this state by excluding the objective world through steadfastness in the eternal Atman.

Verse 339, from The Vivekacudamani of Sri Shankaracharya, translated by Swami Madhavananda

When there is not the I-thought, then there will be no other thought. Until that time, when other thoughts arise, (asking) “to whom?” (will call forth the reply) “To me.” He who pursues this closely, questioning “What is the origin of the I?” and diving inwards reaches the seat of the mind (within) the Heart, becomes (there) the Sovereign Lord of the Universe.

Eight Stanzas to Arunachala, by Sri Ramana Maharshi (A Portion of Stanza Seven)

11:  The whole universe is in the body and the whole body is in the Heart.  Hence all the universe is contained in the Heart.

12:  The universe is nothing but the mind, and the mind is nothing but the Heart.  Thus the entire story of the universe culminates in the Heart.

SRI RAMANA GITA Chapter Five, THE SCIENCE OF THE HEART

“Master:  ‘The jnani reasons about the world through the process of Neti, Neti, and at last reaches the Eternal and Indivisible Satchidananda.  He reasons in this manner:  Brahman is not the living beings; It is neither the universe nor the twenty-four cosmic principles.  As a result of such reasoning he attains the Absolute.  Then he realizes that it is the Absolute that has become all this—the universe, its living beings, and the twenty-four cosmic principles.”

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Translated by Swami Nikhilananda

Similar quotations from various sources about the nature of the Universal Self are included in an addendum at the end of this article.  Hopefully the reader already understands that the message of Jesus, The Bhagavad Gita, Shankara, Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Ramakrishna all resonate as One.  According to these masters the summit of spirituality is the realization of our Oneness with the indwelling Power of the Universe – The Cosmic Lord, The Self of All.  Jesus called it the Divine Power of the Universe; but it has been misunderstood by the Christian Church and the Bible translates it as the Kingdom of Heaven.

So what role does Kundalini play in the realization of the Cosmic Lord, the Self of All?  We will begin to explore that question in Part Two of The Gospel of Jesus Decoded.

POTENT QUOTES

7:5.  This is My lower nature.  But, different from it, know, O mighty Arjuna, My higher nature—the Indwelling Spirit by which the universe is sustained.

7:6.  Know that these two form the womb of all beings.  I am the origin of the entire universe and also its dissolution.

7:7.  There exists nothing whatever higher than I AM, O Dhananjaya.  All is strung on Me as a row of gems on a thread.

Bhagavad Gita, Translated by Swami Nikhilananda

When you return to your Self , this is called awakening , liberation, freedom.  Having known your Self , you know everything.  In this awakening the whole universe is discovered to be within yourself.  All universes are within you , and you are the universe.

This is ultimate understanding . Knowing this , you know everything.  If you don’t know this , you know nothing , regardless of how much information you collect.  Without this knowledge , you are ignorant. Having known the absolute, you are everything … without beginning , middle , end , without birth or death.

Here , all fears end.

WAKE UP AND ROAR, Satsangh with H.W.L. Poonja Volume 2

The following is from:  SRI RAMANA GITA–Chapter One, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF UPASANA (literally “being seated near”, meditation.)

“First Question:

Is Mukti (Release from phenomenal existence) to be had by mere discrimination between the real and the unreal or are there other means for the ending of bondage?

Answer to the First Question:

Abidance in the Self alone releases one from all bonds.  Discrimination between the real and the unreal leads to non-attachment.

The jnani is unfathomable; he abides always in the Self alone.  He does not consider the universe as unreal or as different from himself.

The following quote is from the Ninth Edition of “Talks”, #263, 20th October, 1936

Dr. Syed: Sri Bhagavan says that the Heart is the Self. Psychology has it that malice, envy, jealousy and all passions have their seat in the heart. How are these two statements to be reconciled?

M.: The whole cosmos is contained in one pinhole in the Heart. These passions are part of the cosmos. They are avidya (ignorance).

The following is an excerpt from a letter written as a reply to an inquiry by an Englishman named Harry Dickman.  The reply was written with Bhagavan’s approval by Sri T.K. Sundaresa Iyer.  This excerpt was taken from an article published in the September/October 2000 “The Maharshi Newsletter” published by Arunachala Ashrama, New York.

