Spiritual Lounge E-Magazine October 2010 Issue

Issue : OCTOBER 2010

Vol : IV

Price : (FREE)

SPIRITUAL LOUNGE E-MAGAZINE

Sawaroday Yoga Leading with Spirituality Runes

Aura Part III CANDLE MAGIC

The Land of the Island or Lanka

Content

October 2010

Editorial - page 3

Sawaroday Yoga - Hitesh Guruji Page 4-7

Aura Part III - Hitesh Guruji Page 8-12

Leading with Spirituality Dr Amit Nagpal, PhD Page 13

CANDLE MAGIC - Amrita Rao Page 14 -15

Runes - A brief introduction Page 16 The Land of the Island or Lanka page 17-20

Capturing the Aura : Integrating Science, Technology and Metaphysics Page 22 Himalayan Mysticism: Shiva's Disc to Cut Asunder and Open the Mystic Heart Page 23

Breathing Rhythms

Drums – instructional

Solo Tabla

Cover page : Ruwan Weli Seya or the Golden Sand Stupa, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka 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

2

EDITORIAL

October 2010

Dear Readers, Welcome all to the fourth edition of our successful Spiritual Lounge E-Magazine.

Everybody is so busy with their respective lives that it is difficult to even take out time for the family, leave alone others. But where do we fit ourselves in this picture? Mainly at the bottom of the heap.

Yes! Sad but true. We spread ourselves thin by giving our time to traveling, careers or job, friends, networking, clubs, extended family and our spouse and kids. What about our-self? Well, we do give us time while we sleep and doing our personal chore, maybe reading or doing something to keep us entertained or busy. But is it truly our-self that we give time or trying to fill in the free time and space?

Giving time to our-self is giving time to our own soul or spirit. Trying to communicate and recognize our true state and nature. Giving time to our ownself that lies far too deep within this body of ours. Call for it and it'll be by your side.

Thanks friends for contributing and showing interest in reading and writing for this e-magazine. Please do extend this co-operation by freely passing this emagazine to all your friends and contacts, so that they too can start having faith in themselves. Also, do help us with advertisements to pay for the technical cost that goes in making the e-magazine and giving it free to all.

Our apologies for those who found it difficult to download or open the emagazine. Please check http://moksa.whitedrums.com if you wish to download the earlier copies.

Connect with us anytime at spirituallounge@live.com or +91- 9619629092 Thank you all once again

Dhara Kothari Note: Spiritual Lounge presents two events this October in Bombay.

1. Saturday Oct 16 from 4-6 pm. A talk on 'Explore your nine senses now', by Laila Ahmed. 2. Saturday Oct 23 from 4-6 pm. A talk on 'Optimal health live life disease free' by Mehernosh Chhapkhanawalla, followed by meditation Venue: Nalanda Centre, Times of India building, opposite CST station, Bombay-1. Cell- 9619629092

3

October 2010

Sawaroday Yoga - Hitesh Guruji

Sawaroday Yoga The Universe is whole, complete; you are whole, complete. One who realizes that he/she is complete will not feel the lack for anything in life.

All the sorrow and suffering is for the lack and wanting.

corresponding foot be the first to touch the floor and make the first step, is a simple practice that ensures success in everything that happens for that day. The first foot to touch the ground will get the prevailing successful flow of energy from the cosmos.

What are the advantages of learning Sawaroday Yoga?

The Sawaroday yoga practices related to breath were used to understand the governing forces of life, to understand the nature of the universe and effects of the elements on body and mind by observing the different patterns of breath. Further, it was used to go beyond the limitations of the mind.

Sawaroday Yoga is the art of realizing your Completeness, the art to free you from all wants, lack, sorrows and sufferings.

It is the highest knowledge spoken on earth by Lord Shiva to his consort Parvati in ancient India.

What is Sawaroday Yoga?

The word SWARA in Sanskrit means sound or musical note; it also means the continuous flow of Prana (life energy) through nostrils. The Meaning of Uday is rising and we all know that YOGA means realization of union. So Sawaroday Yoga is the science which is about the realization of cosmic consciousness, through the awareness or observation.

Sawaroday yoga is an ancient science existing since pre-vedic period, over ten thousand years ago. It was a secret science, only available to the select few, especially royals and dedicated seekers. It was kept as a closely guarded secret by the ancient sages and saints.

Swar yoga is an ancient science coming from the Agam Shastra, where Lord Shiva is the guru and Shakti is the disciple, wherein, she asks questions regarding nature and the governing forces of the universe. Lord Siva gives this precious knowledge of Sawaroday yoga to Shakti.

Sawaroday yoga involves the systematic study of the Prana flow through the nostrils. Our left part of the body and the left nostril is connected to the right brain and vice versa for right nostril. Our left part of the body is female and right part of the body is male. So when the left nostril flows we can accomplish the jobs like love, devotion etc., which are associated to females, and when the right nostril flows we can accomplish the jobs like war, doubt etc., that are normally associated with males.

Although we think of Pranayam when we think of techniques associated with the breath; in Sawaroday yoga, it is the association of the breath in relation to the activities or phases or positions of the sun, moon, planets, seasons, time of day, with the physical and mental conditions of the individual and then taking the appropriate action according to these subtle relations. For example, checking the flow of your nostrils before you get out of bed in the morning and letting the

The fascinating thing about Sawaroday yoga is that just by being aware of the Swar (dominant nostril) in relation to the environment, you can manipulate the results of what you are about to do. In other words, you can find out which is going to be the successful route and then follow it. It can be as simple as checking your nostrils before setting out of the house, noting the direction you wish to go in and then choosing the appropriate foot with which you will take your first step, to ensure success and positive outcomes for everything that follows thereafter.

Other Advantage of Sawaroday Yoga…… « You learn to do right thing at right time. « You can bring balance and order in your life. « You learn to be relaxed and conscious of your own state of being before starting an activity. « You learn to live in constant awareness of your inner and outer world. « You learn to attune to natural rhythms and universal laws for greater health and wellbeing. « Those who practice Sawaroday yoga never suffer from failure and discontent. « You learn how to change the vibrational pattern of the environment to your advantage. « Through the knowledge of Sawaroday yoga one can become free from all kinds of negative influences of one's destiny and can achieve heightened awareness. « Through Sawaroday yoga you learn physical and psychic healing.

The knowledge of Sawaroday yoga helps you to get liberated from the cycle of life and death.

Syllabus of things you will learn from Sawaroday Yoga: Introduction (Shiva and Parvati dialogue) Left and Right nostrils and connections with planets The left brain/Right brain connections and activities Five Prana and Five Upa-Prana Three types of Swar

4

October 2010

Sawaroday Yoga - Hitesh Guruji Nostrils and Moon How to change the nostril When to change the nostril Nostrils and special activities Sushumna activation and its specialty Sawaroday Yoga and Five elements (Tatwa) Watching,

detecting and experiencing the five

elements Sawaroday

Yoga and connections to Body-brain chemistry Various practical applications of Sawaroday Yoga Sawaroday Yoga and overcoming illnesses Sawaroday Yoga and Body-Mind healing Sawaroday Yoga and Child birth. Sawaroday Yoga and Mind reading. Sawaroday Yoga and Chhayopasana. (Art of predicting via shadow). Sawaroday Yoga and super-psychic astrology and vastu connected with nadi and chakras. Sawaroday Yoga and Awakening of inner guru tatwa. Sawaroday Yoga and Life, longevity and death. Sawaroday Yoga, awareness and enlightenment.

How can i learn Sawaroday Yoga?

Sawaroday Yoga can not be learnt by reading books.

It is a science to be experienced only through experiments, hence the laboratory format of this workshop.

Who can attend Sawaroday Yoga workshop?

