Ram-Esh-Wara

Judge Me!

2011-12-03T12:40:00.000+08:00

"If we aren't careful, we will catch ourselves feeling some sort of disgustful pleasure from identifying and pointing out faults and flaws in others, while having difficulty seeing our own.A startling realization sometimes comes over us when we discover that the faults in others that are so bothersome to us are often the very traits we have ourselves. Often, our own bad habits and weaknesses are the very ones we most want to identify and criticize in others.To boost our own ego and self-confidence; we find faults in others, which truthfully lies in us. By condemning others, our morale and ego increases. We can find it much easier to magnify the faults of others while finding excuses, or justifications, for our own.Perhaps this is because we experience satisfaction by classifying our own faults as much more serious when seen in others. By seeing ourselves in the shadow of someone else's faults, we can feel better and not be so concerned about the relative insignificance of our own -- as we see them.Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged."

Why do we see the speck of sawdust that is in other peoples' eye, but do not notice the huge tree log that is in our own eye? First we need to get rid of the huge log in our own eye; then we will see well enough to deal with the speck of small sawdust in our friend's eye.

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2011-10-15T14:09:00.001+08:00

Sometimes, its truly up to us. We can spent every second in this world fighting, arguing, blaming, scolding and torturing but we can also spent that very second to laugh, smile, joke, and be happy. Everything is governed by our actions. We will be happy; if we want to make everything around us happy. We will be sad; if we want everything to be gloomy. Its the way we look at it; the glass will always be half empty or half full. Its all in the mind and in our views.

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. If you are just an option or least important to others, then its time that you increased your pride as well. Have some dignity for yourself. Others action expresses their priorities. Never judge but neither must you end up unworthy"

Whatever happened, it happened well.
Whatever is happening, it is happening well.
Whatever will happen, it will also happen well.
What of yours did you lose?
Why or for what are you crying?
What did you bring with you, for you to lose it?
What did you create, for it to be wasted or destroyed?
Whatever you took, it was taken from here.
Whatever you gave, it was given from
You are taking nothing with you when you die. Whatever is yours today was somebody else’s yesterday and will be somebody else’s tomorrow.
- Sri Krishna

‎"In this life we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

He who live by the sword, shall die by the same sword. Humans are human. They can never act perfect or act correct or act reputable or act GOD.

If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good. - Pusa Sri Shanti Deva

“Purity or impurity depends on oneself, no one can purify another.” - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, Dharma Padha

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
— Mother Teresa

One should performed his deeds for the benefit of mankind with an unbiased approach because of bias gives birth to evil, which creates thousands of obstacles in our path. - Rigveda

Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me.
Steve Jobs

‎"A beautiful relationship does not depend upon how good we understand someone but on how well we avoid misunderstandings."

Money, money and money. That is the only thing, motive, aim, and goal of most of us. The poor wants to be rich. The rich wants to be richer. The richer wants to be richest. Money is never enough for anyone.

You will be become the richest man on earth when you learn to be extremely happy with whatever you have. You will become the king of the kings when you learn to rule from a hut filled with acceptance and content than from a palace with gold. Be content with whatever you have; and make money the least important thing in your life.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have. Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of life with money! For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. - The Bible

People find fault in others, find flaws in others, find imperfections in others, then they analyse, compare, contrast, observe, scrutinise, and constantly boost their own pride and ego in an attempt to conceal and hide their own faults, flaws, and imperfections. Don't let your own constant judgement of others; dig your own grave. The more you find faults in others to boost your own confidence, its like digging for gold in a landmine.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to read people' faces. Its just too obvious. The index of the face speaks of 1000s of words that is trapped within.

When the sun, moon, stars and solar system changes; our season, sunlight, tide, wind speed, gravity and brightness also changes; which means that our behaviour, hunger, needs, food, skills, fat content, activities, mood, psychology, biology, social life and interactions changes vastly.These changes have been recorded into fathers, forefathers, ancestors' "collective unconscious mind". Just like the same way we inherited blue eyes, brown hair, and heart diseases from our forefathers; we also inherited these "collective unconscious mind".This inherited mind governs our unexpected characteristics, instincts, perceptions, fears, feelings, and fight or flight behaviours as the solar system changes. Just like how our mind naturally gathers fat during winter and makes us run when chased by a dog and feel gloomy in winter; our collective mind makes us behave differently when the stars, sun, moon, and planets changes.- Psychiatrist Carl Jung and Astrologer Pandit Ajai Bhambi

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” ~ Steve Jobs

‎"We are all full of weakness, imperfection, mistakes, flaws, non-sense and errors; let us mutually pardon and forgive each other our follies. For neither yourself nor myself is perfect. When you judge someone; hundreds of them will judge you back."

The day that we stop judging, stop hating, stop disliking, and stop discriminating others, will be the day that we really become humans.

For now, we are still worst than an animal. For hate blooms in our heart, jealousy sprouts in our mind, greed flourishes in our hands, evil lurks in our ears, wrath burns in our eyes, pride crown our head, lust flows in our blood, and ego pours out of our mouth.

And love for one another cease to exist in us.

‎"It wasn't all romantic. I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5 cent deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the seven miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna Hindu Temple." - Steve Job

Find someone who isn't afraid to admit that they miss you. Someone who knows that you're not perfect, but treats you as if you are. Someone whose biggest fear is losing you. One who gives their heart completely. Someone who says I love you and means it. Find someone you wouldn't mind waking up with you in the morning, seeing your wrinkles and your gray hair but still falls in love with you all over again.

‎"The word of wisdom is the lost property of the believer, so wherever he finds it he has a better right to it." - Abu Huraira

Everything around us is made up of energy. To attract positive things in your life, start by giving off positive energy.

It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.

Most people say 'everything happens for a reason.' But if you really think about it, will everything always have an explanation? Many times it's not apparent right away but as time goes on and you think about it you start to understand why certain things happened back when they did. Life is mysterious in that way.

"Most of my major disappointments have turned out to be blessings in disguise. So whenever anything bad does happen to me, I kind of sit back and feel, well, if I give this enough time, it'll turn out that this was good, so I shan't worry about it too much."

Life will surprise you in many unexpected ways. At the time you may not know why certain things aren't working out as you would have liked them too. But be patient my friends, everything has it's way for working out for the better.

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. - Mahatma Gandhi

Purpose of an examination should be to test the knowledge of the student; so that whatever skills and knowledge taught can be applied in the real world and for his or her future. The purpose should not be to memorise, manipulate, or be impractical; with no understanding or purpose. That makes human no different from robots; and defeats the purpose of education - Prof Ratna Suriya Jagadish

Open the windows of your heart and let your love flow through the eye’s of your soul, let your love put a smile on a pretty face, let your love fill an empty heart with your beauty, let your love fill an empty soul with your truth and your compassion. Always leave your heart open, and never close your soul. You are love, show others how much you care about them and how much you love them, show them how much you appreciate life and how you appreciate their heart. Be the truth, be yourself and nobody else, love unconditionally

Therefore, if you are offering your sacrifice or prayer at the altar and you remembered that someone or anyone has something against you, leave your gift or prayer at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift or prayer. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Love and forgive your enemies; if not, you won't be forgiven. - Saint Mattà

It takes two hands to clap. It takes two to make an argument or misunderstanding. One will always feel that they are correct or innocent or flawless regardless of what.

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.

‎"For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. It is in your heart and you shall fail to see it or acknowledge it. What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires and envy within you? But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. You will drown in your own poison"

‎"The good in others is always very difficult to see. And even if you spot some goodness here and there in others, it will never last. The jealousy, greed, hate, ethnocentrism, anger, lust, sloth, vanity, ego and pride destroys you silently. The day that we learn to see the goodness in others only, make us divine indeed. And no man is close to divinity yet."

Friendship is not how long u've been together, not how much you've given or received, not how many times u've helped each other, but it's how u "value" one another. When the value and genuine love for each other is gone; strangers would be the correct term.

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. If you are just an option or least important to others, then its time that you increased your pride as well. Have some dignity for yourself. Others action expresses their priorities. Never judge but neither must you end up unworthy"

‎"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. "~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

‎"Some of the best things, should be waited for. Time heals everything, and patience will allow us to accept reality better than we could have ever dreamed."

‎" Life is how you take it to be; take life to be hard, you face the tiredness; take it to be boring, you enjoy the yawning; take it to be lovely and worth living, you enjoy being loved, appreciated and long life."

‎"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The rich wants to become richer and sets in search for more wealth, money, and gold; as its always not enough. The poor becomes poorer in search of more wealth, money, and gold; as its their only thirst in life. He who is contented with copper vessels, dusty rags, and few coins shall be richer than anyone else who existed. For money can't buy true love, time, family, friends, care, and concern. He who keep seeking wealth shall seek dust at the end.

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

You cry over spilled champagne! Your complaints are not over the lack of necessities, but the abundance of benefits. You bellyache over the frills, not the basics. Over benefits not essentials. The source of your problem is your blessing. –Unknown

Friends are like Underpants...
* Some crawl up your butt
* Some snap under pressure
* Some don't have the strength to hold you up
* Some get a little twisted
* Some support you
* Some are your favorite
* Some are cheap and just get bent out of shape
* And some actually DO cover your butt when you need them to
* Some get stolen when drying laundry

‎"Friends" that are smiling for the sake of smiling; and talking for the sake of talking; laughing for the sake of laughing, and friending for the sake of friending; are equivalent to having an enemy.

The people who rejoices when you rejoice are the people that should surround you. But the people with a single ounce of jealousy, discomfort, pride, ego, anger, and irritation when you rejoice are the people that should never enter your circle. And the people with a single ounce of happiness at your dismay are the people that should never even exist in the first place.

"Don’t be so humble - you are not that great. Keep your ego in check before others check it for you." - Golda Meir

I'm a firm believer in this:
"Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places"
Cause life sure works in mysterious ways.

Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself. - Khalil Gibran

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person. - Audrey Hepburn

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. - Mohandas Gandhi

Behavior which appears superficially correct but is intrinsically corrupt always irritates those who see below the surface. But behavior in the human being is sometimes a defense, a way of concealing motives and thoughts, as language can be a way of hiding your thoughts and preventing communication. - Abraham Maslow

ஆழாக்கு அரிசி, மூழாக்குப் பானை, முதலியார் வருகிற வீறாப்பப் பாரும். அகத்தின் அழகு முகத்தில் தெரியும். மி்ன்னுவதெல்லாம் பொன்னல்ல.

‎"Wherever you turn, there is the face (glory) of God." ~ The Holy Al-Quran

Who is to decide on what is right and wrong? What is acceptable and unacceptable? What is holy and unclean? What is correct and taboo? Who sets the rule?

‎"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

‎"For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. It is in your heart and you shall fail to see it or acknowledge it. What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires and envy within you? But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. You will drown in your own poison" - Saint James

மூர்த்தி சின்னதானாலும் கீர்த்தி பெரியது.

“You must never conclude, even though everything goes wrong, that you cannot succeed. Even at the worst there is a way out, a hidden secret that can turn failure into success and despair into happiness. No situation is so dark, that there is not a ray of light."

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Emerson

‎"Whatever that comes from the hole in the upper part of my body are usually full of shit; so just ignore it and go with the flow. For none of the upper hole is linked to the heart but rather to the shitology department. So, never be awed but just laugh it off." - Sureshi Mukerjee

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. - Oprah

"See my anguish! My heart is broken and my soul is in despairs! People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. Some have heard of my distress; they rejoice." - Lamentations 1:22

I am seriously scared to see the true colours of people. The colours flow in forms that sadden and confuse me. I can never fully comprehend social intention and behaviours completely.

Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless. - Sri Krishna

‎"When you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die the world cries while you rejoice."

Enjoy your life today because yesterday had gone and tomorrow may never come – Alan Coren

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. - Sri Krishna

‎"Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination or your dedication to whatever you do. Give freely. Be self-controlled, sincere, truthful, loving, and full of the desire to serve. Learn to be detached and to take joy in renunciation. Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all. Cultivate vigor, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then, you will achieve your destiny." - Sri Krishna

Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do. - Orison Swett Marden

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is just like man's vanity, pride, ego and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.

Which man can navigate the direction without a compass like the birds, touch the bones of the ancestors to know whom that particular person is like the elephants, and be loyal and obedient without any form of conditional love like the canines.

‎"The good in others is always very difficult to see. And even if you spot some goodness here and there in others, it will never last. The jealousy, greed, hate, ethnocentrism, anger, lust, sloth, vanity, ego and pride destroys you silently. The day that we learn to see the goodness in others only, make us divine indeed. And no man is close to divinity yet."

‎"I maybe highly patient; maybe highly tolerant; and highly accommodating... But do not test my patience, tolerance and accommodation... Do not take my limits as your playground... The God within me knows how to preserve and also unleash" - Prof. Suresh Ragav

But when you measure yourself with another; and compare yourself with another; and except praises in comparison to another; and anxiously keep yourself in check with another; then you are not wise nor confident nor with understanding. - Saint Matthew

Neither should you take the strengths of others, and compare them to your weaknesses; nor should you take your strength and compare them with the weaknesses of others. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

No one is perfect. Humans can never be perfect and can never be correct all the time; they should not try to act perfectly. Flaws lies in all of us; and the refusal to see and accept it will lead to detrimental consequences.

ஏட்டுச் சுரைக்காய் கூட்டுக்கு உதவாது.
Uselessness.

It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect It's successful outcome. - William James

Engineering is where the semi-skilled workers realize the work of better minds. Engineering is where the semi-skilled laborers execute the vision of those who think and dream. Engineering is merely the slow, younger brother of science. Oompah-Loompahs of science. - Dr Sheldon Cooper

This is who I am. Nobody said you had to like it.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. Originality is a by-product of sincerity. We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. You were born an original. Don’t become a copy. I never wanted to be different; I just wanted to be me. Why live to please others? I mean, it’s your life. If you aren’t happy with it, what’s the use in living? To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.

Did you know that the people that seem the strongest are usually the most sensitive?~Did you know that the people who exhibit the most kindness are usually the first to get mistreated?~Did you know the ones who take care of others all the time are usually the ones that need it most?~Did you know the 3 hardest things to say are: I love you, I'm sorry, and Help me? Put this as your status, if u agree.

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - Saint Peters

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. - Saint John

Sometimes it's a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence. ~David Byrne

A man does not die of love or his liver or even of old age; he dies of being a man. Death is a debt we all must pay.

‎"These can never be true friends: Hope, dice, a prostitute, a robber, a cheat, a goldsmith, a monkey, a doctor, a distiller."

If you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work. - Khalil Gibran

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. - Khalil Gibran

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large. - Confucius

‎"I've made enemies... perhaps more than were necessary." - Klingon Darok

The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. And the eye sees things that the mind wishes to see. The mind is so powerful that it can manifest demons in front of you out of thin air or create euphoria from a candy or dense sense of doom from a simple spider. Its all in the mind.

‎"All of us suffer from Scotoma, an individual's inability to perceive personality traits in themselves that are obvious to others."

“Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life. If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted. If you continue to act as you have always acted, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind.”

Only our heart knows what our ill thinking is.
Only our heart knows our bad intentions.
Only our heart knows our envy, rage, pride, and hate.
Only our heart knows what harm we think for others.

You can cheat and deceive anyone but you can't cheat yourself and your heart.
Your ill thinking, bad intentions, envy, rage, pride, hate and harm that you assume to be absent from your heart; is actually rotting you inside out. Only upon self-reflection will you realise it.

The face is the index of the heart. You can deceive others with smiles, laughter, care ad concern. But your rotten heart will reveal itself sooner or later.

We are nearer loving those who hate us than those who really love us more than we wish or thought of. - Francois de La Rochefoucauld

‎"We are not studying for the sake of a piece of paper which says that I have a degree. But instead I am studying for the sake of knowledge of my interest. If it defeats the purpose of gaining knowledge or my interest and prioritises the aim of getting a paper; then we will be dumb and ignorant with or without that piece of paper with a seal!"

Sometimes it is just good not to worry about the past or the future.
Sometimes it is just good not to worry about what others think or say.
Sometimes it is just good to: "Don't give a damn"

Doing whatever that makes us happy for the long term is the key. Making ourselves and others upset is never going to help anyone or anything. Whatever that is meant to happen will happen. By worrying; the past is not going to rewrite itself. While the future is just going to end up in more blues.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” - Mahatma Gandhi

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. - Og Mandino

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. - Wayne Dyer

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. - Ayn Rand

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. - Maya Angelou

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. - Elbert Hubbard

‎"Each day has a color, and a smell." — Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Life has no meaning, but as humans we try to associate a meaning or purpose so we can justify our existence. - David Seaman

Look, if you want your relationship with to continue you're going to have to believe whatever wild-eyed cockamamie excuse the white devil has the nerve to offer you. - Dr Rajesh Koothrappali (Big Bang Theory)

Primates, such as ourselves, have a natural instinct to ostracize ill-mannered members of the troupe. Bernadette's urge to shun, scowl, or fling her waste at Priya is hardwired into our DNA. - Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler (Big Bang Theory)

Each of them have their opinions, judgements, persuasions, sentiments, thoughts, views, beliefs, and notions. Who are we to judge to tell them on what is right and wrong?

Each of them have their own reasons, considerations, circumstances, conditions, explanations, accounts, causes, grounds, reasons, vindications, exonerations and justifications. No one is right or wrong. Allowing each of them to carry on whatever they feel is right to do is the only way.Life is governed by karma, destiny, fate, retributive justice, inevitable consequence and nature. Every action will have its consequences.

We must respect the other fellow's religion, ethnic and beliefs; BUT only in the sense and to the extent that we respect his theory that his wife is beautiful and his children smart. - H.L. Mencken

"There is an extent of respect for others but that extent is smaller and least important than anything in this world as well. Many may not respect others theory, or acknowledge the beauty and eliteness of the wife or children; as much as they assume to be respecting." - Ramanathan Swami

Savala Bumi-yai Aanda Rajah-thi Rajaa-naana Arasanum Oru-Naal Aandi Aavaan. Antha Aandi-yuim Oru-Naal Arasan Aavaan. The greatest king who ruled the entire Earth may one day become a untouchable beggar; while an untouchable beggar may one day become a King who will rule the entire earth. Life is always about uncertainty. You will never know, when the great will fall; and when the fallen will rise. For you never know on what the future beholds.

Put forth the necessary efforts and then wait patiently. — Sri Mata Amrit Ananda Mayi Amma

I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of being subjected to ridicules of others, rather than to be false, and to be subjected to my own abhorrence or repulsion. - Frederick Douglass

It is not the quantity, cost, time, or speed but the quality of knowledge which determines the mind's dignity. - William Ellery Channing

ஆழம் பார்க்காமல் காலை விடாதே.

Don't step in the river without knowing its depth. Look before you leap into it.
Never underestimate others, both their goodness and their evil intentions. And never underestimate yourself, for you don't know how deep it can get.

Who am I to say what is right and what is wrong? Who am I to say who is right and who is wrong? Who am I to judge? Everyone do everything for a reason and who am I to judge?

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey

As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around. - Oprah Winfrey

The one who is closing the doors of hell; is unknowingly unleashing hell by leaving the windows of hell open. The one who is trying to put off the fire, is unknowingly adding more oil instead of water . - Sharma

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

Just like the snake that has poison only on it fang; is always falsely assumed that it has poison throughout its veins, body and blood. But only the snake knows its trail and its poison. And its first bite is never poisonous. - Sanskrit Proverb

‎"To understand everything is to forgive everything. However, you should not forgive anyone because you must not have a grudge against anyone in the first place. Remembering a wrong is like carrying a burden on the mind. The emphasis falls not on forgiving, but on the foolishness of taking offense in the first place." - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

When a person holds that he was insulted, assaulted, defeated, or robbed, his anger continues to increase. The anger such a person has no way of subsiding. The more he goes over his imaginary trouble the greater becomes his desire to avenge it. Living in human society, people often quarrel with one another. When such conflicts occur, people often keep thinking about the wrongs done to them by others. When that happens, their anger tends to grow. But in those who forgive and forget the wrongs done to them, anger quickly vanishes. They are then at peace. - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation. - Mark Twain

A people must have dignity and identity. If someone is 2nd class, its usually the bigots and chauvinist. - Andrew Goodman

It is not wealth one asks for, but just enough to preserve one's dignity, to work unhampered, to be generous, frank and independent. - W. Somerset Maugham

‎"Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so." — Noam Chomsky

‎"As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss." - Noam Chomsky

A day without laughter is a day wasted.
- Charlie Chaplin

‎"Hate, racism, religionism, and ethnocentrism maybe completely be absent from the lips; but if it exist in the mind and heart of the disgusted ones; then no sovereign lord or ruler can ever remove this disgust. From dust you were created and with disgust will you perish with your racism."

Murphy's Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
Yhprum's Law: Everything, that can work, will work.

Here lies my wife: here let her lie!
Now she's at rest – and so am I.
— John Dryden

‎"People think I am evil yet funny. Whatever that comes out from my mouth is never from the heart but its from the frontal lobe of my crazy brain, where jokes are created. My words may carry sarcasm, jokes, and taunts; but its never from the heart. No one will know this truth except God and myself. If I think harm or ill of you; I am not worthy to be a human. I feel. So, just continue to think that I am evil, for it doesn't matter" - Maximilian Elias Schultze

I have also seen children successfully surmounting the effects of an evil inheritance. That is due to purity being an inherent attribute of the soul.
- Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi

At 3 years old, we say "Mommy I love you."
At 10 years, "Mom whatever."
At 16 years, "My mom is so annoying."
At 18 years, "I'm leaving this house."
At 25 years,"Mom, you are right."
At 30 years, "I want to go to Mom's house."
At 50 years,"I don't want to lose my mom."
At 70 years, "I would give up everything to have my mom here with me."

‎"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." - Saint Luke

Therefore, if you are offering your sacrifice or prayer at the altar and you remembered that someone or anyone has something against you, leave your gift or prayer at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift or prayer. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Love and forgive your enemies; if not, you won't be forgiven. - Matthew 5:23

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. - Proverbs 14:13

The best way to know a man is to watch him when he is angry and when he is drunk. His true colours will be revealed. - Modified Hebrew Proverb

Our girls have learned that sweat is sexy, brawn is beautiful and a little dirt never hurt anyone. - Louise Slaughter

Harmony makes small things grow; lack of it makes great things decay. - Sallust

‎"The problem is I allow people to put chilli over my head and happily grind it using a stone. Then I allow them to spit on my face. And show them my left cheek when they slap my right cheek. And all I did was smile, laugh along with their taunts, and never boil up like a volcano. I should learn to. Everyone has feelings" - Shiva Raj Dev

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option”

“My peace is gone, my heart is heavy. Enjoy what you can, endure what you must. By seeking and blundering we learn.” - German Poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

‎"What God intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine. Turn your wounds into wisdom." - Oprah Winfrey

Behavior is what a man does, not what he thinks, feels, or believes. - Emily Dickinson

‎"Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you." - Saint Luke (Evangelist & Physician, 56-58 C.E.)

‎"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it." - Mother Teresa

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” - Bernard Meltzer

“Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.” - Sri Siddharta Gautama Buddha

‎"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." - Galatians 6:9

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

"you can sleep well, if you know that at least you did your very best" (Mother Teresa)

‎"Ours is a crazy world. We spend billions on what we call defence budgets. Billions. Obscene amounts. We know a small fraction would enable children everywhere in the world to have clean water to drink, enough food to eat, decent homes and affordable healthcare." - The Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I promise you: Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you. I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. - Joshua 1:3-9

A long time ago in a land far away I would change anything about myself for anyone at any moment. You don't like my clothes? Me neither, I'll go change them! You don't like my beliefs that make me who I am? Give me 5 minutes, I can change them! I didn't know who I was. I would sacrifice pieces of myself depending on who I was with. No longer. You are wonderful as it is. Don't sacrifice who you are for anyone. Be You.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. - 2 Chronicles 32:7

So be strong and courageous, put your hope in God! - Psalms 31:24

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”

‎"Stop leaving and you will arrive.
Stop searching and you will see.
Stop running away and you will be found."
- Lao Tzu

Each of them know how to live their own life. They will reap; what they sow. If they plant: drugs, stealing, alcoholism, gambling, lust, pleasure, and greed; then they will harvest its products accordingly. No one is an expert or knows the correct way to do so; so being judgemental can be detrimental. Ultimately, the happiest, healthiest, wealthiest, joyful and peaceful with true love for strangers are the winners.

If your life end up to be like dump; and you still keep assuring yourself that it is the best way to live and most enjoyable way ever; then watch your children to become exactly like you. The nurture and nature will produce a photocopy of you. If you are hesitant about that; then remove whatever filth you think is holy from your life.

‎"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" - Saint Paul

Without wearing any mask we are conscious of, we have a special face for each friend. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

‎"Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway."
- Mother Teresa

"Give the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway."
- Dr. Kent M. Keith

Don't call my name; only when you need my help.
Don't call my name; only when you need my advise.
Don't call me name; only when you need my treasures.
Friendship starts from the heart and not from what I have to offer.
I am not a super-mart of any kind. You rather be a stranger than be insincere

If there is something wrong in this world, its me.
If there is something that needs to change, its me.
If there is hate, anger, fury and discomfort, its because of me.
If there is one thing that need to change, that will be me.

The problem starts from within then from others.

For all you know, tomorrow might never come. Every moment on earth, live life to the fullest. Whatever time you have is yours, for tomorrow might never come. - Kal Ho Na Ho

There is no need for any special wonderful accomplishments in the world. It is a wonderful accomplishment to know yourself. Do not drag the negative past or future into the present. Understanding the possibilities of the present. It’s a skill useful for discovering the divine. - Sri Avalokitesvara Kuan Yin

‎"I love and accept myself exactly as I am. Many of us have been living under a very heavy mantle of guilt, feeling "not good enough" for whatever reason. I take back my power! I start by loving and accepting myself unconditionally." - Louise L. Hay

Fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind. ~ Dale Carnegie

‎"The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we must criticize ourselves. How much am I doing about my anger? About my attachment, about my hatred, about my pride, my jealousy? These are the things which we must check in daily life" - Dalai Lama

Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. - Albert Einstein

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." ~Mother Teresa

‎'you must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. that is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand. For all that is life.' - Krishnamurti

"Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life." ~ Shiro

‎"If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding." ~ Dalai Lama XIV

There comes a time in life when you have to let go of all the pointless drama and the people who create it and surround yourself with people who energizes and strengthen your heart and mind and who makes you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus solely on the good. After all, life is too short to be anything but happy.

‎"Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions." — Elizabeth Gilbert

Whether you are rich or poor, king or potter, never give importance and attention to money. If you think you are happy with whatever you have, then you are the richest king in the world. If you keep keep acquiring, saving, calculating, earning and treasuring money; you will forget to live and forget your family and friends. For, remember that money is the source of all evil and becomes extremely addictive.

‎"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." ~ Albert Camus

An insincere or an evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an insincere friend will wound your mind with a smile. - Lord Sri Buddha

Be in the mist of people who truly wants you around and not with those who smiles for the sake, laughs for the sake, talks for the sake and wounds you for the fate. - Lord Sri Rama

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” - Sri Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

‎"Be less of a judge and you will be surprised that when you become a witness and you don't judge yourself, you stop judging others too. And that makes you more human, more compassionate, more understanding." - Sri Osho

The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live. - Ayn Ran

‎"I don't give a freaking shit any more, everything happens for the bloodiest best reasons", this should be the ideal attitude...

‎"The mind will play tricks on you. The mind will tell you that you can't go any further. The mind will tell you how much it hurts. The mind will tell you these things to keep you from reaching your goals. You have to see past that and turn it all off if you are going to get where you want to be. " - Michael Jordan

A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror. ~ Ken Keyes, Jr.

Friendship is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything. - Muhammad Ali

You've got to keep your finger on the pulse of what your audience is thinking, and know what they'll accept from you. - Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)

God have written our fate on our forehead. No one has the power to change his fate; except we ourselves. But when re-writing our fate; we screw up more than what God has actually screwed up for us. Your wits ends your fate in the dump. Everything needs to come to an end one day.

Everyone has their own opinion and point of view. No one is right and no one is wrong. Everyone is right and wrong. But, ultimately, the one who is the happiest, fittest, peaceful, healthiest and most pure in heart is correct.

They shall reap what they sow. Horror, confusion, troubles, problems, quarrels, hate and dislike they sowed; loss in peace and happiness will they reap.

The progress of recovery of the heart, soul and mind will be hindered by these great negative energies and problems that surrounds. They don't know what they are dealing with; they are worsening things. They shall reap what they sow.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without
expecting to get anything back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. God does not know those who kill in his name. For those who raise the sword will die by the sword.

The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around. Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing. ~ Larry Dossey

“Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts.” - Sri Paramahansa Yogananda

‎"The things that come most quickly into your life are the things that you BELIEVE in the most. You can bring to you only what you BELIEVE, so you must BELIEVE to receive what you want." - Daily Law of Attraction (The Secret)

‎"Love is missing if understanding is missing and if hate prevails. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." - First Corinthians of Paul

Taxi... Taxi...

2011-01-19T21:34:00.001+08:00

Sitting in the car, I was waiting at the corner of the street. And what I witnessed shocked me.

A young women, who was seemingly educated, office-dressed, elegant, with expensive accessories, and elite-looking was waiting for a taxi... I was several feet away from her... The first taxi came and stopped, the driver was Malay, and she suddenly started to give that "irritated" expression on her face and told the taxi to leave... I comprehended the situation, on why she dismissed it off... The taxi was not Mercedes, so no extra charges involved. And also the driver did not roll down his window to ask where she is going and whether he is heading towards that direction or not... No exchanges of words at all. She just signalled him to leave using her hands...

Then she stopped another taxi... Unluckily, it was an Indian, this time round... And she gave a more "annoyed" expression and told the taxi to leave again using her hand signals... Then when the taxi left, she rolled her eyes... This was getting interesting...

Then, my mum got in, and it was time for us to get moving... But I told my dad to wait... I want to observe, whether she is suffering from some kind of psychiatric disorder, which involves stopping taxis again and again... maybe... I have seen people constantly waving the bus to stop, but at the end, they will stand at the bus stop for hours, well dressed and prepared to go to office... but they will never board any of the bus for hours... then they will return home... A sad obsessive compulsive disorder indeed...

Then about 5 minutes later (yes, i wasted 5 mins), another taxi came... this time, the driver was Chinese and she happily got into the taxi and left... I looked at my dad... My dad looked at me... I raised my eye brow and said: "drive dad, we can happily go now, she has a sociological, psychological and all other logical problems! Haha!"

