Issue : AUGUST 2010 Vol : II

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SPIRITUAL LOUNGE
E-MAGAZINE

Land of the Rising Sun

What is Aura? Hindi film music

& spirituality

LIFE IS FULL OF ECHOES

& REFLECTIONS
 Content AUG 2010

Editorial - page 3 What is an Aura?

Hindi film music Page -4

& spirituality
Page - 6

LIFE IS FULL OF ECHOES AND REFLECTIONS

Page - 5

Meeting a person who claimed

to have renounced the world
Page - 7
What am i guilty of? Page -10
Land of the Rising Sun
Surya Namaskar Page - 10-11 Page - 8-9

The World of Rhythms Called Rituals

An Illustrated Guide to Magical and Spiritual Symbolism

Music Review Tarot Love Scope for August 2010

Cover page: Mt. Fujiyama, Japan

Edited by Dhara Kothari. Published by Moksa Publishers for Spiritual Lounge.
Designed by Biren Shah, Casper Creations. Email: spirituallounge@live.com.
Cell: +91-9619629092 / +91-9757274289
2
EDITORIAL AUG 2010

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the second issue of the Spiritual Lounge E-Magazine.

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Dhara Kothari

3
 Article
What is an Aura?
The dictionary defines Aura as a distinctive
atmosphere or the subtle emanation around us;
which is derived from the Greek word for breeze.
The word Aura has been derived from the name of
a Greek goddess of breezes or atmosphere; it
means an atmosphere surrounding the being. In
many ancient statues and paintings of different
saints, Gods, angels and prophets of different
religions as the Hindu, Christianity, Greek,
Zoroastrian, Jain, Buddhist etc. A halo of a bright
Aura is shown which resembles their strong minds
and different qualities.
This whole universe is very mysterious,
our body is a bigger mystery; there are many
things our mind cannot
conceive. From what the world
knows and now scientifically
proven with the help of some
latest equipment's like Kirlian
cameras is that there is a halo
of pale electromagnetic light
around and within us which is
known as Aura, it is also called
Aabhaa, Tejmandal and Jalwa
in different Indian languages; I
would like to add a
revolutionary statement over
here that this light called the
Aura is the mind of a being.
Thoughts arise and depart
from this faculty called Aura
and it has been observed by different experts that
the Aura changes its shapes and colours when
different sensations arise in a being.
Our Aura is made up of these many silver
rays of Prana entangled together forming circular
floral shapes called the Chakra around and fitting
our body. You can say that our body is like a tree
and the Aura is like a creeper on it, it rotates
around and surrounds the body. If we squeeze our
eyes and try to look at the Sun we will see strings of
silver light flowing from it, these silver rays are
called Prana. Prana is the vital life force, and the
source of Prana on our Earth is the Sun. So it is
difficult for any life form to sustain without getting
Prana if it does not getting exposed to Sun rays
entering our planet Earth. There are some life
forms who receive Aura through air or water and
they do not expose their body throughout their life
to the Sun, these living beings or plants are very
low in Prana and termed as Tamsic (low in
energy).
There are millions of colours and shades
reflected in the aura by different moods. Every
colour makes it possible for the mystic to read
4
AUG 2010
talks about what the person is thinking and it also
shows a damage in the body- mind- system even
before it appears at the surface. The size and the colour
of the Aura and specially the Chakra can show the
nature, interest, health, mood and spiritual
advancement, negativity, effect of black magic
affecting the person. The electro- magnetic field of the
Aura attracts and repels people from each other; this
explains our likes or dislike towards people we meet
for the first time.
Aura does not only surround our whole body
but it is also within us, and it also enters the ground
that we stand on (provided we are not wearing energy
insulating footwear). The Aura is maximum around
our foot, next near our palms and third
around our face.
From time immemorial,
different religions, culture and
societies people greet each other via a
hug, shake of hands, kissing hands or
touching feet on meeting other people.
Here the exchange of thoughts by
accepting and exchanging each other's
Aura takes place. Aura gets released
from the foot, so touching the feet is
considered as a process of receiving
blessings or we can say they will
receive a part of the Aura mind or
thoughts of the former; in India it is
considered that one must prostrate or
show respect to elders or learned ones
by touching their feet or joining hands before them to
receive their grace, which in turn will make them like
the ones they show respect to. Aura is received by the
palms so shaking hands or touching of feet is done by
hands. Aura is easily exchanged from around the face
so people greet by hugging or kissing each other on the
cheeks; this brings people to come to a common
understanding and likening.
There are many things which cast their effects
on our Aura on daily basis. They are food, rest, time,
environment, love, attention, daily cleansing of body
and mind, effects of black magic, meditation, prayers,
Aura cleansing, traveling in public transport or being
around a huge crowd like in a movie theater etc.
The regular cleansing of Aura is necessary by
bathing, swimming, taking steam, getting Aura
cleansing done by expert, meditating and praying. It is
very necessary for every individual to learn Aura
cleansing for themselves and others.
By Hittesh Guruji
cell: 9867495496 hitteshguruji@gmail.com
http://rudrakshpuja.com
http://hansaamystic.com
 Article AUG 2010

