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Ganesha: the Elephant Headed Prince

With an elephant head and a round potbelly, Ganesha is perhaps the most popular and best known of the Hindu deities. Ganesha is most notably known as the “remover of obstacles” but also resides over the realms of wisdom, luck, doorways, the household and writing. Before Ganesha was born, his father was often away from his wife, Parvati, fighting distant battles or spending long stretches of time in deep meditation. Shortly after Shiva’s departure for yet another battle trip, Parvati gave birth to a son who she raised over the years while Shiva was still out to battle. When Shiva finally did return home, he found a young boy guarding the entrance to his cave. Since Ganesha had never met his father, he stood his ground to protect his mother while she was bathing inside the cave. Unfortunately, thinking they were both an enemy, they fought each other, and in a fierce rage Shiva chopped off Ganesha’s head with his sword. Hearing a ruckus outside, Parvati emerged from the cave to find her son decapitated and sternly ordered Shiva to remedy the situation. Shiva and his army quickly scavenged the local area to find a suitable replacement for Ganesha’s head. Shiva was able to save Ganesha’s life by replacing his head with the head of a young elephant.

The complicated form of Ganesha is rich with symbolism. Ganesha is normally depicted with four arms: one using a mudra of protection, one holding a modaka (sweet), one holding a ankusha (elephant goad), and one holds a pasa (noose). The modaka symbolizes the sweet rewards gained while on the spiritual path. The ankusha is a tool used for training elephants and represents Ganesha’s role in prodding one out of inertia and back onto their spiritual path. The pasa symbolizes Ganesha’s powers at curbing the ego, restraining passion and conquering delusion. His potbelly signifies the bounty of nature and his large head is symbolic of the wisdom of the elephant.

Ganesha is most famously known as the “remover of obstacles.” He has the power to remove any obstacle, whether it is physical or spiritual, from the path of his devotees. If one is not respectful or faithful to Ganesha, he is known to place obstacles in one’s path to render worship fruitless and cause one’s undertakings to fail. Ganesha is venerated as the deity of letters and scriptures. Legend states that Ganesha, using his own tusk as a quill scribed India’s greatest epic, the Mahabharata. Ganesha also rules over the threshold. As he guarded his mother's doorway from unwanted guests, so does he guard the entrance into the inner sanctum of the spirit. Thus, Ganesha is traditionally invoked and honored at the beginning of important rites of passage and rituals, as well as before starting upon any new project.

Ganesha has many stories detailing his symbolism and roles as well as describing his cleverness, playfulness and wisdom. To read more on Ganesha and his many tales, explore the following titles: Ganesha: The Auspicious... The Beginning The Book of Ganesha In a World of Gods and Goddesses

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Focusing on a Drishti

A drishti (view or gaze) is a specific focal point that is employed during meditation or while holding a yoga posture. The ancient yogis discovered that where our gaze is directed our attention naturally follows, and that the quality of our gazing is directly reflected in the quality of our mental thoughts. When the gaze is fixed on a single point the mind is diminished from being stimulated by all other external objects. And when the gaze is fixed on a single point within the body, our awareness draws inwards and the mind remains undisturbed by external stimuli. Thus, the use of a drishti allows the mind to focus and move into a deep state of concentration. And the constant application of drishti develops ekagraha, single-pointed focus, an essential yogic technique used to still the mind. A drishti is commonly used in meditation to focus and concentrate the mind. The most useful drishti points used are the breath and the third eye center. External focal points can also be used, such as the tip of the nose, a candle or mandala.

In yoga postures, a drishti is used to deepen the primary movement of the pose, as well as to keep the mind engaged and focused. To use a drishti while in a yoga pose, simply select the point where your gaze is naturally directed by the alignment of the posture. The use of drishtis in yoga postures is to be developed slowly over time. First one must develop and focus on the alignment of pose, then the breath, and then finally the drishti. Using a drishti is especially helpful if you are holding a posture for an extended period of time, and will be enormously helpful while practicing balancing poses.

In Ashtanga yoga, eight specific drishtis are used and described: Nasagrai Drishti, gaze at the tip of the nose, as used in upward facing dog and standing forward fold poses. Angusta Ma Dyai Drishti, gaze at the thumbs, as used in warrior I. Nabi Chakra Drishti, gaze at the navel, as used in downward facing dog. Pahayoragrai Drishti, gaze at the toes, as used in hand to toe pose and most seated forward bends. Hastagrai Drishti, gaze at the hands, as used in triangle and warrior II. Parsva Drishti, gaze to the side, as used in seated spinal twists. Urdhva Drishti, gaze upwards, as used in warrior angle, balancing half moon, and prayer twist. Naitrayohmadya or Broomadhya Drishti, gaze at the third eye or forehead, as used in fish, upward forward fold, and reverse warrior II.