I can just imagine how she will raise her kids... this is the world we live in... And we have to accept it as it is... we cannot aspect people to change for us... if something needs to change in this world, it will be ourselves... from that I learned that she does not need to change but i need to, i need to tolerate these things and accept it for what they are... years and decades and centuries may change, but human nature remains the same... from the beginning till today... and that is the world I witness... Not everyone are like that, but some or maybe most of them are like this... thats the world...

It happened in the MRT once and now it is the taxi... I LOVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT!

Lesson Learned: My Name Is Ramesh

2011-01-16T16:04:00.000+08:00

During the usual religious conflict between the Indian Hindus and Indian Muslims. Rizwan Khan, an autistic boy, witnessed some of his Muslim neighbours swearing, cursing and plotting a attack on the Hindus as a revenge for the damages that they have done. After overhearing their conversation, his ever intelligent mind instantly catches those swearing words and he started to repeat it again and again. Turning back from his balcony into his home, he kept spewing the hate-filled abuses he's just heard in the streets below, without knowing its meaning.

His mother was shocked at the words he was mumbling. So, she stopped him and attempted to erase that moment and make him learn a valuable lesson that will be imprinted into his mind forever. She took a piece of paper and started to draw two match-stick figures, one angry man with a cane and another nice man with a lollipop. She asks Rizwan to pick out who's the Hindu and who's the Muslim from the picture.

Rizwan Khan (An Autistic Child): "Can't tell the difference... both are the same... But the man with the lollipop is good and the one with the cane is bad... But I can't tell, who is Muslim and who is Hindu?!"

Razia Khan (Muslim Mother of an Autistic Child): "Yes. Remember one thing, son. There are only two kinds of race, only two kinds of faith, and only two kinds of people in this world. The first kind, are the "Good People" who do good deeds, like those who give you lollipops. And the second kind, are the "Bad People" who do bad deeds, like those holding the canes to beat people. That's the only difference in human beings. There's no other difference. For God's love has its own ways, different from that of Man's. Understood?! What did you understand? Tell me?!"

Rizwan Khan (An Autistic Child): There are only Good people. And Bad people. No other difference. No other difference. No other difference among human beings.

And that remains the most important lesson of Rizwan Khan's life which a mumbling, fumbling, awkward, socially inept hero carries like a golden talisman through his monumental life. One which simply says: the world is divided into good men and bad men. Race, religion, language and colour are what Man created, as more reasons, to hate each other. But in truth, there are only two kind of people: good and bad. No other differences matter. Isn't that a lesson we'd like everyone to learn, especially in a world were there are hate, terrorism, conflicts, war and biasness.

“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. The tongue like a sharp knife, It kills without drawing blood” - Lord Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

"We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another" - Anglo-Irish Essayist and Dean of St. Patrick's - Jonathan Swift, 1667 to 1745

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - French Child Prodigy and Mathematician - Blaise Pascal, 1623 to 1662

"Men will quarrel noisily or angrily for religion, write for it, fight for it, die for it; anything but live for it!" - English Cleric and Writer - Charles Colton, 1780 to 1832

"Religious wars tend t be extra furious. When people fight over territory for economic advantage, they reach the point where the battle isn't worth the cost and so compromise. When the cause is religious, compromise and conciliation seem to be evil!" - American Social Ethnic Prof Roger Shinn

Textbooks are just books!

2011-01-12T01:36:00.000+08:00

We made the headlines. Now, if I visit India and tell them I am from “Singapore”, they will no longer respond by asking: “Sri Lanka?”, nor will the Canadians go: “Somewhere in China?”. Now, everyone will know us very well, especially the East Asians. We made the headlines for the wrong reasons:

Malaysia: dangerous decline, lack of competent leadership, and incompetent

Thailand: corruption and very erratic

Japan: big fat loser, bad leadership and lack of vision

India: stupid friends

Korea: psychopathic and flabby old chap

Myanmar: stupid

But I feel enlightened, because no one is perfect and no one can hide the truth for long. I thought, Malaysia was kindly providing us with food and water?! Thailand was our nearest holiday destination?! We copied many things from Japan?! Didn’t we?! Indians are stupid?! Then why the whole IT, engineering and bank industry is flooded by Indian Ocean PRs?! Koreans are old and psychopath?! They can launch their missiles very well and very far, you know!

I thought I remembered a word that was continuously being howled into our ears in Social Studies classes, on “transparency”, “transparency”, and “transparency”. The importance of mutual respect, bilateral relationship, neutrality, and all other Swiss-made policies and attitudes, especially transparency. Isn’t it alarming that those who preached such things, are doing the opposite. What is the word that I am looking for?! Oh yes, it is “pharisaical”.

I love that word “pharisaical”. In the ancient times, decidedly-important, highly-ranked, and priestly-honoured classed scholars are known as “Pharisees”. These Pharisees seat in high thrones like great leaders, with head dresses and gown that deemed them as perfect and holy. Therefore all the things they say, others do and observe, but they themselves do not do it according to what they utter, for they say but do not perform. They bind up heavy loads and put them upon the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger. So they are known to be full of hypocrisy, lies, falseness and lawlessness.

However, why suddenly the truth becomes so painful and must be hidden. Isn’t it justice that “truth will never fail?” I think it is really time to update our social studies textbook.

KFC Only Serves Bacon!

2011-01-07T23:50:00.003+08:00

I was reading through the sociology book and realized so many interesting facts about us that I have never really thought about. It seems that racism and biasness seems genetically imprinted into us by our ancestors. The environment and people, in which we grow in, further swirls the genetic pool and our behaviour into a potent Hitler. I feel there is a Hitler in every single one of us. We judge the book by its cover, and we see the color before we hire, blood become thicker than water, while religion starts killing than saving.

Stereotyping, ethnocentrism (superiority), classing, caste-ing and ethnic cleansing have become so typical of us, humans. We become so protective of our own race or ethnicity or religion that we become partial and highly intolerant. We start to link certain characteristics with certain group of people like terrorism or slavery. We start to judge other groups in the basis of superiority like cleanliness and habits. We start to separate the fat from the milk and create caste system for ourselves. And when things get too messy, we start cleanse our ethnicity with blood, terror and expulsion.

Recently, I came across this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io_HLVYN37s) of: “A worker at a KFC restaurant in Sydney been suspended after he was filmed screaming vicious insults and threatening to attack a customer who mindlessly demanded for bacon in his burger in a Halal certified branch”. Beside the fact that the young employee needs counselling and anger management for behaving so violently and harshly at the customer. I would also strongly feel that the mindless foolhardy customer who demanded for pork in a Halal branch needs primary school education or at least some basic IQ or whatever “Q” in order to know what basic moral ethics are or tolerance are?! It was stated in the news that: “The violent outburst happened at a Halal-friendly KFC in Punchbowl on December 26, allegedly after a customer became angry after being refused bacon on their burger. The employee may have been harassed by the customer before his meltdown.”

However, the comments written below the YouTube video was highly disturbing as well. Religion and race was dragged into this issue and the comments were clearly gratuitous. Who is the real terrorist here? It’s simple, they start the fire and pour a small amount of oil, and let it burn, and when it becomes a wild fire, they blame the trees. Who is the real terrorist here? The trees or the fire maker? The comments written at the bottom of the video were horrifying. I will never blame the Australians fully nor will I blame the immigrants fully. Both have their specific role in burning down the forest. The religious clerics, in the society there, are questioning and being ethnocentric on how the other people live their life and how sinful they are. On the other hand, this small comments sparked great anger among the majority and they start to cleanse their country with intolerance. And this intolerance is seems as oppression and other countries and terrorist groups start to respond. And chaos and horror results.

And some are commenting on the fact that or judging the point on: “not consuming pork” is crude. Who are we to judge what is appropriate and what is not? It’s sinfully delicious to eat beef and snakes in China but blasphemous and sinful to kill those animals in India. The monkey brain eaters find the snail eater disgusting, while the snail eaters find the snake eaters as pathetic. But who are we to judge what is right and what is wrong? And for goodness sake, wasn’t it clearly stated 3522 years ago by the same “God of the Christians” that eating swine was not acceptable. Wasn’t it stated in Leviticus? So God is being unreasonable to create such laws for the Jews and Muslims?! So, now, God is wrong.

And the outrageousness becomes more horrible when man try to become God by investigating the matter again, in another video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY7ho1rdYQk). I think this mindless person has never gone out of his country before. Asia and Middle East is booming with totally Halal KFC Branches. Practically, all the branches in my region are Halal. So, he is very shocked that KFC is Halal and how can they be Halal when they are an American company. Yes, almost all the big companies are American but they are all “Made in China” or “Made in Asia” most of the time or actually all the time. So, is he going to eat only thing that grow out of Western people? Or watch TV or wear shirt that are solely made by Westerners? He rather be a caveman in that case, for he can only be chewing on wheat and potato for the rest of his life with no clothes. Mr Kentucky is from America, he argues. Well Ronald MacDonald and his fellow super heroes are from which country or planet then? He also added that he comes to this place because this is the only place where he does not need to eat Halal food?! What is he blubbering about, that branch has been Halal for almost one and half a year now, and now he is being dramatic and a big fat lier who is craving trans fat?! So a KFC customer each must be given a video of how a chicken is slaughtered, because he needs to know how it is done?! Halal chicken is disgusting he said? I do not remember based on my food science knowledge that the taste of the chicken or any other properties changes when an animal is slaughtered based on religious manners.

When intolerance gets out of hand, cleansing of our land begins. A person who does not know how to respect other people’ belief, both the religious clerics of the minority and the mindless majority, have no sense of being a developed nation or democratic or having morality or ethics of any kind. There is so much wisdom around, and yet none is followed when race or religion is involved. They rather kill a person of another faith then listen to what their own faith is teaching in the first place.

The wisdom of the world is so clear but the action of the men is never according to the wisdom, but rather, the wisdom is used wrongly to kill and spill blood. Gospels and Hebrew Bible clearly states the single greatest commandment is that, you must “love your neighbour as yourself”. In addition, “you must continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, and to pray for those who are insulting you”. Under no circumstances you must “lift a sword again a nation or learn war for any reason”. If someone “strikes you on one cheek of your face, you must never strike back, but instead offer the other cheek also”. And if someone “takes away your outer garment, do not hurt him back but rather give your undergarment also”. You should never “take revenge or vengeance against those doing evil to you nor must you rage war against anyone”. Never must you verbally abuse anyone, as the “one speaking thoughtlessly stabs others with sword”. You must be “peaceable with all men including your enemies”. If “your enemy is hungry, you must feed him, if he is thirsty, you must give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head”. Allow “those persecuting you and pray for them”. You must “forgive your brother and your enemies”. You must not murder, nor must you cause the death of an unborn child, and you need to root out of your heart any hatred or violence or war, and by no means cause harm to your own body for the sake of pleasure.”. Before, Jesus died he left an important message of love and removal of war and terror. A great crowd came to arrest Jesus. So, one of Jesus’s apostles reached out for his sword and struck the ears of one of them, whom came to arrest him. Then Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels to protect me?" And he touched the ear of his enemy and healed him and warned that killing will lead to nothing. By no means must you create war or even learn war.

According to the Holy Quran, it teaches peace, the Al-Ma'ida states that: "For that cause We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and who so save the the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. Our messengers came unto them of old with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), but afterwards lo! many of them became prodigals in the earth." (Quran 5:32). "You shall not kill * GOD has made life sacred * except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand.” (Quran 6:151).

In the Jewish Tanakh (or Christian Hebrew Bible), it is mentioned that wars must cease. By no means must you murder, suicide, sacrifice or kill anyone. It is written that: One who strikes a man so that he actually dies is to be put to death without fail. And one who strikes his father and his mother is to be put to death without fail. And one who calls down evil upon his father and his mother is to be put to death without fail. And in case men should struggle with each other and they really hurt a pregnant woman and her children do come out but no fatal accident occurs, he is to have damages imposed upon him without fail according to what the owner of the woman may lay upon him; and he must give it through the justices. But if a fatal accident should occur, then you must give soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, branding for branding, wound for wound, blow for blow. Similarly, in Islam, the Qisas is in practise. It is written that when dealing with murder - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. If one is pardoned by the victim's kin, an appreciative response is in order, and an equitable compensation shall be paid. Anyone who transgresses beyond this incurs a painful retribution.

In the Indian Religions (Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains) - Ahimsa (the avoidance of violence) and Yoga (control) must be strictly practised by all Indian/Dharmaic Religions. Non-violence is one of five essential virtues required by the holy books. It is the most important rule of conduct that bans the killing or injuring of any living beings or things, including man and animals. Therefore, war, hunting, self-injury, killing, fighting, terrorism, sacrifices and injuring of lives are strongly forbidden. Vegetarianism must be strongly practised. Non-violence and vegetarianism are said to be merited by good Karma and delays punishments and to escape from the cycle of reincarnation. Killing of souls, both animal and man, are criticized by Hindu texts and Hindu influenced religions like Hinduism (world’s largest vegetarian society) Buddhism (most encouraged vegetarians) and Jainism (world’s most strictest and purest vegetarians). Self-protection, divine interference and severe punishment are the only means of violence allowed and it will still carry the bad Karma (actions and deeds) along it with several births in the future. The price of soul is sin and that curse will follow you on every birth until rectified. While, Taoism also teaches non-violence, as in the Taoist concept of wu-wei, or effortless. The calming of the mind and soul is a well known in China.

The wisdom of the world is clear. The human mind is not.

New Year

2011-01-07T21:46:00.001+08:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful and beautiful New Year. May peace, prosperity, health, wealth, joy, happiness and abundance fill 2011.

New Year is like every other day, there is no sudden pause in the universe nor is there a sudden magical moment occurring, BUT we have made this day special and sanctified this day to refresh ourselves, turn over a new leaf, and to forgive and forget the past. 2010 will be ending soon, let the dead past end with it. If you have not cherished your family, friends, enemies, neighbours and pets, it is the time to do so from 2011 onwards. Haha.

Others do not need to change, the world around us does not need to change, God does not need to change; the only think that needs to change is we ourselves. If we can judge ourselves and improve, rather than blaming the world around us, the earth will be a much better place to live in. Therefore, forgive everything that happened in the past and in the present. Forgive everyone including yourself, for no one is perfect. Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and have no enemies, and let each New Year find a better person in you. Hatred and biasness alone can be detrimental. An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. We can choose what we want to be.

Do not judge others based on their gender, language, race, colour, or religion. Ultimately, we are all humans, and at one point we came from the same set of people / creatures / East Africans / or currently revealed Israelites. Haha. Whatever it is, always put on a smile and always be happy.

As I always like to use this quotation: “Whatever has happened is for the good. Whatever is happening is for the good. Whatever is going to happen is for the good as well.” And “Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you. And everything will be more than fine.”

End of long crappy story. Happy New Year Everyone.
From: Ramesh and Family

Nurse without Wings in the MRT

2010-10-06T19:23:00.005+08:00

Nurse (angel) without wings

A "well- english educated" chinese old man was talking to his friend in the MRT. He was wearing a big engraved gold Guan Yin and Buddha locket on his neck. A beautiful gold enclosed Buddha bracelet on his wrist (NICE!).He started talking about his daily visit to the temple and that he is very pious and that he even visits the temple when he was very ill. He was talking softly, but my big ears could detect every sentence he was saying. haha. Then the topic changed. He started to talk about Indians. haha. He said, he have nothing against Indians, but he just plainly don't like them. I did not over-react, as I myself don't like / dislike Indians. haha. (Oops). He was saying Indians are like this and that and he simply just don't like them. He never insulted them. But he just don't fond them. And so on. Then, there was this beautiful, hot, young Chinese nurse (in uniform) standing in front of him reading a magazine. She was listening to every sentence that guy was saying. So she continued to listen. Even though he was talking very softly. So, he went on and on. THEN, the beautiful chinese nurse went close to him and said very softly and gently:

"Hi uncle, sorry to interrupt you. Don't mistaken me. Just to let you know. The Buddha and Guan Yin in your locket and bracelet, they are both Indians. Both of them were born in India more than 2000 years ago. How can you dislike Indians when you are wearing images of two Indians all over your body. And how can you be visiting the temple and bowing your head to Indians everyday, when you dislike them? Hmm... Its contradicting. Just felt like sharing with you! Sorry about that. Don't mistaken me. Have a good day." IN A SUPER SOFT and SWEET tone. AND SHE GOT DOWN FROM THE TRAIN at Yew Tee. My JAWs almost fell apart and my friend was laughing and laughing so loudly. My goodness. DID THAT HAPPEN?! I peep my head outside to see whether that nurse had some wings or halo over her. NAaH... She was human... haha...THAT OLD MAN was so shocked and embarrassed. He was brain dead for a minute. He had that "million dollar" look on his face! Then his friend turned to him and asked him in mandarin: "Buddha and Guan Yin shi yindu ren meh...., shi meh....?".No answer! haha! And the look on that man's face was CLASSIC. (I was like, MY GOD, they are praying to Gods without knowing who and where they are from. For God sake, both Buddha and Guan Yin are clearly born in India, all their history and myths and sutras and holy books are in Indian languages for God sake. And the dot on their forehead is so obvious in any Chinese temple.) Oh my goodness. He looked like as though he was on DRUGS or just woke up from a grave. His mouth was open in great shock-ness. And he was so embarrassed. Luckily, train got some people. My friend and I were laughing and laughing and laughing. Haha. We did not stop laughing until Yishun. haha.

Ignorant people. Don't like Indians but worship Indian Gods born in India?! haha!

you must see his face la... oh my goodness... as though someone slapped his face... haha... that nurse is shoik! haha! and i love the phrase she used: How can you dislike Indians when you are wearing images of two Indians all over your body. And how can you be visiting the temple and bowing your head to Indians everyday, when you dislike them?classic la she... angel without wings... haha..and she said it so nicely and sweetly seh

Love Is Blind

2010-06-21T14:52:00.001+08:00

This memoir is long, but it is worth reading. Read it, when you are free. This is not a fictional or made up story, but a true life event that occurred within the month of June 2010 in India. It can never get any real than this. And please note that this is not about a rich or famous man but about a typical average person and his short experience.

My teenage nephew Dharma Eng is studying in India right now. And this is his write up, his account and his conversation with a particular person that I was referring to. I have edited it slightly to allow the story to flow well and I am acting as a medium to share this wonderful story with you.

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As written by Dharma Eng (June 2010):

A Random Love Story

It was an average Saturday morning, where as usual I had to attend chemistry classes at my campus. But there was something special about that day that really made me think. It made me think about whom to trust and whom not to.

It all started about a few days back, during recess period, where my friends and I went off to our usual hang out place. The Selva’s Tea Stall. I got to admit that when I was living in Malaysia and Singapore, and when I saw Indian movies whereby India’s teenage boys would spend hours in the tea stall / café, just hanging out, talking rubbish, wasting time and so on, I thought it was a very stupid way of passing time. However, ever since I came to India, I understood that it was not a wasteful or past time activity but rather a culture in which it has been passed down from time to time and from generation to generation. Thus, it can’t be change! So like the famous saying: “If you can’t beat them, then join them”. That’s exactly what I did and to my surprise I liked it. Getting back to my story, on that Saturday, while hanging out in the tea stall, we noticed this stranger (new character to my story) sitting down beside the tea stall and staring at our bikes on the other side of the road for a very long time. My friend (Hari) got very agitated by the man’s action and went over to him and asked: ”You seem to be staring at my bike for a long time, is there something wrong with it???”.

The man answered in a very polite tone: ”sorry, but I’m blind”. Every one of us was frozen for a second in shame. My friend apologized for his rude behavior and introduced himself and us to the stranger or as we found out his real name was as Kathir. But our first impression on him was not the best as he went off even without saying a word or accepting the apology. Sadly, we had no time to go and beg for his forgiveness as we could not afford to miss chemistry class on that day or it would have been the end of us. So we forgot about this small incident that took place and left for campus. But who knew the end of this small incident is the beginning of a wondrous love story.

The next day, as usual, during recess period, we went off to our favorite hangout place, the tea stall. Ironically, our group spends 90% of our recess period in the tea stall and it’s like there is no other place that you can go to that is nearby our campus as well. So while having our tea, we were casually recalling our experience yesterday with Mr. Kathir, the blind stranger. We were casually joking about him and recalling the event: “And Hari asked Kathir (a blind man) what he was staring at? I mean for goodness sake, he is a blind man, what could he be staring at????”. As we were giggling about the incident, the stall owner told us that it was rude to laugh at a man’s retardation, but we still couldn’t stop laughing. But a while later, we noticed that Kathir was walking with his blind stick towards the tea stall and us. I told everyone to shut up as he was about 10 feet away from us. He seemed to be in a happy mood today compared to yesterday. Therefore, we went over and offered tea to him. To our surprise, he accepted our offer and started introducing himself to us. It seems that his name was Kathir as I mentioned earlier, he was 25 and he was a graduate with a Masters of Science in Mathematics. That is when a thought struck me: “how did he manage to finish his MSc Degree in Maths, if he was blind???”. “That was stupid and impossible”, I accidently blubbered out loudly. Everyone turned and stared at me with a weird look on their faces which I can’t express in words. Kathir asked me “what was so stupid about that???”, with his tone increasing. I told him nothing but then asked him in a friendly manner about how he had finished his MSc if he was blind?!

He answered that question with a simple answer but more questions arose from that one answer. He told us that he had been blind for only about 4 months now. Besides that, he also said in a very ironic manner that “Love is Blind”. We were shocked and puzzled and at the same time sorry for him. However, time passed quickly ever since we had started this conversation and we had to go back to our campus. So we told him that we got to go and we will meet him later on. But even though we left the tea stall, many question about Kathir still remained unanswered. The thought about him distracted me throughout class that day. There was something about him that remained as an enigma or mystery. In Mr. Kathir, there is simply more to him then what meets the eye and that is when I decided to sneak out of my French class and went to meet him.

It seemed that he was living within the church grounds according to the tea stall owner. So I went to the nearby church. I noticed Father Stephan (pastor) and asked him about Kathir. He told me that he himself did not know much about Kathir. According to him, Kathir had arrived about a week earlier and surrendered himself to the church. So that is when I realized that the only person who could answer the questions in me was Kathir himself. Father Stephan brought me to Kathir’s room and knocked his room door a few times. A sad and disturbed voice answered “Who is it??”. ”It’s me, Father Stephan” said the pastor. Kathir answered: “come in Father! What a surprise!!!”. Father Stephan introduced me to Kathir but it seemed as he still remembered me from our conversation earlier on. It was like about only 2 hours since we last met, so it is not possible for him to forget me.

How can he forget THE GREAT DHARMA ENG in 2 hours?! Ironically, he forgot my name but he remembered our conversation. The Father left the both of us in the room as he had something on. After the Father left, there was pure, undisturbed silence in the room. It was then where I braced myself and asked him the question that needed to be answered. What did he mean by ”love is blind”?

I finally found the guts to ask him about what he had meant by that. I noticed the change in his look and face. It was an unexplainable change. Once again the room was filled by silence. He finally started talking about it 15 minutes later. It seemed that his native was from Chennai, the main district in Tamil Nadu (South India). He was an orphan from birth, who grew up in an orphanage somewhere in Kodampakkam (Chennai). He told me in a very emotionally aggressive yet sad tone that: “24 years of my life, I had grown up looking after myself, with no one to love or care for me, no one to share my joys or my sorrows with, 24 whole years it has been but everything changed then when she came into my life”. He stopped. I noticed a sudden change of tone in his speech, and he was unable to control it anymore. He was losing himself to great sorrow and despair. I told him to let it all out and he would feel much better after it.He continued. Victoria was her name. He didn’t tell me about her origins so I figured that it wasn’t important. Hence I didn’t bother to ask but there was this interesting fact about her that amazed me. SHE WAS BLIND. HE had met her somewhere in the slums selling flowers for a living. He told me: ”There is something about her that made me go Woo Haa”. I knew at that instant that it was her and she is the one meant for me”.

He said at the very moment he went to her and introduced himself to her and proposed to her. Like any average Indian girl would say, she replied ”seerupu pinjirum” (don’t make me use my slippers on you till they tear). But he never gave up hope. At the end, she finally accepted him for who he was and fell in love with him. (As usual, being Indians, with Bollywood in the blood, there were romantic scenes, song-like dances and fight-like scenes in their relationship). Like a normal love couple they went around many places like theaters, beaches, parks and etc. But Kathir said that every time that he would say something about the scenery, her face would change. This disturbed him a lot. One day Kathir brought her to the eye specialist. After running a few test on her eye, they told him that the only way for her to get her sight back is through an eye transplant.” I still remember the day when it happened like it was yesterday”, he said.

”TRIIING…..TRIIING…….” the phone rang. Victoria had picked up the phone and said hello. “Is this the residence of Kathir?”. “Yes” she replied. It was a call from the eye hospital. They told her that they had found a suitable donor that matches her perfectly. Victoria was excited about this news. She quickly informed Kathir about this matter and he was also excited for her. Victoria was asked to come to the hospital as soon as possible. Victoria and Kathir left to the hospital in a cab.

Once in the hospital, they admitted her in a ward and prepared her for the surgery tomorrow. Tomorrow was not that far away, and it was time for her surgery. The doctors came into the ward and took her away for surgery. On the way to Operation Theater, she asked the doctors to stop as she had something to say to Kathir:”Please make sure that you are the first person I see when I get my eye sight back!”.

Kathir replied saying: “Yes I will be the first person, but there is something I must tell you about before you have this surgery. But I am not going to. Plus I am not like what you expect me to be like”. She didn’t understand what he meant. That was all he could say before the doors of the operation room shut. The operation ended 15 hours later. It took Victoria about 2 days to step out of partial coma. The moment of truth was here, she finally came to her senses. The doctor declared that her bandages are fit to be removed. The first thing that she could ask is whether Kathir was in the room with her right now? Kathir answered “Yes, my dear. I am here for you”. After assurance, she allowed the doctor to remove the bandage, so that Kathir is the first one she sees.

The doctor removed the bandage and started to check her eyes. ”Ok….good….good….now that’s all. Congrats Miss Victoria! You are no longer going to have sight as a disadvantage in you. You can perfectly see now”. But that didn’t make her satisfied as she longed to see her savior and her lover, Kathir!!”. ”I’m here my dear” said Kathir. She slowly turned towards the gentle masculine voice. ”IS that you???”She asked at a tall handsome man wearing shades. ”Yup that’s me”. She was overwhelmed by joy, but at the same time wondered why is he wearing sunglasses indoors?”. Kathir interpreted and said: ”Hmmm… About that! I wanted to tell you this earlier but there was no opportunity. I’m also blind like you or better put it this way, like you use to be” with a sarcastic laugh. But the feeling was not mutual. Victoria felt betrayed. She couldn’t believe that she fell in love with another blind guy. But there was one thing she was sure about, that she didn’t love him anymore, because he cheated her and did not mention that he was blind like her, all these while”. She was very upset that she was in a close relationship with a blind person.

The next day, the doctor declared that she was fit to be discharged. Victoria finished packing her stuff and left with Kathir to the lobby to settle the bills. As they were walking down the stairs, there was dead silence between them. Victoria was thinking about how to break up with this blind man. It was then where it happened. Victoria broke the silence. She confessed to Kathir that she was no longer the same person he used to know and that she no longer wished to be together with him. Kathir could not take the disappointment. Kathir said: “Even at that moment I felt like giving Victoria a piece of my mind. But there was nothing that I could have done. It was all over.” Kathir had left Victoria. And Victoria has dumped Kathir at that very moment and left. She felt cheated and disturbed that another handicap was in love with her. Kathir answered in a very simple manner: ”ok….fine….if that is your decision then you will have my well wishes and love always.”

Kathir wrote a note and gave to the nurse, told the nurse to give Victoria and he left. I asked Kathir “What did you write in that note???”. Kathir said what he wrote in the note was the amount of love he had for Victoria. That his love was truly blind. The only thing that could make his love lives on forever. The thing that made his love larger than anything else in this world. He wrote the following in the note to Victoria:

Dear Victoria,
Please take good care of my eyes that I have given you.

Yours truly,
Kathir

*THE END*

I was puzzled to hear this story. After telling his life story, Kathir was no where to be found after few days. And more sorrows lies in him. I went searching for him, but I couldn’t find him. And this is what he meant by “love is blind”.

By Dharma Eng
June, 2010

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A man brought up as a lonelyorphan and lived a miserable life became successfully and attained his Masters. However, to remove his life long sorrow and loneliness, he found himself a blind and poor girl as his lover. He cherished her company and she meant everything to him, as a companion is the greatest blessing for an orphan. He was deeply in love with this slum girl and was faithful to her and his world revolved around her. He became so sad by her disadvantage of being blind. He felt extremely disturbed by her disability and made many arrangements to get her cured, even though he was poor and orphan himself. He brought her to a doctor and realized that eye transplant can help her but also realized that eye donation is very rare in India. And in the name of unconditional true love and love that blinded him, he gave his own eyes to the blind lover of his. He never told her a single word about this arrangement or that he was the donor. Well knowing that he have to spend his entire life as a blind person, he was willing to compel the doctor to take his eyes even though he was still alive. But upon getting her sight back, Victoria was surprised to see a blind man. She felt that she has fallen in love with a guy who was blind like her before. She felt betrayed that a blind man was cheating and leading another blind all these while. And within minutes, she rejected and crushed him. And he, who cannot take another loss like this, was out of words. He did not argue or explain or force her into explaining. But rather, he simply blessed her and told her that any discussion you make that will make you happy, will also make me happy. And all he did was to leave her a note to the nurse saying: “regards and take care of my eyes” and now he is living as a blind stranger in a lonely church. And currently, he is nowhere to be found. He thought that love is blind, and his own eyes were not important as his lover’s happiness, but his lover felt that eyes are more important and when her eyes opened, her love was no longer blind and it started to see the imperfection. People may feel that Kathir is stupid to do such thing. But like he said, love is blind but his love was truly unconditional love that great saints like Mother Theresa showed. Well knowing that his world will become dark and he will lose everything and anything if he was handicap, he still wanted to make his lover happy. –End-

Quirky World Of Odd Cultures

2009-12-01T15:01:00.002+08:00

We Live In A Quirky World Of Odd Cultures and Social Psychology

In Guam, an island in the Western Pacific Ocean, has very enthralling law. The law prohibits a woman from marrying while she is a virgin. Therefore, a women who wants to get married will sometimes hire a man (gigolo in some sense) to deflower them. Once the official deflowering has taken place, she is fit to lawfully marry someone. If this law was made public to all nations, most man will start to migrate to Guam immediately, as soon as the news hits their ears and pants. A very interesting culture indeed. This is very common in the Western empire as freedom, openness and liberty is highly expressed in the European and American societies. Reports show that some of them had sexual intercourse with dozen of people before they even reach the age of 15 and some 21.

