Spiritual E-magazine May 2011

Issue : MAY 2011

Vol : XI

Price : (FREE)

SPIRITUAL LOUNGE E-MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

May 2011

Dear Readers, We are very firm in our quest of spirituality. The world was a very spiritual place indeed before the advent of religions and the proliferation of ignorance. Religions were created out of sheer unawareness and failure to accept truths and facts of the Universe and its working. Religions created an entity, a creator and pushed the supremacy on this creator. This led to complete dependence on this supreme creator and break down of communication within self.

With this supreme creator hovering around; priests, influential people and society formed its own laws, rules and regulation on behalf of the invisible creator and then set about imposing these on innocent people by spreading fear and awe of the supreme creator and almighty. Then came, the classes, rituals, ceremonies, superstitious, abuse, violence and so on, all in the name of the invisible almighty.

In all these years of religion ruling the roost, the true knowledge got lost, hidden from the absolute darkness of ignorance. And there, it's still lying, somewhere, deep under the pile of emotions and inexperience, waiting to surface and shine and spread the true divine light.

Come, let each of us seek that true bliss, like a beautifully wrapped gift box, waiting for the receiver to open it and enjoy the treasure within.

Connect with us anytime at: spirituallounge@live.com or +91-9619629092 Thank you,

Dhara Kothari

Cover page Photo : Sunset at Machu Piccu, Peru Copyrights: All rights reserved SPIRITUAL LOUNGE EMAGAZINE Š 2010-2011

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CONTENT

May 2011 Advisory Board Page 4

Editorial Page 2

Thoughts By Jiten Soni Page 6

Effects of Aura Colours Page5-6

The Kundalini Awakening Systems

By Master Chrism Page 7-8 The path to liberation

By Alex Mero Page 14-15

The Story

By Uma Krishnan Page 9-14

Inspirations from Binah

By Yvette Soler Page 16

Supporting the feminine with Bach flower, plant and tree remedies

By Linzi Martin Page 17-18 Travel - Machu Picchu Compiled by Dhara Kothari Page 19-22 The Great Mystery of Life Beyond Death Review by Gayatri Page 23

Legend of the Nomad

By Alex Mero Page 24-36

Love and Leadership

By Dr. Amit Nagpal Page 36

Edited by Dhara Kothari. Published by Moksa Publishers for Spiritual Lounge.

Designed by Biren Shah, Casper Creations. Email: spirituallounge@live.com.

Cell: +91-9619629092 / +91-9757274289 3

Advisory Board Members

May 2011

Spiritual Lounge Advisory Board

Dhara Kothari Co-Founder Biren Shah Co-Founder Maya Shahani Chairperson of Sage Foundation VP of Global Dialogue Foundation R. P. Jain Director of MLBD

Spiritual Lounge E-Magazine Board

Gayatri Pagdi

Yvette Soler

Dr. Amit Nagpal Master Chrism

Linzi Martin

Alex Mero

Binoy Sasidharan

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Hitesh Guruji

Dheeraj Bhoma

May 2011

Aura part - IX - Hitesh Guruji

Effects of Aura Colours Astrology and Colours

w It is green in colour. w It is the presiding planet for the constellation sign Gemini and Virgo. w It stays in each constellation for one month. w It is the source of energy and power. w It affects all five senses, memory, writers, bankers and business. w Mercury presides over Wednesday. Mercury presides over colour Green. w Many green coloured stones specially the Jade and Emerald are the stones to enhance the power of Mercury.

As per Astrology there are nine main planets and these nine planets have their Aura of different colours and they dominate different days. As per astrology it is advisable to wear different coloured clothes on different days or wear different coloured clothes to enhance the positive effects of the planets; details of which is given as under.

I .Sun is the king of all the planets it is in the center of the solar system.

l Sun is the presiding planet for the constellation sign Leo. l It stays in each constellation for a month. It is the main source for (Prana Shakti) the Aura or the vital breath energy which keeps everything alive on the planet and the rains which are the source of fresh water on earth. l It affects food, metal, especially gold, politics, fame, petroleum. l Sun makes a person famous, egoistic, powerful and angry. l Sun presides over Sunday. Sun presides over the colours Red, Yellow, Golden and Orange. l All red coloured stones specially the Ruby are the stones to enhance the power of the Sun. l II. Moon is considered to be the queen of all the planets.

V. Jupiter is considered the mentor of all the deities and seers.

m Jupiter is also considered to be the knowledge of KaalPurush. m In the solar system he is considered to be the Minister. m It is considered a very auspicious planet. m It is the presiding planet for the constellation sign Sagittarius and Pisces. m It stays in each constellation for one year. m It affects yellow pulses, gold, turmeric, books, education, horses and spirituality. m Jupiter presides over Thursday. Jupiter presides over colour Yellow. m All yellow coloured stones specially the Yellow Sapphire, Golden Topaz and Citrine are the stones to enhance the power of Jupiter.

t It is nearest to the earth. t Moon is the presiding planet for the constellation sign

Cancer. t It stays in each constellation for two and a quarter day. t It is the source of mind and creativity. It affects seeds, medicine, travel, water, thoughts, sleep and emotions. t Moon makes a person artistic, original, beautiful, and lazy, traveler and insomniac. t Moon presides over Monday. Moon presides over colours White, Silver, Off-Whites and light Green. t All white coloured stones specially the Pearl and the Moonstone are the stones to enhance the power of Moon.

VI.

Venus is considered an auspicious planet.

R It controls love, passion, art and creativity in our life; it blesses us with a life partner, kids and luxuries such as vehicles.

R Venus is the mentor of the demons and protects them via his Maha Mirtunjay Sanjivani art.

R Venus is also known to be the greatest expounder of all the scriptures.

R It is the presiding planet for the constellation sign Taurus and Libra.

R It stays in each constellation for one month.

R It affects Silver, gold, white horses, butter, camphor, curd, sugar, cows, potatoes, diamonds, expensive clothes, art, beauty, relationship, sex, perfumes.

R Venus presides over Friday. Venus presides over colours Pink, Purple and Off-White.

R All Off-White and transparent stones specially Diamond and Opal are the stones to enhance the power of Venus.

III. Mars is considered to be the warrior among the planets.

« It is red in colour, is the presiding planet for the constellation sign Aries and Scorpio. « It stays in each constellation for one and a half months. « It is the source of energy and power. « It affects seeds, property, machineries, electricity, vehicles and warriors or people working with armed forces. « Mars presides over Tuesday. Mars presides over colours Orange and Red. « Many orange and red coloured stones specially the Red or Orange Coral and Carnelian are the stones to enhance the power of Mars. « IV. Mercury is considered to be the son of Moon.

VII. Saturn is the most feared and misunderstood planet. Ø He is the son of the Sun and Chayaa (The Shadow). He is the elder foster brother of Yama (the deity of death) and Yamuna (the holy river). Ø It is considered to be the account keeper of our Karmas. Ø It controls health and wealth both.

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May 2011

Aura part - IX - Hitesh Guruji

Ø It is the presiding planet for the constellation sign on which day and which is the presiding Planet.

Capricorn and Aquarius. Ø It stays in each constellation for two and the half years. Ø It affects leather, Sesame, oil, iron, footwear, black pulses, buffalo, black cow, black and blue clothes, Blue sapphire and all blue stones. Ø Saturn presides over Saturday. Saturn presides over the colours Blue and Black. Ø All Blue and Black stones specially Blue Sapphire, and Opal are the stones to enhance the power of Saturn.

VIII. Rahu is also one of the most feared and misunderstood planet.

T He is the Chayaa Graha (The Shadow planet).

T It is also known as the north lunar node.

T Rahu is considered to have the body of a serpent and a

Make it a practice to wear specific coloured clothes on the different days of the week as mentioned in the above chart.

This enhances your Aura and allows it to absorb positive energy from the planets and the surroundings which in return will grant you success and happiness.

terrifying face.

T He is the son of Sihikaa who is the wife of Viprachitiki Hitteshguruji Cell: 9867495496 Email: and daughter of Hiranyakashyap.

T Hiranyakashyap was a mythological demon king hitteshguruji@gmail.com http://rudrakshpuja.com ; http://hansaamystic.com killed by one of the incarnations of Vishnu.

T By his mothers name Rahu is also known as Shmhike.

T It stays in each constellation for one and the half years.

T It affects wool, bronze, photography, black clothes, black stones, black pulses, oil, black horse, accidents, thefts, court cases, physical problems.

T Rahu presides over none of the week days but Wednesday and Saturday are good days to counter negative effects of Rahu.

T Rahu presides over colours Brown and Black.

T All Brown and Black stones especially Garnet, Tiger eye, Tiger iron, Black Tourmaline, Aqua Black Agate and Onyx are the stones to enhance the power of Rahu.

Thoughts by Jiten Soni

Success is achieved when you take the first step to reach for it. - Jiten Soni

IX. Ketu is also one of the most feared and misunderstood planet. ¯ After Rahu's head was cut off by Vishnu's Sudharshan Chakra its body was known as Ketu. ¯ It is also known as the south lunar node. ¯ The comets are known as Ketu. ¯ As per Matsya Puran there are many Ketu's and Dhum Ketu is the major one. ¯ Like Rahu even Ketu is a Chayaa Graha (The Shadow planet). ¯ Ketu is considered milder than Rahu, but Ketu is also known as one of the Rudra, the fiercest incarnation of Lord Shiva. ¯ It looks like a flag in the sky so its sign is also a flag. ¯ It stays in one constellation for one and the half years. ¯ It affects poverty, looks, skin, genital, nail problems, kids, dogs, liberation. ¯ Ketu presides over none of the week days but Tuesday and Sunday are good days to counter negative effects of Ketu. ¯ Ketu presides over the colour Grey. ¯ Cats' eye is the stone to enhance the power of Ketu.

Don't wait for others turn to smile, simply smile. - Jiten Soni Toss the coin, whether it's head or tails, it's all by our choice. - Jiten Soni

Look at the below chart for what colour clothes to wear

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May 2011

Kundalini - Master Chrism

The Kundalini Awakening Systems Safeties Protocols (Second installment) To date we listed the following Safety protocols: The locks (tongue up, eyes up during meditation-finger lock (Gyan mudra); Drinking water and Grounding.

This month we will present programming, food choices, root vegetables and movement.

These are not merely the loving considerations towards others and the forgiveness and compassion. These are those afore mentioned components but there are also the locks, the diet, the surrender, the meditation forms, the behavior modifications, programming modifications and yoga. When I am told by a person that they have been practicing the safeties all of their lives, I know that perhaps some portion of the safeties may have been practiced but not the complete equation of the safeties needed. This would be most uncommon.

These protocols are derived through the Shakti Kundalini itself and comprise spiritual and energetic practices from all over the globe and from very diverse cultural sources as well as a divine source that pertain directly to the Kundalini transformation upon the human.

They are given as a whole protocol and are not to be dissected or split apart according to the comfort or convenience of the individual. They are a whole program. And in that wholeness the person having these transformations can attain the balanced and receptive state of the Kundalini enlightenment.

Programming (TV, movies, books, music, friends, family, society) In our culture we are seeing and reading and hearing, from various sources, many negative and fear evoking forms of entertainment, news and communications. This is not helpful when a person is newly activated with the Kundalini. Fear, excessive lust, hateful attitudes, can be quite painful and damaging to the new Kundalyn energies and many unfortunate events can be created by the Kundalini exposed to such energies. So, no scary movies, or books or radio shows unless you want to experience them in real-time with you as the unwitting star. Music that is angry, hateful or hurtful despite its sweet melodies, need to be curtailed. Inter familial problems are sometimes hard to dismiss. Try as much as possible to bring love, peace and forgiveness into your daily and nightly life. I know, it sounds difficult, but just make

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it a priority and it will be extremely beneficial to you and your Kundalini. Setting the best pattern for the energy to follow in its transformation of your life.

Food choices Pay attention to the new tastes and desires your body begins to have. If you have been a vegetarian and you start having an interest in beef. Well, try to find some organic beef and eat it, love it and bless the animal that has given the ultimate gift for you.

The Kundalini needs what is in that meat in order to advance your activation. Or if the opposite is true you're a meat eater and the Kundalyn Energies wish for you to become a vegetarian, don't hesitate! Find yourself a great organic market or farmers market and eat like a rabbit! Really, you will be much happier, I promise. This may last only for a short time and then it may switch back as your activation progresses into an awakening. The Kundalini will let you know in no uncertain terms.

Root vegetables Please begin to eat root vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, jicama, potatoes, onions, celery root, garlic, ginseng, ginger. Also eat plenty of water and watermelon to ease the strain on the kidneys.

Juices of the roots are also good.

Movement Dance or do Tai Chi or Yoga. These activities nurture the energy in your body, filling the cells and stretching the muscles. Actively practice hands on healing, volunteer, be active, and move! Play or walk but do not sit and be a couch potato. That can lead to a stagnant energy response, and you don't want that, trust me.

Pain through not moving the energy by Master Chrism I cannot begin to describe how important it is for a person to move the energy. In movement there is a constant flow of energy and Kundalini is responsive to this movement.

What do I mean by moving the energy?

Service towards others is one way. Doing for others (as is appropriate) without regard for being repaid in kind. Selfless acts of kindness have a direct effect upon a person's flow. Love moves the Kundalini.

May 2011

Kundalini - Master Chrism Love for another but without the attachments that we often form in relationships that carry with them expectation. Other aspects of love such as forgiveness; conscious tolerance or graciousness that is practiced in a conscious format in the daily existence; sacrifice as a way of helping; giving assistance, not just to people but to all of creation: animals, insects, fish, plants, fungus, bacteria virus, dirt, air, water, fire, prana, etheric and other less dense forms of creation ad infinitum, all move the Kundalini.

Raising the Kundalini and then sitting with it, physically sitting with it, without movement based in the activities of love can cause pain. It is a kind of pain that isn't able to be measured by medical science. The medical community would label it a 'phantom' pain or a form of neuralgia. It can come in many different forms and is as much in this state an amplifier as it is say in the emotional body or mental expressions.

Please understand that with great gifts come even greater responsibilities.

This isn't just a catch phrase or a cute saying. This is very true and can be experienced by those who have Kundalini and yet due to reasons that are many, refuse or cannot move it to the degree required to avoid a stagnant energetic response. This is an action of too much energy in one place having an extreme over amplification of the expressions of one or more of the five major bodies of expression.

