Siddhi Times - April 2009 Edition - Dr. Commander Selvam

Special Sections Editor .......................................................

Pundit Sharma Publisher Hindu Temple of Georgia

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KRISHNA LEELA

Pandu and Dhirudharastra were two brothers. On the Bank of River Yamuna, they were having their kingdoms. Pandu was comparatively a big Ruler having huge lands and wealth in form of forts, military forces and chariots. His sons Dharma, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva were able to annex further lands and small kingdoms all around Hasthinapuri.

They were actually warriors. Their capital was called as Hasthinapuri. Among the five brothers Arjuna was much talented in war affairs and handling the bow and arrows. Their cousins were 100 persons in number. Duriyodhana was the eldest.

They were the sons of Dhirudharashtra.

The family of Dhirudharastra was having jelousy in their hearts and they were

actually waiting for time to cover the country and the forts of Pandu. Since Pandu died, his wife Kunthi Devi and the five sons were attending the ruling of their country. Being the relatives, Sri Krishna and Sri Balarama had visited Hasthinapuri several times and had the best courtesy to the family of Pandu. Since the five sons were with good humilitation and affection with the subjects of the country, people were much attached to their King.

Shrimathi Kundhi Devi was called as Raja Matha. The five sons of Kundhi Devi were called as “Pancha Pandavas”. So, the sons of Pandu were named as “Pandavas” and the sons of Dhirudharashtra were named as “Gauravas”.

There was a teacher by name Dhronachrya

who taught lessons to these families, the skills and techniques of war fields. In the affairs of learning, Pandavas were good enough to observe the lessons in a most sensitive manner. They were liked by Guru Dhronacharya in a great honour.

All these guidances and efforts gave the opportunities to Pandavas to win many of the kingdoms and annex with their own.

On one occasion, Arjuna, one among the Pandavas invaded the kingdom called ‘Panchala’. The king of Panchala witnessed the enourmous skills and talents of Arjuna and pleased to give his daughter ‘Duraupathi’ in a marriage.

When Arjuna returned to Hasthinapuri he was in a critical position to explain about this marriage to the queen Rajamatha

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Kundhi Devi. He went first to meet his mother. Duraupathi was waiting near the entrance hall. Arjuna in a glorious mood said to his mother “Dear ma, I have brought a wonderful fruit with me”. The queen replied him and ordered him to share the fruit equally with all the other four brothers.

When once the queen delivers her decision there is nothing to be argued.

Arjuna added further that the fruit which he meant was a girl and the princess of “Panchala”. There were ministers and elders with the queen and they told that the orders of the queen are to be obeyed and the five brothers had to live with the princess on term of one year for each of them. The turn should also to be continued with orderly repeatation. Since Duraupathi came to the world through a yagna to the king of Panchala, she had the divine blessings. She came from Home of the fire. Her complexion too was just like and that of Sri Krishna. Prior to this name Duroupathi, it was only Krishna.

Her benovelance and admiring character was praised by every body. In this strange

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entrance with the family of Pandavas and to live as wife to these brothers, there is a link to be known with her previous birth.

In her previous birth she was the wife of Rishi. The happy life with Rishi gave her the desire to live for thousand years. By the spiritual powers of Rishi they continued the family life. When Rishi happened to be as a mount on earth, she would born as stream and circle around the mount and run Her eagerness in married life did not get reduced. Rishi told her about his destination to reach the God through meditation and blessed her to reach before the king Dropadha of Panchala through yagna. He conveyed further that she should be pleased to accept five sons of Pandu as her husbands in the present birth.

Through her holy life with Rishi, she was able to become the princess of Panchala and she had the divinely power to live with Pandavas. Her birth was miraculas over yagna fire and her life too became a moral and significant lesson to many.

She led her methodic matrimonial and

justful domestic activities in obedience to her mother in law Rajamatha Kundhi Devi. For blind eyes’ observation of bright light is not possible. For naked eyes, the brightness could be observed but the truth can not be realized. For justful eyes only, every thing could be visible. When Draupadha performed the yagna, a divine voice echoed, “This birth of female child through the yagna will result in the destruction of the dynasty of Dhirutharastra”.

Accordingly Draupathi went to Hasthinapuri to live with Pandavas.

The son of Dhirutharastra, Duriyodana was induced by his uncle ‘Sakuni’ treacherously and came up with a plan to cover the lands and properties from Pandavas. It was a tricky game of Dice, a game of gambling. Shakuni helped Gaurawas to topple the positions of Pandavas. It started as a play, and then came the betting. Gambling was such a horrible one and if any body gets addict, then there is no escape except to ruin.

Dharma, the elder brother of Pandavas was a very honest and word keeping person. In the beginning, they lost certain villages and then certain cities and in final the capital Hasthinapura and the palaces were plunged in for betting. The cruel and cunning “Sakuni”, rolled down the dice coins to make the demanded count 12. That fell accurately to collapse the kingdom of Pandavas.

Then Duriyodhana annexed everything with his kingdom of Dhirutharastra.

Now Pandavas and Duraupathi, not even subjects among people. Duriyodhana criticized the family of Dharma and Arjuna. He ordered his soldiers to bring Duraupathi to the court hall, where the king Dhirudharastra, an actul blind person sat along with his queen whose eyes were covered with silk towel. Since her husband could not see any thing through his own eyes, she decided herself to avoid looking the external world and that she covered her eyes in that manner.

blessing the saree was going on extending and the up ward, folds were never obliged to permit next layer. It was a tremendous wonder and the entire court hall began to worship and pay respect to witness the divinely happening. Duchasana fell down with failure in his attempt.

Duriyothana, even after this occurance repeatedly challenged that Draupathi should sit on his thigh on a next event.

Bhima, one among the Pandavas then Nowied in front of assembly that one day he would break that thigh of Duriyodhana.

Dhirudharastra, the king interfered and ordered the crowd to listen to his words.

“Being the king I am willing to hear the appeal of Draupathi”

“I feel great blessing of the king; I need nothing except the freedom from the bondage of my husband”. King gave the orders to release the Bondage. He further gave the judgment to restore their lost kingdom in the game of Dice. The time factor and process were decided to send the pandawas on exile for 12 years. Even though the king was kind enough to find the just and paved the proper way, soon Duriyodhana and Sakuni again involved the Pandavas to new game of dice and then only a solution was sought. According to that, the twelve years were permitted and on the own accord the Pandavas should pass the time and come back to Hasthinapura.

Duchasana, one of the brothers of Duriyodhana was ordered to strip out the saree of the humble wife of Pandavas. It was a task of mercilessness. Duriyodhana’s vengeance rose to such inhuman mood to make a polite lady as dressless in the middle of the court. Draupathi made an emotional appeal to the elder persons in the forum. She questioned the legality of the right of the eldest of Pandavas to place her as a stake when he himself lost his freedom and as a consequence did not possess any property in the first instance.

Every body remained dumbfounded.

Bhishma, the honorable and the patriarch of Gauravas family raised his voice to avoid a shameful scene. But nothing could stop the sequence.

Duchasasa grabbed her by the hair and pushed her in to the centre of court.

Duraupathi understood well of her Pandavas and they were only slaves before Gauravas. More over, they were bound with the words and justice. Even it at all they did in action it would be considered as unlawful. Duchasana tried to strip draupathi of her saree (Clothing).

She prayed to Sri Krishna who was the real savior, unfolded his miracle in safeguarding the prestige and status of Pandavas. Through the Lord Krishna’s

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A Puranic story in Shrimadbhagvat 9.3.30 tells that Revati,the daughter of Revat,king of Aanart(modern Saurastra) was so beautiful that a suitable match could not be found on the earth.The king took the princess to the Creater Brahma to suggest or create..The God was busy.

After a while the king was advised to return and contact Balram,the Yadav prince , elder brother of Krishna. As he came down on the earth a period of 1296000 years had passed,he flew out in Treta and landed in Dwaper. This katha anticipates the Space Time theory of Einstein : deeper you go the time shrinks until zero at the Singularity.

432000,the age of Kaliyug is the basic unit, double Dwaper, three times Treta and four fold Satyug. A chaturyugi thus consists of 4320000 years.A yugsandhi,an interregnum follows of 216000.Then comes next chaturyugi upto 71 cycles..This period of 322056000 years is the age of Manu,the first father,after whom we are called man.

Manu was created from the right part of Brahma,his wife,Shatroopa from His left.

Wam is Sanskrit of left as also of wife,so English is more Sanskritised when she is called woman.The age of Manu is called

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Manvanter Before another Manavanter begins there is Manavanter sandhi of 161028000 .There are 14 Manavanters.

That make one day,named Kalp, of Brahma.We can surmise it is His 1 pm now.Then fallows His night of equal years and the time and space collapse to zero.

Morning comes with a new universe and the cycle continues for 100 years of the God..The Vishnupuran details this account vividly.

Modern astrophysicists,late Carl Sagan,among them come to the same conclusion,he even acknowledges,the Hindu estimate made thousands years ago without the aid of modern technology.

The same Puran at 12-6-37.42 tells that the universe was created by big bursting sound-a SPHOT WITH NAAD.This naad-sound consisted of three alphabates-A U M which still pervades,we still chant omkar vashatkar.The Mahabharat at Shantiparva 209 .27 informs that the word Sanatan,the original name of Hindu,takes its root in this Naad.Vishnu in his Varah incarnation made this roaring sound,from naad became sanaad and by grammatical addition it finalized into Sanatan.The priests still chant this Varah Kalp while counting the day fixed for pooja. All languages begin with A,it is omnipresent in any sound. The divine Aum is having its scientific intricacy,Geeta at 10.33 says A is God.No sound in nature is possible without A..Try as you can.The journey of A begins at zero point. passes through U,the upper space and ends at M,the Mratyalok,the earth where it

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The first creation (,Bhagvat 3.12.2 ) was a tamas-hell means sulphur gases of poison .Tattariya Upnishad opens with asad va idam agre aaseed, it was dark, then came light..He created four sons thereafter,Sanak,Sanandan,Sanatan and Sanatkumar..They never age, always 5,nor die and are fountain root of all knowledge.Valmiki and Vedvyas owe them their Ramayan and Mahabharat.The modern science has categorised the DNA in four groups A C T and G . The DNA are also ageless and are in the root of all life characters. Brahma then created 3 gunas,Satwa,Rajas and Tamas which alone or combined in proportion govern and identify the nature of life on the earth..In Sanskrit guna means rope also.

The modern science is famous for spiral of genetic loops that go in making the nature of life..The coordinater of DNA is RNA and what is Naarad shuttling among Brahma,Vishnu and Rudra,the three basic forces controlling the birth,life and death to which are the subject that we see Deep and practical thinking of our ancient seers is remarkable.In creation a lot of brainpower is needed.We employ so many engineering minds in making a car.So Brahma is having four heads.Once this automatic running universe was ready,He stepped aside.That explains,He is not much seen in the temples.Now comes Vishnu,with four hands as the hand plays a.pivotal role.Since no car runs without dollors,Luxmi is His consort..

Rudra takes care of health,removing old wornout.Since death is in His hand,He is worshipped most.,‌ fertilizes the egg of life.The original Rigvedic meaning of mratyu, before Panini,the first grammarian, was not death exactly,.It literally meant leaving this planet M ,swimming out of U and reach A.The reverse journey encompasses MUA..This is the first sound of a new born in nature.Hear it in a maternity home or when a calf drops from a mother animal.. the same context of Bhagvat tells that it can be heard by sleeping ears and silent eyes,a delicate yogic process,.Unlike the yoga which is billion dollion body shaping industry, the true yog of Patanjali stresses on chittabritti nirodh.Under it we have to cut off completely from the outer world and channelise the whole mind energy

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in one direction.The shooting jet moves faster than light and reaches the kootasth Aum,Geeta 6.8.Time stops there.Ikshaku king Muchkund(u pronounced as in bush) did it in his 432000 years Samadhi on a hill,named after him in Rajasthan.

Modern theory of creation also tells of Big Bang which combined with String theory of vibration corroborates what our Vedic Rishies had discovered ..What the American scientists Friedmann,Penzias and Wison detected was nothing but this celestial sound .In Sanskrit Brahma also means expansion;-brahanyati ,Ekoaham bahushyamah is a famous vedic aphorism.

This is what Edwin Hubble discovered in 1929.,the expanding Universe

Irrespective what Shakespear told our Vedic Rishies put practically full meaning in a name. The word kaal consists of two roots,ka=matter+la,layati i.e.collapsing The Bhagvat puran in its first 14 verses of chapter 11 section 3 vividly descrives the origin of time,an atom consuming its life.

Time begins here..The modern concept of time keeping is based on this law of decomposing particle.Another famous word Vasudev means vasu=material+ dev=shining,burning .When any thing burns it turns carbon,the basic ingredient of visible world.And since its colour is dark,He is lord Krishna.Life sprang from water,the scientists say..Narayan means the same,Naara means water Gayatri

is worshipped as godess bestowing dhi-sadbudhi,wisdom.

Ga,according to Sanskrit dictionary Amarkosh,is eleven senses,indriyas,i.e. life..Tri is trayate,protects.Another word used in the famous mantra is Savita,the Sun god who with sasarjati,creates,avi-protects and ta tirohati=removes.Gayatri is called Chhand.Apart from being a poetic metre it also means a limited freedom,i.e.jurisdiction,an area of influence It then works out that that much energy the Sun god gives to the earth to keep life going is Gayatri,while Savitri is absolute.Heat needed for melting iron is not used for boiling potato.