Lord Shiva says the below are the requirements of a student. ­ Purification of body, mind and speech: the disciple must maintain purification of body by regular bath, brushing of teeth and regular exercise etc. The purification of the mind has to be observed by practicing nonviolence and forgiving all your enemies. The purity of words must be practiced by not saying any harsh words to anyone when the disciple is being initiated. ­ Devotion towards Guru: the disciple must be totally devoted to the Guru, in this way the Guru can be sure that he will not misuse the powers obtained by this initiation. ­ Focus and Determination: the disciple has to be focused that he might not miss anything said in the class. And he must be determined to practice what he learns with total faith and patience. ­ Acknowledgement of Obligation: the disciple must know that no one is capable or eligible to receive this ancient wisdom of Bij Mantra Dhyan and he is being given this only by the grace of the Guru. He must never try to misuse the powers received by the practice of this meditation.

A brief on the Sawaroday Yoga Shastra Shakti asks Lord Shiva: Q. 1. Which knowledge bestows perfection?

Q. 2. How was the universe created?

5

Q.3. How does the universe change and dissolves?

Q.4. Who determines the universe?

Lord Shiva responds: Creation takes place due to Tatwa (subtle essences), is sustained by them and finally dissolves into them. Tatwa are the origin of the universe. There is one birth less, formless supreme existence from which evolves Aakaash (ether), from which comes Vaayu (air). From Vaayu originates Tej (fire), from Tej, Aap (water) and from Aap, Prithvi (earth). These five elements are spread throughout the world. Creation is formed and sustained from them and again merges back into them as the subtle process of creation continues ceaselessly.

What is Sawaroday? The science of Sawaroday is the secret of all secrets and reveals the essence of all benefits. This science is the crown jewel of all knowledge. It is the subtlest of all subtle knowledge. It is easy to understand and is based on truth. To the atheist it is a wonder, to the theist, the support (verse 11, Shiva Sawaroday) Who may have the knowledge? It should be given to one who is peaceful, pure, well behaved, dedicated to the guru, determined in mind, grateful (verse 13) The glory of Sawaroday, the power of Sawaroday overcomes enemies and joins friends, obtains wealth and glory (verse 22) O Lady of beautiful face, all sacred books, moral stories, learning and Upanishads are not beyond the knowledge of Sawaroday (verse 25) If you have knowledge of Sawaroday, it is not necessary to consult the date, stars, days, planets, gods, conjunctions of stars or disorders of humors that is, phlegm (Cough), bile (Pith), wind (Vat), before starting any project (verse 29) The teaching should not be revealed simply to answer someone's questions, but by one's own self, by one's own intellect in one's own body (verse 28) Among Shastra Among subjects that the texts on Sawaroday discuss are the placement, location and function of the Nadi, Yoga Sadhana, description of auspicious/ inauspicious Nadi according to the day, rules of the five Tatwa, zodiac signs according to the day and night, the appropriate direction of travel, reverse situations, fulfillment of desires, auspicious acts during the flow of Ida Nadi, successful acts during the flow of pin gala nadi, characteristics of sushumna nadi, eight-fold division of elements, predictions and divination, places of the five elements in the body, how to get gain and prosperity, prediction and indicators of death, attainment of psychic powers through the knowledge of Sawaroday, getting a divine child, super-psychic astrology and vastu connected with

Sawaroday Yoga - Hitesh Guruji

October 2010

nadi and chakras and overcoming illnesses.

Sawaroday Yoga is science which is a complete study, observations, control and manipulation of breath or Swar. Pranayam is only related to control of breath in various ways. In Sawaroday yoga, you will find association of breath in relation to activities of sun, moon, various seasons, physical and mental conditions of individuals etc.

So Sawaroday Yoga is more comprehensive in theory and practices related to breath.

o It represents Sun / Male Shiva (consciousness) principle o Right Swar is associated with pranic activities (physical activities), sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response / stress response) o Connection to left hemisphere of brain o Right Swar is considered as rough, non-virtuous o Dominance during dark fortnight (15 days from the next day of full moon to no moon) o Right Swar gives fruitful results Sunday, Saturday, Tuesday o Zodiac signs during Solar flow - Aries, Aquarius, Libra, Gemini, Sagittarius Acts to be performed when left Swar is active o All auspicious acts o Stable, permanent actions o Purchasing jewelry, clothes, journey, etc o Construction of house o Offices, temple, etc. o Marriages, religious rights, peaceful work o Treating incurable diseases Acts to be performed when right Swar is active o Extreme techniques. o Meanest and worst actions o Drinking wine, destroying enemies o Sensual pleasures o Work requiring extreme dynamism, o physical work o Solving mathematics, o Eating, gratifying senses, captivating.

Third Swar Sushumna o Located Center of the spinal cord o It represents Shiva (pure consciousness) in the state of So-Ham o Sushumna is said to be active when left and right Swar flows together o No worldly action recommended, work gives no result o It indicates non attachment to the mundane things o While third Swar is active meditation recommended Rhythms of Swar o Each Swar (Left and Right) Alternates in 60 Min One Swar is active for about 1 to 1.5 hours depends on individual, and after that 2nd Swar starts flowing, this cycle continues during day and night. o These Swar activities are related to Moon phase's o Sunrise timing is crucial - Generally for healthy people the Swar should change at the time of sunrise and sunset. o Lunar / left Swar o Active during 1st three days of bright fortnight at sunrise o Right / solar Swar o Active during 1st three days of dark fortnight at sunrise Readjusting the Swar

Applications of Sawaroday Yoga as per Sanskrit Text Shiva Sawaroday: Sawaroday yoga is useful while initiating any action starting from waking up in the morning, having bath, eating, involving in different types of works, mental activities, physical activities etc.

One can easily make out that Sawaroday Yoga touches all parts of human life.

Few applications of Sawaroday Yogao Fighting wars, Overcome enemy, winning friends o Gaining wealth, prosperity, popularity o Winning favor of government and politicians, o Knowledge of past, present and future o Achieving sound mental, physical and spiritual health o Sawaroday in daily life- Journey, eating, exercising, working, excreting, sleeping - For Yoga and meditation 3 Types of Swar There are three main Swar, Ida Nadi or left Swar (Nadi is flow of Pranic energy in body), Pin gala Nadi or right Swar and Sushumna or third Swar. o Ida / Lunar / Left Sawaroday - The breath through left nostril o Ida Nadi located on the Left side of spinal cord o It represents Moon / female Shakti (Energy) principle o Left Swar is associated with mental activities, parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation) o Connection to right hemisphere of brain o Left Swar is considered to be auspicious, smooth and virtuous o Bright fortnight (15 days starting from next day of no moon to full moon day) o Fruitful results when left Swar is active on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday. o Zodiac signs during Lunar flow- Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces o Pin gala / Solar or right Swar - The breath through right nostril o Pin gala Nadi located on the right side of spinal cord

6

October 2010

Sawaroday Yoga - Hitesh Guruji o Close active nostril with finger or cotton wool or o Inhale through active nostril and exhale through inactive or o Apply pressure to the armpit of the active nostril or o Lie down on the same side of the active nostril or o Cold bath or hot water changes the Swar or o Food consumed changes Swar like - Chilly, ginger activates Solar / right Sawaroday - Yogurt, bananas activates left / lunar Sawaroday Sawaroday indication - Physical and mental activities In this universe everything is divided three, even the God heads are divided into trinity. Even in our body everything is divided into three, the creative organs, the sustaining organs and the defense organs. There are three types of humors phlegm (Cough), bile (Pith), wind (Vat). These three are connected to three Swar.

Common Cold - common cold indicates dominating left Swar, which indicates cold. One can change this dominating left Swar to right Swar by Surya Nadi Bhedhan and cure the common cold or other diseases.

Acidity - if right Swar dominates, it indicates the person will suffer from either acidity or allergies to chilies. Right Swar is hot in nature. One can change this dominating right Swar to left Swar by Chandra Nadi Bhedhan (will be thought in this program) and cure these.

Sawaroday Yoga is still unexplored area and lot of scientific research needs to be carried out before all facts and exact relation of Sawaroday and physical and mental activities is known. Lord Shiva says there has been no flaw in this Sawaroday Yoga neither there will be, it means it is scientifically the most advanced.

1) For all individuals, the flow of air / breathing occurs in either left or right nostril. (Medically, this is due to changes in the sinuses). When the flow is through the left nostril it is called Chandra Nadi or Ida or Jamuna and when the flow is through the right nostril it is called Surya Nadi or Pin gala or Ganges.