LIFE IS FULL OF ECHOES AND REFLECTIONS

If one were to look closely at life, one would realize our thoughts and actions as well. If we become aware
that life often behaves like an echo or a mirror. that we have been too negative in our life and realize
What this means is that the more 'yes' we say in life that it is the reason that we are in our current
and to life itself, the more 'yes' comes back to us. situation, and if we consciously change our negative
The more 'no' or negatives we use in life, the same thoughts and actions into positive ones, we can rest
is likely to be reflected back to us. Life is like a assured that life will instantly start to reflect and echo
mirror, or a deep valley, and by itself does nothing, these thoughts and actions back to us, in various
except reflect the actions of those who are a part of different ways, through various people and situations,
life. in a positive and
agreeable manner. Life,
Life, literally, is composed till we are alive, gives us
of nothingness. It exists t h e t i m e a n d
only as we project it. It only opportunity to change
reflects and echoes us. So, ourselves. With a little
how could we blame the awareness, if we can do
mirror or the echo, if our that, things will get
reflection in it is not to our better.
liking?
Remember, there is no
If we are facing a lot of 'no', bigger architect of our
negative reactions or lives, than ourselves.
rejections in our lives at Whether the structure
any stage. It is perhaps of our life is going wrong
time, to take a break, sit or right, when there is
back and think whether we instability in our life,
have said too many 'no's', when we can see a lot of
in our life? Whatever we cracks developing in our
give comes back to us, life, we must obviously
multiplied many fold. If blame it on the
you donate one architect, namely,
rupee/dollar, with a kind ourselves, and quickly
heart and without change gears. If we do
expecting anything in that, we shall see our life
return, it is likely that it will change and flower into
return to us, at some later something beautiful.
date, in some other Saying yes, and being
manner, from some other more positive in life
source, as a hundred or opens doors for us and
thousand rupees/dollars. saying no closes them.
Man often goes through
The same is true for our negative attitudes. If we life, opening and closing doors.
are in the habit of saying no frequently, often
without any logical reason, we should be prepared Someone once remarked “There is no power in the
to receive these negations, multiplied manifold. universe that can save you from yourself. Hence, be
Hence, there is no point in going around blaming very careful about what you say, think or do.” It is a
other people, circumstances, fate or our ill-luck, good idea to remember this statement, at least once a
for somewhere, it is only our own thoughts and day, so that we realize and understand that a lot of
actions that are being reflected back to us. Life, as what happens to us in life, whether good or bad,
we said, gives us back what we say, do or think, in wanted or unwanted, originates from ourselves. It is
much higher numbers than our original input. easy to blame a whole lot of people or circumstances
One should hence be very thoughtful, very careful, for our plight, but a very deep introspection will
in what one does, says, asks or thinks. always show that somehow, somewhere, we ourselves
were responsible.
However, there is a silver lining to this dark cloud.
Life, being a mirror or echo, is waiting to reflect
Dr.P.V.Vaidyanathan
5
 Article
Hindi film music and spirituality
Those familiar with Hindi film songs of India may
wonder what has film songs got to do with spirituality.
Film or movie songs are purely commercial and there is
nothing divine about them. However, I am referring to
old Hindi film songs that were made not with the motive
to make money but for two purposes. One was to
connect with the story and the character's
communication with the audience. The other was to
show case India's rich musical heritage in a modern,
technological back-drop.
Music has always been part of various cultures of India
from eons. It is ingrained in the very DNA of every
Indian even today. Indian music is so vast that even an
encyclopaedia will be in-sufficient. Hence, I'll just
briefly focus on the Hindi film songs that have spiritual
connection.
Old Hindi film songs that do have spiritual connection
can mainly be divided into two categories to understand
them. One, melody and two, lyrics. Most of the old
musicians, composers and lyric writers were musically
inclined, poetic and romantic. They wrote and created
music from the depths of their soul and were highly
creative and talented.
There has been rousing music composed for some songs
that have become popular purely due to their melody.
Such as, the 'been' music of the movie Nagin and the
array of musical instrumental chorus in the song 'Tu
chupi hai kahan' from the film Navrang. Even the
modern guitar tune played in the reincarnation story of
Karz. But the best soul stirring music belongs to wonder
of wonder the so called haunted melodies of the Hindi
film music. These melodies were originally meant for so
called ghost based movies but this music has been so
well accepted that more than terrifying the listener, the
music has actually touched the soul. Reincarnation and
realistic stories were the order of the golden era of the
Hindi movies. Hence, the music composed was just
right to touch one's very own foundation.
Some of these hauntingly melodious songs that had
great lyrics to match were; 'Gumnaam hai koi' from
Gumnaam. This song talks about life and death and the
fear that is involved with the seemingly unknown. Then
there is 'Kahin deep jale, kahin dil' from the movie Bees
saal baad. 'Naina barase, rhim jhim' from the movie
Woh kaun thi.
On the other hand there were great lyrics, some backed
with beautiful music, while some had plain music. The
title song of the movie 'Toofan aur diya' is a lesson in
developing self-confidence in the face of hopelessness.
'Gaadi bula rahi hai' from the film Dost compared life to
a train's journey.
There are several philosophical songs too that easily
merge with spiritualism because of its message or
sayings. Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt were two such actor-
producers who made several such films and of course by
default their songs too had messages. 'Yeh mehlon, Yeh
takhton' from the film Pyaasa talks about ills of
6
AUG 2010
materialism in a person's life. His movie Kagaz ke phool
had a time related song called, 'Waqt ne kiya, kya
haseen sitam'. Guru Dutt's popular movie Chaudvin ka
chand had a funny but philosophical accurate song
called, 'yeh duniya gol hai'.
Raj Kapoor's famous movie Mera naam joker was an
entirely a philosophical movie and mostly all songs
were messages in lyrical form. Another famous song
called 'Ek din bik jayega' from his other movie, Dharam
Karam, talks about the futility of attachment to a body
and life.
Other philosophical songs include; 'Jeevan ke safar
mein rahi' from the movie Munimji. 'Duniya mein hum
aaye hai' from the movie Mother India. The old black
and white film Mela had a very good title song. 'Chal ud
ja re panchi' from the film Bhabhi compared a human to
a bird, asking it to leave. A very similar song minus the
bird factor is, 'Aye mere dil kahin aur chal' from the
movie, Daag. Kora Kagaz had a sad song as its title song
but the lyrics were very moving in a poetic manner. A
similar song to this was a song named, 'Zindagi ke safar',
from movie Aap ki kasam. 'Naam gum jayega' from the
film Kinara talks about insignificance of a name, body
and all materialism that go with it. Imithaan film was a
story of a professor and his students and the one song
from that movie focussed on about getting on with life,
no matter what, which was, 'Ruk jaana nahin'. Dosti was
a philosophical movie and had great songs to take the
story forward, where it talked about humanity. How can
we ever forget the famous song called 'Dekh tere sansar
ki halat', by Kavi Pradeep from the film Nastik? It still
sways people everywhere.
'O door ke musafir' from the movie Udan Khatola talked
about the one going into the other world. Waqt was a
movie that talked about how destiny changes things and
it had a pretty popular song called, 'Age bhi jane na tu'
that talked about the importance of the present
moment. 'Zara saamne to aao chaliye' from the movie,
Janam, janam ke phere is a one rare song. A poetic
fantasy song called, 'Aa chal ke tujhe' from the movie,
Door gagan ki chaaon mein talked about a dream world.
Not going back into the past is what the song talks about
called, 'Aaj purani raho mein' from the movie, Aadmi.