In Turkey and many other closed and strict Islamic and Vedic (Hindu) societies, the law is opposite indeed. A woman is strictly expected to be a virgin until she is married and until very recently, due to medical advances, some even request the brides-to-be to have a medical examination to certify their virginity status. However, the same principle may not apply to modern men in these societies even though religious law requires them to be virgin and faithful as well.

Some things are closer to heart. The world’s largest Islamic nation, Indonesia, prohibits any form of masturbation and stipulates that anyone caught committing this crime should be beheaded accordingly. Outrages to some, but it’s the common law of that nation.

Lebanese men who have sexual intercourse with male animals are subjected to the harsh death penalty; however, it is perfectly fine and legal for Lebanese men to have intercourse with female animals. Zoophilia / bestiality is forbidden in some countries but are welcomed by some.

The one place that we (men) would not like to be is in New Guinea. In New Guinea, male-to-male sexual intercourse is normal. In most countries, homosexuals are condemned but in New Guinea, bisexuality is cultivated from young. It is normal for a growing-up male to perform oral sex on another man as a way to acquire fluids that produce masculine strength. I think they have never heard of protein shake, GNC, steroids or even Viagra. However, by this unusual oral sex behavior they acquire strength, they believe. However, they are forbidden to conduct bisexuality or homosexuality once they are married, as their sexuality should be expressed only to their wives.

New Jersey has a very attention-grabbing law that prohibits people from beeping the horn of a parked car during sexual intercourse. Meaning to say, they should have intercourse without accidently or purposely beeping the horn. This law came into action as the level of horn beeping was disturbing the quietness of the area very frequently. Just imagine the cheap usage of car parks as motels.

Liverpool, England has another weird law, which forbids topless women to work in tropical fish stores, but they can work in any other shops. What is the point? Do not ask me. That is human law.

Cultures and social psychology of different people has created laws and practices that is serious to some and outrages to other. So, who is right? And who is wrong? Which came first, chicken or egg? Some questions cannot be answered that easily.

Indian natural Herbs Tulasi Fight Back H1N1

2009-08-25T16:46:00.003+08:00

Indian natural Herbs Tulasi Fight Back H1N1

Ayurveda, the traditional 'science of life', has a remedy for diseases when every other stream of medicine fails. Now, at a time when H1N1 is spreading like wildfire across the world, Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of the miraculous herb, the basil leaves commonly known as Tulasi.

Tulasi, the purest and most sublime plant, has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly H1N1 at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.

"The anti-flu property of Tulasi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulasi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to H1N1," Dr U K TEWARI, a herbal medicine practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of H1N1, Tulasi can help the patient recover faster. "Even when a person has already contracted H1N1, Tulasi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims. Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulasi can play an important role in controlling H1N1.

"Tulasi can control H1N1 and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting H1N1," believes Patel. As its name suggests, Tulasi has again proved to be the 'the incomparable' medicine - this time, in the prevention and cure of H1N1.

The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it's possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. However, Please consult a practitioner in case of any such symptoms. Doctors have strictly advised against self medication.

Available in all Watsons, Unity Healthcare, Selected Guardian, John Little and Singapore General Hospital Pharmacy Blk 4. For more information, Please contact customer hotline @ 6535-3067. www.himalayahealthcare.com

Evil Swine Flu Vs Holy Basil

2009-08-18T15:08:00.004+08:00

India Times News Report:

'Tulsi boosts resistance & recovery from H1N1'. Lucknow, Aug 12: For those who are worried about the Swine Flu or H1N1 virus' rapid spread, the Ayurvedic practitioners are here with a simple answer to prevention and cure - Tulsi. Tulsi or the Indian Holy Basil has always been considered a wonder herb that has the properties to keep illness away. Now, with the new H1N1 virus scare, the herb's anti-viral property is being discovered by health experts across the world, claim Ayurvedic doctors. "Tulsi improves the body's overall defense mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, an herbal medicine practitioner says. The herb will not only act as a preventive medicine but also help the affected person heal faster by speeding up the recovery process, Dr Timari added. Speaking on Tulsi's capability to control the flu, Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University (Jamnagar) said, "Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." Informing that Tulsi increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of contracting swine flu. Dr Patel also said that the dosage that a person must ingest will depend on the severity of the flu. "Three varieties of Tulsi leaves – Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) and Katuki Tulsi (Picrorriza kurroa) improve cell mediated immunity. These are anti-viral agents and improve body's resistance against various diseases including swine flu," Dr Patel added. With the recent revelations of the extreme side effects of the anti-viral drug, Tamiflu that is being administered in the hospitals, Tulsi is a much safer alternative.

AOL India News Report:

‘Delhi civic body to give citizens Tulsi to battle swine flu’. New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) The national capital's civic agency is all set to tackle the spread of the influenza A (H1N1) virus in its own unique way - by distributing medicinal plants like tulsi and giloy to residents. Ayurvedic practitioners believe these plants can boost immunity and help fight swine flu. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) leader of house Subhash Arya Wednesday said: 'The corporation will provide giloy branches and leaves as well as tulsi plants to the citizens of Delhi free of cost so that they could safeguard themselves from swine flu.' 'These will be distributed through the municipal councilors from their residential offices. The residents of their ward would collect these herbal plants from there,' he added. This decision was taken after a meeting of MCD councilors and members of the civic agency's garden and horticulture departments. 'It was decided that keeping in view the preventive and curative powers of these herbal plants, these should be made available free of cost to the citizens,' Arya said. Arya explained that the ayurvedic system of medicine prescribes that these herbs should be boiled in water at night till the quantity of the soup reduces to one-fourth. 'It should be taken in half glass measure after filtration every morning. I am confident that it will prevent as well as cure the prevailing swine flu,' he said.

Swine Flu CEO Website (2009):

It states that: seven leaf of Tulsi and collect juice of this mixture in a vessel. Boil this juice and drink it. This herbal juice will increase our body resistant up to three times. By which we can “save” from H1N1 Flu.

Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (2005):

It states that: The antibacterial activity combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the Tulsi oil, could make it useful in inflammatory disorder resulting from staphylococcal infection (which causes skin infections, localized infections, necrotizing pneumonia or food poisoning).

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection (2009):

It states that: Dietary supplementation with tulsi and clove oils protects against bacterial colonization of the lungs.

Indian Journal of Physiolohy and Phrancology (2005):

It states that: Ocimum sanctum Linn (known as Tulsi), a small herb seen throughout India, have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye diseases, chronic fever, and insect bite. The Ocimum sanctum L. has also been suggested to possess anti-fertility, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiemetic, antispasmodic, analgesic, adaptogenic and diaphoretic actions.

Indian Journal of Medicail Sciences (2001):

It states that: Aqueous extract of Tulsi showed wider zones of inhibition for Klebisella (causes pneumonia and urinary tract infections), E. Coli, Proteus & Staphylococcus aureus.While Alcoholic extract of Tulis showed wider zone for vibrio cholerae.

Steven Maimes – SALAM Research (Rochester, New Hampshire - 2004):

It states that: Tulsi offers significant natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and is, thereby, helpful in treating many serious systemic diseases, as well as localized infections. In addition to contributing generally to respiratory health, Holy Basil has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of a variety of serious allergic, inflammatory and infectious disorders affecting the lungs and related tissues. Generally supports healthy pulmonary function. It also strengthens and modulates the immune system. Reduces allergic histamine, asthmatic and other adverse immune reactions.

Himalaya Health Care Company:

The plant Tulsi or also known as the Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) is found throughout India, Himalayas and nearby Islands. Journal of Indian Chemistry states that: The plant contains beneficial volatile oils, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, vitamin C, carotene, and tannins. Germany’s Planta Med states that: the plant also contains various bonds of cineole, cimene, caryphyllene, bisabolene and eugenol. Clinical studies show that Tulsi has anti-vital properties, especially against encephalitis virus and has lead to a higher survival rate in patients. Himalaya Health Care Company has doen several research and suggest that Tulsi has also been clinically proven to show anti-asthmatic activity, anti-histamine properties, and widely reputable respiratory care. The company claims that Tulsi has anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that promote optimum respiratory support in fighting respiratory related infections.

Religious and Racial Bigotry of Strait Times

2009-05-30T21:31:00.002+08:00

The war between each other’s religious intolerances. Strait Times (May 29, 2009) reported that: While the economic slump / crush will pass, religious and racial bigotry and intolerance could bring about Singapore's downfall. But if we fall prey to religious and racial prejudice, ignorance and narrow mindedness, then it will be a growing cancer in society. An increasing number of Singaporeans identifying themselves with their race and religion. That in itself is nothing wrong if seen in the right perspective. But many are becoming self-righteous, haughty, sanctimonious, and self-centred and becoming intolerant of diversity and other peoples’ beliefs. This intolerance may be our downfall. Singapore has succeeded so far as it has a system of tolerance and meritocracy, one which embraces diversity and inclusiveness.

The war between a name. Strait Times (May 29, 2009) reported that: The Malaysian court yesterday refused to let the Roman Catholic Church use the word 'Allah' even temporarily, upholding a government ban that has become a symbol of religious tensions in Malaysia…The federal government bans non-Muslims in Malaysia from translating God as 'Allah' in their literature, saying it would confuse Muslims, but Christian groups say the ban is unconstitutional or unlawful, as they argue that the Arabic word “Allah”, meaning God, predates or existed before the era of Islam, which originated in the year 610 CE. Historically, pre-Islamic beliefs indicate that ancient nomadic Arabs believed in a multitude of pagan deities and spirits, generally connected with rocks, stones, or springs, and each tribe had its own protecting deities. Above these were the goddesses Manat, Al-Lat, and Uzza, There was also acknowledgment of the high god, called Allah or sometimes known as Al-Rahman. However, all the 360 pagan idols in the holy city were destroyed during the reign of Islam. The High Court of Malaysia rejected an appeal by the Church's main publication in Malaysia, the Herald, to have the ban suspended while waiting for a court decision on the ban's legality, said the Herald's lawyer Porres Royan. The High Court will hear the Herald's original appeal against the 2007 ban starting from July 7. Mr Royan said the court ruled that suspending the ban would contravene the laws of some states that impose similar bans. I don't want to look at it as a setback... Ultimately, the court will have to decide,' said the Herald's editor Lawrence Andrew. The ban affects the Malay-language edition of the Herald, which is read mostly by indigenous tribes who converted to Christianity decades ago. About 60 per cent of the population are Muslim Malays. The minorities have often said their constitutional right to practise religion freely has come under threat from the Malay Muslim-dominated government, which denies any discrimination.

The war between races. Strait Times (May 30, 2009) reported that: A rash of what are seen here as 'racist attacks' on Indian students in Australia has prompted calls for India to warn students against going there for studies. New Delhi (India’s capital) is furious over the incidents and summoned Australian High Commissioner to India John McCarthy to the foreign office yesterday to convey its concern over the continuing attacks. The ambassador was called in a day after the latest attack on an Indian student. Mr Rajesh Kumar, 25, was at his rented house in Sydney when a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at him. He was admitted to hospital with 30 per cent burns over his body. It was the fourth attack on Indian students in three weeks. The earlier incidents occurred in Melbourne. The most serious incident involved Mr Shravan Kumar, 25, a student from Andhra Pradesh. He is battling for his life in a Melbourne hospital after being stabbed with a screwdriver by a group of teens. Three of his friends were also injured. With the global recession, Australia has reasons to worry if the perception grows among students not only in India, but also elsewhere, that it is 'racist'. Netizen Suresh, from Melbourne, said: 'The Indian government should stop sending Indian students to Australia. At least for one semester. Then Australia will realise the importance of Indian students' money for their economy.

"God Is One But Divided Into Two"

2009-05-30T21:05:00.004+08:00

Many people think that the Islamic terrorists are attacking foreign countries. However, statistics shows that out 43% of the attacks occurred within Iraq alone. These attacks are result of fights between two main types of Muslim groups. The Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims who have been attacking, bombing, kidnapping and raging war against each other for almost 1300 years.

Sunni and Shia are the two major denominations of Islam. 85% of the world's Muslims are Sunni while 15% are Shia Muslims. Sunni Muslims are the major population in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Asia, Africa and the Arab world. Shia Muslims are the major population in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Bahrain. The war between both the Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims started when Prophet Muhammad died and it reign till today in the form of religious cleansing and terrorists’ attack among themselves. The disagreement started when the dispute on whom the successor of Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic community should be. Sunni Muslims wanted Abu Bakr (a non-family member of Muhammad) to be the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad. But Shia Muslims believed that Muhammad divinely appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali as the successor in accordance with the command of God.

Ali is the central figure at the origin of the Shia / Sunni split which occurred in the decades immediately following the death of the Prophet in 632. Sunnis regard Ali as the fourth and last of the "rightly guided caliphs" (successors to Mohammed (pbuh) as leader of the Muslims) following on from Abu Bakr 632-634, Umar 634-644 and Uthman 644-656. Shias feel that Ali should have been the first caliph and that the caliphate should pass down only to direct descendants of Mohammed (pbuh) via Ali and Fatima, They often refer to themselves as ahl al bayt or "people of the house" [of the prophet]. When Uthman was murdered while at prayer, Ali finally succeeded to the caliphate. Ali was, however, opposed by Aisha, wife of the Prophet (pbuh) and daughter of Abu Bakr, who accused him of being lax in bringing Uthman's killers to justice. After Ali's army defeated Aisha's forces at the Battle of the Camel in 656, she apologized to Ali and was allowed to return to her home in Madinah where she withdrew from public life. However, Ali was not able to overcome the forces of Mu'awiya Ummayad, Uthman's cousin and governor of Damascus, who also refused to recognize him until Uthman's killers had been apprehended. At the Battle of Suffin Mu'awiya's soldiers stuck verses of the Quran onto the ends of their spears with the result that Ali's pious supporters refused to fight them. Ali was forced to seek a compromise with Mu'awiya, but this so shocked some of his die-hard supporters who regarded it as a betrayal that he was struck down by one of his own men in 661. Sooner or later, the tension between both the divisions became stronger and stronger and their beliefs and teachings became separated as well.

God is One but divided into Two

On a practical daily level, Shias have a different call to prayer, they perform wudu and salat differently including placing the forehead onto a piece of hardened clay from Karbala, not directly onto the prayer mat when prostrating. They also tend to combine prayers, sometimes worshipping three times per day instead of five. The Shias also have some different ahadith and prefer those narrated by Ali and Fatima to those related by other companions of the Prophet (pbuh). Because of her opposition to Ali, those narrated by Aisha count among the least favored. Shia Islam also permits muttah - fixed-term temporary marriage - which is now banned by the Sunnis. Muttah was originally permitted at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and is now being promoted in Iran by an unlikely alliance of conservative clerics and feminists, the latter group seeking to downplay the obsession with female virginity which is prevalent in both forms of Islam, pointing out that only one of the Prophet's thirteen wives was a virgin when he married them.

Shia-Sunni conflict in Iraq starts with disagreement over the relative population of the two groups. According to most sources, including The CIA World Fact book, the majority of Iraqis are Shia Muslims (around 65%), and Sunnis represent about 32% of the population. However, the Sunni Muslims did not welcome their status as minority, thus they started to take over the ruling and politics. The Shia suffered indirect and direct persecution under post-colonial Iraqi governments since 1932, especially that of Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim. Under Saddam reign, public Shia festivals such as Ashoura (Shia festival of mourning for Ali) were banned. It is said that every Shia clerical family of Iraq had tales of torture and murder to recount. In 1969 the son of Iraq's highest Shia cleric was arrested and allegedly tortured. From 1979-1983 Saddam's regime executed 48 major Shia clerics in Iraq. They included Shia leader and his sister.

Tens of thousands of Shia Muslims were expelled in 1979 and 1980 and a further 75,000 in 1989. Shia opposition to the government following the first Gulf War was reportedly suppressed. Then the vicious cycle of Sunni-Shia revenge killing started, Sunni often using suicide bombing to kill the Shia Muslims while Shia Muslims favoured death squads to kill the Sunni Muslims. Sunni based terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida carried out violent attacks and suicide bombings at Shia gatherings at mosques and shrines, most notably in Iraq during the Ashoura (Shia festival of mourning for Ali), where hundreds of Shia was killed in coordinated suicide bombings. Shiites were persecuted under the largely Sunni Taliban regime that ruled the country until the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. Since then, the two sects have settled into an uneasy coexistence, with the post-Taliban constitution giving Shiites the right to create some laws that apply only to them. There is bombing and deaths reported every single day till today.

Angels & Demons

2009-05-17T16:21:00.005+08:00

I watched the movie: "Angels and Demons". The movie was indirectly shinning spotlight on some facts, which greatly interest me and challenged the basic beliefs of Christianity. Ignorance is not acceptable to me, even though I am Christian, so I historically feel that some of the facts stated in the movie are very true. However, for the past 12 years, I have been studying each religion theologically and theory of archaeology, before making a clear stand.

Christmas: The Roman emperor and officials tried to convert the Romans into Christians. In the process, they had to also convert the Roman's pagan traditions, cultures, festivals, religions and practises, in order to receive acceptance from the Romans. The Roman and Iranian God "Mithras" (God of Sun and Light) was born on December 25 and a great feast and celebration will occur ever year in the Roman empire. In the process of Christianising, the birth date of god Mithras was changed into the birth date of lord Jesus instead. In addition to that, in the year 221, Sextus Julius Africanus, a historian, publicized that December 25 will be the new birth date of Jesus Christ. This was an attempt to sadly Christianise a Roman pagan religious festival called “dies solis invicti nati” celebrated on December 25 in the honour of the God of Agriculture.

Unspeakably, “dies solis invicti nati” or “day of the birth of the unconquered sun” does not have any Christian or Biblical origins. The Romans celebrated it as a religious festival for the winter solstice and a symbol of the rebirth of the sun. In an effort to convert large number of pagan worshipers into Christians, the religious leaders adopted this pagan festival and tried to make it seem Christian. Almost all encyclopedia(s) and book(s) state this fact even though Dan Brown book can contain some magical lies. Due to the pagan and unscriptural root of Christmas, it was banned in England and in some part of America in the 17th century! Anyone who even stayed from work on Christmas day had to pay a penalty.

During the winter of 2004, the Christmas season in Italy was marked by a lively debate. Some educators and teachers supported the idea of reducing to a minimum or even completely eliminating any reference to religious Christmas traditions. They advocated this out of respect for the increasing number of schoolchildren who are neither Catholic nor Protestant. However, others in scholastic circles and elsewhere demanded that the traditions be respected and fully preserved. Aside from this controversy, though, just what are the origins of many of the Christmas traditions? As the debate was reaching a climax, the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano made some interesting observations. Regarding the date when Christmas is celebrated, the Catholic newspaper said: “The real date of Jesus’ birth, from the historical viewpoint, lies concealed beneath a veil of uncertainty as regards Roman history, the imperial census of that time and research in the subsequent centuries. The date of 25 December, as is well known, was chosen by the Church of Rome in the fourth century. This date in pagan Rome was dedicated to the Sun god. Although Christianity had already been affirmed in Rome by an Edict of Constantine, the myth of the Sun god was still widespread, especially among soldiers. The above-mentioned festivities, centred on 25 December, were deeply rooted in popular tradition. This gave the Church of Rome the idea of impressing a Christian religious significance on the day by replacing the Sun god with the true Sun of Justice, Jesus Christ, choosing it as the day on which to celebrate his birth.”

Idol Worship: The movie also mentioned that idols, images and pictures are being worshiped, which very strongly contradicts the basic ancient Jewish and early Christian teaching and commandments. As the Bible clearly states that: "You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I, The God of Israel, your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me; but exercising loving-kindness toward the thousandth generation in the case of those who love me and keep my commandments. And YOU must not make along with me gods of silver, and YOU must not make gods of gold for yourselves. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of the hands of earthling man. A mouth they have, but they can speak nothing; Eyes they have, but they can see nothing; Ears they have, but they can give ear to nothing. Also there exists no spirit in their mouth. Those making them will become just like them, Everyone who is trusting in them."

Man? or God?

2009-05-02T23:59:00.002+08:00

I saw a documentary and understood a deep-seated fundamental truth. We have made some of the greatest people in the world into God(s), even though they were mere humans like us.

In the Buddhist Holy Scriptures of Dona-sutta, an Indian Brahmin (high caste priest) asks Lord Buddha: “Are you a God, or a Divine Being (Gandharva), or a Spirit (Yaksha) or a Human?” And Lord Buddha said: “I am neither a God nor a Divine Being nor a Spirit nor a Human!” As quoted by Bhikkhu Subhadra, Buddha teaches the way to perfect goodness and wisdom without a personal God and the possibility of redemption without a vicarious redeemer or saviour or God. Buddha did not advocate belief in God or Creator and never proclaimed to be God or to be worshipped. And Buddha atheistically told is disciples that: “If there is a God, it is inconceivable that He would be concerned about my day to day affairs, and there are no gods who can or will help man.” The Encyclopaedia of World Faith also states that, early Buddhism agnostically appears to have taken no account of the question of God, and certainly did not teach or require belief in God.

In Christianity, Jesus never directly claimed to be God. Everything he said about himself indicates that he did not consider himself equal to God in any way, not in power, not in knowledge, not in age. The New Testament clearly shows that Jesus constantly and regularly prayed to the God of Israel. Jesus always mentioned that no one is as good as God is, not even Jesus himself. Jesus, being a human, has also cried out: “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” during the due of his persecution. And Jesus would always mention, “The Father (God) is greater than I am”. Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library states: "The fact has to be faced that New Testament research over, say, the last thirty or forty years has been leading an increasing number of reputable New Testament scholars to the conclusion that Jesus certainly never believed himself to be God." Jesus is spoken of as being "tempted by the Devil." After showing Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory," Satan said: "All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me." Satan was trying to cause Jesus to be disloyal to God. But what test of loyalty would that be if Jesus were God? Could God rebel against himself? No, but angels and humans could rebel against God and did. The temptation of Jesus would make sense only if he was, not God, but a separate individual who had his own free will, one who could have been disloyal had he chosen to be, such as an angel or a human. On the other hand, it is unimaginable that God could sin and be disloyal to himself. If Jesus was God, why did he pray to himself everyday? Why did he go the Jewish Temple of Jerusalem to pray to the God of Israel? Why did he keep praying to himself? Why did he always refer to his teachings as not his but God's? Why did the followers of Jesus prayed to the God of Israel and not Jesus?

Birth Story Of Lord Buddha

2009-05-02T15:48:00.005+08:00

The Birth Story of Lord Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha.

Based On The Ancient Buddhist Lalitavistara Sutra, Jataka Sutra (Pali canon) and Buddha Charita Text.

A specific Buddha by the name of Śvetaketu lives in Tushita heaven (6th heaven), above the heavenly palace of Lord Indra / Taishakuten (The Hindu God of War and King of all Gods). Śvetaketu Buddha tells the gods that he has decided to be reborn on earth for the last time as a Hindu Prince by the name of Siddhārtha Gautama with the intentions to enlighten and liberate mankind of suffering and finally become the highest form of Buddha himself called the “Supreme Buddha” (Sammāsam-Buddha).

In honour of Śvetaketu Buddha’s upcoming birth, a few gods go to earth to preach to mankind as high caste Hindu priests. Meanwhile, Śvetaketu Buddha teaches the “Introduction of the Law” to the gods, and gives his hollowed crown to another bodhisattva / púsà (Buddha-To-Be) named Maitreya (Mílè Púsa) who will be his successor-designates while Śvetaketu Buddha is gone.

Śvetaketu Buddha then asks the gods what form he should take in his mother’s womb. Some recommend the figure of a human, but others tell him that in the Hindu Holy Books of Brahmans, the Buddha is described as an elephant with six tusks, brightly shining, with head red that oozes with sap. The decision has been made.

Śvetaketu Buddha has also chosen his earthly parents. The Great King Suddhodana Gautama, the chief of the Shakya nation of India will be his father. While his mother will be Queen Maha Maya Devi, also the Indian Koliyan princess. One day, Queen Maha Maya requested her husband for some time of self-denial and meditation alone. The king grants her request to undertake a vow of self-denial. So Queen Maya retreats to her quarters. While sleeping one day, the “Great Descent” occurred, Śvetaketu Buddha sits on a throne in a pavilion, accompanied by an uncountable number of gods, nymphs, and other supernatural beings.

Queen Maya started to have a dream. The four guardian angels came and lifted her up, together with her couch, and took her away to the Himalayan Mountains. Then came the wives of these guardian angels, and brought her to Anotatta Lake, and bathed her, to remove every human stain. Not far off was Silver Hill, and in it a golden mansion. There they spread a divine couch with its head towards the east (the auspicious direction), and laid her down upon it. Now the Śvetaketu Buddha had become a superb white elephant. He ascended to the Golden Mansion, and he walked around his mother’s couch three times, and striking her on her right side, he entered her womb. Thus the conception took place in the holy day of the Hindu midsummer festival.

Queen Maha Maya woke up and went to the forest of Asoka trees immediately. She sends a servant to ask the king to meet her there. The king arrives at the edge of the forest but is not allowed to go any further. The queen tells him of her dream, in which an elephant enters her womb. The king summoned 64 eminent and renowned Hindu priests and astrologers, fed and clothed them, and asked for an interpretation of Queen Maya’s dream. This was their answer: “Do not be anxious, oh great king of Shakya! You will have a son.

And he, if he continue to live the household life, will become a great King of India and an Universal Monarch; but if he leave the household life and retire from the world, he will become a Buddha (fully enlightened one), escape the cycle of birth and death and will roll back the clouds of sin and folly of this world.” The king became worried and vowed to keep his son within the comfort of the palace and away from the misery of the world.

Then Lord Indra and other gods offered the queen to stay in their palace during her pregnancy, knowing that the great Buddha resides in her womb. Queen Maya was confused on were to stay during her pregnancy as her loving husband as requested that she stays in their own palace while the gods have each given their heavenly palaces as a hosting place for her delivery. Aware of this problem, the unborn Buddha in the womb created an illusion to everyone’s eyes that the queen is in all their palaces at the same time, in order to prevent any of the gods or king (his father) to be disappointed. During her pregnancy, the queen acquires certain powers, such as the ability to restore people possessed by supernatural beings / demons to their normal state by letting them view her, and also the power to heal diseases and sickness. The king lives as a solitary person during her pregnancy. Queen Maya asks the king to be allowed to give birth in the Lumbini Pleasure Garden. The queen sets out for the garden in a horse carriage.

Then in the garden of Lumbini, the unusual birth of the Śvetaketu Buddha took place. 32 miracles were said to have occurred: All the ten thousand worlds suddenly quaked, quivered, and shook. The fires went out in all the hells; diseases ceased among men; all musical instruments gave forth their notes without being played upon; in the mighty ocean the water became sweet; the whole ten thousand worlds became one mass of garlands of the utmost possible magnificence.

The Queen started to have labour pain. When the queen wanted to take hold of a branch of the tallest sal tree in the garden, the tree obliged by bending down to within her reach. Holding on to the branch and standing, she gave birth. Śvetaketu Buddha was now born as Prince Siddhārtha Gautama and he descended from his mother’s right side of the womb like a preacher, and un-smeared by any impurity from his mother’s womb. As soon as Prince Siddhārtha Gautama is born, he firmly plants both feet flat on the ground and takes seven steps to the north and a lotus springs up for each step he took. He then surveys each quarter of the world, exclaiming in peerless tones: “In all the world I am chief, best and foremost; this is my last birth; I shall never be born again.”

The moment Siddhārtha Gautama was born, a special lotus sprout out in the heaven of Lord Brahma (The Hindu God of Creation). This special lotus contains the essence of all creation. Lord Brahma quickly collects the essence in a bowl, and descended to the earth with his wife Goddess Saraswati / Biancaitian (The Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Wisdom). After the seventh step, Lord Brahma quickly carries the baby with his holy hands, proclaiming him holy and clean. Then Lord Brahma gives the baby Buddha the lotus essence to drink as a mark of honour. And both Lord Buddha and Goddess Saraswati blessed the child. This is one of the most popular scenes in ancient Buddhist art.

Then the heavens opened and all the gods started to descend from their adobe to show their respect. Lord Maha Vishnu (The God of Protection) and his wife Maha Lakshmi (The Goddess of Wealth & Light) blessed the child. Then the blue-necked Lord Shiva (The God of Destruction) and his wife Goddess Parvati (The Goddess of Power) blessed the child. Then came the righteous and virtuous Lord Rama and Goddess Sita and blessed the child. Then came the Sun, Lord Surya and the Moon, Lord Chandra and blessed the child and pay their respect to the Buddha to be. The baby and the mother are unclean for the 30 days after labour according to tradition, but the presence of the Gods and Goddess cleansed the place, the child and the queen. The heavens rejoice and Lord Indra declared the day holy as the Vesakam of the holy one and the heaven rejoiced.

A week after the Siddhārtha Gautama is born; Queen Maya dies and becomes a goddess Sri Maha Maya Devi. Her sister, Gautami, becomes the baby prince’s guardian. Some members of the Sakya tribe suggest the child should be taken to the Hindu temple. When the prince arrives, the statues in the temple come to life and kneel before him and the priests were shocked beyond words. Later on, when Siddhārtha Gautama comes of the proper age, he is sent to school. The schoolmaster is the great Lord Brahmarshi Vishvamitra (The mightiest and wisest sage and worshipper of Lord Shiva) and Lord Subhangga. Then the story of his attainment of Buddha hood begins.

What The Hell? (All About Hell)

2009-04-19T22:11:00.001+08:00

Hell-Believers

BUDDHISM: Naraka (Sanskrit for Hell). There are five realms of rebirth, which can then be further subdivided into degrees of agony or pleasure. Of these realms, the hell realms, or Naraka, is the lowest realm of rebirth. Of the hell realms, the worst is Avīci or "endless suffering". The Buddha's disciple, Devadatta, who tried to kill the Buddha on three occasions, as well as create a schism in the monastic order, is said to have been reborn in the Avici Hell. However, like all realms of rebirth, rebirth in the Hell realms is not permanent, though suffering can persist for eons before being reborn again. Like Hinduism, Karma determines the next rebirth. The Hindu god of Death Yama Dharma Raj (Yanluo Wang), presides over Hell. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha teaches that eventually even Devadatta will become a Buddha himself, emphasizing the temporary nature of the Hell realms. Thus, Buddhism teaches to escape the endless migration of rebirths (both positive and negative) through the attainment of Nirvana or Moksha (Hinduism). The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, according to the Ksitigarbha Sutra, made a great vow as a young girl to not reach Enlightenment until all beings were liberated from the Hell Realms or other unwholesome rebirths. In popular literature, Ksitigarbha travels to the Hell realms to teach and relieve beings of their suffering.

