Yoga for Kids

Saturday, 16 February 2008

Laughter, joy and flexibility are gems of childhood and Yoga helps to maintain them.
Childhood is the right time when we can inspire our kids to channelize their energies towards creativity and innovations.

Yogalife.com is running the kids yoga programs and according to them the program has the following benefits.


  • Improves concentration and flexibility.

  • Is a creative way to channel their energies.

  • Improves their confidence.

  • Has a relaxing effect, which improves quality of sleep.

  • Helps control mood swings.

  • Includes laughter Yoga ! Creates happy hormones which boosts their immune system.

  • Helps to cure asthma and bronchial diseases.



Visit Yogalife.com for complete details on the programs.

The Art Of Cyber-Meditation is here.

Friday, 15 February 2008

DailyZen a cyberspace to meditate
You are just one click away from a meditative cyberspace, where at any given moment you may be sharing silent meditation with others from around the world. Please pause now. Take a deep breath, sit tall and comfortably. Leave today's concerns behind for a moment, and click here to enter..

So sure, cyber-meditation may sound counter-intuitive, but when you're stuck in some I-banking cubicle (or ensconced in a houseful of children and chores), just pausing at the DailyZen meditation page and breathing for a moment can go a long way in restoring your calm and composure. To this we can all say "Om."

Yoga guru promises rebirth of body

Saint Ramdev, The legendery yoga guru, today claimed that performing Kapalbhati, a breathing exercise in his package of seven exercises, for 30 minutes a day, uninterruptedly for nine months, leads to “rebirth of the human body”.

The biochemistry of the body starts changing within nine days of putting into practice pranayam and the “genetic element changes for the better” after nine months of sincere practice, he said.

“In the process the body is freed of all diseases, even incurable diseases like cancer, ovarian cyst, thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, fibrosis of lungs, psoriasis and leucoderma,” said the 39-year-old yoga exponent who was conducting a morning session here on the second day of his six-day yoga science camp.

More than 5,000 people are attending the camp.

“The progression is similar to the way a child gets a shape in the womb in three months and the complete body in nine months. Pranayam gives a completely transformed body complex. It gives a person a new life,” Ramdev explained.

The yoga guru had recently been engaged in a war of words with the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

In January, the IMA had invited the yoga guru to prove he can heal cancer patients after he accused doctors of spreading and cashing in on disease.

“I do not do any magic or miracle. Neither do I give any false hopes to people. Everyone can experience a transformed existence by putting pranayam into practice for self-testimony,” said Ramdev, explaining that the exercises ensure that adequate oxygen reaches the blood and organs in the human body.

“In the process, new or extra stem cells are produced and degenerated cells are regenerated,” he said.

Los Angeles is all set to welcome Yogi Ramdev, when he arrives in July, 2008 to conduct a five-day yoga camp in the City of Angels. The camp will be held July 9 thru July 13 from 6 am to 8.30 pm in Hall B of the Anaheim Convention Center. The Anaheim Convention Center is located at 800 W Katella Avenue. Swami Ramdev specializes in teaching proper breathing techniques of Pranayama.

Combining yoga with Pranayama, Swami Ramdev has brought about radical changes in the health and mental well-being of millions of people around the world. Swami Ramdev has previously conducted yoga science camps in Britain, Africa, Canada and the US. He has been referred to as a "revered saint and an educator," and will be coming to Los Angeles to host daily yoga sessions. "You do not have to be a yoga expert to attend the sessions," says Surinder Mehta, one of the organizers of the event and a devoted Pranayama follower.

Yoga For your Eyes : Eye breather for Computer Professionals, Writers

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

The following eye exercises can be practiced anytime of the day even while taking a half minute break from your work. These exercises have helped many children, computer professionals and senior people.

Exercise 1: This simple exercise relaxes and relieves tension from the optic nerves.
Open your eyes wide and look up.
Hold it for 5-10 seconds.
Close your eyes and squeeze your eyes.
Hold it for 3-5 seconds.
Take a deep breath.
Repeat as you please.

Exercise 2: This practice relaxes the optic nerves and helps improve eyesight.
Holding your head straight look to your right, and hold the position for about 5 seconds. Repeat the movement looking to your left, then looking up, and down.
Close your eyes
Take a deep breath.
Repeat as you please.

Exercise 3: This practice lubricates and soothes dry eyes. Improves eyesight.
Place a tip of your index finger between the eyebrows.
Looking at the finger tip, slowly move the finger to the tip of your nose without blinking.
By this time eyes release tears naturally and you feel like blinking.
Repeat few times.

Note: Sometimes you may feel like blinking your eyes as you practice, as your eyes release tears quickly. For some it takes many practices to feel the benefits if the eyes are very dry.

These simple, yet very effective exercises are specially helpful for people who work long hours at the computer or people with weak vision, as well as people who read and write a lot. These exercises are highly beneficial and also proven to relieve Headaches and insomnia. Also effective for those who want to improve their eyesight and revent old-age eye disturbances. Above all, unlike yoga postures, eye exercises can be practiced any time, even after a heavy meal!