“A staunch devotee living in England, Harry Dickman, was soaked in Sri Bhagavan’s teachings, though he could not have His darshan. He wrote asking for an explanation as to the term ‘Hridayam’ and its significance. I got from Bhagavan hints on how the reply should be formed. The following is the gist of the reply, which was approved by Bhagavan and sent to Harry Dickman:” -TKS

JUST AS THERE IS a cosmic centre from which the whole universe arises and has its being and functions with the power or the directing energy emanating therefrom, so also is there a centre within the frame of the physical body wherein we have our being. This centre in the human body is in no way different from the cosmic centre. It is this centre in us that is called the Hridaya, the seat of Pure Consciousness, realized as Existence, Knowledge and Bliss. This is really what we call the seat of God in us.

THE FOLLOWING QUOTATIONS ARE FROM THE VIVEKACUDAMANI OF SHANKARA:

Verse 227:  “All this universe which through ignorance appears as of diverse forms, is nothing else but Brahman which is absolutely free from all the limitations of human thought.”

Verse 230:  “Similarly, the whole universe, being the effect of the real Brahman, is in reality nothing but Brahman.  Its essence is That, and it does not exist apart from It.  He who says it does is still under delusion–he babbles like one asleep.”

Verse 231:  “This universe is verily Brahman–such is the august pronouncement of the Atharva Veda.  Therefore this universe is nothing but Brahman, for that which is superimposed (on something) has no separate existence from its substratum.”

Verse 236:  “Whatever a deluded man perceives through mistake is Brahman and Brahman alone.  The silver is nothing but the mother-of-pearl.  It is Brahman which is always considered as this universe, whereas that which is superimposed on Brahman, viz. the universe, is merely a name.”

Verses 237-238:  “Hence whatever is manifested, viz. this universe, is the Supreme Brahman Itself, the Real, the One without a second, pure, the Essence of Knowledge, taintless, serene devoid of beginning and end, beyond activity, the Essence of Bliss Absolute–transcending all the diversities created by Maya or nescience, eternal, ever beyond the reach of pain, indivisible, immeasurable, formless, undifferentiated, nameless, immutable, self-luminous.”

339.  To realize the whole universe as the Self is the means of getting rid of bondage.  There is nothing higher than identifying the universe with the Self.  One realizes this state by excluding the objective world through steadfastness in the eternal Atman.

355.  The Sannyasin, calm, self-controlled, perfectly retiring from the sense-world, forbearing, and devoting himself to the practice of Samadhi, always reflects on his own self being the Self of the whole universe.  Destroying completely by this means the imaginations which are due to the gloom of ignorance, he lives blissfully as Brahman, free from action and the oscillations of the mind.

385.  The sky, divested of the hundreds of limiting adjuncts such as a jar, a pitcher, a receptacle for grains or a needle, is one, and not divers; exactly in a similar way the pure Brahman, when divested of egoism etc., is verily One.

386.  The limiting adjuncts from Brahma down to a clump of grass are all wholly unreal.  Therefore one should realize one’s own Infinite Self as the only Principle.

387.  That in which something is imagined to exist through error, is, when rightly discriminated, that thing itself, and not distinct from it.  When the error is gone, the reality about the snake falsely perceived becomes the rope.  Similarly the universe is in reality the Atman.

388.  The Self is Brahma, the Self is Vishnu, the Self is Indra, the Self is Shiva; the Self is all this universe.  Nothing exists except the Self.

389.  The Self is within, and the Self is without; the Self is before and the Self is behind; the Self is in the south, and the Self is in the north; the Self likewise is above and also below.

391.  All this universe known through speech and mind is nothing but Brahman; there is nothing besides Brahman, which exists beyond the utmost range of the Prakriti.  Are the pitcher, jug, jar, etc. known to be distinct from the clay of which they are composed?  It is the deluded man who talks of “thou” and “I”, as an effect of the wine of Maya.