So too much of a slow flow or stagnant flow in the head can begin to super conduct or burn areas of the physical body in the head or crown and this will be felt as pain; sometimes unrelenting pain. So please, as best you can, begin to move the Kundalini. Help people and by doing so you help yourself. There are other ways to move the Kundalini and please do not interpret my meaning as being that the Kundalini doesn't move on its own, it does. But consciousness also has the responsibility of moving it throughout the expressive systems. Do this and it will flow in a way that is beneficial; do not do this and various explosive episodes may be experienced from any one or more of the five bodies of expression. Any of these areas can experience a hyper Kundalini event.

How a person's pain comes to them will typically be individual and will depend on the unique dynamics of that person.

Kundalini isn't to be raised and then put into the

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'Accomplishment Bank.' This is another major difference between Kundalini and other spiritual energetic formats. Kundalini is also a consciousness in and of itself.

So it is a triple platform of interaction consisting of the: 1. Agenda of the Kundalini upgrade of all the five bodies 2. The consciousness of the individual 3. The consciousness of the Kundalini Within this platform is where we learn to live and express in a harmonious fashion the choices and agendas of the higher principles. I will caution anyone against ever feeling as if they can take advantage of the Kundalini. It is very powerful and smart. And it knows the person better than the self knows itself.

As one begins to surrender the chasing and acquisition of the more familiar ways of finding solace and joy and love and satisfaction in life one becomes more keyed into what the Kundalini is communicating. It is typically of a soft divinity interaction with life. Meaning that 'full' divine interaction would destroy the physical form so a softer but still very strong version is given in various amounts into the individual and following the unique needs of that individual. It is important to remember the Karmic interactions.

So do give service in whatever or however way or ways feels most appropriate for you. Do not over stimulate the Kundalini. Once it is up or raised do not keep trying to raise it to higher and stronger expressions as this can overtax your ability to consciously move it thereby often causing pain. Š Chrism 2011 Chrism is a native of California. He travels the country awakening the Kundalini in groups of people safely and with continued support throughout the many years of the Kundalini awakening experience. Kundalini as it expresses through Chrism is the teacher. Chrism is offering a seminar in Ireland in June 2011: http://www.celtickundalini.com/ www.KundaliniAwakeningSystems1.com

The Story - Uma Krishnan

May 2011

Death Bed of an Indian Politician There is a huge gathering of parents and children for the Chief Minister to come and lay down the foundation stone for the construction of science lab.

The children have queued up in the sun waiting for the whole function to get over as soon as possible.

They are totally disinterested in the Chief Minister's visit and also in the science lab inauguration. The only person eager to greet the Chief Minister is the school principal. Because this visit would mean clicking photos, getting newspaper publicity by which the school could get more grant and the principal a greater cut in that.

After an hour passed the scheduled time, the Chief Minister's car arrives at the school venue. The principal greets the Chief Minister with garland and a bouquet is presented by a young student. The Chief Minister feels really honoured and proud as though the whole country was at his beck and call.

Since the function was running behind schedule he directly steps onto the dais and grabs the microphone for a speech that he loves giving anytime.

Chief Minister, “Respected Principal, teachers, organisers and my dear young friends, I am honoured to be here and addressing the future generation of our great country on whose shoulders lies the fate of this great nation. I specially thank the teachers of this school who have opted for the great life of service to the country by selecting this less lucrative teaching job in a government run school.

In this world of Internet and jet planes, every one of you will aspire to be a MBA, engineer or a doctor.

But you have chosen this noble profession of teaching. I have lot of respect for your service attitude and invite you all to come to me any time for any problems that you may have. Boys and girls, you are fortunate to be born in India and thus have become part of this great legacy. I see the future of this country through the eyes of you who will one day achieve greatness and do us all prou......” the words trail when at that precise moment he suffers a massive chest pain and collapses.

Instantly panic spreads everywhere. Some people are running towards the Chief Minister, some away from him, some pretend to be on their mobile phones trying to get help, some are managing the crowd which wants to get the glimpse of the fallen leader.

In this pandemonium the security guards of Chief Minister manage to rush past the crowd and grab

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hold of him and rush him to his Mercedes vehicle bearing the Indian flag and red beeping lights on top. With the help of security personals and the principal they manage to push the fat potbellied Chief Minister into the vehicle and speed towards the private posh hospital for the rich and elite class, where a general consultation would cost a common man half his monthly salary that he gets after deduction of taxes. The taxes of which a huge portion goes to the pockets of these very greedy potbellied politicians.

At the hospital he is rushed to the operation theatre where many doctors are rushing in and out of it. In the semi -conscious state the Chief Minister thinks “let me be operated by a competent and a qualified doctor and not by some doctor who gained his degree through donation.”

The poor family of the dead person can hardly think of taking legal action because courts may take minimum 5 to 7 years to give them appealable verdict and the poor family can hardly keep up with the legal system. But if a politician falls sick they will seek the best medical treatment from the most talented and mostly American educated doctors.

Out- side the operation theatre there stands a huge gathering of his supporters and family members eagerly awaiting news from the doctors.

The Chief Minister suddenly feels he has turned into a smoke and has come out of his body and that smoke like object divides into two. One smoke object asks the other why I feel so painless and light.

The other smoke object answers because the life in you has come out of the body.

Smoke 1: Does that mean I am dead?

Smoke 2: No you cannot die. Yes the body is lifeless.

Smoke 1: Why do you say I cannot die?

Smoke 2: Because had you been dead, you will not be asking questions would you?

Smoke 1: Then what am I and who are you?

Smoke 2: I am the “I” factor in you that is your soul.

Smoke 1: You mean the atman Brahman.

Smoke 2: Yes. Smoke 1: You are supposed to be all pervasive and part of the supreme lord.

Smoke 2: Not supposed to but I am. You can see it any form you like.

Smoke 1: When I was in the body I always looked at Brahman as lord Krishna so I would be able to

May 2011

The Story - Uma Krishnan relate to you better if you assumed the form of Lord Krishna.

Smoke 2: So be it.

of ambitiousness in you, you took another birth again.

You loved fame and hence in this life you got the opportunities to not only earn fame but also you were put in a position where you could help maximum number of people and serve the humanity. At the end of this life you could have attain moksha. However....

Smoke 1: However what?

Lord: But, alas, your one bad trait of ambitiousness pulled you down from the peak of humanity to dust, because......

Smoke 1: What are you saying? I have been the most successful Chief Minister this country has seen so far. At least one of the top most. Being in this position I have touched the life of so many people. I have helped many people in my life. What are you talking about?

Lord: No, You did not. Although you started off well. You were a poor school teacher, teaching the village boys and girls. From there you became the panchayat head because of your wisdom and then you became a MLA. Till here you were honest and walking the right path, because you were selfless and worked for education of the village boys and girls. So far so good. But then...

Smoke 1: Then what? You seem to know everything, every thought that ever crossed my mind. Your recording is perfect. Please proceed, tell me what happened after that.

Lord: You ask me what happened after that, as though I am talking about someone else.

Smoke 1: Yes you are right. When I was in the body I hardly took account of where I started and where I was going. There was no time for any such thing as reviewing of my action. The only thing that existed in my mind was how to become Chief Minister, how to become a Union Minister and so on.

Lord: Why where you ambitious to get a cabinet posting?

Smoke 1: What do you mean why? Don't you know cabinet position means greater power, more respect and off course more money.

Lord: But, where does the service to the society and humanity fit in? For which you took up this career in the first place. Does it not come in your job profile at all?

Smoke 1: Oh! That too. That is understood.

Lord: That is where you made a blunder. It should not have been “that too” but “that IS”, meaning serving humanity through your position should have been the only criteria for you desiring a cabinet position. But you pushed the service part in the end.

The smoke takes the form of Lord Krishna.

Smoke 1: So what have you got to tell me?

Lord: Nothing. I have been a witness all through your life and have recorded all the things said and done by you.

Smoke 1: How does my score card look. Oh! I need not worry. I had a good life, very successful one.

Lord: Oh! Really, but your bank account shows nil in fact negative. Did you not deposit anything in your account?

Smoke 1: What do you mean nil. I have crores and crores tucked away in my account. I always thought that in my old age my money will come handy and I would be able to enjoy a luxurious life. But alas, who knew I would die so relatively young. An ordinary Indian minister lives on an average at least 85 years of age. Why did you do injustice to me and made me die, I am hardly in my late fifty's. What was the hurry? As far as my account goes please check again, there appears to be some mistake.

Lord: No. I cannot make a mistake. Even a single minute microscopic mistake can change the entire face of this universe. This universe has been designed perfectly till the last DNA in every organism. So there is no mistake.

Smoke 1: But.....?

Lord: Sorry, no ifs and buts work with me. Its only plain statement of true facts that work with me. The fact in your case is that you never deposited anything in your account all through your life. You forgot the very reason for your birth and look... you have wasted your whole life.

Smoke 1: I don't understand how that can be. All my life I strived to be successful and to a great extent I was able to achieve it. Then how can I have negative balance. Look at me, I am famous, everyone loves me and salute me. I started so poor and have succeeded in accumulated so much wealth in one life time. What negative are you talking about?

Lord: Ok, let me prove my point. In your previous birth you were a poor farmer in the same state that you are a Chief Minister. You were hard working and ambitious. You were very helpful too.

Physically you suffered a lot in your previous birth (because of your past karmas).

Since you were selfless and helpful you were very dear to me. You were close to attaining the highest bliss of a yogi too but because you had this one trait

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May 2011

The Story - Uma Krishnan What a fool you are! That one thing could have put you right on top of the list of my loved ones.

From that state you could have directly aimed for a more permanent escape from the circles of life and death. But, for the sake of an artificial name, fame and money you have given up that higher position and have landed in the list of sinners and selfish people whom I avoid.

Smoke 1: What do you mean by that? Aiming for a name, fame and money, how can that make me a sinner? Is that not life all about it? Otherwise why should one take birth at all? Imagine a life without these important ingredients, what a dull and boring life that would be. A life not worth living at all.

Lord: That is why I called you a fool. Name, fame and money are just by products. The main aim and beauty of any life is selfless service to the society and preparing oneself for the self realisation.

Smoke 1: How can you prove that?

Lord: In this life if anything has given you maximum pleasure it has got to be selfless service alone. Life becomes beautiful and worth living because of all the free gifts that one gets from various quarters. The more you pay for something, the more worthless it is.

Smoke 1: What?? What are you talking about? It is totally contrary to my common sense.

Lord: In the gross level, the five basic essence of life comes free, which are; air, wind, water, earth and space. This gift is given to everyone. This is the gift of life and most important gift that comes all for free.

Smoke 1: (with wide eyes Chief Minister listens carefully).

Lord: Then the greatest free gift is the mother's love and care. All this looks beautiful because mother's love is selfless and she does not expect any returns for her service. It is her selfless service alone that gives her maximum pleasure. The kind of pleasure that one gets on attaining self realisation.

Her love is compared to the divine and that is true.

That's the way I too love this world. My nature is selfless. That's why my work is beautiful. Further to this, the body that you get is worth millions and millions, but you get it for free. Just look at each and minuscule part of your body and see how perfect its design is to serve the purpose for which it is made.

The gift of sight, touch, taste, digestion or even a single strand of hair on your head you cannot recreate it as perfectly as it is. They are the most beautiful free gifts that you get to name a few. Apart from this the mind, intellect, heart beats, breathing, excretory system everything is finished to perfection. What if you had to pay for it? Then life

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would not be worth living, don't you agree with me?

Smoke 1: What you say is very true. I totally appreciate the free gifts, now that you have pointed it out to me.

Lord: But, till the time you were enjoying these gifts you never bothered for them. All that you valued in this life was money, fame and power. For that you committed such gruesome sins that you have fallen. Now the time has come for you to pay heavily for your bad karmas.

Smoke 1: What sins did I commit? I was not aware that I was committing them.

Lord: Oh! Oh! You speak as though I am talking about someone else. For every sin that you have committed with your action you have to repay 10 times. The sins you have committed in your thoughts are forgiven but nevertheless the sins committed in thoughts does become part of negative personality and trouble you. There is a saying “For the sins that one commits with hands, he shall repay it with one's eyelids.”

Smoke 1: But what sins have I committed?

Lord: There are plenty. Your account is fully over drawn. There are no deposits at all. To start with, you were in a position to help the public, but you did not consider the general public as a part of your family. The money that your ministry was allotted for opening new schools was spent on increasing your personal assets. You currently own personal assets worth millions, apart from jewels and real estate either directly or indirectly. These are all public money which should have been used for educating hundreds of boys and girls. You stole their food to feed your family. You have been feeding your family sin. Instead of giving education to those boys and girls you made them thieves and beggars. You stole the money allotted to poor farmers and were also involved in money laundering schemes. As a result, unable to repay the loan amount and also the piling interest amount on loan many farmers committed suicide. That makes you a murderer too.

For every rupee granted by the government for the poor and needy only 10 % reached them, the rest being stolen by you and other persons in the chain.

You have committed all possible sins to mark your win in the elections. I wonder what gives you the confidence to behave in such a sub human manner.

Agreed that you were able to buy the police and other bureaucrats to escape the punishment and hide your sins, but why do you forget that you cannot escape “ME”. I am there in your heart noting every thought and action that goes through it. Don't you know that every action done by you will also

May 2011

The Story - Uma Krishnan attract a reaction with multiple effects?

Every action of yours will be added to your account which will follow you throughout your life and even after death they will stick to you. There is no escape from “ME� because your future fate is decided based on your current life action and intentions.

Your intellect must have told you that from time to time but you chose to ignore it.

Smoke 1: Why are you punishing me in the next life for sins committed in this life?

Lord: On what basis will this life go on? Why should a person be born in a poor family and another in a rich family? Why should one be born blind, deaf and with other physical deformities while others are born normally? To make my point more clear do you agree to the end of Hitler's life story. A person who tortured millions of other lives should have an easy end to his own life. Do you think that would be justice?

Smoke 1: No, off course not.

Lord: Then what kind of an end should be just for him?

Smoke 1: An end that should be justifiable to the torture of millions who suffered at his hand.

Lord: Exactly! That too not just in one life but for millions of life he should suffer the same fate isn't it? Only then justice would have sufficed?

Smoke 1: Can I know the Hitler's fate?

Lord: For another hundred years he has to suffer burns, multiple amputations, starvation, diseases, blindness, poverty, pain and more pain. There is no relief for him. So is the fate of his comrades like Doctor Death and many of the Hitler's army chiefs who participated in the holocaust. So will be the fate of every individual who performs such acts. You are so forthcoming to punish Hitler, so will be others who would like to see you punished because of their sufferings due to your misdeeds. Don't you think they are right too to wish for same?

Smoke 1: Hmm... I don't want to be punished.

Please lord don't do this to me. I don't want to be punished.

Lord: You are asking for the impossible. Justice has to be done and it will be done. You cannot bribe me with your money. So get ready.

