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Space is many a splendoured thing. Amazingly, its beauty lies at the nebula; a concentration of mass and/or energy and its uncontroversial incontrovertibility. It, indeed, is space that has much to offer, many facets to present and many opportunities to pluck. Inter-convertibility is as much in evidence in our day to day life as in the origin of universe itself as evidenced in the power of fission or fusion.
Talk of space - there was the lack of it on a small island (in an island nation of just a few hundreds of thousands). The unhappiness and rate in any island in this country is extremely high and population density on the land mass as high as 4000/sq km with few opportunities to venture out. In joint families that inhabit the place, each one breathes down the others' neck and gets onto each others' nerves frayed already by the hard life and poverty. Unhappiness abounds - children talk of siblings in terms like "I am going to meet my sister's mother" or "I am going to my Father's third marriage and will get a brother and a sister too".
In the context mentioned by the author, she has spoken of the void within as the unconquered space - the mind capable of flights of fancy, into the unknown and plunder the bounty (not plunder as in violence but as in harvest by labour, be it of soul, heart, mind, body or all put together in a variety of permutations) that the Creation has to offer.
Explore - I MUST GO FOR IT but see that I hurt no one, see that I give at least as much as I take.
Safety and security, whatever be the form, come from acceptance, contentment, tolerance and forbearance and not from material goods; this is not to say that material goods are unnecessary - materialism has its own place but in the hierarchy of needs, they occupy, perhaps, a rung much lower than we elevate them to in the confines of the limited space that we choose to explore and ignore so much that lies in the unexplored and unexploited vistas of the mind as well as the mother Earth. Look (and toil), not only shall you find, but you shall get.
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THE SILVER LINING
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May 20, 2012 7:51 am
140 Views
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Once upon a time there was a painter who had just completed his course.and painted beautiful scenery. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills.
He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board which read -"I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."
While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.
Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master's place and burst into tears.
This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying"I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"
Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work."
Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.
"Come with me." master said.
They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."
Master and disciple walked back home.
They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!
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LITTLE ZONGMIT AND HER FAITH
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Apr 3, 2012 5:16 pm
2198 Views
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Zongmit, all of seven years old, comes from a little hamlet in Dzongu, a remote area in North (Western) Sikkim.
A family friend asked S in March 2009 if she would want resident help in the house. On S's answer in the affirmative, a month later, this friend returned with a shy little girl which I frankly thought was her daughter or her niece who was rather shy and reticent, uncommunicative because of shyness in front of strangers that we then were and she appeared a little unkempt.
To my utter horror, I found that Zongmit was to be the promised help.
I was shocked - I know of and have worked in my own little way against child labour but this was perhaps the greatest jolt that was to turn the Friend and the accompanying child out of our house.
Four days down the line, S's friend called me and not S. She told me she wanted to talk to me. I was told that Zongmit's parents had four children, had no land of their own and were not quite in a position to feed another mouth; therefore, Zongmit, the third of their children was sought to be employed to fend for herself while the elder two were helping the parents in the village. I talked to S; we agreed to take her in.
Z was enrolled in a school and has been with us - she has smartened up; her school grades are As generally with an occasional B.
The story, however, is not so much about what she comes from but is about what she is.
Quite often, Poet_dancer and I talk on Skype. Little Zongmit likes to come and sit on my lap or stand next to my perch when I am on the computer. She has even talked to Poet_dancer without understanding what was said except the 'good evening' and my interpretation.
Poet_dancer was indisposed a few days ago and could not come on the computer. I was talking to her the phone when Z walked in to call me down for dinner. She asked me who I was talking to and I told her that my friend was unwell. She promptly ran away to return ten minutes later and reminded me about the dinner. I asked her where she had run off to.
The answer, "Your friend will be fine because I went to the altar and prayed for her speedy recovery."
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TO ALL MY FRIENDS
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Mar 29, 2012 5:49 pm
2276 Views
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you are all such beautiful people
Friendship never takes to criticism in the hour of grief ; never says merely reasonable if you had acted like this or that, but simply opens its arms and speaks ; I don't ask, I don't judge, here is a heart where you can repose.