394.  What is the use of dilating on this subject?  The Jiva is no other than Brahman; this whole extended universe is Brahman Itself; the Sruti inculcates the Brahman without a second; and it is an indubitable fact that people of enlightened minds who know their identity with Brahman and have given up their connection with the objective world, live palpably unified with Brahman as eternal Knowledge and Bliss.

478.  The verdict of all discussions on the Vedanta is that the Jiva and the whole universe are nothing but Brahman, and that liberation means abiding in Brahman, the indivisible Entity.  The Srutis themselves are authority (for the statement) that Brahman is One without a second.

“But all you really want is to keep your body-mind sense intact; that just will not do.  Thus, to realize that ‘I-am-ness’ means the manifest world and the universe is the very fulfillment of jnana-yoga.”

THE NECTAR OF THE LORD’S FEET-Final Teachings of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj.  Edited by Robert Powell.

“This raises philosophical issues of great importance.  Have we the least accurate knowledge of ourselves?  Who am I?  And what is this flame of consciousness that gives me awareness of myself and of the world around?”

“The explanations furnished by great philosophers about this marvelous stuff we call life are the guesses of little children about the moon, mere fairy tales that appear absurd in the extreme at the very first glimpse of the Self”

“…The true roots of our life do not lie in our body, in our brain, or our individual prana, but in the intelligent cosmic force or Universal prana that sweeps through the cosmos and is responsible for every organic structure of life….”

“If this store of cosmic prana were inanimate, without a will and a direction of its own, we could very well flatter ourselves that every thought and fancy that we have is the product of our own volition.  But since we are ourselves the products of this Superintelligent Cosmic Power, it would be illogical to the last degree to presume that our individual ideas and fancies are exclusively our own creations and have no relationship to the ocean of which we are but a tiny drop.  When it is once admitted that mind and consciousness are cosmic entities, it would then be ridiculous to suppose that the thoughts and ideas in an individual atom of this Cosmic Consciousness can have an entirely independent existence and not reflect the will and design of the Cosmic Whole.”

“…This perception of the hitherto completely unimaginable and unsuspected inner universe through the supersensory channel, developed by kundalini, is metaphorically known as the opening of the ‘Third Eye.’

Pages 176-178, HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS AND KUNDALINI, Gopi Krishna

“…For the ultimate target of every occult or religious practice is to bring the mind in tune with Cosmic Consciousness or the Infinite Universe of Life, hidden from the normal mind.  Supernormal psychic gifts, enhanced intellectual caliber, and literary talents invariably attend the crowning stages of the metamorphoses brought about.”

KUNDALINI–THE SECRET OF YOGA, Gopi Krishna

The true aim of Yoga is transformation of Consciousness, the creation of a heaven on earth.  What lasting joy can supernormal talents or command over supernatural forces bring to a man whose inner being has not risen above the narrow, vacillating periphery of the human mind?  What greater happiness can occult gifts, temporal power or earthly riches confer on a man who, in perennial communion with the Universal Ocean of Life, has realized his own immortal nature, knows himself as one with the Eternal Fount of Cosmic Consciousness, in want of nothing and beyond the farthest reach of the contaminations of the earth:  sorrow, decay and death?

KUNDALINI–THE SECRET OF YOGA, Gopi Krishna

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Over the last three decades, I have seen the words Kundalini and Chakras (Energy Centers) become popular and enter the mainstream of conversations about spirituality. There is much hype surrounding these concepts and often people without much experience pose as experts and masters. If one can find a genuine teacher and the pure teaching, it helps a lot.

A true seeker should be skeptical of the glamor and show associated with Kundalini teachers. A genuine arousal of the Kundalini Shakti takes one into the super conscious realms. There are many symptoms and signs of Kundalini awakening but they differ depending on the psychology and physiology of the student.

Eating a pure sattvic diet, leading a balanced emotional life, and the practice of meditation lead to deep relaxation. This allows the arousal and manifestation of the divine energy in its various forms.

Kundalini manifestations are a function of several factors. One is the youth of the person. The younger the person is, and particularly if the person is practicing a balanced control over food, sleep, and sensual urges, Kundalini Shakti will come with a huge force.