Smoke 1: Wait!! You only said in Bhagwat Gita that the future birth of any person happens based on his vasanas and unfulfilled desires. Then tell me 'o' lord who will have the vasanas or desire to be born blind or with other deformities or poor or unfortunate? All one has to do is desire for good things at the end of once life. It is so easy. That will make the person born with good things in the next

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birth.

Lord: Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! So you are living in the fool's paradise. I cannot believe that you are relying upon that one thing to save you from your sins.

Smoke 1: Why not? You cannot speak untruth????

Lord: Off course not! But you fool, who said that death is going to be so easy. In fact you do not even know when death will come knocking at your doorstep. There are two things on which you have no control. One is where you will be born and next is when you will die. You don't even know what happens at the time of death. In fact during one's life all one has to do is prepare for his death.

All the thoughts that one thinks and all the deed that one does is reflected at the time of your last moments of life. Near to death, you cannot suddenly become an angel if all your life you have behaved like a devil. When the life energy leaves the body the whole life will stand in front of your eyes, you're every deed, thought and action will be reflected in front of your eyes. Even the deeds which you may have forgotten will be reflected.

Then based on the kind of life you have lead your vasanas will drive you to take re birth in the same atmosphere where you will be bound by your previous karmas. To make matter more clear, take the example of your life. You have accumulated all these riches by depriving many boys and girls of their education and by cheating farmers and poor people.

So near the time of your death automatically without your control, your mind will go towards your sinful deeds. Thinking of these sinful deeds you will die and then your next birth will be associated with these boys, girls, farmers and others whom you have wronged in your previous birth or births.

Only this time according to the laws of karma you will be on the receiving end. You will be born a poor, mutilated and will have to serve them as a repayment for looting them. You will cry in pain, saying oh! God why have you given me a life full of sufferings. Why are some people so fortunate? Why have you made me like this and so on? And I will give you this one answer, it is your karma which has got you here, what can I do?

No one can escape one's karmas, either good or bad.

Good karmas yield good results and evil karmas evil results. The sad part is when you got an opportunity

May 2011

The Story - Uma Krishnan to serve humanity with your knowledge, power and wisdom you chose to run after money. What is the use all these excess money? Your body needs limited food to live, limited space to rest and limited resources for its survival. Then I do not understand why you committed sins to accumulate such useless things as money?

Money looks good only in the hands of a generous, helpful and a kind soul. For a stone hearted person like you, money only leads to trouble for one and all.

What a fool you are to have chosen the life of money instead of service.

Smoke 1: Do you mean to say that during my end hours I cannot think of good things of life so that I can have an enjoyable next life or can't I think of you (the lord) in my end time and thus attain moksha. It all looks so easy.

Lord: You feel it is all very simple and can be easily manipulated. In that case, just do one thing, as a test, tonight when you sleep make sure that you get a dream that you are the richest man in the world.

Smoke 1: What are you saying? How can I have any control on what dream I should get?

Lord: What do you think you will dream about?

Smoke 1: Oh well! My dreams revolve mostly around what I do every day, people whom I meet, my family and such other things.

Lord: That's exactly the point I am making. When your dream revolves around people with whom you have associated yourself either directly or indirectly; similarly, death is also a long dream. At the time of death your whole life will reflect in front of your eyes. A state where even in your dreams you don't cause harm to others, even if you do so, you experience pain, a state where even in dreams if you see my image your heart gets filled with bliss. Then every breath of yours will become sadhana, every word you speak will become prayer, whomever you meet will become blessed and you will become symbol of love and peace the two most beautiful things in this world.

Instead what the people of this world do is find enjoyment in criticizing and downsizing others, take every opportunity to establish the supremacy of self and to put down others (either a friend, sibling, relative, etc.), feel jealous of others progress, slander people with cutting words either on their face or behind their backs, associate or make friends with others only to gain benefit out of them, use one's talent only to establish one's supremacy over others, speak harsh words to people who are not in a position to resist your

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slander, curse people, fight with others and even kill others at the slightest of disagreement. All those sins will be added to your karmas.

Smoke 1: What?? Killing and me, no, no, no.

Lord: Yes, “YOU�. Don't you know that when you stole the grant meant for poor farmers, many farmers due to poverty committed suicide? You are the one who being in power, fully aware of the situation allowed such cheating to take place and even benefitted from it. As a result in your very next birth, you are going to be poor farmer with a large family and a victim of corruption. Ultimately you will be driven to suicide too. Think about it, you were a step away from salvation and now you are going to go through a number of painful births and disgraceful deaths.

That was the reason why in the ancient Indian society which fully understood karmic cycles were very careful about their thoughts, deeds and action.

They always took care to earn an honest living, were selfless and highly skilful and always kept the goal of Moksha in their minds. That is the only reason why anyone should ever take birth. Of what use is a life which does not become or at least aim to become a Buddha, a Christ, a Vivekananda, a Ramakrishna pramahansa, and the list is endless. However, once peaceful nature is often taken as his or her weakness by deceitful people.

Smoke 1: Lord, please, tell me what are the qualities which a leader or a politician must possess?

Lord: Any leader or a politician or even world leaders qualify for that post only if they have the sense of selflessness in them. A leader should be able to look at all with a sense of equality, love and kindness.

In the current era the so called world leaders do not have any sense of collective oneness with the world.

The leaders are only interested in feeding themselves whereas a leader should be able to say 'you first'. A leader should be able to understand ones responsibility which comes along with power.

Controlling one's own wants and needs to serve others is the hallmark of a true leader.

There are number of documentaries that are produced focussing on poverty in Africa and other nations. They show people eating rats and other dirt just to meet their hunger. The humans are filmed as though they are some animals. What could be achieved by making such films? If the people of the developed countries are filmed in this manner will it be taken lightly by the world? It goes on to show that

The Story - Uma Krishnan The path to Liberation -Alex Mero people are not treated equally. If anything good had to come out of a documentary then the filmmaker should ensure how food should be provided to the starving people. The very idea of starving people anywhere in the world should give the leaders of the world sleepless nights. Because if they are the world leaders then it is a shame that under their leadership people are starving. But in actuality the modern day leaders do not bother for poor countries. They become leaders only to satisfy their own hunger for popularity, power and money. They say things not to ease the pain of the poor countries but to make the rich, richer, even if it means death of thousands on the other side of the fence.

The greed of man makes him only think of his family. If that family is extended to the whole world then the world will be free of its miseries. That is, the only sign of a true developed country. A developed country is not one where maximum people own cars, estates or other riches or if their houses are luxurious or if they are able to go on lavish holidays etc. But a developed country is one where people have high thinking, more love and kindness towards other fellow beings of the world.

Where serving humanity is honoured more than paper currency, where peace and co existence is valued and cherished. All rich countries should take care of their poor cousins all over the world and should dream for the collective good for all.

Smoke 1: Oh Lord! Is there any way I can escape this cruel and harsh punishment that is there in store for me?

Lord: Yes there is.

Smoke 1: Please tell me how?

Lord: Don't die, keep breathing, simple.

Smoke 1: But that is impossible. Every birth has death attached to it.

Lord: Yes and you know it. But why do you lead a life as though you are never going to die?

Smoke 1: I made a mistake lord. Please forgive me and show me a way out.

Lord: Sorry, I have no control on the effects of your karmas. Every karma has to bear its fruit. You can however mitigate the effect by following the right path of truth, honesty, service to all and pursue the path of moksha.

Saying this the smoke in the form of lord Krishna disappears.

End of Part 1

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May 2011

The path to liberation There's a great deal of mental suffering in modern society. People have an absurd sense of "I", "me", and "mine", they are far too self-centered, and so they experience a great deal of suffering, craving and fear.

Although people today are more educated, sophisticated and literate, they still suffer from ignorance and delusion. Spirituality is about understanding the nature of suffering and how to overcome suffering.

Spiritual knowledge is most relevant today in our consumer, materialistic society where there's a lot of stress, self-centered craving, greed and attachment, fear and insecurity, frustration, loneliness, isolation, depression and sadness. Most people do not understand themselves, their own minds and the laws of Nature. Their minds are restless and confused and so they're caught by greed, resentment and delusion.

There is constant grasping and clinging, craving and attachment to worldly things including to ideas, concepts, ideals, views and opinions, to personal preferences. There is a great deal of fear, anxiety and insecurity, including the fear of death and of letting go of attachments.

Due to ignorance and delusion, we do not see death as a natural phenomenon any longer. We see it as the cruel end to the self or ego-personality with its many attachments, its pleasures, enjoyments and habits. We don't see that death, sickness and old age exist simply because there is birth of the physical body; that all these natural conditions are inseparable, and that there is no permanent self or ego personality within us.

All that we are is a mind-body process consisting of water, earth, fire and air. The ego-personality is only conditioning based on memory and past experiences.

Our very existence is based on constant change and impermanence yet due to ignorance we crave permanency in our relationships, in pleasure and enjoyment, in being and becoming, in having and possessing, in our attachments, and so there is the fear of these things coming to an end we don't want people, material things, and situations that we're attached to change. So there is suffering, craving and clinging, fear and anxiety, frustration, despair, and disease. The realization of impermanence and the non-existence of a permanent, concrete and separate self, leads to peace, harmony and freedom.

On our spiritual path, we come to realize what happened with our sensitivity; when we expect to be satisfied from sensory objects or experiences we can only be temporarily satisfied, gratified maybe, momentarily happy and then it changes.

The path to liberation -By Alex Mero

May 2011 nature of things.

This is because there is no point in sensory consciousness that has a permanent quality or essence.

So the sensory experience is always a changing one, but out of ignorance and delusion, we tend to expect a great deal from it. We tend to demand, hope and create all kinds of illusory expectations, only to feel terribly disappointed, frustrated, despairing, sorrowful and fearful.

Spiritual knowledge gives us the insight that we are not the same person, mentally and physically, from one moment to the next. That the self seems unchanging and separate from the rest of existence is a deep-rooted illusion. It gives us the that the self is only a result of conditioning, based on memory, past experiences and accumulated knowledge, that "I", "me", and "mine" are just concepts in the mind, created by the thinking process. Because of this illusion of a solid and independent ego-personality, separate in time and space, we become very self-centered, and we spend a lot of effort trying to satisfy, protect and magnify this self and its images.

Once we understand non-self, then the burden of life is lifted. We'll be at peace with the world. When we see beyond the conditioned self, beyond the idea of "me" and "mine", we no longer cling to happiness and security, and then we can be truly happy, peaceful and secure. We are able to let go without struggle, to be light, innocent, joyful and free.

From this notion of self, we have persistent craving and attachment, aversion and ill will. We become attached By knowing our own body, heart and mind, we can let go to our likes and dislikes, to our ideas and opinions, etc. of grasping and clinging, let go of mental and emotional Out of the root and trunk of ignorance and delusion states instead of being caught and deluded by them. We grow self-centered craving and clinging desire, greed, can be content with little, with simple living and wise envy, jealousy, hatred, competitiveness, pride, understanding. arrogance, conceit, the whole lot.

The nature of suffering is anything that disturbs the natural peace and balance of the mind. The mind and body is an aspect of nature, like the leaves, grass, pond, etc. It has its own peace and equanimity but this is easily disturbed because it follows moods and emotions, it reacts and becomes upset.

In summation, the cause of suffering is ignorance and delusion, a false way of looking at reality. Thinking and believing the impermanent is permanent, the changing is fixed and concrete that is ignorance and delusion.

The path to liberation is the path of looking deeply at things in order to truly realize the nature of change and Once we understand that all things (physical, mental impermanence, the absence of a separate, isolated self, and emotional) are impermanent and transitory, we and the interdependence of all things. clearly see why they are unsatisfactory and unreliable.

Nothing in the world, no people, no material This spiritual process is the way to overcome ignorance possessions, no sense pleasures and enjoyment, no and delusion. There is no need for a self for there to be ideas can give us permanent happiness, satisfaction and liberation. Once we understand the non-self, then the security. burden of life is gone and we are truly at peace with the world. When we see beyond self or ego, beyond "me" After all, happiness and unhappiness are only and "mine", we no longer cling to happiness and temporary mental states, only changing conditions of security, and then we can be truly happy, secure and the mind. A happy feeling, a pleasant sensation or free. experience, a comfortable situation is not permanent, it doesn't last forever. It has to change sooner or later. And when it does, it produces mental pain, disease, I am happy to include my experiences, my availability frustration and disappointment, and despair. and my creativity into the messages I consider as universal, but the end result of these messages will be Our conditioned existence, inside and outside of based on whether each of you will welcome them. I ourselves, is a constant, ceaseless flow of changing and invite you to visit my website and my weblog and to send unsatisfactory states. Nothing is fixed and everlasting. m e y o u r q u e s t i o n s a n d c o m m e n t s : The root cause of craving and attachment, grasping and info@alexmeroblog.com clinging, is ignorance and delusion. Ignorance is not seeing things as they really are, or failing to understand the reality of experience or the reality of life itself.

Without the right conditions, right training and right instruments we are unable to see things as they really are. If we do not train our minds to have calm attention and insight, then we would remain ignorant of the true

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May 2011

Inspiration from Binah- Yvette Soler

Inspirations from Binah We all have moments in life when we are dealing with problems we don't know how to solve. We read books, browse through forums, take classes and talk to friends, but that just leads us to endless amounts of spiritual options without a clear way to use them. In the end, we are more confused than ever, eventually calling out to the Universe for help!

As an expert in practical spirituality, I have been invited to coach, speak, and lead workshops with spiritually minded individuals and groups around the world. I am a healer and spiritual teacher, but I think it's more accurate to say that I am a guide and bridge builder, helping you find your life path & overcome obstacles through a unique combination of spirituality and common sense. How do I do this? With Practical Spirituality. I combine teachings from the Kabbalah, Sacred Geometry, Astral Travel, Meditation, energy work and other esoteric practices to empower YOU to follow your passions and manifest your desires. One question at a time, I will show you how to create and fill your Spiritual Toolbox with simple tools you need to build your life's purpose.

In these times where previously-hidden spiritual knowledge is being revealed at a rapid pace, there is a need to learn how to integrate these teachings into everyday life.

My Higher Self guides me as I identify your issues from your question, cross reference them against a database of correspondences, and reveal the perfect match between question and Spiritual Tool.

What is the best way to Astral Travel?

Douglas asks: I have tried for over 20 years to astral travel; I have never succeeded. I have followed directions in various books and from those who practice it all the time. Can you provide some direction on the best way to allow myself this experience?

Inspirations from Binah replies: The astral plane is the manifestation of the collective consciousness of humanity. Here you can find the archetypal energies of all we have thought into existence.

