Kerry receives Bhagavad Gita! But don' vote for karmis =>:~)

November 1, 2004

next president will probably appoint from 1 to 3 new Supreme court Justices.

Right now out of the 9 justices the majority are liberal minded and support

abortion. If 2 0r 3 conserative justices are appointed Roe vs. Wade could be

overturned and abortion for birth control would be banned in America. This

would be in the best interest of the kids and the country.I know this is

controversial and most of us are against the war in Iraq but that is the nature

of the material world. As long as there is a shortage of Krsna consciousness

there will be fighting in the world. Better there than hear if it has to be

somewhere.So again I am happy to hear that devotees are trying to reach the

world leaders with Srila Prabhupada's books and I hope this continues

vigorously. I distributed a Gita to the candidate in 96 but he also lost the

election. I saw the Bhagavad Gita As It Is on the bookshelve of the Whitehouse

during a newscast, it was a great sight that probably saved the

Whitehouse from the terrorest attacks on 9-11.So please don't support the karmis

by voting for them or if you must vote for Bush. Kerry betrayed my brother and

thousands of other Vietnam Veterans and America by acusing them all of the war

crimes that he himself committed. Then he met with the enemies leaders in

Paris. He voted against President Bush's ban on partial birth abortion. Voted

against most military expenses and for higher taxes hundreds of times in his 20

years in the senate. He talks well but his actions speak louder than his

words.Srila Prabhupada was involved with the Gandhi movement for some time but

renounced his involvement knowing the higher purpose and real solution by

sreading the Sankirtan mission of Lord Chaitanya. So keep those original books

going out and stay like a lotus flower above the mud.Hoping this meets you all

in best of health and advancing in Krsna Consciousness.Your servant,Gauridasa

Pandita

Dasa

India Matrimony: Find your life partner

online.

bhattathiri · March 31, 2009

Ayurveda is the spiritual healing science . This *Upa-vedam* (

subsidiary Vedam) was gifted by Sri Dhanvantari- Moorthy , a

manifestation of Bhagavan Maha-Vishnu . At the culmination of

*Amruta-mathanam* ( churning of milk-ocean) , Sri Dhanwantari arose

holding the pot of *Amruth* ( life giving Nectar). Bhagavan also

carried Sri Chakra, and Sankha besides *Jalooka* ( leech for blood

letting) . Sri Dhanwantari taught disciple Sage Susruta, the science of

Ayurvedic medicine and surgery. And this oral tradition continued from

accomplished Rishis to their disciples.

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means "The Science of Life." It is renowned as

the "Mother of All Healing." Alexander's invasion of BhArat and spread

of Buddhism lend Ayurveda, acclaim abroad .The principles of almost all

the Western medical systems including Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy

have their roots in Ayurveda,.

*Prarabda-karma* is the sum total of an individual's completed

thoughts and actions of previous births and present life . Bad

*Prarabda-karma* automatically results in corresponding bad Individual

constitution, to suffer from illness . Ayurveda is Bhagavan's gift

to His Bhaktas . One who has taken *SaranAgati* in Ishta-deva Sri

Krishna ; and purifies self by constant Nama-Japam and recitation of

Srimad Narayaneeyam ; will definitely benefit from Bhagavan's

Ayurveda .

Ayurveda - Principle of Inner Balance

Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the

maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one's life,

right thinking, Diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs . Knowledge of

Ayurveda enables one to understand how to create the balance of body,

mind and consciousness according to one's own individual constitution

and how to make lifestyle changes to bring about and maintain this

balance.

Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular

pattern of energy-an individual combination of physical, mental and

emotional characteristics- which comprises their own constitution. This

constitution is determined at conception by a number of factors and

remains the same throughout one's life.

Many factors, both internal and external, act upon us to disturb this

balance and are reflected as a change in one's constitution from the

balanced state. Examples of these emotional and physical stresses

include one's emotional state, diet and food choices, seasons and

weather, physical trauma, work and family relationships. Once these

factors are understood, one can take appropriate actions to nullify or

minimize their effects or eliminate the causes of imbalance and

re-establish one's original constitution. Balance is the natural order;

imbalance is disorder. Health is order; disease is disorder. Within the

body there is a constant interaction between order and disorder. When

one understands the nature and structure of disorder, one can

re-establish order.

Balancing the Three Principle Energies of the Body Ayurveda identifies

three basic types of energy or functional principles that are present in

everyone and everything. Since there are no single words in English that

convey these concepts, we use the original Sanskrit words Vata, Pitta

and Kapha. These principles can be related to the basic biology of the

body.