The Geeta at 8.21 and 15.6 reveals that once we reach God we do not return.The astrophysicists say once any matter falls into event horizon it can not come out.The zero abode exerts so much gravitational force that even the light can not escape.It is known as Black Hole.Our lord Krishna is both darkskinned as well as Kaal-Time compressed into zero, Geeta at 11.32.

More secrets are buried. One of the keys to open the treasure is yog,not the yoga of outer trimming.Here we cut off the outer world and pull into and channelise the whole mind what Patanjali called chittabritti nirodh. We can travel faster than light and realize the zero point.Ikshaku king Muchukund (u pronounced as in bush) is an example, his yog Samadhi was of 1200000 years.

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Pandit L.V. Sharma

D

uring the past issues we discussed some ideas on spirituality according to the different rishis, monks and epics. In this issue, by the gracious blessings of Almighty and Swamiji we will discuss some ideas on spirituality according to Patanjali.

Sage Patanjali is one of the most ancient saints of India. He is the inventor of Yoga and has written many books. They are very high in giving knowledge and spirituality.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the foundational text of Yoga. It is not only a book on Yoga but a book on spirituality as well. It forms part of the corpus of Sutra literature dating to India’s ancient period.

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In Indian philosophy, Yoga is the name of one of the six orthodox philosophical schools. Though brief, the Yoga Sutras are an enormously influential work on yoga philosophy and practice.

Patanjali fills each sutra with his experiential intelligence, stretching it like a thread (sutra) and weaving it into a garland of pearls of wisdom to savor by those who love and live in yoga. The Sutras are built on a foundation of Sankhya philosophy and also exhibit the influence of the thought of the Upanishads. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence to eight “limbs,” or steps (the sum of which constitute “Ashtanga Yoga”) to quiet one’s mind and body. The Yoga Sutras

form the theoretical and philosophical basis of Raja Yoga, and are considered to be the most organized and complete definition of that discipline. The purpose of the Eight Limbs (Sanskrit Ashtanga) of Yoga is to establish the concept that, “The sound mind in a sound body makes the best human.”

The Sutras not only provide Yoga with a thorough and consistent philosophical basis, they also clarify many important esoteric concepts which are common to all traditions of Indian thought, such as Karma. They are called “Pada” in Sanskrit. Pada means lesson. There are eight of them as follows.

Samadhi Pada This portion consists of 51 sutras. They

are very high in the yogic thoughts.

Samadhi refers to a blissful state where the yogi is absorbed into the One. The author describes yoga and then the nature and the means to attaining Samadhi. This chapter contains the famous definitional verse: “Yogas chitta-vrittinirodhaha,”

avoided and the attention should be fixed only on liberation.

which means, “Yoga is the restraint of mental modifications.”

Sadhana Pada This consists of 55 sutras. This has the highest ideas on Spirituality. In this portion the sage tells that there is no need for religion, caste, or community to be the best spiritual human being. He also says that the word “Sadhana,” means the “highest achievement in Spirituality”. Sadhana is b the Sanskrit word for “practice” or “discipline.” Here the author outlines two forms of Yoga: Kriya Yoga (Action Yoga) and Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold or Eight limbed Yoga). Kriya yoga, sometimes called Karma Yoga, is also expounded in Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad-Gita, where Arjuna is encouraged by Krishna to act without attachment to the results or fruit of action and activity. It is the yoga of selfless action and service. Ashtanga Yoga describes the eight limbs that together constitute Raja Yoga.

Vibhuti Pada This consists of 56 sutras. Vibhuti is the Sanskrit word for “power” or “manifestation”. Supra-normal powers are acquired by the practice of yoga. The temptation of these powers should be

Kaivalya Pada This consists of 34 sutras. Kaivalya literally means “isolation,” but as used in the Sutras stands for emancipation/ liberation and is used interchangeably with the word “moksha” (liberation), which is the goal of Yoga. The Kaivalya Pada describes the nature of liberation and the reality of the transcendental self.

Among all the Padas the Sadana Pada is the most essential and important one. In this issue we will discuss a little bit about the Sadana Pada.

Sadhana is the Sanskrit term that is defined as “a means of accomplishing something,” or more specifically, “spiritual practice.”

It includes a variety of disciplines from Hindu tradition that is followed in order to achieve various spiritual or ritual objectives. So, the word “sadhana” means here spiritual exertion

towards an intended goal. A person undertaking such a practice is known as a sadhu or a sadhaka. The goal of sadhana is to attain some level of spiritual realization, which can be enlightenment, pure love of God (prema), liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), or a particular goal such as the blessings of a deity as in the Bhakti traditions.

Sadhana can involve meditation, chanting of a mantra, pooja to a deity, and yajna.

Traditionally in Hindu tradition, in order to embark on a specific path of sadhana, firstly a guru is required to give the necessary instructions. This approach is typified by some Thantric traditions, in which initiation by a guru is sometimes identified as a specific stage of sadhana.

On the other hand, individual renunciates may develop their own spiritual practice without participating in organized groups.

Sadhana or Spiritual practice need not be directed towards a higher cause like Enlightenment or Moksha. Sadhana can be done by individuals for lower aims like obtaining worldly pleasures. Sadhana is also done by a group for the society at large.

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Sadhana is divided into various parts.

They are Sakaam Sadhana, Nishkaam Sadhana, Vyashti Sadhana, and Samashti Sadhana.

The Sakaam Sadhana is mainly meant for worldly pleasures. Nishkaam Sadhana is not meant for worldly pleasures; it is meant only for spiritual development.

Vyashti Sadhana is for spiritual development, and Samashti Sadhana is meant for group up-liftment in spiritual progress. Now let us see a little bit about both of these sadhanas.

Sakaam Sadhana Sakaam Sadhana is spiritual practice done for worldly pleasures. This is the lowest form of sadhana. There is no spiritual progress with sakaam sadhana. Examples of Sakaam Sadhana are praying for any worldly goals like getting money, a job, marriage, or any other aim which is temporary and will not last beyond death. In the Ramayana it was mentioned that though Ravana and Kumbhakarna were great devotees of Shiva and performed various Tapas, they were only performing Sakaam Sadhana as their main goal was to become powerful and rule the world.

The fruit of this kind of spiritual practice is used to fulfill the worldly desires of an individual and no actual spiritual progress takes place. Thus it is not possible to reach Enlightenment, Moksha, or even Heaven as the merits needed to achieve this are used up.

Therefore, Sakaam Sadhana provides only temporary happiness and no spiritual progress.

Nishkaam Sadhana Nishkaam Sadhana is spiritual practice done for higher aims. It is done to achieve the aim of Enlightenment or Moksha. It is done for the spiritual up-liftment of the individual, so that he is taken out of the cycle of life and death (Samsara). Its practice consists of Japa (the chanting of God’s name).

Vyashti Sadhana This is also a Nishkaam Sadhana done for one’s own spiritual up-liftment. No one else is benefited except the person doing Vyashti Sadhana. Thus this form of spiritual practice is an individualistic

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practice. This form of sadhana is very important if one wants to do Samashti Sadhana. The examples of Vyashti Sadhana are: Japa, Meditation, Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and reading books on Spirituality.

Among

all these practices, Karma Yoga plays the major role. By doing karma properly (doing the allotted works in the proper way) one can lead a spiritual individual life. If each one leads a spiritual life, the

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entire world will be spiritual. By being spiritual the entire world will have Shanti (peace) and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The benefits of Vyashti Sadhana are Spiritual Progress, an increase in Saatvikta, an increase in faith towards humanity and spirituality, an increase in the desire for God and Godliness, and an increase in low power spiritual experiences. There are some pitfalls in Vyashti Sadhana. They are that the Ego can increase, and that it takes a lot of time for a little spiritual progress. One can lose motivation when fast progress is not achieved. These pitfalls exist if the sadhana is done without a guru and if not accompanied by Samashti Sadhana.

The examples of Samashti Sadhana are: taking satsangs, helping in organizing satsangs, meditation camps etc., telling others about spirituality, and helping others overcome ego by telling them their mistakes from the loving point of view of spirituality. The benefits of Samashti Sadhana are that we become closer to God, it is a faster spiritual progress, Priti (love for all living beings) increases, it increases higher-level spiritual experiences, after death we go to higher planes of existence (swarga, or heaven and beyond), and ego and personality defects are more easily removed. That’s why our Swamiji always gives satsangs and advises group meditations and Poojas.

Samashti Sadhana This is the kind of Nishkaam Sadhana which is done collectively for the spiritual progress of all mankind. It is the highest level of sadhana. For Samashti Sadhana to be maintained, Vyashti Sadhana is a must.

The same logic that a teacher must read the book first before teaching the students can be applied to this. In this Kaliyuga (the present world), Samashti Sadhana is the most important as most people do not know the significance of sadhana.

This kind of sadhana is more difficult and increases the saatvika (calmness) of the entire area. Samashti Sadhana is not possible without a guru. The Guru is considered as the only person showing the light along a dark path.

Samashti level sadhana is more difficult compared to Vyashti, but it has added benefits. Even though this is the highest level of sadhana there are some pitfalls in Samashti Sadhana.

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More physical, mental and spiritual energy is required. Attitude is important.

And there are even more chances of inflating one’s ego. That’s why it is very important to do Samashti Sadhana under a correct guru. If the sadhanas are done as under the guidance of proper Guru, the entire universe will evolve towards a very peaceful life. As Swamiji Siddhar always says, we can lead a comfortable living.

To obtain the most spiritual way of living one needs the following things: Ahimsa:

non-violence, inflicting no injury or harm to others, or even to one’s own self. It involves nonviolence in thought, word, and deed. Satya: truth in word and thought. Asteya: non-covetousness, to the extent that one should not even desire something that is not his own.

Brahmacharya: abstinence from sexual intercourse - celibacy in the case of unmarried people and monogamy in the case of married people, to the extent that one should not even possess any unholy thoughts towards any other man or woman except one’s own spouse. It’s common to associate Brahmacharya with celibacy only. Aparigraha: non-possessiveness.

Not only should we not covet that which is not ours; we should not even covet those things which are ours!

Beyond all these, only one thing is a must.

That is the total surrender to God. It is called “Saranagathi.” If we do Saranagathi to the Almighty through a Guru, we can lead a wonderful spiritual life. This is the most important thing needed for today’s world.

I thank the Almighty and Swamiji for blessing me with the opportunity to share my thoughts on spirituality. I pray that the Almighty allows us meet again with some different ideas on spirituality in our next issue.

Youngsters and students should adopt these methods in their lives.

determination may smell success.

That is how Gandhi became a leader par excellence and that is what made Churchill the greatest and the most successful war time leader. These traits and qualities paid rich dividends to Sachin (one of the batsmen The path to success is not greatest a bed of roses. It is full in the history of thorns, pitfalls, and of cricket) and gins. Only those who made him persona wade through the grate. After all, hazards and hurdles winners don’t do with grit and

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different things. They do things differently.

Have you the determination to succeed? Are you willing to devote the time and energy necessary to achieve success? Here are some proven success techniques that will help you to achieve success and happiness in life.

short-term and long-term goals.

This will help you in establishing priorities, and in deciding on what actions you must engage in. Form a very intense, extremely vivid, mental picture of what you want.

Verbalise your mental picture with a brief, concise, and forceful “Goal Command.” Repeat it every day to make it easier for your subThe first step is to set yourself clear conscious mind to embrace. As goals, to define precisely what you Swami Vivekananda says, “Take want to achive. Goals provide up one idea. Make that one idea direction to your behaviour and your life. Think of it; live on that guide your thoughts and actions idea. Let the brain, muscles, every toward the desired out come. part of your body, be full of that Having goals and plans enable idea, and just leave every other idea you to go beyond momentary alone. This is the way to success.” influences and organize your behaviour over extended periods Second, prepare an ‘Action Plan,’ of time. Goals should be an out-lining the specific steps extension of your values - your needed to accomplish the result most important fundamental you want. Part of this Action beliefs. Specific goals are better Plan, includes the ability than general ones. Self-choosen to say, ‘No.” goals are better than assigned ones. There are Choose goals that are challenging, but reachable. Write down your

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literally millions of things in this world which are right and which need to be done, but to which you must mentally, if not vocally say, “No.” No person has the time and the ability to do all but the few things which need to be done.

The proven successful method is this: 1) Say, “No.” generally.

2) Say, “Yes.” very, very selectively.

You simply concentrate your thought, time, and effort on your one main goal. You cannot possibly do all of the things you will be asked to do. So you are going to have to say ‘No’ to a lot of desirable and worth while projects, simply because they are ‘incompatible’

with the work necessary to reach in the one experiment which your main goal. enabled them to extract latex in substantial quantities from just Third, you must get timely feed- one variety of plant. The result was back on your progress, and be able worth the 17,000 failures! Besides, to modify your strategies when failure is good for your character changes occur. Draw out a chart and personality. It is a challenging of your results, and map your experience. progess. It realy helps to see where you are. Sometimes, even if your The fifth step is to develop a proper goals are not attained, the resultant self-concept. What you think about consequences, feed-back, or yourself is very important. Persons reinforcement can be beneficial. with high self–esteem, feel unique, competent, secure, empowered, Forth, don’t be afraid of failure. and connected to the people Failure is an accepted procedure around them. Whereas people in experimenting, researching, and who have a poor self-concept feel testing. It is the accepted scientific insecure, lack self-confidence, and way of “finding out.” Failure is become withdrawn. To improve simply the means of finding out your self-esteem, become aware what will not work so that it can be of your hidden potentialities and eliminated in the search for what activate them. Take note of your will work. So, there is no need to short comings and drawbacks and think of failure as something to be try to overcome them. You can feared and avoided. Edison and his prepare a ‘weed-list’ and a ‘seed staff conducted 17,000 experiments list.’ Believe firmly that you can which failed, before they succeeded improve. As the Bhagavad Gita

says, ‘one should lift oneself by one’s own efforts and should not degrade oneself; for one’s own self is one’s friend, and one’s own self is one’s enemy.’