It provides a rich landscape of beings for you to learn from and interact with. Meditation is a journey inward, into your personal consciousness, astral travel, also called Out of Body Experiences (OBE), is a journey outward, out into the currents that traverse space and time.

Before you begin, you should have a destination and purpose in mind. Though you can find the corresponding energies of all that exists in the physical realm in the astral realm, there is much more to learn from the beings and temples that cannot take shape in the material world. It is in here that you can create long-term learning relationships with mythical beings and visit great temples of knowledge. There is much to be learned from what can only be experienced beyond the veil.

Traveling the astral plane is something everyone has the ability to do; all that is needed is to learn a technique.

Intentionally setting a destination before you begin is part

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of the process that will ensure a successful journey. The only limitation to accomplishing your goal is your own fear, for it is fear that pulls you back into your body. This fear is understandable and hence it is recommended to learn directly from a teacher. Your teacher can provide a safe environment, instruct you on how to protect yourself and source the energy to allow you to shed all your hesitations.

My travels have introduced me to a being that is wise beyond the years of this world. He is working with me on various topics, helping me see things in ways I never thought possible. When I was lost and in need of guidance, he showed me a path I could not have found on my own since it was not something that naturally resided in me. He also provided the source for Inspirations from Binah, the spiritual advice column you read now, and with his encouragement I am manifesting all my dreams through the four worlds, from divine inspiration to physical action.

Experience has shown me that Astral Travel is something that must be taught from mouth to ear. Book resources can give you the steps, but they do not provide the link needed specific energies. Your space and body must be protected at all times, which is a significant amount of energy to source when you are trying to concentrate on your technique. Having a guide provide that safety and energy for you on your first journey, allows your mind to flow freely.

There are several techniques to choose from. The most common in books requires you to exit the body through the solar plexus. This can be a very effective technique for some, but for others it starts your journey with a low vibration, making it hard to travel the higher dimensions.

Another technique calls upon the power of Sacred Geometry to exit through the crown chakra. Here you begin your journey with a high vibration, allowing you easy access to higher dimensions, but there are more steps to follow. Each technique has its strengths; you have only to find which works best for you.

My recommendation is to take a class with someone that is going to be there to guide you through the experience. I teach around the world and know other teachers ready to ensure that you get everything you can out of this amazing experience. Contact me via my website if you would like to add this tool to your spiritual toolbox.

Yvette Soler, a leading spiritual teacher who will help you find spiritual solutions to the issues in your life. Please forward any questions you may have to binah@eternallightenergy.com. Additional questions, answers and podcasts can be found on the Inspirations from Binah website: www.inspirationsfrombinah.com

Supporting the feminine with Bach flower, plant and tree remedies - Linzi Martin

May 2011

Supporting the feminine with Bach flower, plant and tree remedies "So long as our Soul and personality is in harmony, all is joy and peace, happiness and health" Dr. Edward Bach How amazing that in the womb all foetus start off female until the relevant male chromosome changes everything! The female has traditionally been considered the more emotional creature than our lovely male folk. Perhaps this is changing in our androgynous world. Although this article emphasizes female situations and issues, they can easily be adopted for men too.

As we all know, our modern life is full to almost bursting for some people. The traditional ways in most cultures meant that for most working people their life was pretty much the same day in and day out. Now we have to cope with learning how to use new technology, new words/jargon/terms being created almost every month so even our language is changing. And, whereas women were the traditional home keepers and mother figure, now men can often be found with a food shopping list and picking up the kids from school. I feel that with the emancipation (you may argue this depending on your viewpoint) of women's role, certainly in western society, that both men and women are still questioning their roles. Walnut Bach flower remedy is a helper to smooth this transition. There's so much exhaustion, stress, anger, loneliness, fears and insecurities. Yet women are generally very adaptable creatures, we have had to be with hormones, emotions, personal and work demands. Men too need to be adaptable in order to thrive and survive in our evolving culture.

The ancient philosopher Plato (427 - 347 B.C.) wrote 'If you want to heal the body you must first heal the mind' Bach Flower Remedies deal with the mind they are most helpful when you need that extra support through the emotional ups and downs and challenges of life. They are a powerful aid for inner transformation, no matter what our age or disposition and may be used alongside allopathic, medical treatment and medicines so are a versatile and unadulterated health system.

but the Bach system is not described as a counseling modality in itself. The remedies are an effective and supportive emotional 'medicine' when recommended by counseling and psychotherapy professionals for their clients.

PHOTO This was Dr. Bach's home, consulting rooms and garden. Today it is part of the Bach Centre located in Oxfordshire, England, and most of the mother tinctures are still grown and made here.

Female Life Stages I have selected a few remedies from the full range of 38 and described how they may apply at each life stage. In most examples the situations are interchangeable with whatever stage of life you are at.

KEY WORDS: Suddenly overwhelmed by responsibility, normally quite capable.

Positive potential: capable, efficient, and intuitive.

ELM Baby - over stimulation with too many toys or people wanting to hold or play with them Child/Teenager - excessive thinking with studies in preparation for exams.

Young Woman - giving a presentation at college or workplace, in front of a large group.

Motherhood - juggling motherhood, part time job, looking after the home, a sick parent, with everything happening at once it becomes too much to deal with.

Wise Woman - first time using a new mobile/cell phone, at the same time it starts ringing, lights and symbols are flashing. It's not that she won't or can't embrace technology (that maybe Walnut remedy) but simply takes just a little longer to appreciate and understand how it all fits together.

Dr. Edward Bach pronounced like the classical music composer's name. He was the originator of this natural, holistic system for emotional and mental well-being. Bach was trained as a medical doctor, a bacteriologist and a homeopath with Dr. Hanhmann himself (father of homeopathy), in England in the 1920/30s.

While Bach was a doctor he noticed that people with the same illness/disease did not necessarily respond in the same way, that people were individuals when it came to healing.

KEY WORDS: Protection from change, transformation from outside influences, useful for sensitive people.

Positive potential: protection against adverse effects of being oversensitive to certain ideas, atmosphere and influences, transition stages of life.

WALNUT Baby - teething time; the new routine from sleeping in the parents/mum's bed to their own bed. Child/Teenager - puberty; starting the new school, or the New Year at school with a change of friends, environment, teachers Young Woman - changing boyfriend or lover; alternatively if they decide to move in together.

Motherhood - first born child and there are new dynamics within the family, between wife and husband, with pets.

Wise Woman - menopause, often called 'the change'. The decision to go back into education maybe starts a university course with all the new pattern of life, environment and people.

We have all noticed how differently friends, family and work colleagues deal with stress and anxiety, some coping very well and others losing it. That's what is special about the Bach flower remedy system; the diagnosis is on how you feel now about your situation/issues. Keeping it as it were in the moment. Although some Bach practitioners will take a more in-depth client history to complete the whole picture it is definitely the emotions that are presented at the most upper level of awareness that are dealt first. Then as the layers are exposed, revealed to the client and the practitioner other Bach remedy selections are made. Generally up to 6 or 7 remedies at a time are advised. In our assessment we may refer to how we felt about various incidents in the past, perhaps how the client was as a child or a specific event/person

KEY WORDS: Physical tiredness, loss of vitality, in convalescence after illness.

Positive potential: restorative for peace of mind and vitality, strength and interest.

OLIVE Baby - has caught a heavy cold, blocked sinuses means poor sleep quality, crying as so exhausted with all the effort (and mum/dad or carer's also drained of energy, tired) Child/Teenager - their day far too full example, pre-school job (paper delivery round) + early to catch the school bus + school + after school sports activity + homework + secret late night games playing = a tired out kid.

Young Woman - partying late into the night on successive nights

"The purpose of the remedies is to support the patient's fight against illness by addressing the emotional factors like depression, anxiety and trauma that are thought to impede physical healing." Dr. Edward Bach

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Supporting the feminine with Bach flower, plant and tree remedies - Linzi Martin and going to college/job.

Motherhood - failed attempts at IVF treatment; being a single mother with no family/local support. Wise Woman menopause: due to the physical, emotional and mental changes this can cause additional stress and excessive tiredness; death of a loved one husband/partner so clearing out the home of their items.

KEY WORDS: Resignation, joy gone, apathy. Feeling depressed due to a life trauma and changed circumstances, life not gone the way they wanted or expected, unhappy with one's circumstances, "it's just the way things are".

Positive potential: lively interest in all happenings, ambition, purposeful, enrichment and enjoyment of friends and health WILD ROSE Baby - suddenly being left by parents at a nursery or with someone else where there is no personal attention or stimulation given. The baby's natural Joy may wane with the realization that this is how life is through their innocent eyes. Child/Teenager an active and enthusiastic sports player then experiencing the loss of a limb in an accident and being told they have no chance of playing again.

Young Woman - while still living at home the unexpected death of a parent(s). Motherhood - performing same repetitive activities/job (long suffering), she says "I am tired of doing this I can no longer be bothered". She is resigned to her situation and just glides through life.

Wise Woman - suffering of a long term illness.

KEY WORDS: Day dreaming, thoughts going elsewhere, little attention with what's going on, not being in the present moment may be sluggish and sleep a lot.

Positive potential: a lively interest in all things, purposeful, realistic, ideally suited for creative types like writers, artists, actors CLEMATIS Baby - disinterested in feeding, a glazed look in their eyes, and little emotional response (apart from a medical explanation).

Child/Teenager - require many hours of sleep at night with a sluggish constitution, no desire to get up and get on with the day.

Young Woman - struggles to have a creative career as too laid back, plenty of ideas but simply not able to follow up with action.

Motherhood - wishing there was not another day to face ‌ how good it would be just to go to sleep (if it's just the thought of getting up from bed then Hornbeam may be more appropriate).

Wise Woman - loners, content to be left at home, having little ambition to survive and enjoy life, preferring to stare out the window.

PHOTO Logo of the Original Bach remedies, now manufactured

by Nelson's in the UK. Note: there are other producers around the world who now also make Bach remedies.

How to take: Remedy drops can be taken directly from the tincture bottle using the pipette. For more prolonged use the drops are added into a 30ml glass mixer bottle with a pipette for ease of dispensing the dosage. Top up the 30ml bottle with spring water. If you are concerned that the water-remedy mix may go off during the period of use then you can add a small amount of brandy purely as a preserving agent.

From this mixer bottle 4 drops (1 dose) can be added into a water bottle that is sipped throughout the day, or a dose (4 drops) into a hot or cold drink or directly above the tongue. For hygiene avoid the pipette touching the mouth/tongue. If the mixer bottle contents become cloudy or contaminated then immediately stop using it.

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May 2011

PHOTO Showing how to take a dose from the pipette of the mixer bottle Dosage for a mixer bottle: 2 drops of each selected remedy, 4 drops for Rescue Remedy (the only original combination remedy) Dosage consumption: minimum 4 times a day, or more frequently, as required.

Note! Bach remedies are considered safe for everyone including babies. If you are in any doubt please do check with your medical professional before taking any remedies.

Linzi Martin is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, currently offering consultations in England and Canada. Linzi can be contacted via www.FeelGoodZone.com or LinziMartin1988@gmail.com Resources The Bach Centre, Mount Vernon, Sotwell, Oxfordshire, England www.bachcentre.com The Bach Flower Research Programme www.edwardbach.org www.FeelGoodZone.com blog site of Linzi Martin Books: Bach Flower Remedies Form & Function, Julian Barnard ISBN 1-58420-024-3 Heal Thyself, an explanation of the real cause and cure of disease, Dr. Edward Bach ISBN 0-85207-301-1 Dictionary of the Bach Flower Remedies Positive and Negative Aspects, T W Hyne Jones ISBN 0-85207-145-0 EXCLUDE THIS Additional info excluded from article Establishing a routine on taking the doses I have found that if I take the first dose when I awake and/or in my first drink of the day and the same last thing at night, plus 2 other doses during the day.

Having the remedy bottle located near the kettle is useful and if you drink from a water bottle during the day then adding the drops to this once a day is very easy to remember.

Conscious taking of the remedies The remedies have been found to be effective whether or not the recipient believes in their beneficial effects or not. For instance with animals Bach remedies work very well and they are not aware of what remedies they are being given (not on a conscious level at least). When taking the remedies we can hold them in our mouth for a few moments before ingesting. I believe this is like a mark of respect for the plant, tree or flower that produced the energetic resonance that we are now taking to support our wellbeing.

Travel - Machu Picchu - Compiled by Dhara Kothari

Machu Picchu

May 2011

The Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu (Meaning: Old Peak) is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Machu Picchu is often referred to as The Lost City of the Incas, and is perhaps the most familiar icon

of the Inca World.

Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built by the Sapa Inca Pachacuti (1438–1472). Starting in about 1440 and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1532. Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned just over 100 years later, in 1572, as a belated result of the Spanish Conquest. It is likely that most of its inhabitants died from smallpox introduced by travellers before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the area. The latter had notes of a place called Piccho, although there is no record of the Spanish having visited the remote city. Remarkably, the Spanish conquistadors missed the site, and the Inca city remained hidden until the 20th century. On a wet day in 1911, Yale scholar Hiram Bingham travelled up the slopes with a few companions from an expedition.

He met some local peasants, who told him about ancient ruins that covered the area. He went to see them, and found the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Some believe Machu Picchu to be a sacred religious site. This theory stands mainly because of where Machu Picchu is located, sacred geography, because the site is built on and around mountains that hold high religious importance in the Inca culture and in culture that previously occupied the land. Another theory maintains that Machu Picchu was an Inca llaqta, a settlement built to control the economy of conquered regions. An alternative theory is that it was an agricultural testing station. Different types of crops could be tested in the many different microclimates afforded by the location and the terraces; these were not large enough to grow food on a large

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scale, but may have been used to determine what could grow where. Another theory suggests that the city was built for the gods to live in, or for the coronation of kings.

Although Bingham was the first person to bring word of the ruins to the outside world, other outsiders were said to have seen Machu Picchu much before him.

The location of the city was a military secret, and its deep precipices and steep mountains provided excellent natural defences. The Inca Bridge, an Inca rope bridge, across the Urubamba River in the Pongo de Mainique, provided a secret entrance for the Inca army. Another Inca bridge was built to the west of Machu Picchu, the tree-trunk bridge, at a location where a gap occurs in the cliff. The city sits in a saddle between the two mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, with a commanding view down two valleys and a nearly impassable mountain at its back. It has a water supply from springs that cannot be blocked easily, and enough land to grow food for about four times as many people as ever lived there. The hillsides leading to it have been terraced, not only to provide more farmland to grow crops, but to steepen the slopes which invaders would have to ascend. Two high-altitude routes from Machu Picchu go across the mountains back to Cusco, one through the sun gate, and the other across the Inca Bridge. Both could easily be blocked, should invaders approach along them.

