Digest Number 2277

[Guest guest]

Recent researches have found that music can be a tool in curing some diseses

and to increase productivity. Music is a system of harmonious, melodious and

rhythmic sounds capable of producing inner peace and an inexpressible thrill

of joy. Music is one of the sciences which deal with Nada (Sabda) which is

the first vibration of Brahman represented by the Pranava¾ Om. All the Sapta

Svaras- Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni- which evolved themselves later into the

various vocal sounds first originated out of this fundamental Om, symbolic

of Brahman. Music is one of the fine arts or Lalita Kalas. Yes. It has got

not only the power to soothe the aching mind, but also the power to cure

diseases like neurasthenia, insomnia, hysteria, moroseness, giddiness, etc.

To achieve perfection in the Sangita Sastra is to attune oneself with

Brahman. As Brahman is Light Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute

and so on, so is He Nada Absolute. God is Nada Brahman. One can achieve God,

even as the votaries of music, Thyagaraja, Purandhara Das, Tukaram and

others, did.

[Guest guest]

>From purity of food follows the purity of the internal organ"

- Chandogya Upanishad, vii.26.2

[Guest guest]

http://www.indiaenterprise.com/yoga4.htm

 

We give undue importance to our health and the treatment of diseases. A

large number of medicines treat only the symptoms of the disease, and not

the root cause. In fact, the cause of many chronic ailments is still being

researched.

 

It is here that Yoga therapy comes to our assistance. Yoga emphasizes

treatment of the root cause of an ailment. It works in a slow, subtle and

miraculous manner. Modern medicine can claim to save a life at a critical

stage, but, for complete recovery and regaining of normal health, one must

believe in the efficiency of Yoga therapy.

 

The Yogic way of life includes a code of ethics, regulations, discipline and

more, combined with prayer and meditation. Even a discussion of these

subjects helps one relieve mental tensions and change attitudes. Simple

Asanas help to stretch and relax the whole body and neutralize tensions. The

sincere practice of Yoga postures benefits all levels of experience.

>From the restoration of balance, flexibility, poise, health and well being

to the body, to the cultivation of mental equanimity, emotional balance, and

inner strength. On a physical level Yoga postures stimulate the glands,

organs, muscles and nerves in ways that traditional exercise cannot.

 

Muscle tightness and strain is quickly relieved and both circulation and

digestion improves. Stress-related symptoms like poor sleep, fatigue, muscle

spasms, anxiety, and indigestion are greatly improved.

 

Through continued practice Yoga postures can have a profound effect on the

inner dimensions of life, establishing deep calm, concentration, emotional

stability and confidence.

[Guest guest]

Western Practitioners Put New Spin on Devotional Chanting

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101031006-

490684,00.html

 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, October 6, 2003: The musician who calls himself

Krishna Das was born on Long Island as Jeff Kagel. When he sings in

Hindi or Sanskrit, he does so with an undeniably American accent, says

this article in Time magazine. But Das, who is known as K.D., has no

desire to hide his New York roots or the fact that his musical style

owes as much to the blues as to his Indian guru, Neem Karoli Babal.

K.D. is a practitioner of kirtan, devotional chanting. Chanters repeat

short phrases over and over, invoking the names of Hindu gods. The

ancient ritual is enjoying a vogue, and as practiced by K.D. and other

prominent American performers, it has taken on a decidedly Western

slant. Aaron Reed, a computer specialist in Los Angeles, attends

kirtans led by Dave Stringer. "It's like a rock concert," Reed says.

"Dave infuses it with rock 'n' roll, soul and the blues." Reed notes,

however, that at a rock concert, the audience gazes up at a performer

onstage, while at a kirtan, everyone participates. "It's empowering to

sing with others who experience the process with you," says Reed. Not

everyone agrees, however. Georg Feuerstein, founder of the Yoga

Research and Education Center near Redding, California, says kirtan is

an exclusively Hindu practice in which believers praise Gods to whom

they are devoted. He contends that although non-Hindus or those who do

not understand what they are chanting may experience a quasi-religious

feeling, "The traditionalist would want to know why divine Hindu names

are being used for that purpose."