Energy is required to create movement so that fluids and nutrients get

to the cells, enabling the body to function. Energy is also required to

metabolize the nutrients in the cells, and is called for to lubricate

and maintain the structure of the cell . Vata is the energy of movement,

Pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism and Kapha, the energy of

lubrication and structure. All people have the qualities of Vata, Pitta

and Kapha, but one is usually primary, one secondary and the third is

usually least prominent. The cause of disease in Ayurveda is viewed as a

lack of proper cellular function due to an excess or deficiency of Vata,

Pitta or Kapha. Disease can also be caused by the presence of Toxins .

In Ayurveda, body, mind and consciousness work together in maintaining

balance. They are simply viewed as different facets of one's being. To

learn how to balance the body, mind and consciousness requires an

understanding of how Vata, Pitta and Kapha work together. According to

Ayurvedic philosophy the entire cosmos is an interplay of the energies

of the five great elements-Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Vata,

Pitta and Kapha are combinations and permutations of these five elements

that manifest as patterns present in all creation. In the physical body,

Vata is the subtle energy of movement, Pitta the energy of digestion and

metabolism, and Kapha the energy that forms the body's structure.

Vata is the subtle energy associated with movement - composed of Space

and Air. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement,

pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cytoplasm and cell

membranes. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of

balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta expresses as the body's metabolic system - made up of Fire and

Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition,

metabolism and body temperature. In balance, Pitta promotes

understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pitta arouses anger,

hatred and jealousy.

Kapha is the energy that forms the body's structure - bones, muscles,

tendons - and provides the "glue" that holds the cells together,

formed from Earth and Water. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily

parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and

maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and

forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

Ayurveda as a Complementary System of Healing

The basic difference between Ayurveda and Western allopathic medicine is

important to understand. Western allopathic medicine currently tends to

focus on symptomatology and disease, and primarily uses drugs and

surgery to rid the body of pathogens or diseased tissue. Many lives have

been saved by this approach. In fact, surgery is encompassed by

Ayurveda. However, drugs, because of their toxicity, often weaken the

body. Ayurveda does not focus on disease. Rather, Ayurveda maintains

that all life must be supported by energy in balance. When there is

minimal stress and the flow of energy within a person is balanced, the

body's natural defense systems will be strong and can more easily defend

against disease.

It must be emphasized that Ayurveda is not a substitute for Western

allopathic medicine. There are many instances when the disease process

and acute conditions can best be treated with drugs or surgery. Ayurveda

can be used in conjunction with Western medicine to make a person

stronger and less likely to be afflicted with disease and/or to rebuild

the body after being treated with drugs or surgery.

We all have times when we don't feel well and recognize that we are out

of balance. Sometimes we go to the doctor only to be told there is

nothing wrong. What is actually occurring is that this imbalance has not

yet become recognizable as a disease. Yet it is serious enough to make

us notice our discomfort. We may start to wonder whether it is just our

imagination. We may also begin to consider alternative measures and

actively seek to create balance in our body, mind and consciousness.

Evaluation and Treatment of Imbalances

Ayurveda encompasses various techniques for assessing health. The

practitioner carefully evaluates key signs and symptoms of illness,

especially in relation to the origin and cause of an imbalance. They

also consider the patient's suitability for various treatments. The

Practitioner arrives at diagnosis through direct questioning,

observation and a physical exam, as well as inference. Basic techniques

such taking the pulse, observing the tongue, eyes and physical form ;

and listening to the tone of the voice are employed during an assessment

.

Palliative and cleansing measures, when appropriate, can be used to help

eliminate an imbalance along with suggestions for eliminating or

managing the causes of the imbalance. Recommendations may include the

implementation of lifestyle changes; starting and maintaining a

suggested diet; and the use of herbs. In some cases, participating in a

cleansing program, called panchakarma, is suggested to help the body rid

itself of accumulated toxins to gain more benefit from the various

suggested measures of treatment .

In summary, Ayurveda addresses all aspects of life-the body, mind and

spirit . It recognizes that each of us is unique, each responds

differently to the many aspects of life, each possesses different

strengths and weaknesses . Through insight, understanding and experience

Ayurveda presents a vast wealth of information on the relationships

between causes and their effects, both immediate and subtle, for each

unique individual.

Vata , the Energy of Movement

General Description

Vata provides the essential motion for all bodily processes and is

extremely vital for health. On an annual basis, Vata is most prominent

in the fall and at the change of seasons, and these are the most

important times to be careful of diet and lifestyle. One purpose of

lifestyle considerations is stabilize this motion. Routine is very

useful in assisting the Vata individual to effectively ground all this

moving energy.