If one could always know in advance, how to act, then there would be no space for errors.
Friendship advises and warns before, afterwards it loves : this only is the real one, the false one takes the opposite part.
- Mesenburg
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RAINING CHILDREN
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Mar 25, 2012 6:25 am
2464 Views
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There was a pastor whose wife was expecting a baby.
The pastor went to the congregation and asked for a raise
There was a discussion, a debate, heated arguments for and against but, in the end, a resolution was passed that whenever the pastor's family expanded, he would get a raise.
The pastor had always been an industrious pious man of God. The hard work saw an addition of eight in all to his family when it was felt that the expense was getting the better of common sense.
Another meeting was convened.
The pastor rose and spoke, "Children are the gift of God."
The congregation was silent - that is when a wise old lady at the back of the crowd rose and spoke in a verrrrry firm voice.
"Rain is a gift of the God but when it rains, we always wear a rain coat."
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HEART TROUBLE SIGNS
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Mar 14, 2012 6:36 pm
2873 Views
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Difficulty in breathing, especially while lying down or sleeping: If you experience a sense of chest compression making it difficult for you to take deep breaths, you should probably consult a physician or cardiologist. This difficulty in breathing especially occurs during exertion or while lying down – a major differentiating point from ailments like COPD or sleep apnea. Shortness of breath may also occur during the night time. When this occurs suddenly during the night, it is referred to as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This difficulty in breathing occurs due to reduced pumping ability of the heart causing the return of the blood from the heart to the lungs.
Feeling of heaviness in chest or “drowning”: Often, people diagnosed with this condition complain of a feeling of chest heaviness or pressure. Usually, they express this as their heart being compressed by some kind of heavy weight or a sensation of drowning. Sometimes, people even complain of chest pain that comes with exertion and is relieved by rest. Angina or chest pain is due to the heart cells not getting sufficient oxygen owing to the reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.
Feeling of Tightness in clothes and shoes: In heart failure, due to the decreased pumping ability of the heart muscles, blood starts to back up forcing the fluid from the blood vessels into the body tissues. Heart failure, particularly the right heart failure is characterized by accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and the legs. Due to this, you may experience tightness in your clothes and shoes. Hence, if you notice a sudden increase in your body girth or roundness or puffiness in your neck and face; you should start taking extra care and consult a physician at the earliest.
Feeling tired or weak all the time: Do you feel tired or weak at all times, even after getting up in the morning? We advise you start taking this seriously and let your doctor know about this especially if this occurs on a regular basis. Sluggishness or continued fatigue may be the result of your body organs not getting enough oxygen due to heart failure.
Persistent cough or wheezing: Many times, people with congestive heart failure develop a chronic cough or wheezing due to the fluid accumulation in the lungs. Often, this is confused with lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This cough may worsen while lying down or getting up first from the bed. This cough may either be dry or may be associated with white sputum or thick mucus.
Lack of Appetite: Another major sign of congestive heart failure is a feeling of fullness. This is due to the accumulation of fluid in your liver or digestive system. As a result, your appetite level reduces and you start eating smaller meals. This loss of appetite may also be due to exhaustion associated with heart failure where even the mere task of chewing becomes tiring.
Nighttime Urination: Frequent urination during the night is another major sign of heart failure in individuals. This happens due to the transfer of fluid that accumulates during the day in your legs to your kidneys via the bloodstream. To avoid this, control your nighttime fluid intake or make use of diuretic in the morning.
Heart Rhythm Problems: In CHF, the heart starts beating at a faster rate in order to compensate for the reduced pumping power. You may sometimes experience irregular palpitations in your heart which feels like your heart is racing or throbbing.
Anxiety: This is one common indication or warning sign of heart failure that is often ignored by people. Manifested as fast breathing, rapids heart rate and sweaty palms; many individuals mistake these signs as feelings of anxiety or stress. Hence, if you or your near ones feel nervous or agitated at all times, check out for the other signs of heart failure.
Unexplained change of habits and behavior: Behavioral change is yet another vital symptom of heart failure. Any form of unexplained alterations in behavior like reduced appetite, sleepless nights or reduced activity level should trigger a warning bell in your mind. Hence, look out for such red flags in your daily life and alert your doctor the moment you notice them.