HINDUISM: Naraka (Sanskrit: Hell). Similar to Buddhism theory, Karma determines the birth cycle and would place the spirit accordingly into one of the 5 realms. Hell is very extensively and vastly described in précised details. And yet it can be very complicated to comprehend. Garuda Purana gives a detailed account of Hell, its features and enlists amount of punishment for most of the crimes like a modern day penal code. It is believed that people who commit sins go to Hell and have to go through punishments in accordance with the sins they committed. The Hindu god of Death Yama Dharma Raj (Yanluo Wang), presides over Hell. Detailed accounts of all the sins committed by an individual are kept by Chitragupta, who is the record keeper in Yama's court. Chitragupta reads out the sins committed and Yama orders appropriate punishments to be given to individuals. These punishments include dipping in boiling oil, burning in fire, torture using various weapons, etc. in various Hells. Individuals who finish their quota of the punishments are reborn in accordance with their balance of karma. All created beings are imperfect and thus have at least one sin to their record; but if one has generally led a pious life, one ascends to Paradise, or Swarga after a brief period of expiation in Hell.

ISLAM: Muslims believe in jahannam (which is related to the Hebrew word gehinnom). In the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, there are literal descriptions of the condemned in a fiery Hell, as contrasted to the garden-like Paradise (jannah) enjoyed by righteous believers. In addition, Heaven and Hell are split into many different levels depending on the actions perpetrated in life, where punishment is given depending on the level of evil done in life, and good is separated into other levels depending on how well one followed God while alive. The gate of Hell is guarded by Maalik who is the leader of the angels assigned as the guards of hell also known as Zabaaniyah. The Quran states that the fuel of Hellfire is rocks/stones (idols) and human beings. Although generally Hell is often portrayed as a hot steaming and tormenting place for sinners, there is one Hell pit which is characterized differently from the other Hell in Islamic tradition. Zamhareer is seen as the coldest and the most freezing Hell of all; yet its coldness is not seen as a pleasure or a relief to the sinners who committed crimes against God. The state of the Hell of Zamhareer is a suffering of extreme coldness, of blizzards, ice, and snow, which no one on this earth can bear. The lowest pit of all existing Hells is the Hawiyah, which is meant for the hypocrites and two-faced people who claimed to believe in Allah and His messenger by the tongue but denounced both in their hearts. Hypocrisy is considered to be the most dangerous sin of all (despite the fact that Shirk is the greatest sin viewed by Allah). According to the Qur'an, all non-believers who have received and rejected Islamic teachings will go to Hell.

CHRISTIAN (1): The main Christian doctrine of hell derives from the teaching of the New Testament, where hell is typically described using the Greek words Tartarus or Hades or the Hebrew word Gehenna. Hell is taught as the final destiny of those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their saviour after they have passed through the great white throne of judgment, where they will be punished for sin and permanently separated from God after the general resurrection and last judgment.

CHINESE RELIGIONS: It is very loosely based upon the Buddhist and Hindu concept of Naraka combined with traditional Chinese afterlife beliefs and a variety of popular expansions and re-interpretations of these two traditions. Ruled by Hindu god of Death Yama Dharma Raj (Yanluo Wang), the King of Hell, Diyu is a maze of underground levels and chambers where souls are taken to atone for their earthly sins. Incorporating ideas from Taoism and Buddhism as well as traditional Chinese folk religion, Diyu is a kind of purgatory place, which serves not only to punish but also to renew spirits ready for their next incarnation. There are many deities associated with the place, whose names and purposes are the subject of much conflicting information. The exact number of levels in Chinese Hell - and their associated deities - differs according to the Buddhist or Taoist perception. Some speak of three to four 'Courts', other as many as ten. The ten judges are also known as the 10 Kings of Hindu god of Death Yama Dharma Raj (Yanluo Wang). Each Court deals with a different aspect of atonement. For example, murder is punished in one Court, adultery in another. According to some Chinese legends, there are eighteen levels in Hell. Punishment also varies according to belief, but most legends speak of highly imaginative chambers where wrong-doers are sawn in half, beheaded, thrown into pits of filth or forced to climb trees adorned with sharp blades. However, most legends agree that once a soul (usually referred to as a 'ghost') has atoned for their deeds and repented, he or she is given the Drink of Forgetfulness by Meng Po and sent back into the world to be reborn, possibly as an animal or a poor or sick person, for further punishment.

Non-Hell Believers

CHRISTIAN (2): Annihilationism is different Christian doctrine that sinners are destroyed rather than tormented forever in "hell" or the lake of fire. It is directly related to the doctrine of conditional immortality, the idea that a human soul is not immortal unless it is given eternal life. Annihilationism asserts that God will eventually destroy or annihilate the wicked, leaving only the righteous to live on in immortality. Some annihilationists believe the wicked will be punished for their sins in the lake of fire before being annihilated, others that hell is a false doctrine of pagan origin. Annihilationists base the doctrine on their exegesis of scripture, some early church writing, historical criticism of the doctrine of hell, and the concept of God as too loving to punish his creations forever. They say: “We came from dust and to dust we will return.”, “Our thoughts/plans perish and spirit departs upon death.”, “The soul who sins is the one who will die.”, and “In the grave, the dead "know nothing," neither pleasure nor pain, and there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”.

JUDAISM: Hell is not entirely physical or does not exist; rather, it can be compared to a very intense feeling of shame. People are ashamed of their misdeeds and this constitutes suffering which makes up for the bad deeds. When one has so deviated from the will of God, one is said to be in gehinom. This is not meant to refer to some point in the future, but to the very present moment. Being out of alignment with God's will is itself a punishment.

I do NOT believe in hell!

“Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” BUT, “the wages that sin pays is death.” Since the punishment for sin is death, why is it necessary for hell to exist, but with all do respect to others’ believes. “The soul that is sinning, it itself will die” and “For he who has died has been acquitted from his sin.” “For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they have no portion anymore to time indefinite in anything that has to be done under the sun.” So, we know that we will die but people who are dead are unconscious of anything. They neither can harm us nor help us nor carry vengeance against us nor be a spirit nor be a ghost nor be in hell nor be in heaven, as there are no portions anymore to time indefinite. “His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish.” and “In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.” and “They are dead; they will not live. Impotent in death, they will not rise up. Therefore you have turned your attention that you might annihilate them and destroy all mention of them.” and “we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping [in death]; that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope.” What would you think of a parent who held his child’s hand over a fire to punish the child for wrongdoing? Is that right? Remember, “He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love.” “But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”

My Guardian 'Angel'

2009-03-14T18:21:00.006+08:00

“My own God sent his mighty angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not brought me to ruin, forasmuch as before him innocence itself was found in me; and also before you, O king, no hurtful act have I done.”

Angels (meaning messenger) are known as invisible, intelligent and powerful spirits who make their abode in the heavens. But, I see my aunt as a visible angel with great intellect and powers. She makes a beautiful home as her adobe, in which we have taken refuge many times for many reasons. Angels come to the aid of others but do not accept honour or worship of any kind, and they are reserved in revealing their names. Similarly, my aunt has come to my rescue many times and does not aspect anything in return. Many people, especially the Ancient Greeks, Catholics and Modern Westerners, believe that a great and powerful tutelary spirit (guardian angel) protects and guides a person. There are so many ways (prayers, rituals and visualisation), which can help individuals to meet and identify their own personal guardian angel. I seriously do not believe in this but my aunt is my guardian angel that has been there ever since I was born. I need no prayers or recitation to receive her help but rather my problems are just a phone call away. Not everyone is blessed with an angel made of flesh and bone.

I am blessed with the gift of knowledge, wit, humour and perfection. However, I am also drastically cursed with imperfections and nightmares of my pasts, the present and the future, which drains every drop of blood out of my veins. For apprehensive I am in nature, and became fretful through my childhood. I fell into the trap of trauma, but manage to regain my honour but then it all started when the horror and melancholy realistically started to consume me.

With pain I suffered, and with misery I led my life. My prayers were heard in the kingdom of the heavens. My words flowed to the doors of the heavens and towards the 24 elders, the 4 majestic creatures and the one sitting on His right. He started his manipulation accordingly, in order to secure me. For great pain he caused upon my chest and the angel that reside through the household heard of my pain. With her mighty wings, she secured the four directions of the earth from crushing upon me. Her wisdom prevailed and brought peace upon my soul.

For in paradise I was in, with great pleasure and honour I was living my golden age. When, I thought it was over, the worst has just begun. Apprehensive after apprehensive filled my life suddenly. I was poisoned slowly with the deadliest among them. The forces of the world came crushing on me again but with great rage and speed, the earth around me shook beyond Armageddon, the sun blinded my eyes and darkness prevailed upon my mind. For days became weeks and weeks became months, and in the greatest desolation and misery I lived in. The morning was filled with deaths, and the nights were filled with mares. Day after day, I was tortured and to the deepest lion pit I was thrown into. The lions that were in great hunger rounded me and their sharp paws and teeth started to imprint on me. The growling and roaring caused chilled down my spine. The eyes were watchfully upon me. Their bloodthirsty teeth were craving for my blood. And I obliged and kneeled my head for them to drain my life out.

When I took my last breath, He prevailed. The angel of light descended from the heavens in great speed. A great light blinded the lions and before I could open my eyes, she spread her wings in rage upon the lions. With the wings she had, she covered me and shut the mouth of the lions and broke the paws of the hungry creatures. To the safest place she took me to. I saw His pity through that angel. I saw His blazing rage through that angel. I saw His powerful strength through that angel. I saw His blooming wisdom through that angel. And I saw God himself through that angel’s love. For God is Love. With the mightiest of His anger, she tore the lions apart. Her wisdom, might and strength thrashed them to the seventh hell for they were million of miles away from my presence. Through the greatest power, she triumph over and redeemed me before the Throne of God. From the beginning, HE manoeuvred and manipulated everything accordingly. For He planned it and for He manipulated and for He redeemed me, through that Angel without wings. What have I done to receive such blessing? For His eyes are always upon me and the angel will reside over my household and me, till the day I perish. For my prayers were always answered and for the way I should walk is always guided till today. For I exist because of her and she keeps me from non-existence. For He manipulated and saved me from the lions and He guided me through the edges of the lion den and now he surrounds me with the heavenly paradise of freedom.

The esteemed ‘Ring’ that crowns my neck will remain till the day I perish, and it will be safeguarded through my ancestral inheritance and their ancestral inheritance for time indefinite, till the day “The Scroll of Life” will be opened.

And the story of Daniel as wriiten: It seemed good to Medo-Persian King Da·ri´us, and he set up over the kingdom one hundred and twenty governors, who were to be over the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel (the Israelite) was one of them, in order that these governors might continually be giving to them the report and the king himself might not become the loser. Then it was that this Daniel (the Israelite) was steadily distinguishing himself over the Medo-Persian high officials and the Medo-Persian governors, forasmuch as an extraordinary spirit was in him; and the pagan king was intending to elevate him over all the kingdom.

At that time the high officials and the governors themselves were constantly seeking to find some pretext / accuse against Daniel respecting the kingdom; but there was no pretext or corrupt thing at all that they were able to find, forasmuch as he was trustworthy and no negligence or corrupt thing at all was found in him. Consequently these able-bodied men were saying: “We shall find in this Daniel no pretext / accuse at all, except we have to find it against him in the law of his own, the God of Israel.”

Accordingly these high officials and governors themselves entered as a crowd to the king, and this is what they were saying to him: “O Da·ri´us the king, live on even for times indefinite. All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the governors, the high royal officers and the governors, have taken counsel together to establish a royal statute and to enforce a court order, that whoever makes a petition to any god or man for thirty days except to you, O king, should be thrown to the lions’ pit. Now, O king, may you establish the statute and sign the writing, in order for it not to be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which is not annulled.” So for 30 days, no one should worship any god but the king and to the king only.

In accord with this, King Da·ri´us himself signed the writing and the interdict. But Daniel, as soon as he knew that the writing had been signed, entered into his house, and, the windows in his roof chamber being open for him toward Jerusalem, even three times in a day he was kneeling on his knees and praying and offering praise before the God of Israel, as he had been regularly doing prior to this. At that time these able-bodied men themselves crowded in and found Daniel petitioning and imploring favour before his God.

Then it was that they approached and were saying before the king concerning the interdict of the king: “Is there not an interdict that you have signed that any man that asks a petition from any god or man for thirty days except from you, O king, he should be thrown to the lions’ pit?” The king was answering and saying: “The matter is well established according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which is not invalid.” Immediately they answered, and they were saying before the king: “Daniel, a Israelite, who is of the exiles of Judah, has paid no regard to you, O king, nor to the interdict that you signed, but three times in a day he is making his petition.” Consequently the king, as soon as he heard the word, it was very displeasing to him, and toward Daniel he set his mind in order to rescue him; and till the setting of the sun he kept on striving to deliver him. Finally these able-bodied men themselves entered as a throng to the king, and they were saying to the king: “Take note, O king, that the law belonging to the Medes and the Persians is that any interdict or statute that the king himself establishes is not to be changed.” Accordingly the king himself commanded, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the pit of the lions. The king was answering and saying to Daniel: “Your God, the God of Israel, whom you are serving with constancy, he himself will rescue you.” And a stone was brought and placed on the mouth of the pit, and the king sealed it with his signet ring and with the signet ring of his grandees, in order that nothing should be changed in the case of Daniel.

At that time the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no musical instruments were brought in before him, and his very sleep fled from him. Finally the king himself, at dawn, proceeded to get up in the daylight, and in a hurry he went right to the lions’ pit. And as he got near to the pit, he cried out with a sad voice even to Daniel. The king was speaking up and saying to Daniel: “O Daniel, servant of the living God, the God of Israel, has your God whom you are serving with constancy been able to rescue you from the lions?” Immediately Daniel himself spoke even with the king: “O king, live on even to times indefinite. My own God sent his mighty angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not brought me to ruin, forasmuch as before him innocence itself was found in me; and also before you, O king, no hurtful act have I done.”

Then it was that the king himself became very glad, and Daniel himself he commanded to be lifted up out of the pit. And Daniel was lifted up out of the pit, and there was no hurt at all found on him, because he had trusted in his God, the God of Israel. And the king commanded, and they brought these able-bodied men who had accused Daniel, and into the lions’ pit they threw them, their sons and their wives; and they had not reached the bottom of the pit before the lions had got the mastery over them, and all their bones they crushed. Then it was that Da·ri´us the pagan king himself wrote to all the peoples, the national groups and the tongues that are dwelling in all the earth: “May YOUR peace grow very much! From before me there has been put through an order that, in every dominion of my kingdom, people are to be quaking and fearing before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and One enduring to times indefinite, and his kingdom is one that will not be brought to ruin, and his dominion is forever. He is rescuing and delivering and performing signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for he has rescued Daniel from the paw of the lions.” And as for this Daniel, he prospered in the kingdom of Da·ri´us and in the kingdom of Cyrus the Persian.

I am blessed in all ways.

Ezekiel Bread - The Holy Bread

2009-03-01T21:53:00.003+08:00

Ezekiel Bread - The Holy Bread.

Few months ago, I heard that a new bread "Ezekiel Bread" was developed based on the Jewish and Christian Bible Book of Ezekiel. And this bread has set an epidemic throughout the western world for its health promoting properties. I thought it was interesting and Yahoo searched it. It was true. However, I did not pay attention to the details of the bread nor the company. However, recently, I was looking for products that are made from sprouted grains for an important project. And I ended up with this bread and company again. This was when I was astonished with the marvel and novel prospect of this company and its product.

Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin, Almond and Golden Flax Breakfast Cereals

This Holy Bread is called “Ezekiel Bread” and it is invented and developed by Food For Life Company. Food For Life Baking Co Inc discovered when these six grains and legumes are sprouted and combined, an amazing thing happens. A complete protein is created that closely parallels the protein found in milk and eggs. In fact, the protein quality is so high, that it is 84.3% as efficient as the highest recognized source of protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. There are 18 amino acids present in this unique bread, from all vegetable sources, naturally balanced in nature. Ezekiel 4:9® Bread, made from freshly sprouted organically grown grains, is naturally flavourful and bursting with nutrients. Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and natural fibre with no added fat. Try it served warm to release its exceptionally rich nutty flavour.

Ezekiel Almond and Original Breakfast Cereal

The process of germination changes the composition of grain and seeds in numerous ways. Sprouting increases vitamin content. Sprouting neutralizes phytic acid – a substance present in grains – that inhibits absorption of nutrients and more important. Sprouting neutralizes or "predigests" if you will, grains through enzymatic activity. The enzymes produced during our natural sprouting process "in effect" breaks down amino acid protein bonds to promote digestibility of the entire grain. Sprouted grain bread has numerous advantages over "enriched" wheat flour breads. These breads are made from the endosperm of the wheat kernel (the inside portion), which contains primarily carbohydrates and few vitamins and minerals. The milling of grain into white flour requires the removal of the bran and the germ. This results in the loss of natural fiber, bran and 22 vitamins and minerals. To compensate, five vitamins and minerals (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron and folic acid) are added back in, "enriching" the flour. Sometimes calcium is added back as well.

Ezekiel Golden Flax Breakfast Cereal

Low-Glycemic foods are better for diabetics, health problems, people trying to lose weight, sportsman, and health conscious individuals. These foods have been proven to reduce incidence of Type II diabetes and to help control Type I and II diabetes, hypoglycemia and hypertension. Low Glycemic foods can also be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease. High-Glycemic-index foods trigger strong insulin responses, exposing the body to stress. By comparison, Low-Glycemic value foods usually do not provoke a strong, stressful insulin response. When sprouting occurs, the grain is partially pre-digested. This creates vitamin nutrients, which help your body digest and absorb the healthy content of the grain. As well, the starches have already started being converted into maltose during the sprouting process, reducing the final maltose content and producing a lower Glycemic response. People who are diabetic do a lot better eating our sprouted grain bread. Did you know that maltose (the grain sugar produced during the sprouting process) is the slowest absorbing sugar in the human body? That's right! Our live grain difference means delicious baked goods made with whole "pre-germinated" grains like wheat, spelt, barley, and other whole grains. Our Ezekiel 4:9® foods – made from freshly sprouted grains, beans and seeds – don't tend to cause "sugar spikes", and have a more modest affect on blood glucose loads than processed carbohydrates such as refined flour.

Ezekiel Penne Pasta

The Prophet Ezekiel completed writing the book in Babylon in the year 591 B.C.E. In it, he said:
“And as for you, take for yourself wheat and barley and broad beans and lentils and millet and spelt, and you must put them in one utensil and make them into bread for you, for the number of the days that you are lying upon your side; three hundred and ninety days you will eat it. And your food that you will eat will be by weight-twenty shekels a day. From time to time you will eat it. “And water you will drink merely by measure, the sixth part of a hin. From time to time you will drink. “And as a round cake of barley you will eat it; and as for it, upon dung cakes of the excrement of mankind you will bake it before their eyes.”

And God Yahweh went on to say: “Just like this the sons of Israel will eat their bread unclean among the nations to which I shall disperse them.” And I proceeded to say: “Alas, O Sovereign Lord Yahweh! Look! My soul is not a defiled one; neither a body [already] dead nor a torn animal have I eaten from my youth up, even until now, and into my mouth there has come no foul flesh.” Accordingly he said to me: “See, I have given you cattle manure instead of the dung cakes of mankind, and you must make your bread upon it.” And he continued saying to me: “Son of man, here I am breaking the rods around which ring-shaped loaves are suspended, in Jerusalem, and they will have to eat bread by weight and in anxious care, and it will be by measure and in horror that they will drink water itself, to the intent that they may be lacking bread and water and they may look astonished at one another and rot away in their error. Note: Ezekiel was instructed to mix broad beans with lentils and grains to make a coarse bread to be eaten by weight, depicting famine conditions.

Great Healing Power Of Saffron - World's Most Expensive Spice

2009-02-15T20:00:00.011+08:00

Overview: Saffron is reported to have anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-stress, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-heart diseases, anti-retinal stress, treats PMS, sedative properties, mood enhancing, stomach healing, burned wound healing and sexual enhancing properties. Even though Saffron has been used in many ancient medical texts (e.g. Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine) for more than 3000 years, only recently did it come under the spotlight of the Western Medical World.

Introduction: Saffron is the delicate red stigma (female part) of the saffron crocus flower (Crocus sativus). It is also known as Kesar (India), Zafferano (Italian), Azafran (Spanish), Asfar (Arabic) and Zafaran (Persian). It is the most glamorous of spices, equated with gold. It has coloured medieval manuscripts, and Queen Cleopatra was said to have added it to her bath. Commercially, saffron is mainly cultivated in Iran, India, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. Due to the minute amount produced, it is the world’s most expensive spice. It is painstakingly handpicked individually and very carefully handled and dried to deepen the flavour. Each flower only has three Saffron strands, and it requires about 150 flowers to produce 1 gram of dried Saffron strands, or 15 0000 flowers to produce 1 kg of dried Saffron. Saffron can be easily sold at a price of US$15 00000 for just 1 kg. You can purchase 1 gram of good grade Spanish saffron at S$10 to S$20.

Culinary: Saffron’s sumptuous golden colouring effect, slightly sweet and bitter taste, and deep penetrating aroma make it an essential spice. Saffron contains many chemical components, but the main chemicals include: Crocin and Carotenoids (gives yellow-gold colour), Picrocrocin (bitter taste) and Safranal (hay-like aroma). Saffron is commonly used in Indian, French, Moroccan, European and Middle Eastern cuisines to impart colour, flavour and aroma. Saffron’s aroma is described as resembling that of honey or grassy or hay-like or metallic notes. Saffron's taste is like that of hay, but with hints of bitter and subtle sweetness. Saffron contributes a luminous yellow-orange-gold colouring to items it is soaked with. Many Indian and Iranian rice and desserts contain saffron. While, in French cuisine: Fish Stews, Bouillabaisse, Risotto Milanese and Paella Valenciana are come classic dishes that employs Saffron. Spanish paella, Italian risotto, Mexican fiambre, Arabic lamb and chicken dishes, Iranian plov, Azerbaijani pakhlava, Swedish and Cornish breads also uses Saffron. Before adding saffron to a stew or soup, crumble the threads between your fingers. Crumbling releases flavorful oils and helps the saffron dissolve in liquid.

Chemistry: Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds. It also has many non-volatile active components. Saffron’s golden yellow-orange colour is primarily due to the crocin (10% of dry saffron's mass) and other carotenoids. Crocin is ideal for colouring water-based (non-fatty) foods such as rice dishes. The bitter glucoside picrocrocin (4% of dry saffron’s mass) is responsible for saffron's flavour. Safranal is a volatile oil, which gives its distinctive aroma, along with cyclohexadien. Dry saffron is highly sensitive to fluctuating pH levels, and rapidly breaks down chemically in the presence of light and oxidizing agents. Therefore it must be stored away in airtight containers and dark place, in order to minimise contact with oxygen and light. Saffron is somewhat more resistant to heat.

Anti-anxiety and Sedative properties: A research published in 2009 suggests that saffron may have anti-anxiety and hypnotic (sleepy) properties. In addition to that another research suggest that active constituents of Saffron induces anti-anxiety like effects in animals as well. Personally, every time I consume saffron steeped in water, I feel hypnotic.

Anti-depressant properties: Crocin (colour) and safranal (aroma) are the main chemicals responsible for the antidepressant actions. Several medical researches have proven that saffron is useful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Crocin (colour) increases dopamine (mood enhancer) and norepinephrine (attention) in the brain, while safranal (aroma) increases serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical produced by brain (nerve) cells and it has mood enhancing, anxiety reducing, pain easing, calming, mood stabilising and sleep inducing properties. Serotonin is important because it is a master controller that governs muscle movements, alertness, mental activity, sleeping ability and mood. A recent publication dated February 2009 stated that Saffron works as effective as commonly used western antidepressant medications. Many other scientific human trials also suggest that Saffron is effective in the treatment of depression in comparison with western synthetic medications. Many medical journals dating from 2004 till 2009 have concluded that Saffron is useful in the treatment of depression.

Anti-caner and Anti-tumour properties: Saffron contains several antioxidants and beneficial carotenoids. Some researches have suggested that Saffron extract (especially crocin) may have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, further studies are still being conducted. Crocin (colour) in saffron has possible anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-tumour effect. Crocin triggers cancer cells to die, especially pancreatic, colorectal, liver, leukaemia, ovarian and colon cancer cells. In February 2009, a medical journal published that Crocetin, another carotenoid compound in saffron has a significant anti-tumor-igenic effect on pancreatic cancer. Another study showed that crocin, significantly inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells while not affecting normal cells. researches are constantly showing that Saffron has potential cancer chemo-preventive properties. Extracts of saffron have shown to inhibit the formation of tumours and retard tumour progression in animals. There are several journals dated from the year 1995 to 2008, which also verify saffron’s possible anti-cancer and anti-tumour effect. The topical application of a saffron extract has been shown to inhibit both the initiation and the promotion of cancer by a common carcinogen.

Sexual enhancing properties: Some researches suggest that saffron aqueous extract and its constituent crocin (colour) has aphrodisiac activity (arousing or intensifying sexual desire). The Urology Journal in 2008 also suggested that Saffron, as an antioxidant, is positively effective on human sperm morphology (structure) and motility (movement) in infertile men. It also improves blood circulation and curing the bruise. In 2008, a research suggests that possibility of potential efficacy of saffron in accelerating wound healing in burn injuries. Captivatingly, in 2008, Greentech Company and Stand Cosmetics Europe produced cosmetic products and shower cream that are formulated with a mix of hot pepper and saffron extracts that are said to arouse both the male and female senses for the final embrace. Chemical Institute of Canada reports that both crocin and crocetin play a crucial role in the sexual processes of algae. Saffron is a key ingredient in many aphrodisiacal dishes, such as the Amorous Pesto dip.

Other Benefits: Saffron is also believed to reduce the risk of heart diseases, hepatitis and promote healthy immune system. It is also established to promote learning and memory retention in animals; therefore, it has potential to be used in aging elderly people.

Usage: Consuming about 30 mg (10 dried strands) of saffron every day, have proven to be potentially beneficial to anyone and everyone who wants to elevate their mood or enjoy the vast benefits of Saffron. You can simply add Saffron strands into water and consume it directly. However, Saffron extract tablets are also becoming common in the western world. Personally, I add one teaspoon of high quality Spanish / Iranian saffron strand into a pot containing one litre of water and refrigerate the pot, allowing it to soak or steep as long as possible. Then everyday, I will take an empty glass, fill ¾ of it with plain water and fill the remaining ¼ with the steeped saffron water from the pot. It is advisable that the Saffron is left in water for at least 20 minutes or as long as possible. Saffron can dissolve in most liquids like room temperature water, milk and juices. However, do not steep or soak saffron in oil, it will not release its chemicals.

Safety: It is often said that very high doses of saffron can cause abortion and possible toxic symptoms, but there is no scientific documentation of these supposed effects. Saffron has been certified as more than safe for consumption. The price is worth paying for its culinary and potential antioxidant, anticancer and antidepressant properties. Do not consume more than 1 or 2 tablespoon of saffron each day as it maybe toxic. Saffron poisoning is rare as 1 tablespoon of saffron is rarely consumable or affordable. Saffron is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, those with liver or kidney problems. Oral administration of saffron extract at concentrations from 0.1 to 5 grams per kilogram of body weight (g/kg) is nontoxic in mice. Saffron has also been shown to be non-mutagenic. That means that it does not cause mutations. The consumption of Saffron is proven to be highly and generally safe. However, a similar species called meadow saffron is poisonous and is sometimes mistaken for the real Saffron (crocus sativus). Therefore, instead of picking unknown wild saffron yourself, it is strongly encouraged to purchase Saffron easily from local Arabian or Indian or French stores. In Singapore, 1 gram of Saffron can be purchased for the price of $10, and it can last you for more than one month.

Indian Medicine: More than 4000 to 5000 years ago, Saffron had already been used in Ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and many other illnesses. However, only recently did modern Western medicine concluded and supported the fact that Saffron has such properties. Till today, Ayurvedic medicine suggests that: Saffron must be added into warm almond milk or into herbal teas and be consumed, in order to reduce and heal anxiety. There are evidences of herbal formulations dating back as far as thousands of years. In these evidences, Ayurveda medicine used Saffron to treat menstrual disorders, impotence, headaches, urinary problem, digestive problems, depression and lack of vitality. Interestingly, The Urology Journal in 2008 also suggested that Saffron, as an antioxidant, is positively effective on human sperm morphology (structure) and motility (movement) in infertile men. Remarkably, modern researches done in 2008 and 2009 on Saffron’s abilities to relieve mind related disorders and impotency have proven the reliability of Ayurveda Medicine, written 5000 years ago. Saffron has various Ayurvedic medicinal properties. In Ancient Ayurveda and currently proven in modern science, Saffron has a nerve sedative properties and emmenagogue properties (stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; some stimulate menstruation). It is also used in fevers, melancholia (mood disorder, depression, low levels of enthusiasm and eagerness for activity) and enlargement of the liver. It has strong antioxidant, anticancer and anti-tumour affects. It also has stimulant and stomachic properties (tone the stomach, improving its function and increasing appetite). Himalaya Herbal Healthcare Company, a leading Ayurvedic based company did extensive research on Saffron to improve the above-mentioned properties. Mice with cancer was given anti-cancer medication and Saffron extract, this significantly prolonged the life span of the mice by three fold. Currently Himalaya Healthcare Company uses it in Heart Care products, Stress Care products, and Sexual Enhancing Care products.

Religious Usage: Saffron is considered an auspicious and religiously posh and special gift in India till today. Saffron is usually exchanged or given in special occasions such as weddings or engagement. It is also offered in temple as offerings to the Gods. Saffron’s colour is considered the holy colour in most Indian Religions (Hinduism and Buddhism). Saffron is not only used as a food flavoring and colorant, but as a dye for clothing, especially in developing countries. It is so intensely colourful that one grain of powdered saffron imparts a distinctly yellow tint that can dye 10 gallons of water. Saffron-robed priests are a common sight in India and saffron is the choice color of the Hindu nationalist parties in India. Greeks and Romans Gods are depicted sleeping on bed of Saffron, which symbolises their amorous and romantic intentions.