2) Flow through the right nostril is good before going to war.

3) The flow alternates through left and right nostrils every 1.5 hours for a person in good health. For a yogi it changes every hour. For an advanced yogi, the flow is through the left nostril in the day time and right nostril at night time. This increases his/her longevity.

4) If you lie on your left side, the right nostril opens up and if you lie on your right side, the left nostril opens up. (It helps when the nose gets blocked during cold) 5) Generally, when either nostril is open, there is minimal flow through of air on the other nostril too.

The key word is minimal.

6) If the airflow is only through one nostril and not

7

even a minimal amount flows through the other nostril or if both the nostrils are equally flowing then it is inauspicious to do any task.

7) If the airflow is through the left nostril mostly and minimal air is through the right side it is called Amrita yoga. It is very auspicious.

8) If the airflow is through the right nostril mostly and minimal through the left side it is called Visha yoga and is inauspicious.

9) All the Chogadias or time setting that Indians use comes originally from the knowledge of the breath.

This is the bare essentials. There is a lot more to this which can be discussed later, including how to recognize the basic elements from breathing, how to effective in communications etc.

Now, let us talk about Sushumna Nadi. This is what the Yogi aspires. Sushumna Nadi is said to be open when the air flow through both nostrils is equally or if the breath changes from left to right and right to left with rapidity. This Nadi is extremely inauspicious for worldly matters. It is an indicator of death, people disliking you for no reason, extreme difficulties etc.

However, the same Nadi is extremely auspicious for a Yogi if he can reverse the air flow, take the Prana inside and it can lead to Moksh, or liberation.

Without the Sushumna Nadi opening, one cannot have any Yogic divine experiences.

Now, you will understand why some days can be good, bad and ugly. Our breathing is constantly telling us and reminding us of impending success or problems.

Lastly, one of the most important things; when we breathe out the breath goes out for a certain distance.

This distance is measured by a Yogi by the distance measured in the width of the finger. Normally, this distance, the distance the breath travels out is 12 finger breaths. During activities it goes up. If a person can just decrease the distance traveled by the breath by one finger breath, he or she begins to feel warm. If the breathing goes down to 7 finger breaths, he begins to experience Samadhi.

How does one decrease the distance traveled by the breath? That is the real art of a Yogi!

Different Mantra chanting (Jap) activate certain Tatwa and certain Swar, for example, doing Goddess Baglamukhi Beej Mantra activates Earth element. So the Swar is one which helps you with everything; a Mantra or ritual only helps to activate a certain nostril and certain Tatwa Hitteshguruji is practicing and teaching Sawaroday Yoga, astrology, meditation, vastu and Aura. He is conducting Sawaroday Yoga classes and is soon publishing a book on Sawaroday Yoga.

Hitteshguruji – 9867495496 hitteshguruji@gmail.com http://rudrakshpuja.com/ http://hansaamystic.com

October 2010

Aura part III - Hitesh Guruji

Aura - part 3 Effects of three Guna Guna (Qualities), the Tatwa (Elements in their subtle form) and Dosha (Impurities in their subtle form) dominate the Aura/mind the most and cast their effects, which become our second nature.

When Satwa dominates; then there is happiness, feeling of boredom, and sometimes things might seem unreal.

When Rajas dominates; then there is feverishness, anger, etc.

When Tamas dominates; then there is lethargy, untidiness, effect of black magic, jealousy etc.

Effects of five Tatwa The five Tatwa (Elements in their subtle form) are connected to the five sense organs and five work organs and have formed the five dimensions. Different Tatwa are dominant in different parts of the body. See the below chart for details.

The five Tatwa in collaboration with the Dosha and the Guna also affect our Aura in turns their effects are as follows: When Ether dominates then there is compassion, fear, love, discomfort or total comfort.

When Air dominates then there is contentment, movement, need for change, escapism, greed, fear and hatred.

When Fire dominates then there is truth, awareness, anger, and feverishness.

8

When Water dominates then there is togetherness, lust, depression, floating, fear of being left out and forgiveness.

When Earth dominates then there is consolidation, suicide tendency, heaviness, sincerity and ego.

It is important to note over here that none of the one Guna, Dosha or Tatwa can be dominant forever.

They keep on changing and taking turns, if it is observed that any one of the above dominates for more then two and a quarter day (that is the time taken by the Moon to shift from one constellation to another). The person feels that attribute which is dominating from a long time is his or her true nature. For example, if fire element with Rajas Guna is dominant for a longer period then the person starts feeling that anger is his or her nature.

Here there is a need to bring a shift or change, which is possible only by following the five disciplines mentioned in the next topic.

Pic software showing different sizes of Aura of the same person before and after Aura cleansing.

Disciplines to be observed to keep the Aura clean: As we know that everything in the Universe is moving. Movement is change and if any of the one attribute dominates for a longer time in our Aura, then it causes sorrow, pain and boredom. There is a need to bring a shift to circulate these attributes one after another with the help of five types of disciplines.

Mother Nature is so kind that before a problem arises there are five solutions raised before the illness arises there are five cures ready. If there is a problem with the Aura five solutions are raised which need to be practiced with discipline. These disciplines, if understood and adopted in a right manner can make our life more easy, comfortable and happy.

October 2010

Aura Part III - Hitesh Guruji Food: What we eat or drink affects our Aura or our mind; there are three categories of food.

1. Satwik food which allows Satwa to dominate consists of fresh fruits, raw vegetables etc.

2. Rajsik food which allows Rajas to dominate consists of milk products, proteins, fat etc.

3.Tamsik food which allows Tamas to dominate consists of spicy/ stale/ junk/ non vegetarian food, alcohol, drugs etc.

Proper food will balance our Aura; for example if the person is short tempered you must ask him/her to avoid spices and drink more liquids to minimize the fire element with the help of water.

The vessel in which we eat is also important as it also affects the Aura.

Eating, drinking or cooking in gold vessel increases vigor, light, power, awareness, lust, anger, ego etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in silver vessel increases calmness, beauty, creativity, eyesight, laziness, boredom, etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in glass vessel increases fear, comfort, discomfort, poverty, dullness etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in steel vessel increases anger, awareness, strength, etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in clay vessel increases awareness, calmness, patience, compassion, truthfulness, boredom, laziness, etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in aluminum vessel increases negativity, bodily illness, mental fatigue, restlessness, fear, etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in copper vessel increases fearlessness, good health, vigor, tidiness, upset stomach, anger, etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in brass vessel increases power, ego, etc.

Eating, drinking or cooking in plastic vessel increases negativity, illness, mental fatigue, sorrow, fear, etc.

Direction we face during eating or drinking is also very important, eating or drinking facing the south is very harmful it causes illness and the aura absorbs a lot of negativity.

9

Eating or not eating at different hours also creates negativity, never eat after 12 midnight to dawn and always eat something after dawn before 12 noon.

Nature is very intelligent it grows specially required food in the place and time where and when it is needed, it is always healthy for your body and your Aura (though both are inter connected and one at a certain level).

Water is the most powerful purifier it must run through the body in and out, as we take bath to keep our outer body clean we must drink a lot of water to cleanse our body from inside.

There are two types of food; One is the solid and the liquids that we intake and second are the thoughts; we must think good thoughts and be in a positive surroundings to attract good thoughts.

People wanting to practice Aura cleansing for others must meditate so they don't observe negativity from the patient and also they don't transfer negative thoughts from their Aura to the patient.

Rest: When we are at rest our Aura expands and absorbs energy from the surrounding but excess rest might also absorb negativity or drain energy.

Eight hours of sleep is necessary for an average person but if the person with a higher level of awareness or is practicing meditation or chanting then he/she can do with less sleep.

The time that we sleep is also important, sleeping at odd hours will collect negativity, the perfect time for sleeping is at night and the perfect time for a nap is in the afternoon when the sun is over head. It is very harmful to sleep during dusk. It is very helpful to be awake at the dawn.