When we meet someone for the first time and yet we feel
as if we have known them is hinted by the song, 'Tera
mujse hai pehle' from the movie, Aa gale lag ja.
The list can go on, despite such a brief mention in this
article. Unfortunately, none of these beauties have been
carried forward in the present lot of movies, except just
one song called after the name of its movie, Kal ho na ho.
These songs are mesmerising, they talk; they speak for
the singer and the listener. These songs compel you to
be part of the story, to feel those emotions and revel in
its spiritualism.
- DHARA KOTHARI
 Story
Meeting a person who claimed to have renounced the world
Seema had come after a long time. She seemed little
preoccupied and her eyes did not focus.
“Hari Om,” she said.
“Where have you been Seema I asked?”
“I was staying in a cave in the Himalayas over a year.”
“I know you told me,” I said, “but I did not know for
over a year.”
Seema was an extremely beautiful woman in her late
forties who had started following the path of
renunciation when she in her twenties or she claimed.
Her stories were wild and improbable and strange. But
I did know that she was a good person and she was
struggling to keep her life style alive in the face of
paucity of money. Her life style included performing
havan and pujas'. She really needed the money for her
pure ghee, milk and sweets to put in the Agni. Her
brother who lived abroad used to send her some
obscenely small amount of money and she was too
proud to ask for more. To top it all she was beautiful
and having no family was the object of lascivious
attention by all males. Where she lived her inquisitive
neighbors would wonder about her and her business
became theirs.
I could never figure her out. Was she telling the truth
or was she delusional.
I asked her, “Who is your guru?”
“I had a very sad life. My father remarried and we were
brought up by my maternal grandparents and then my
mother died and my brother got married and no one
was really nice to me. My sister- in- law accused me of
stealing jewelry and having affairs. I left the house
disgusted. There was no one there to call my own.
Since I was well educated I did not mind taking up a
job. I was in Poona and I felt my calling. I went walking
up to Nasik and on the way there was a cave. I went in,
there was an idol placed there and then the eyes
opened and it said, 'beta I am your guru I want you to
renounce life slowly. Wind up your moh maya and you
will find your true calling.' And there was a light given
to me by my guru. I went back I continued working but
I started shunning society and whenever I was free I
started praying. Slowly my work became an
obstruction to my true calling and I quit work
altogether and just started praying.”
“But you conduct such good puja, just like in our
ancient scriptures. And you know such good yoga as
well, where and how did you learn?”
“Didi all this is inherent, you just need to pray. It just
comes naturally.”
7
AUG 2010
“Do you visit your guru?” I asked
“Yes, every guru purnima.”
But she pointed out that to the unbelieving and the
skeptic the idol does not appear at all.
I really wanted to go to Nasik to find out but I knew I
never would. I would never have the time and I
would be too scared to disbelieve anyone who is so
religious. Seema again looked at me. Her eyes
seemed unfocussed and she was smiling her typical
strange smile.
“Didi,” she smiled and said, “It is time for me to go.
Next year I will not eat anything and soon I will
slowly disintegrate and be a part of the mother
Earth.”
A part of me was disbelieving but somehow I don't
know why I bent down and touched her feet. Maybe
she was real and I was the opposite. Maybe she
thought with her heart and I with my mind. Was it
the reason why she was so happy? She probably saw
what really mattered and I saw the transient world.
- Anu Chopra
Three Monks
Three monks decided to practise meditation together.
they sat by the side of a lake and closed their eyes in
concentration. Then suddenly, the first one stood up
and said, "I forgot my mat." He steeped miraculously
onto the water in front of him and walked across the
lake to their hut on the other side.
When he returned, the second monk stood up and said,
"I forgot to put my clothes to dry." He too walked calmly
across the water and returned the same way. The third
monk watched the first two carefully in what he decided
must be the test of his own abilities. "Is your learning so
superior to mine? I too can match any feat you two can
perform," he declared loudly and rushed to the water's
edge to walk across it. He promptly fell into the deep
water.
Undeterred, the wet monk climbed out of the water and
tried again, only to sink into the water. Yet again he
climbed out and yet again he tried, each time sinking
into the water. This went on for some time as the other
two monks watched.
After a while, the second monk turned to the first and
said, "Do you think we should tell him where the stones
are?"
 Spiritual - Travel
Land of the Rising Sun
Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by
more than 4,000 smaller islands. The four islands are;
Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Japan's
topographical features include coastlines with varied
scenery, towering mountains, which are very often
volcanic and twisted valleys that invite visitors into the
mysterious world of nature.
Japan is a land full of colour and flowers. Among the
vibrant green of the mountains, amidst the fluttering
cherry blossom petals, within the transition of the four
seasons, people see colors. Japan's colors and shapes
are messages that convey spirit and culture. An ideal
place for a person
t o s e e k
spiritualism and
there are plenty of
places for quite
meditation and
contemplation.
The meditation
retreats known as
sesshins; a few
days of sesshins
are by far the
most intensive
meditation
practices held in
Japan.
Japan is one of
the few remaining
spiritual cultures,
alive and well
today, that is not grounded in religious dogma or
doctrine, but in the belief of the divine; the divinity of
the land and the spirit of the people. Their religion of
spirituality is today called Shinto. There is also
another form of religion in Japan that is extremely
close to the hearts and minds of many: Shingon (True
Word) Esoteric Buddhism. Esoteric Buddhism is
based on the belief that Buddhahood or one's divinity
may be attained in this body, this life and this world.
The founder of Shingon, Kūkai (774-835) believed in
the divine human or Buddha human. The sacred
mountain, Koyasan, was and still is his home. When
we combine, Shinto, Shingon, Onmyodo magic and
folk shamanism, we discover Shugendo (the way of
mountain asceticism). Shugendo is the way (do) of
mastery (shu) of extraordinary religious power (gen).
Shugendo traces its origin to a legendary ascetic called
En No Gyoja who lived near Kyoto during the Nara
Period in the late 7th century. It teaches ascetic
practices that are to be conducted upon certain
mountains and leads to magic religious powers
8
AUG 2010
including spirit possession, exorcism and
spiritual healing.
Spiritualism is associated with religion in Japan
and they strongly encourage meditation of all
kinds. The most popular amongst all is Zen
meditation. Zazen is a particular kind of
meditation, unique to Zen that functions centrally
as the very heart of the practice. Basically, zazen is
the study of the self. To study the self is to forget
the self, and to forget the self is to be enlightened
by the ten thousand things. To be enlightened by
the ten thousand things is to recognize the unity of
the self and the
ten thousand
things.
Japan abounds
in spiritual
experiences.
Temples are
o p e n f o r
overnight stay,
where the
general public
can experience
the typical day of
a Buddhist
monk, learning
how to meditate,
and eating
vegetarian food.
Let us check out
a few places where spiritualism is best
experienced.
Kyoto is considered by many to be the best place to
know about Buddhist culture. There are many
temples like Ginkaku-ji or silver pavilion;
Kinkaku-ji or the golden pavilion temples. Mt.
Hiei, the Mecca of Tendai Esoteric Buddhism,
disbursed throughout in the mountains, are
dozens of Buddhist structures. One can also visit
Koyasan, the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism.
One can be immersed in the spiritual side of this
temple town, while taking in the peaceful scenery
of the surrounding mountains. The origins of
Kiyomizu temple go back to the 8th century. This
unique structure with a main hall built upon a
platform supported by 149 wooden columns is one
of the most popular sites in Kyoto. Then there is
Chion-in temple, which is the head temple of Jodo
Buddhism. If you have time, stop by at Ninna-ji