Its Always benefecial to rinse your eyes atleast twice a day with cold water.


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Rudraksha few facts

Q: What is Rudraksha ?
Rudraksha word is related to Hindu Religion. Rudraksha tree and seed both are called Rudraksha. In Sanskrit Rudraksham means Rudraksha fruit as well as Rudraksha tree.
Rudraksha tree grows on mountains and hilly region of Nepal, Indonesia, Java, Sumatra and Burma. Its leaves are green in colour and the fruits are brown in color and sour in taste. The Rudraksha fruits also adorn the human beings because of spiritual values.


Q: Why it is so important ? What is its relevance ?

Found in Ancient Indian Scriptures and texts: From ancient times, the power of Holy Rudraksha beads have been scripted in various religious texts like ShivmahaPurana, Shreemaddevibhagwat, Padma Purana, ling Purana, Ashtamalikopnishad, Nirnayasindhoo, Mantramaharnava, Mahakaal Sanmhita, Rudrakshajabalopnishad, Vrihajjabalopnishad, Shivaswarodaya and Sarvollastantra.
As per ancient Indian scriptures mentioned above Rudraksha is evolved from the eyes of Lord Shiva hence, it’s called Rudraksha. Rudra means Shiva and Aksha means eyes. Aksha also means a group of alphabets in Sanskrit called (Varna). As per details found in Halayudh Kosha(Ancient Scripture) letters from A to ksha that is 51 letters are called Aksha . Therefore, Rudraksha can be called as a seed in which a group of Sanskrit letters called Varna reside.


Q: What is Mukhi or Multifaceted Rudraksha ?
As per details found in the Purana there are fourteen kinds of Rudraksha, which are called Mukhi or faceted Rudraksha. Mukhi or faces of Rudraksha are deep lines found on the surface of the Rudraksha from bottom to the top hole. The number of these lines decides about the type or Mukhi Rudraksha. For example, if a Rudraksha has three such lines it is called 3 Mukhi or 3 face Rudraksha.Other handwritten Scriptures found with various saints narrate the properties of 1 to 21 Mukhi Rudraksha. It is believed that these beads were available in the ancient time from 1 to 108 Mukhi. Now they have become most rare Natural thing.


Q: What is Mala or Rudraksha Rosary ?
Rosary made out of Rudraksha Beads in the auspicious numbers like (108+1, 54+1, 27+1) is called Rudraksha Mala. The +1 bead is called as Sumeru(it is not crossed while chanting) which is considered as boundary for returning in reverse direction for further counting. Mala is used for wearing as well as for purpose of Japa (Chanting Mantra for Spiritual attainments). It is used to count Mantra in the above figure (108,54,27). The same Mala is not used for wearing as well as Japa. Mala rests on ring finger and middle finger is used for Japa. Index and smallest finger are considered as inauspicious for touching the Mala during Japa process. Rudraksha Rosary is considered as the only Rosary, which can be used for Japa of all kinds. The details found in the scriptures say that Rudraksha rosary should be worn after proper sanctification with Mantra.


Q: Is it for me ? Its advantage for human ?
Perfect for Body, Mind & spiritual gains:Rudraksha evokes power in the body, which fights against diseases hence improving overall health. As per Ayurveda, Rudraksha strengthens the body constitutions. It removes the blood impurities and strengthens the body substance. It removes the bacteria inside as well as outside the Human Body. Rudraksha removes the headache, cough, paralysis, and blood pressure, heart disease and maternity problems. Wearing of Rudraksha brings glow on the face, which results in calm and charming personality. Rudraksha rosary is used for Japa. The process of Japa increases spiritual power and self-confidence to move in multi direction of life. Therefore, Rudraksha seeds are found be useful for providing health benefits as well as helps in gaining spiritual success. Wearing Rudraksha results in the destruction of sins from previous birth that cause difficulties in the present life. The men who are Mlechchha, chandaal (impious and inhumane) or full of all kinds of vices can get the form of Lord Rudra by wearing Rudraksha. This helps in getting rid of all the sins and gets him to attain the supreme goal of his life.


Q: Does it have any Zodiac significance or relation ?
As per the modern Astrologers; Rudraksha is used for removing malefic planetary effect. There are twenty seven Constellations. Each has control of one of the Nine Planets. Each constellation is controlled by some related Rudraksha. Therefore according to these constellations, various multifaceted Rudraksha are worn (Control planets) and is found useful in multidiscipline. The Multifaceted or Mukhi Rudraksha which has various planets residing on it, always receive energy from related planet. Its power of receiving energy is tremendous and it works like a reservoir. It not only receives energy, it is also known for emitting energy continuously. We have never come across any ancient authentic text which describe any relation between Rudraksha and planets; of course it is very clear that these Beads are above and beyond the control of any planetary effect or power.