Fake Saffron: There are also some false or non-crocus derived versions on the market; for example, an Indian safflower. In ancient times, as well as modern times, adulteration has always been a problem. Medieval folk took saffron adulteration very seriously. There are historical records of 15th century saffron frauds being burned in the market place along with their adulterated saffron. On another occasion, three persons convicted of that same crime were buried alive. One must also make sure not to confuse saffron with an entirely different plant called "meadow saffron" (Colchicum autumnale). This species also has medicinal uses, but unlike true saffron, meadow saffron can be very poisonous and should be strictly avoided. Its value has prompted a good deal of cheating over the years by unscrupulous traders, from substituting saffron threads with beet fibres to mixing the powdered version with cheaper, similar-coloured spices such as turmeric and safflower. So when you buy, make sure you go for a reputable brand.

Ancient Greece: According to one Greek legend, Hermes, the winged messenger, was throwing his discus, which hit his friend Crocus, who fell down dead on top of some flowers. To honour him, Hermes turned the stigmas of the flowers scarlet. Saffron was used in thermal baths for romantic and sexual intentions. Captivatingly, in 2008, Greentech Company and Stand Cosmetics Europe produced cosmetic products and shower cream that are formulated with a mix of hot pepper and saffron extracts that are said to arouse both the male and female senses for the final embrace. The company came up with this idea because the Greeks and Romans treasured Saffron, believing that it contains strong sexually arousing abilities. Gods are depicted sleeping on bed of Saffron, which symbolises their amorous and romantic intentions. Saffron also had a reputation to even corrupt the virgins of sexual desires.

Medieval Europeans: They used saffron to treat respiratory infections and disorders such as coughs and common colds, scarlet fever, smallpox, cancer, hypoxia, and asthma. Other targets included blood disorders, insomnia, paralysis, heart diseases, flatulence, stomach upsets and disorders, gout, chronic uterine haemorrhage, dysmorrhea, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period), baby colic, and eye disorders.

Ancient Persians and Egyptians: They used saffron as an aphrodisiac (intensify sexual desire), general antidote against poisoning, a digestive stimulant, and a tonic for dysentery and measles. Saffron was also used to improve digestion and also as a sedative to calm infants during teething or insomnia. Today, in the Middle East, saffron are blended with sandalwood and used as perfume called: “zafran attar”, which is valued for its relaxant properties and cure for headaches.

Modern Japan: Today, Saffron is made into tablets and is consumed as a sleep aiding medication and in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Many modern researches suggest that Saffron provide protections against cancer, memory loss, heart disease and inflammation.

Medically Proven Scientific Journals

Anti-Tumor: Molecular Cancer Therapeutics Journal, Feb 2009 – “Crocetin, a carotenoid compound derived from saffron, has long been used as a traditional ancient medicine against different human diseases including cancer. This study indicates that crocetin has a significant anti-tumor-igenic effect in both in vitro and in vivo on pancreatic cancer.”

Anti-Oxidant Compounds: Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, Jan 2009 – “Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content varied among plants used and Crocus sativus had the highest total phenolic content (42.29 mgGAE/g DW).”

Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Insomnia: Phytotherapy Research Journal, Jan 2009 – “Saffron stigma (Crocus sativus L.) is used for insomnia and anxiety in traditional medicine. Crocin showed no anxiolytic, hypnotic or myorelaxation effects. Safranal, in higher doses, 0.15 and 0.35 mL/kg, showed anxiolytic effects. Safranal increased the total sleep time dose dependently. Saffron aqueous extract and safranal have anxiolytic and hypnotic effects.”

Burned Wound Healing: The Keio Journal of Medicine, Dec 2008 – “Although the exact mechanism of saffron is unclear, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of saffron may have contributed to the wound healing. The results of this study raise the possibility of potential efficacy of saffron in accelerating wound healing in burn injuries.”

Sperm Health: Urology Journal, Fall 2008 – “We conducted this study to determine the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) on the results of semen analysis in men with idiopathic infertility. Saffron, as an antioxidant, is positively effective on sperm morphology and motility in infertile men, while it does not increase sperm count.”

Protection of Muscles: Evidence Based Complement and Alternative Medicine, Oct 2007 – “Saffron and its constituents have been shown to decrease ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in kidney or brain tissues. Following saffron, crocin and safranal administration, the total SH contents and antioxidant capacity were elevated in muscle flap. It is concluded that saffron extract and its constituents show a protective effect against lower limb I/R in rat.”

Anti-Cancer: Food and Chemical Toxicology, Nov 2008 – “Saffron (dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L.) has been used as a spice, food colorant and medicinal plant for millennia. It might be concluded that saffron could cause cell death in HeLa and HepG2 cells, in which apoptosis or programmed cell death plays an important role. Saffron could be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment in future.”

Safe For Consumption: Phytomedicine Journal, Dec 2008 – “Saffron (Crocus sativus) stigma tablets were evaluated for short-term safety and tolerability in healthy adult volunteers. Saffron with higher dose (400mg) decreased standing systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressures significantly. Saffron decreased slightly some hematological parameters such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets. Saffron increased sodium, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. This study showed that saffron tablets may change some hematological and biochemical parameters. However, these alterations were in normal ranges and they were not important clinically.”

Anti-Anxiety: Phytomedicine Journal, Dec 2008 – “Crocus sativus L. is a plant cultivated in various parts of the world. Crocins are among the active components of Crocus sativus L. The present study was designed to investigate in the rat whether or not crocins possess anxiolytic properties. Conversely, lower doses of crocins (15-30 mg/kg) did not substantially modify animals' behaviour. The present results indicate that treatment with these active constituents of Crocus sativus induce anxiolytic-like effects in the rat.”

Antioxidant: Planta Medica, Apr 2008 – “The quantitative analysis data obtained thus far have shown that Crocus sativus petals are a rich source of flavonoids. Such a fact suggests that the good antioxidant capacity detected in the various fractions of Crocus sativus petals could be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, since it is already known that these molecules exert antioxidant capability.”

Anti-Retinal Stress: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Mar 2008 – “To test whether the saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) given as a dietary supplement counteracts the effects of continuous light exposure in the albino rat retina. These results show that saffron may protect photoreceptors from retinal stress, maintaining both morphology and function and probably acting as a regulator of programmed cell death.”

Treats PMS: BJOB Journal, Mar 2008 – “The aim of this double-blind and placebo-controlled trial was to investigate whether saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus L.) could relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The results of this study indicate the efficacy of C. sativus L. in the treatment of PMS. However, a tolerable adverse effects profile of saffron may well confirm the application of saffron as an alternative treatment for PMS.”

Inhibits Colorectal Cancer: Experimental Oncology, Sep 2007 – “Data from this study demonstrated that Crocus sativus extract and its major constituent, crocin, significantly inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells while not affecting normal cells. Crocus sativus extract should be investigated further as a viable option in the treatment of colorectal cancer.”

Sexual Enhancing: Phytomedicine Journal, Jun 2008 – “In this study, the aphrodisiac activities of Crocus sativus stigma aqueous extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin, were evaluated in male rats. Safranal did not show aphrodisiac effects. The present study reveals an aphrodisiac activity of saffron aqueous extract and its constituent crocin.”

Anti-Depression: Progress in Neuropsychopharmacol Biological Psychiatry, Mar 2007 – “A number of recent preclinical and clinical studies indicate that stigma and petal of Crocus sativus have antidepressant effect. At the end of trial, petal of C. sativus was found to be effective similar to fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The present study is supportive of other studies, which show antidepressant effect of C. sativus.”

Anti-Depression: Phytomedicine Journal, Dec 2008 – “The results of this study indicate the efficacy of petal of Saffron in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression.”

Anti-Depression: Phytotheraphy Research, Feb 2005 – “As a therapeutic plant, saffron is considered excellent for stomach ailments and as an antispasmodic, to help digestion and to increase appetite. .The results of this study indicate the efficacy of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.”

Anti-Depression: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Sep 2004 – “The main overall finding from this study is that saffron may be of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.”

Anti-Pancreatic Cancer: Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, Feb 2009 – “This study indicates that crocetin has a significant antitumorigenic effect in both in vitro and in vivo on pancreatic cancer.”

Ramesh Kumar

Healing Foods: Stress, Anxiety, Sadness & Depression

2009-01-25T22:11:00.036+08:00

Food That Heals The Mind

Human Emotions

Stress and Mental Health have become an important part of our lives. And the struggle to overcome them is greater than ever. We, Humans, are different from other living things as we express realistic emotions and feelings. Anger, Annoyance, Apathy, Anxiety, Depression, Despair, Disappointment, Ecstasy, Embarrassment, Fear, Frustration, Grief, Guilt, Hatred, Horror, Hostility, Hysteria, Jealousy, Loathing, Rage, Regret, Remorse, Sadness, Shame, Suffering, Stress, and Worries are common emotional markers of our daily life. When these emotions start to have impact on us, it becomes a serious problem.

World’s Situation

The World Health Organisation stated that more than 121 million people suffer from depression. More than 500 million people suffer from stress. Around 20% of the world's children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems. About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14. 1 in every 20 adults suffers from stress or emotion related headaches. On average about 850 000 people commit suicide each year. More than half of the people who kill themselves are aged between 15 and 44. The highest suicide rates are found among men in eastern European countries. Stigma about mental disorders and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care.

Singapore’s Situation

Latest news report stated that many Singaporeans are being diagnosed with depression, anxiety, stress disorders and many other mental disorders. The hectic living, working, financial and competitive condition in Singapore is affecting more and more people. The Institute of Mental Health states that the total intake of inpatients into the various rehabilitation programmes has increased over six-fold.

Human Psychological Problems

Alcohol / Drug Abuse, Amnesia, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Delirium, Delusional Disorder, Dementia, Depression, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Dyspareunia, Eating Disorders, Epilepsy, Factitious Disorders, Gender Identity Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Neurological Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Personality Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Sleep Disorders, Social Anxiety Disorder, Somatization Disorder and Stress are just handful of psychological disorders that millions of people in the world suffers from.

Depression

Depression is a common mind disorder. It is like a common cold and it can affect anyone at any age and anytime. Even recent reports published that animals such as dogs and parrots are suffering from depression as well. There are more than 121 million people in the world suffering from depression, so you are not alone and it is not an illness that cannot be treated. It can be easily treated with the power of your mind, medications, food, exercise and even religion. Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated by primary care. But fewer than 25 % of those affected have access to effective treatments. Depression is usually characterised with low mood, persistent sadness, and loss of pleasure, interest, eating or sleeping. These problems become more serious and never-ending (chronic) when no treatment or action is taken. It will slowly consume up your energy and make you physically, mentally and occupationally handicap day-to-day.

The World Health Organisation stated that severe depression could lead to suicidal thoughts or even suicide, and statistics states that about 850 000 thousand lives are loss each year to depression. Depression is the leading cause of day-to-day disability and by the 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of global burden of disease. Many people, almost 75% of depressed individuals, fail to get treatment. This is due to barriers, which include the lack of resources, lack of trained providers, and the social stigma or shame associated with mental disorders. I was in the shoes of a depressed person and I truly understand the severity and disability that many of us experience. Many have praised that there is no medicine like food and no poison like food as well. Certain foods have been scientifically proven to help many with depression. Try and adopt this new mood-food therapy and as well see an ordinary doctor who will primarily give you medication to relief your stress and burden.

Symptoms Of Depression

Persistent sadness or anxiousness, Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness, Loss of interest in activities or hobbies, Fatigue and decreased energy, Difficulty concentrating and making decisions, Insomnia or early–morning wakefulness, Overeating or appetite loss, Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts, Persistent aches or pains and headaches or Digestive problems.

Stress

- Stress means different thing for each one of us
- Anything that causes a change in your life causes stress
- Change can be real or imagined (worries)
- Stress provide motivation to scale new challenges
- However, stress becomes harmful when:
- It is not proportionate to the severity of the situation
- it interferes with the physical, work and social aspects

Serotonin

Serotonin is a chemical produced by brain (nerve) cells, and it has mood enhancing properties, anxiety reducing, muscular pain easing, calming, mood stabilising and healthy sleep inducing properties. Serotonin is important because it is a master controller that governs muscle movements, alertness, mental activity, sleeping ability and mood. The brain using a protein called Trytophan produces it. Currently, most anti-depressants medications are potent serotonin active drugs. Example: Prozac (antidepressant that enhanced the mood regulating acitivity of Serotonin), Imitrex (activates serotonin nerve pathways to constrict bloof vessels and treat migraine headaches), and Redux (controls eating by delivering a dose of serotonin to the appetite control centres in the brain).

My Story

4 to 5 months ago, when I was undergoing depression, I took desperate measures in order to get cured. My frantic behaviour made me search for medical journals on how to cure depression with the power of food. I was surprised that many foods had the power to heal as much as it had the power to kill. Those researches were not in-depth and were done during my miserable life phase. However, now, the dietician in my workplace (my polytechnic) gave me an assignment to research on foods that has been scientifically proven to help depression, stress and other similar emotional upsets. My past experience in researching were handy.

Many Singaporeans are increasingly becoming upset, stressed and even diagnosed with clinical depression. The worst thing that can happen to a persons’ life is not cancer nor AIDS, but depression. So I started my search for the truth again. I compiled a comprehensive list of foods that are medically proven against our everyday stress, anxiety, anger or depression. What good does this research have, if I do not share it with others? So my hours of effort are my humble gift to every one of you. You do not need to be depressed or stressed in order to eat them. They are everyday food that can aid our everyday stress and emotions. Caution: Always consult a doctor and seek permission, as you might be allergic to them or your medication may have interaction with these foods.

Saffron

Overview: Saffron is reported to have anti depressant, anti anxiety, anti stress, anti cancer, antioxidant, anti heart diseases and sexual enhancing properties. Even though Saffron has been used in Ancient Indian Ayurveda Medicine for more than 5000 years ago, it has only come under spotlight recently in Western Medicine Journals.

Introduction: Saffron is the delicate red stigma (female part of the flower). It is the world’s most expensive spice. It is painstakingly handpicked individually and very carefully handled and dried to deepen the flavour. Each flower has only three Saffron strands, and it requires about 150 flowers to produce 1 g of dried Saffron strands. Or 5000 flowers to produce just 1 ounce. Saffron can be easily sold at a price of US$2000 for just 500 g. Saffron is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to impart colour, flavour and aroma. Saffron’s sumptuous golden colouring effect, slightly sweet taste, and deep penetrating aroma make it an essential spice in French cuisine as well. French Fish Stews, Bouillabaisse, Risotto Milanese and Paella Valenciana are come classic French dishes that employs the posh spice Saffron. Saffron is the main colouring agent in most Indian sweets, desserts and rice-based dishes.

Anti-anxiety properties: A research published in 2009 suggests that saffron may have anti-anxiety and hypnotic (sleepy) properties. In addition to that another research suggest that active constituents of Saffron induces anti-anxiety like effects in animals as well. Personally, every time I consume saffron steeped in water, I feel hypnotic.

Anti-depressant properties: Crocin (colour) and safranal (aroma) are the main chemicals responsible for the antidepressant actions. Several medical researches have proven that saffron is useful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Crocin (colour) increases dopamine (mood enhancer) and norepinephrine (attention) in the brain, while safranal (aroma) increases serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical produced by brain (nerve) cells and it has mood enhancing, anxiety reducing, pain easing, calming, mood stabilising and sleep inducing properties. Serotonin is important because it is a master controller that governs muscle movements, alertness, mental activity, sleeping ability and mood. A recent publication dated February 2009 stated that Saffron works as effective as commonly used western antidepressant medications. Many other scientific human trials also suggest that Saffron is effective in the treatment of depression in comparison with western synthetic medications. Many medical journals dating from 2004 till 2009 have concluded that Saffron is useful in the treatment of depression.

Other Benefits: Saffron contains several antioxidants and beneficial carotenoids. Some researches have suggested that Saffron extract may have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, further studies are still being conducted. Crocin (colour) in saffron has possible antioxidant and anticancer effect. Crocin triggers cancer cells to die, especially pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, leukaemia, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer cells. In February 2009, a medical journal published that Crocetin, a carotenoid compound in saffron has a significant anti-tumor-igenic effect on pancreatic cancer. There are several other journals, which also verify saffron’s possible anti-cancer effect on various cancer cells. Saffron is also believed to reduce the risk of heart diseases, hepatitis and promote healthy immune system. It is also established to promote learning and memory retention in animals; therefore, it has potential to be used in aging elderly people.

Usage: Consuming about 30 mg (10 dried strands) of saffron every day, have proven to be potentially beneficial to anyone and everyone who wants to elevate their mood or enjoy the various benefits of Saffron. You can simply add Saffron strands into water and consume it directly. However, Saffron extract tablets are also becoming common in the western world. Personally, I add one teaspoon of high quality Spanish / Iranian saffron strand into a pot containing one litre of water and refrigerate the pot, allowing it to soak or steep as long as possible. Then everyday, I will take an empty glass, fill ¾ of it with plain water and fill the remaining ¼ with the steeped saffron water from the pot. It is advisable that the Saffron is left in water for at least 20 minutes and as long as possible. Usually Spanish saffron produces a richer golden colour in water. Saffron can dissolve in most liquids like room temperature water, milk and juices. However, do not steep or soak saffron in oil, it will not release its chemicals. The consumption of Saffron is proven to be generally safe. However, a similar species called meadow saffron is poisonous and is sometimes mistaken for the real Saffron (crocus sativus). Therefore, instead of picking unknown wild saffron yourself, it is strongly encouraged to purchase Saffron easily from local Arabian or Indian or French stores. In Singapore, 1 gram of Saffron can be purchased for the price of $10, and it can last you for more than one month. It is often said that very high doses of saffron can cause abortion and possible toxic symptoms, but there is no scientific documentation of these supposed effects. Saffron has been certified as more than safe for consumption. The price is worth paying for its culinary and potential antioxidant, anticancer and antidepressant properties. Do not consume more than 1 or 2 tablespoon of saffron each day as it maybe toxic. Saffron poisoning is rare as 1 tablespoon of saffron is rarely consumable or affordable. Saffron is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, those with liver or kidney problems.

Indian Medicine: More than 4000 to 5000 years ago, Saffron had already been used in Ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and many other illnesses. However, only recently did modern Western medicine concluded and supported the fact that Saffron has such properties. Till today, Ayurvedic medicine suggests that: Saffron must be added into warm almond milk or into herbal teas and be consumed, in order to reduce and heal anxiety. There are evidences of herbal formulations dating back as far as thousands of years. In these evidences, Ayurveda medicine used Saffron to treat menstrual disorders, impotence, headaches, urinary problem, digestive problems, depression and lack of vitality. Interestingly, The Urology Journal in 2008 also suggested that Saffron, as an antioxidant, is positively effective on human sperm morphology (structure) and motility (movement) in infertile men. Remarkably, modern researches done in 2008 and 2009 on Saffron’s abilities to relieve mind related disorders and impotency have proven the reliability of Ayurveda Medicine, written 5000 years ago. Saffron is considered an auspicious and religiously posh and special gift in India till today. Saffron is usually exchanged or given in special occasions such as weddings or engagement. It is also offered in temple as offerings to the Gods. Saffron’s colour is considered the holy colour or ceremonially holy dress (robes) colour in most Indian Religions (Hinduism and Buddhism).

Historical and Modern Usage: Saffron has been used as aphrodisiac (intensify sexual desire), diaphoretic (cause sweating), carminative (prevent wind), and emmenagogue (bring menstruation) throughout history. In Ancient Greece, Saffron was used in thermal baths for romantic and sexual intentions. Captivatingly, in 2008, Greentech Company and Stand Cosmetics Europe produced cosmetic products and shower cream that are formulated with a mix of hot pepper and saffron extracts that are said to arouse both the male and female senses for the final embrace. The company came up with this idea because the Greeks and Romans treasured Saffron, believing that it contains strong sexually arousing abilities. Gods are depicted sleeping on bed of Saffron, which symbolises their amorous and romantic intentions. Saffron also had a reputation to even corrupt the virgins of sexual desires. In Ancient Egypt, Saffron was used to improve digestion and also as a sedative to calm infants during teething or insomnia. Today, in the Middle East, saffron are blended with sandalwood and used as perfume called: “zafran attar”, which is valued for its relaxant properties and cure for headaches. In Japan, Saffron is made into tablets and is consumed as a sleep aiding medication and in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Many modern researches suggest that Saffron provide protections against cancer, memory loss, heart disease and inflammation.

Tryptophan with Carbohydrate

Introduction: Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acid (protein) that the human body needs and it is obtained from protein-rich foods. Tryptophan is needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. The body uses Trytophan to manufacture several important substances including the brain chemical serotonin (mood enhancer, calming properties, mood stabiliser and healthy sleep promoter), melatonin (sleep regulator) and a type of vitamin B called niacin.

Serotonin Producer: Tryptophan becomes one of the most important nutrients in the war against stress, anxiety and depression. A continuous intake of Tryptophan-rich food can enhance serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical produced by brain (nerve) cells, and it has mood enhancing properties, calming properties, mood stabilising properties and healthy sleep inducing properties. Serotonin is important because it is a master controller that governs muscle movements, alertness, mental activity, sleeping ability and mood. Some studies have shown that increased tryptophan levels in our body increase both serotonin levels and serotonin release in our body.

Melatonin Producer: Tryptophan is converted into melatonin and serotonin in the human body. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that is involved in sleep regulation. Melatonin is also a potent antioxidant that has protective effects against caner. Both melatonin and serotonin are thought to induce healthy sleep.

Consumption of Tryptophan: Poor diet, lack of exercise, drugs, smoking, alcohol, emotional stress and physical stress will disrupt the brain’s ability to use tryptophan to produce enough serotonin and melatonin. It is complicated to ensure that tryptophan is well absorbed into the body. There are many types of protein (amino acids) in foods and tryptophan is just one of it. When you consume a food that is high in proteins (e.g. meat), the various proteins will start to compete with each other and also with tryptophan to gain entry into the brain. This affects the amount of tryptophan entering the brain. However, this problem can be resolved when you consume a high carbohydrate food with a protein rich food (particularly high in tryptophan). When you eat high carbohydrate foods (e.g. bread or cereals) with protein, tryptophan is usually prioritised and is absorbed better than other proteins. Therefore, tryptophan will enter the brain more quickly and thus the melatonin and serotonin levels will increase in the brain. Food such as turkey, egg white, almonds, soya bean products, spirulina seaweed, chesses, codfish, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pork and low fat milk usually contains the most amount of tryptophan per 100 g. However, food such as low-fat dark chocolates, pumpkin seeds, low-fat dairy products, oats, banana, mangoes, durians, fishes and beef also contains tryptophan. Tryptophan must be consumed with a food that is high in carbohydrate to achieve an increased level of Tryptophan in the brain effectively. Example: bread (carbohydrate) with cheese (protein) or cereals (carbohydrate) with low fat milk (protein) or mangoes, chocolates, oats, and banana (contain both carbohydrate and protein).

Chocolate

Chocolates are notably consumed worldwide in the form of candies, beverages, flavouring ingredients, confectionaries and many other ways. Chocolates are produced from the beans of the cacao tree. Most of our chocolates are produced from the bean of the Forastero cacao tree. However, the world’s best and premium chocolate makers obtain their chocolate from the beans of the Criollo cacao tree, which is rare, prized, and more aromatic. Cacao tree are very difficult to cultivate and mature. Varies types of cacao beans are mixed, cleaned, roasted, cooled and fanned to finally produce Cocoa Butter. This cocoa butter is heated to form chocolate liquor / liquid, and this liquid is poured into a mould and allowed to solidify to get bitter unsweetened chocolate.
This cocoa is then processed with dairy, fat, sugar, flavourings and many other ingredients to produce the chocolates that we enjoy today. Chocolate that we buy from retails shops contains high amount of fat and sugar. Pure chocolates are rich in many types of health beneficial chemicals such as sterols and flavonoids. Chocolate is scientifically not proven as an antidepressant, however, scientist argue that chocolate contains a substance that have the similar effect as the drug Marijuana, which is a harmful drug that makes you feel high. However, chocolate does not contain those same chemicals as Marijuana, but the anandamine in chocolate works in the brain and produces pleasurable feeling. This pleasurable feeling gives you a temporary period of relaxation and less anxiousness. Usually the pleasurable feeling starts to fade off as anandamine gets broken down in the brain quickly. However, scientist dispute that other chemicals in chocolate inhibit the anandamine to be broken down quickly, thus making us feels good and pleasurable for a longer period. However, many scientists have not proven chocolate to have prolonged antidepressant properties but instead it gives a temporary comfort and pleasure.
It is advisable to eat chocolate in moderation as they are usually processed with high amount of sugar, fat and many other ingredients. It is advisable to consume high quality semisweet dark chocolate as it contains the highest amount of cocoa and beneficial flavonoids, plus good enough to eat without bitter note. Many commercial chocolates and sweets are high in sugar, fat, refined flour, and hydrogenated fats, which are not good for health. White chocolate may not contain beneficial chemicals as it is highly and differently processed.

There is no solid scientific evidence to show thatcChocolate helps relieve stress, anxiety or depression directly. However, Chocolate has become more of a comfort food or craving rather than a food that helps fight stress. Dr Mindy Kurzer stated that: Studies have shown that Chocolate is the number one food craved by women, while men generally crave for spicy foods. Women who crave chocolate appear to do so because of its enjoyable sensory properties, like aroma, taste and mouth feel. In addition to that, many people always appear to have a positive psychological association or become very happy, delighted or excited when consuming chocolates. Therefore, chocolates do have temporary and indirect mood enhancement properties. Many foods, including chocolate, contain bioactive compounds, but few studies show that consumption of these foods actually can improve one's mood.

However, chocolate contains theobromine (good for the heart) and tryptophan (calming effect and mood enhancer). Chocolate also contains the amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which may reduce anxiety. Chocolate and sweets are often blamed when children get overly wound up or hyperactive. Always buy and consume chocolates, which are lower in sugar and fat (e.g. semi-sweet dark chocolate). But experts have found that sugar has no adverse effects on the behaviour or hyperactivity of most children. The food company Fortitech made a unique dark chocolate that improves mood and reduce stress. This chocolate contains added GABA, magnesium, L-theanine, L-tryptophan and Ashwaganda extract, which are useful in the treatment of stress or depression.

Milk

Milk products contain high amounts of Tryptophan. Drink a glass of warm low-fat milk, which can reduce tension any time of the day. Tryptophan is needed for the production of a brain chemical called Serotonin, which is essential for calming effect and mood enhancement. Similarly, in ancient Indian Ayurveda Medicine, warm almond milk with ginger, nutmeg and saffron is consumed to eliminate anxiety and stress. 10 raw almonds are soaked overnight in water and the skin is then peeled off. Then in a blender, the soaked almonds, 1-cup warm milk, small amount of ginger, pinch of nutmeg powder and few strands of saffron is added, blended and consumed.

Chamomile Flower

Chamomile is a flower belonging to the sunflower family. Chamomile contains a chemical called apigenin, which calms the central nervous system (brain) and makes it easier to fall asleep at night. It also contains the chemical bisabolol, which relaxes muscles that lines the digestive tract and uterus. Chamomile tea can be easily purchased in most stores. Drink one cup of tea, three times a day. You can lounge in your warm bathtub with a few drops of chamomile oil or handful of dried flowers, which will penetrate into your skin and take the edge off anxiety and stress. Chamomile oil is increasingly being used in aromatherapy and can be purchased in outlets such as Body Shop.

Caffeine

Avoid beverages and food that contains high amount of caffeine (e.g. coffee, black tea, soft drinks and energy drinks). Caffeine suppresses the production of Serotonin, which is essential for calming effect and mood enhancement. Studies suggest that people with anxiety symptoms may be more sensitive to caffeine than most people.

Green Tea

Over 300 compounds are found in black tea, and about 30 in green tea. Major constituents are polyphenolic compounds (such as catechins and flavonols), methylxanthines (such as caffeine and theobromine), and volatile compounds. Polyphenolic compounds are responsible for the flavour, astringency, metallic taste and extensive health benefits. Green tea contains high amounts of these compounds, exhibiting high levels of therapeutic activity compared to oxidised black tea. Green tea’s tannin is scientifically proven to aid digestion and weight loss. Catechin lowers high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level, and prevents diabetes and tooth decay. The heat resistant Vitamin C and minerals aids in body’s overall functioning, pH balance, prevents illness and promotes healthy skin. The most active polyphenols in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate. It acts as a strong antioxidant, increases antioxidants enzymes activities in various organs and inhibits cancer-causing compounds such as nitrosamines. Tea also contains L-theanine (an amino acid found naturally), which may affect brain function in humans. L-theanine significantly increases activity in the alpha frequency band, which relaxes the mind without causing drowsiness. Data indicates that L-theanine, at realistic dietary levels, has a significant effect on the general state of mental alertness or arousal. Drinking lots of Green Tea contains sufficient L-theanine, which is said to relax the brain. Consumption of 50 mg of L-theanine stimulates the alpha-brain waves associated with relaxation. By increasing the frequency of these brain waves, the beta-brain waves associated with tension are decreased.

Green tea confectionaries are popular throughout Japan and the western world. In Manhattan, “ITO EN” serves various green tea snacks while “Toraya” boasts a tea salon in Paris and distributes traditional tea confectionaries to shops in Europe and America. Green Tea is also a popular ingredient for cooking. It needs some preparation due to the catechins in the leaves, which may cause bitterness. This can be overcome by flavourings. It is more nutritious to cook with tea as the leaves are consumed as whole. Matcha is available in many stores in America and is used for cooking

Omega 3

Omega 3 is an unsaturated fat that is essential for the human body. Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids have been identified as a contributing factor to mood disorders. Omega-3 helps nourish brain cells and is required for the production of various brain chemicals such as serotonin. Cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines are rich in Omega 3. Flax seeds, walnuts and many other seeds and nuts contain Omega 3. Omega 3 oils block chemicals called cytokines that can cause low mood. A study suggest that the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids lowers the incidence of depression in adolescents. The UK Prisons are testing the effects of an improved diet with vitamins and Omega 3 to see whether it will reduce violent and anti-social behaviour. Potential benefits of the fatty acids include a reduction in violent or impulsive behaviour, improvements in neurodevelopmental disorders in children (such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism), as well as improvements or even prevention of adult psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and depression).