Regardless of its original purpose, it is strategically located and readily defended.

The ruins of Machu Picchu are divided into two main sections known as the Urban and Agricultural Sectors, divided by a wall. The Agricultural Sector is further subdivided into upper and lower sectors, while the urban sector is split into East and West sectors, separated by wide plazas. The Inca believed that the solid rock of the Earth should not be cut, so they built this city from rock quarried from loose boulders found in the area. Some of the stone architecture uses no mortar, but rather relied on extremely

Travel - Machu Picchu - Compiled by Dhara Kothari precise cutting of blocks. Many junctions in the central city are so perfect that it is said not even a blade of grass fits between the stones. Peru is a highly seismic land, and mortar-free construction was more earthquake-resistant than using mortar.

Inca walls had numerous design details that helped protect them against collapsing in an earthquake. Doors and windows are trapezoidal and tilt inward from bottom to top; corners usually are rounded; inside corners often incline slightly into the rooms; and 'L' shaped blocks often were used to tie outside corners of the structure together. These walls do not rise straight from bottom to top but are offset slightly from row to row. The Incas never used the wheel in any practical manner. Its u s e i n t o y s demonstrates that the principle was wellknown to them, although it was not applied in their engineering. How they moved and placed the enormous blocks of stones remains a mystery, although the general belief is that they used hundreds of men to push the stones up inclined planes. A few of the stones still have knobs on them that could have been used to lever them into position; it is believed that after the stones were placed, the Incas would have sanded the knobs away, but a few were overlooked.

The space is composed of 140 structures or features, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences that include houses with thatched roofs. There are more than one hundred flights of stone steps often completely carved from a single block of granite and numerous water fountains. These were interconnected by channels and water-drains perforated in the rock that were designed for the original irrigation system. Evidence suggests that the irrigation system was used to carry water from a holy spring to each of the houses in turn.

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May 2011

Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. The Popular District, or Residential District, is the place where the lower-class people lived.

It includes storage buildings and simple houses. The royalty area, a sector for the nobility, is a group of houses located in rows over a slope; the residence of the Amautas (wise persons) was characterized by its reddish walls, and the zone of the Ă‘ustas (princesses) had trapezoid-shaped rooms. The Monumental Mausoleum is a carved statue with vaulted interior and carved drawings. It was used for rites or sacrifices. As part of their road system, the Incas built a road to the Machu Picchu region.

Today, tens of thousands of tourists walk the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu each year.

One of the site's primary functions was to serve as an astronomical observatory. The Intihuatana stone atop Machu Picchu, called the Hitching Post of the Sun, is a precise indicator of the two equinoxes when the sun at midday stands directly above the monument's pillar, casting no shadow.

Machu Picchu was acknowledged as a sacred vortex long before the Incas, going back to the LeMurian times of ancient Og. Situated in the core of a unique double vortex, this sacred energy is of massive potency. It is primarily female, goddess in nature. The vortex is both electric and magnetic in structure, meaning it has aspects of being both an inward pull, and outward flow vortex. The connection between Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca are a mega vortex-portal complex. Called as the Golden Sun Disc which emits Zero Point Energy.

How to get there

Travel - Machu Picchu - Compiled by Dhara Kothari Visitors to Machu Picchu typically leave from Cuzco.

There are three ways to reach the ruins themselves: arrive on foot via the multiple day Inca Trail trek, or walking, or taking a bus from Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes frequent buses leave to the ruins, starting at 5:30am. There's often a queue, so if you're intent on being on the first bus up, you should arrive at least 90 minutes early. The journey takes around 1/2 hour to slowly wind around the switchbacks and up to the park.

Hiking the Inca Trail is a great way to arrive as you first see the city through the Sun Gate (instead of arriving from below as you do from Aguas Calientes). Both the four-day and two-day hikes are controlled by the government. Travellers should be fit enough to walk for days and sleep in tents. From Aguas Calientes it is also possible to walk along a similar 8 km route that the buses run, which will take about 1-2 hours up, and around an hour back down. This route is mainly stairs, connecting the switchbacks that the buses take. It is a strenuous and long hike but is very rewarding, recommended to start around 4 a.m. to make it to the top before sunrise. The descent is fairly easy just take care when the steps are

May 2011

popular stamp booth as you exit where you can prove to your friends you've been there. There are no vehicles of any kind in the park, bring some comfortable walking shoes,

especially if you plan to do any of the hikes such as Wayna Picchu. No walking sticks are allowed. The main ruins are fairly compact and easily walkable.

Food Officially, you are not allowed to bring any food or water bottles into the park, and must check these in at the luggage storage at the entrance. In practice, however, bags are rarely searched, and most people have no problem getting a small bottle of water and some snacks in with them, which you'll definitely want, especially if you're planning to stray from the central set of ruins. Buy these beforehand, as they're much more expensive at the site itself. Don't even think of leaving a shred of trash behind you. The concession stand near the entrance of the site is pitiful in its offerings and gets very busy at lunchtime. Once in the site, it's not possible to buy food or drinks.

What to see and do

wet. Keep alert for the bus drivers that rarely brake for pedestrians.

Visiting Machu Picchu isn't cheap. Be aware, that the train ticket you buy as a tourist will cost you ten times as much as a Peruvian pays for the same journey on the same train. They'll add up to some of the most expensive rail miles tourists will find anywhere on the continent!

The same applies to the buses shuttling tourists between the site and Aguas Calientes.

Most hostels can sell you the entry permits and bus tickets. Don´t buy them at the travel agency at the Ollantytambo train station, as they don´t actually sell you tickets, but a receipt that you need to give to a person to get your tickets, you´ll end up running all around Aguas Calientes looking for this person. You can buy your ticket at the Aguas Calientes cultural centre, open 5:30 am - 9:00 pm. Carry your passport, as it may be requested upon entry and, more importantly, there's a

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Take your time walking around the site, there are many places to see and explore. Although it is not necessary, taking a guided tour does provide a deeper insight into the ancient city, its uses, and information on the geography of it. Keep in mind that relatively little is known about the history and uses of the ruins, and some of the stories told by the guides are based on little more than imaginative hearsay. A 20-minute walk uphill to the left inside the entrance leads to the House of the Terrace Caretaker and Funeral Rock, which provides the famous and very photogenic view over the ruins of Machu Picchu.

1. Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – if you've just arrived via the Inca Trail, this will be your first experience of the ruins.

Others can backtrack from the ruins along the trail and up the hill. From here you can see back down each valley offering excellent views. It's a fairly strenuous hike (probably 1-1.5 hours each way) but well worth it. If you catch the first bus from Aguas Calientes and head straight here you may be able to reach it in time for sun to peak over

Travel - Machu Picchu - Compiled by Dhara Kothari

May 2011

Picchu is this steep mountain, often the backdrop to many photos of the ruins. Stone steps are laid along most of the path, and in the steeper sections steel cables provide a supporting handrail. That said, expect to be out of breath, and take care in the steeper portions, especially when wet, as it can become dangerous quickly. There's a tiny cave near the top that must be passed through, and is quite low and tight of a squeeze. Take care at the peak, it can be somewhat precarious, and those afraid of heights may want to hang out just below. The entire walk is through beautiful landscape, and the views from the top are stunning, including birds' eye views over the whole site.

There are also a few ruins near the top. If visiting these ruins, you'll see a second way to start making your descent down the mountain, along some very steep and shallow steps, these steps are a bit dangerous if wet, but the hike may be well worthwhile. This hike is one of your best bets for getting away from Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu crowds.

the mountain and through the gate.

2. Temple of the Sun – Near the summit of the main city, the stonework on the temple is incredible. Look closely and you will see that there are a variety of stone walls throughout the city. Most are rough stones held together with mud, the common stone walls found throughout the world. But many buildings or parts of buildings are done with the more distinctive and impressive closely-fit stonework. The temple is the absolute pinnacle of this technology. Observe it from the side, descending the stone staircase in the main plaza.

3. Intihuatana – A stone carved so that on certain days, at dawn, the sun makes a certain shadow, thus working as a sun dial. From Quechua: Inti = sun, huatana = to take, grab: thus grabbing (measuring) the sun. (Pronounced as 'intiwatana') 4. Temple of the Three Windows - is a three-walled building reached via a stone staircase. Its east wall is cut from a single piece of rock and pierced with three trapezoidal windows.

5. Main Temple - has perhaps the best masonry on Machu Picchu. The stones of its three walls are precisely cut and fitted together without mortar. A small building next to the temple, dubbed the Sacristy, may be where priests prepared themselves for ceremonies.

6. Temple of the Condor – The tour guides will try to tell you that this was a temple, but look closely: between the wings of the condor is a chamber with grooves cut in the stone to secure manacles, a walkway behind where a torturer may walk to whip the prisoner's backs, and a scary looking pit to let the blood of prisoners drain. Clearly the condor was a symbol of cruel justice, but a sanitized version is told for the benefit of middle-aged tourists and their children.

If you got some energy in you, there are a few great hikes involving a bit of legwork.

Wayna Picchu - Towering above the north end Machu

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Access to Wayna Picchu is limited to 400 visitors per day.

You must sign in at the entrance gate, and take note of your number, as you're required to sign out upon your return.

All visitors must arrive back at the checkpoint before 4:00pm. Get here early if you're intent on climbing it, and note that large tour groups are able to reserve numbers and jump the queue, so don't be miffed when you're in line and a guide saunters past with 20 people in tow.

If you have some time at hand, or long for a sparkle of solitude, you can also walk to the Moon Temple (Templo de la Luna) and the Great Cave (Gran Caverne). It's a long walk and adventurous hike involving several ladders. Some may find that the sites aren't really rewarding, but unexpected wildlife can be seen. This hike is also quite interesting because partway through you leave behind the mountain terrain and enter a more conventional forest.

The caves can be reached either by hiking down the trail from the peak of Waynapicchu (which includes some semiharrowing but fun near-vertical descents) or by the split from the main Waynapicchu trail (look for the sign that says Gran Carvern). Remember that it is much easier to descend from Waynapicchu than to ascend from these temples. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for this long hike. The hike from the summit to the caves and back to the checkpoint takes about two more hours.

May 2011

Book Corner - Gayatri Pagdi

The Great Mystery of Life Beyond Death Prof Hiralal Kaji

New Age Books

Life after death is a subject that can come under many heads: Philosophy, Science, Psychical research and Spiritualism. And yet, all knowledge eventually comes under Science. Psychical research is as real as astronomy.

Spiritualism, other than its phenomenal aspect, is known to be the highest kind of philosophy and, in its phenomenal aspect, one of the most important fields of investigation.

There are n number of 'ghost stories', campfire tales of the dead coming back to communicate, little anecdotes shared about the rappings and the Ouija boards, all heard with an amused thrill or downright disdain by the lay people. The absence of relevant facts available easily on a regular basis leads to imaginative speculation about life beyond death. Prejudiced and persistent ignoring of the facts already available by some creates walls of embarrassment for the others who have an interest in what lies beyond and need to discuss it better. The charlatans in the field make their position even more awkward.

The result is, one of the most fascinating as also significant fields of investigation remains too niche, and millions of minds are deprived of an amazing sphere of knowledge.

The book, The Great Mystery of Life Beyond Death is authored by Prof Hiralal L Kaji. But the spiritual author of this book, we are told, is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a staunch supporter of Spiritualism till the very end, the very man who have us the very rational and logical Sherlock Holmes. Doyle was aware that his support of Spiritualism damaged his reputation but so great was his interest in the subject that he continued with it till the very end. A few days before his death in 1930 he wrote, “The reader will judge that I have had many adventures. The greatest and most glorious of all awaits me now.” Kaji says that the book was unfolded by the spirit of Doyle and that not one of the ideas expressed in it are his own. The work was been presented as spelt out letter by letter on the Ouija board by Doyle through Kaji's son and nephew. He also confesses that he was never interested in spiritualism and was too prosaic a person to indulge into flights of fancy about the subject.

Numerous messages are claimed to have been received from Doyle through various mediums. Perhaps one of the most well known amongst them has been by Harry Price, British psychic researcher and author. In the January 1931 issue of the Nash Magazine under the title The Return of

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Price : `225

Conan Doyle has a conversation between Harry Price and the spirit of Conan Doyle through a medium.

The Great Mystery of Life Beyond Death is a wonderfully fascinating book for those who are new to the subject. Dealing with everything related to death and afterlife communication, it is a lucid account of the world beyond the one we can see.

There are topics like the seven planes of existence, the connections with the other worlds, the spirit entities, the role of the psychic mediums, the theory of rebirth and, finally, goes on to explain the aim of worldly life, the idea of karma, God and the purpose of creation. Especially interesting to those who have questions like do we still eat or need food after we die, do we wear the same kinds of clothes, where do we live, there is the chapter 'A Day in the Life of a Spirit' which talks of how the spirits need about 6 to 7 hours of rest, which is different from 'sleep', how they while away their time in doing things that they like, visiting friends on the other planes and keeping their appointments with mediums. Spirits apparently visit the human world especially in the afternoons and evenings, like on a 'stroll' and seem to go back to inform others of the happenings here.

The book also describes elsewhere how the spirits are friendly with those who they did not know before death but how they maintain the same feelings of antagonism for those who they did not get along with on the earthly plane. The same human weaknesses prevail there and the same good or bad qualities are seen. The relationships are very similar to those of human beings but the general atmosphere smoother.

The book also warns of the deceit factor. Spirits often impersonate other spirits if they wish to, mislead and play games with humans. There is no effective check on this so far and one has to rely on the strength of the spirit invoked. If that is powerful, the attempts to impersonate will fail or then the practical joke played on us will be successful. The mediums, we are told, do fall prey to it on a large scale.

It's a fascinating book and, at 129 pages, with the kind of information that it gives, should be an engrossing but easy read. As for the subject, wrote Edgar D Mitchell, engineer, astronaut and the sixth man to walk on the Moon, who had an interest in Consciousness and the paranormal phenomenon, “There is nothing in the universe that is unworthy of investigation. If it offers the further incentive of having possible benefit for humanity, …it is foolish to refuse to examine it.”

Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero

May 2011

Legend of the Nomad Chapter 2 Higher Knowledge - Quest - Sign - Sincerity - Emotion Quest Nathan arrived in Paris. He stepped off the train at the North station. It was a sunny day and the terraces were crowded. He strolled through the city, got something to eat and rented a room for a couple of days at a hotel close to Place Clichy. It was not the first time Nathan had visited the city of lights, but now it was different. Now everything was different. He no longer had to be going to school, he could sleep where and when he wanted and could decide everything on his own. It felt like a new life had begun. Nathan decided to explore the city and look for work. He bought a city map and began his search. He enjoyed the atmosphere of the city and once in a while walked into a business to ask if they needed anyone.