When using a drishti, do not strain the eyes. The muscles around the eyes should be relaxed and the gaze should be soft. Generally, it is recommended to use bahya (external) gazing for externally oriented yoga practices and antara (internal) gazing for contemplative and meditative practices. But there is also value to having the eyes closed and using antara drishti during yoga postures, as this creates a deep state of meditation and inward focus while holding the pose.

In bhakti yoga, drishti is used in a slightly different way: a constant loving and longing gaze is turned toward the concept, name or image of God. Drishti can also be thought of in a broader context, of having the proper view or perspective of one’s life. By developing the ability to adapt one’s perspective to accommodate the continuous change in the world, we can avoid the unnecessary attachments that cause us suffering.

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Yoga for Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, causing about 1.5 million heart attacks each year. Recent research has shown yoga and meditation to reduce blood pressure, lower the pulse rate, improve the elasticity of the arteries, regulate heart rhythm, and increase the heart’s stroke volume. Yoga, in short, is good for your heart. Stress is considered a major contributing factor in heart disease. Stressful situations raise your heart rate and blood pressure, and release stress hormones, which all can injure the heart and the blood vessels, especially during prolonged or repeated exposures. Yoga is widely known for its ability to reduce stress and promote a calm relaxed state, which in turn reduces stress hormones, decreases the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, helping to control and prevent heart disease.

The breath has a strong influence on the rhythm of the heart through the inner connections in the central nervous system. Slow deep breathing is encouraged by hatha yoga, pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) and verbal recitation of mantras. And this smoothing and lengthening of the breath slows the heart rate, regulates the heart rhythm, oxygenates the blood, and induces a feeling of calm and well-being. All of the benefits of establishing a slow steady breath rhythm have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Because of their effects on both the physical and energetic bodies, specific types of yoga postures can be used to control and prevent heart disease. Upper back-bending poses open the chest to improve heart function and respiration. Side-bending poses open the energy channels of the liver, gallbladder and heart to help remove physical and energetic blockages in the heart and chest. Spine lengthening poses promote good posture to reduce compression on the heart and lungs and to facilitate proper functioning of the heart. Shavasana (corpse or relaxation pose) is deeply calming and has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in just a few weeks. Inversions help to rest the heart muscle and improve blood circulation, but are contraindicated with unmedicated high blood pressure. Findings show that people who practice yoga and meditation at least three times a week may reduce their blood pressure, pulse and their overall risk of heart disease.

Meditation is renowned for its ability to calm the mind and reduce stress. It also can reduce heart-harmful emotions, such as anxiety, hostility and hopelessness. And studies have shown that a daily meditation practice can reduce the amount of fatty deposits in the arteries, as well as lower blood pressure.

Practicing yoga naturally leads one to choose a healthier lifestyle, which most often eliminates or minimizes heart disease’s dietary risk factors of refined sugar, alcohol, high cholesterol and fat rich foods, and caffeine.

While all of these yogic practices have been shown to help prevent and control heart disease, when they are practiced together they create powerful healing synergy on the heart. Dr. Dean Ornish’s famous study has shown that heart disease can not only be controlled, but can actually be reversed through diet, meditation, group support, and yoga.

A complete list of yoga postures that prevent and control heart disease is now available in our premium yoga therapy section. A yoga pose sequence for the Heart and Chest is available in our premium yoga sequence section.

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Unlocking the Mystery of Om

Om (also written Aum) is the oldest and most sacred sound found in yoga, Hinduism and Buddhism. Not only does Om represent the entire universe, known as Brahman, it is also said to be the source of all creation. Om represents all time: past, present, and future; and is beyond time itself. Om represents the eternal oneness of all that is, and thus represents the ultimate goal of yoga: to become unified in body, mind and spirit. Chanting the mantra Om is perhaps the oldest of yoga’s spiritual practices. In the Mandukya Upanishad we find this beautiful passage: “The body is the bow, Om is an the arrow, the arrow’s tip is the focused mind, and the ultimate Mystery is the target.” Thus, meditating on Om is used to guide one to discovering the higher Self, and the true nature of the universe. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali instructs one in contemplating the meaning of Om as a direct path to enlightenment. “The repetition of the sound of Om, along with a deep contemplation of the meaning of what it represents, brings both the realization of the individual Self (Atman) and the removal of obstacles that normally block this realization” (Yoga Sutras 1.27-1.29).

Om is said to be the essence of all mantras, and is used as the mula-mantra, the root and beginning of most mantras. Om is the bija (seed) mantra of the sixth chakra or third eye and chanting Om activates and opens this energy center. Om is also known as the adi-bija, the primary seed mantra. Om is used within sacred chants to increase their power and potency as well as to draw the practitioner into a deep internal state.