Another aspect of self-development is ‘Time Management.’ Time is your most valuable resource, successful people are those who manage their time efficiently. They find time for everything, reading news papers, jogging, and even occasional visits to the cinema.

Since they have planned every thing, they feel relaxed and do their work efficiently. What about you?

Do you make optimum use of your time? To know this, write down all you did yesterday with the amount of time spent, on each activity. Then you will realize how much time is being wasted on useless activities and why you are not able to achive your targets on time. Draw a time table for your daily activities and try to stick to it. Keeping a diary is Siddhi Times USA 17

another useful habit which you must cultivate. This will help you review and monitor your progress.

Many people make themselves miserable by trying to imitate others. Mrs. Edith Alfred was one such person. She remained unhappy even after she married in to a poised and self-confident family.

A chance remark by her motherin-law transformed her life. While talking about how she brought her children up, her mother-in-law said, ‘No matter what happened, I always insisted on their being themselves.’

In a flash Mrs.Albred realized that she had brought misery on herself by trying to fit herself into a pattern to which she did not confirm. She charged overnight. She started being herself. She tried to make a study of her own personality. Now she is a much happier person. The renowned psychologist William James was speaking of people who had never found themselves when

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he declared that the average person develops only ten percent or his or her latent abilities. You and I have such abilities. So, do not waste a second worrying because you are not like other people. Remember you are unique. There never was and never will be any body exactly like you. Make the most of what nature gave you. For better or for worse, you must play your own instrument in the orchestra of life. As Emerson says, ‘Envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide.’ No real benefit will come to you except through your own toil. Nature has given you the power. You only think you know what you can not do. So find yourself and be yourself.

smile. At that moment, Harold Abbott felt ashamed of his selfpity. He realized how rich he was.

He had two legs and he could walk.

This realization changed his mind.

That was a turning point in his life.

If we want to be happy, all we have to do is to concentrate on the ninety percent of things that are right in our lives and ignore the ten percent that are wrong. Think of all we have to be grateful for, and thank God for all our boons and bounties. Would you sell your eyes for a billion dollars?

What would you take for your legs?

Your hands? Your hearing? Your family? Add up your assets and you will find that you wouldn’t sell what you have for all the gold amassed by the Rockfellers, the Fords, and the There are people who keep on Morgans combined! So, count your grumbling and complaining. For blessings, not your troubles! Make them here is the story of Herald the best of your time. Be optimistic.

Abbott who used to worry a lot. One Plan your work, and work your day, he happened to see a man who plan. And success will knock at had no legs but looked cheerful and your door! happy. He greeted him with a grand

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INTER RELIGIUS UNDERSTANDING There has been a growing tendency amongst all people to disregard, criticize or condemn other religions. There should be no religious because God of all religious denominations is ONE. There is no need to give up one religion and adopt another. All religions cannot be uniform. Uniformity is not important. What is important is UNITY and tolerance. All our faiths are united in proclaiming the reality of ONE SUPREME POWER. Religions are like arches of a bridge. To a person standing under a particular arch that arch will look and another arch will look small. On the contrary, all the arches are similarly constructed and are of the same dimensions and strength. As God cannot be different, why should there be decrying of any religion, religions and Gods are meant only to cater to the different tastes of people. This should not lead to religious fanatism and hatred.

The grandeur of Hinduism is that it consciously recognizes the unity of all religions.

That the different religions are not contradictory of or antagonistic to one another, but are only aspects of one Eternal religion is not a mere theory or abstract speculation with the Hindus, it is an article of faith. The worship of one’s chosen from of GOD or deity is indispensable for one’s progress towards enlightenment. In the initial stages it is like a go-cart which helps a child to walk. While praying one may ask for fulfillment of one’s personal ends, but the best prayer is that which asks GOD to shower the entire world with HIS BLESSINGS because the true devotee of the Lord should look upon all mankind as one.

Let us remember that no religion should be set aside as false or inferior. If they had not bad something good in them, the religion would not have arrived or survived, if they had no purpose to fulfill a need, they would not have come at all. So let there be interreligious understanding for the good of all mankind.

LOKASAMASTHAS SUKHINO BAVANTHU Nurani C. Shivaram Troy, Michigan

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The Great - Hearted Monkey In a forest glade, by the side of River Ganges, high on the mountains there lived about eighty thousand monkeys along with their giant monkey king.

And by the side of the clear gushing water stood a tall shady tree bearing big beautiful juicy golden fruits commonly called mangoes. All the monkeys just loved these mangoes and ate them off almost as soon as they had ripened. It was a very good thing as their wise giant king had warned them not to let a single juicy fruit fall into the river. Because if the current carried even one of these fruits down the river to the land where the men lived, they would surely come in search of this delicious fruit and destroy the peace in the land of the monkeys.

It so happened that a branch of this tree hung low over the river Siddhi Times USA 22

and a mango that was hidden behind an ant’s nest ripened and fell off without anyone’s knowledge. It was taken down south by the rapid flow of the river and reached the city of Benaras. One fine morning when King of Benaras was bathing in the river between two nets, a couple of fishermen found a bright golden fruit caught in the mesh of the net. Very excited, they took it to show the King.

The King examined the fruit carefully and asked where it had come from and what it was called. The fishermen did not know much about it but guessed that it must have flowed down the river from the valleys of the far-flung Himalayas. He then asked them to cut the mango and tasted a slice. It was simply delicious. He shared the rest of it with his ministers and Queen who loved its divine flavor.

could not get this exotic fruit out of his mind. He could not work; rest or sleep, for want of some more. Finally he could bear it no longer and set sail in search of it. He organized a fleet of rafts and sailed up the river accompanied by his men and a few fishermen. Many days and many nights went by and they passed many valleys until they finally came to the one where the mango tree stood. Mission accomplished, the King was delighted and began enjoying the mangoes to his heart’s content. Finally, that night, the King lay down to sleep under the mango tree while his faithful soldiers stood guard. Fires were lit on either side for protection against wild animals.

In the middle of the night when the guards had dozed off to sleep, the monkeys came and finished off all the mangoes that A few days passed, but the King were left on the tree. The King Siddhi Times USA 22

awoke with all the noise and ordered his guards to shoot at the monkeys so that they could feast on monkey flesh along with the mangoes. On hearing this, the monkeys trembled with fear and escaped to inform their King. They told him what had happened and he promised to save them. But for that he had to come up with a plan. So he climbed up the tree and swung across the river with the help of a branch. He found a bamboo shoot which he measured and cut carefully, and then tied one end of it around his waist. The other end he tied around a tree trunk.

He had decided to leap back to the mango tree and help the rest of the monkeys across over the bridge that he had made with the help of the bamboo shoot.

But alas... he had not taken into account the portion that he had tied around his waist. So when the monkey king sprang back Siddhi Times USA 23

into the mango grove he was just able to cling to a branch of the mango tree. He quickly summoned his monkeys to climb over his back and onto the reed in order to escape to the other side. In this way, eighty thousand monkeys climbed over his back one by one and made it to safety.

But unfortunately there was one evil monkey who hated his leader and wanted to destroy him. This mean monkey purposely jumped hard over his poor king’s back and broke it, while he himself escaped to the other bank. The King who had been awake for awhile, had observed this whole episode. He felt extremely sorry for the monkey king and asked his men to help lower him to the ground.

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He then had him gently bathed and wrapped in a soft yellow cloth and asked him why he had sacrificed himself for his tribe.

The great monkey answered that as he was their guide and chief, they were his children and it was his sacred duty to protect them.

He had absolutely no regrets as he had ensured their safety.

He also went on to say that the King should always be mindful of his subjects’ welfare even at the cost of his own. Saying this, the monkey king died at peace with himself.

King had learnt a great deal that day. He ordered his men to organize a funeral fit for a King.

He then built a shrine in the monkey king’s memory where he offered flowers and lit candles and incense. On returning to Benaras, he built another shrine there and asked his people to pay homage to this great soul.

He always remembered the last words of the monkey king and ruled his subjects with wisdom and compassion. The people in his kingdom were eternally grateful to the great-hearted monkey.

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Jokes Corner

Jack stole a golden harp from the giant. Why couldn’t he play it?

Because it took a lot of pluck!

Jack was always a grubby boy. You know what they say?

You can lead a boy to water b u t you can’t make him wash!

Why couldn’t Cinders use horses to pull the Pumpkin Coach?

Because they were too busy playing stable tennis!

Why was Cinderella no good at playing hockey?

Because she was always running away from the ball! w w ho s o n k a ack cow w J d di his How beans y r! man h? lato u c w t wor sed a co He u

What do you call a dog owned by Dracula?

A blood hound.

Why does Dracula have no friends?

Because, he has pain in the neck.

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What did the vampire do to stop his son biting his nails?

He cut all his fingers off.

What was the Californian hippie vampire like?

He was ghoul man. Real ghoul.

What’s a vampire’s favorite sport?

Batminton.

What happened to the two mad vampires?

They both went a little batty.

What do vampires cross the sea in?

Blood vessels.

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A blind rabbit and a blind snake ran into each other on the road one day. The snake reached out, touched the rabbit and said, “You’re soft and fuzzy and have floppy ears.

You must be a rabbit.”

The rabbit reached out, touched the snake

and said, “You’re slimy, beady-eyed and low to the ground. You must be a math teacher.”

A very posh man was walking around an art gallery, when he stopped by one particular exhibit.

‘I suppose this picture of a hideous monster is what you call modern art,’ he said very pompously.

‘No, sir,’ replied the assistant, ‘that’s what we call a mirror.’

This little monster boy came home from school one day, crying his eyes out. ‘What’s the matter darling?’ asked his mother.

‘It’s all the other children at school,’ he sobbed. ‘They keep teasing me and saying that I’ve got a big head.’

‘Of course you haven’t got a big head,’ said Mrs. Monster. ‘Just ignore them.

Now, will you do a little bit of shopping for me? I need a sack of potatoes, ten cartons of orange juice, a dozen loaves of bread, eight cabbages and a cauliflower. ‘’All right, Mum,’ said the little monster, ‘but where’s your shopping bag?’

‘Oh, that’s broken, I’m afraid,’ said Mrs. Monster, ‘but it doesn’t matter just put the things in your cap.’

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is what Lord Buddha has revealed to the universe. The Principles of Pancha Seela are based on five titles: KILLING IS SIN. STEALING IS SIN. BAD CONDUCT IS SIN. LIEING IS SIN. DRINKING OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR IS SIN.

HINDU TEMPLE OF GEORGIA SRI SELVAM SIDDHAR -

WRITINGS ABOUT BUDDHA The mind of the human being functions in two ways. 1. The Deluded Mind. 2. The Conditioned Mind. We can see both kinds when considering an individual’s life as well as his life as it relates to society as a whole. Many people belong to the Deluded Mind catecgory, and as a result suffering will prevail in their life. Such a life is a hellish existence. Those who posses a Conditioned Mind can live in love and peace. This life will be equivalent to a life on a heveanly plane. The mind of such people will be considered as basic paradise.

After opening a new door and when we observe the twelve good ways to our consciousness, we are sure to attain redemption from sorrows. We can live with happiness and peace. In one’s earthly life, they will continue to find real happiness. This Siddhi Times USA 32

On the base of the above Pancha Seela, Buddha taught ten lessons connected to human life. 1. Do not kill.

2. Do not steal.

3. Do not prostitute.

4. Do not lie.

5. Do not blame others.

6. Do not scold others.

7. Do not gossip.

8. Do not desire another’s property.

9. Do not develop enemity with others.

10. Do not think of defrauding others. These doctrines are forever and for all, irrespective of country, caste, creed, religion, and time.

If the people of the world followed these ten lessons, the results would be happiness and peace.

There would not be any war.

Just like bubbles of water, worldly life is perisable.

Youth and beauty are also not permanent. The same principle is explained by the Tamil poet ‘Pattinathar’ as follows.

BUDDHA

The king who is crowned also becomes ash. The so-called wife, children and all one’s wealth will be piled up by the entrance of the home. Relatives and friends will go up to the grave yard. In addition, what else for further way, that is just and beast, to the sithe of a grain, the goodness and penance if rendered in the past birth, which will come throughout the way with blessing. Even the mother who gave birth and besought as a child also names the body as dead one. The women who took a lot of gold also simply wept and went away. The son to whom all the education and wealth were granted, and those who came around the body and broke the pot as the symbol of last respect. The Lord! My God, the true blessing and the redemption, I get only by catching your feet which is the asylum forever.

while adult are going one by one falling like fruits to the ground. Lord Buddha calls humankind and advices them to do goodness at the earliest. One should donate to deserving persons. One should live with discipline. One should think good thoughts. One should serve others. One should honor their parents and elders. One should donate a share of the benefit of goodness. One should accept donations of goodness offered by others.

One should hear good norms and principles. One should teach such principles to others. One should get rid of crimes.

You can have great wealth and fame; after death when you go to another world; you are going all alone; your wife, children, and even your clothing will not come with you.

If you happen to write upon water with a stick, the words are not going to stay, but will shortly vanish.

Like that life is also going to disappear. The body is not strong and rigid. It will break just like a pot made out of clay. The electric energy secured from a waterfall will not return to its origion. Like that, in the life of a man, his actions and seasons will not come back to him. Death is an unchangeable certainty.