Three days after his arrival Nathan found himself in "Le Sentier", a gathering place for fabric traders from around the world. This district was known for the intensity of the trading there. It was always crowded and chaotic, but Nathan found it interesting. He spoke with a couple of fabric traders and that is how he met Simon, an older man of Jewish descent. The grayish man appeared very professional and gave the appearance of an old wise man. Together with his son, Simon was engaged in the fabric trade. Moshe gave the impression of being a spoiled young man. He tended to treat others contemptuously. The trading company had more than ten employees. Simon was sitting at his desk and was busy updating his paperwork.

That did not stop Nathan from approaching him.

back in his chair. Nathan had succeeded in getting his attention. Apparently Simon had not expected such an answer and now appeared to be interested. He looked attentively at Nathan.

“Give me one good reason why I should hire you?”

“I see that you have customers from all corners of the world. I speak four languages and could help you communicate with them.”

“We have been trading here with everyone for years and it's going perfectly in French.”

“Even more customers will select your business when they know they can be catered to in their own language!”

“What's important for me is to know whether you're honest or not.”

“Even when I am not being treated fairly, I always try to remain honest.”

Simon thought that Nathan was an unusual young man, even a bit strange, but something about him was appealing. He thought about it and then said that Nathan could start the next day as a laborer in the warehouse. Nathan thanked Simon for his trust and returned to his hotel with a good feeling. He knew that Simon had much life experience and suspected that he would be able to learn a lot from him.

The next day Nathan arrived very early. Simon made him do a stock count and rearrange the warehouse.

Simon told him that this was the ideal way to get to know all the items. The day was long and tiring and it was late in the evening when Simon went looking for Nathan.

“You can stop now, you worked well today.”

“I was told that everything lying here needs to be “Could you use an additional employee?” packaged.”

Simon looked at him over the rim of his glasses without moving his head and immediately his Simon looked at the large quantity of cases that still needed to be wrapped. attention returned to his documents.

“Do you like working here?”

“Who are you?”

Nathan thought that Simon might be dissatisfied and “My name is Nathan.” would tell him he was too slow and that he did not “How old are you?” need to come back.

“I'll be eighteen next month.”

“I hope that you can appreciate that this is my first “Do you have any experience?” day.”

Nathan found that the man showed little interest.

“I repeat that next month I will have eighteen years of Simon looked at Nathan and understood his doubts.

“If you like doing your work, you must always leave a life experience.” little for the next day.”

Simon looked once again at Nathan, this time for a Nathan was happy. He did not need to be worried and little longer and then put down his papers. He leaned

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May 2011

Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero finished packing what he had in his hands. When Simon went to leave the warehouse, Nathan approached him.

“Do you know if there are still busses?”

“No idea, where do you live?”

“I rented a room close to Place Clichy.”

“You can ride with me.”

Nathan was happy to go with him. On the way to the hotel Simon became curious.

“Are you renting a room all by yourself?”

“Yes, I have been in Paris for only a couple of days.”

“Where are your parents?”

“I grew up with my father in Brussels.”

“What does your father do?”

“He works for a newspaper as a reporter in international politics.”

“Tell me, why are you here?”

“I just started a journey.”

“A journey? Where are you going?”

“I don't know yet.”

“Why are you looking for this type of work?”

“The type of work is not important to me, as long as I find it instructive.”

“Simon did not say anything for a while.”

“Traveling is good; it opens up your world!”

Nathan was excited. Yesterday he had followed his intuition and he had come into contact with Simon.

The more the old man talked with him, the more Nathan got the feeling that he really would come to mean something to him.

“Does your father mind that you are here all by yourself?”

“He thinks I am ready for it.”

“Ready for it?”

“Ready to determine my life path by myself.”

Simon drove up to the hotel where Nathan was staying. Nathan got out of the car and thanked him.

Before he said goodbye, Simon made him an offer: “There is a free room in the attic of my house. From there you could drive with me to work every day.”

“Thank you for the offer. I will think about it and will let you know this week.”

Nathan waited until the end of the week to see how things would evolve at work. During the weekend he moved to Simon and Moshe's home. He also met Moshe's mother and was quickly accepted. During the following months Simon gave Nathan more responsibility. He spent a lot of time with Moshe and specialized in purchasing arrangements.

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Sign Every three months Nathan traveled with Simon to Asia to buy clothing. Thus he had the opportunity of visiting India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Moshe did not like to travel and had only been to Bangladesh. On the contrary, Nathan was always looking forward to those distant travels. They never lasted long and were too brief to gain a good impression of the local cultures, but even so Nathan succeeded in discovering strange things with Simon. On several occasions Nathan had very peculiar experiences. Nathan had been stared at on a couple of occasions and sometimes followed by someone. When Simon asked them for the reason they were following Nathan, he did not get a clear answer. Some said that Nathan was a protector.

Others saw a holy man in him. Simon had been traveling for a long time to Asia and was used to being accosted by strangers with tall stories. At first Simon belittled everything and even said laughingly that it was good for business. After a while, even he had to admit that something unusual, even mysterious, was happening!

Simon knew that spirituality played a big role in the life of the people in that part of the world, but in the three countries he had visited together with Nathan, there had been a couple of remarkable scenes. At different places children, and sometimes adults, had spontaneously approached Nathan to offer him drinking water. This happened without any inducement. When Simon asked the children for their reasons, they did not answer. They smiled in a friendly way, watched Nathan while he drank and then went away. Of course, for Nathan the link with water was not new, but he found it astounding that people he had never met before also made this link. What Nathan would remember most from his journeys in Asia was that the people who approached him were clearly expecting something from him. It was more a sense of anticipation, as if they knew that something was about to happen.

The first journey was to Mumbai in India, a city that would make a great impression on Nathan, especially with the great number of people in the streets and in the markets. On the second evening of their stay, Nathan and Simon went to Colaba, a district outside the southern part of the peninsula. They were eating outside at a small restaurant along the water, when a man approached Nathan. The man had black shiny hair and dark eyes. He looked well kept, wore a long white shirt over white trousers and had had brown sandals on his feet. His dark skin contrasted dramatically with his stark white clothes.

Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero

May 2011

“Do you think that man wanted to deceive me?”

He spoke to Nathan in Hindi: “Do you already know “I have too little information to know for sure. If he your higher mission?” was planning to, I did not give him any opportunity to succeed.”

Next to their table was a group of young students. One “So maybe that man was speaking the truth?” of the girls from the group saw what was happening “I do think he believes what he says, but as you know, and came over to translate the man's words for the truth, just like water, takes the form of the vase Nathan. into which it is poured.”

“Shouldn't we have listened to him for a little longer?”

“Why does that man think I have a higher mission? “I saw that he had confused you and at such times we Nathan asked.” can be easily influenced.”

“I was indeed very much impressed!”

For the rest the girl acted as interpreter.

“Don't worry, if that man was sincere, the meaning of his words will become clear in due course.”

“Because of his "natural element"…”

Simon thought that the man was acting in a bizarre During the second journey another peculiar situation way and wondered about his intentions. occurred. This happened in Karachi, in the south of “What do you think is his "natural element"?”

Pakistan. On the last day of their trip Nathan was in “The inexhaustible source of the earth!” the presence of Simon and three business partners. It Nobody became any wiser from these words. Simon was very warm and humid and they were making a also noticed that Nathan became uncomfortable trip to the island Manora, not far from Karachi. On the because of all this attention and asked the man to island the weather was more pleasant thanks to a light leave them alone. The man acquiesced calmly and breeze. It was very busy that day. Apparently many of continued strolling on his way. Nathan and Simon Karachi's inhabitants had decided to go to the island kept an eye on him. to cool off. The group visited a local market, when suddenly two older men walked towards Nathan.

A little further along the man stopped and turned, to Both men had white beards and flat caps. Both were look again at Nathan. He placed his palms against wearing a beige shirt with a sleeveless dark brown each other, in front of his chest, bowed deeply and waistcoat. The two men had noticed Nathan from afar then kept walking. Nathan did not know what to think and had walked straight up to him through the crowd. of this.

Simon saw that this had confused Nathan and warned The first man stood directly in front of Nathan. He put him about deceivers: his hands on his shoulders and spoke to him in Urdu: “Always be open for all opportunities, but also stay “Be patient, please!” alert for those who could have bad intentions.”

“How can you distinguish between who is being Samir, one of the three business partners, had been sincere and who is not?” standing next to Nathan the whole time and had also “Sincerity and deception are not inherent in people. noticed the scene. The rest of the group were unaware Each person is sometimes honest and sometimes a of anything unusual and had continued walking. deceiver.”

“Do all of us deceive at some point in time?”

Samir did not understand what the old man wanted “When we try to convey a different picture of ourselves from Nathan and asked the man to repeat what he had than who we really are, we are deceiving. We all do just said. The man spoke to him: that, some more than others.”

“How can you know when someone is being sincere?” “Ask him to be patient!”

“By not focusing on their words or actions, but on Samir translated for Nathan: their true intentions!”

“He says that you have to be patient.”

“Aren't the greatest deceivers those who can best hide “Patient for what, for whom?” their true intentions?”

Samir translated again: “That's right. They have made deception such a habit “Be patient with our ignorance!” that they are not even aware themselves of when they are being deceptive!”

Samir did not trust the situation. He saw that Simon and the other two business partners were nowhere to Nathan went quiet and stared into the distance. A be seen and suggested that Nathan continue walking. little later he had new questions: When they wanted to leave, the second man asked

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May 2011

Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero

had turned into a huge puddle in which many people had become isolated and had lost their belongings.

“Tell him that he needs to have courage and that he Panic was everywhere and everybody was shouting. will succeed in showing us the way.”

Samir translated the last part for Nathan and added At a certain moment the flat roof of the building just in that he did not have a clue as to what the man intended front of him caught Nathan's attention. An elderly to say. They said goodbye and continued walking. woman could be seen on top of the roof. She was Nathan kept silent. This event had confused him sitting on a chair looking straight at him. The woman again, just as in Mumbai. Were these men bringing an had a wrinkled face and was wearing a long, worn-out important message or were they deceivers? Nathan dress full of mud. She must have walked through the and Samir hurried to catch up with the rest of the muddy streets, which led Nathan to believe she did group. Samir found this situation very strange and not live there. They kept staring at each other until Nathan started to feel uncomfortable. At that moment now questioned Nathan: Moshe knocked at this door. Nathan turned and to “The second man talked about showing the way. What open it. Moshe said that they had to get ready quickly because it would not be easy to get to the airport, did he mean by that?” because of the state of the roads. Nathan got ready “I'm sorry, but I don't understand any more than you.” quickly without giving more thought to the elderly Samir was not completely satisfied with Nathan's woman. When he went downstairs, Simon and Moshe answer, but did not insist.

“What does 'patience' mean for the people here? were eating breakfast. He joined them and ordered his. Simon said that he feared it would be difficult to Nathan asked a little later.”

“For my uncle I know that patience is needed to get to the airport. They left immediately as soon as the taxi arrived. understand other people's errors!”

“For my father I know that other people's errors show Nathan saw things that would stay as images with him us the way!” forever. The streets had become roads of mud. The Both men continued walking. Once back with Simon, cars could barely advance and everywhere people Nathan told him what had happened. Simon listened were calling for help. Many times the taxi driver was asked to stop. It was difficult for Nathan to see so attentively and scowled. much misery and he turned to Simon: “If what these men, and that man back in Mumbai, have said is true, than there is no other explanation “How can nature be so incredibly cruel?”

“It's not because nature is cruel, it is that there may be than that you having an unusual talent!” a purpose!”

In India Nathan had already felt that what had “What could possibly be the sense of all this?” happened could be a sign. After what had occurred in “As with any catastrophe, this is also about the change Pakistan, it had become even clearer to Nathan that that will come as a result.” both events were signs. He tried to give a meaning to “What change?” it! Nathan wanted to consider it as rationally as “Change in the way of thinking. Calamities can make possible and remain critical. No matter how he looked people develop characteristics such as courage, at it, he could not find one sensible explanation for compassion and the capacity to bring things into these events. So for the time being it remained a large perspective!”

The taxi crept along. Nathan had difficulty in putting puzzle. everything into perspective as Simon seemed able to.

The third and strangest situation occurred during his “Is there something we can do to help?” stay in Bangladesh. At that time the country was “No, not much now.” experiencing an untimely flood. A cyclone had caused “Not now? But isn't it right now that they need our a tidal wave and the sea had flooded large parts of the help?” country. During the last night of their stay it had also “Silence follows after each calamity and everyone can rained heavily, causing creeks and rivers to flood. find out what they have learned from this!”

Nathan was staying with Simon and Moshe in a hotel in Dhaka. Their rooms were on the highest floor of the Further down the road the taxi skidded and came to a hotel, so Nathan had a panoramic view of the city. stop at the side of the road. The group got out to push When he opened his window that morning, he could the car back onto the road. They succeeded after a clearly see the destruction caused by the water. Dhaka couple of tense minutes. Just when Nathan was Samir to translate something else:

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Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero getting into the car, being the last one, something strange happened. The woman he had seen on the roof was standing in front of him. She looked at him and she smiled. Nathan smiled back politely, got into the car and closed the door. He wondered how it was possible that this woman, who had first been opposite the hotel, could now be here. He could not understand how she could have arrived so quickly. Was this a new sign? Did he have to do something? The taxi was driven off before he could decide.

“He will find out and then he will tell everyone about it!”

Nathan listened, but did not know what to think of this. The same questions as in India and Pakistan came back to him. Was this woman trying to deceive him? Did this woman see something he did not? Did she want to make something clear to him? Nathan and Moshe looked at Simon sitting down at a little distance from them. He was still reading his newspaper and had not noticed anything. The woman An hour later they were in the airport parking lot. All looked tenderly at Nathan and touched his face with things considered, the trip had been better than her hand. Nathan asked the man to interpret some expected and they even had time to spare. After additional questions.

Simon, Moshe and Nathan had checked in for their flight, they went through to the waiting area. The The man had also become curious and was glad to queues were long and almost all the chairs in were comply. taken. Simon bought a newspaper and took one of the only empty seats. Nathan and Moshe decided to walk “Can you ask her where I will find the right direction?” around. Suddenly, Nathan saw the same elderly “Be careful; don't let her influence you, Moshe woman again. This was now the third time. Nathan remarked.” wondered whether she had also checked in, or “Don't worry; I want to hear her answer.” whether they had just let her pass. The woman sat “You have to let yourself be carried by the current, the down and looked at him with a smile on her face. woman said.”

