DNTD TO BUGLIFE UK CHARITY
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chewing sugar-free gum has been associated with reducing preterm birth rates in certain studies, particularly when addressing periodontal (gum) disease, a known risk factor for preterm birth.
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Here are some memorable quotes from Dune by Frank Herbert, a masterpiece of science fiction known for its philosophical depth and exploration of power, fear, and human nature:
Make quality time for contemplation and stillness. Take long walks in nature to reconnect with your inner self. Your mental clarity depends on it.
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The tenth chapter of the Ganesha Gita, "Yogopadeshayoga," delves into the three fundamental types of prakriti or natural tendencies: sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). Each of these gunas (qualities) shapes our consciousness and influences our actions, behavior, and ultimately, our spiritual journey. Understanding these qualities is essential to discerning the path towards liberation (moksha) and living a balanced life. Let’s explore each aspect and how they resonate with modern-day challenges.
The chapter emphasizes that even bhakti (devotion) aligns with these three gunas. A sattvic form of devotion is pure, selfless, and seeks union with the divine, often manifesting as humility, service to others, and spiritual practices that uplift the mind. In contrast, rajasic devotion may be motivated by desires for personal gain or recognition, while tamasic devotion could involve superstitions, fanaticism, or harmful dogma.
In the Ganesha Gita, Lord Ganesha guides devotees to cultivate sattvic devotion, which promotes peace and spiritual growth. This teaching is relevant in modern spirituality, encouraging individuals to seek inner fulfillment rather than external validation.
In the face of modern challenges such as stress, mental health issues, and social pressures, the guidance offered by Yogopadeshayoga can be transformative:
Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, serves as an ideal guide in this discourse. Unlike other forms of the Gita, where a warrior or king receives counsel, the Ganesha Gita is unique in its compassionate and non-violent approach. Ganesha’s gentle wisdom symbolizes the idea that true power lies not in conquering others but in conquering one’s inner turmoil and confusion.
In today’s world, people grapple with constant external demands, making inner peace and balance elusive. The teachings of Yogopadeshayoga offer timeless insights:
The core message of Chapter 10 of the Ganesha Gita is the cultivation of sattva as a way to liberation. In practical terms, this means embracing qualities like humility, patience, and kindness while remaining aware of the drawbacks of excessive rajas and tamas. This balanced approach helps individuals lead a life of meaning, peace, and fulfillment.
By applying these teachings in today’s context, individuals can find ways to rise above everyday stress and develop a calm, centered life. The Ganesha Gita reminds us that true success lies not in conquering the external world but in achieving mastery over the inner self, which brings lasting peace and joy.
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Have you ever thought about the limitations we experience when we identify ourselves as only a physical body in material existence?
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The Mandela Effect is a type of
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There is NO REASON to DOUBT Yourself!
If you know what your intentions are, you will always give yourself the Guidance – and even if you momentarily seem to get off track –
which is NOT really possible – then you will always allow yourself to know that there is something you will learn from it in a positive way and know that you haven’t really left the track at all.
You have simply expanded the track wider.”
― Darryl Anka, Bashar: Blueprint for Change : A Message from Our Future
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HR MIND IS GUIDING PRINCIPLE
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Self in Advaita
According to Advaita, only the innermost part of me is aware or conscious. Nothing else in me can feel, see, or know anything. This awareness is known as atman in Sanskrit. It is the part of me that is genuinely me, and it corresponds to the soul in Western philosophy. This is where things start to get interesting. According to Advaita, the atman (mine and everyone else's) is the same as the absolute underlying reality of the entire universe, known as Brahman. Brahman is the substance from which all things are made; it is the universe's true nature.
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Some of the world’s earliest writings suggest an unexpected goal for ambitious minds. Nearly 3,000 years ago, the ancient Indian authors of certain Upanishads (‘special teachings’) exhorted readers to find a fabled knowledge. When one knows that which is ‘woven upon the Whole – he becomes the Whole’. He ‘thinks of what has not been thought of before, and perceives what has not been perceived before’. Thus, comprehending the widest reaches, he is able to ‘conquer the whole universe’.
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Adi Shankaracharya did not come up with Advaita Vedanta. In his writings he references his gurus, most notably Gaudapada and Govindapada, calling them “knowers of the tradition,” or in other words, “those who know the meaning of the Veda.”
Shankaracharya, then, was not inventing a new philosophy. Rather, he was reiterating what he had been taught by a lineage of teachers who had full faith in the veracity of the Veda and believed that the seemingly disjointed and contradictory sections of the Veda were validated and harmonized by a single message: Advaita, the idea that reality is one alone, without a second. The notion that reality, despite appearances to the contrary, is actually an infinite field of unchanging, eternal, non-dual (advaita), pure consciousness.
From the perspective of Adi Shankaracharya and his gurus, yes, Advaita Vedanta comes from the Veda. And its teachings are the ultimate meaning of the Veda.
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PRAGMATIC AGNOSTICISM - ANATTA
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the genius of the great religions is that they have created inspiring, uplifting, highly useful & functional meaning-systems that serve as excellent orienting mechanisms within ‘the world’ — and even point beyond themselves toward the Living Mystery, for those who are called toward that exploration
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The ancient Hindu teaching that "A quiet life can be a great treasure" embodies profound wisdom, emphasizing the importance of inner peace, simplicity, and contentment over external achievements. In Hindu philosophy, this principle is linked to the pursuit of spiritual growth, which is seen as the ultimate goal of human life. In today's fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and material pursuits dominate, this ancient teaching holds deep relevance.