Fish

Try to consume fish three times a week. Or even adopt a fish-milk-egg-vegetarian diet. Researchers in Finland found that people who ate fish less than once a week had a 31% higher incidence of mild to moderate depression than people who ate fish more often. Fish are rich in Omega 3, which are essential to brain function. Albacore tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel are great choices for you to indulge on. Fish, low fat milk, and soya bean products are better choice of protein than chicken, beef, mutton and pork, which are high in fat. Fish and its Omega 3 content influence serotonin (mood enhancer) production. One small trial found evidence that use of fish oil might decrease anger and aggressiveness in people with a history of aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and problems with the law.

Lavender Flower

Lavender is a flower belonging to the mint family. Lavenders’ scent has a calming and relaxing effect. You can lounge in your warm bathtub with a few drops of lavender oil or burn lavender scent as part of aromatherapy. Lavender oil can be purchased in outlets such as Body Shop. A warm bath itself is pleasant and smoothing to the senses. However, you will feel much better when the aroma of lavender calms your mind and senses. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center states that: "In a small study, tincture of lavender enhanced the antidepressant effectiveness of the drug imipramine." There are many body soaps made from lavender oil for a therapeutic bathing experience. You can also apply diluted pure lavender oil on your body and enjoy the scent of the flower. Other oil that can be used are: Orange, Sage and Geranium. In Ayurveda Medicine, a warm ginger bath can reduce and pacify anxiety. In a hot bathtub, add 1/3 cup of ginger, 1/3 cup of baking soda and some dried lavender flowers, and soak in. Or you can simply purchase Himalaya Herbal ® ‘s Anti Stress Massage Oil and gently apply it all over the body and soak in it for 15 minutes, before taking a hot shower. This Anti Stress Massage Oil is made from Winter Cherry (Ashvagandha), which has sedative, calming and anti-stress effect. It also contains Gulancha (immuno-modulator), Country Mallow (nervous disorder) and Indian Madder (antiseptic). You can purchase all these products in your local pharmacies or outlets such as Watson / Guardian.

Frequent Exercise

Frequent and prolonged period of exercise is the best way of fighting stress, anxiety and depression, compared to any food, medicine or treatment. Long term of exercise will increase the chemicals in the brain: dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals enhance mood, improve self-esteem and is the best antidepressant and anti-stress treatment. Exercise till you sweat. Jogging, cycling, jumping, aerobics, weight lifting and brisk walking, for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, for three times a week is advised. Yoga is another best and popular option, both in the East and West. Aerobic exercise is a great anxiety reliever. Exercise generally release endorphins, which block pain and improve your mood. In seven out of eight studies reviewed, various forms of exercise proved beneficial for depression. Aerobic exercise, weight training, dancing, and racquetball all produced improvements in mood as compared to no exercise.

Vitamin B

Ensuing that your daily diet contains sufficient vitamin B is important. Low levels of Vitamin B have been linked with depression. Vitamin B is a natural stress reducer and Vitamin B6 is needed to produce serotonin in the brain, which is essential for calming effect and mood enhancement. You can take Vitamin B in the form of supplement or through food. When you buy vitamin tablets / supplements, ensure that the tablet provides A to Z of all the essential vitamins and minerals. And most importantly, ensure that the tablets do not provide more than what you need per day, as too much of vitamins and minerals are very harmful. Food source that are rich in Vitamin B: Soya beans, low-fat milk, lean meat, yeast extract, liver, cereals and marmite. Diets low in vitamin B 6 or vitamin B 12 may have been associated with symptoms of depression.

Healthy Carbohydrates

If you are trying to loss weight by avoiding carbohydrate foods (e.g. rice, bread, potatoes or fruits), then it can contribute to your blue mood. On the other hand, if you are eating a low carbohydrate and high protein diet in order to loss weight, it can be equally bad as well. Carbohydrates are our staple and most essential nutrient. Ensure that you eat foods that are high in healthy carbohydrates everyday: wholemeal bread, pasta, fruits, vegetables, whole grain and beans. These healthy carbohydrates will help your brain to make serotonin, a mood regulating brain chemical, which reduces the impact of depression and stress. In addition to that, these healthy carbohydrates are high in fibre and will help you to loss weight more effectively with the help of exercise. Unusual diets, starving, skipping meals, and pills can worsen your health status and can only provide short-term weight loss. In fact, you will regain more weight compared to what you have loss within a short period. Skipping meals due to low appetite can worsen the mood further. Depression and stress becomes very bad when the body lacks food. At least ensure that you drink protein drinks or energy beverages like: Ensure Life, which provide all the essential nutrients. There are beverages sold for people who are pregnant, diabetic or overweight. Meal high in healthy carbohydrate with fiber, increased the rate that tryptophan enters the brain, leading to an increase in the level of the serotonin that promotes good mood.

Alcohol and Smoking

Alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and liquors are depressants. Many people have the misconception that alcohol is an antidepressant and anti-stress agent. Quitting alcohol and smoking can improve your condition as these substances fire up your stress response and contribute to anxiety attacks and more severe depression. During the early stages, smoking provides pleasurable sensations (because of its action on the dopamine system) and thus serves as a source of positive reinforcement. However, smoking lead to insomnia, mental disorders, cancer and mild depression. So try to quit smoking, which is one of the most harmful substance known to man. And try to reduce or quit drinking alcohol.

There are almost no social gatherings, nowadays, without wine and other alcoholic beverages. Alcohols are toxic in nature, which makes them a good disinfectant and for other non-food applications. However, our alcoholic beverages mainly contain Ethanol. Ethanol is less toxic than other alcohols. Alcoholic beverages causes the brain to produce Euphoria, which is a pleasing effect that people wants to seek. This explains the reason why people seek to drink alcohol. Euphoria is not harmful if we consume alcoholic beverages in moderate amounts, however, once we exceed our limits, alcohol can be a hazardous drug. Many health experts suggest that a man should not consume more than two drinks a day and a woman should not drink more than one drink a day. One drink refers to 4 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer or 1 and 1.2 ounce of liquor.

Unlike other foods, alcohol does not require time for digestion; it is very quickly absorbed into the body, and can even reach the brain within minutes. This causes an immediate feeling of Euphoria. When the stomach is full of food, alcohol is not absorbed very quickly compared to an empty stomach. Therefore, eating a heavy meal or a snack before indulging in alcoholic beverages can delay the absorption of alcohol into the body. Carbohydrate snacks will slow alcohol absorption and fatty snacks will keep the alcohol in the stomach longer. Salty snacks are not advised as the saltiness will cause thirstiness and to quench his or her thirst, they may consume more and more alcohol. Women become easily intoxicated or drunk because they have less amount of a particular enzyme compared to man that helps to break down alcohol and reduce the amount of alcohol entering the blood and intoxicating. Alcohol is very strictly forbidden for pregnant and breast feeding women, as alcohol will affect the baby adversely. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a common physical and behavioural abnormalities seen in the babies whose women consume alcohol.

Alcoholism is a health problem that occurs when alcohol is abused beyond limits. Even a lonely man will mistakenly turn to alcohol for solution from stress, loneliness or depression. Old reports suggest that more than 14 million people in America abuse alcohol to the point that their daily life is affected and impaired. The numbers are much higher now. Alcoholism is a serious health problem. Some reports suggest that 18 million people in United States are alcoholics and in every thirteen people, one is alcohol dependent in the United Kingdom. Alcoholics usually substitute food and beverages with alcohol, which causes many health problems especially due to nutrients deficiency. However, the very food that can kill us has the power to heal us also. It is important that alcoholics try to avoid refined sugars and caffeine. Refined sugars and caffeine will stress the blood sugar control mechanisms and may increase the craving for alcohol. Vitamin B supplements are extremely important. Alcoholics are always suffering from deficiency of Vitamin B(s). Some studies suggest that if a person is deficient of Vitamin B, then he or she may start to consume more alcohol, as it is a predisposing factor for alcoholism. Ensure to slowly reduce your alcohol intake and make sure that your diet is rich in Vitamin B, Zinc and Omega 3. Alcoholics always need more and more amount of alcohol in order to achieve the nice feeling of intoxication, so they become tolerant to alcohol. When they suddenly try to quit alcohol, they will start to experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, increased blood pressure or drug abuses. Therefore, it is important to stop it gradually, with foods that heal the mind: Saffron, Omega 3, Vitamin B, Fish, Fruits, Vegetables, Milk and many others. Alcoholics do not have control over themselves as they initially intend to have just 1 or 2 drinks but will end up with 10 or more. This will badly affect the person’s family, social status, religious activities, psychological health, occupation or education. In addition to that, many of them will have criminal, medical, legal, psychological, family or employment problems as well.

Alcohol causes more problems than many other foods or drugs. They can cause: Arthritis, as alcohol increases the risk of joint inflammation. Cancer, as all the places in our body where alcohol and tobacco reacts has higher possibilities of developing cancerous cells. Heart Diseases, as too much alcohol raises blood pressure, blood lipids, stroke and other heart diseases risks. Hyperglycaemia, as alcohol raises blood glucose, which is harmful for the body and organs. Hypoglycaemia, as alcohol lowers blood glucose in people with diabetes, thus causing them to even faint. Kidney problems, as alcohol enlarges the kidney, altars hormone functions and increases the risk of kidney failure. Liver disease, as alcohol causes fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Malnutrition, as alcohol is absorbed faster in priority than other nutrients and alcohol uses up all vital nutrients. Protein, calcium, iron, vitamins, mineral and many other nutrients are not available to the body, which causes more health problems. Nervous disorders and psychological disorders are very common, as alcohol cause impairment in balance and memory. In addition to that, alcohol causes depression, anxiety, insomnia and dementia. Alcohol also provides the body with useless energy, which increases weight, and causes obesity and overweight related health problems.

Diets high in saturated fat are one of the risk factor for diseases such as Heart Disease and Cancer. Sometimes, the French are scrutinised for consuming more saturated fat than the Americans. However, the French are reported to have lower incidence of heart disease than the Americans. Different researches and studies may give alternate views, however, many experts agree that the French have a lower risk of developing heart disease because of the amount of red wine they consume compared to others. This is known as the French Paradox. MedicineNet.com defines French Paradox as: “The paradox that France enjoys a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease and a relatively long lifespan, despite a diet high in saturated fats. The explanations proposed include the consumption of wine, specifically red wine, alcohol, and resveratrol (an antioxidant in wine)”. As mentioned earlier, some researches suggest that this French Paradox is caused by the protective effect of red wine, which is a rich source of Flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant pigments, which gives fruits like grapes and berries their colour and is generally an effective natural antioxidant. More and more studies suggest that Flavonoids from various fruits and flowers have anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Red Wine and grapes usually contains the blue or purple pigment or flavonoids known as Anthocyanidins and Proanthocyanidin Oligomers. These flavonoids are alleged to protect against oxidative damage from LDL or the Bad Cholesterol in our body, thus promoting heart health. To get a similar benefit from these flavonoids, it is more advisable to consume variety of fruits such as blueberry, cranberry, grapes and raspberry, rather than consuming alcoholic alternatives. However, some studies imply that grape juice might not be as effective as red wine, as they may not have good bioavailability (absorption) as compared to red wine. However, a diet rich in varieties of fresh berries, fruits and vegetables can be equally as beneficial as well.

Some preliminary studies suggest that white wine may not be as effective as red wine, as consumption of white wine actually increased bad cholesterol’s oxidation, instead of protecting, says a study. The flavonoid contents in white wine are much lower than red wine, which is obvious from the colour of the wine itself. Many health experts suggest that women should not consume more than 1 glass (4 ounce) of red wine and men should not consume more than two glasses of red wine per day. Alcohol is toxic in nature, and too much of it can have a reverse damaging health effect. Therefore, ensure a diet rich in dark and bright coloured fruits, such as grapes and berries. Plus, occasionally drink moedarte amount of good quality red wines for its natural goodness. But do not consume more than recommended, as it will backfire. Grape products, including wine, is said to protect against vascular damage, prevent blood platelets from clumping together and as a potent antioxidant. The flesh of grapes are good source of the popular component called Resveratrol, which is also an antioxidant, reduces plaque build-up in arteries and promote heart health by that way. Some studies also suggest its potential to be an anticancer or anti-inflammatory agent Fresh grape skin contains about 5 to 10 mg of it, while red wine may contain 1.5 to 3 mg per litre. Tablets and supplements are available but their potency is usually questioned compared to real fresh grapes and good quality wines. Interestingly wine chemist Dr. Andrew Water-house measured that a 45 g of milk chocolate contains almost equal amounts of phenols as 150 ml of red wine, with an antioxidant effect as potent. Therefore, dark semi-sweet chocolates, fruits, grape juices, vegetables and many other foods can a better alternative to red wine as well. A simple way to say it is that: Alcohol raises good cholesterol levels, if consumed in moderate amount and not very frequently. But if you drink more than what is suggested and very frequently, then the damages that alcohol will outweigh any benefits, as alcohol is naturally toxic. Red wine is always better than any other form of alcohol beverages.

Play psychology with others. Get one glass of wine and stay with that one glass of wine forever. Drink your wine sip by sip. Take a short sip from your glass frequently, which gives an impression to others that you are drinking and enjoying yourself. When you take a sip, don’t show others that you are sipping. Instead act as though you are drinking a large quantity out of the glass but in fact you are just sipping little from the glass. This will delay your top up of more wine from others. Keep holding on to that 1 glass of wine throughout your whole day. People will think that you are drinking and enjoying yourself, but you are actually drinking a desirable amount.

Hangover happens when you drink too much the previous night and you wake up with a horrible feeling in the morning. Common hangover symptoms include: bad headaches, head pounding, sweating, vomiting, anxious and shaky. Painkillers are never advised as they have bad impact on your liver health. Vomiting is the body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins or poison like alcohol. Alcohol also makes your blood abnormally acidic, thus causing nausea and sweating. The alcohol that you consumed dehydrates your body and depletes all the vital nutrients especially minerals. This causes the blood vessels in your head to dilate and thus causing headaches. How to cure Hangovers naturally? The moment you wake up or go to sleep after heavy drinking, drink plenty and plenty of water. Drinking water the moment you wake up will hydrate the body and undo the dehydration. Then have a huge glass of orange, grapefruits or tomato juice. These juices contain a good sugar called fructose, which speeds the metabolism of alcohol. Buy Kudzu herb extract tablet or supplements and keep, as it will cure handovers according to traditional Chinese remedy. A hot bowl of chicken soup will help to restore your salt and potassium that you loss from your body. Banana milk shake with honey is even better as it replaces the minerals lost. Exercise produces endorphins, which are healthy and natural painkillers and stress reducers, but alcohol lowers endorphins levels. So exercise to increase the painkillers back. Avoid champagne and gassy alcohol beverages as they put alcohol into your bloodstream faster.

St John’s Wort

St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders. There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, studies showed that the herb was not effective in treating major depression. St John’s Wort helps ease mild depression by allowing certain brain chemicals to build up between nerve cells. Take 300 mg of St John’s Wort, three times a day. However, consulting a doctor before buying this supplement will be advisable as it may have reactions with other medications. At least 8 studies have found that St. John's wort is at least as effective as standard antidepressants. St. Johns wort was consistently more effective than placebo and equally effective to standard antidepressants. St. John's wort alone should never be relied on for the treatment of severe depression. St. John's wort seldom causes immediate side effects. However, it interacts adversely with a large number of critical medications.

Ayurveda Herbs

Indian Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world's oldest medicinal practises, dating back to 1500 BCE. Many modern western and eastern medicinal practises are developed based on ancient Ayurveda. In the current century, the phobia of chemicals has caused the medicine, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries to employ natural ingredients based on Ayurvedic herbs and practises. "In use for over 5000 years, Ayurveda is a traditional method of healing that is said to provide a harmonious balance between body and soul. And following in the trend for natural active ingredients for cosmetics formulations, Ayurvedic ingredients are appearing in products ranging from shampoos, to lip balms and sunscreens" (Cosmetic Design Europe). Pure herbs in the form of tablets are very common nowadays. Winter Cherry (Ashvagandha) has sedative properties, hypnotic properties, calms the nerves, revive the mind and body, and act as an anti-stress adaptogen. Indian Valerian (Tagara) relaxes the mind, promotes sleep, act as a good relaxant, and a remedy for nervous unrest, emotional troubles and sleep disorders. Mineral Pitch (Shilajeet) has anti-stress and anxiolytic effect. Holy Basil (Tulsi) has anti-stress and adaptogenic effect. You can purchase all these herbs at local pharmacies or outlets such as Watson under the brand name: Himalaya Herbals. It is available in USA, Europe and Asia, including Singapore. Visit: http://www.himalayahealthcare.com/ for more information. Locate the centre of your left hand palm, and press firmly at this centre point for 1 minute using your right hand. This will calm your agitation and anxiety. Yoga, meditation, healing breathing and yoga exercise are important treatment for stress and depression.

Yoga

Yoga originated from Ancient India nearly 6000 years ago. It means "union" in Sanskrit. It is highly respected by all the Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism) and it is the world’s oldest physical-psychological disciplines. Yoga basically involves: breathing, postures, restraint, healthy observances, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation and higher consciousness. Most people throughout the world practise Hatha Yoga, without the religious elements in it. In US, more than 15.8 million Americans practice yoga and 18.3 million Americans are very interested in it. They spend more than $5.7 billion a year on yoga classes and products. Scientists don't know exactly how yoga produces its healthful effects. However, scientific studies have shown that yoga can lower heart rate and blood pressure, increase muscle relaxation, and breathing capacity. It is also proven that Yoga improves fitness, promotes relaxation and self-confidence, and reduces stress and anxiety. People who practice yoga tend to have good coordination, posture, flexibility, range of motion, concentration, sleep habits, and digestion. It is a complementary therapy that has been used with conventional therapies to help treat a wide range of health problems.

Ayurveda Beverage

Beverage 1: For anxiety accompanied by a fast heart rate, it is advised to drink a cup of fresh orange juice with 1 teaspoon of honey, a pinch of nutmeg powder and few strands of saffron. Beverage 2: Add ¼ teaspoon of Nut Grass (Musta), ¼ teaspoon of Valerian (Tagar) and some saffron strands into hot water, and consume it as a tea, which reduces anxiety and stress. Beverage 3: You can simply buy Himalaya Herbal ® ‘s Stress Tea or Sleep Tea, which is specially formulated with various calming and neurologically aiding herbs. You can purchase all these herbs at local pharmacies or outlets such as Watson under the brand name: Himalaya Herbals. It is available in USA, Europe and Asia, including Singapore. Visit: http://www.himalayahealthcare.com/ for more information. Beverage 4: Add ¼ teaspoon of holy basil (tulsi) and ½ teaspoon of sage into hot water, and drink it, in order to reduce depression.

Magnesium

The mineral magnesium is very important for restoring and maintaining healthy nerve function. It is also the key component in the production and function of serotonin. You must ensure that your diet has a variety of spices, nuts, cereals, vegetables, fruits and green leafy vegetables, which are rich sources of magnesium. When you buy vitamin tablets / supplements, ensure that the tablet provides A to Z of all the essential vitamins and minerals. And most importantly, ensure that the tablets do not provide more than what you need per day, as too much of vitamins and minerals are very harmful.

Ginseng

The Siberian Ginseng (cì wǔ jiā) exhibit anti-fatigue, anti-stress, immuno-enhancing effect, CNS activity, and anti-depressive effect. Asian Ginseng (rén shēn) is valued for its ability to protect the body from stress. It has been shown to balance the release of stress hormones and support the organs that produces them. However, it is recommended that you do not consume ginseng for a prolonged period. Consuming it on the first week and then stopping it for two to three weeks before starting again is advised.

Inositol

Inositol is a vitamin-like and sugar-like substance produced by the human body itself. People suffering from depression generally have decreased levels of inositol in them. Inositol appears to make the brain’s receptors more sensitive to serotonin, that mediate mood. 12 to 18 grams a day may help alleviate depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are supplements available to provide the body with sufficient Inositol. Cereals with high bran content, nuts, beans, and fruit, especially cantaloupe melons and oranges contain Inositol.

Fructose and Soribitol

Fructose and sorbitol are sugars that are naturally found in foods and are commonly used in processed foods. Fructose mal-absorption and sorbitol may play a role in the development of depressed mood in some people. Therefore avoid foods that contain high amount of sorbitol such as sugar-free sweets, cough syrups, sugar-free chewing gum and sweets that give cooling effect. Avoid high sugar foods, honey and corn syrups.

Western Herbs

Nepeta or Catnip is a dried herb that makes cats hyperactive but has an opposite effect on humans. It contains chemicals that act as a mild sedative. It can be easily purchased in tea sachets. Hops are a flower that gives beer its distinctive bitter flavour and it has been known for its sedative properties. Consuming hops, as a tea will help to reduce stress and promote sleep. Valerian is another popular herb used to relief anxiety. Research suggests that valerian attach to the same receptors in the brain as the anti-anxiety medication Valium. In Ayurveda Medicine, Valerian (Tagara) relaxes the mind, promotes sleep, act as a good relaxant, and a remedy for nervous unrest, emotional troubles and sleep disorders. However, National Institute of Health (USA) reports that: "research suggests that valerian may be helpful for insomnia, but there is not enough evidence from well-designed studies to confirm this. There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether valerian works for anxiety or for other conditions, such as depression and headaches."

Most of the foods are everyday ingredients and are generally safe, BUT:

- do not over consume them

- do not consume them if you are allergic to it

- do not consume them if you are eating other medication

- do not consume them if you are unsure

- take extra care when consuming pure herbs / spices

Various herbs and supplements may interact adversely with drugs used to treat depression.

It is always advised that you consult a doctor first.

Usually everyday foods are safe to consume.

Food can heal and kill.

Ramesh Kumar

Changeling, A Mother's Love That Changed History

2009-01-12T13:06:00.003+08:00

Changeling, The Movie (2009)

The best English movie I have ever watched in my 21 years.
One of the best movie that I have ever watched compared to the Indian Film Industry.

When I went to watch Seven Pounds, I saw Changeling’s commercial trailer. It pulled my attention as it was based on a true story. Even though, the movie will be out only on 15 January, I desperately went for the Sneak Preview on the 11 January. This movie has two global globe nominations for best actress and best original score. And even though they didn't win, they are a winner in my life.

The movie was beautifully plotted and sculptured. It was so simple and yet flowed smoothly. It touched me every single minute. The Golden Globe nominee Angelina Jolie’s acting skills and emotions were mind blowing and spectacular. Her emotions were naturally expressed and she was engrossed into the character itself. Marvellous acting skills and portrayal. The setting and production was crafted nicely.

The Next Hitler (Jeffrey Donovan) - The Los Angeles Police Department and their subordinates are splendidly exposed and portrayed. The Nazi approach of the police department and their underground sadistic actions are astounding. One mans fault can cause the life of many in the Nazi world, and similarly, one mans fault in the Police Department can cause the life of many and changed America’s law and history forever.

The Next Christ (John Malkovich) – For once in history, a religious figure is depicted so powerfully and angelically. This Presbyterian pastor is the main reason for the history of LA to change. He was the saviour of most of the characters in the movie. He fought for the rights and corruptions of the country. And he embraced the mother who loses her child and was extensively abused by the Police and Hospital. The freedom of speech, the power of religion, the strength of follower and the kind heart of the minister saved the innocent lady and brought the law itself to justice.

Go and watch the movie. And you will know.

Don't Be Disgusting

2009-01-10T17:35:00.004+08:00

You and I are becoming disgusting. I seriously feel appalled and disgusted that most people around the world are always taking a bias stand during crisis. Take for an example, the current Israel and Gaza conflict. The Holy lands are being torn apart in errors that lies within mankind’s’ greed. However, majority of us become prejudice and start to show bias favouritism. This is seriously disgusting. We either support Israel alone or Gaza alone. We either back up the Jews alone or the Muslims alone.

Why must we take such a bias stand based on our own preference? Why can’t we stop doing that and be neutral! Why can’t we see that both Israel and Gaza are in fault? The Jews and their supporting nations blame Gaza for the conflict, while the Arab nations and Muslims blame Israel for the war. And, we, the general public, start to condemn either Israel or Gaza based on the religion we practise or the political organisation we support. A person’s life doesn’t become more precious just because he is born as a Jew or as a Muslim. Both is still lives. Bullets and bombs do not look at race or religion before killing, but men does. Each life is precious to God and no one has the right to remove it but by God himself.

So stop taking a stand solely, either for Israel or Gaza. Both do not deserve our support. Stop blaming Israel alone or Gaza alone for the war. For both of them are the equal reasons for the war. If you insist, read your History texts and the news. Stop blaming Israel alone or Gaza alone for innocent death. For both of them are equally the reasons for the death of innocent people. Instead of arguing whether Muslims are greater or Jews are greater, try to think for a minute that a human’s life is much greater than any religion on earth. Instead of showing your support, just because you are the same ethnic, religion or share same ideology, try to see that innocent lives are at stake. Politics, Religion and Race are destroying mankind and planet earth day by day.

Fight for the war to stop. Pray that no innocent Jewish or Muslim brothers and sisters of ours must die anymore. For both of them are humans and are equally precious in God’ eyes. Your race, culture, religion and thinking is not greater than mine. And my race, culture, religion and thinking is not greater than yours. We all came from the same place and go back to the same place. We are dust and when we die, we are no more than dust. Religion, culture and politics are in place to shape the society into a better state not to destroy the world. But the opposite is happening. Stop your disgusting hatred for other religions and races. If you insist, inform me, I will make sure I will show you how ancient and great other races and religions are compared to yours, both scientifically and archaeologically. Don't try me.

The Atheists are my kinfolk
The Baha’is are my people
The Buddhists are my predecessors
The Christians are my progenitor
The Confucianists are my kind
The Ethno Religionists are my elders
The Hindus are my forbearers
The Jains are my nearest and dearest
The Jews are my ancestors
The Muslims are my antecedents
The Neo Religionists are my associates
The Shintoists are my brothers
The Sikhs are my relations
The Spiritists are my family
The Taoists are my folks
The Universists are my forefathers

The Zoroastrians are my relatives

Quān Yīn, The Goddess of Mercy

2009-01-09T19:01:00.012+08:00

Goddess Quān Yīn posing as Lord ShivaThis is a beautiful picture of Quān Yīn, drawn by a young and famous Chinese artist, who was interested in Ancient Buddhist Art. I was astonished to see Quān Yīn posing, gesturing and having features of Lord Shiva (the Hindu God of Destruction). So, I delved into my search for reliable answers on the story behind this Goddess of Mercy.

Introduction to Avalokiteśvara - Lord Avalokiteśvara (who later became to be known as Quān Yīn) is a Bodhisattva or púsà (Buddha-to-be). The Indian word bodhisattva refers to individuals who are seeking enlightenment and are on their path to becoming a Buddha. The Hindu Prince, Siddhartha Gautama, used-to-be a Bodhisattva, as he was seeking enlightenment. However, he finally reached full enlightenment and became a Buddha. Thus, he is now known as Gautama Buddha. Similarly, Lord Avalokiteśvara (or Quān Yīn) is still a Bodhisattva, as he is on the path in becoming a Buddha (fully enlightened) sooner or later. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Quān Yīn posing as Lord ShivaDancing in Urdhvajanu positionHand Gesture in Akash Mudra (norishment)

In Buddhism, there are many Bodhisattvas / púsà (Buddha-to-be):

Indian Name (Chinese Name) – Basic Role

1. Avalokitesvara (Quān Yīn) – Compassion
2. Tara (Tarani) – Saviour
3. Manjusri (Wenshu) – Wisdom
4. Ksitigarbha (Dizang) – Consoler
5. Samantabhadra (Pu Hsien) – Protector
6. Maitreya (Mi-Lo-Fwo) – Future Buddha

(Taken from: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Amitabha (Ēmítuó Fó), one of the Buddhas

Buddha of Light and Discriminating Wisdom

In Buddhism, there are many Buddhas (enlightened):

Indian Name (Chinese Name) – Basic Role

1. Gautama Buddha (Buddha) - wisdom
2. Vairocana Buddha (Pilu Rulai) – sovereignty
3. Akshobhya Buddha (Ajiu Rulai) – steadfastness
4. Ratnasambhava Buddha (Baosheng Rulai) – compassion
5. Amitabha Buddha (Mituo Rulai) - light
6. Amogasiddha Buddha (Chengjiu Rulai) – dauntlessness
7. Bhaisajyaguru Buddha (Yàoshīfó) - Medicine / Healing

(Taken from: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Hindu Goddess - Saraswati Dewi (Biancaitian)

Goddess of Knowledge, Music, Art & Literature

Buddhist and Shinto Goddess

In Buddhism, there are other important deities:

Indian Name (Chinese Name) – Basic Role

1. Yama (Yanluowang) – Hindu god who judges the dead
2. Vaiśravana (Duō Wén Tiān) – Hindu god of the north & riches
3. Hayagriva (Kannon) - cure diseases and chase away demons
4. Indra (Taishakuten) – chief of all Hindu deities & heavenly bodies
5. Saraswati (Biancaitian) - Hindu goddess of knowedlge and art

(Taken from: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Lord Avalokitesvara (Quān Yīn) on Potala Mountain

Hand Gesture in Varada Mudra (boon and charity)

Power of Bodhisattvas - Throughout history, many individuals have become Bodhisattvas and have committed themselves in becoming a Buddha. Even though Bodhisattvas are not fully enlightened and haven’t reach Buddha-hood, they are equivalently divine, knowledgeable, compassionate, and powerful as the Buddhas. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Purpose of Bodhisattvas - Bodhisattvas are common figures in Buddhist literature & some are even worshipped. In Buddhist legends, Bodhisattvas take the form of ordinary humans in order to save others and lead them to enlightenment. The lesson of these tales is that, because one can never distinguish between humans & divinities, one must treat another equally. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Hindu God - Lord Kubera (Duō Wén Tiān)
Guardian of the North direction and Riches

Origins of Bodhisattvas - Bodhisattvas sometimes appear as saviour deities. This images and roles originated from Hinduism, through the evolution of ideas and fusion with already existing Hindu gods. Thus, thousands of years later, many gods, goddesses, symbols, theories and ideologies from Hinduism were adopted into Buddhism. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Example:

Bodhisattva Quān Yīn - manifestation of the Hindu gods, Shiva & Vishnu
Bodhisattva Mother Tara - manifestation of Hindu goddess, Parvati
Bodhisattva Mi-Lo-Fwo – Vishnu’s, 25th incarnation as Kalki
Gautama Buddha – Vishnu’s, 24th incarnation as Buddha
Yanluowang – Hindu god of death and punishment, Yama Dharma Raj
Duō Wén Tiān – Hindu guardian of the north and wealth, Kubera
Hayagriva – Vishnu’s incarnation as horse deity, Hayagriva

(Taken from: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Quān Yīn in various forms

Why Is Avalokiteśvara Still A Bodhisattva - Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara has infinite compassion and mercy. He postponed his own Buddha-hood until he has helped everyone on earth to achieve Nirvana (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009).