Direction in which we sleep is also very important, all the vibrations of the earth travel towards the north, so sleeping with the head in the north causes illness and fatigue; only dead bodies must be kept with their heads in the north. Since it helps to release all energy which is in from of thoughts and desire faster.

Person who sleeps on his right side torso is naturally happy. Person who sleeps on his left side recovers faster from illness but one must only sleep towards his left side, if he or she is unwell or has a habit of sleeping immediately after having his or her meal.

October 2010

Aura Part III - Hitesh Guruji Person sleeping on his/her stomach is full of desire and lust. Person sleeping on his/her back is a perfect yogi he/she can heal people, stays in good health and is always naturally healthy.

It is important that we listen to our body and sleep accordingly, in a normal state it is advisable to sleep on our back and during illness it is advisable to sleep on our left side for quick recovery.

People planning to learn aura cleansing must learn the art of sleeping in the direction necessary for them, they must never develop a habit of sleeping on their stomach. Sleeping on their back is the best position prescribed for them.

Time: You will see that all these five principles are interconnected, like the time factor is mentioned in all the principles. By time there are four aspects that affect the Aura, these are: 1.The era in which we are living that is the 'Kal Yug' or the black era.

2. The time of the day.

3.The planetary effects on an individual in the present time.

4.Season.

As per the Hindu scriptures we are into the black era. In this era the effect of negativism is more than positivism. In this era the most powerful thing is the name such as, chanting. Through chanting a person can remove a lot of negativity and attract a lot of positive vibes and bliss and also attain salvation. People doing regular chanting everyday carry a very healthy Aura in this era. The use of proper mantra is also very necessary for process of Aura cleansing which will be explained in the later chapters.

From 12:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon and night is time when negativity is at its peak, doing anything good, like eating, Aura cleansing, meditating at that time is not advisable. There are some special types of Aura cleansing processes where the person is severely affected by black magic and some special Occult rituals which need to be carried out only during this time that cannot be avoided.

Rahu Kaal: There is a time each day of the week which is considered inauspicious for starting something new, to meditate or do Aura cleansing.

10

Experts performing Aura cleansing during Rahu Kaal will not only absorb negativity from the patients but the Aura will also fail to cleanse the Aura completely. Rahu Kaal is set as per the Mohurat or auspicious and inauspicious time.

To know the Rahu Kaal better, first let us know about the Mohurat. One Mohurat is time duration of one and a half hours. There are eight Mohurat in the day time and eight during the night time, so 1.5 multiplied by 16 Mouhrats (8 of day time plus 8 of night time) of an entire day gives us 24 hours.

The time of the first Mohurat of the day starts from the time of sun rise. Time of the last Mohurat of the day ends at the time of sunrise of the next day that is when the first Mohurat of the next day starts. For example, if I want to check all the Mohurats of Sunday in Mumbai, India in the summer, where the approximate time of sunrise is 6:30 am in the morning then the time of all sixteen Mohurat of the day will be as under: a. 1st Mohurat starts from 6:30 am and ends at 8:00 am on Sunday. b. 2nd Mohurat starts from 8:00 am and ends at 9:30 am on Sunday. c. 3rd Mohurat starts from 9:30 am and ends at 11:00 am on Sunday. d. 4th Mohurat starts from 11:00 am and ends at 12:30 pm on Sunday. e. 5th Mohurat starts from 12:30 pm and ends at 2:00 pm on Sunday. f. 6th Mohurat starts from 2:00 pm and ends at 3:30 pm on Sunday. g. 7th Mohurat starts from 3:30 pm and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday. h. 8th Mohurat starts from 5:00 pm and ends at 6:30 pm on Sunday.

This ends the day Mohurat, from 6:30 pm evening on Sunday starts the night Mohurat. a. 1st Mohurat starts from 6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm on Sunday. b. 2nd Mohurat starts from 8:00 pm and ends at 9:30 pm on Sunday. c. 3rd Mohurat starts from 9:30 pm and ends at 11:00 pm on Sunday. d. 4th Mohurat starts from 11:00 pm Sunday and ends at 12:30 am on Monday. (The Hindu time system of the day start and end differs from the western system of 12:00 am to 12:00 am as per the Hindu system the day starts at sunrise and ends at sunrise the next day)

Aura Part III - Hitesh Guruji

October 2010

e. 5th Mohurat starts from 12:30 am and ends at 2:00 am on Monday. f. 6th Mohurat starts from 2:00 am and ends at 3:30 am on Monday. g. 7th Mohurat starts from 3:30 am and ends at 5:00 am on Monday. h. 8th Mohurat starts from 5:00 am and ends at 6:30 am on Monday.

I. The first Mohurat of Monday will start from 6:30 am on Monday.

It is rather very complicated but yet an attempt is made here to simplify it as much as possible for even the non-Hindus or non-Indians to understand it. If the dawn breaks at 7:00 am or 7:30 am in winter or as per your country timings then calculate the first Mohurat from that time.

Please check the below chart for the different

There are seven types of Mohurat all together out of which three are good one is okay and three are bad for starting something new; they are as under: 1. Shubh which means Auspicious. It is a good Mohurat to start something auspicious. It is said that anything started in this time will turn out to be very auspicious.

2. Laabh which means Beneficial. It is a good Mohurat to start something auspicious. It is said that anything started in this time will turn out to be very beneficial.

3. Amrit which means Immortal. It is a good Mohurat. It is said that anything started in this time will turn out to be immortal, will sustain for long.

4. Chal which means Okay. It is an okay Mohurat. It is said that anything started in this time will turn out to be just fine.

5. Kaal which means Death. It is a bad Mohurat to start something auspicious. It is said that anything started in this time will cause deadly consciences.

6. Rog which means Disease. It is a bad Mohurat to start something auspicious. It is said that anything started in this time will bring diseases.

7. Udhveg which means restlessness. It is a bad Mohurat. It is said that anything started in this time will cause restlessness.

Lastly there is a Mohurat called the Rahu Kaal which falls along with any one of the above Mohurat and creates hurdles. It is not advisable to perform Aura cleansing on some one or start something new or meditate during Rahu Kaal.

Please check the below chart for the different Mohurat of the day with Rahu Kaal, the first Mohurat starts with the day break.

11

My final advice to those who still cannot understand this process will be to leave alone this complicated time pattern of auspicious and inauspicious and just pray to your mentor (Guru) to remove all inauspiciousness and hurdles and go ahead with what you plan to do as there is no one bigger then the Guru.

People who can follow the above chart can avoid the Rahu Kaal.

Environment: The environment surrounding us affects us and we in turn affect the environment.

Things that are counted in our environment are as under: Our Friends, relatives and company of people we have around us. We exchange Aura with them. It is also observed that couples who are in deep love from a long time start looking and thinking like each other. People who have dogs also start looking like their dogs. Love and hatred are the strongest emotions and the people we love or hate affect our Aura the most, also the people who surround us more often.

Cleanliness of our surroundings that is, our house,

October 2010

Aura Part III - Hitesh Guruji work place and our body is a very important factor. Among the elements water is the best cleanser, water must run well through our body inside and outside; daily bathing and drinking a lot of water is very useful. Drinking more water in the day time is very helpful but drinking excess water after sunset is not good. Using Aura cleansing salts for bathing and moping helps even more. The Aura of our room can be cleansed by daily burning incenses sticks and once in a while getting a havan (offering Sacrifice in fire with Vedic Mantra) does a major cleansing of a place. Chanting loudly or playing soft and soothing music in a room cleanses it and chanting in the mind cleanses our Aura and sounds of fights, abuses, screams and crying even if its coming from the television or any musical instrument spoils the Aura of the room.

The part of the world where we live is also very important; the climate also affects the Aura.

Fresh air, height, moisture, heat, cold everything affects our Aura. Usage of airconditioning for a long time is very bad for us and our room Aura. Things we wear colour, material and fitting of our cloths, makeup, stones, rudraksh (see picture) everything affects our Aura.

Love or attention: This is the most powerful aspect among the others and can overshadow the others.

There are many aspects of love or attention like meditation, Aura cleansing, being in love or giving yourself, time and attention is what I call it loving yourself.