 Spiritual - Travel
Temple, head temple of the Omuro school of
Shingon Buddhism. The temple is noted for its
relaxing stroll garden, and five-story pagoda.
Walking south is Myoshin-ji Temple, supreme
temple of the Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen
Buddhism. With 47 structures in the temple
complex, it looks as though you came right into a
samurai movie location.
Nara, the oldest existing Japanese capital, dating
back to the 8th century. Nara has in its core a large
pedestrian park with the Great Buddha hall, the
national museum, pagodas, shrines, and tame
deer. Todai-ji temple or the great Buddha hall had
the original giant Buddha statue that was cast in
746 AD. Today only the base remains and the rest
was remade later. The statue measures almost 50
feet in height and weighs 380 metric tons. One
can also visit Horyu-ji temple, the world's oldest
wooden structure, dating back to the 7th century.
Do not forget to visit Eihei-ji Zen temple, which is
the head temple of the Soto Zen Buddhism. This is
where Zen is authentically practiced daily. In fact,
hundreds of monks from all over the world come
here for real-life training.
Shikoku was the birthplace of Kobo Daishi,
Buddhist saint and founder of the Shingon sect.
For centuries, his followers have hiked a circuit of
the 88 temples he founded, scattered around the
mountainous island. Ise (also known as Iseshima,
or Ise Island, though it's not an island) wasn't
considered anything special until the august
mirror representing a great Shinto god,
Amaterasu, was moved from within the imperial
palace walls. Considered too sacred to be housed
9
AUG 2010
in a house, Amaterasu went on a journey which ended
in 4th B.C., when the imperial princess Yamatohime
no Mikoto decided Ise should be the permanent home
of this important deity, daughter of Izanagi and
Izanami. Four and a half centuries later another shrine
was constructed nearby to house the Shinto god
Toyouke. Considered a very important deity in his own
right, Toyouke was placed within a few kilometres so
that he could provide food and offerings to Amaterasu.
Since that time, Ise has become the holiest place in
Japan, a land every native is supposed to journey to at
least once.
Kumano, the general name given to the southern part
of the Kii Peninsula Almost of all Kumano is
mountainous and is formed from steep and
complicated peaks and gorges. For a long time,
interaction with the outside world was very limited and
because of this relative isolation, the area attained an
air of divinity. Since ancient times, Kumano has been
one of the most prominent religious sanctuaries for the
people of Japan. Known as the Other-world, it is the
realm of dragons, hot springs and the Shugen-ja. A
visit to the Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine is a must and
the sacred Nachi Falls called Ichi-no-taki. Over 48
waterfalls exist in this sacred land.
Reservations are required to live in such places.
Remember, you will have to live like Japanese, if not
totally like a monk, by sharing a large bathtub, sleeping
on a thin futon, sitting on the straw mat, etc. It is
recommended to avoid mid-summer and mid-winter.
Typically, most of the temples have no heating or air
conditioning systems. At temples, you are expected to
use chopsticks and be accustomed to Japanese
bathrooms and bedding. If you need a soft landing on
the spiritual ground, try to stay in nearby Western-
style hotels with a private bath and a Western bed.
-DHARA KOTHARI
 Article
What am i guilty of ?
A dilemma: what do you do when you have been sent to
the gallows and you don’t even have a clue of what your
crime is? I suppose it is all to do with GUILT. But here
the point is, what is it that I am guilty of? If I do not
know what the crime is, what am I basically guilty of?
It is our belief system that takes over. If someone is
sending you to the gallows, he/she must know better
than you. You MUST HAVE done something wrong.
Therefore you start feeling guilty of something that you
‘feel’ that YOU MUST HAVE DONE.
There is a book entitled Power Vs Force by David
Hawkins. He says that every thought that you have
either weakens or strengthens you. There are methods
and maps of consciousness which tells you how each
thought either weakens or strengthens you.
Spiritually you should be able to monitor your
thoughts at all times and shift the thoughts that
weaken you. One of the thoughts that create weakness
is guilt. Guilt produces emotions of blame and despair.
To live in guilt is to use up your present moments being
immobilized over what has already transpired. No
amount of guilt will ever undo what’s been done. If
your past behavior mobilizes you to learn from your
mistakes, this is not guilt; it’s learning from the past.
Since you do not know what specific behaviour caused
the reaction, you cannot learn from the past. But to
wallow in the present moment over your MUST HAVE
DONE errors is guilt, and it can only take place now.
Every moment we need to be fully connected to life and
live fully. We don’t need external sources like
television or the radio constantly blaring; we have our
own limitless mind. We have the choice to wake up
daily and say, “Here’s a brilliant day!”
It is in our free will to choose the thoughts that makes
us strong or weak. Thoughts that blame others or
yourself weaken you. When you realize that your own
thoughts create the source of your experience of
reality, you will start to be very careful about what you
think at that moment. Life unfolds in the now.
Therefore go out into the world without the past
haunting you at all times. We have the done the best we
could at that time, with the best resources we had. If we
really look at it, that is all we could ever do.
So forgive yourself if no one else does. We need to
forgive ourselves to move forward. So forgive yourself
anyway. There is a tendency in all of us to hold
ourselves more accountable than we do others. Life is
full of choices and every choice we make will either take
us in a positive, life-giving direction or rob us of the
opportunity to be a life-giving individual. Forgiving
ourselves does not let us off the hook, it does not justify
what we have done, or what we may have not done and
it is not a sign of weakness. Forgiveness is a choice that
takes courage and strength, and it gives us the
10
AUG 2010
- Dr. Abhijit Das
opportunity to become an overcomer rather than remaining a
victim of our own scorn. The reality is that you cannot change
what has happened. You cannot restore lives to where they
were before the event. However, you can make a difference in
the lives of others and yourself. You can give back some of
what you have taken away by finding a different place to invest
your time and compassion. Forgive yourself and let the
healing begin!
As Paul Boese says, “Forgiveness does not change the past, but
it does enlarge the future.”
Surya Namaskar- Karun Krishnaji
Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation belongs to Hatha
Yog Asanas. Its origin lies in the worship of the Sun.
Surya Namaskar as part of the modern yoga tradition is
performed at sunrise, which the traditional consider to
be the most spiritually favorable time of the day. The
physical base of the practice links together twelve
asanas in a dynamically performed series. A full round
of Surya Namaskar is considered to be two sets of the
twelve poses with a change in the second set to moving
the opposite leg first through the series.
Surya Namaskar, like most yog-asanas must be
performed only on an empty stomach. Therefore there
must be a gap of at least two hours after eating and
before performing the Namaskar. It is generally
practiced in the morning before breakfast or in the
evening. There are a total of 8 different postures in the
sequence of 12 posture changes of Surya Namaskar.
Some asanas are repeated twice in the same cycle of a
Surya Namaskar. Shavasana or Yog Nindra is
preferably practiced at the end to rest.
While performing Surya Namaskar the breathing
exercise (Pranayam) gives more oxygen to the lungs.
The rhythm of breathing becomes heavy with vitality.
Each breath becomes deep and clear. It carries more
oxygen to the parts of the body. The vital points (The
Chakras) in the body get charged. The Surya-Tej in
these Chakras gets enlightened with the thought and
sight of the Sun God.
Benefit of Surya Namaskar
1)Make mind and body strong, it increases
concentration.
2)It makes body flexible.
3)Relief from back pain.
4)It helps in making liver stronger.
5)Sugar control.
6)Helps in preventing breathing problem like asthma.
7)Helps in preventing joint problems.
8)Increases blood circulation.
9)Helps reducing fat.
10)Good for eyes.
11)Increase memory power.
Yog Assan AUG 2010