The idea of a "quiet life" in Hindu thought is often associated with the concepts of detachment (Vairagya) and contentment (Santosha). These are essential virtues for spiritual seekers. A quiet life doesn't necessarily mean renouncing all worldly activities but rather cultivating a state of inner tranquility and equanimity. It symbolizes:
Detachment from Material Desires: In Hinduism, excessive attachment to material possessions or worldly desires is considered a source of suffering. The Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism's most revered scriptures, teaches that true happiness comes not from accumulating wealth or achievements but from detachment from the fruits of one’s actions.
Mindfulness and Meditation: The Upanishads and other ancient texts emphasize the importance of calming the mind through meditation. A quiet life allows for introspection, mindfulness, and the discovery of the Self (Atman). The Mundaka Upanishad describes the mind as a turbulent river, and through spiritual practice, one can calm this river and attain inner peace.
Contentment and Simplicity: Santosha, or contentment, is one of the Niyamas (observances) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, guiding individuals to find peace in simplicity. A quiet life is marked by an appreciation for the simple joys in life, without the constant need for more.
Story of the Sage Bharadvaja: Bharadvaja was a great sage who once approached Lord Brahma asking for knowledge. Brahma showed him three mountains, each representing the Vedas. Sage Bharadvaja had learned only a handful of pebbles from the vastness of this knowledge. This story teaches that the pursuit of knowledge is endless, and true wisdom lies in understanding the limitations of worldly pursuits. Bharadvaja realized that peace and quietude of the mind were more valuable than endless intellectual accumulation.
Story of King Janaka:
King Janaka, a renowned philosopher-king, lived in immense luxury but remained inwardly detached from it. He embodied the principle of living in the world but not being affected by its chaos. His inner quiet and detachment enabled him to govern his kingdom with wisdom and clarity, showing that external responsibilities can be balanced with inner peace.
Sage Ashtavakra's Teaching to King Janaka:
In the Ashtavakra Gita, the sage Ashtavakra teaches King Janaka that the world is like a stage, and individuals are merely actors. True peace lies in recognizing the impermanence of life’s events and adopting an attitude of non-attachment. This detachment brings inner quiet.
In the modern world, where people are often overwhelmed by information, responsibilities, and the pursuit of material success, this ancient Hindu teaching becomes increasingly relevant. A quiet life doesn’t necessarily mean withdrawing from society but can mean adopting practices and mindsets that allow one to remain peaceful amidst the chaos. Here’s how this teaching can be practically applied:
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like yoga and meditation, which have roots in Hindu teachings, are widely adopted today to foster mental peace and emotional balance. By cultivating mindfulness, people can navigate the complexities of life without being overwhelmed.
Work-Life Balance: The importance of simplicity and contentment is becoming more widely recognized. Leading a quiet life can involve slowing down, prioritizing personal relationships, and finding fulfillment in meaningful, purposeful activities rather than in relentless ambition.
Minimalism: Many in modern society are embracing minimalist lifestyles, focusing on reducing clutter—both mental and physical. This approach is aligned with the Hindu teaching of detachment and contentment.
Mental Health: In an age where mental health issues are rampant, the pursuit of a quiet, balanced life can offer a remedy. Ancient Hindu teachings emphasize the need for mental clarity and serenity, which are essential to counter stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Slowing Down: In today’s digital world, slowing down and reducing multitasking can help create a quieter, more peaceful life. Mindful activities like spending time in nature, engaging in hobbies, and limiting screen time foster tranquility.
Gratitude and Contentment: Practicing gratitude and contentment in daily life, even in small things, can contribute to inner peace. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, one can appreciate what’s present, fostering a sense of fulfillment.
Setting Boundaries: Learning to say “no” to unnecessary obligations and practicing self-care are modern ways to implement the ancient value of cultivating inner calm.
Forest-Dwelling Stage of Life (Vanaprastha Ashrama): In the traditional Hindu understanding of the human life cycle, the third stage of life, called Vanaprastha, encourages one to retreat from active life to focus on spiritual pursuits. While most people today may not literally go into the forest, this stage symbolizes the idea of reducing one's involvement in worldly matters and seeking inner peace.
Hindu Rishis (Sages): Hinduism venerates its rishis or sages, who led lives of seclusion and contemplation. Even in the modern age, the tradition of renunciation exists in the form of monks and yogis who leave behind the distractions of the world to lead a quiet, reflective life.
The Importance of Solitude: Hindu teachings often emphasize the need for solitude (Ekanta) for spiritual growth. Solitude offers an opportunity to connect with the deeper aspects of one’s self. This principle is echoed in modern self-care practices, which advocate for alone time to recharge mentally and emotionally.
The ancient Hindu teaching that "A quiet life can be a great treasure" offers timeless wisdom for the modern world. Rooted in the values of simplicity, contentment, and mindfulness, this teaching encourages individuals to find inner peace in a world that often promotes external achievement over internal harmony. In practical terms, this teaching encourages modern individuals to slow down, practice gratitude, seek mindfulness, and find joy in simplicity. Leading a quiet life, therefore, is not just a retreat from the world but a powerful path to true happiness and fulfillment.