It has been seen that people in love generally glow, this is because love makes their Aura powerful and bright, it has also been seen that after Aura cleansing or meditation a person looks brighter.

In the later articles we will see in detail about Aura

12

cleansing. We have a meditation compact disc for cleansing your Aura and making it strong and powerful to restrain all types of negativity. It will require a proper knowledge of placement and work of Chakra to an individual practicing this meditation. I will recommend everyone use it every day in a group.

Hitteshguruji is Practicing and Teaching Astrology, Meditation, Vastu and Aura cleansing and his clients include celebrities from Media and political field. He conducts Aura and Chakra cleansing classes and will publish a book on Aura.

Hitteshguruji – 9867495496 hitteshguruji@gmail.com http://rudrakshpuja.com http://hansaamystic.com

Leading with Spirituality - Dr Amit Nagpal, PhD

October 2010

Leading with Spirituality In the MBA days I had read a famous book from the Leadership Guru Warren Bennis, 'Managing People is Like Herding Cats'. Wow what a book, how different leaders are from managers. Since cats never stay in a group and cannot be herded, people cannot be managed. People have to be led.

A spiritual person respects each soul and makes an attempt to understand each team member as a unique individual who is constantly evolving with changing needs. My favorite teacher Dr. Anand Sapre recently wrote to me, “We are not human beings going through a spiritual experience but we are spiritual beings going through a human experience.”

A leader needs to have genuine wisdom and virtue to get everyone's respect and to make everyone feel at ease. Gaining such wisdom and strength of character is not an easy task and spirituality aids in developing such wisdom and character quickly.

It is said that it is very easy to defeat someone but very difficult to win someone. Leaders win the hearts of their subordinates. Once it is done there is no need to exercise constant pressure as team members willingly comply. Leaders are all about humility and silence. Coins always make so much sound; but the currency notes are always silent. As the value increases, one should become more and more calm and silent. Such calmness will only come when one goes inward.

Leadership is a very difficult task compared to management which is much easier. Management can be done with superficial understanding but leadership requires going into the depths, digging tirelessly to get the answers. Managers just resolve; Leaders have to involve. Managers just require; Leaders have to inspire. Managers just detect; Leaders command respect. Managers focus on just action; Leaders have to focus on vision. Managers just demand results; Leaders have to expand opportunities in the blue ocean around us.

In some ways leaders are paranormal human beings because they have won over most of their human weaknesses and are constantly struggling to win over the rest. Spirituality is not the only tool to gain the required maturity but one of the powerful tools of course. Spirituality provides the leader with the courage to question and challenge the status quo, to take risks, to innovate and to travel the unbeaten path. It provides him the vision to develop a long range perspective.

A wonderful message was published in the Wall Street Journal by the United Technologies Corp “The carrot always wins over the stick.

Ask your horse.

13

You can lead your horse to water, but try to manage him to drink.

If you want to manage somebody, manage yourself.

Do that well and you'll be ready to stop managing.

And start leading."

A leader should also have a good sense of humour.

Spirituality provides the leader with the wisdom to understand that life is but a stage and we are all but actors. Life need not be taken too seriously but should be taken with a pinch of salt. Sense of humor helps the leader to tide over stress and provides the energy to handle crisis and bad phases which every organization goes through. So let us tickle the funny bone. The funny and famous saying is “A group of donkeys led by a lion can defeat a group of lions led by a donkey. Choose your leaders wisely.”

Here comes the funnier one from Groucho Marx, “Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men; the other 999 follow women.”

Amit Nagpal amitknagpal@gmail.com

Binoy Sasidharan conducting Angel Guidance & Meditation session organized by Spiritual Lounge on Sept 25 in Bombay.

October 2010

CANDLE MAGIC - Amrita Rao

CANDLE MAGIC Candles have been used for centuries for magic and rituals. We blow them out at birthdays and light them during various occasions. But many of us are unaware of the magical powers of the candle that they invoke the divine and create a sense of ceremony. Candles do indeed have a special ability to make wishes come true, because they help clarify your heart's desire and allow you to focus. Next time you want to make something happen in your life, let a candle light the way.

You can use any kind of candle that appeals to you.

White is always a good choice, but choosing ones whose colors correspond to specific energies acts like a catalyst in your ritual and fastens the effect of your ritual. The following is different colors and what they can be used for: Black - The polar opposite of White: its attribute is Saturn the teacher. Use for candle discord, protection from retribution, power, will power, strength, revenge, reversing, uncrossing, binding negative forces, protection, releasing, repel dark magic (Banishing) and negative thought forms.

Blue - Used for peace and harmony, protection, healing, health; reunites friendships, house blessing for a new home.

Brown - This color works well on the physical planes.

It is a combination of red and green. Mars and Venus!

When blended together, neutralizes. So brown is often used to separate. But on the other side of the coin, it is also a color used for grounding and stabilizing.

Gold or very clear light yellow - Fosters understanding and attracts the powers of cosmic influences. Beneficial in rituals intended to bring about fast luck.

Green - Use the Green candle in healing, abundance, fertility, good fortune, generosity, money, wealth, success, renewal, marriage and balance.

Indigo or turquoise - Color of indigo: meditation, to neutralize another's magic, to stop gossip, lies or undesirable competition and to balance out Karma.

Magenta - Magenta has a very high vibrational frequency that tends to work quick changes, spiritual healing and exorcism.

Orange - Communications is the key word here.

Excellent for job hunting and success of any nature, encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, sudden changes, control, power to draw good things and to change luck.

Pink - Love, affection, romance, spiritual awakening, healing of the spirit and togetherness.

Purple - Success, idealism, higher psychic ability, wisdom, progress, protection, honors, spirit contact, break bad luck cycles, drive away evil and in

14

divination.

Red - Physical power, will power, strength and purely physical sex.

Silver or very clear light grey - Removal of negative powers, victory, stability, meditation and the development of psychic abilities White - Purity, spirituality and higher attainments of life, truth, sincerity, power of a higher nature, wholeness. This color will clean, purify and absorb like no other.

Yellow - It attracts wealth and acclaim with more, notoriety than Jupiter (Puts you in the spotlight).

The candles you use for any type of magical use should be virgin, that is unused. There is a very good reason for not using anything but virgin materials in magic.

Vibrations picked up by second hand materials or equipment may disturb your workings and negate their effectiveness.

Before using it, dress the candle by rubbing it with oils.

This imparts your special energies to it and forges a psychic link. By physically touching the candle during the dressing procedure, you are charging it with your own personal vibrations and also concentrating the desire of your magical act into the wax. The candle is becoming an extension of your mental power and life energy.

Create an altar or special place where you can burn your candle and leave it undisturbed afterwards. You can add flowers, incense or other symbolic items if you wish.

Time your candle-burning to correspond to the cycles of the moon. You can find them out by looking on the weather page of your newspaper. To bring something into your life, do your rituals when the moon is waxing (or growing). To rid yourself of something, do it when the moon is waning.

When you have completed your ritual, allow the candle to completely burn away.

October 2010

CANDLE MAGIC - Amrita Rao

Rumors, superstitions and omens about candles date back hundreds of years. Some of these have passed into history, while others, such as blowing out the birthday candles, are still very much a part of modern society.

Candles and their behavior have been said to predict everything from luck, to marriage, to death and everything in between.

Lets know about Candle Omens of Bad Luck Omens are just as vague. The traditional saying, “If a candle falls and breaks in two, double trouble will come to you,” isn't very specific. It could be anything. And the popular superstition that says that allowing a candle to burn itself out will bring misfortune is certainly subject to interpretation.

Other superstitions regarding bad luck and candles are not so vague. A drip down the side of a candle during a séance (but at no other time) is said to predict bad luck or even death (which would be very bad luck) to the person nearest that side of the candle.

Candle Superstitions of Good Luck There are certainly as many omens of good luck, blessings and protection as there are bad, when it comes to candle magic. Many people, regardless of belief, light a pure white candle in a new home in the hope of bringing good luck and happiness.