1 pranam assan 2 Hasath-uthasan 3 Hasath-padangusth-asan

4 ashva sanchalan assan 5 parvat assan

6 asthang namaskar

7 bujang assan 8 ardh chandra asan

11
 Review - Book AUG 2010

The World of Rhythms Called Rituals

By Jayant Burde New Age Books Price : ` 225/-
The connection between rhythm and ritual is as remain at primal levels or then evolve to increasing
ancient as sunrise. Simple movements form levels of sophistication. Writes Burde, “While the
rhythmic patterns and the connection between music of the primates remains at the instinctual
rhythm and rituals is established even before we level (though they may try various combinations
know, on both grand due to their
scales during elaborate exploratory
examples of rituals and urge), humans
in modest everyday shape that
ventures. Every aspect of rhythmic instinct
our life has a rhythm, the i n t o a n
simplest to the most aesthetically
complex. In The World of appealing form of
Rhythms Called Rituals music.” Therein
Jayant Burde analyses l i e s t h e
these patterns that begin difference.
at the babbling of infants
and reach right up to the Rituals are
chant of complex beej manifestations of
mantras. There's a instincts in which
rhythm in simple rhythm plays a
stylized social behaviour very important
of everyday life and role but they are
there's also a rhythm in also shaped by
complex neurological culture. They
disorders as displayed by could be rigid,
the behaviour of those complex and long
affected. The rhythms or then absolutely
are found in spoken m i n i m a l
prayers and music to depending on the
performed movements characteristics of
in the form of dance. that culture. The
They cover in their expression of
gamut literature and rhythmic instinct
poetry, sport & is modified
recreation and design depending on the
and architecture; they culture one lives
form a part of religious in and humans
and social celebrations being adaptable
as also military confrontations. They appear in do it without much effort on the whole.
everything -- from the basic cycles of nature to
board meetings and flight schedules of Burde explains how rituals can lead to a science.
contemporary society. The rhythms of rituals are worth re-looking at,
whether simple or complex, apparently
All rhythms emerge out of being repeated over meaningless or meaningful, rigid or flexible,
and over again at designated intervals. They religious or secular. The book makes a sincere
create social and personal spaces for us. They attempt to convince the reader of that.
bring people together through festivals and
sports events or then divide them with
combative threats. They are a part of the ragas as - -Gayatri Pagdi