Name of Avalokiteśvara - Avalokiteśvara is an Indian name (Sanskrit) that is interpreted as: “the lord who looks in every direction” or “the lord of what we see”. While, Quān Yīn is interpreted as: “observing the cries of the world”.

His other names include:

Kannon (Japan)
Gwan-eum (Korea)
Lokeśvara (Thailand)
Nātha-deva (Sri Lanka)
Nilakantha Lokesvara (India)
Kwun Yum (Hong Kong)
Quan Âm (Vietnam)

(Taken from: Wikipedia, 2009)

Quān Yīn holding a willow branch

A symbol of being able to bend/adapt but not break

When Was Avalokiteśvara 1st Worshipped – The worship of Lord Avalokiteśvara started in Northern India and occurred only in the 3rd–7th century. The Hindus regarded him as the manifestation of the Lord Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) and Lord Vishnu (Hindu God of Preservation). Together, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are the most Supreme among all gods and goddess. According to the Buddhist’s Nilakantha Dharani Mantra or Dàbēi Zhòu, it gives evidences of worshippers seeing Avalokiteśvara in the form of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu or a Yogi in the Mountains where Avalokiteśvara’s adobe is. (The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library)

How Avalokiteśvara Became Quān Yīn - Avalokiteśvara worship was introduced from India into China as early as the 1st century and had entered all Buddhist temples by the 6th century. Representations of the Bodhisattvas were unmistakably masculine in appearance, prior to the Sung dynasty (960–1126). However, later images of Avalokiteśvara started to display attributes of both genders. Some believed that bodhisattvas are neither male nor female, so Avalokiteśvara was depicted with female attributes of flowing drapery and soft contours of the body combined with male attributes of visible moustache to emphasize the absence of sexual identity. Furthermore, the Lotus Sutra (Miàofǎ Liánhuā Jīng) relates that Avalokiteśvara has the ability of assuming both male and female form when required, in order to relieve suffering. So as a female, she has the power to grant children to the childless women. Thus, the male Avalokiteśvara took the female form of Quān Yīn in China. In addition to that, from at least the 12th century, the popular devotional cult of Quān Yīn has superimposed onto the bodhisattva qualities of a mother-goddess, which permanently portrayed him as a goddess. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009). In China, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is mostly represented in female. This is because, Kuan Yin's great compassion, a quality which is traditionally considered feminine, most of the bodhisattva's statues in China since the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 - 907) have appeared as female figures. In India, however, the bodhisattva is generally represented as a male figure (Buddha Dharma Education Association, 2008).

Quān Yīn with 16 hands

Purpose of Avalokiteśvara - Avalokiteśvara is said to guard the world in the time interval between the departure of Gautama Buddha and the appearance of the future Buddha, Maitreya. The Chinese also openly accepted Avalokiteśvara because he protects against shipwreck, fire, assassins, robbers, and wild beasts, which they encountered during the dangerous travelling route between India and China. Avalokiteśvara is also seen as the creator of the fourth world, which is the actual universe in which we live. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009) Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is the embodiment of great compassion. He has vowed to free all sentient beings from suffering. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is has great powers and can help all sentient beings. His skilful means are limitless and he can appear in any form in all the six realms of existence to relieve the suffering of the sentient beings that live there. He vowed to rescue those who call on him when they are in suffering, for example, when caught in a fire, shipwrecked or facing an attack. According to the Huayen Sutra, Avalokiteshvara transforms himself into forms that suit the nature of those to be helped. His manifestations or transformation bodies are countless. e.g. if a boy or girl is about to gain some enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara transforms himself into a boy or a girl to teach the child. e.g. If a monk is about to attain some enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara transforms himself into a monk. In short, he can appear as a monk, a nun, or a normal person like you and me. The purpose of such transformations is to make people feel close to him and willing to listen to his words. (Buddha Dharma Education Association, 2008)

Quān Yīn meditating as Lord Shiva

with a Yogi wooden hand stand

11 headed Avalokiteśvara Legend - According to legend, Avalokiteśvara’s head split with grief, at realizing the number of wicked beings in the world yet to be saved. Then one of the Buddha named Amitābha, took all the pieces and placed them in three tiers of three and finally topped them all with his own image. Thus, the 11-headed Avalokiteśvara is born and is depicted commonly. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Avalokiteśvara in Tibet - Avalokiteśvara was introduced into Tibet in the 7th century, where he quickly became the most popular figure in the Lamaist pantheon, successively reincarnated in each Dalai Lama. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Avalokiteśvara in Japan - Avalokiteśvara is known, as Kannon in Japan and his gender became a major confusion. However, today, Avalokiteśvara is depicted in 9 ways:

1. seated or standing with two hands
2. with 11 heads
3. with 1,000 arms
4. with 18 arms
5. as the Hindu goddess Cuntī
6. with emblem of rope
7. with a fierce face
8. as the Hindu god Hayagriva (horse)
9. as holding the wish-fulfilling jewel

(Taken from: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)

Quān Yīn (top) posing as Lord Shiva (bottom)

Performing a divine dance of creation and destruction

Surrounding flames represent the manifest Universe

Upper left hand holds angi (fire) - signifies destruction

Upper right hand holds a ḍamaru (hourglass drum) - creation

Stoic face of Shiva & Quān Yīn represents neutrality and balance

Second right hand shows Abhaya mudra - protection from evil & ignorance

Second left hand points towards the lifted foot - signifies upliftment & liberation

Dance position performed is in which the universe is created, maintained and resolved

Avalokiteśvara’s Palace – Hiuen Tsiang (or Xuanzang) was a highly intellectual Chinese Buddhist Monk born in the year 603. He was concerned about the incomplete and misinterpreted Buddhist scriptures that reached China. Therefore, he went to India and spent much time studying at the great Nalanda Monastery, which is the world’s most important education centre for Buddhism. He also became a respected guest of the great Indian King, Harshavardhana. He received the best education on Buddhism he could find throughout India. Once back in China, Emperor Taizong of Tang honoured Hiuen Tsiang greatly. Hiuen Tsiang retired to a monastery and devoted his energy in translating ancient Indian Buddhist texts into Chinese until his death in AD 664. Hiuen Tsiang obtained and translated 657 Sanskrit Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. In his translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra (huá yán jīng), he mentioned: to the east of the Himalayan Mountains is Mount Potalaka. The passes of this mountain are very dangerous; its sides are precipitous, and its valleys rugged. On the top of the mountain is a lake; its water is clear as a mirror. From a hollow proceeds a great river, which encircles the mountain as it flows down 20 times and then enters the southern sea. By the side of the lake is a rock palace of the Devas (heavenly beings). Here Avalokiteśvara goes and takes his abode. Those who strongly desire to see this bodhisattva do not regard their lives, but they fight their way up the dangerous route in an attempt to reach the palace, but only very few can reach the summit. However, even those who dwell below the mountain, if they earnestly pray and beg, they can get the chance to see Avalokiteśvara. (Si-Yu-Ki, Buddhist Records of the Western World, Beal 1884, London).

Origins of Avalokiteśvara (According To The Avatamsaka Sutra / huá yán jīng) – Hiuen Tsiang continued saying that: those who earnestly pray and beg, Avalokiteśvara appeared to them, in the form of Ishvara-Deva (one of the names of Lord Shiva) and sometimes appeared under the form of a yogi (Shiva is the Lord of all Yogi). He will then address them with benevolent words and then they will obtain their wishes according to their desires (Si-Yu-Ki, Buddhist Records of the Western World, Beal 1884, London). The Royal Asiatic Society of London, which also published Hiuen Tsiang’s translated Sutras mentioned that: To the people at the foot of the mountain who pray for a sight of the Avalokiteśvara, he appears sometimes as a Pasupata Tirthika (one of the names of Lord Shiva) or as Mahesvara (Lord Shiva), and consoles the suppliant with his answer (On Yuan Chwang’s Travels in India, Watters, 1905, London). So based on the texts translated, Avalokiteśvara took the form of Lord Shiva (the Hindu god of destruction) and sometimes that of a Yogi (a person who performs divine yoga). Therefore, various sources confirmed that Lord Shiva manifested himself as Lord Avalokiteśvara during the ancient times (The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library). This is the reason why, ancient Buddhist art depicted Avalokiteśvara as Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva (God of Destruction) drinking the vicious poison, in order to save the Universe. The poison turned his neck blue and earning the name Lord Nīlakaṇtha, a name that Avalokiteśvara is repeatdly called.

Origins of Avalokiteśvara (According To The Nīlakantha Dharani / Dàbēi Zhòu) – Great Compassion Buddhist Mantra (or Dàbēi Zhòu) is believed to be the words spoken by the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara before an assembly of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, devas and kings, according to the Mahakarunikacitta Sutra. This Buddhist Compassion Mantra is one of the most common verses read throughout the Buddhist world. Buddhist usually uses it for protection or purification. These sutras were translated from Indian to Chinese at Khotan, India. The Trustees of the British Museum mentioned that the Chinese version of Dàbēi Zhòu was found at Tun Huang, China. (Descriptive Catalogue of the Chinese Manuscripts, British Museum, Giles, 1957, London).

Parts of the Great Compassion Mantra (Dàbēi Zhòu) mentions:

Blue necked one known as the noble Avalokiteśvara!
O, merciful one, blue-necked one!
To the blue-necked one, hail!
Yogi with holy ashes smeared on him!

- Translated into Chinese by Monk Bukong/P'u-k'ung (in 723 CE)
- Translated into English by Suziku (in 1950 CE)
- Cross referenced to original Sanskrit script

(Taken from: The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library).

The four lines mentioned above are physical attributes of Lord Shiva. Interestingly, Avalokiteśvara was repeatedly praised using the attributes of Lord Shiva. The Hindu scriptures were compiled and written in 1500 BCE, which is 1000 years before Gautama Buddha found Buddhism. In the Hindu scriptures, only one God is called and named the blue-necked one, Lord Shiva. Till today, after 3500 years, Lord Shiva is still portrayed with a blue neck. One of his names is Nilakantha, meaning the blue necked one. In the Hindu scriptures, it was written that: The heavenly beings (devas) and demons were churning the ocean for the source of immortality using a long divine serpent. While churning, the serpent coughed out one of the most vicious and venomous poison in the whole universe. Understanding the viciousness of the poison, Lord Shiva appeared and drank the poison in order to save the Universe. His wife, goddess Parvati was alarmed and quickly stopped the poison from entering the rest of the body by holding Lord Shiva’s throat with her hands. The poison remained in his throat. The strength of the poison turned Lord Shiva’s neck blue. From that day, the heavenly being and demons started to address him as Nilakantha (the blue necked one). Since the Dàbēi Zhòu sutra praises Avalokiteśvara as blue-necked one, it is again supporting the fact that he is the manifestation of Lord Shiva. Then the Dàbēi Zhòu also mentions that Avalokiteśvara is a Yogi with holy ashes smeared on him. Again in the Hindu scripture, Lord Shiva is the Lord of all yoga and yogi, and he smears his body with ashes (bhasma). This again supports the fact that Avalokiteśvara was related back to Lord Shiva.

Lord Vishnu (God of Preservation)

Vishnu is always depicted holding 4 things that Avalokiteśvara also holds:

lotus - spiritual liberation, divine perfection and purity

conch shell - power to create and maintain the universe

wheel - purified spiritualized mind, awakening and realization

weapon - divine power is the source all spiritual, mental and physical strength

Parts of the Great Compassion Mantra (Dàbēi Zhòu) mentions:

O, Hari, the Maha-Bodhisattva
To the boar-faced one, hail!
To the one with a lion’s head and face, hail!
To the one who holds a weapon in his hand, hail!
To the one who holds a wheel in his hand, hail!
To the one who holds a lotus in his hand, hail!
Adoration to Avalokiteśvara, Hail!

- Translated into Chinese by Monk Bukong/P'u-k'ung (in 723 CE)
- Translated into English by Suziku (in 1950 CE)
- Cross referenced to original Sanskrit script

(Taken from: The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library).

Lord Vishnu’s 14th incarnation as Narashima, Lion-Faced One

As the Dàbēi Zhòu continues, it starts to relate Lord Avalokiteśvara (Quan Yin) with Lord Vishnu also (Hindu God of Preservation). The Dàbēi Zhòu mentions the name Hari, which is one of the ancient and current names of Lord Vishnu. Interestingly, Avalokiteśvara is very precisely described as Lord Vishnu. (The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library).

The Dàbēi Zhòu refers Avalokiteśvara precisely to Vishnu as :

(Based on Dàbēi Zhòu [627 CE]) – based on Bhagavata [1500 BCE]

boar-faced one –Vishnu’s 2nd incarnation as Varaha (boar face)
lion’s head and face – Vishnu’s 14th incarnation as Narashima (lion face)
holds a weapon in his hand - found in Vishnu’s lower right hand
holds a wheel in his hand – found in Vishnu’s upper right hand
holds a lotus in his hand - found in Vishnu’s lower right hand

Lord Vishnu’s 24th incarnation as Buddha, Enlightened One

Lord Vishnu’s last and 24th incarnation was as Buddha, according to Hinduism. Therefore, the very detailed praises of Avalokiteśvara in the Buddhist Dàbēi Zhòu matches Lord Vishnu who was described more than 2000 years before Dàbēi Zhòu sutra was written. Therefore it is conclusive and evident from various Buddhist scripts, writings and arts that Lord Avalokiteśvara (Quan Yin) originated as a manifestation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in ancient times. (The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library).

Avalokiteśvara Consort - Buddhist worships Goddess Tara as one of the deities. Goddess Tara is Lord Avalokiteśvara’s wife / consort (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009). Similarly, according to Hinduism, Tara is Goddess Parvati’s manifestation. And Goddess Paravati is Lord Shiva’s wife / consort. Thus leading to the conclusion that Avalokiteśvara is Lord Shiva’s manifestation.

Lord Vishnu’s 11 main incarnationw as Fish-Man, Turtle-Man, Boar-Man, Lion-Man, Dwarf Preist, Parashurama, King Rama, Balarama, Krishna, Prince Buddha and Future Kalki

Avalokiteśvara in Chinese Mythology – This Chinese legend is believe to be derived from Taoist ideology with the fusion of Indian-Buddhist ideology. Tao-hsüan (596-667) once asked a divine spirit about the history of the Quan Yin. The spirit replied: In the past there was a king whose name was Miao Chuang Yen. His queen was named Pao Ying. She bore three daughters. At the time of her third daughter, Miao Shan's conception, the queen dreamed that she swallowed the moon. When the time came for the child to be born, the whole earth quaked, and wonderful fragrance and heavenly flowers were spread near and far. At birth she was clean and fresh without being washed. The people said that these were signs of the incarnation of a holy person. Although the parents thought this extraordinary, their hearts were corrupt, and so they detested her. (This story plot is similar to the birth climax of the Indian Prince Siddhartha Gautama Buddha). As she grew up the Miao Shan became naturally kind and gentle. She dressed plainly and ate only once a day. The king prepared to find her a husband. Miao Shan, with integrity and wisdom, said: "Riches and honour are not there for ever, glory and splendour are like mere bubbles or illusions. Even if you force me to do base menial work, I will never repent of my resolve to remain chaste." When the king and his queen sent for her and tried to sweet-talk her, she said: "I will obey your august command if it will prevent three misfortunes." The king asked: "What do you mean by 'three misfortunes'?" She said: "The first is this: when the men of this world are young, their face is as fair as the jade-like moon, but when they grow old, their hair turns white and their face is wrinkled; in motion or repose they are in every way worse off than when they were young. The second is this: a man's limbs may be lusty and vigorous, he may step as lithely as if flying through the air, but when suddenly an illness befalls him, he lies in bed without a single pleasure in life. The third is this: a man may have a great assembly of relatives, may be surrounded by his nearest and dearest, but suddenly one day it all comes to an end [with his death]; although father and son are close kin they cannot take one another's place. If it can prevent these three misfortunes, then you will win my consent to a marriage. If not, I prefer to retire to pursue a life of religion. The king was angry. He forced her to work at gardening and reduced her food and drink. (This story plot is similar to the Indian Prince Siddhartha Gautama Buddha’s story, whereby he will tell his father [the king] that he will continue to stay in the palace, if the king can prevent three life misfortunes). Even her two sisters went privately to make her change her mind, but Miao Shan held firm and would not turn back. The king was angry. He called for the nuns and charged them to treat her so harshly that she would change her mind. In response to her, the vegetables flourished even in winter, and a spring welled up beside the kitchen. Much time went by, and Miao Shan still held firm to her purpose. When the king heard about the miracles of the vegetables and the spring of water, he was furious. He sent soldiers to bring back her head and to kill the nuns.

As they were arriving, mountains of cloud and fog suddenly appeared, totally obscuring everything. When it cleared, Miao Shan was the one person they could not find. She had been borne off by a spirit to a crag in another place, there to live. The spirit then said: "The land here is too barren to sustain existence." Time went by, and the king contracted jaundice. None of the doctors could cure him. He was about to die when a monk appeared, saying he was well able to cure him, but would need the arms and eyes of one free from anger. The king found this proposal extremely difficult to meet. The monk said: "On Fragrant Mountain, in the south-west of your majesty's dominion, there is a bodhisattva engaged in religious practices. If you send a messenger to present your request to her you can count on obtaining the two things." The king had no choice but to command a palace equerry to go and convey his message. Miao Shan said: "My father showed disrespect to the Three Treasures, he persecuted the suppressed the True Doctrine, he executed innocent nuns. This called for retribution." Then she gladly cut out her eyes and severed her arms. Giving them to the envoy, she added instructions to exhort the king to turn towards the good, no longer to be deluded by false doctrines. When the two things were submitted to him, the monk made them up into medicine. The king took it and instantly recovered. He generously rewarded the monk-physician. But the monk said: "Why thank me? You should be thanking the one who provided the arms and eyes." Suddenly he was gone. The king was startled by this divine intervention. Ordering a coach, he went with his lady and two daughters to the hills to thank the bodhisattva. They met, and before words were spoken the queen already recognized her-it was Miao-shan. They found themselves choking with tears. Hearing her words, the king and queen embraced her, bitterly weeping. The queen was about to lick the eyes with her tongue, but before she could do so, auspicious clouds enclosed all around, divine musicians began to play, the earth shook, and flowers rained down. And then the holy manifestation of the Thousand Arms and Thousand Eyes was revealed, hovering majestically in the air. Attendants numbered tens of thousands, voices celebrating [the bodhisattva's] compassion resounded to shake the mountains and valleys. In a moment, the bodhisattva reverted to her former person, then with great solemnity departed. Tao-hsüan again asked: "The bodhisattva can take mortal form in any place and surely ought not to be present solely at Fragrant Mountain." (Chinese Cultute Paul Halsall, Brooklyn College)

Reference:

1. Avalokiteśvara. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica.
2. Bodhisattva. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica.
3. Buddhism. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica.
4. Buddha. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica.
5. Samual Beal, Si-Yu-Ki, Buddhist Records of the Western World, (A.D. 629), London.

6. Lionel Giles, Descriptive Catalogue of the Chinese Manuscripts from Tunhuang in the British Museum, London.
7. Origin of the Avalokiteśvara of Potala by The Tibetan & Himalayan Digital Library
8. Buddha Dharma Education Association
9. (Chinese Cultute Paul Halsall, Brooklyn College)

For More:

2008 Favourite Song & Lyric

2009-01-01T22:53:00.010+08:00

रब ने बना दी जोड़ी

Hindi Name: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

English Name: A Couple Made By God

Song Name: Haule Haule

The lyrics, voice, and music just sinks into the heart.

But I haven't watch the movie yet.

Haule Haule Se Hawa Lagti Hai …
(Slowly Slowly (just as) a breeze drifts …)

Haule Haule Se Dava Lagti Hai…
Slowly Slowly (just as) medicines work slowly

Haule Haule Se Dua Lagti Hai…
Slowly Slowly (just as) prayers are answered slowly

Haule Haule Chanda Badhta Hai…
Slowly Slowly (just as) the moon rises slowly

Haule Haule Ghoonghat Uthata Hai…
Slowly slowly (just as) A veil lifts slowly

Haule Haule Se Nasha Chadhta Hai…
Slowly Slowly (just as) intoxication hits you slowly

Tu Sabar To Kar Mere Yaar…
have a little patience, my love

Zara Saans To Le Dildaar
take a deep breath my dear

Chal Fikr Nu Goli Maar Yaar
Go shoot all the fears away, my love

Hain Din Jindri De Chaar
life is too short for that

Haule Haule Ho Jayega Pyar Chaliya
slowly slowly you will fall in love my dear

Haule Haule Ho Jayega Pyar
slowly slowly you will fall in love

Ishkedi Galiyan Tang Hain
the path of love is difficult

Sharm O Sharmee Mein Band Hai
It’s bound by shyness

Khud Se Khud Ki Kaisi Yeh Jung Hai
its a strange war with myself

Pal Pal Yeh Dil Ghabraye
this heart worries all the time

Pal Pal Yeh Dil Sharmaye
it feels shy all the time

Kuchh Kehta Hai Aur Kuch Kar Jaaye
it says something and does something else

Kaisi Yeh Paheli, Mua Dil Marjana
its a difficult puzzle, but this silly heart

Ishq mein Jaldi, Bada Jurmana
(does not understand) being haste in love is a big crime

Tu Sabar To Kar Mere Yaar
have a little patience my love

Zara Saans To Le Dildaar
take a deep breath my dear

Chal Fikr Nu Goli Maar Yaar
Go shoot all the fears away, my love

Hain Din Jindri De Chaar
life is too short for that

Haule Haule Ho Jayega Pyar Chaliya
slowly slowly you will fall in love my dear

Haule Haule Ho Jayega Pyar
slowly slowly you will fall in love

Rabdaavi sab koi hona
Everything happens by God’s grace

Kare koi yun jaadu-tona
So I hope He casts a spell

Man chaahe maan jaaye haaye mera sona
So that my sweetheart accepts me

Rab de sahare chalde
God will guide your steps

Na hain kinare chalde
So what if you don’t see the shore, keep on going

Doli hai na kahare chalde
So what if there’s no palanquin, keep on going

Kya kehke gaya tha shayar woh sayana
Look at what the poet once came and said

Aag ka dariya doob ke jaana
It’s an ocean of fire, you have to drown to swim across

Tu sabar toh kar mere yaar
Have a little patience my love

Zara saans toh le dildaar
Take a deep breath my dear

Chal fikr nu goli maar yaar
Go shoot all the fears away, my love

hain din jindri de chaar
Life is too short for that

Haule Haule ho jaye ga pyar chaleya
Slowly Slowly you’ll fall in love

Haule Haule ho jaye ga pyar
Slowly Slowly you’ll fall in love

Movie Language: Hindi

Direction: Aditya Chopra

Producer: Yash Raj Films

Actor: Shahrukh Khan

Actress: Anushka Sharma

Music: Salim and Sulaiman

Christmas! The Day My World Stood Still!

2008-12-24T23:52:00.003+08:00

Christmas. The Magical Day Of Our Lifes. Even though it is not the real birth date of Christ and it is a pagan festival, ha… ha…, it is a very splendid, grand and highly important family gathering. Plus, Singapore medias and shopping centres knows how to earn big money by extensively publicising Christmas in Singapore, which only has a pathetic sum of 15% Christian population. My entire family tree, roots, branches and fruits will be wracking my aunt’s mansion on this day. Each family is assigned to a particular festival. So, we all meet at my Hindu Paternal Grandaunt’s place on Deepavali and Christian Paternal Aunt’s place for Christmas. Trust me, I have family members from all the major religions, from Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and many more. We don’t have Jews, so we do not celebrate Hanukah. And we are multi-racial too. We have North Indian, South Indian, Sri Lankans, Americans, Australians and the list can go on. As mentioned, my aunt holds the party. She is my guardian angel, Samaritan, family lawyer, psychologist, counsellor and everything else to me. She has been holding Christmas party for many many years.

All types of Indian, Chinese, Malay, Italian and Western banquet will decorate her corridors. It was be deliciously home cooked and lip smacking. It is just cool to see 6 to 7 metres of buffet trays burning. It is tempting for the sun to set. Our Holy Christmas is never complete without the sinful holy indulgence of Ale, Lager Beer, Red Wine, White Wine, Sparkling Wine, Champagne, Sherry, Spirits, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Liqueurs, and Whisky. There is even a dedicated space to shower in alcohol. However, I wasn’t of legal age to drink before. But manly instinct will be there. Decoration can be mind-blowing. The tree alone is a beauty of its self. Dimmed lights with continuous songs, dance, laughter and games. Plus, it is the time for the ladies to meet up and gossip. For the men to talk business and compare whose car is bigger. And for the kids to wake up the neighbours. When I was a kid, Christmas was so fun that we will celebrate it continuously for 3 to 4 days.

Christmas is more for the kids than for the adults. So there will be plenty of fattening fast food for them. And all the fancy decorated goodie bags, candies, chocolates, and sweets of all kind. My aunt spends about $3000 each year on gifts and presents alone. The huge Christmas Tree will be filled with tons and tons of wrapped gifts. No one is going home empty handed. Plus, my aunt will get alcohol as gifts. Her children will be in seventh heaven because all of them will get presents from the visitors. So, I get 1 present. They get 100 of it. Plus, the spoiled, well heeled and rich kids in my family aspects gifts no less than $50. Even me! For about 15 to 16 years or so, she has been spending two to three thousand dollars annually on gifts alone. My goodness. No wonder, my father does not want to take up the responsibility of celebrating Christmas. Ha… Ha… The total cost of running a Christmas party can add up to four to five thousand dollars.

My, Mother, Father, Sons, Daughters, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Grandfathers, Grandmothers, Grandsons, Granddaughters, Sister-In-Laws, Brother-In-Laws, Father-In-Laws, Mother-In-Laws, 1st Cousins, 2nd Cousins, Immediate Family, Best Friends, Close Friends, Friends, Enemies, Blood-related, Non-Blood-related and everyone will be there. Trust me, 4 storeys, 1 front lawn, 1 back lawn, 6 rooms, 6 toilets, 4 balconies and 1 open roof-top is not enough for my gigantic and barbaric family. Plus, 10 to 20 maids will be running after the kids. So, we have Filipino, Indonesian and Indian caretakers to join in the fun too.

My brother loves Christmas. He will get so excited. Even compared to his birthday, Christmas is his most favourite day. He knows he can dance, play, sing and party! And of cause he will get a beautiful and expensive gift for being the 2nd eldest and naughtiest in the family. We have never missed Christmas since young. And we truly enjoy ourselves. However, since 2006, we stopped going for Christmas. It has been 3 years now. Without fail, we will be invited first. However, memories can be devastating if we attend. However, on Boxing Day (26 December) or after that, we will visit my aunt as a gesture of respect. She has 3 beautiful daughters, whom we will buy gifts for. Even though, I am grownup now, my aunt never fails to give a gift till today.

To keep things out of our mind, my aunt arranged for a shopping trip recently. We joined her in her exciting Christmas shopping. Wonderful lunch at Bali-Thai, delicious dessert at Hagan-Das, shopping at forum, toyrus, borders, and all over orchard, and great lighted sightseeing. What is Christmas without the crowd, lights, tourists, music, cafe, shopping, food and wine? Jingling our way shop to shop with our credit card and smiles. Wishing everyone a Happy Advent, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. The Book wrote The Greatest Commandment of Love. But the world is filled with so much hatred and war. We can make a difference.So continue: To love your enemies, To do good to those hating you, To bless those cursing you, To pray for those who are insulting you, To him that strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also, And never learn war.Happy Holidays!

The Day That The Vampires Said Yes Man!

2008-12-19T23:12:00.002+08:00

My good friend Han is going to be enslaved into conscription (NS) soon. Therefore, we are roving and roaming around Town in order to commemorate his Last Supper. His freedom is literally dying, so I will consider it his Last Supper. We met at our most favourite place, Borders. We guys always meet there. So, if anyone is late, the time will be spent reading rather than cursing the one who is late. I am always the late one. But, we always exit Borders with a minimum spending of $50 each time. I have a fetish for buying books but I have short attention span, so I cannot sit and read books. But I still buy them. But I can spend hours reading and researching educational stuff in Wikipedia.

So, I met Han (amazingly without Chris, who was serving his enslaving conscription). We went to Borders Café and order some caffeine drinks and a Meat Lover Pizza. The pizza was nice, even though it was pita based. The beverage was acceptable. However, I always prefer the elite pizza makers: Pizza Hut. For the first time, I seriously hated the 17% GST and service charge. If I spent $100, I must pay $17 for some stupid reasons. Almost 1/5 of the actual cost. My Lord.

After that, we went to watch a dull, boring, uninteresting, dreary, lacklustre, unexciting and stupid movie called: The Day The Earth Stood Still. My goodness. I was so keyed up because I expected a Matrix or Constantine type of a movie. We seriously thought that anything with Keanu Reeves would be filled with action, fantasy and cool animation. That Constantine hero, Keanu, swindled us. They hired a famous actor to act in a dim-witted movie. This was one of the worst movies I have ever watched. It started well but ended up like a caricature. Kathy Bates (Secretary Of Defence) acted well. Jaden Smith (scientist) was beautiful without much make-up. However, the movie lacked substance and flow. It started well. The introduction was mind blowing but it really blew off our mind when the story really begins. It did not have a good story plot, body, actions, meanings, and links. It seriously lacks attention-grabbing details. We thought that the movie was just starting but it actually ended. They mix Noah’s Ark and Mars Attack together and yield such a monotonous show. God will be interested to know the interesting ways Keanu collected animals and plants before the earth gets destroyed. Too bad that Noah did not have such unique ways of obtaining the species 4400 years ago. Throughout the movie, the characters were running and chasing each other compared to any other Indian movies. I won't even want to waste my pop-corns. So 0 popcorn out of 5.