Then why should one fear on that account? Some die in the womb, and some others at birth. Some others when they can crawl, some when they can walk, some at old age, and others Siddhi Times USA 33

Char Ujle

By Arun Misra, Ph.D.

D

ecades ago, when I started selling insurance, I asked one of my Indian tennis buddies, why he did not call me for his homeowners’ insurance, when he closed on his house last week. The reply came, “char-char ujle agaye,” which means “four white insurance agents came,” sent by his realtor, also a white lady. He did not explain further, but I

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understood that if a white agent comes to see an Indian client, the Indian agent has no chance of getting the business.

This was from a friend with whom I used to play tennis almost every evening.

What to expect from an unknown Indian prospect?

This story has stuck in my mind for over twenty years now, and I have seen it being repeated time and again.

Over fifteen years ago, one of my good Indian friends and client, who allowed me numerous personal and business insurances for years, had remarked, “No Indian agent can come to my home

or office, but you are an exception.” I thanked him for this gesture, but it did not seem so much like a compliment, as rather a sad state of affairs. It had never sunk in that though I was a good, competent agent, I needed to ponder, why an Indian agent is treated with disdain by an Indian client, who runs to the white competition so readily, and probably did business with me, only out of pity for a fellow Indian.

There is a joke in Indian insurance circles, that if one has to pick up a check of just one hundred dollars from an Indian client, the agent has to travel to the clients’ home or office at least twice, because the first time the client can not find his check book! Plus, the agent has to take him to a lunch for more than five or ten dollars if he hopes to get any more business in future. But if the same Indian client is to give ten thousand dollars to a white agent, he will drive to their office, and will politely stand in the line to deliver the funds to the agent’s secretary. In the early 1990’s, I encountered numerous Indians running with stacks of money through the parking lot, lobby, and elevators, rushing to drop off funds to their white brokers, in the exact same building where I worked in Buckhead.

Whenever you go for lunch with an Indian prospect or client, the agent will always have to pick up the tab, no matter, if you have made or will make any fees or commissions from the discussions or transactions you conduct. But bring a white agent with you to the meeting, and all of a sudden the same Indian client becomes so generous, and will insist on paying for all three of you - this is so funny to watch!

In the last twenty years or so, I have experienced the following situation again and again. When an Indian engages in entrepreneurship and opens a company (generally from his basement or garage), I get a call to visit and discuss their insurance and investment needs. The guy will have no money to pay my fees, and may not even make it to better days when I can expect to get paid properly for my time and work. An established agent generally will not come, as they are busy chasing bigger fish. I receive plenty of thanks, but no money. “Talk is cheap,”

always comes to mind. I spend lots of time explaining what kind of insurance they need, which ones can be avoided to begin with, and where to get it at the lowest price. The new business owner feels so happy, obliged, and impressed with my expertise and acumen, getting settled in their business with so little cash outlay. I feel proud helping some poor fellow and holding their hand in the process. Many do not succeed and I consider it philanthropy.

Those who do succeed, a few years later they rent an office outside their homes, and employ their spouse or a family member to answer phones and do clerical jobs. My job then becomes filling various tax, legal, and insurance forms, spend hours of work, all free of cost. A few years later, the same guy makes more money, the spouse goes back home to look after the children, and then hires a pretty white lady to run the office. This is the signal for me to go away, as the white secretary really controls the Indian business owner.

She recommends her boyfriend, father, brother, or sister as the new insurance agent, as she can not understand me, and does not like my services. She relates better to her white folks. The Indian guy has to move to a white neighborhood, be friends with white people, and try to get business from them! However, still I am often shown the door. Like insurance agents, Indian brokers, accountants, office workers, and attorneys are all replaced by their white counterparts in due course. The owner of the business, who used to call me “uncle” and got numerous things done

free, now does not even return my phone calls. They consider, at this stage, giving business to me as racism, nepotism, or supporting an Indian who might have questionable merits.

Once you establish the insurance and investment plans for a company or an individual, as an agent who gets paid only by commissions, if they continue paying premiums and keep you as their agent, it takes years even decades to make enough money for all the time and energy you invest into the process. Few agents will contact a start up business, but will chase established companies, and steal your business and clients in seconds, as Indian business owners fall for the company of whites so fast, and make them the agents of record and let them receive fees on the work you have done. Many big, well established Indian owned companies of all types, here in town, now have passed through these stages, dozens of them, through me. I well remember. I have tried to protest each such incident on the grounds of morality, decency and legality.

I have lost every time.

Can an Indian agent, against such odds, succeed in approaching a well established Indian business owner for their insurance and investment business? Impossible!

Many of my larger Indian clients have asked me, “Why don’t you have many white clients?” If a successful Indian avoids dealing with an Indian agent, will a successful white guy bring his or her business to a Desi agent? Never.

Many a times I have been asked by affluent Indians moving to town, to find

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them an attorney and an accountant, who must be white, on the grounds that Indians (Desis) are not very professional, and they may divulge the information on their wealth to fellow Indians.

I have had plenty of white friends in every profession, but once they get a foot in the door they bring their own friendly insurance agent, which becomes more acceptable to these affluent Indians than me, and I am out. I have lost numerous such prospects.

A pretty white teller girl at a bank, with a little twinkle in her eyes, or an invitation to a game of golf, can get an Indian’s fifty thousand dollars in CDs with such ease, I always wonder. But for an Indian broker or agent getting the same account will take ten visits, several years, and numerous lunches, in addition to donations to their Indian associations and temples.

Once an Indian is out of the boat and gets car insurance from a white agent, for the next five years he drives all his fellow Indians and family members to this white agent to establish a friendship, spending hours to cultivate the goodwill of this white American guy, and for no personal financial gain. Once his insurance claim is denied, however he will call me for help and promise to bring all his friends to me, but only after this disenchantment.

Similarly when I quote a premium, an average Indian will fume at the high cost; but, if I send my white office secretary to collect a check, she will bring twice the amount, while I can not succeed in bringing even half that. What misplaced generosity!

If I narrate my experiences from the real estate transactions and mortgage business, I will bruise many more egos and offend a host of more people. Thus I will save those for the future. This narrative is not to offend my friends, clients, and fellow Indians, for I affirm and concede that a majority of my clients in insurance, investments, real estate, and mortgage have been people from the Indian subcontinent. Their help and support has helped me to receive numerous laurels and awards in my profession, and has put bread on my table for over two decades. I still have some of my original clients of over 20 years, and still have plenty of support and help from our community. I have lived comfortably; raised and educated my children well at the best schools, and now have plenty of grandchildren to play with. With plenty of thanks and appreciation to the community, I merely want to point out that; I wish the journey I have taken had been a little easier than it was. But, I have enjoyed it immensely. I did fairly well and I have never regretted leaving academia back in 1985.

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In this Alternative Medicines page we recently learned about some food items that have great medicinal effect. They are used as foods however, rather than as medicinal products. The Alternative Medicine World’s motto is “Food is medicine and medicine is food.” All alternative medicine practitioners follow this rule and help people to reduce the usage of the other medicines. In this issue we will learn about two wonderful foods that work very well as medicines.

Black Pepper and Cumin seeds are the twins of the alternative medicines world. In this issue we will learn about these wonderful twins.

Cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to 30-50 cm (1-2 ft) tall and is harvested by hand. Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds, being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged, and yellowbrown in color. It is an herbaceous annual plant, with a slender branched stem 20-30 cm tall. The leaves are 5-10 cm long, pinnate, or bipinnate, with thread-like leaflets. The flowers are small, white or pink, and borne in umbels. The fruit is a lateral bursiform or ovoid, 45 mm long, containing a single seed. Cumin seeds are similar to fennel and anise seeds in appearance, but are smaller and darker in color.

The English word “Cumin” was derived from the French word “Cumin”. The spice is native to Arabicspeaking Syria where Cumin thrives in its hot and arid Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum lands. Cumin seeds have been found in some ancient Syrian archeological sites. Folk etymology connects the word with the Persian city Kerman where, the story goes, most of ancient Persia’s Cumin was produced.

For the Persians the expression “carrying Cumin to Kerman” has the same meaning as the English language phrase “carrying coals to Newcastle.”

Kerman, locally called “Kermun”, became “Kumun”, and finally “Cumin” in the European languages.

Cumen

In Northern India and Nepal, Cumin is known as Jeera, and in Sri Lanka it is known as Duru; the white variety being Suduru and the large variety is Maduru.

It is one of the ingredients in the spice mix Berbere.

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Cumin has been in use since ancient times. Originally cultivated in Iran and Mediterranean region, Cumin is mentioned in the Bible in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It was also known in ancient Greece and Rome. The Greeks kept Cumin on the dining table in its own container (much as pepper is frequently kept today), and this practice continues in Morocco today. Superstition during the Middle Ages cited that Cumin kept chickens and lovers from wandering. It was also believed that a happy life awaited the bride and groom who carried Cumin seed throughout the wedding ceremony.

also used to season many dishes, either ground or as whole seeds, as it draws out their natural sweetnesses.

It is traditionally added to curries, enchiladas, tacos, and other Middle-Eastern, Indian, Cuban, and Mexican-style foods. Cumin has also been used on meat in addition to other common seasonings.

Cumin seeds are a good source of iron. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is Cumin is also said to help in treatment of the common particularly important for menstruating women, who cold, when added to hot milk and consumed. In South lose iron each month. Additionally, growing children Asia, Cumin tea (dry seeds boiled in hot water) is and adolescents have an increased need for iron, as do used to distinguish false-labors (due to gas) from real women who are pregnant or lactating.

Cumin seeds have traditionally been noted to be of benefit to the digestive system, and scientific research is beginning to bear out Cumin’s age-old reputation.

Research has shown that Cumin stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation. In one study, Cumin was shown to protect laboratory animals from developing stomach and liver tumors. This protective effect may be due to Cumin’s potent freeradical scavenging abilities as well as the ability it has shown to enhance the liver’s detoxification enzymes.

Since free-radical scavenging and detoxification are important considerations for the general maintenance of wellnes, Cumin’s contribution to the body’s health may be even more profound.

Black Pepper labor. In Sri Lanka, toasting cumin seeds and then boiling them in water makes a tea used to soothe acute stomach problems. Cumin seeds are used as a spice for their distinctive aroma, and are popular in North African, Middle Eastern, Western Chinese, Indian, Cuban, and Northern Mexican cuisines.

In herbal medicine, Cumin is classified as stimulant, carminative, and antimicrobial. Cumin is a critical ingredient in Chili Powder, and is found in Garam Masala, Curry Powder, and Bahaarat. Cumin seeds are Siddhi Times USA 38

Black Pepper is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. The fruit, known as a peppercorn when dried, is a small drupe of five millimetres in diameter, dark red when fully mature, containing a single seed. Peppercorns, and the powdered pepper derived from grinding them, may be described as black pepper, white pepper, red/pink pepper, green pepper, and very often simply pepper.

The terms pink peppercorns, red pepper, and green pepper are also used to describe the fruits of other, unrelated plants. Black pepper is native to South India

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and is extensively cultivated there and elsewhere in Alternative processes are used for removing the outer tropical regions. Black pepper is also cultivated in the fruit from the seed. In the U.S., white pepper is often Coorg area of Karnataka. used in dishes such as light-colored sauces or mashed potatoes, where ground black pepper would visibly Dried ground pepper is one of the most common spices stand out. There is disagreement regarding which is in European cuisine and its descendants, having been generally spicier. They have differing flavors. known and prized since antiquity for both its flavor and its use as a medicine. It is also found on nearly Black, green, pink, and white peppercorns are also every dinner table in several parts of the world, often widely known. Even though there are a lot of varieties alongside table salt. Black pepper is produced from of pepper only the black peeper and white pepper the still-green unripe berries of the pepper plant. The are widely used. Ground black pepper and pepper berries are cooked briefly in hot water, both to clean shaker Green pepper, like black, is made from the them and to prepare them for drying. The berries unripe berries. Pickled peppercorns, also green, are are dried in the sun or by machine for several days, unripe berries preserved in brine or vinegar. Fresh, during which the fruit around the seed shrinks and unpreserved green pepper berries, largely unknown in darkens into a thin, wrinkled black layer. Once dried, the West, are used in some Asian cuisines, particularly the fruits are called black peppercorns.

Thai cuisine. Their flavor has been described as piquant, fresh, and having a bright aroma. They decay White pepper consists of the seed only, with the skin quickly if not dried or preserved. of the fruit removed. This is usually accomplished by process known as retting, where fully ripe berries are Peppercorns are often categorized under a label soaked in water for about a week, during which the describing their region or port of origin. Two wellflesh of the fruit softens and decomposes. Rubbing known types come from India’s Malabar Coast: then removes what remains Malabar pepper and Tellicherry pepper. Tellicherry of the fruit, and is a higher-grade pepper, made from the largest, the naked seed ripest 10% of berries from Malabar plants grown on is dried.

Mount Tellicherry. Sarawak pepper is produced in the Malaysian portion of Borneo, and Lampong pepper on Indonesia’s island of Sumatra. White Muntok pepper is another Indonesian product, from Bangka Island.

The pepper plant is a perennial woody vine growing to four metres in height on supporting trees, poles, or trellises.

It is a spreading vine, rooting readily where trailing stems touch the ground.

The leaves are alternate, entire, five to ten centimeters long and three to six centimeters broad. The flowers are small, produced on pendulous spikes four to eight centimeters long at the leaf nodes, the spikes lengthening from 7 to 15 centimeters as the fruit matures.