12
 Review - Book AUG 2010

An Illustrated Guide to Magical and Spiritual Symbolism

By Raymond Buckland New Age Books Price : ` 195/-
Manly P. Hall, one of the most influential the undesirable and to invoke and attract the
occultists of the last century and a leading figure desirable. Symbolic thinking is the essential of
in the quest of mystical knowledge, described psychic life.
symbols as oracular forms – mysterious
patterns creating vortices in the substances of Buckland's book is a collection of some of these
the invisible world. He said that they were symbols of esoteric thoughts all across the cultures.
“centres of a mighty force, figures pregnant with Eight hundred of them to be precise. From
an awful power which, when properly fashioned astrology to ceremonial magic, from Greek,
loose fiery whirlwinds upon the earth.” Roman, Islamic religious-magical traditions to
those of the Australian aboriginals, the Native
Symbols, whether Americans and the gypsies,
religious or purely from the beliefs of the Aztec
magical, speak a and the Mayans to Sikhism
sophisticated language, and Shinto, from Buddhism
their forms and to Wicca, the canvas is fairly
structures intended to be wide. There are also omens
understood only by those and curses, hexes and
initiated or by those who warnings, as also special
have developed symbols used for healing and
sensitivity to the protection, to ward off evil
particular belief. Both and bring positive forces
the occult world, as also back into life.
the essentially religious,
use symbols to convey When one looks at these
their meanings. Symbols symbols, it's obvious that the
offer a key to the deities, or the forces,
religious faith as also whether of organized belief
mythology of the or the alternative ones, have
ancients. They also been represented by every
d i s p l a y a n form thought to possess
understanding of the significance. There's ample
principles of art. Many use of the sun and moon, the
religious symbols and circles and triangles, the
emblems have gone on to signs of the zodiac, the
constitute the essentials sacred animals and plants
of architectural styles, and a host of other objects.
embellishments and arts Symbolis in all ethnical
of sculpture, painting and engraving all over the religions are copies of nature in some way for it is
world. nature that man derives all his inspiration from.

Raymond Buckland's work, An Essential Guide
to Magical and Spiritual Symbolism, is all about
the signs, symbols and omens of life. Human
mind has, throughout the history of mankind,
been ruled by the fears of the invisible and the
inexplicable phenomenon around. Man
attributed it all to gods, angels, demons, good
spirits and bad spirits. He invented rites and
mystical symbols as weapons and tools to deal
with them. All spiritual as also magical symbols
serve more or less the same purpose: to outwit
This is an interesting compilation for a reader with
an eclectic taste. If you're a serious student or
researcher of the occult and the esoteric you've seen
and known it all, already. But for those who haven't
gone very deep into the subject, this will definitely
make an interesting read. One could use it as a
reference work or then simply browse through to
gain a deeper understanding of human experience
in the realm of the collective unconscious.
- -Gayatri Pagdi

13
 Review - Music AUG 2010

Meditation with Bamboo

This CD has a single track of almost 43 minutes. It is a beautiful
rendition of Bamboo sounds along with sounds of water, birds in the
back drop. It is a Far Eastern music but perfect for meditational
music. A highly recommended listening for even those who wish to
be in their own silent company.
Bapu Padmanabha
New Age Music. Price: ` 325/-

Relax- Flute and Cello

The CD has 18 tracks and running time of almost 66 minutes. The
music is completely European and heavily influenced even in sound
track that are Indian like; Mukunda and Krishna's flute. Makes you
wonder if the musicians are talking about the European Krishna and
not the Indian original. Nevertheless, it is a fine combination of flute
and cello that transports you to the lands of beautiful Europe. Some
of the tracks like Lullaby, Divine Romance, and Ancient Greece
really relax you with a smile. This music is also perfect for softer
settings like an office, quite restaurants by the bay or country side
retreats and so on.

Performed by David Eby and Sharon Brooks

Composed by Swami Kriyananda (Donald Walters)
New Age Music. Price: `. 299/-

Relax: Meditation for Piano

This CD contains 18 tracks and each is a piano recitation. If you are a

fan of the piano musical instrument, you would like any sound that's
pure piano. However, most of them are pretty dull sounding and not
at all perfect for meditation. It is best played as back-drop in centres,
museums, etc. Swami Kriyananda does not seem to have done justice
with the piano the way he has with a cello.