Q: Is it spiritual or removes evil and negative effect ?
Rudraksha is considered to be a spiritual bead. Used since ancient time for increasing the spiritual power, self confidence, courage and for building a positive attitude in multidiscipline area. As per the ancient Indian scripture like Purana, it is well known that Each Rudraksha is linked with Particular deity. This Positive Power in terms of Deva or Devi always protects the wearer from Negative Powers and enmity and provides a powerful shield against all negativities.


Q: Why it is considered as important for success in meditation ?
The word Rudraksha has great importance as far as Indian culture as well as Hindu religion is concerned. This is due to its relation with Lord Shiva who is lord of all Deva( so called Mahadeva) and its role in meditation and spiritual attainments.


Q:Do the Rudraksha Really work ?
Rudraksha definitely works unless it is Genuine, Not broken from its head and tail. It must be purified, sanctified and energised with the help of its Mantra. Otherwise it is as good as any other fancy Jewelry Pendant. Rudraksha becomes even more powerful and effective if more power is inserted through regular Japa and Hawan and through the ongoing process of retaining its power and sanctity.


Q: Are there any definitive tests ?
Unfortunately, no. There are no definitive tests to test the authenticity of a Rudraksha except the discerning eye of an expert. When looking at the bead carefully, you'll find various deep dug lines separating the various faces of the Rudraksha bead. Ironically, humans have known to use their 'extreme skill' and try to 'carve' lines into the Rudraksha or 'wipe' them off, in order to change the faces or 'Mukhis' of the bead... i.e. 'alter' it according to their demands. It is extremely difficult to tell a genuine and a spurious Rudraksha apart, but the discerning eye of an expert can spot these 'manual interventions' and declare whether or not the Rudraksha has been tampered with.


Q: Do all the Rudraksha have the same power ?
Every Rudraksha has unique properties and different power from other beads. Each has different deities residing in it depending upon the faces of the Bead. If the Rudraksha acquired is a Genuine Bead of good quality and it is properly sanctifies and energised with ancient technique of rigorous Mantra recitation and Hawan. It must be than safely reach to the person who intends to wear himself. The power is to be than maintained by the person himself following regular chanting of Rudraksha Mantra and practicing regular Hawan.


Q:How to get the maximum from my Rudraksha ?
Now that you have got a Rudraksha that is empowered, you must try and maintain its power and get the maximum benefit from it. To get the maximum benefit from Rudraksha, you must have total belief and faith in them, and treat them as holy and sacred objects of worship and not as mere beads and understand their sanctity.
One should follow certain rules for maintaining its power and sanctity. The Rudraksha is a spiritual Gift from Lord Shiva; one should recite the Rudraksha Mantra daily after taking Bath in the morning and before going to bed in the night. One should not take the Rudraksha to inauspicious place e.g. Funeral place, cremation ground, new born baby.

The Art of Meditation : How to start with.

Sunday, 10 February 2008

Experts say there’s more to this form of spiritual relaxation than just wearing the right clothes, listening to the right music!
Meditation makes your mind calmer and more focused. A simple ten or fifteen minute breathing meditation as explained below can help you to overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance.

Meditation is all about Self-realization. Realisation of our inner strength and how destiny is conspiring to make us recognise our true potential can motivate us to bring about the necessary change. We, for some reason, refuse to notice patterns in our life and how our choices have shaped our world.

Guru Yoganada once said..

“Self-realization is the knowing in all parts of body, mind, and soul that you are now in possession of the kingdom of God; that you do not have to pray that it come to you; that God’s omnipresence is your omnipresence; and that all that you need to do is improve your knowing.”

Meditation can help us to understand our own mind. We can learn how to transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy. Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is the purpose of the transforming meditations. This is a profound spiritual practice you can enjoy throughout the day, not just while seated in meditation.

You must have often heard this from lots of people. Sit with folded legs, keep your back erect, close your eyes, place your hands on your knees and inhale and exhale or just count one to a 100. Most of us believe that this is how one meditates. However, experts from the Yoga Institutes say that there is much more to meditation than just counting, wearing specially designed robes or aroma candles or dim lights!


A Simple Breathing Meditation

The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. This can be accomplished by practising a simple breathing meditation. We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. If we wish, we can sit in a chair. The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.

We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing. We breathe naturally, calmly and slight deeply preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath, and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.
The mind should be free of all other thoughts to do so. This practice relaxes you and makes you feel happy. While inhaling or exhaling if you are thinking of what would you wear for your friend’s party and what your spouse will be doing in the office, then you are not meditating, as your mind is wandering and not concentrated on that one thing.

In fact, Initially, our mind will be very busy, and we might even feel that the meditation is making our mind busier; but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.

Even though breathing meditation is only a preliminary stage of meditation, it can be quite powerful. We can see from this practice that it is possible to experience inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind, without having to depend at all upon external conditions.
When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind, and many of the problems we experience, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress.

Just by doing breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress. We will experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind, and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we will naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people, and our relationships with others will gradually improve.

Learn more about Meditation here http://www.how-to-meditate.org/index.php/

http://www.lifepositive.com/meditation.html