A person with Vata predominant is blessed with a quick mind, flexibility

and creativity. Mentally, they usually grasp concepts quickly but then

forget them just as quickly. Alert, restless and very active, Vata

people walk, talk and think fast, but are easily fatigued. They tend to

have less willpower, confidence, boldness and tolerance for fluctuation

than other types and often feel unstable and ungrounded. When

unbalanced, Vata types may become fearful, nervous and anxious. In the

external world, Vata types tend to earn money quickly and spend it

quickly. They are not good planners and as a consequence may suffer

economic hardship.

Vata types have variable appetite and digestion. They are often

attracted to astringent foods like salad and raw vegetables, but their

constitution is balanced by warm, cooked foods and sweet, sour and salty

tastes. With a tendency to produce little urine, their feces are often

hard, dry and small in size and quantity.

Vata resides in the colon, as well as the brain, ears, bones, joints,

skin and thighs. Vata people are more susceptible to diseases involving

the air principle, such as emphysema, pneumonia and arthritis. Other

common Vata disorders include flatulence, tics, twitches, aching joints,

dry skin and hair, nerve disorders, constipation, and mental confusion.

Vata in the body tends to increase with age as is exhibited by the

drying and wrinkling of the skin.

Since the attributes of Vata are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile

and clear, any of these qualities in excess can cause imbalance.

Frequent travel, especially by plane, loud noises, continual

stimulation, drugs, sugar and alcohol all derange Vata, as does exposure

to cold and cold liquids and foods. Like the wind, Vata types have a

hard time becoming and staying grounded. Routine is difficult but

essential if Vata is to be lowered and controlled. It is best for Vata

types to go to bed by 10 pm as they need more rest than the other types.

In general, people with excessive Vata respond most rapidly to warm,

moist, slightly oily, heavy foods. Steam baths, humidifiers and moisture

in general are helpful. Daily oil massage before bath or shower is also

recommended.

Dietary Considerations

General food guidelines for decreasing Vata include warm, well-cooked,

unctuous foods. One should have small meals three or four times a day

and may snack as needed while maintaining a two hour gap between each

meal. Regularity in meal times is important for Vata. Those with

Vata-dominant constitutions do well with one-pot meals such as soups,

stews and casseroles. They can use more oil in cooking their foods than

the other two doshas and experience better digestion if they limit their

intake of raw foods.

Well-cooked oats and rice are good for Vata because they are not too

drying when cooked with plenty of water. While cooked vegetables are

best for Vata, the occasional salad with a good oily or creamy dressing

is all right . Nightshades- tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers-as

well as spinach should be avoided if the Vata person has stiff, aching

joints or muscles. Sweet, ripe and juicy fruits are good for Vata. The

astringent and drying fruits, such as cranberries, pomegranates and raw

apples, should be avoided. Fruit should always be eaten by itself on an

empty stomach.

Many Vata people can satisfy their need for protein by judicious use of

dairy and vegetarian products . Legumes are difficult to digest and

should be consumed in limited quantity by those trying to pacify Vata.

The legumes should be the split type and soaked before cooking. Cooking

them with a little oil and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander,

ginger, garlic and hing (asafoetida) , will help prevent Vata from being

disturbed.

All nuts and seeds are good for Vata, but are best used as butters or

milks. Ten almonds, soaked in water overnight with skins removed the

next morning, are a satisfying early morning food. Sesame oil is warming

for Vata, but all oils are good. All dairy products are good for Vata

with hard cheese being eaten sparingly. All spices are good, but should

not be overused. Since Vata people tend to be prone to addiction, they

should avoid sugar, caffeine and tobacco. Intensity itself can be

intoxicating to Vata, so one should seek relaxation and meditation to

reduce Vata .

General guidelines for balancing Vata:

* Keep warm . * Eat warm foods and spices . * Avoid cold,

frozen or raw foods . * Keep calm . * Keep

a regular routine . * Get plenty of rest . * Avoid extreme cold .

Pitta , the Energy of Digestion and Metabolism

General Description

Pitta types have many of the qualities of fire . Fire is hot,

penetrating, sharp and agitating. Similarly, Pitta people have warm

bodies, penetrating ideas and sharp intelligence. When out of balance,

they can become very agitated and short-tempered. The Pitta body type is

one of medium height and build, with ruddy or coppery skin. They may

have many moles and freckles. Their skin is warm and less wrinkled than

Vata skin. Their hair tends to be silky and they often experience

premature graying or hair loss. Their eyes are of medium size and the

conjunctiva is moist. The nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Those with Pitta-dominant constitutions have a strong metabolism, good

digestion and strong appetites. They like plenty of food and liquids and

tend to love hot spices and cold drinks. However, their constitution is

balanced by sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Pitta people's sleep is

sound and of medium duration. They produce large quantities of urine and

feces, which tend to be yellowish, soft and plentiful. They perspire

easily and their hands and feet stay warm. Pitta people have a lower

tolerance for sunlight, heat and hard physical work .