Black pepper is grown in soil that is neither too dry nor susceptible to flooding, moist, well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Trees with rough bark are favored over those with smooth bark, as the pepper Siddhi Times USA 40

plants climb rough bark more readily. Competing plants are cleared away, leaving only sufficient trees to provide shade and permit free ventilation. The roots are covered in leaf mulch and manure, and the shoots are trimmed twice a year. On dry soils the young plants require watering every other day during the dry season for the first three years. The plants bear fruit from the fourth or fifth year, and typically continue to bear fruit for seven years. The cuttings are usually cultivars, selected both for yield and quality of fruit.

A single stem will bear 20 to 30 fruiting spikes. The harvest begins as soon as one or two berries at the base of the spikes begin to turn red, before the fruit is mature, and when full grown and still hard; if allowed to ripen, the berries lose pungency, and ultimately fall off and are lost. The spikes are collected and spread out to dry in the sun, then the peppercorns are stripped off the spikes.

Black pepper is native to Southeast Asia. It is most closely related to other Asian species. Pepper has been used as a spice in India since prehistoric times.

Pepper is native to India and has been known to Indian cooking since at least 2000 BC. Like many eastern spices, pepper is widely used both as seasoning and as medicine. Long pepper, being stronger, was often the preferred medication, but both were used.

Black peppercorns figure in remedies in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicines in India. The Atharva Veda’s Book of Medicines “Ayurveda” prescribes pepper (or perhaps long pepper) for such illnesses as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches.

Various ancients also recommend pepper to treat eye problems - often by applying salves or poultices made with pepper directly to the eye. There is no current medical evidence that any of these treatments has any benefit; pepper applied directly to the eye would be quite uncomfortable and possibly damaging.

pepper, and some say that pepper is not in fact a very effective sneeze-producer at all. It has been shown that Piperine can dramatically increase the absorption of Selenium, Vitamin B and Beta-carotene as well as other nutrients.

Buddhists monks were not allowed to take any kind of medication. But they were allowed to take some natural herbs as medicines. As a medicine, Pepper appears in the Buddhist literatures and also as one of the few medicines allowed to be carried by a monk.

Pepper is eliminated from the diet of patients having abdominal surgery and ulcers because of its irritating effect upon the intestines, being replaced by what is referred to as a bland diet.

Pepper loses flavor and aroma through evaporation, so airtight storage helps preserve pepper’s original spiciness longer. Pepper can also lose flavor when exposed to light, which can transform Piperine into nearly tasteless Isochavicine. Once ground, pepper’s aromatics can evaporate quickly; most culinary sources recommend grinding whole peppercorns immediately before use for this reason. Sometimes honey is mixed with pepper to reduce its irritating effect.

In the next issue we will learn about some more foods that are used as medicines.

Pepper has long been believed to cause sneezing; this is still believed true today. Some sources say that Piperine, a substance present in Black Pepper, irritates the nostrils, causing the sneezing. Some say that it is just the effect of the fine dust in ground Siddhi Times USA 41

1. Kalyan Sharma, Hindu Temple of Fresno CA Thank you very much for the information on Siddhitimes. It is really a most appropriate necessity. American Hindus, new generation in particular, are in a bad need for this type of gyan dweep. I am submitting one such article for publication in your illuminating paper. Please send one copy to this temple.

2. Hema Devi, Birmingham, England Swamiji, I had the rare opportunity of meeting you in person at my place. You blessed me whole heartedly. Only because of your powers my run down business is coming up. I pray you to bless all of us to flourish more and more. Thanks and Namaskars.

3. Nalini Chand, Frankfurt Germany.

Swamiji, I felt very glad to know about your visit to my home town. I am your devotee for a long time but I had no chance to meet you in person. I had a lot of blessings from you through the phone. I am amazed to meet you in person. Please bless my home by placing your holy golden feet in my home. Namaskars Swamiji.

4. Tilotama Rai, Manchester England Om Namashivaya. Dear His Holiness I contacted you at the time of your visit to my place during the 3rd week of March. I consulted you to cure my son’s strange behavior. You performed wonderful Atharva Vedic rituals and by the power of those rituals and your blessings my son is getting alright. Thank you very much for making my son as the best.

5. Akshaya Rani, Hayden, ID Swamiji Namaskars. After going through the magazine Siddhitimes, I approached you for making my sorrowful life as a happy life. I had a lot of troubles in my family life. You cleared every thing by your wonderful mantra power. Only because of your blessings I have become a mother for a wonderful kid.

Thanks a lot to the wonderful magazine.

6. Dr.Kirti Nambiar, St.Kitts Island.

Swamiji I am very happy to know that you are going to open a Medical University in the Caribbean island. As a physician I am ready to render my voluntary service to the betterment of that

Siddhi Times USA 42

University. Please bless me with an opportunity to volunteer in your esteemed organization.

7. Rev. Palmer Joseph, Australia Dear Revered Soul, I am the Pasteur of a Christian Church in a big city of Australia. I know well about you and your wonderful services to the human race. I pray Jesus Christ to bless you with a long and happy spiritual life. Please schedule a day in your calendar for me. I am ready to join my hands with you in the noble and holy cause of bringing up the human race.

8. Jayalani Saleem, Owensboro, KY Swamiji I have no words to explain your power. You brought my son out from his drug addiction. Even though I am a Muslim, I keep your photo in my house and worship it daily. Thanks and Salaams Swamiji. I wish to make a humble donation of $501.00 for the wonderful magazine Siddhitimes. Only because of that holy magazine I came to know about you.

9. Vedavyasa Das, Old Greenwich, CT I am a Vedic Scholar and I have gone through vigorous training under eminent Gurus. The magazine brought out by your esteemed Temple is the best magazine in the entire country.

On the first sight itself, I understood that you are a wonderful blessed personality. As I am older, I bless you and as a devotee, I seek blessing from you Swamiji.

10. Jaya Madapalli Ferndale, WA Siddhar Swamiji, after reading the magazine Siddhitimes, I came to you for solving the marriage problems of my only daughter.

You performed some wonderful rituals and solved the problems very easily. By your gracious blessings she is leading a very good family life now. Namaskars and Thanks Swamiji.

11. Gudiey Jonas Flora, IL Even though I am Christian, I believe Hinduism very much. I approached you to clear the black magic done on my family and me. You did it in a wonderful way with the power of your mantras. I salute your power and your mantra power.

Letters to the Editor 12. Yashwant Dulani Atlanta, GA Swamiji Maharaj, I got the magazine Siddhitimes and I came to you to bless my son with a very good knowledge. He was very dull in his studies before coming to you. After your darshan and blessing he is doing very well in his studies. Once again thank you very much Maharaj.

13. Balaram Vhora and Devirani Vhora Evergreen, AL Siddharji, I came to you to remove the evilness of the planets and you removed it and blessed us with a wonderful male kid.

We dedicate our life time for your divine services. The magazine Siddhitimes is the most vibrant of all the spiritual magazines.

Pranams and Namaskars.

14. Ramlakhan Singh Phoenix, AZ Siddharji, namasthe. I got the magazine form the Hindu Temple here. I am really very happy to know about you.

Immediately I called you to rescue me from my sufferings. You explained me well about my horoscope and performed the rituals to clear off my sufferings. You

are the one and only person to rescue people from their sufferings. I recommend all the suffering people to come to you for solving the problems. I am a practical example for your powers. Thanks and Namaskars Siddhar Swamiji.

15. Gary Galliards.Delphos, OH I am a German living in this wonderful country for the past several years. I have read a little bit of Vedas. Only after meeting you in person during my visit to your temple, I am able to think more clearly. Thanks for blessing me with a wonderful vision.

16. Prashanthini Velavan, Geneva Switzerland.

Respected Swamiji, I had the holiest occasion of getting your personal blessings from you during your visit here by the second week of last month.

I requested you to clear the black magic on my father’s family. You did a great ritual with mantra, yantra and thantra and removed the black magic. Now my parents are very happy. Nanriyudan

Vanakkangal Ayya. Please come and bless our home at Sri Lanka also.

17. Harry Goel Danbury, CT Wonderful Swamiji. Pranams, Pranams and more Pranams. You brought out my son from his mental stress. He is very well now. Thanks and Pranams Swamiji.

Please keep your merciful vision on me and my family.

18. Lina Mala Adelphi MD Swamiji, it is our great pleasure to write a small note of you and your magazine Siddhitimes. As a family we are always thankful to you for the wonderful healing we are receiving. We have enclosed for $251.00 as a note of thanks to the holy magazine Siddhitimes. Once again thank you for all the services given to us.

19. Xavier Antonio Batesville AK Revered Siddhar, I have no words to explain the power of your mantras. You have saved me and my family from suicide. We had an idea to commit suicide because the debts. You showed me the best ways to come out of the debts. Thanks once again to you and your magazine Siddhitimes Swamiji.

20. Rama Jahan Alamosa, CO Pranams Siddhar Swamiji. I came to know about you through the magazine Siddhitimes. I requested you to solve the problems in my son’s education. You blessed him and performed special rituals for him. Now he is doing very well in his studies. Thanks for making my son great.

Siddhi Times USA 43

I wish to thank all the readers for extending their support to our magazine the Siddhi Times. Due to this over whelming support the magazine has become the best of its kind throughout the country. Over the past issues we have discussed a lot about Vedic Astrology. In this issue I wish to discuss about how Vedic Astrology controls your health. Not many people realize that their health can be tracked by the stars! Each of the planets and signs has particular areas of the body that they influence through their rulership. Aries rules the Head; Taurus rules the Throat; Gemini rules the Breath; Cancer rules the Breasts; Leo rules the Heart; Virgo rules the Abdomen; Libra rules the Kidneys; Scorpio rules the Private Parts; Sagittarius rules the Hips; Capricorn rules the Knees; Aquarius rules the Ankles; and Pisces Rules the Feet. Let me briefly explain the main points of Atharva Veda on this subject.

the cranium, jaw, and facial bones.

Externally, rulerships are more complicated; and other parts of the head and face are ruled by Taurus and Scorpio. All of the planets rule various other external parts as well.

For example, the Sun rules the right eye in the male, and the left eye in the female, while the Moon rules the left eye in the male and right eye in the female. Aries influences all kinds of head complaints such as sinusitis, headaches, tooth and gum afflictions, and baldness.

Those who were born in Aries are more prone to accidents or injuries to the head and face. As a sign of this celestial association, many Aries individuals are born with a birth mark on their head or face.

Taurus Rules the Throat Externally, Taurus rules the throat, neck, ears, and lower jaw.

Internally, it rules the thyroid gland, pharynx, larynx, jugular vein, tonsils, Eustachian tubes, cervical ganglia, and carotid Aries Rules the Head. arteries. Structurally, it rules the The head, taken as a whole, is occipital, cervical vertebrae, lower ruled by Aries. Yet, the Signs have jaw and teeth, chin and palate. The an internal, external, and structural vulnerable parts of the body are the relationship. Internally, Aries neck, throat, shoulders and upper rules the brain, nerve centers, and torso. Stiff necks, sore throats and carotid arteries. Externally it rules earaches are common Taurean

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Sri Sri Selvam “Siddhar� complaints. The pathological tendencies of this sign are stroke, croup, tonsillitis, lymphatic stasis of the neck and head, and laryngitis.

Taurus rules the throat, giving a powerful, often beautiful voice.

The influence of Venus opens up a world of musical talent and appreciation, so Taureans are good singers and musicians, or at least, love music and can be a force on the business side of music.

Gemini Rules the Breath Externally, Gemini rules the shoulders and upper arms.

Internally, Gemini rules the breath, nerve fibers, thymus gland, lungs, trachea, and bronchi. Structurally, Gemini rules the clavicle, scapula,

and humerus. This double sign portends the native suffering from two diseases at the same time. The pathological action of this sign is nervousness, negativity, passivity, or even restlessness. Tuberculosis, asthma, and anemia are common to Gemini. The vulnerable parts of the body are the arms, hands, fingers, lungs, nervous system, and especially the sense of hearing.

Respiratory problems and various nervous conditions are common to the people of Gemini. Gemini’s health complaints are benefited with exposure to rays from the orange spectrum of light. Gemini is traditionally considered a barren sign.

Cancer Rules the Breasts The crab is Cancer’s astrological symbol, so when threatened, people with Cancer prominent in their chart tend to armor themselves by withdrawing into solitude. When upset, they use food as consolation, which in turn can result in obesity or food allergies. The Sun in Cancer reflects a weakened physical constitution. Externally, it rules the breasts, the epigastria region, and the elbows. Internally, it rules the stomach, the digestive organs, and the upper lobe of the liver, the thoracic duct, the pancreas, blood

serum, and the womb. The entire act of digestion and peristalsis is ruled

by Cancer. Indigestion, stomach ulcer, flatulence, jaundice, liver torpidity, and mammary affections are common. Be on guard against lymphatic stasis. Structurally, Cancer rules the maxillae (the bones of the face). People with Cancer active in their charts are subject to coughs, indigestion, gas, gallstones, and general problems with stomach, liver, and intestines, plus emotional disorders such as depression, hypochondria, and hysteria.

Leo Rules the Heart Leo represents the heart of the physical system. It is a fire sign that heats the body and can lead to a loss of equilibrium between body and mind. Internally, Leo rules the heart, spinal cord, liver, spleen, pulmonary arteries, aorta, and the superior and inferior vena cava.

Externally, the Lion governs the back and forearm, and structurally, the twelve dorsal vertebrae. The diseases of Leo predominately involve the heart, most seriously occlusion of cardiac arteries by blood clot bringing on a heart attack. Nervous tension can affect the heart with palpitations. The fire of Leo tends to fevers, and heart-

related issues such as pericarditis and rheumatic heart disease. It is linked to jaundice and eye problems as well. Leo, though fond of children, is traditionally a barren sign.