If you read the biographies of genuinely spiritual people and saints, you will note that seeing of angels, hearing divine music, visions of saints or the Goddess, and having various forms of religious experiences typically start at a very young age. This is not an absolute rule but there is something to it. In many people, Kundalini Shakti awakens later in life, sometimes in their thirties and forties also, after they have practiced meditation, yoga, and contemplative prayers for some years.

When people get more involved in the worldly life, these spiritual experiences may become less regular and will come with a moderate force. However, if the fundamental change in consciousness has already taken place, these experiences are seen for what they are. A passing and a transient phase whose true purpose is to lead the aspirant and ultimately help realize the nature and mystery of one’s Being.

People describe the initial experience of the spirit taking over in various ways including the feeling of electric voltage going through the spinal column and the whole body, experiences and the feeling of intense drilling going on during meditation states in various energy centers as the Shakti tries to make its way.

According to Yoga texts and experiences of Yogi practitioners, after the three knots (granthis which are major blockages of energy in the middle of the spinal column) have been broken through, the flow of Shakti will be nice and smooth like the flow of oil.

However, people do experience different aspects of the Kundalini in different sequences, so no general rules for interpreting the spirit manifestations can be made. One basic thing, however, that I have found to be true, is that disciplines relating to food, sensual conduct, and sleep have a great impact on the Kundalini rising, developing, and also on the substance of different manifestations.

Initially, the nerve currents passing through the spine indicate that the Shakti is being stimulated (due to prayer, meditation, pranayama or other spiritual practices like Japa). Kundalini is the mother of Prana (life energy in the body). Where Shakti goes, the Prana will follow. When through meditation, the Kundalini enters Sushmana (middle of the spinal column), prana is withdrawn from all over the body and the body becomes motionless. It is in that state, as Shakti moves higher, that various visions of angels, saints, the Mother Goddess, and other super conscious states manifest. Kundalini Shakti leads to various types of samadhis as described in the yogic texts. See Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Kundalini Yoga is one path  to enlightenment and prepares one for Self-Realization. However, this path also creates much confusion among people as it is the scenic path with the promise of many experiences and psychic abilities.

The wise student truly interested in delving into the mystery of life should take great care and be indifferent to the glamor of this path. The pure teachings of Ahimsa (nonviolence) and the nature of the Self should be understood and meditated upon regardless of any supernatural experiences or manifestation.

The ultimate goal of all Yogas and Tantras is to recognize that “Peace that Passes all Understanding” is within us and it is our Real Nature or Original Nature. One goes through the long journey with so many dramas, and jumps through so many hoops only to come face to face with and Recognize One’s Own Self.

T.S. Eliot said in one of his poems, “We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Recognizing our Self is like that. It is to see what has always been there, what we are and have been eternally.

I love that T.S. Eliot line. However,  in describing Self-Realization, I would modify it to the following:

“We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive at a place which we never left and see for the first time that this place is our very own Heart.”

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1. Take 2 folded blankets, and stagger them, so one is on top of the other, and the top blanket is pulled about 2 inches back. Fold the top blanket under at the other end, to make a pillow.

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2. Lay on your back with the base of the spine touching the bottom blanket. Let your shoulders roll under and open the front of the chest.

3. Let your body sink into the pose, let your chest open a little more, and soften your breathing. Focus for a few moments on feeling the nourishment in your breath.

4. Imagine that you are floating in a cloud of pure love and nourishment. Use your intuition to guide you as you imagine this cloud fully embracing you. Intend that the nourishment from this cloud is being drawn into the body on each inhale.

5. Take a few moments now to relax further and connect to your sacred heart space, or on a feeling of unconditional love. Continue to connect to the nourishment being drawn into the body as well as the feeling of unconditional love in the heart space, and allow yourself to relax even more.  Feel or intend that the love and nourishment is wrapping your body like an embrace. Allow yourself to continue to relax more and more into the heart space. Let your intuition guide you with this meditation as you continue to rest in the heart space for a few more minutes, or click here to be guided in a few more minutes of meditation with Christine.

Benefits: emotionally uplifting, opens the heart center, increases circulation to the heart & lungs, tones and lengthens the spine, releases tension in the shoulders & upper back.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about the writings of Christine click here .