Mentally, Pitta types are alert and intelligent and have good powers of

comprehension. However, they are easily agitated and aggressive and tend

toward hate, anger and jealousy when imbalanced. In the external world,

Pitta people like to be leaders and planners and seek material

prosperity. They like to exhibit their wealth and possessions. Pitta

people tend to have diseases involving the fire principle such as

fevers, inflammatory diseases and jaundice. Common symptoms include skin

rashes, burning sensation, ulceration, fever, inflammations or

irritations such as conjunctivitis, colitis or sore throats.

Since the attributes of Pitta are oily, hot, light, mobile, dispersing

and liquid, an excess of any of these qualities aggravates Pitta. Summer

is a time of heat, the Pitta season. Sunburn, poison ivy, prickly heat

and short tempers are common. These kinds of Pitta disorders tend to

calm down as the weather gets cooler. The diet and lifestyle changes

emphasize coolness-cool foods, avoidance of chilies and spices , and

cool climates. People with excessive Pitta need to exercise at the

coolest part of the day.

Dietary Considerations

General food guidelines for pacifying Pitta include avoiding sour, salty

and pungent foods. Vegetarianism is best for Pitta people and they

should refrain from eating meat, eggs, alcohol and salt. To help calm

their natural aggressiveness and compulsiveness, it is beneficial to

incorporate sweet, cooling and bitter foods and tastes into their diets.

Barley, rice, oats and wheat are good grains for Pitta dominant

individuals and vegetables should form a substantial part of their diet.

Tomatoes, radishes, chilies, garlic and raw onions should all be

avoided. In fact, any vegetable that is too sour or hot will aggravate

Pitta, but most other vegetables will help to calm it . Daikon radishes

are cleansing for the liver when Pitta is in balance but should be

avoided otherwise. Salads and raw vegetables are good for Pitta types in

the spring and summer as are any sweet fruits. Sour fruits should be

avoided with the exception of limes, used sparingly. All legumes except

red and yellow lentils are good in small amounts, with black lentils,

chickpeas and mung beans being the best.

Most nuts and seeds have too much oil and are heating for Pitta.

However, coconut is cooling and sunflower and pumpkin seeds are all

right occasionally. Small amounts of coconut, olive and sunflower oils

are also good for Pitta. Sweet dairy products are good and include milk,

unsalted butter, ghee and soft, unsalted cheeses. Yogurt can be used if

it is blended with spices, a little sweetener and water. In fact, Pitta

people can use a sweetener better than the other two doshas because it

relieves Pitta. However, they should avoid hot spices, using cardamom,

cinnamon, coriander, fennel and turmeric predominantly, with small

amounts of cumin and black pepper.

Coffee, alcohol and tobacco should be completely avoided for a Pitta

person. Black tea may also be used occasionally with a little milk and a

pinch of cardamom.

General guidelines for balancing Pitta :

* Avoid excessive heat . * Eat cooling, non-spicy foods .

* Avoid excessive oil . * Limit salt intake . * Exercise

during the cooler part of the day . * Avoid excessive steam .

Kapha, the Energy of Lubrication

General Description

Kapha types are blessed with strength, endurance and stamina. In

balance, they tend to have sweet, loving dispositions and be stable and

grounded. Their skin is oily and smooth. Physically, Kapha people may

gain weight easily and have a slow metabolism. They tend to shun

exercise. They have thick skin and their bodies and muscles are well

developed. Their eyes are large and attractive with thick, long lashes

and brows. Kapha people evacuate slowly and feces tend to be soft, pale

and oily. Perspiration is moderate. Sleep is deep and prolonged. Kapha

types are attracted to sweet, salty and oily foods, but their

constitutions are most balanced by bitter, astringent and pungent

tastes.

Psychologically, Kapha people tend to be calm, tolerant and forgiving.

However, they may become lethargic. While they may be slow to

comprehend, their long term memory is excellent. When out of balance,

Kaphas tend to experience greed, envy, attachment and possessiveness. In

the external world, Kapha tendencies toward groundedness, stability and

attachment help them to earn and hold onto money.

They are more likely to have diseases connected to the water principle

such as flu, sinus congestion, and other diseases involving mucous.

Sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, and headaches

are also common. Kapha can become more aggravated as the moon gets full

because there is a tendency for water retention at that time. Winter is

the time of greatest Kapha accumulation and following the

Kapha-balancing dietary and lifestyle changes are most important during

that season.