Virgo Rules the Abdomen Internally, Virgo rules the abdominal region, large and small intestines, spleen, solar plexus, lower lobes of the liver, pancreas, portal veins, and has some influence on the generative organs.

Externally, it rules the umbilicus, hands, and nails. Structurally, it rules the carpal bones. Health conscious Virgo makes an effort to stay physically fit and Virgo people don’t mind repetitive exercise routines, if they can see achievable outcomes. They enjoy tennis, racquetball, swimming, sailing, fishing, and biking, even though athletically they are not overly competitive. It’s just that they always seek to perfect whatever skills they may have, primarily for the sake of doing a thing well. Talented in various crafts, dressmaking, and designing, Virgo may also take a particular interest in such things as cartography, travel, and philately. Virgo rules the sinuses, respiratory system, and bowels. Colds, flu, allergies,

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and problems with intestines and constipation are common Virgoan complaints. Black moods and despondency from time to time can adversely affect others in the vicinity. Traditionally, Virgo is a barren sign.

Libra Rules the Kidneys Libra internally rules the excretory functions through the kidneys and the skin. Externally, it rules the lumbar region, buttocks, adrenals, and vasomotor system.

And structurally, the sign rules the lumbar vertebrae. The pathological tendencies of this sign are lumbago, kidney disease, uremia, polyuria, renal calculi, and edema. Libra rules the kidneys, lower back, and ovaries. Lower back pain, and problems caused by too much sugar or rich food are common complaints. Librans are also subject to interminable hovering between alternatives, or inability to make firm decisions, especially under pressure, when they can be pushed by others into taking steps they may later regret.

organs. Internally, it rules the gonads, hemoglobin, bladder, prostate, descending colon, sigmoid flexure, and rectum. It has influence over the vocal cords and larynx. Structurally it rules the pubic bones, coccyx, and nasal bones. This sign also influences the thymus and thyroid glands, the liver, uterus, menstruation, sweat glands, and the endocrine glands in general. Scorpio rules the reproductive organs and the excretory system. Those with Scorpio active in their charts may suffer headaches, infections, and fevers, along with various illnesses associated with what used to be called the secret parts.

Scorpio people however have a strong constitution and can usually overcome their problems, many of which are of their own making, due to their clandestine activities.

on the liver, lungs, and motor nerves. Structurally, it rules the four coccygeal vertebrae, sacral bones, and the femur. The diseases of Sagittarius particularly involve the hips and thighs. Injury to these areas is common, especially if horse-riding is involved. The pain of sciatica has long been associated with this sign. The expansive, pleasure loving influence of Jupiter inclines to the excessive consumption of rich food and drink, sometimes leading to arthritic pains in the hips. Since Sagittarius is a fire sign, the tendency to feverish complaints is also marked.

Capricorn Rules the Knees Externally, Capricorn rules the joints (especially the knees), hair, teeth, and skin. Internally, the mucous membranes, the peripheral nerves, and portions of the stomach come under Capricorn’s Sagittarius Rules the Hips influence. Structurally, Capricorn Externally, Sagittarius rules rules the skeleton, bones, and the region around the hips, patella. The planet Lord Sun is gluteal muscles, thighs, and has weak in this sign, but Capricorn considerable influence over all does tend towards longevity the muscles in general. Internally, unless afflicted by the Moon or Scorpio Rules the Private Parts it has ruler ship of the sciatic Saturn. Many diseases result from Externally, Scorpio rules the nose, nerve, iliac arteries and veins, business anxieties. The accidents the pubic area, and the genital and has considerable influence and injuries of this sign are broken

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bones, sprains, dislocations, and strains and pains of the knees and below. While sensitive skin, allergies, and broken bones are common problems, worrying too much can also result in physical disorders. Capricorn suffers from insecurity and anxiety in youth, but blossoms under Saturn in the later years. Capricorn people do not readily yield to disease, but once sick they hold onto the symptoms and can become hypochondriacs.

Worry and anguish can also result in health problems like heart attack if they are not careful to relieve their stress with proper exercise.

The pathological tendencies are crystallization, dryness, and constriction. Routine massage and foot reflexology can be of considerable benefit.

Aquarius Rules the Ankles Externally this sign rules the calves, tibia, and ankles. Internally, the Sun in Aquarius rules the circulation, breath, and eyesight. Structurally, Aquarius rules over the bones of the lower limbs. It is closely associated with the blood and circulation. The pathological action of Aquarius is towards nervousness, gloom, and sensitivity leading to habits and

fixed ideas that make disease persist and linger. Aquarians are prone to varicose veins, hypertension, heart problems, and a tendency toward blood impurities. Aquarius rules the shins, ankles, and circulatory system, while cramps, allergies, sudden illness, and freak accidents are common for those with Aquarius active in their charts.

They may also suffer from various nervous disorders.

Pisces Rules the Feet Internally, Pisces rules the lymphatic system, sensorial fluids and functions of the glands in general. Externally, it rules the feet and toes, and structurally, the bones of the feet.

Today’s medical world has become vast. Hospitals and research laboratory facilities have grown to a tremendous height. Yet, without having anything like we have today, our ancestors utilized these astrological factors in their preventative and diagnostic health practices thousands of years ago.

They are all explained in Atharva Veda.

I will meet with you all in our next issue with some more thoughts on Vedic Astrology. I pray Lord Shiva and Goddess Vanadurga to shower their entire blessings on all of you to have a comfortable living.

Swelling, allergic reaction to drugs, injuries to the feet and related problems are common complaints; but the Piscean emotional nature can also make them vulnerable to psychosomatic illness. The susceptibility of the Piscean nature to drugs and alcohol as a way of dealing with the pressures of the world needs to be addressed in a sensitive and realistic way.

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BED BUGS REINFEST THE WORLD Even though Bed Bugs are a problem that spread vastly worldwide travel systems at levels, many people still ask, what are Bed Bugs?”

common through alarming “Exactly,

Bed Bugs, Cimex Lectularius (Cimicidae) according to the Harvard School of Public Health, are small wingless insects that feed only upon the blood of warmblooded animals. Bed bugs and their relatives have evolved as nest parasites.

Certain kinds inhabit bird nests and bat roosts and await the return of their hosts; many others have adapted and thrive in the homes (nests) of all types of humans, rich or poor, modern or not.

Newly hatched bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed, and adults are about 1/4 of an inch in length. From above they are oval in shape, but are flattened from top to bottom.

Bed bugs surface color ranges from nearly white (just after molting) or a light tan to a deep brown or burnt orange. The host’s blood may appear as a dark red or black mass within the bug’s body. Bed Bugs do not develop wings and cannot fly. When disturbed, bed bugs actively seek shelter in dark cracks and crevices. Cast skins of bed bugs are sometimes discovered.

What harm do bed bugs cause in the spread of pathogens (disease-causing germs)?

Bed bugs seek out people and animals, generally at night while these hosts are asleep, and painlessly sip a few drops of blood. While feeding, they inject a tiny amount of their saliva into the skin.

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Repeated exposures to bed bug bites during a period of several weeks or more causes people to become sensitized to the saliva of these bugs; additional bites may then result in mild to intense allergic responses.

The affected person should resist the urge to scratch the bites, as this may intensify the irritation and itching, and may lead to secondary infection. Physicians often treat patients with antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce allergic reactions and inflammation.

Bed bugs cause various allergic reactions (sometimes significant reactions, including anaphylaxis), secondary skin infections, sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, depression, and having historically provoked desperate and unsafe applications of pesticides in previously common efforts to self-treat an infestation. Bronchial asthma and infant anemia have been suggested by studies but more research is ongoing to further establish the risks. Many elderly, disabled, and illness sufferers face significant challenges in eradicating infestations with conventional preparation and control measures, which are chemically invasive and labor-intensive. Many also have reported feeling socially isolated during an infestation.

As to where do bed bugs occur, bed bugs and their relatives occur nearly worldwide. bed bugs became relatively scarce during the latter part of the 20th century, but their populations have resurged in recent years, particularly throughout parts of North America, India, throughout southern Asia, Europe, and Australia. They are most abundant in rooms where people sleep, and they generally hide nearest the bed

or other furniture used for sleeping. Bed bugs are most active in the middle of the night, but when hungry, they will venture out during the day to seek a host. Their flattened bodies allow them to conceal themselves in cracks and crevices around the room and within furniture, including electric sockets. Favored hiding sites include the bed frame, mattress and box spring. Clutter around the room offers additional sites for these bugs to hide, and increases the difficulty in eliminating bed bugs once they have become established.

Bed bugs invade homes while readily hiding in small crevices (as stowaways) in luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and other such objects when these are moved between apartments, homes and hotels (travel). Used furniture, particularly bed frames and mattresses, are a common risk factor in harboring bed bugs and their eggs. Thus, one should carefully scrutinize and consider the history of any used furniture, particularly ‘street’ items so plentiful at the beginning and end of each academic year. Because they readily survive for many months without feeding, bed bugs may already be present in apparently ‘vacant’ and ‘clean’ apartments. Bed bugs can wander between adjoining apartments through voids in walls and holes though which wires and pipes pass. In a few cases, bats and/or birds may introduce and maintain bed bugs and their close relatives (bat bugs and bird bugs). Pest control personnel should be mindful of the presence of blood feeding insects and mites that may be left behind after removing nests or roosts of birds and bats in and on the home.

Bed bugs should be suspected if residents

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this fact to Greg Brown, the Marketing Manager of Siddhi Times USA, who was simply amazed.

complain of bites that occurred while sleeping. The bedroom and other sleeping areas should be carefully examined for bed bugs and signs of bed bug activity.

Folds and creases in the bed linens, and seams and tufts of mattresses and box springs, in particular, may harbor bed bugs or their eggs. They may also be found within pleats of curtains, beneath loose areas of wallpaper near the bed, in corners of desks and dressers, within spaces of wicker furniture, behind cove molding, and in laundry or other items on the floor or around the room. Sometimes, characteristic dark brown or reddish fecal spots of bed bugs are apparent on the bed linens, mattress or walls near the bed. A peculiar coriander-like odor may be detected in some heavily infested residences. Adhesive-based traps used for sampling insects or rodents are not particularly effective for trapping bed bugs.

In 2007, Eco Living Friendly (ELF) responded to the growing demand for biologically safe affordable home bug eliminator formulas that were the first wave of EPA Exempt as well as FDA compliant as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe Pesticide) products for the consumer.

Eco Living Friendly’s “ELF for Bed BugsTM was originally studied as Bed Bug Terminator in 2006 testing by Virginia Tech Department of Entomology Dr. Dini M. Miller and Technical Assistant Tim McCoy at Dodson Urban Pest Management Laboratory(DUPML):

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“The Beg Bug Terminator solution(s)… act as insecticidal soap(s), which disrupt the structure and permeability of the insects’ cell membranes. Cell contents are able to leak from the damaged cells, and the insect quickly dies…capable of causing rapid knock down and mortality when sprayed…but do not have any residual insecticidal activity.”

Today, Dr Commander Selvam has joined forces with Elf Brands to market Dr. Commander’s ELF for Bed Bugs © - the amazing all natural, non-toxic antibed bug product personally blessed and endorsed by Swamiji Dr Commander Selvam “Siddhar”!

Dr. Commander’s ELF Personal Pest Management Products were scientifically formulated with proprietary solutions of natural enzymes and bacteria that create a predictable response as a catalyst mortally reacting with the cells of the pest’s exoskeleton - the exterior armor at the surface of any insect.

Dr Commander’s ELF Products simply kill bugs, leaving zero toxic residues, safely washing away as environmentally safe drainage, which will not pollute the effected household application areas.

Dr Commander’s ELF for BedBugsTM, for example, is so safe, that it can be sprayed repeatedly directly on bedding or included in bath water for scabies removal without danger of toxic effects to people or their pets! The Eco Living Friendly Corporation recently demonstrated

Rid bed bugs by thoroughly cleaning the infested rooms as well as others in the residence. Strip bedding and thoroughly spray a mist of non-toxic Dr. Commander’s ELF for BedBugsTM over every inch of all pillow, mattress, and frame surfaces.

Allow to dry. Separate and flip mattress while spraying box springs, top/sides/ bottom. Continue to spray non-toxic Dr Commander’s ELF for BedBugsTM daily around base areas of your bed for at least three weeks. Also, spray immediate floor and wall areas daily. Bed Bug colonies can multiply in cracks, crevices, wall outlets (be careful of electric shock!), picture frames, old or used furniture, luggage, etc. After three weeks, continue spraying bed surfaces when changing bedding. Always use Hot Water setting (preferably with bleach) when laundering sheets and pillowcases. Running heavier blankets and comforters through a HOT dryer cycle without washing (between professional cleanings) is also a very good idea. The Dr. Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM Combo special will save money and provide longer term non-toxic, effective protection when used consistently. Scrub infested surfaces with a stiff brush with Dr. Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM to dislodge and destroy eggs, and use a powerful vacuum to remove as many bed bugs as possible from cracks and crevices. Dismantling bed frames will expose additional bug hiding sites. Remove drawers from desks and dressers and turn furniture over, if possible, to inspect and clean all hiding spots.

Mattresses and box springs can be permanently encased within special mattress bags. Once they are installed, inspect the bags to ensure they are undamaged; if any holes or tears are found, seal these completely with permanent tape. Any bugs trapped within these sealed bags will eventually die. Continue to spray Dr Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM on encasement surfaces.

To prevent bed bugs from crawling onto a bed, pull the bed frame away from the wall, tuck sheets and blankets so they

several hours in a closed vehicle in full summer sun may further assist their elimination.