Christine Wushke is a certified yoga and meditation teacher with over 15 years of experience. Her aim is to create a sacred space for students to effortlessly find the presence of stillness and an inner silence. Christine’s mission is to raise consciousness on the planet by empowering people to realize their own Divinity and to uncover a deep peace within. Christine is committed to assisting you in your journey, and helping you to realize directly for yourself the truth of what you are, and the stillness of truth within. In addition to her yoga and meditation training, Christine is also a registered massage therapist. In the past two years she has studied extensively in the spiritual tradition of Advaita Vedanta. Her teaching style is largely influenced by Iyengar yoga, and the nondual tradition of Advaita.

www.journeytolight.net
www.innerlightyoga.blogspot.com

© written and modeled by Christine Wushke

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As we age, our whole visual system undergoes changes and usually around the age of 45 many people become aware of some pathological changes. Menopausal women experience a quite bothersome dryness while elderly adults even have difficulty in raising their eyes up.

Glasses are definitely a solution but how about some of the age related diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Moreover, how about the young or middle-aged people working all day long at the computer, thus putting a tremendous strain on the ocular muscles. When the average blinking is about 10.000.000 times a year, it is not a matter of proving that the eye muscles are one of the most active in the body, but rather how to exercise them properly in order to have healthy eyes for our whole life.

Looking at ways of improving the health of the visual system and most importantly working on the prevention side is my goal for the rest of this article. Prevention might sound overrated but I need to warn you – do take it seriously, not only when it comes to eyesight but in any aspect of your health. It might seem like something that you need to think about in the near future but you know that the “future” is already here. The conclusion? Start right now because the decisions you are taking today enable you to live healthier and ultimately happier.

Let’s get going starting with a nutritional overview, followed by the helpful aids that Chinese medicine has for us, such as herbs and acupressure, and finish up with more tips such as homeopathic eye drops, and why not, some fun exercises.

Nutrition

Kale

This food source is one of the best choices when it comes to trying to improve your eyesight. Kale contains a great amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients per serving that can greatly help your visual system.

Beta-Carotene

Deficiency of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) may lead to night blindness and an increased chance of inflammation and irritation of the eye. Some of the best sources of beta-carotene are carrots, broccoli, mango, and quite unusual – sweet potatoes have very high amounts of this vitamin. How about supplements you might ask? As a general rule, I do not recommend taking any supplements unless prescribed by a health care provider. Why? Because you need to make sure that you really need that particular vitamin and secondly because there could be side effects that you might not be aware of.

Omega 3

Right amounts of omega-3 fatty acids incorporated in your diet can help prevent eye dryness and many of the age related diseases, especially macular degeneration. Some of the greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, eggs, flax seeds and chia seeds. The plant sources might seem like a healthier choice, however they are harder to assimilate as compared to the animal sources.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

As a rule of thumb, remember yellow and green colors. Two of the most important nutrients that are very valuable for eyesight are lutein and zeaxanthin, which are commonly found in yellow and green foods. Bottom line, if you eat your 5 servings of vegetables each day you cannot go wrong!

Ghee

Ayurvedic medicine prizes ghee as one of best foods to be added to one’s daily diet. Wondering what ghee is? Nothing else than clarified butter! You can either prepare this yourself at home or buy it from a health food store. Among its many benefits, ghee nourishes the visual system when taken internally but also externally as a compress.

Chinese Medicine

Acupressure

Acupuncture can be very useful for many eye problems but how about a daily routine that you can do anywhere by yourself. Upon wakening and before going to sleep, press in a rotating manner on the four points from the picture for 20 seconds on each particular point, on both sides – pay attention not to scratch your face or put too much pressure. In addition, you may use this acupressure technique even at work when your eyes feel too tired to do their job for the day. You will often feel tenderness when you press on them, many times as a sign that you really need those addressed. However, when self-therapy is not enough, a licensed acupuncture physician can go to a deeper level by diagnosing and treating with acupuncture the appropriate pattern that is showing on each individual.