Nathan did not understand, but was completely convinced that this elderly woman had arrived there It was becoming increasingly difficult to understand to see him. He explained to Moshe that this was the her meaning. Moshe wanted to know why she had third time this morning that he had seen this woman. followed Nathan.

Now Moshe also became curious. The young men approached the woman to ask if she was following “Can you ask her why she is here?”

Nathan. As she only spoke Bengali, Moshe looked for “To clarify and increase my memory of the feeling of someone who also understood English. A little later hope, she said.” they found a man who could willingly interpret for “What are you hoping for? Nathan asked.” them.

“You! She answered.”

“What does hope mean to you? Nathan continued.”

Moshe repeated his question: “Hope is the tasting of future happiness!”

“Are you sure about what you think of me?”

“Are you following Nathan?”

“I am not sure about anything, but that is not necessary. It is about what I feel when I look at you.”

The woman answered calmly, always smiling: “What do you see exactly, Moshe then asked, and how did you know that Nathan was staying in that hotel?”

“Yes, that's right.”

“I followed Nathan because he has something that is possessed by only a few people.”

Nathan was not surprised.

Nathan wondered how this woman, who had never “Will you keep following me when I fly back to seen him before, thought she knew about him.

Europe?”

“You have much traveling to do. This is only the “And what is this thing I have?” beginning.”

“You are radiating energy; people love you without “The beginning of what?” you having to please them. That is very rare. People “The beginning of your quest!” who possess this quality have been sent for a higher “And what is he looking for? Moshe wanted to know.” purpose.”

“The right direction for all of us.”

“The right direction? Moshe asked. And where does At that moment the flight to Paris was called and the that take us?” passengers had to present themselves. Nathan said

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May 2011

goodbye to the woman, thanked the man and he and Moshe went to Simon. On the plane Nathan tried to remember each of the woman's statements. This event indicated that some people apparently considered him as being exceptional and as having a certain destiny. Only, he had no clue what it this might be. Moshe and Nathan discussed what had happened with Simon, who also spoke about the events in Mumbai and Karachi. Even Simon could not give a sensible explanation for any of the incidents.

“In the best case scenario, fortunetellers will try to make their customers dependent on them, so that they keep coming back and keep paying for their dose of good feelings. They are traders in good feelings.”

“And in the worst case?”

“In the worst case fortunetellers can act as tyrants and desire or demand complete submission.”

“Are you advising me against it?”

Mauro thought about this.

When Simon fell asleep somewhat later, Moshe “No, you can go. I know you are strong enough.” whispered to Nathan: A couple of days later Nathan went to the fortuneteller “I know who can help you.” with Moshe. On their way Moshe warned him that the woman might appear strange and that he should not Nathan knew that Moshe had waited until Simon was pay too much attention. She lived in a small house in asleep to talk to him. the "Quartier Mouzaïa" in the nineteenth district. It was late in the evening when the young men called “Tell me.” upon her. The old woman who opened the door for “I know a woman who can see things that others them was wearing a long purple dress and striking don't.” jewelry. Nathan noticed that Moshe appeared to be a “A fortune teller? Nathan asked.” regular client and that he knew the woman well. They “Quiet! I don't want my father to know about this.” stepped inside and were standing in the front “Why not?” entrance, a room with too much furniture and lit only “He thinks these people are dangerous.” by candles.

“Why does he think that?”

“He says that they have made it their profession to Nathan didn't feel comfortable. control others with their power.”

“Are you afraid?”

“I have brought someone along,” Moshe said to the “No, to the contrary. I see this woman frequently and woman. much of what she has predicted has already come Nathan understood that Moshe had not told the true.” woman that he would be coming.

“Let me think about it and I will let you know if I want “Good evening, madam. It's a pleasure to meet you. to go there or not.”

My name is Nathan.”

The woman looked at Nathan and said nothing for a Every time he returned from Asia, Nathan called his couple of seconds. father to share his experiences with him. Mauro had “Can you spare some time for him? Moshe asked.” no immediate answer to these bizarre events. He advised Nathan to write down all his experiences When the woman tried to say something, it seemed as while they were still fresh in his memory. Then he had if she had lost her voice. The woman felt faint and had to try to make possible connections between them. to sit down. Moshe and Nathan looked at each other After the last incident in Bangladesh, Nathan asked and then helped her to a chair. On a table there was a Mauro whether it would be useful to visit a bottle of water and a glass. Nathan took the glass and fortuneteller. filled it with water. Then he knelt by the woman and gave it to her. The woman looked at Nathan, accepted “Would a fortuneteller be able to shed more light on the glass with two hands, sipped some water and this?” could speak again: “Nobody has more information about you than you do yourself! Mauro retorted.”

“I don't feel well. It will not be possible today.”

“Would it be harmful to visit a fortuneteller?”

Moshe was disappointed, but even more surprised.

“It can only be harmful for people who are not fully “Could you maybe do just one session? Nathan came aware of their "inner power". They can be easily here especially for you.” manipulated.”

“What can happen?”

The woman kept staring at Nathan.

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May 2011 and came immediately to the office. Simon said he would listen to Moshe's story as well as Nathan's and added that the innocent person had nothing to worry about. He would discover the truth. Simon left the office together with his son and told Nathan to wait for him and not to leave the premises under any circumstances.

“Why does he need me?”

Moshe could not give an appropriate answer.

“He would like to know a couple of things.”

The woman's gaze did not waver. She kept staring at Nathan.

Hours went by. Nathan hoped that Simon would not make an error by falsely accusing him. It could not be “Nathan will find out everything he needs to know.” easy to choose between the sincerity of your son and that of an employee. This was a difficult situation.

Moshe did not understand her behavior. He had never Nathan tried to convince himself that he did not need seen her act like this and insisted. to worry. Simon had often remarked about Nathan's honesty. What disturbed Nathan the most was that “He also wants to protect himself against people with Simon now had to think about whether he had placed evil intentions.” too much trust in him. After a while he began to worry “Nathan already has protection, a rather exceptional less. Even if Simon came to the wrong conclusion, protection!”

Nathan knew he could not be blamed. However, it bothered Nathan knowing that Simon would feel Nathan sensed that the woman felt uncomfortable deeply hurt anyway. Be it his son or Nathan, the because of him and wanted to leave. verdict would be painful.

“Thank you for your time and I apologize for any It was late in the evening when Simon returned. He inconvenience.” immediately called all the employees together. There was a feeling of immense tension. Everyone was Nathan signaled to Moshe that he would be going anxious. When all the employees had gathered outside and walked to the car. He sat down in the car around, Simon told them they could go home and they and thought about what had happened. Why did the were free until Monday. Several employees asked woman suddenly have no voice? What did she mean questions. They were afraid of losing their job, but when she said he was already protected? He had Simon did not answer them and asked Nathan to hoped to find some answers, but now he only had follow him to his office. After the employees had left, more questions. When Moshe came back outside, he calm returned to the warehouse. When Nathan also seemed to be very confused. entered Simon's office, Simon was sitting in his chair and staring through the window. There was an icy “Do you think I did something wrong in there? Nathan silence in the office. Nathan did not know what to asked.” expect. He pulled a chair forward and sat down.

“No, but this is really very strange. I don't know what to think.”

“You wanted to speak to me?”

“Did she say something after I left?”

“She asked me not to bring you back.”

At that moment Simon turned towards Nathan and looked at him. Nathan saw that Simon's eyes were red On the return journey both were silent. and watery. His voice shook with emotion.

“You don't have to tell me anything. I know what I need to know.”

“Do you know what happened to the money?”

“It's not the first time that money has disappeared.

Even before you started working here, I already had my suspicions. I tried to set it right, but it only got worse.”

Sincerity

A couple of months later something very unpleasant happened to Simon's business. Just after a large sum of money had been received, the vault was emptied.

Moshe accused Nathan. He said there were only three people who knew the code: his father, himself and Nathan. Nathan made it very clear that it had not been Nathan did not know what to say. He wanted to soothe him. There was an argument between him and Moshe, the pain of the older man. On the one hand he was glad witnessed by all the employees. Simon was called up of not being accused himself, but on the other he felt

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Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi powerless. He was sitting before a man whom he loved very much and who at this moment was in great pain.

His own son had stolen from him. Nathan simply said what came up in him at that moment.

“I don't understand Moshe's behavior. He always had everything he wanted. At this young age he already possesses several houses and has enough savings not to have to worry about money for the rest of his life.”

“Moshe has forgotten that he was born with nothing and that he got everything from life. Apparently I have not been able to teach him this.”

Nathan saw that guilt was plaguing Simon, besides his disillusionment.

“You gave him everything a father can give. Are you now feeling responsible for his behavior?”

“Moshe is what he is today because of the upbringing he received.”

“You cannot be feeling guilty. I saw how good you are to him.”

Nathan was no longer angry with Moshe because of his false accusations, but because of the sadness he had caused his father.

“In these last few years I have been unable to get through to Moshe. You know, Nathan, we have not known each other for long, and still I have a closer connection with you than with my own son. And Moshe knows it, that's the reason for his envy.”

“I know, and I have tried several times to talk to him about it, but he kept denying it. That's why his jealousy kept growing.”

“But that was not the reason for the theft. Moshe has stolen before.”

“Where is he now?”

“He has gone and leaves me with the greatest sadness.”

“Not the greatest, because he can still make it up. If he were no longer here, then it would have been an even greater sorrow!”

“It is better to lose something beautiful than never to have had it. If he would have died today as an honest son, I would have beautiful memories of him.”

“Those memories are also there now; nobody can take them away from you!”

“Moshe has put a cloud of sorrow on the past. Once you start doubting the sincerity of someone your perception of all those moments you experienced together, changes! Believe me Nathan, being betrayed by your own child is more painful than seeing him pass away.”

“Can you forgive him?”

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“At this moment I cannot do anything else other than look at him in a different way.”

“Can he ever set it right again?”

“I don't know, but for that he would have to show his sincere regret. And even so…!”

“How can you know whether someone is sincerely sorry?”

“You can only see that process through actions.”

“How can you know whether actions are sincere?”

“By letting time do its work. Our actions determine us far more than we determine our actions.”

Nathan recalled that his father had told him something similar and tried to analyze the situation as much as he could.

“I could almost think you were too good to your son?”

Simon looked at Nathan.

“Do you think I was too good to Moshe?”

“That would have been the only error, if that could be viewed as an error.

Simon looked outside again.”

“There is an old saying that says that if you have never been deceived because of your goodness, you have never been good enough!”

Simon and Nathan closed the business and went home together. Once they arrived, Simon's wife told them Moshe had packed his belongings and left. Even after Moshe's departure, Nathan continued to work for Simon. He gained more responsibility and Simon, who was becoming older, was gradually stepping back. Simon and Nathan decided to focus on exhibiting the merchandise at trade fairs. They went to many important trade fairs in France and the neighboring countries. The business thrived and they realized large revenues.

During the winter Simon and Nathan were present at a trade fair in Hamburg, in the north of Germany, a country close to Simon's heart because he had met his wife there. She was born and raised in Berlin. On the last night of the trade fair they went back to their hotel to rest and agreed to go for dinner later in the city.

Simon had been in Hamburg before and found it to be an attractive city. Upon arriving in the city center Nathan and Simon found that most restaurants were full of people. Nathan was not sure that there would be space for them, as they had not made reservations.

Simon parked the car close to the Elbe, the river that divides the city in two, and smiled at Nathan.

“If we stay in this neighborhood, we will be able to get a table with a view of the river.”

“A view of the river? I think we'll be lucky to even find a

March May 2011 2011

Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi free table.”

“It will only be a matter of patience!”

Nathan recognized this tone of Simon's voice, which, like his father's, demanded special attention. Simon and Nathan strolled calmly looking at the restaurants until Simon stopped. He looked up and saw a big window on the top floor.

“Let's go in here. The view must be fantastic up there!”

Nathan and Simon went in, greeted the waiters and went immediately to the top floor. Nathan saw that downstairs all the tables were occupied and feared that on the top floor none would be free. Once upstairs they looked around. Nathan seemed to be right in his assumption.

“Pity there are no seats available, because it smells really good here!”

Simon said nothing. He was looking at the view of the Elbe.

“The view is even more beautiful than I imagined!”

“We will have to go somewhere else anyway, because all the tables are occupied.”

“Wait, I will ask.”

Simon walked towards an elderly waiter and talked to him. Nathan saw the waiter shake his head. Even so, Simon kept talking to him and pointed at the window.

A little later the waiter called a colleague. He spoke to him and they disappeared from the room. Simon returned to Nathan: “You can take off your jacket.”

“Are we going to wait here?”

“We don't have to wait. It's already arranged.”

As Simon was finishing his sentence, Nathan saw the two waiters had returned with a small table that they positioned just in front of the window. Nathan looked at Simon, who was contently staring at the beautifully lit streets on the other side of the river.

“How did you know that we would find a place in this restaurant?”

“It just seemed like a good idea to come in here.”

“You always manage to arrange these things!”

“By sensing things, you can put them in motion and in this way bring your thoughts to life!”

“In order for that everybody would first have to know what good thoughts are.”

“That seems to be quite obvious to me.”

“Not everyone uses the same knowledge to discover which thoughts are good. Many prefer their own knowledge above the "higher knowledge".”

Nathan knew that the "higher knowledge" was nothing other than what his father called the "inner power" and again had confirmation of the resemblance between Simon and his father.

“Why doesn't everyone see how useful this knowledge is?”

“Because each one of us determines our priorities differently.”

“Is our personal development not of fundamental importance to each one of us?”

“Everyone has their own vision, independently of how a person has come to learn this.”

The waiter was a young dark skinned man. He came to get the order. The following events would make a big impression on Nathan. Next to Simon and Nathan there were a couple of customers, one man was especially loud. He had an imposing bearing and spoke loudly. He appeared to be a director who had invited some of his staff for a dinner. The director wanted to order new drinks and was becoming angry because he was not being attended to immediately.

The waiter was clearly becoming annoyed with the man's behavior, but remained friendly and replied that he would be right back. First the waiter attended to Simon and Nathan, not because it was their turn, but because this proved to displease the director.

When the waiter had taken Simon and Nathan's order, he went back to the kitchen. Just at that moment the customer made a remark about the waiter's skin color. Some of the people at the table laughed at his remark. Others felt ashamed and reacted passively. Nathan saw how the waiter lost his temper and went for the man. Even before Nathan became aware of it, Simon had rushed to intervene between the waiter and the director.

Simon grasped the waiters' hands, looked him straight in the eyes and talked to him in German: “The first one to get angry is always wrong.”

Again Nathan became aware of how much the life vision of Simon resembled that of his father's.

The waiter looked surprised.

“If everyone would cherish some good thoughts, the world would look a whole lot better, Nathan remarked.”