Performed by David Miller

Composed by Swami Kriyananda (Donald Walters)
New Age Music. Price: `. 299/-

14
 Astrology
Tarot Love Scope for August 2010
Is love there in your cards? Are you heading for wedlock or a dead lock? Read
y o u r L o v e Ta r o t s c o p e b e f o r e t a k i n g a n y d e c i s i o n s .
Aries Be pioneer to new ideas
Dear Arians,
Being very strong -headed, you always like to be
chased rather than chasing your loved ones. Natural
Attention seekers, (though getting attention isn't
difficult for you) but this month it makes it all the
more tricky for your mates to handle your moods.
Being interested in the relationship is a big task for
you this month. The reason may not actually be your
partner but your high sense of expectation and
imagination.
You have reached the point of greatest liberation, as
you have nothing to hold you back. Now you can begin
making dramatic changes within yourself, rebuilding
without the waste and illusion of the past. As you have
nothing, any direction will be appropriate. Out of
change comes a more natural relationship to the
world. Allow your intellect and intuition to be equal
partners as you face challenges. Both have powerful
guidance to offer you concerning limitations you have
created for yourself.
Be highly innovative rather than going through same
old humdrum dates and meets. Keep spirits high by
working towards your romantic dates making them
more appealing to you. Word of caution; avoid
expectations from your partners as no matter how
hard they try, it is going to be difficult to impress you.
Accept your short comings. For a change give
attention to your partner instead. Expect little turmoil
in the relationships.
Those not in relationships expand your horizon by
looking towards different zone.
Taurus
Have understanding with your
partner
Dear Taureans,
This August monsoon, you need to be still. A lot of
emotions will be stirring your soul, this wet season.
Being Earth signs, fresh water of rains brings about a
change in your persona.
Being calm and reserved, lot of passions are under
current. Going out and connecting to nature with your
mate is your dream date. This August, it will rouses
creative corner of you taureans. Poems, projects,
designs are at their pinnacles and so are your gamut of
15
AUG 2010
sentiments and passions equally. Day dreaming is the
biggest thrill at this time of the year.
Long lost memories take priority, but reality will
sabotage your contemplation. To sit still is going to be
your biggest challenge. Explore your veiled world and
enjoy that state, as from your deeper sense you would
get answers on what is best for you in this relationship.
Don't chatter too much; keep your dates simple and
more natural. No showbiz this month. Taureans just
like to be in sync with nature. So walking on the beach
or along a nice promenade will get more attention than
any fancy dinner thrills.
Those who are single please drop a stone in your
memory pool and watch the ripples, out of which you
might get clearer on your expectations. Don't hunt for
your mate, let nature take its course.
Gemini Don't keep false fantasy
Dear Gemini
The Air sign powered with attitude and further adding
a topping of powerful communication skill, which can
beat you. Rearing to go very fast but often comes a time
to take stock of all the people who are with you.
Don't be foolish to tread alone, you are people person
and loneliness will kill your talent and creativity. This
August don't fly too high with your own emotions and
ideas. Acknowledge your mate's contribution of
sacrifices in your life. Escape the fear of loneliness by
spending quality time with your soul-mate. Go out of
the way to seek your companion's company.
Sacrificing other activities for your mates company
will be highly rewarding.
Restlessness and uneasiness in your love life is the
challenge you don't want to face and hence gift your
mate with not just items but your personal time.
Understanding your mate's expectation and walking
softly on that path which is very unique for you will give
a satisfying sense of peace within you to have your
stable mate by your side.
Those who are single, the card suggest that don't go
berserk for not having one. Instead explore more
avenues, date more people to know what exactly you
are looking for in your soul mate. Retrospection time
for you and your desires. There are chances of you
getting confused this August, so take decisions wisely.
 Astrology
Cancer Maintain harmony
Dear Cancerians,
Being Water sign, this August is going to work in
your favour. Extremely sensitive and moody by
nature, you take life and its event very seriously.
Learn to take life with a pinch of salt as it turns a
drop dead pressure on your mates to keep with your
mood swings and alternative personality.
Material security matters a lot to you and lot of time
is spent in making your love life stable by practical
ways of life. Advice is to shift your vision from events
to people who have shaped your life better and focus
on returning favours back into your mate's life.
Good news is that you will be able to see what is
coming in your way of perfect life and relationship.
This August gain this understanding and improve
your relationship. With angels helping you, you can
seal the deal, so if you are planning to marry, go
ahead and settle with your partner. Harmony is the
mantra for you Cancerians this August. Love and be
loved is your ideology. This month focus on your
mate's feelings with equal importance as yours.
Together both of you will have a very satisfying and
peaceful month
Those who are single, can attract lot of attention this
month and so play your cards well. Don't over
impose yourself and don't underplay your emotions
so strike a perfect balance.
Leo Ask for Support
Wish you all Leon a very delightful and warm
birthday wishes. Generous, Loyal, regal, warm
hearted and broad minded are just some of your
royal qualities. Being a fire sign you are restless in
nature and fickle minded. Capable of multitasking
with ease is your panache.
Holding your interest for a very long time is one task
and impressing you is another, to get a compliment
from a Leon is a huge task. You are talented and have
a mixture of all elements of other zodiacs. But Leon
also fails to see basic detailed information by virtue;
this is where the Leo's mate has an edge. Leo is very
dramatic in love and is very proud of their mate. But
they expect lot of attention, time and ideas which
keeps the mates of Leo on foot their whole life.
This month Leo's have a chance to re- assess life. You
will realise that relationship changes as you are self-
16
AUG 2010
directed and in order to change your relationship,
bring that change in you. This month despite being
your month, the card is asking you to look beyond
your expectation and see the mate in his/her way. A
lot will change positively in your accordance.
Those who are single do not fear anything as you are
heading in right direction, even with no one in mind
or picture, soon someone will show up. So don't be
disheartened. Keep hopes flaming with eagerness!
Being a lioness myself, a special advise only to Leo
Signs
A lot of changes are seen this year for Leo's. A lot of old
patterns will end and a new concept or relationship
will make a mark in your life.
Don't be afraid this year as you have connected to the
most dreaded phase of your relationship and now you
have understood the alchemy of your situation in life
so expect glorious results. Way to go for Leos this
year. Move ahead and gain more is my greatest wish
for all of Leos. You are treading the path for which you
have taken this journey, so expect blessings where
there are obstacles.
Virgo Blooming of the
relationship. Avoid two timings.
Dear Virgos,
Virgo is a mutable sign hence, quick, change,
versatility and volatile is their inherent nature. Being
mutable sign they are adjustable but are also equally
complex having dual nature. They are at times
mistaken for instability but are flexible and tolerant
too.
Virgo, being a mutable earth sign, this August, is one
of the best times for love and passion. Be aware of
your emotions and feelings. You are now ready to take
the plunge as you have experienced all and are
capable of handling your mate with great ease. Sun
card is a harbinger of good times. You are bearing the
fruits of your own labour. Unmask all you inhibitions
and become aware of your own feelings and
sensations. You can clearly see through the situation
and are capable of taking the right judgement.
Maintain a balance and allow all the fluctuations of
cycle to flow through you instead of just bottling them
up.
Word of caution for Virgo's, don't empower your
thoughts on that of your mate. S/he may repel it so
know your limits and maintain sync with the feelings
of you and your mate. You may plan a 2 – 3 days trip
with your mate. Surprise them with meaningful gifts
and play as many romantic songs you can to impress
your mate.
Those who are single, be ready to mingle.
 Astrology
Libra
Compassion better then passion.
Dear Librans,
You are the only sign of zodiac which is not
represented by any humans or animals. A weighing
scale represents you which make it very obvious that
Librans by virtue believe in uniformity.
The card also supports your inherent nature. This
August, Librans have to be very calm and have to
work with patience in their love life. Libras are one of
the most admired signs in the zodiac because of their
kindness and compassion towards others. They
make wonderful friends and great lovers who make
you feel loved and appreciated.
Watch out for edges as you would be walking on a
tight rope this month and so follow your order and
instincts while walking through dicey situations.
With courage and persistence you may be able to
woo your mate back in to your life. Truth is the only
virtue which is followed by Librans and this month
too don't shy away from realities. Accept truth of the
matter and short comings of both sides' and then
grace the decision powered by intuition. Go ahead
and seek what you look for but be careful with what
you wish for; are the words of advice from my side to
all my Libran friends.
To all those who are single, time for careful choices is
required. But with compassionate heart and a
reason to seek whom you want, you can win them all.
Scorpio Learn to adapt
Dear Scorpions,
Scorpions this August are going to be hot and cold
for their mate. Mysterious by nature as they never
emote their true sentiments. This August please do
not try to uncover anything that is under the surface.
Seek and genuinely follow guidance from someone
who is more experienced in relationships. You have
the power to adapt to situations very fast and often
you land up running ahead of your mate.
Revenge is your other name but this season; drop
this word for the success of your relationships. The
days when you are in good mood don't make it
impossible for your mate to keep pace with your
sudden changes in your mood. Scorpios sting very
badly when hurt, but the reason is that you don't
allow yourself to express correctly. Have longer and
greater communication with your mates over nice
dinner dates. Advice to all Scorpios, treat your mate
lavishly this August. Expensive coffees and
conversations will save you from disgrace this
17
AUG 2010
month.
Those not in relations please follow your instincts
and intuition about various people you meet them
but keep the judgement left to someone more
experienced. Seek blessings from your Guru. Avoid
any legal documentation work this August.
Sagittarius
Develop your relationship
Dear Sagittarians,
This August you are going to be very social. You have
a particular charm which will draw a lot of attention
from all around. This month you may help many of
your friends to build their relationships. This is the
great time for you to take your relationship further to
a more meaningful level.
Anything that you want to happen this August, from
your relationship, you many ask for. Just do not rush
in for things, believe in yourself and your karmas as
the time is in your favour. Beneficial results will
follow you naturally. Let universe take its course.
Keep the worry for some other day as you are not
going to need it for a very long time.
Just don't rush in... “Fools tread in where Angels fear
to go.”
Those who are single, Be ready to mingle.
Capricorn
Learn to let go
Dear Capricorn
Your love life seems a little messed up. You need to
take a flip in the situation and understand what is
going on. You are not aware of what is happening to
you. Take a stock of your love life and urgently do a
SWOT analysis. In order to move ahead in life, you
need to take a back step and re-asses your life and
your relationship. Probably you need to take a break
from your love life and need a better understanding if
the relationship is not working out the desired way.
The problem may not be with your mate but majorly
because of your own imagination. Break the false
barrier and accept the reality of your short comings
and accept the fault, correct it, work on it and then re-
enter the relationship. This August you have the
chance to see your own true self. Break your own
deceptions and move ahead.
Don't let the power drive affect your relationships.
You are blessed with excellent quality of being much
grounded and being utmost practical. Work on these
 Astrology AUG 2010