Unlike safe non-toxic Dr. Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM , DO NOT apply any insecticide or pesticide to mattresses or to surfaces that would be in direct contact with a person. Many common products can be harmful to people and pets. READ and UNDERSTAND the label.

Dangerously toxic insecticide formulations used to treat bed bug infestations consist mainly of the following: 1) Insecticidal dusts with insecticides that abrade the insect’s outer waxy coat and cause the bugs to dry out quickly. Some consist of a finely ground glass or silica powder. These dry dusts can also create allergic responses in sensitive peoples’ airways.

won’t contact the floor, and place the frame legs into dishes or cups of mineral oil and Dr. Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM. Caulk and seal all holes where pipes and wires penetrate walls and floor, and fill cracks around baseboards and cove moldings to further reduce harborages.

Because bed bugs and other pests may spread through cracks and holes in the walls, ceilings and floors, it is wise for apartment/ condominium dwellers to seek cooperation with neighbors and management to inspect and encourage treatment of adjoining apartments on the same floor as well as those directly above and below.

Don’t panic. Although bed bugs can be annoying, they can be battled safely and successfully if you adopt a well-considered strategy using Dr. Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM. It is not necessary to dispose of furniture that is useful. Infested furniture can be cleaned and treated with Dr Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM . Placing infested furniture (particularly mattresses) into common areas or on the street may simply help spread bed bugs to the homes of other people. Infested furniture intended for permanent disposal should be completely defaced to make it less attractive to other people. Officials in some municipalities affix to potentially infested furniture a label to warn of bed bugs.

To reduce opportunities of infested furniture re-entering their building, building managers should ensure that any disposed furniture is locked within a dumpster or immediately carted away to a landfill or waste facility.

Travelers increasingly encounter bed bugs during their stays away from home. Dr Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM has a travel size that is refillable for handy traveling. If signs of bed bugs were observed, suspected, or confirmed by being the victim of bed bug bites, consider the possibility that you may have unwittingly transported bed bugs or their eggs in your luggage and other personal effects. Clothing should be laundered in a manner to kill bugs and their eggs before, or as soon as, these items are brought back into the home. Suitcases should be carefully inspected, scrubbed with a stiff dry brush, thoroughly vacuumed, and then thoroughly sprayed with Dr Commander’s ELF for Bed BugsTM. Leaving suspected infected luggage for

2) Contact insecticides are those that kill the bugs shortly after they come into direct contact with the product or its residue. These mainly consist of one or more kinds of a) Pyrethroids (synthetic analogs of the extract of chrysanthemum flowers). As Nerve Poisons these products tend to rapidly ‘knock down’ bugs that wander over or otherwise contact the insecticide. Because pyrethroids can be irritating and repellent to many insects, bed bugs may avoid treated surfaces. b) Pyrethrins are environmentally toxic and dangerous according to EPA’s Pesticide Action Network (PAN), Acute Toxicity Description Studies. Inhaling pyrethrins can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Skin contact can cause a rash, itching, or blisters.

3) Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) affect the development and reproduction of insects. Although these products can be quite effective in reducing the population of the pests, they do not kill bugs quickly.

Thus, pest control operators often use these products as a supplement to other kinds of insecticides.

Be aware that you may spread bed bugs with you from your own infested residence if you “attempt an escape” by moving to another apartment, home or hotel. Generally, it is best to leave your possessions in your home or apartment when it is treated. With ELF for Bed BugsTM it is safe around sleeping, working, food preparation, and eating.

Some building managers have allowed infested apartments to remain vacant of tenants for extended intervals in attempts to ‘out wait’ or ‘starve’ the bed bugs. This strategy would rarely make good sense, as bed bugs are well adapted to patiently wait for the return of their hosts.

Each bed bug needs only one full blood meal to develop to the next developmental stage, and they can readily wait months between feeding opportunities. Under ideal conditions, adult bed bugs can survive for more than one year between meals. Thus, infested residences should be aggressively managed with ELF for Bed BugsTM to eliminate bed bugs.

This information will help you to more effectively identify and safely manage a suspected bed bug infestation. This article is published to assist homeowners, property managers and tenants with safe non-toxic methods relevant to the identification and effective elimination of bed bugs.

For information about the identification, biology, and management of head lice or other kinds of pests, please visit: www.elfbrands.com.

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Sponsored by

Suganya Garu

Rasi Reding,

Kind Attention: Zodiac Connection is based upon moon and not upon sun

By Sri Selvam “Siddhar”

Mesham This month prior to Summer, will be very simple and ordinary. Lord your sign, Lord Mars stands in straight 7th sign to that of Lord Saturn. Your efforts and attempts are facing challenges with blockades. The finance and rotation of funds are slow down. The attention in job and profession is half the way with promise and the other half the way with alterations. That means firm and right conditions are missing. Specifically in regards with family, finance and close mates, the expected prospects are hiding in shadow. No clear resolution is found.

Women and children at home: Very moderate month likely to pass. Of course their needs and other programs are met with half the way. They have to wait till the 3rd week of this month. Lord Jupiter cares to a good extent to keep the health in good condition. Lord Mars and Lord Jupiter act up on family, finance and education. Lord Jupiter plays his role as compromiser when Lord Mars tries to disturb the sign Rishaba.

Students and their studies: Initiative care is really taken, but the circumstances are dragging for waste of times.

Friends and other engagements will interfere and the precious hours of education are given a secondary place. As it is a normal approach that will give only the minimum marks. It is most importantant to gain good rank. Early morning studies will help them to project themselves.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: Some kind of blocked situation and arrested moments are seen.

The reason being the debilitated Lord Jupiter combines with Lord Raaghu. But they can over come with essential success.

Lovers and their trend for this month: Lord Venus is in Astangatha situation and his rays are submerged with Lord Sun. This is a kind of freedom less state and inconvenience. The understandings and open talks are also not seen properly. For outward show it is promising but the result in word is held with restrictions.

Married Persons and spouses: The rule of Astangatha situation does not permit an easy moment and attachment.

Lord Sun’s occupation in ‘Meena’ does not give peace of mind and healthy relations. Crucial situation and answerable reqences are frequently crossing. Better to pass silently in the first two weeks of this month. Time will be changing for better position after two weeks. This month is little complicated.

Dates 13th and 14th are not favorable for important matters including financial matters.

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Rishabam Lord of your sign, Lord Venus is in exalted position.

To that extent a better performance is expected. But he is the Lord for 6th house also. This will give a set back. The opponents, the matters of ill health and disputes may also figure well to keep you confused. In the sign Kumba, Lord Mars is likely to grant a fortune with big expenditure. That also gets delayed by Lord Saturn. So the scenes of fishing in the troubled waters are going on.

Women and children at home: To have a satisfaction to the extent of their full expectation could not be reached.

Somewhat half the way they can get pleased. Lord Sun makes an Astangatha situation to bring down the power of their sign Lord. This will be focusing on them to get the things done partially. Any how the management of family is going on. Children are given reasonable grace from the debilitated Lord Jupiter.

Students and their studies: The education and the expected progress are visible strongly. But the combination of Lord Mercury and Venus is spoiled by Lord Sun. This prevails the difficulties. This will extend for first two weeks and then their progress will be giving good result. The selection of subjects which they study now will have prominence in Exam papers.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: Trading position and office work seem to be storng. There are specific hurdles also seen. Their views and opinions are guided by Lord Jupiter and that they are capable of completing the job with challenges. For Business men the competition will be strong but by the diplomatic way of handling the matter will come success.

Lovers and their trend for this month: The oppositition of Lord Saturn in poorva phalguni and Lord Mars in sathabisha, will create misunderstanding and some time the arguments to a longer extent. Lord Jupiter favours sign a their and keeps them in a limited range to manage the situation.

Married Persons spouses: Lord Mercury is in association with Lords Venus and Sun. This will be really problomatic to create confusion. They have to give priority of all affairs and execute properly. Attempting all the things but not in a position to complete any thing fully, will be seen by them during this month. The understanding between husband and wife will be very normal. Their burden is more and they have to carry on with their skills. This month is a month below normal.

The dates 15th and 16th will not be favorable.

Mithunam Lord Mercury is very close to Lord Sun. All your energy and efforts are to be really praised. You are facing some delays and oppositions. Lord Venus also is associated with them. This creates a scene of importance. All for good and give a rare experience to manage any kind of challenge. Your trade or profession is likely to give you good opportunities with deserving profits. Lord Jupiter is not helpful to promate your attempts. Any way there comes an enemy or disturbance in you project. Think deeply and proceed to over come of the hurdles.

Women and children at home: Domestic affairs and other moments are progressing slowly. They can find a sudden change and improvement. Lord Mercury is in debilitation and the Lord Venus is in exaltation. This situation is giving a good change. Even though the status of Astangatha for Lord Mercury, this combination is really helpful. They can manage with their best capacity.

Students and their studies: For all the students it is progressive and the time guides to learn a lot The preparations for examinations will be going on well. There is every chance to face the exam, with the portions they have prepared. Some of the students are heading well to score high marks. This month will be a good month for their improvements.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: Since Lord Jupiter is setting his foot at Magara, the trend of trade or profession must turn for the better results. The combination of Lords Venus and Mercury will do a new way of achievement. There will be an important scene and you are going to do your best capacity. You will be facing a blockade. But the same will be taken as challenge and pave a route for success.

Lovers and their trend for this month: Lord Mars is facing his enemy Lord Saturn. Even the position of Lord Venus is proving to be in critical association with Lord Sun. All your plans are not progressing. It is actually a displeasure for them. The time will be turning to a good shape after two weeks.

Married Persons and spouses: Needed finance and rotation of money are not with easy flow. Actually the family burden is more. Some of the expenditure may be towards medical. Lord Jupiter is in debilitation and in the 8th sign from Mithunam. This is a hidden place. The happiness and satisfaction are not up to the expectation.

The dates 17th 18th and 19th will be with tough challenges.

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Kadagam This month, all of your activities are having checks. No freedom to finish as you desire. Some of the matters lead to quarrel.

Some are under objections. When are you going to see the clear cloud? This is the position. By 14th April Lord Sun enters Mesham and begins to favor you in the line of profession or trade. Your brilliancy and ideas are favourable and guide you for success.

Women and children at home: Insufficiency of funds will be ruling when big expenditure arises at home. Already you are with burden. Children at home will be claiming many things and only a few could be materialized. Lord Jupiter favours by aspecting their sign. Gradually they will be receiving all the things they needed. After two weeks they will be very busy with some more engagements.

Students and their studies: They will be facing several questions of confusion in lessons. The position should be brought forward. It seems it is insufficient. More attention is necessary for the progress. Unnecessary friendship may spoil their study time.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: Lord Mars is hidden in 8th place. No prominence is seen. It is dull trading as for as business is concerned. For officials it is moving very slowly. This kind of trend will follow for first two weeks and then the turn comes for busy and profitable stage. This will be continued till 15th of May. Lovers and their trend for this month: The trend of lovers is restricted. Programs are not coinciding with your expectations. Lord of their 7th house is Lord Saturn, who is looked by his enemy Lord Mars. So, this trend will continue atmost for 3 weeks of this month. Better conclude their conversation over phone and pass the time for better.

Married Persons and spouses: Their expectations and the planning are of course with encouragement; but the time is critical and leads to confusion. The picture is in mixed trend till 14th of May and then gradually their views will be fulfilled. The finance matters and domestic arrangements are half heartedly passing. All their aimed affairs are delayed.

Any way Lord Jupiter sends his grace from ‘Magaram’ and willing to help them. That will reach in the 3rd week of this month.

The dates 20th, 21st and 22nd will be causing debacles.

Better postpone important matters for next date.

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Simham The first two weeks will be with great anxiety.

Then the following weeks will prove to be active with business. From 14th of April Lord of Your sign, Lord Sun will be in the grade of exaltation. That is good. Status, health, prestige and position will be a fine way. The occupant Lord Saturn gives you a kind of fear which leads to confusion. You have to face certain enemies also. Since your sign Lord will get full power on 14th April, you will be able to manage every thing with success.

Women and children at home: Even though there is no confidence in the present moment, they are going to gain every thing shortly. They are not worried of any thing and proceeding ahead with their usual duties. In the middle of May, they can project well to execute their pending matters.

Children are playful and in some tricky game. They will face small scratches. Don’t permit them, near by fire.

Students and their studies: The matter of education is going to prove good. Even though the Lord Mercury stays in 8th place, he is with Lord Venus who will favor fortune.

They can score good marks. Regular attendance and care in study will boost them. Some times they will feel lazy but at the same time they are capable of understanding their duties.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: The Business people and the professionals are involved in various things. By the end of 13th May, they will feel better and do the Positive things for a good future. Since Lord Mars is aspecting the house of profession, nothing to be worried and deals will fetch them the proper result. The occupant of the 6th House is Lord Jupiter who is trying to put them in litigation. They have to be very cautious.

Lovers and their trend for this month: The occupation of Lord Mars in 7th is not good. They have to face a difficult situation and their mind will not be peaceful. Better try to be calm and proceed. Almost for 3weeks the same condition will prevail. Only the telephonic conversation and rare meetings will be good. They have to await good opportunity latter.

Married Persons and spouses: In one way there is no rest for their thoughts. In another way, the demands are not been fulfilled. Some sort of confusion and disturbance will be happening through out 3 weeks. There could be some remedies in the end of this month. As usual the domestic burden will be met in good way.

The dates which are not good to lend money or to speak good affairs should be post poned from 23rd and 24th.