“It's easy for you to say. Do you know how it feels to have to listen to these prejudiced remarks?”

“It's precisely at moments like these that you must not

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Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi forget how special you are. It will give you the power not to give way to your anger. You must see this as an opportunity to never again be hurt by these remarks.”

“How is this possible?”

“It's about who has power over your feelings. Do you control them yourself or do you let others control them?”

“Must I allow myself to be insulted like this?

“A decent person does not insult anyone and you should not feel insulted by this rude one.”

There was a period of silence. The waiter thought about Simon's words and calmed down. The customer reacted amused and made some more remarks, which were ignored by Simon, and now also by the waiter.

“Consider what has just happened as a lesson, Simon said. If you learn it, the pain you are feeling now will make sense and make you stronger!”

people together.”

Simon looked at the river water through the window.

“I have learned that cities that are divided by large rivers often have very different mentalities. You can frequently see people who are afraid of these differences and try to protect themselves, while others are curious and seek for ways to become closer.”

“Where does this fear come from? Nathan asked.”

“Fear is usually based on ignorance! Many do not understand that it is diversity between cultures that enriches our knowledge.”

Nathan and Simon looked through the window at the river streaming below. The reflection of the lights made the water appear full of life. Simon continued:

Now Simon let go of the waiter's hands and continued “Look at how the water flows and how it will find its talking: way to the ocean, where it will form part of a greater whole! Water does not question the nature of other “You can be proud of yourself. From now on you will water; it flows through everything and flows together learn to better control your feelings.” again.”

“Indeed, that's how we all should flow towards each The waiter had understood what Simon had helped other, Nathan surmised.” him to see and thanked him.

During dinner Simon told Nathan about an important Simon returned to his seat at the table. decision he had made. After the summer he would sell his business and real estate and take it easy from then “People can be so cruel! Nathan said.” on. Simon wanted to move to Miami with his wife, “What is most important is that we learn to deal with close to his sister, who had been living there for more our feelings by trying to control them!” than thirty years. This news was not a complete “But it's still a pity that there can be such bad people!” surprise to Nathan. Simon had talked earlier about his “Wickedness is never inherent in a person, only their wish to relocate to Florida. actions can be bad!”

“Don't they realize how much pain they inflict on others?”

Emotion “In a world with no pain or suffering, there would not be a need for moral choices.”

It was a difficult choice for Nathan. He could stay in “Could it be worse?”

Paris and continue working or keep traveling to new “It would mean that we just like machines, would have destinations and new challenges. In the following no free will and therefore would not have the days he helped Simon to sell his properties and with opportunity to evolve.” placing the employees in new jobs. Thanks to Simon's connections this went smoothly. The departure of Nathan thought about this and understood what Simon to the United States was planned for the Simon said. beginning of the winter. Simon's wife had left earlier.

Simon and Nathan stayed up the night before Simon “If you look at it in this way, pain does indeed seem to was due to leave. When everything had been packed make sense in a certain way.” they took the time to quietly discuss their plans.

“It gives us the opportunity to strive for goodness and peace.”

Simon began by saying: “Do you think that man really meant what he said or that he just wanted to impress people?”

“On behalf of all the employees I want to thank you for “I don't know. The way it is, cultural differences can all your efforts over the past weeks. You paid more divide people, but diversity in cultures can also bring attention to them than to yourself.”

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Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi “I did it for you, for them, but also for me. They always gave their best efforts.”

“I also want to thank you for all you have done for me, not only in the past weeks, but since your arrival here.”

“I have enjoyed all the time we have spent together. I have learned an incredible amount from you. You were like a second father to me.”

Simon was deeply affected by Nathan's words.

“I know that you will have to make new choices because of my departure. Because of all that's been happening in the past weeks we haven't taken time to discuss this. Have you decided what you are going to do yet?”

“I'm wondering whether I should see your departure as a new start and continue to travel or whether there are still important lessons to be learned here in Paris.”

“No one but you can know.”

at his professional activities. He wanted new experiences and got to know the nightlife. He went regularly to dance clubs and casinos and quite quickly his friends were those he had met from the nightlife.

Nathan stood out because of his strong communication skills. Partially because of his skill, and because of what he had learned from his father, he had raised conversation to the level of art. During this period he learned to fully understand how great the influence of his words was. Almost everyone who became acquainted with him, wanted to become his friend. Women fell for his charm and men enjoyed his company, partially to reap the fruits of his success. At first Nathan was excited about the new world opening up to him, but very soon he felt as if something was missing. He saw how superficial his connections had become and consequently he was increasingly confronted by himself.

In the spring Nathan left for a short stay in the south of Simon was aware that this was a difficult choice for France. In the market of Toulouse he met the beautiful Nathan. Naturally he knew what Nathan was looking Sophie. He saw her in the fruit stand where she for and he would say something important about this: worked. She had brown hair, green eyes and a very attractive smile. Nathan immediately noticed her “To obtain "higher knowledge" two travels are exceptional charm. Nathan also saw that the older needed: The first one in the outer world and the man, who worked in the stand with her, looked very stiff and sullen. Nathan wondered whether he was her second one in the inner.” father or her colleague. Nathan approached the stand “How can we travel in the inner world?”

“It's the adventures we experience in the outer world when the man left the stand to take away empty cases.

Nathan and Sophie looked into each other's eyes for that can lead us to our journey in the inner.” some time and smiled. Close up Nathan could better “I will think about your words.” admire the beauty of her green eyes. Sophie was “Can I ask you a favor?” flustered by his presence.

“Of course!”

“Whatever your choice may be, never give up on your Nathan selected some fruit and used the opportunity life purpose.”

“Rest assured, Simon. At most I can get lost for a to calmly strike up a conversation: while, but I will never give up. Although I have to admit that it would be easier if I already knew my life “Your colleague does not seem to be in a very good mood today.” purpose.”

“Well, that's an answer I owe you, but I have been long “He's my boss and he is no different today than on any enough in your company to know that you are capable other day.” of something unique. You have the capacity to convey “It must not be easy to work with him?”

“After a while you get used to it!” the "higher knowledge" as no other.”

“Habit is a strange thing; it keeps us close to what we The next morning Nathan took Simon to the airport, hate.” where they said their goodbyes. Now Nathan was alone again, just as he had been during his first days in Nathan knew that his words were having an effect. He Paris. He kept working in the sector he was familiar picked up another two green apples and Sophie with and it continued to be profitable for him in the weighed them for him. first weeks, but he felt empty. He earned a lot and had already saved a lot of money, but he had very few new “And what do they say about people who meddle with experiences and the days became monotonous and the habits of others? Sophie smiled.”

“That it's interesting to find out what these people boring. have in their mind.”

In the following weeks Nathan spent less and less time “It's not always easy to find out what people really

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Legend of the Nomad - By Alex Mero Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi

car on the Atlantic coast. When Nathan parked the car intend.”

“It becomes easier if you want to free up enough time close to the water front, Sophie woke up. to find out!”

“Where are we?”

Sophie smiled again. Nathan had succeeded in getting “We have come to the greatest source of life, Nathan a date for that evening He invited her for dinner in the answered.” city. There they got to know each other better. It became clear quite quickly that they were at ease with Nathan got out, sat down on a small wall and looked each other. Sophie told him that her parents had towards the beach and the sea. Sophie opened the emigrated from Italy to France. Her father had died door and saw the sun was setting. The sky was a when she was still very young and she missed him very wonderful pink and blue. Sophie took a deep breath much. Nathan sensed that because of this she and filled her lungs with the sea air. subconsciously hoped to meet a man who would fill that void. They saw each other every night that week. “Where are we exactly? Sophie asked.”

One of their recurring conversations was about “In Sables d'Olonne, Nathan said.” making choices.

Nathan got up and took Sophie in his arms. Sophie Through her conversations with Nathan, Sophie thought that she probably had never been as happy as realized that she had to do something that would give at this moment. They walked into a shop. Nathan her more satisfaction. A week later Nathan would bought a bottle of wine, a corkscrew and two glasses. return to Paris and he invited Sophie to come along. Sophie loved Nathan very much and felt completely She had fallen completely for Nathan and did not safe with him, as if nothing bad could happen to her. hesitate long. A couple of days later they arrived in Nobody had ever been able to dispel her fears so Paris. In the capital Sophie dedicated herself to her easily, but she felt that tonight something special was hobby, carving. Nathan leased a studio for her. In happening. Sophie found she had difficulty in talking addition she helped him with his administrative work. to him. They walked on the sand and settled close to Nathan frequently went out. Sophie did not like the the water. Nathan opened the wine bottle and filled nightlife as much as he did and therefore seldom went the glasses. Sophie nested herself in his arms. with him. She was convinced that it was only a matter of time before Nathan would realize that the nightlife Together they looked at the horizon. was not for him.

“Talk to me, Nathan!”

One day Nathan came to pick Sophie up after she had “I'm completely in the dark!” been shopping. Sophie had bought new clothes and Sophie noticed by his voice that what was bothering could not wait to show them to him. When she got into him was apparently very important. the car she noticed that Nathan's thoughts were “I have never known someone who could see elsewhere. She did not worry at the time, since this everything as clearly as you. How can you be in the dark?” had happened before.

“People do indeed listen to me and believe almost everything I tell them. The thing is that I still know so “Is everything all right? She asked.” little myself. I'm throwing away the talent I have “Yes, I'm fine.”

Sophie noticed that Nathan did not drive the same received.”

“What more do you want to know?” way home.

“Until Simon's departure I learned something new “Where are we going?” every day, but since that time I have only behaved in a “I want to get away from here. Let's drive for a little.” proud manner.”

Nathan took the western highway.

“Do you regret anything?”

“Is there something you want to talk about?”

Nathan looked at Sophie.

Sophie was getting worried and Nathan noticed. He “What's past is past. So regret has no use.” stopped the car at the side of the road and kissed her.

“Don't worry; it's got nothing to do with you. I have to “Is there something you want to change then?”

“I have to continue my journey and explore new think, just relax.” environments.”

Nathan drove back out onto the road. His words had calmed Sophie. She laid her head on his shoulder and At first Sophie did not say a word. From the day she fell asleep. It was quite late when Nathan stopped the had met Nathan she had been afraid this moment

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Legend the Nomad - By Alex Mero Love and Leadership by Dr. Amit Nagpal Book of Review - Gayatri Pagdi

March 2011 May 2011

would arrive. She understood that Nathan was saying goodbye to her. She could not reproach him, because he had never made it a secret that he would be traveling again one day. She knew him well enough, and she knew that he had already made up his mind. So, for the time being, there was no space for her. She had always resolved not to hold him back, because she did not want to lose him.

“Now you are the one being quiet, Nathan said.”

“You've taught me that you should never limit someone's freedom. I want to give you all the space you need for your inner well-being.”

After these words Sophie could not hold back her tears. Nathan took her in his arms and helped her find the strength to overcome her sadness. After a couple of minutes she succeeded.

“Does it also make you unhappy that we are saying goodbye? Sophie asked.”

“Of course I will think a lot about you, but this makes me happy.”

“What do you mean?”

“Missing each other is also a form of happiness!”

“Are you ever coming back?”

Nathan looked her in the eyes and held her hands.

“Sophie, I will always love you, whatever the future may bring.”

Nathan could and would not promise more. Sophie understood and had to accept this for now. Suddenly they heard the wind rushing above the sea. Nathan and Sophie stood up and were barely able to see. They found it was an effort to keep standing and they left the beach. Once back on the dunes the wind suddenly died down again, just as suddenly as it had started. Nathan and Sophie found this very strange but had no explanation. On their way to the car they saw the streets were empty. Everything was silent. Strangely enough Sophie felt very calm, just like the wind. They went back to the car and returned to Paris.

Love and Leadership As soon as a friend saw, I was sitting on my desk writing on love and leadership, he immediately objected, “Why are you mixing oil and water? There is absolutely no relationship between love and leadership.” I was equally firm, “Open the parachute of your mind, my dear.

Love is the highest ideal of leadership. It is difficult to mix them of course but they are like a husband and wife who become the most compatible after the long battle during the honeymoon is over” We tend to have narrow definition of love (and valentine's day) equating it with man-woman or life partner emotion. But love is the essence of spirituality, once you understand the unity and oneness of humanity, you discover the bond of love which connects us. Love means care, it means warmth, it means nurturing, affection, trust and so on.

Four well known international leaders who have written on love and leadership include Janiece Webb, (Sr VP, Motorola, USA), Lars Kolind (CEO, Oticon, Denmark), NS Raghavan, (Joint Founder & JMD, Infosys, India) and Francisco R. Canada (Director, Errepar SA, Argentina).

Janiece talks of 'tough love' that she gives to her employees to create giants out of ordinary people, how love lifts her above her ego and how it helps her express appreciation and compassion in an open way. She says love helps her in seeing the soul of the business. Lars concludes in his write up, “If you serve a purpose based on care and love, then you can be successful in almost anything.” With care and love, he turned the fortunes of Oticon and took the company from bankruptcy to global eminence.

In the cut throat competitive corporate world we live in and the backstabbing colleagues we work with love is difficult to practice though. But then anything which is worthy in life is difficult to practice. In fact Janiece points out something very interesting. She says, “I used to affirm that I wanted to be intellectually fit, physically fit, emotionally fit and spiritually fit. But now I realize that if I get in touch with my spirituality, then the rest takes care of itself.” The higher consciousness which one develops through spiritual tools and genuine love and compassion makes one emotionally, intellectually and even physically (we become conscious of what we eat and how much we exercise) in good shape.

Creating a culture of we-ness, a true team spirit is creating a culture of love. Somebody has rightly said, “There is no Place for I in TEAM.” Lars says about Oticon, “People were desperate to work with us, we were making a major difference with our customers (with a love-empathy philosophy) and we were recognized by our peers. And it all ended up creating financial value like crazy.”

In simple word love is based on seeing the god or goodness in every human being and trusting your employees. There is a joke that decision making becomes easier when, “either you trust everyone or you don't trust anyone.” A good leader develops the streetsmartness to judge unethical behavior among employees and trusts the rest of the employees.

Raghavan emphasizes on trust as a symbol of love and says he continually demonstrated his belief in the inherent goodness of people by trusting them with information and decision making power at Infosys. He talks of how he experimented with the team taking the new boss's interview and how employees were asked to decide their own increments (the funds available were told to them).

Francisco says,. “The concept for business we work with, our goal is to make people awre of their inner potential, to help bring out this potential and to always strive for excellence. Excellence is the way God made the world. I also think this should be the purpose of business in general.”

So a spiritual leader believes, “Love the God, love the people and love the god in people” And if you do that you are likely to bring out the best, the god in people.

Dr Amit Nagpal (amitknagpal@gmail.com)

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