Lighting a green candle everyday brings prosperity into the house Omens Regarding Dreams and Candles Dreams are a powerful source of omens. To dream of a candle usually has a meaning that is dependent. ?

Black – death or illness ?

White – true love ?

Red – passion and sexual desire These are certain mysteries that some of us are unaware of. Candles could be our best friend, healer and guide.

We just need to connect to the candle as we do with our near and dear ones and communicate our hearts out to

ANCIENT EGYPT 2011

---- Jo Hutchinson

Come and join us on this exiting 9 day tour of the Ancient and sacred sites of Egypt. This is your opportunity to connect with the powerful energies, the ancient wisdom, the mysteries and to remember your divine self as we travel to the sacred temples. On our journey, there will be workshops and healing sessions to awaken your spirit and your divine potential.

And you will get a taste for the culture and local way of life.

Are you ready for a life changing journey? Then we'd love you to join us in 2011.he mysteries Discover who you are and awaken to your potential Connect with the sacred Gods and Goddesses for insight, wisdom and healing 9 days leaving Cairo 2 March and 6 September 2011 Fully guided and supported US$3,199 Contac t:- jo@greatspiritjourneys.com or go to http://www.greatspiritjourneys.com

15

October 2010

Runes - Binoy Sasidharan

Runes - A brief introduction Runes are an interesting method of divination which was once meant only for the highest echelon of society, zealously guarded by the High Priests and Nordic Royalty. Runes were believed to have magical powers and the very mention of their names released powers which were strong enough to cast spells, manifest desires and predict the future.

Their supposed power to call up deities' influence over fertility, crops, tides, love, healing and curses also made them quite sacred and to be practiced only by those who have mastered and learnt the Runic Magic and thus a subject matter of awe and reverence in the minds of the common man. Runes have once again found its way into modern society from its archaic past. Runes also have a very close connection to Tarot Cards and Tarot Reading as a method of divination.

The genesis of Rune stones: The word rune means whisper or secret. Indeed runes are thought by some to be a way of interacting with both the spirit and the living world.

Historically the birth of runes can be attributed to two tribes who came together and produced a combination of symbols and old signs which were found on a variety of paintings, ritual and domestic items in the North from as early as Paleolithic times.

Mythology however has a different but yet more logical and believable story to tell. It starts with the Norse God Odin, associated very closely with the card no XII; The Hanged Man in Tarot. He is believed to have hung upside down from the tree of life for seven days. His austere penance made the tree shed its leaves and it left 24 symbols (looking like veins of the leaves) see the picture of The Elder Futhark. These letters came to be known as Runes, the magical divination method passed on to mankind. In the future some of these symbols closely resembled the Latin and English alphabets.

The Runic lore revival The runes remained in common use until well into the 17th century. Up until this time, they were found on everything from coins to coffins, and in some places unfortunately, as with most of the magical arts, they were officially (their use was actually sanctioned by the Church) banned in 1639 as part of the Church's efforts to drive the devil out of Europe.

The rune masters were either executed or went underground, and the knowledge of the runes may well have died with them. Some say that the knowledge was passed on in secret, but it is almost

16

impossible to separate ancient traditions from more modern esoteric philosophies in such cases.

Perhaps the darkest period in the history of runic studies was their revival by German scholars connected with the Nazi movement in the 20's and 30's. After the Second World War, the runes fell into disfavor as a result of their association with Nazism and very little were written about them until the fifties and sixties. The Nazis apparently used Runic Charms and Bind Runes to protect their main buildings and infrastructure. It is believed that this was precisely the reason that Germany was able to recover even after the catastrophic wars.

Symbolism and meaning of the Runes Each individual rune is thought to be a symbolic storehouse and a magical talisman having its own unique set of meanings connecting a variety of things including: feelings, experiences, spirits, objects, creatures and archetypal processes.

Rune casting and bindrunes Readers of Runes are always called as Rune Casters and Rune Binders. A Rune Casting is the process of foretelling the future thereby making predictions and finding a solution or gaining an advice in respect to the questions asked. A bindrune consists of two or more runes that have been superimposed or joined together in some way. This magical bind acts as a powerful tawiz or charm, which can be worn for protection, attracting wealth, love, success etc. These charms like our Indian poojas are made with pure dedication, intent and followed by rituals for its success. Runes are powerful energy carriers and need to be used for the benefit of all.

For further details on the Runic, Angel and Tarot courses please contact Mr. Binoy – 9930238289.

October 2010

The Land of the Island or Lanka

The Land of the Island or Lanka In ancient times, Sri Lanka was known by a variety of names: ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane. Arabs referred to it as Serendib (the origin of the word serendipity). CeilĂŁo was the name given to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese when they arrived in 1505 which was transliterated into English as Ceylon. As a British colony, the island was known as Ceylon and achieved independence under the name Dominion of in 1948. In 1972, the official name of the country was changed to a free, s o v e r e i g n a n d Independent Republic of Sri Lanka. In 1978 it was changed to Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The current name is derived from the Sanskrit with the word Lanka, meaning Island.

The climate of Sri Lanka can be described as tropical and warm. Sinhalese and Tamil are the two official languages. Sri Lanka has a multi ethnic and multi religious population.

Buddhism constitutes the religious faith of about 70% of the population of the island. According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles, Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BCE by Venerable Mahindra, the son of the Emperor Ashoka, during the reign of Sri Lanka's King Devanampiyatissa.

Sri Lanka has numerous destinations where nature is abundant. Being an Island it is abundant in nature and places of scenic beauty. Sri Lanka has more than 100 waterfalls, but there may be some undiscovered. Many of these waterfalls are of impressive height, the tallest being Bambarakanda, which is 263m. Mist-shrouded mountains, rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and quaint hilltop villages; these are some of the aspects of the enchanting hill country, which rises to over 2,500 m in the island's central heartland. A 125 km distance by car or rail from Colombo, this region offers you the chance to escape to a world that scarcely seems possible in the tropics. With surreal landscapes,

17

cool climes and a rich heritage, the hill country is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, adventure-seekers and those simply in search of peace and tranquillity. Whether you want to go rock climbing, fish for trout, play golf in stunning natural surroundings, climb a sacred mountain or trek through the rugged wilderness, the beguiling hill country has it all and will reinvigorate the body and refresh the soul. No wonder the hill country is a small miracle.

Beaches should not surprise you, when you travel to an island. But rest assured beaches in Sri Lanka have the capacity to captivate a traveller.

The expanse of beach especially the Negombo stretch and the friendliness with which Sri Lankan's treat travellers can be a pleasant shock to a first timer to the island.

Sri Lanka has in total about 12 National Parks and 52 Sanctuaries.

Some of the places to visit Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.

Adam's Peak is a 2,243 metres (7,359 ft.) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well-known for the Sri Pada sacred footprint, a 1.8 m rock formation near the summit, in Buddhist tradition held to be the footprint of Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in other tradition that of Adam. Dawn at the summit is an intensely spiritual experience. Pilgrims whisper reverently to each other as the sun rises and casts a perfect triangular shadow on the clouds below, one of the island's more unusual natural phenomena.

A Sri Lankan coastal city famous for golden

October 2010

The Land of the Island or Lanka beaches, Bentota is situated on the southern coastal tip of the Galle District of the Southern Province. The town is a popular tourist attraction.

It is especially famous among the foreign tourists.

The name comes from a mythical story which dates back to kings time saying a demon called Bem ruled this river ( tota = river bank). Bentota hosts a handful of world proclaimed hotels. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda.

Located about fifteen kilometers east of Hambantota Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic (and other) birdlife. The park is also home to significant populations of elephants, Marsh and estuarine crocodiles, turtles and other fauna, including the leopard. Stretching along the coast east of Hambantota, Bundala National Park is ideal for instant gratification: in a four hour jeep ride, we can see elephants, 8ft crocs, giant squirrels and flamingos.

The name Colombo, first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning 'port on the river Kelani'. It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means 'Harbour with leafy mango trees'. Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Major attraction of Dambulla includes; the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of

18

Sri Lanka. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Namal Uyana. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.

Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. A taste of the breath-taking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet. Another fine view is from the Ambiente Hotel, where the wide doorway, opens out to the mountains, creating a dramatic cinematic like experience, on entry. Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery.