It is very important when repeating Om to pronounce the "O" sound correctly. In Sanskrit, the sound "O" is a diphthong-- a subtle speech sound that begins with one vowel and changes to another vowel within the same syllable. This “O” sound begins with an “A” sound as in “law” and ends with a “U” sound as in “put.” When these two vowel sounds are combined in this diphthong, it produces a single, pure vowel sound. Thus, when you pronounce Om it should sound like “home” without the beginning “h” sound. When pronouncing Om the sound should emanate from the navel, with a deep and harmonious vibration, and gradually rises upwards to resonate in the nostrils.

Though indivisible, Om has four subtle sounds that correspond to four levels of consciousness. The first sound of "A" represents Vaishvanara, the conscious waking state. The second sound of "U" represents Taijasa, the subtle, unconscious dream state. The third sound of "M" represents the Prajna, the casual, subconscious deep sleep state. The fourth sound is the silence that follows the sound of Om which represents Turiya, the absolute consciousness that illumines and pervades the three prior states.

When chanting Om, equal measure should be given to both the “O” and the “M” sounds, i.e. “oooommmm” and not “oommmmmm” or “oooooomm.” The mantra Om may be chanted aloud, whispered, or repeated mentally. The chanting of Om should be easy and natural, without strain. Usually when Om is chanted out loud it is long and when chanted mentally is it short, but experiment and do what feels most comfortable for you. When chanting Om you can also focus your gaze on the third eye center, the sixth chakra. If using Om as a mantra meditation you may wish to use a mala to count repetitions of 108.

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The Power of Shakti

Shakti is the dynamic force animating all of creation, which gives us life and moves the planets in a cosmic dance called “lila.” This universal energy is considered feminine in nature, and is often personified as the Divine Mother or Paravati, the consort of Shiva. Shakti is extremely diverse in nature; it can both be an agent of change and destruction as well as the means to fulfill our desires and dreams. This dynamic power can be experienced both externally and internally. There are distinctive types of Shakti inside and outside of us that are experienced in different forms and different levels. Para-Shakti is the Shakti working on a cosmic level: the light generated by the sun, the rotation of the planets, heat and other forms of gross energy. Jnana-Shakti is the Shakti of the mind: of thought, wisdom and intuition. Iccha-Shakti is the Shakti of our will, action and intention. Kriya-Shakti is the Shakti of manifestation, creativity, and inspiration. Kundalini-Shakti is the most significant form of Shakti. Seen in nature as electricity and magnetism, Kundalini-Shakti is also the internal hidden Shakti coiled at the base of our spine.
The complementary force to Shakti is Shiva: universal consciousness. Without the animating power of Shakti, Shiva lies asleep. Internally, Shiva resides dormant at the crown chakra. Shakti is described as a coiled serpent of atomic energy at the base of the spine that only outputs the minutest of energy into the body. The path of liberation in yoga is the path of Shakti moving through the nadis (energy channels) and up the seven chakras (energy centers) to be united with Shiva.
Even if our goal is not enlightenment, conscious awareness and cultivation of Shakti can be very beneficial. As you increase the amount of Shakti in your body, your chakras and nadis adjust to contain the additional wattage of Shakti. With your energy system able to accommodate higher amounts of energy, the Kundalini-Shakti then increases its output of Shakti energy in the body. As more Shakti flows in our body, it manifests in its many forms to produce creativity, inspiration, intellect, wisdom and will.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines - The Amazing Cruise Provider

Royal Caribbean Sea Cruise Lines is a sail supplier of twenty diverse types of vas cruising to over 170 locations anywhere in the world. Their slogan is to supply quality service on all their ships and excellence must never be compromised.

Although there are numerous sail line drives out there plying the ocean, each stay different with their diverse offering to provide to the increasing passenger's base. Cruising was once the sphere of the affluent but have seen being made low-cost and it is seen as the most ideal word form of holiday.

Over many old age of alterations to the cruising business, Royal Caribbean Sea Cruise Lines have upheld their first-class criteria as well as growing its business. You can anticipate the best vas if you planning a cruising holiday and they have got the greatest vas in the world, known as the Freedom of the Seas. It can suit 3,634 riders and it weighs 160.000 tons, measuring 1.112 feet in length, radio beam 184 feet and bill of exchange 28 feet. It can also sail up to a velocity of 21.6 knots.

Aside from the imposing size, it is a supplier of top notch entertainment, for instantaneous an ice-skating arena, stone climbing platform, cantilevered whirlpools, parallel bars and lounges, state-of-the-art televisions and wifi connectivity for Mobiles and many other dumbfounding facilities.

Royal Caribbean Sea Cruise Lines bundles have got the best value for similar offers coupled with epicure cuisine, top notch watering place and gym, and programmes to fill up the whole twenty-four hours and nighttime on top of cruising to the most ideal holiday spots. You can also earn more than information from their functionary website or your nighest traveling agent.