Herbs

Goji berries are commonly used therapeutically in herbal formulas but can also be used as a daily snack to strengthen your eyes. Chinese herbal formulas can be very effective when prescribed by a licensed practitioner, again, because doing a proper diagnosis and treating YOU, rather than the eye problems in general, is really the key. Generally, the formulas are reinforced to treat the root of the problem for long-term results.

Exercises

Gazing at the stars is a great eye exercise, both cooling and strengthening. Another wonderful way of strengthening your eyes and quieting your mind is to gaze at the flame of a candle for 20 minutes. In addition, when working for long hours at the computer, look at a distant wall or object once in a while to shift the amount of strain on the eye. A very simplest but extremely effective trick is to move the eyes from left to right, from top to bottom, diagonally from bottom left to top right, diagonally from top left to bottom right, to circle the eyes clockwise and then counter-clockwise. Each of these movements should be repeated for 5 times or more, if necessary. Finally, rub your hands for 5 to 10 seconds and then place them over your eyes for another 5 to 10 seconds; repeat this 3 times.

Homeopathy

Having constantly dry eyes? Adding a few of the foods above or deciding to see a Chinese medicine practitioner is great, but how about a quick relief? The homeopathic eye drops can give you a safe and gentle alternative.

Healthy Crying for Health Eyes

Crying is a great way of clearing your eyes, so let those happy tears come out! Or peel some onion and let the tears flow. Even Sophia Loren believed this, as she once said that “if you haven’t cried your eyes can’t be beautiful”.

In a nutshell, eat whole foods, practice some of the exercises above and when these are not enough consult a health care provider for added help. The French say that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Then why not keep them healthy so light can shine from your soul for the whole world to see?

Be happy and envision healthier!

www.elitehealthplex.com

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified Chinese Herbology

Board  Certified in Oriental Medicine

Diplomate in Oriental Medicine

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

Disclaimer

The information on this article is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained from this article should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this article, nor does Elite HealthPlex make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Elite HealthPlex, its employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this article.

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Place your burden
at the feet of the Lord of the universe
who accomplishes everything.

Remain all the time steadfast
in the heart,
in the Transcendental Absolute.

God knows the past, present and future.

He will determine the future for you and accomplish the work.

What is to be done will be done at the proper time. Don’t worry.

Abide in the heart and surrender your acts to the Divine.

Bhagavan Ramana

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• You Are What You Eat

the tender darkness of a fleshy soul
deep within the heart of the earth,
secure & content in the silence
of its own endless night

until the whole weight of the world
bears down,

squeezing the black deposits out
forcing flesh into stone,
fluid into crystal,

hardening a molten heart
into the sacred geometry
of squares & angles.

& as if millenniae
of that rigidifying grief
isn’t enough to shatter
a rock back into a rainbow,

the thing
gets rudely unearthed

to the derision
of being called ‘rough.’

yeah, rough.

& then
the real sacrifice begins.

Jesus wanting to return the cup
knew everything there is to know
about diamonds, about

what must it feel like

to have your limbs
sawed off one by one

your head shaved
your edges sliced
your heart carved up
piece by piece

your familiar form
chiseled away

until fragments of your self
are strewn
all over some workman’s table,

dust settling  back to irridescent dust.

how is it
(terrible sweet wisdom)
to endure like that,

burning
with all the leaping blue-gold flame
of those eons forged in the earth’s furnaces

sparkling
with the solid light
of a million trapped & unshed tears

polished
ruthlessly on all sides
by a true master whose gemstone eyes

mirror
a clear & unspeakable compassion
for the sufferings
of each little pebble on the beach…

& what does it take, really,
to emerge at long last, flawless
in the eyes of your maker,

ready to inspire the world:

for inside every black stone
lies the same suffering,
the same journey,

the same precious light diamond liquid fire

waiting
to come out of hiding

&
shine like the sun.

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Dreaming the Dream by Anna Ruiz

 I’ve walked about
until I dreamed this dream
in the crystalline perfection of a snowflake,
and I
found You in the winter of myself,
gazing into Your eyes
a deep well of infinity
I remembered, we have been here
before
and we will come again.

Your tongue will touch my heart with
words that slice through the skin of
separation and I will fall in love with You
again and again
as if we strangers
from another world, casting
an anchor to the seven seas of breath.

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