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, about 20 km north-west of Galle. Hikkaduwa is famous for its beach and corals. The place is on the way from Colombo to Galle on the famous Galle road. It is primarily a tourist destination, and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel and enjoy the sun.

October 2010

The Land of the Island or Lanka Horton Plains National Park or Maha-Eliya in Sinhala is a national park in the highlands of Sri Lanka. It lies at a height of more than 2,000 m in the central highlands, and its altitude means that it has a much cooler and windier climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 째C rather than the 26 째C of the coasts. The area was named in 1834 after Lady Anne Horton, wife of Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, then-governor of Ceylon.

It is in the wet zone rainforest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.

Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of Kalpitiya in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there's a plethora of things to see and do! The Dutch Fort and St Peter's Kerk church in the town itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka's rich history and colonial past. Leisurely boat rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colourful evening sunsets.

Knuckles Mountain Range, with its southern approach and northern approach, provides intrepid travellers with the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka at its most primal. A rugged area of pristine wilderness, including rare dwarf cloud forest, the Knuckles has 27 peaks over 1,000 m, with the highest rising to nearly 2,000 m. It is also home to an exceptional array of endemic animal and plant species. The region contains some of the most isolated hamlets in the island, where it is still possible to witness a way of life largely untouched by modernity. Trekking in the Knuckles is a prime ecotourism experience in Sri Lanka. The entire area is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud but in addition to its aesthetic value the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka.

Kandy in Sinhala, pronounced is the English name for the city of Maha Nuvara (Senkadagalapura) in the centre of Sri Lanka.

Nestled in lush green hills and built around a scenic lake, the Royal City of Kandy, at 500m above sea level, is the hub of any visit to the hill country. Kandy (Colombo 116km) a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the last bastion of resistance to colonial rule. Even today, Kandyans pride themselves on their distinctive architecture, music, dance and art. The showpiece of the city is the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth, which hosts the Buddha's tooth relic, an item of veneration to all Buddhists.

Matara historically belongs to the area called Ruhana, one of the three kingdoms in Sri Lanka (Thun Sinhalaya). First Indians who arrived to the island country according to the Mahawansa settled in the area, along the banks of Nilwala River. Matara was ruled by Sinhala kings for thousands of years and this is evident by the ancient temples and shrines built by them such as temples in Dondra (Devinuwara) and Weherahena. The temple in the middle of the town is also built by ancient kings and now it is a very popular sacred place among the Buddhists in the area.

Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka.

The sacred Mihintalava provided shelter to hundreds of Arahants headed by Mahindra Mahathera. Sanctified by the feet of these Arahants Mihintalava, the sacred mountain is situated about eight miles east of Anuradhapura. Mihintalava during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa in the third century B.C. was a thick jungle inhabited by wild animals and a hunting ground for the rulers. The area as it was known then was called Missaka, an appropriate name for a beautiful forest mountain.

Mihintalava - the area as it is known today owing to its association with Mahindra Mahathera consists of four mountains, namely: 1. Mihintalava Kanda 2.

19

October 2010

The Land of the Island or Lanka Atvehera Kanda 3. Anaikutti Kanda and 4.

Rajagirilena Kanda. It is also considered one of the sixteen sacred places of worship.

Nuwara Eliya meaning 'city on the plain (table land)' or 'city of light', is a town in Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft.) in the central highlands and is considered one of the most important locations for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is still touted as 'Little England', an illusion maintained by the presence of the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, a racecourse, the Victoria Park and excellent lakes and rivers. Nuwara Eliya is a great base to explore the surrounding countryside: there are many walks on offer, including hiking around the lower slopes of the thickly-forested Mount Pidurutalagala, at 2,555m the island's highest peak.

A visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, a short distance from Nuwara Eliya, is also recommended.

The Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department in a 25-acre coconut property near the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle.

Puttalam: The history of this dry zone district goes back to the arrival of North Indian Prince Vijaya, 2500 years ago in Tammanna in the coastal belt above Puttalam. This happened when his vessel was washed ashore. Thonigala the homeland of Kuweni is deep in the district. The name Puttalam may be a modification of in Tamil Uppuththalam that is, Uppu means Salt and Thalam means the place

where salt production.

Ratnapura is also spelled as Rathnapura. Located some 101 km south east of Colombo, legend has it that a Sri Lankan ruby was given by King Solomon to the Queen of Sheba. It is the centre of a long-established industry of precious stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems. Apart from gem mining, the town is known for rice and fruit cultivations.

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (frescos), very similar to those in the Ajanta Caves of India.

Ulpotha has been a pilgrimage site for thousands of years and remains an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Sri Lanka. A beautiful private hide-away open to guests for part of the year. A place of total peace, where you can experience the warm, generous and gentle hospitality which Sri Lankans love to offer. Ulpotha is a traditional working village cradled on the one side by low mountains and a lotus ringed lake and on the other by tiny emerald green paddy fields. Guests are welcome to Ulpotha and those who come will find a natural sanctuary of exceptional beauty where the main activity is simply relaxing in its remarkable atmosphere of peace and calm.

Wilpattu National Park is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of Willus (Natural lakes), Natural, sandrimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population.

Sri Lanka would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to discover the island's diversity in all its glory in 2011. Officially declared as the Visit Sri Lanka Year, 2011. A spectacular show of Sri Lanka's natural, cultural and historic diversity, as never witnessed before will be presented.

- By Dhara Kothari (Inputs from the Sri Lankan Consulate)

20

EVENT

October 2010

The Spirit of the UN: Universal Harmony through Rapprochement Week of spirituality, values and global concerns 2010 25 - 29 October 2010 The 2010 Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns honors the United Nations’ designation of 2010 as the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, in a week-long program of events created to explore the very essence of the United Nations’ commitment to the peaceful resolution of international issues. There will be a series of focused meditations, workshops, panel discussions, group interchanges, and cultural performances.

In addition it honors the final year of The Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).

Beginning with the Opening Ceremony, Monday, October 25 which takes place within the "spiritual heart" of the United Nations, the United Nations Meditation Room, we are encouraged to explore the essence of "Rapprochement" as a way of advancing "the mutual knowledge and understanding of peoples" and to gain greater insight as to how the Millennium Development Goals impact are impacted by the various cultural, political, economical, human-made conflicts and natural disasters that individual members of the human family deal with on a daily basis throughout the world.

Through the lens of "Universal Harmony Through Rapprochement", the various CSVGC-NY "Working

Groups" and events explore the challenges and successes ... in making the principles contained in the United Nations’ Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights come alive, today and into the future.

The various Co-sponsors will be honoring the theme through individual activities and events as well. The "Spirit of the United Nations" is anchored throughout the Week of Spirituality by the CSVGCNY’s Keepers of the Sacred daily focused meditation and is enhanced by the Spiritual Caucus event.

As the details of the programs for the Week become available, more information will be posted for each of the individual presentations from the exciting Opening Ceremony, the 2010 "Spirit of the UN" Award Ceremony honoring the 2010 awardees who were selected as outstanding examples of individuals within the Diplomatic Corps, the UN Staff, and the NGO Community, whose professional careers have been an expression of the principles upon which the United Nations was founded to the Closing and UN Anniversary Cake Cutting Celebration on 29 October. Details on making reservations for individual events and obtaining UN passes are provided.

For detailed descriptions of the Week’s events and reservation information, please visit the CSVGC-NY website: www.csvgc-ny.org.

http://www.csvgc-ny.org

21

October 2010

Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi

Capturing the Aura : Integrating Science, Technology and Metaphysics Edited by C E Lindgren

Motilala Banarsidass Publishers Pvt Ltd

Price : ` 495/-

wood or plastic rings for the frame and string or nylon fishing lines for suspensions and whether you want to magnets on the frame or not is up to you. The material is not important because the biofield acts on all matter. Or then the stages of going into a meditative trance, to achieve levels of disassociation with the external world. A wonderful c h a p t e r o n experiments in auric colours. It's remarkable that the writer recounts how, when lying in his crib as an infant, he managed to perceive the objects in his room, “like soft luminous eggs”, like “enticing cocoons of lights with shapes inside”. “Each glow had its own sound,” he says “and when all was quiet, the room would hum with silent symphony.”