Royal Caribbean Sea Sea Sea Cruise line drives have a great assortment of particular packages, for instantaneous you can acquire to research the idyllic Caribbean islands with Royal Caribbean sail excursion. You can ran into the charming local, store to your bosom content, frolicking on the sun basked beaches or tramp additional into the tranquil islands when your vas docks.

Whatever you do, you will be treated to some fabulous minutes during the excursion. The continuance and the types of activities change even for Royal Caribbean Sea sail jaunt and it is best to tour the islands with the aid of the crew members as they will be able to steer you to the most astonishing topographic points on the islands. What you can derive from the jaunt is the chance to see the beautiful locations and acquire something out of the tours.

With the picks made before the cruise, the qualified crew ushers will be after the path as well as the transportation, keeping to the allotted time. The agenda will be accede to but if you like to tramp alone, make retrieve to go back back on time. Royal Caribbean Sea Sea sail vas staffs will not go forth anyone behind but it is impossible to maintain path so it is your burden to check up on in

If you are planning to honor your staffs, you can see Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines scope of cruises. The wages can actuate your staffs but it should be for your best performers. Due to the climate, some make endure a dip in public presentations and to forestall emphasis under the piling workloads, you can perk them up with a traveling incentive. What better manner than the Royal Caribbean Sea international cruise.

It is an chance to wind off and revitalize as well as enjoying themselves. Research have shown that a contented and stress-free staffs are able to give more than dorsum to the company. The sun basked beaches will perk up even the most nerve-racking staffs. The Royal Caribbean Sea Sea international sail can be from three, five, and seven years continuance and the path can be to such as arresting beaches of Magen's Bay in St. Thomas, the golf game course of study of Barbados or the forte Gallic stores in St. Marten and many other astonishing sites.

On the other hand, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines also offer adventurous people an chance to work on their vessels. They are one of the most well known companies and have got been established since 1968. With their long history in the cruising concern and consistent growth, there are many vacancies to fill.

As there are in the service industry, the appliers have got to be friendly, vivacious and service oriented. The occupation is all about travelling and you are rewarded with a wage bundle on top of being provided with heavily subsidised sails for your friends and folks. The wage is very competitory and they also have got a diverse scope of occupations for specializers as well as entertainers. Royal Caribbean Sea sail employment is the chance to take in the astonishing sail experience as well as being paid for it.

Las Vegas Claims US Top Spot For Visitors In 2007

According to American website Forbes Travel, the most visited metropolis in the United States is not one of the more than obvious campaigners like New York, Orlando, Los Angeles or Chicago, but that ace resort in the desert - Las Vegas. The comprehensive survey used information from metropolis touristry bureaus and also hotel remains recorded by Ian Smith Travel Research to attain its surprising conclusion.

The consequences from the research show that Vegas tops the listing of visitors, recording 38.9 million in 2006, walloping sprawling Los Angeles into 2nd topographic point by 13.5 million, with the Californian urban sprawl recording a mere 25.4 million visitants in comparison. In footing of hotel suite sold, Las Vegas also exceeds the listing but this clip Orlando pips Los Angeles for 2nd place.

Established in the early 1900s, Vegas did not begin its exponential function rise to the most thickly settled metropolis in Silver State and the greatest metropolis in the United States established in the 20th Century, until the rise of the gambling casinos and the Vegas Strip started in the mid-1940s. The four-and-a-half mile strip characteristics some of the most excessive hotels and munificent gambling casinos anywhere in the USA, leading it to be dubbed The Entertainment Capital of the World. Adult entertainment, alcoholic drinks at the gaming casino tabular array and the legalised gambling have got also led to Vegas being dubbed 'Sin City', a repute that the metropolis booms and trades upon, leading to the tourer slogan: "What haps in Vegas, remains in Vegas."

There are other numerous grounds why Vegas pulls so many visitants from the United States and Europe; aside from the obvious attractive forces of The Strip, the ace gambling casinos and the astonishing rides. A down dollar intends that Europeans acquire a batch more for their money; abundant hotel suite and inexpensive auto hire in the United States are plentiful and that also uses in Vegas, allowing gamblers plentifulness of chances to salvage money for the casinos.

Or for those who desire to sail 'The Strip' in style, you can take advantage of some of the most exciting, exotic, expensive and certainly sole auto lease in the USA, with autos like Ferraris, Porches, Vipers, Hummers and just about any other extravagance vehicle you can call on offer. For the ultimate United States phantasy stay, add that sole auto hire to the widely available penthouse adjustment at the top hotels and you can dwell the life of a millionaire - at least while the money lasts, which knowing Vegas, probably won't be for long!