Dietary Considerations

Dietary guidelines for Kapha people stress bitter, astringent and

pungent tastes. They actually need foods that will invigorate their

minds while limiting their overall consumption of food. They should

avoid dairy products and fats of any kind, especially fried or greasy

foods and bodies .

Those with Kapha dominant constitutions need less grain than Pitta or

Vata constitutions with buckwheat and millet (more heating) being

optimal grains for them followed by barley, rice and corn. Roasted or

dry cooked grains are best. All vegetables are good for Kapha but one

should emphasize leafy greens and vegetables grown above ground more

than root vegetables while avoiding very sweet, sour or juicy

vegetables. Generally Kapha people can eat raw vegetables although

steamed or stir-fried are easier to digest. Very sweet or sour fruits

should be avoided with the more astringent and drying fruits being

preferable such as apples, apricots, cranberries, mangoes, peaches and

pears.

As their bodies do not require large amounts of protein, Kapha people

should not overeat legumes although these are better for them than meat

because of the lack of fat. Black beans, mung beans, pinto beans and red

lentils are best for Kapha types.

The heavy qualities of nuts and seeds aggravate Kapha as does the oil in

them. Occasional sunflower and pumpkin seeds are all right. Almond,

corn, safflower or sunflower oils can be used in small amounts as well.

The same holds true for dairy products : in general, Kapha people should

avoid the heavy, cooling, sweet qualities of dairy. A little ghee for

cooking and some consumption of goat's milk is good for Kapha types.

Since Kapha people should avoid sweets, the only sweetener they should

use is raw honey, which is heating. However, they can use all spices,

except salt, with ginger and garlic being best for them. A person whose

dominant dosha is Kapha and who has very little influence from the other

two doshas can benefit from the occasional use of stimulants such as

coffee and tea.

General guidelines for balancing Kapha :

* Get plenty of exercise. * Vary your routine. * Avoid

heavy foods. Eat light, dry food. * Avoid fatty, oily foods.

* Avoid iced food or drinks. * Avoid dairy.

* Keep active. * No daytime naps.

Types of Ayurvedic Treatments

The treatments in Ayurveda are basically two types, "Shodhanam" and

"Shamanam". Shodhanam is all about removal of impurities, while Shamanam

involves applying of medicine on the infected parts and thereby curing

the illness.

The Shodhanam Therapy includes five types of procedures. They are Vamana

(forced vomiting), Virechana (forced purging), Basti (medicated enema),

Nasya (nasal administration of substances) and Raktamoksha (blood

letting). Panchakarma belongs to this division.

In Shamana method of treatment, tablets like Kasthuryadi and Vilvadi

(curative tablets), Arishtas (liquid medicines), Lehyas (medicine in

solid form) are given to the patients after complete check up. Pizhichil

(a form of massage), Navarakizhi (massage with 'Navara' rice, milk

etc.), Dhara (Continuous downpour of water over the body) are all part

of the Shamanam treatment .

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says : "O Uddhava, in a dangerous situation an

ordinary person cries, becomes fearful and laments, although such

useless emotions do not change the situation. But activities offered to

Me without personal motivation, even if they are externally useless,

amount to the actual process. "

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya !!!

bhattathiri · March 31, 2009

One of the greatest contributions of India to the world is Holy Gita which is considered to be one of the first revelations from God. The spiritual philosophy and management lessons in this holy book were brought in to light of the world by the great Adi Sankaracharya the greatest philosopher of India and proud son of Kerala, Maharishi calls the Bhagavad-Gita the essence of Vedic Literature and a complete guide to practical life. It provides "all that is needed to raise the consciousness of man to the highest possible level." Maharishi reveals the deep, universal truths of life that speak to the needs and aspirations of everyone. His followers in Sankara Mdam continuing the mission by keeping this lantern burning always knowing the wishes of the modern generations. Arjuna got mentally depressed when he saw his relatives with whom he has to fight.( Mental health has become a major international public health concern now). To motivate him the Bhagavad-Gita is preached in the battle field Kurukshetra by Lord Krishna to Arjuna as counseling to do his duty while multitudes of men stood by waiting. Arjuna face the problem of onflict between emotions and intellect . In almost all of the cases, emotions win. Only a very

few people have a conflict-free emotion and intellect. Emotions, are required, for, without them, one is a mere robot. They make life pleasant as long as they are sensible and within limits. It has got all the management tactics to achieve the mental equilibrium and to overcome any crisis situation. The Bhagavad-Gita can be experienced as a powerful catalyst for transformation.