strengths to overcome your weakness. Saturn planet expectations. You are traditionalist by your sign.
of limitations is your dominant planet. Hence, this Your sensitive nature comes across as you are easy
August follow the order of Saturn and limit your going in nature, but you also get hurt at the same
power and positions. Let your mate take the charge time. Advice to you is not to accommodate your mate
and control the relationship till you are capable of all the time. Dreaming is your biggest passion and
managing it in the correct way. Have meaningful you are born as day dreamers.
meetings then dates with your spouse and mate, This August your passion for dreaming is going to
rather than casual frills. yield you good results. Dream beyond your
Those who are single please understand that it is expectations and aim high for your relationships. Be
important to let go of your expectations. You are more expressive this August. Your mate will be
responsible for your loneliness as you are over surprised by a change in your attitude. This is a good
expecting. If you let go, in all probable chances you time to take your commitments further. Surprise
will meet someone this August. your date with wonderful creative ideas. It is a
perfect time to spend a lot of time with each other. A
river bank or anywhere near lakes, ponds or water
Aquarius will make your date memorable. A walk by coastal
Bring the change sea-side is also recommended. Attract your partner's
with your untold feelings for them.
For those who are single; what are you still waiting
Dear Aquarius, for... take the plunge... time is very good for building
Being a Water sign, you tend to be emotional. But new relationships.
this August, throw away excess and unwanted
emotional and material baggage. You need to
remove the clutter from your heart and mind. Keep
only the desires which are true and flush out all the
unwanted negative sentiments. They are working
against you in this relationship. Past is gone and
future is unknown but today is present, thus, utilize
it to the maximum.
Do away with your old prototype personality. Get a
new emotional make over. You need to design a fine
blue print for your relations. This August, it gives you
the empowerment to be the change you want to be.
You reflect the idealism on the new life by the virtue
of your own Zodiac sign.
It's ok for others to take charge of the situation. You
need to understand the same. It takes lot of courage
and guts to let someone else handle your life and you
are capable of taking such risks. Break the old age
belief that Aquarians love people, they tend to avoid
getting too deeply involved with someone. Accept
your own failures and move ahead.
Those who are single: Quite a possibility you may
hook up with someone special.

Pisces
Dream high In Love, light and peace
Nirjara Doshi
Tarot card consultant (+9322644990)
Dear Pisceans,
The last zodiac sign is represented by fish. By its own
inherent qualities all Pisceans are signs of rebirth,
reincarnation and eternity. You are blessed with
powers to read others very naturally; consequently
your behaviour is always in sync with others

18
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