Kanya This month it is expected some new beginnings to reach fortune. The time will he favourable. Lord Jupiter aspects your sign. Lords Sun, Mercury and Venus also aspect your sign. The job and profession will be to your expectation to bring good tidings. Joy, humar and luck will prevail. Lord Mars also aspects, but to create a disturbance.

Always be with safety in travel as wall as, neary by fire.

Women and children at home: Since the sign and the 2nd house are being looked by Lords Mars and Saturn, this month is not favorable. They have to face lot of affairs.

Children should be followed with vigil. They may face illness or little accidents. Care is most essential. For elders, the finance and domestic duties are worrying much. Some how Lord Jupiter is helpful to give a relief.

Students and their studies: Some times, the attention is diverted and in other times the laziness will interfere to spoil the studies. They have to show much care, other wise the rank will go down in class. The Lord for 2nd house is in exalted. So, after two weeks the trend will be favorable.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: For this category of persons the planets are helpful to give positive way of progress. Lords Saturn and Mars will interfere to stop the progress. So the measure to avoid the days Tuesday and Saturday will show them the proper path for success.

Lovers and their trend for this month: An unusual trend prevails now. An expectation and a fear. A fulfillment amidst a disappointment will occur between lovers. Lord Mars looks the sign and creates a fear. Nothing to worry, their sign is supported by benefic Lord Jupiter who is in nature granter of grace even though he is the lord for 4th and 7th.

For Married Persons and spouses: Long awaited matters are proving to be finalized. Good omen is seen to fulfill their desire. This also happens with not by easy means.

They have to take more care and pain to reach this hour.

This month seems to be good. It will be in a mixed trend and in final show the accounts to the plus point.

The last week specifically on 25th and 26th may not be good. On these days, better avoid important matter and also for financial deals.

Tulam It is a time mixed with several responsibilities and burdens. Lord Saturn looks your sign and the time is still challenging. Some how or other Lord Kethu is obliging to show the route of regular income. The same house is aspected by Lord Jupiter also.

Jupiter’s nature is such, even though he is unfavorable as for as the houses concerned, Lord Sun’s position will be too hot and may not favor you properly. It is advised to keep your position with safety.

Women and children at home: The hot summer is likely to begin and days of several affairs are there for you. It will not be easy to execute every thing. The children will also face inconvenience. They are not in a happy mood. Dull and lazy mood will rule over them. More care should be taken on the part of children. Specifically after 14th April, gloomy mood and uneasiness will prevail.

Students and their studies: Lord Mars is transiting in the constellation of Lord Raaghu. No kind of encouragement is seen. Some how, the graph declines towards negative side. It is very important, that not a day should be wasted.

Reading habit should be continued properly. Otherwise the rank will go down.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: The regular and routine trade for Business men and the usual goings in professionals’ lives are seen. The smartness and brisk mood will be reduced. As for as the competition and the enemies circle, they are running powerlessly. This is good at the moment. Since the travel of Lord Moon is constantly with malefic planets the route of profession is facing challenges.

Lovers and their trend for this month: Lord Venus is in exalted position. But his associates create an Astangatha position which brings down the strength of Lord Venus.

This point outs the separation, feelings of anxiety and disturbance. After 14th April, the time will change for better position.

Married Persons and spouses: The position of Lord Mars and Lord Venus are not giving good atmosphere to support them. Since Lord Mars is facing opposition of Lord Saturn, the family matters are passing with hurdles and troubles. They have to practice yoga and meditation at least 10 minutes per day. This will balance the present load of responsibilities. After 14th April the time is likely to change and good things will arrive.

The Dates 27th, 28th and 29th will not prove good in this month.

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Viruchigam When you are nearing to finalize certain matters, the actual delay or change in program will appear to stop the progress. The Regular trend in income and profession will be continued. The routine of business will have a check and the route will be disturbed. Regards health and surroundings, you are always with lot of engagements which are enthusiastic and humour.

Women and children at home: Your attempts, like once, twice and thrice, they are mounting up and still the good result is not secured. Children are good and fast at games. They are going to pass an usual and very moderate month. After 14th April, they will find a gloomy atmosphere leading to uneasiness. The finance and management are with limits and partial.

Students and their studies: The education of students is not up to the mark. They are confused with syllabus and portions. They have to give full attendance and show good care. Since Lord Saturn is in 10th square, the required marks can be derived. They have good time and leisure to prepare for the exam. Hard work will be rewarded.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: The first two weeks, the trend in business and profession is seeded with good programs. They are coming to good shapes. After 14th April they will find a delay in completing the same. But the continued efforts will bring them success. Lord Saturn is treated with enmity of Lord Mars. This will cause a trouble some scene. At the same time Lord of the 10th house Lord Sun is reaching the 6th house in exalted grade which is some what, going to create dullness in their attempt.

Lovers and their trend for this month: Lord of 7th house is in Astangatha situation till 14th April. Their enthusiasm and anxiety will be of no use. After 14th April the circumstances will have good change and pave an aggreable adjustability. Since Lord Venus is in Astangatha, the definite date or time they can not confirm now. Time will be favorable only in the 4th week of this month.

Married Persons and spouses: For the look of others, it may have an appreciation about their life. But it is actually in need of full satisfaction and convenience. These two are now missing. Lord Sun does not permit such occasions now. They have to pass with peace for the first two weeks of this month. Then gradually the time will come to hand to enjoy the benefits. Regarding the health condition there seems to have, loss of strength. Vitamins and other tonics are to be taken regularly. Lord Mars looks the 7th square which is the house of their spouse. This will affect the health.

The Dates 29th and 30th will not be favorable.

Dhanur This is the time you are feeling with weakness and discouragement. Situation is common at home and finance. They are not much satisfactory.

Lord Raaghu with association of debilitated lord Jupiter, projects this scene of inability. Regards trade or profession it is being looked by Lords Sun, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury. This gives the clue of your several kind of efforts and positive way of dealings. This is a good sign. This will strengthen your position and status.

Women and children at home: They are feeling the time as little bit harder. The budgets and expenditures are not met with. Any way they are busy and active. Children will be doing their affairs normally. The 6th and 11th houses’ Lord Venus is exalted, but kept in a check by Lord Sun. That is good. The health position and any sickness will be in control. But after April 14th they will feel uneasiness. They have to care your health with good tonics.

Students and their studies: Time spent for studying is not sufficient.

Much interference is there to spoil their studies. They have to take extra care on lessons and subjects. Their previous studies stored in brain will fetch minimum required marks. Since the exam times are nearing they have to study hard.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: They are carrying on with their minimum strength. The situation is needy and hard.

Some how the matters commenced are brisk to meet the results.

Half of the way they are able to complete. Lord Jupiter favors the 10th house and the matters are heading for deserved profits. New kind of trade/ jobs will also annex. They will be capable of giving continued efforts.

Lovers and their trend for this month: A kind of new experience and a puzzle they are going to influence. The first two weeks of this month will be with confusion. Real and actual position they can observe only during the 3rd week of this month. It is for better terms. They will feel the happiness. This month will prove to be successful.

Married Persons and spouses: Amidst so many domestic needs, their plans and programs are not yet materialized. This month, a new combination of planets will help them to meet the excitement.

What they were thinking as impossible, are new coming to hand.

For some people, whose birth chart is really good, will meet the things done in expected manner. In general to all it is now green flag is shown. So the plans are step by step getting the progress.

Spouses, who were also little week in health will pick up and lead for happy times.

The dates 4th and 5th will not be favorable.

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Magaram Lord Venus and Lord Mercury combine at the sign Meenam. This is a good time. This month many of your plans are strengthened. Lord of your sign in 8th house is not a good aspect and makes every scene as suspicious.

Good combinations of planets as Lord Raaghu and Lord Jupiter join in your sign and make a definite route for big success. The 5th and 10th house Lord, Lord Venus is in exalted position. He can give a deservable share 50% for good to better trend. Since he is in Astangatha with Lord Sun he is unable to give 80 to 90% of expectations.

Women and children at home: Forth coming summer will be interesting to them. Some of their anticipated plans are likely to reach the success. Lord Jupiter governs the house of children and poorva punya sthana. The forture and parental house ‘kanya’ is looked by 6 major planets. Some thing getting stronger and the assets are also like to give gains. Children will be playing well and spending the times in order.

Students and their studies: Lords Raaghu and Jupiter combine in the house of study. It will give knowledge. A kind of research and deep studies will give good progress. Lord of 10th house is getting Neecha Banga Raja yoga even though the Astangatha affects the both. The students can register a good rank and score good marks.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: The professionals will be getting new experiences and tests. There is a good progress due to the present planetary conditions. In the house of finance and family Lord Mars is occupying and he is challenged by Lord Saturn. This kind of opposition will teach them lot of lessons and ways to get the escapes from troubles. They will be active, busy and knowing more things.

Lovers and their trend for this month: When once the Lords Raaghu and Kethu occupy the first and 7th House, it is a known fact that the affairs of Love, will be always with unsteadiness.

Some times the breakage also may happen. Since Lord Jupiter occupies the 1st sign, there is a compromise. Plans leading to real fate may click their brain. They have to minimize the eagerness and continue their love.

Married Persons and spouses: The occupation of Mars in the house of family is not giving a good atmosphere. There is certain crisis and hurdles. This is the house of finance also and being looked by Lord Saturn. A scene of fishing in disturbed water is observed. Lord Moon represents their spouse. In a month Lord Moon is getting touch with malefic planets continuously. This shows the tough passage and difficulties, through which all the

Magram people are crossing. More over, they are already under the influence of “Astama Sani” (Lord Saturn in the eighth house). No one should be very speed or active. They should slow down the speed and attend with security.

The Dates 6th and 7th are not favorable.

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Kumbam Some thing valuable and prestigious is likely to reach you. That is because the Lord of 4th and 9th House Lord Venus is in your sign. The Lord concerned is Lord Mars, but he has to answer Lord Saturn, who is straight 7th House with mood of opposition. So the delay has occurred. The formation should be completed. Lord Mars while he begins the transit in the constellation poorva Bhadra patha ie with in 2 weeks, the anticipated good things will begin to reach you.

Women and children at home: This month is favorable only after two weeks. Since, the Lord of finance (Lord Jupiter) powerlessly occupies the 12th house; the situation seems to be helpless.

All the money with out answer heading for spending. Children should be very careful in playing. They should not go near fire on any account. Their health, time of fortune and the paternal side property and relations are helpful to them.

Students and their studies: Deep studies and preparations for exams are going on well. They have to read something more as per the suggestions of teachers. It seems to be encouraging to score good marks in exam. Some time the tediousness and laziness will reach unknowingly. Be brisk with intelligence.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: Lord Mars is 13° below Lord Sun. He is in between Lords Jupiter and Sun, Even though an escort of Lord Sun is going on, the opposition of Lord Saturn will give an attack or challenge. They have to be very careful from giving promises as well as executing the programs. In the finance house that is ‘Meena’ the combination of Lords Venus, Mercury and Sun, gives them a new atmosphere of luck after great struggle. Since Lord Jupiter is occupying the 11th house, a better period with fortune should reach early.

Lovers and their trend for this month: When Lords Mars and Saturn occupy in 180° opposition, it is better to postpone their programs to the 4th week of April. They have to practice meditation to consider every thing as simple and ordinary.

Married Persons and spouses: With in the home and office, it is very difficult to pass the time peacefully. The Domestic needs, the relationship between husband, wife and the management are all mixed with Astangatha Dosha with Lord Sun in ‘Meenam’.

This month is active but with disturbance and shortages. Lord Jupiter governs their assets, health, and age properly. Since his occupation is in 12th house, there is no free flow of money. Every thing is restricted.

The Dates 8th, 9th and 10th are not good to attend important and financial matters.

Meenam In the constellation (star) Revathi part I Lords Sun

and Mercury combine to gether. There is Lord Venus also. This position gives multipurpose of results in status, prestige and common living. Lord of the sign is Lord Jupiter, who is powerlessly occupying the 11th house. But the occupants are in majestic form. You can feel much with confidence. The gratitude of Lord Jupiter, even though in a debilitated status, will be bringing good results and progress.

Women and children at home: Family members and children are well placed to move nicely with every one. At present the expenditure for their need is most essential. They can have and spend as they desire. The health point may be affecting then and there and the digestion problems may rise. They have to eat more vegetables and fruits. Green vegetables will add more enzyme and keep them good.

Students and their studies: They are doing the level best in study, but the friends and companions are dragging them towards gay and fun. Students must take much care for their lessons and portions. Selected portions proposed by the lecturers, will have most importance and the same will guide them to score good Marks.

Businesspeople, professionals and Employees: Lord Of the 10th House is Lord Jupiter, who is in Dhanista (star). He is in between Lords Raaghu and Mars. Some kind of necesasity or compulsion may arise and that their plans are blocked. With out free mind, the intension is getting reduced. Totally the situation is under disturbance. They are forced to meet this occasion. So an invention of route will guide them to get name and profit.

Lovers and their trend for this month: The combination of Lord Venus with Lord Mercury will give the sickness or inconvenience to their counterpart. They have to pray Lord Rudhra, in Shiva temple. So that health will be maintained properly. The occupation of Lord Sun with Lord Venus and Lord Mercury is giving relief naturally till April 14th. After that they have to show more care to their lover.

Married Persons and spouses: This is the beginning of Summons and the planets are challenging with their ability. The good understanding and the relationship will be spoiled and the scene of uneasiness will rise. The health of spouse may go down. Good attention and medical care is needed. Happiness and peace in domestic as well as in privacy are getting reduced. On 14th of April the worries will increase. Prayer to Lord Shiva will be helpful to improve their intimacy and the health of the spouse.

The Dates 10th 11th and 12th will not do good. They have to restrict the financial and other important jobs.

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