You can also have pointers on how to see the auras of trees at night. There are other methods in being able so see auras. Like certain colours and sounds which amplify the experience, there are also intense endurance sports and a practice of different arts like Ch'i Kung.

The book is a fabulously sumptuous read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the world of auras and auric photography.

Probably the most complete book on the subject that I have read so far, it contains, along with the theory and practical applications, historical, archeological, theological as also philosophical insights. There are also insights into the experiences and efforts of eastern mystics, western physicists and researchers. A compilation of essays by different writers from different countries, the writing styles differ but the energy and passion with which each chapter has been written is uniform throughout. This book is by the people who know their subject and seem genuinely interested in sharing their knowledge instead of merely displaying it.

Interspersed with illustrations, photographs, charts and graphs the book keeps you engaged irrespective of whether you are a scientist, practitioner or an enthusiast. It's the kind of book which you can read over and over again, teaching without the dreariness associated with textbooks and, at the same time, free from the overly simplistic approach of the usual How to books. But there are easy pointers too. For instance, a chapter on the discovery of the biofield tells you that though a biofield meter is available commercially, you can easily make one using household materials like copper tubing,

In the section on mental, physical and spiritual healing there's information on ESP, how to receive, transmit and direct energy, harmonise energy for better health and to heal disease as also emotional trauma. This makes a good reference book, the type you can read more than once and, at ` 495, gives you your money's worth and more.

22

October 2010

Book Review - Gayatri Pagdi

Himalayan Mysticism: Shiva's Disc to Cut Asunder and Open the Mystic Heart

By Raph Nataraj

New Age Books

Price : ` 225/-

prayer, every act is worship.

Ralph Nataraj's book is slightly cryptic for those who haven't had much exposure to the writings of this kind. You are expected to be familiar with the basic concepts that he discusses. Based on the philosophy of Kashmiri Shaivism, the book is a compilation of 60 articles that started off as an online satsang. The language is straightforward, the tone conversational and the examples come from day to day life. So for instance, when he discusses in depth study of Tantra, for which you need to straighten out your life to begin with, he gives an example of how you have to stand up and uphold your dharma. Says he, “If you have a family and a burglar comes in, shoots your wife and points his gun at one of your children, you shouldn't sing a mantra…do something very surprising and then defend your family. If the Nazis invade our country and do a lot of harm, you should go into resistance. It is your task to uphold dharma…” In another place he says, you shouldn't strive for wealth and yet it is ok to be wealthy. He is aware that some people may find his writing contradictory but says that in reality it is very subtle.

You strive to do your duties and do them as best as you can with complete attention and awareness. Every task, then, becomes divine. You forget yourself and remember the Self. It is all a matter of shruti and smriti.

I particularly like the chapters on the Guru Principle/ Internal-external. Says Nataraj, that the person in whom the guru principle operates strongly should ensure that this is not a dependency relationship.

This is so crucial because all the eastern traditions are based on the guru-disciple relationship. This is true of Advaita Vedanta, Tantra, Buddhism, Sufism, Vaishnavism, Shaivism or Zen. He adds, “The relationship with the guru is a mystical one.

It starts with the external realm and will grow into an inner one dissolving in the 'end', which is merely the beginning.” Giving an example of Swmai Muktananda, Nataraj says, wherever Muktananad awas people started having powerful experiences of kundalini.

“These are the signs of a guru carrying strong shakti-energy, “ he says, “and that is in fact all that the guru is -- someone who is very alive and awake.”

As regards to Soul-God, Nataraj is of the opinion that this universe is magical and what seems like your worst nightmare might turn out to be your greatest blessing. In Tantra nothing is rejected as right or wrong, nothins is useless. How can it be when all is Shiva? The book touches on many aspects from Kundalini and divine madness or non-doership to Peace & Violence and animal liberation. None of it seems disconnected. It is a part of emails sent out to readers at different times and yet it simply flows with the earlier writings, easily and naturally. It's an interesting work, worth a read.

Though the book is based on Kashmiri Shaivism, Nataraj says that since a lot of people have religious associations with the term, he prefers to call it The path of yoga, beauty and delight'. Is it a religion? A lot of people seem to ask him. To them he says, it is a 'Movement' which also makes us realise the divinity and the unity of the separate tattvas. It's not an intellectual exercise but is based on an actual experience of the person who practices it. For him or her, every word is a

When you Google Nataraj, there's some more information that comes up about him as a person: His daughter is his hero, he says. Besides that, he's 48, single and Virgo. And not too bad-looking either!

23

October 2010

Review - Music 1. Breathing Rhythms

By Glen Velez Published by: New Age Music Price: ` 299 Cellist: Eugene Friesen. Pan flutist: Damian Dragichi Time: 55.25 minutes

Natural rhythms and energy flows of the body….music. Six tracks, but great music. A wide mixture of musical instruments that is uncommon. The album is dedicated to the drummers of ancient Mediterranean world and their living spirit.

1. Lunar tides – musical instruments such as; Riq, pander, cello, panflute, clapping and voice.

2. Higher calling - Kanjira, pods, pander, tar, cello, panflute and voice.

3. Farewell wave – Riq, bodhran, bells, pander, cello, panflute, low and high cardboard box.

4. Secret messenger – Bodhran, caxixi, deer rattles, bendir, cello and panflute.

5. Catalyst – Pandero, maraca, tar, kanjira, cello, panflute and voice.

6. Bridge of fire – Kanjira, pods, pander, tar, cello, panflute and voice.

2. Drums – instructional

By Geoff Johns Published by: New Age Music Price: ` 299

The seven tracks are divided into two segments. The first set of tracks is an explanation of the origin of the drum music. Like Mahi is the music for dances of the spirits. The same set of tracks in the second segment is proper instrumental music. These are wonderful tracks that actually make your heart jig. This album does not necessarily fit as spiritual but more of authentic folk melody.

1. Intro 2. Afoxe (Brazil) 3. Sohko (Guinea) 4. Comparsa (Cuba) 5. Slow Atsiaghekor (Ghana) 6. Mahi (Haiti) 7. Kpanlogo (Ghana) 3. Solo Tabla

By Robert Gottlieb Published by: New Age Music Price: ` 425 Time: 118.18 minutes This album is divided into a set of two CD's. The first set has three players who plays table with accompanied music. The second CD too has three players but theirs is pure tabla recital. Most of the music dates back to around 1971- 1972 era and hence many will not appreciate the rather dry instrumental tabla recitals. Most of these musicians are big names of their time but these songs need not be their best tabla recitals.

CD 1 1. Inam Ali Khan 2. Keramatulla Khan 3. Wajid Hussain

24

CD2 1. Kishan Maharaj 2. Habibuddin 3. Alla Rakha

Come create your own E-News Paper

The recently formed publishing company aims at electronic publishing.

http://whitedrums.com

News, Features, Photos, Cartoons, Poem, Video, Kids, Fun Stuff Etc. Submit News and content through Submission form or email at whitedrums@gmail.com

Publishing electronic books, electronic magazines, journals, audio books, mobile books, mobile content, games and so on.

Please do contact us if you wish to create, market and distribute electronic content published by us for web, mobiles, e-readers and for any other future electronic devises.

Shop No. 8, Alankar Building, 31 Balaram Street, Grant Road (East), Mumbai 400 007 Tel: 23021625 Mobile: 9820010335 / 9619629092 E-Mail: moksapublishers@gmail.com Website: http://moksa.whitedrums.com

F

S

E

SNOW FLAKES ENTERPRISES Sub-Broker of BSE, NSE, MCX Shop No. 8, Alankar Building, 31 Balaram Street, Grant Road (East), Mumbai 400 007 Tel:- (022) 23021625 Mobile: 9820408252 / 9323803995 9757274289 / 9619629092 E-Mail: sfgj04@gmail.com sfgj04@yahoo.com Website: http://www.snowflakes.in