We were so unsatisfied with the movie that we wanted to catch a midnight show. We did not want to go back home discontented. So we decided to watch Twilight. We went and loaded more caffeine at TCC. I saw the menu and found the Nutello interesting and so I order it. It ended up in a glass smaller than my palm. The inner glass had a thin coating of nutella and they filled the glass with cheap espresso and topped that pathetic small glass with cream and cocoa. My jaws dropped. I did not enjoy my drink. Han did not enjoy the raspberry drink too. So, we sat and started to watch Twilight. It was 1000 times better. It was slow, country-like, starry-eyed and romantic. However, it would have been so cool if there were sorcery, magic, flying, teeth, blood, graphics, fighting, Dracula and actions. I guess it will be a good movie for the girls, and guys who deserve a mega Mac. I expected an underworld type of a movie. However, it was sweet rather than spicy. But, I liked it. 3.5 popcorn / 5. Then, we watched Yes Man. 3.5 pop-corn. It is not very funny but funny. He was is usual self, so most of us were not laughing much. But it was cool. I want to watch: Seven Pounds, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince , X-men Origins: Wolverine, Friday The 13th too. Next year!

Tandoori Chicken Kiev with Oats

2008-12-17T15:18:00.007+08:00

Tandoori Chicken Kiev with Oats

Indian and Russian Fusion Cuisine

By Ramesh Kumar - For Quaker Oats Company

Asian Recipes with Oats Project by Temasek Polytechnic

Tandoori Chicken is an aromatic, highly flavoured and spiced dish that originated from Punjab (India). It is marinated in yoghurt and seasoned with several aromatic and flavourful spices. It is traditionally cooked at a high temperature in a clay oven. This dish is popular in North India and is increasingly found throughout Asian restaurants especially in the West.

Chicken Kiev is an internationally known dish originated in St Petersburg (Russia). Boneless chicken breast will be pounded flat into a rectangular shape. Then cold unsalted butter and light seasoning will be placed on the flattened meat and rolled like a Swiss roll. It will then be breaded and deep-fried. When you cut open the Swiss roll, the butter will melt out scrumptiously.

History Behind My Dish: I was working in Temasek Polytechnic under the research and development. Quaker Oats Company approached TP to come up with healthy and tasty Asian recipes made with Oats. I was managing the project while I was working there. So, one day, I made my father’s authentic Tandoori Chicken for the lecturers to eat and comment on, with some oats of cause. After eating it, they suggested that it would be great if it were in a shape of a Chicken Kiev. However, incorporating Indian Tandoori flavour into a Russian dish is not easy. People may simply think that we can just marinate the kiev in Tandoori masala/spices and just fry it. Well, the end product will be an extremely dark unappetizing dish with burnt oats. It does not give you the same result as an authentic Indian Tandoori Chicken or authentic Russian Chicken Kiev. Oats is the most stubborn and uneasy ingredient to work with. However, it is also one of the "must eat daily" health food.

So, I took my father’s Tandoori Chicken recipe and started to analyse it. I minus of the chicken in the recipe and just concentrated on the Tandoori marinate concoction. I scaled the spices down to an amount that will enable me to squeeze it along with the butter in the Russian Kiev recipe. I reduced the butter, added the Tandoori masala, cheese, some oats and green vegetables. I freeze this mixture into a block of butter-like solid. Oats is not an easy ingredient. It absorbs water easily and can become slimy. So I take extra caution when handling oats. I took this spice block and placed on a flattened piece of chicken breast. Then I followed the Kiev recipe. I rolled it and secured the spice-block inside the Swiss roll. I slightly marinated the outside with curry powder. Instead of breading it with breadcrumb, I breaded it with oats, chilli powder, dried parsley and dried chilli flakes for colour and flavour.

Instead of employing the unhealthy cooking method of deep-frying, I slightly sprayed the oats coating with oil and water and baked it. It took me many trial and errors to get a perfect recipe. It took me very long to perfect this dish actually. I added cheese inside the filling for a pizza effect when you cut it open. I modified it in several ways to make it healthy and yet delicious. This is extremely a tiresome recipe, as I required various spices and ingredients. I even did the Tandoori Masala from scratch instead of the instant. The traditional roasting and grinding method. I took more than a week to complete this whole recipe. No one could detect that there was oats in this recipe. However, out of all the recipes we developed, this recipe had the most amounts of oats. And it ended up tasting great. Quaker Oats Company was impressed with the Asian-Russian fusion recipe and its great taste and flavour. It was approved and released to the public with every purchase of Quaker Oats.

The Legend of Birthday

2008-12-16T19:57:00.007+08:00

Interesting Facts About Birthdays

A to Z about Birthday

Traditional Birthday Cake

How did birthdays originated?
Birthday ideology and celebrations originated from a cult of Mithras (Mystery Roman Military Religion). It was then spread by soldiers throughout the Roman Empire. Birthday celebrations became a religious (Mithraism) custom throughout Rome. Because many Roman soldiers practised Mithraism, birthday was distributed widely, until Christianity was introduced into Rome. It was fully developed with addition of Roman and Greek ideology.

Why are birthday cakes round?
The origins of birthday cakes started in Ancient Greece religion. The Greeks started to make sweetened birthday cakes as round as the moon, which represented the Greek Moon Goddess “Artemis”. Then the round birthday cakes were lit with candles and were placed on the temples dedicated for the Artemis (Goddess of Moon / Virginity / Fertility / Childbirth and Forest). – The Magazine Supplement Zeit and Welt.

Why do we blow off birthday candles lighted on cakes?
The origins of birthday candles started in Ancient Greece religion, while the blowing procession started in pagan folklore. Fire and candles were believed to have mystic significance, thus it was lighted on cakes and placed in temples of the Goddess Artemis. Birthday candles are believed to have special magic for granting wishes and bring good fortune. Thus, they are an honour and tribute to the birthday child or person. It is a common superstition that if all of the candles on a birthday cake are blown out with one breath, while making a silent wish, the wish will come true. – The Magazine Supplement Zeit and Welt.

Greek Moon Goddess Artemis

Why do we greet and wish people on their birthdays?
The idea was rooted in magic and supernatural. Birthday greetings and wishes by others have power for good and ill because one is closer to the spirit world on his or her birthday. Therefore, many started to wish the celebrant on their birthday so that the spirit world will response accordingly – The Lore of Birthdays.

Why do we celebrate birthdays and give gifts?
The whole custom of offering congratulations, presenting gifts, celebrating the day of birth with sweet cakes and lighted candles, all rooted from ancient religion and customs. All these steps are commonly done now and were also done in ancient times to protect the birthday celebrant from the demons and to ensure his security for the coming years. – The Magazine Supplement Zeit and Welt.

Why are birthdays celebrated?
The custom of birthday celebration started by the Romans religions and was developed by the Greeks. They believed that everyone had a protective spirit / daemon / angel who attended his or her birth and watched over him in life. This spirit is assigned to the birthday boy or girl by determining the God or Goddess born on the day the celebrant is born. Through birthday celebrations, these spirits will visit the venue of celebration. – The Lore of Birthdays.

Why sing Happy Birthday Song?
The origins of "Happy Birthday To You" date back to the mid-nineteenth century, when two sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, began singing the song "Good Morning To All" to their kindergarten class in Kentucky. The Hill Sisters' students enjoyed their teachers' version of "Good Morning To All" so much that they began spontaneously singing it at birthday parties, changing the lyrics to "Happy Birthday"

Opposition to birthday celebration (Judaism)
The later Jews and Hebrew viewed birthday celebrations as part of idolatrous worship. – The Imperial Dictionary. According to the Hebrew Bible and the Jewish authorities, importance is given to ones’ death (yahrtzeit) while any sort of celebration of one's birthday is opposed. - Reb Chaim HaQoton. The rationale of those who oppose birthday celebrations is based on a statement of King Solomon, who said, "A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth. - Ecclesiastes 7:1 (Hebrew Bible). It is also supported by the (Oral Laws) Talmud - Eruvin 13b.

Opposition to birthday celebration (Christianity)
Some Christians do not celebrate birthdays for the same Hebrew biblical reasons as the Jews: Innocent death on the day of Pharaoh’s birthday and pagan origins. John the Baptist was beheaded on Herod’s birthday according to the Gospels. Orthodox Christians do not celebrate birthdays due to its pagan origins but rather they celebrate the yearly naming ceremony. Some Christians do not celebrate birthdays due to its pagan origins and the unfavourable accounts in the bible, which condemns birthday celebrations.

Happy Birthday Everyone!

For more, please buy:

Terrorism In The Form Of Cartoons!

2008-12-13T22:26:00.005+08:00

Disgusting Cartoons and Shows!

Psychologically Influencing Kids As Young As 3!

Children are taught, psycho-ed and exposed to terrorism through various means. This is extremely shattering and disheartening. Children who are supposed to be holding paper and pen are holding guns and bullets. Children who are supposed to be wearing colourful dresses are wearing militant uniforms. Children who are supposed to laugh at mischievous cartoons are learning war and jihad through cartoons. These people are poisoning the kids’ innocent mind and thoughts. Tomorrow's Pioneers is a disgusting children's program. It is broadcasted on the official Palestinian Hamas television station, Al-Aqsa TV. Shamefully, the television programmes contains extensive Hamas-inspired themes of:

Islamism (Islam is Politics)
Anti-Zionism (Against Israel)
Islamic Extremism (Violence)
Anti-Semitism (Against Jews)
Anti-Americanism (Against U.S.)
Islamic Supremacism (Prejudice)
Anti-Christianity (Against Christians)
Jihad Proselytism (Compulsory Jihad)

Mickey Mouse and Nahoul cartoon characters promoted hatred of Israel and preach about world Islamic supremacy. Palestinian media sources have described the show as simply "trying to instil principles and values in children and aiding parents to encourage acts of charity and cooperation in children. My foot. Common scripts said by cartoon characters are: “We will annihilate the Jews, We will win Bush! We will win, Sharon, We will win! We will win, Condoleeza! And Filth of the criminal plundering Jews.”

Disney was appalled by their actions. 73-year-old Diane Disney Miller, Mickey Mouse creator, Walt Disney's last surviving child, commented to the press that, "What we're dealing with here is pure evil and you can't ignore that." She further commented that, "It's not just about Mickey, it's about indoctrinating children like this, teaching them to be evil. The world loves children, and this is just going against the grain of humanity. Palestinian textbooks have been accused of instilling anti-Semitic attitudes or inciting Palestinian children to commit violence or terrorism.

Most suicide bombers in the Middle East are chosen as teenagers, “educated,” and then sent off to perform their duty when they are in their late teens or early to mid-twenties. The "education" is most effective when religious elements of the large-group identity are provided as solutions for the personal sense of helplessness, shame, and humiliation. Replacing borrowed elements sanctioned by God for one’s internal world makes that person omnipotent and supports the individual’s narcissism. I found that there was little difficulty in finding young men interested in becoming suicide bombers in Gaza and the West Bank. Repeated actual and expected events humiliate youngsters and interfere with their adaptive identifications with their parents because their parents are humiliated as well.

Well-Known Goddess With An Unknown History

2008-12-13T16:30:00.011+08:00

Sri Periyachi Amman
A Well-Known Infuriated Goddess With An Unknown History.

This goddess came under international lights when her temple in Malaysia was demolished forcefully by the Malaysian government. The Malaysia Hindu Organisation was very disturbed at the demolition of the Temple in Tambak Paya, Melaka. Demolishing of temples and statues are regarded sinful to the Hindus. Reasons given by officials was that it was not registered and is standing on government property. Given that, many other structures throughout Malaysia are still standing even though they too were built without local authority permission, it is particularly disturbing to Hindus that a place of worship is targeted in this manner. The temple was finally destroyed along with its statues and materials. - Malaysia Kini News

The goddess name is Sri Periyachi Kali Amman (literally meaning: highly-regarded and elderly female goddess). Even though she is closely associated with Kali (the goddess of death, destruction and time), she has an untold story of her own. All Hindus in Singapore and Malaysia knows and worships Periyachi but none of them knows who she is and the story behind this exasperated goddess. The only known facts about her are that: She is a ferocious looking goddess with several arms of weapon and a child in one of her arm. She is depicted as reaping open a lady’s womb on her lap from which she eats the intestine and made garland out of it for her neck. She has a dead man on her foot. She is believed to grant the boon of child to childless couples. Plus, remove danger, evil eye, demons and spells from the pregnant mother and her child. Furthermore, she protects the woman from endless labour pain and gives fortunes and good health. She blesses those who worship her and crushes the ego with her fearsome posture. Newly born babies are placed at her feet to receive protection and blessings for a healthy and long life. These are common rituals, especially in Singapore. Another little known fact is that Periyachi Amman is basically a South Indian Village Deity from a particular place. Early settlers from these areas migrated to Singapore and Malaysia, thus bringing along this personal goddess of theirs.

Periyachi is non-vedic (not based on holy books) and non-brahmic (not a priestly class and non-vegetarian). Usually, non-vegetarian elderly man will conduct rituals and prayers for her. However, nowadays, Brahminic vegetarian priests also conduct prayers for her as she is also found in temples among other vedic Hindu gods and goddesses. Having said all that. No one seriously knows who she is! How she originated? Why she looks so ferocious? Who is the woman on her lap? Who is the man on her foot? Why is there blood and intestine in her mouth? Why is she holding a baby? Why she wears black sari? Why is she fuming with anger? Why? No one can really answer! The priests in the temples are highly knowledgeable and can recite millions of mantra without books but even holy books cannot answer who she is. She is not broadly worshipped in India, as only a handful of people in India know her. However, she can be found in almost all the Hindu temples in Singapore and Malaysia. Funny right?

Why is this goddess so famous in Singapore and Malaysia? This is because she is very closely related to protection, pregnancy, birth and infancy. They usually associate her with Kali and worship her. However, many Hindus do not know how and why she is related to these life events but they know very well the rituals that need to be done. Commonly, throughout the world, Hindu rituals begin before a child is born. Ceremonies will be performed during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and growing child. During the third month of pregnancy, the ceremony of Punsavana (fetus protection) is performed. This is done for the strong physical growth of the fetus. Charms and rituals will be done to ward off the evil eye and witches or demons. In Singapore and Malaysia: The Goddess Periyachi will be worshipped in the temple with special prayers to ask the goddess for protection and blessings.

Bangle Ceremony

After that, the Simantonnyana (bangle ceremony) is performed during the seventh month. This is the equivalent of a baby shower and means 'satisfying the craving of the pregnant mother'. Prayers are offered for the mother and child with emphasis on healthy mental development of the unborn child. Hindus believe that mental state of a pregnant woman affects the unborn child. Colourful glass bangles will decorate the pregnant women’s hands. The sound of the bangles for the next 2 months will scientifically stimulate the child's brain development. The elders will remove evil eyes and bless the mother and child through many proper rituals. In addition to that, in Singapore and Malaysia: The Goddess Periyachi will be worshipped again at home and in the temple requesting protection from evil eye and help the mother cope with the labour pain and the child’s safety.

Once the child enters the world, the family and the baby will be unclean for thirty days. They cannot participate in religious activities during these thirty days. People who enter their homes will be declared unclean too, so they must maintain proper hygiene after visiting their household. After the thirty days of uncleanness, prayers will be allowed and the mother, child and family can resume visits to temples and religious involvements. Then, Jatakarma will be performed to welcome the child into the family, by putting some honey in the child's mouth and whispering the name of God in the child's ear. Plus, holy water will be splashed throughout the house to declare the household clean. Then, after that, naming ceremony (Namakarna) will be done. Some honey will be placed in the child's mouth and the relatives will whisper the child's name into the ear. A well-gathered crowd and party will follow on this 30th day. Along with that, in Singapore and Malaysia: A big scale, women only, ceremony will take place to please the Goddess Periyachi on the 30th day. Elderly women will conduct the ceremony whereby non-vegetarian food will be cooked. Black sari, non-vegetarian foods, and auspicious items will be offered to Goddess Periyachi at home.

Sri Maha Periyachi Kali Amman

Then, the child's first trip out (Nishkarmana) will take place, which is usually a temple. It is the same for Singapore, however, the child will be first brought to the altar of Goddess Periyachi (This is not done in India). Once at the altar, a special prayer will be done to thank Periyachi and seek protection while the child grows. The child will be placed on the feet of the goddess or a golden cradle. After few days or months, the ear-piercing ceremony (Karnavedha) and first haircut (Mundan) ceremonies are also considered highly significant. Hindus believe that the piercing of a hole in the lower lobes of the ear have benefits of acupuncture. Head saving is connected to the removal of impurities. Then the child will be given away to the god or goddess closely worshipped by the family. So the god will so called adopt the child and she will guide over the child forever. The correct god or goddess will be chosen according to astrology. These are common practises in India also. In Singapore and Malaysia: Most of them will give the child to Goddess Periyachi to adopt and care for. After few years, then they will re-give away the child to their favourite god. Therefore, Goddess Periyachi plays an important role in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. She is also the family goddess of the Singapore Indian’s forefathers or migrants. So she is so-called our heritage. Having said all that. What is the hidden story behind this goddess? Most of us seriously do not know the story behind this magnificent goddess.

After months of searching, I found a reliable source which explained her story: There once lived a Great King belonging to the South Indian kingdom of Pandya. His name was Vallalarajan Rajah . He was not a kind king and the people under his rule suffered a lot. He tortured people and accumulated bad Karma and sin throughout his life. One day, his wife, the queen, got pregnant with a child. After 9 months, the time came when she had to give birth to that child. The king was so evil that some even believed that if his child were to step foot on earth, it will be the end of the world. During the delivery process, his wife suffered extremely severe labour pain. As the pain went on unabated, the worried king sent his soldiers to find a midwife. However, they were unable to find anyone and some were even unwilling to go. Therefore, the angry King rushed and went looking for a midwife himself. He searched high and low but couldn’t find anyone. Then, he saw a stern looking lady by the name of Periyachi before him. He approached her and asked her to be a midwife for his Queen. However, the King does not know that Periyachi was actually a goddess. Periyachi was the goddess of the asuras or the demons. The Lord Brahma (the creator) created the Devas / Angels of the Heavens, then the Humans, and also the Asuras / Demons of the Hells. The Angels had their own Gods and Goddess to worship. While, the humans worshiped the Angels and the Angels’ Gods. At the same time, the demons also have their own Gods and Goddesses whom they worshiped. Therefore, Periyachi was one of the goddesses whom the demons worshiped and seek for power and strength. So, the king brought the demon goddess Periyachi, who was in human disguise, to his palace.

Sri Maha Durga Kali Amman

She removed all the complications involving the delivery and successfully helped to deliver the King's baby. She relieved the great pain of the Queen’s labour. Plus, the child did not step foot or touch on solid ground but instead it was in Periyachi’s hand after delivery. Then, Periyachi asked the king for a payment for the great help she has done. However, the greedy and unkind king refused to pay her dues. In his arrogance and ego, he felt that a subject should not ask for a fee from a king. He thinks that Periyachi is his slave and therefore she must serve her King under any circumstances, so he refused to pay her. In great anger, the goddess Periyachi revealed her true self. She removed her human disguise and became a vicious demon goddess with multiple hands and great power. She threw the King down to her feet. She took the Queen and disembowelled / reaped her womb open. After tearing her, she took out her bleeding intestine and started to put it into her mouth and as a garland around her neck. The king was shocked to see his beloved wife being killed. She taught the arrogant King and Queen a lesson. Finally, she used her weapons to kill the king by unleashing great anger and power. One of her multiple arms held on to the King’s child, so that he will never set foot on earth. And she brought an end to the arrogant king and queen. And also prevented the child from stepping foot onto the ground. Being a demon goddess, she is an equal avatar or incarnation of Kali (goddess of death and time) herself. Therefore, she became enlightened and became a Hindu deity for the Humans to worship. The people around the area started to worship her physical fury form. For this reason pregnant ladies make a promise to bring their babies to seek her blessings for a safe delivery. As Periyachi is considered the mid-wife, women who do not have babies also pray to her to be blessed with a child. Then she became known as Sri Maha Periyachi Kali Amman.

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Pessimistic or Optimistic Evaluators?

2008-12-07T14:23:00.009+08:00

Is the glass half empty or half full?

It is a common expression, used rhetorically to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for optimism (half full) or pessimism (half empty). It is a general litmus test to simply determine if an individual is an optimist or a pessimist. Nowadays...

Take for an example, group of friends are talking (or gossiping) about John.

1. I seriously hate it when people can only recall the help that they have done for John. And they never talk or even think about the greatest, or, if not, the smallest help that John have done for them. Never. I do not know whether they have a term for such thinking behaviour.

2. I also critically hate it when people can only remember the bad qualities, traits, behaviours, attitudes and characteristics of John. And never ever talk or even think to the slightest degree about the good things in John. Never. I also do not know whether they have a term for such thinking behaviour.

It is common to express anger or irritation about a person. We are all imperfect and we will always gossip or talk bad about others. However, the 2 behaviours, I talked about are different. It is an automatic response by your brain. It is inbuilt in you and it may take many years for you to train this part of your brain.

However, I wish to name this 2 disturbing behaviour that I notice in many, or maybe even myself. I will call it Evaluating Pessimism. It is a tendency to stress the negative or unfavourable character or attributes of another person, while stressing the positive or optimistic light on own self. They are called: Pessimistic Evaluators. On the other hand, people who do the direct opposite are called Optimistic Evaluators.

Simply to explain a scenario. My relatives and I were talking about Mary. When I heard the name Mary, these things popped into my mind: “Mary is very kind and generous. She has helped me during difficult time. Always there for me. And I am glad to have Mary as a close relative. For her good heart and hard work, she is living in great wealth and prosperity. She struggled in life and became a successful businesswoman. In her own effort she bought properties and car. She is planning to marry a loving divorcee who lose his wife in an accident many years ago” - Optimistic Evaluators

However, one of my relative’s mind think likewise: “I have helped Mary so many times and she always admire me for that. I have lived with Mary for some years and I am the one who will always buy groceries for her home and take care of her and my list can go on. Plus, Mary inherited her father’s wealth, I guess, by deception, and that’s why she manages to buy such a big house and car. She always hypocritically acts to be nice to others. And I also heard that she have an affair with a married man. Without my advice and help she won’t have reached heights” - Pessimistic Evaluator

You see what I mean. They always tend to see the negative part of a person. The moment I mention the name Mary. The first thing that pops into your mind automatically will decide what type of person you are. For 21 years, I have observed people around me. I have seen an equal share of Pessimistic Evaluators and Optimistic Evaluators. I seriously like the Optimistic Evaluators. My close paternal aunt is an Optimistic Evaluator. No matter how bad or evil or unworthy a person is, she will tend to expose the optimistic or positive side of a person only. In any discussion, her mind will automatically tell her to say the positive aspects of a person always. However, I have seen many in my family, who rather like to expose the bad aspect of another person. This is a very automatic response and it reflects how a person is brought up, his personal experiences in life and personal psychological traits. When a person is lacking in confident, jealous, or unsecured, they will tend to say all the good things about themselves to others. While, trying to condemn another person so that they will portray a more worthy and superior look when compared.

Whenever, I talk to my parents or others, I personally feel that the first thing that pops into my mind is the optimistic aspect of a person, no matter how evil he or she is. I do not feel insecure, as I feel that I am lucky to have met such a person. I noticed this when my Bible Instructor mentioned the name Satan. The moment people hear that name; they will think of wickedness, evil, manslayer and disgust. But, each time I hear his name, the first think that popped into my mind is that: Satan. An angel with beauty beyond perfection. He was filled with wisdom unimaginable. He was a powerful cherub (an angelic creature of high rank having special duties). He was the one who was placed in the heart of God, The Garden of Eden. Beauty and Power are defined after him. Even though I know he is source of all evil, the mind automatically reflects the good aspects first.

This took me many years of training. How? Whatever my father says, I will always be argumentative and say the opposite. So, he is naturally, a pessimistic evaluator, even though I am a direct carbon copy of his genetic code. Each time, he says anything pessimistic; I say a directly opposing statement. So for almost, 10 to 15 years, I have been doing this. And once every week, a basic statement that is to love your most wickedness enemy is always taught to me and emphasised for 19 years. It took me 15 years! And my father was the punching bag. However, I am not totally a optimistic evaluator, but I am trying to become one.

There is nothing wrong being a pessimistic evaluator at all. However, the moral of my whole crappy blog is:

Always, do not recall the help that you have done for others.
Always, recall the help that others have done for you.
Always, think of the smallest helps that others have done for you
Always, mediate on the greatest helps that others have done for you
Always, forget the bad qualities and characteristics of others
Always, remember the slightest degree of good in others
Always, remember the biggest good quality in others
Always, humble yourself before others
Always, praise others and humble yourself
Always, love and care for everyone
Always, remove jealousy and insecurity from yourself

These are qualities that I am trying to learn very hard. I may have failed many times, but I will master it as much as I can.

171 Days...

2008-12-04T19:48:00.007+08:00

This is history in making. 45 + 58 + 68 = 171 days of depression. Almost half a year in nightmares. 45 days was spent in horrifying misery, 58 days was spent in atrociously painful hospitalisation and 68 days was spent wastefully and aimlessly at home. About $11, 000 went down the drain along with the 171 days. I can start a library with the bad experiences that I faced throughout these 171 days. I was in horrible shape after hospitalisation. However, I started to regain control but life is not the same anymore. I have been spending most of my 68 days in gloom but recently it had been diverted in blogging, petting, face-booking, son-ning, surfing and television-ing.

Smart TV recording services that Starhub provides is fully utilised by me. Even though, I can watch the shows directly, I would rather record it and then watch it later. This enables me to forward all the advertisements in-between and save almost 25% of my stinking time. Mostly, I record the whole series of Tattoo shows in Discovery and WWE is sports channel. I am against tattooing but tattoo art is so stunning and marvellous that it must be appreciated with a glass of wine. WWE is filled with action and drama, so I will never miss that either. My favourite is The Undertaker. In channel 5, I usually record my favourite midnight crime shows, like Criminal Minds, CSI: Miami and Law & Order. These series are inspiring me to become a forensic psychologist or lawyer or something. Along with that, I will also record shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Amazing Race, The Apprentice, Legend of Aang, The Haunting and many more. Legend of Aang is one of the best animations I have ever watched. It is extremely artistic and I will never miss a single episode.

During my hospitalisation, the lecturers visited me and kindly re-offered me a wonderful job back in Temasek Polytechnic again. I missed my job very much. I was always in seventh heaven with the friendly lecturers and my good friend Siti by my side. Ever since hospitalisation, I have no intentions of studies, for the moment. I rather work than sit and ponder over what to do in life. My aim was to do a PhD either in Food Science & Nutrition or Psychology, but those dreams are scattered. The lecturers were confident that there was a position always waiting for me in Temasek. I was discharged after 58 days of dreadful hospitalisation and was resting at home. One day, I was called for an unknown interview for some weird reasons. I attended the interview and it sounded as though they were willing to take me back in, but hesitant. I have no idea what was the motive behind the so-called interview. It ended up as a friendly chat about life and education with the director. Maybe they wanted to see, how long I could commit myself this time round. It will be a waste for them if I run away to study half-way.

Shockingly, they requested for something that broke my heart. But I fulfilled their requirements, as it was justifiable. However, the processing time is taking too much time and I did not receive any updates or any news on the status of my application. Now, I have been rotting at home for a total period of 68 days and counting. I know they are going to take me in but it is very sad that I do not know what is happening and how long I must wait. I am seriously nervous to start work also. Something is hindering me. I am not my old self again. The smart, know-it-all and egoistic Ramesh is buried behind the walls of Changi Hospital. I have no confidence in the new Ramesh. The new Ramesh have destroyed all his dreams and unsteadily wants to start work, which I doubt he can enjoy. He has no intention of studying, marrying, parenting and even enjoying life. My future looks very blank with no inks to fill those blank pages of my fate. Fate is never decided but rather is waiting to be decided by me. Religion gives temporary relief while family is supporting. However, I do not foresee good things with my current health condition. Dreams will always be dreams and the new Ramesh can never make dreams come true. My traits play a great role in scattering my dreams.

I still have piles of unread books on my table. I, usually, do not read books unless it is factual, biblical or educational in content. However, my obsessive-ness to spent my money has led me to pile up books on my table. 1 excellent book (The Last Lecture - It is a great gift from my good friend Han), 2 psychology books (Floating Theory) and 1 neuro-plasticity book (The Brain That Changes Itself) are rotting on my table. Trust me, I can never be a neurosurgeon or psychiatrist but I have no idea why I bought the neuro-plasticity book. However, it is very interesting to read, and it maybe useful if I become psychologist in my dreams at night. Did you know that the blind can see if they are willing to change their mind. Amazing right? But, I have no idea, when I will read all these books. Plus, I still have tons of food, biblical, factual, religious, health and nutrition books staring blankly at me. When, I was in the hospital, I took almost A to Z of all the medical and health pamphlets. I can become a doctor once I finish reading these 100 pamphlets.

I earned and saved so much money in the bank but sadly everything is going down the drain. My poor father has lost most of his riches on my mother’s and my health. My private consultation fee at Raffles was a daylight robbery. Each consultation with medication is about $300, so it has cost me $5, 000 in total. My government hospitalisation cost was $17, 000. I guess, I need to pay about $5, 000 after subsidy. Currently, I am on government consultation, and with medicine, it cost me about $200 each session. So, a total of $1200 was spent on government consultation. So, in total, I have spent a minimum of $11, 200 for my wonderful body. My father’s CPF covers about half, and we have been sharing the remaining cost together. The doctor is never reducing my medication. I can see that my health have improved but traces of me still had an irreversible effect. I know that I cannot be cured.

I have recently refrained myself from family and social activities. However, I still actively meet my polytechnic friends and sweep the roads of orchard and city hall, almost every weekend. I seriously do not know, how to show my gratitude to my most wonderful aunts in the world. I have never seen God and never seen his miracles but I have seen his love and his guardian angels through my aunts. Their pure hearts made them a successful lawyer and nurse with heart beyond anyone’s reach. I am truly blessed. For, I do not know what will happen without them. Not forgetting the watchful shepherds of mine who continuously guide me through the narrow path and hear me when needed. These 5 people have made my life a great one. Parents are greater provision too. Of cause, I cannot forget my friends. Like, I always say, Friends are like Gods. They can create, preserve or destroy people. I am lucky, as I have friends who preserve and create lifes. While others are in ruin because of their bad friends. Plus, I am blessed to meet a new friend and a great person in the hospital. They are all great in my eyes. I can die happy now. Ha… Ha… Ok, that’s too much. I still haven’t got a chance to meet my secondary school friends yet. My promises to meet them are being delayed and delayed.