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CELEBRATING WOMANHOOD - INTERNATIONAL WOMENS' DAY
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Mar 10, 2012 4:01 pm
3060 Views
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Wearing heels
More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimize damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.
Carrying a heavy handbag
With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.
Sleeping in makeup
Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day –is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.
Matching men drink for drink
From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimize the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.
Wearing the wrong bra size
It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. However, wearing a badly fitted bra can not only affect the look of your clothes, but research suggests it can cause a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.
Worrying and harboring regrets
Stress is damaging to both our physical and mental health, and women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related disorders, as well as having higher rates of depression and anxiety. While it is thought there may be biological reasons for this, worrying about the future and dwelling on regrets can also add to our problems, with research suggesting that women are more than twice as likely as men to harbor regrets over lost loves and broken relationships.
Obsessing over appearance
While both genders suffer from body insecurity, many women tend to overly obsess over their idea of the “perfect” body. Research findings published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 16 per cent of the normal or underweight women studied believed themselves to be overweight, while a study commissioned by Dove found that 90 per of women wanted to change at least one aspect of their appearance. Body insecurity not only affects our mental health, but it can also lead to physical damage caused by extreme diets, yo-yo dieting, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery.
Emotional eating
While comfort eating affects both genders, research has suggested that men are more likely to reinforce positive emotions with food, while women comfort eat when they’re sad. Women are also more likely to satisfy their cravings with sweet, high calorie foods. Rather than letting your waistline suffer next time you’re feeling blue, try distracting yourself from cravings by doing something you enjoy, or boost your endorphins and health with an uplifting workout.
Not getting enough sleep
Not only can lack of sleep make us look and feel at our worst, but insufficient shut-eye can also lead to increased accidents, calorie consumption and heart disease risk. Unluckily for women, statistics suggest that sleep problems affect more women than men, while a study by the University of Michigan found that women are more than twice as likely to give up sleep to care for others. Unfortunately, sleep has been found to affect women’s blood pressure and mood more than men’s, making it imperative that you do your best to get a good night’s sleep.
Putting themselves last
Not only are women more likely to compromise their sleeping habits to care for children and others, they are also prone to putting their own wants and needs at the bottom of a hectic to-do list of chores and obligations. To avoid running yourself into the ground, learn to sometimes say no to those requests and commitments that are less than essential, and make sure you set aside some “me” time each week to do something enjoyable just for you.
- C/P from Yahoo
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SOME COMPARISONS AND QUESTIONS
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Mar 8, 2012 3:52 pm
3143 Views
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What is Monism and Pantheistic Monism? Who believes in Monism? Is it biblical?
Monism: Defined as the view that reality is a unified whole and that all existing things can be ascribed to, or described by, a single concept or system. It is the doctrine that mind and matter are reducible to the same ultimate substance or principle of being.
Pantheistic Monism: Identifies God with the universe and all that is in it. It is handily summarized by the line: "All is One, One is All, All is God.
Monism and Pantheistic Monism both have historical roots in the religious and worldviews of the East.
Are these the same or different than Monotheism?
Monotheism, by contrast, is the doctrine that there is only one God, and that He is personal and separate from His creation. Monotheism has its roots in the faith systems of the West.
Hinduism (Advaita Vedanta upholds the concept of one infinite, undifferentiated, impersonal, divine essence of bliss and consciousness (satchitananda) called Brahman, which is said to be the only reality. All else is illusion, the dream of Brahman, including the entire material world, e.g., trees, flowers, stars, and even people. Brahman cannot be rationally defined (neti netic = not this, not that).
Brahman, then, is unthinking, unknowing, and unknowable.
Taoism is an Eastern system of religious thought. B. Pierce comments on A Synthesis of Taoist Philosophy: "Tao is the essence of the universe and could be viewed as 'God'."
Lifespring (identified as the human potential movement) is a New Age training seminar taken by over 300,000 individuals, founded by John P. Hanley in 1974, and based on the monistic philosophy that all is one. According to Lifespring, "The Absolute within transcends all dualities, including good and evil."
Swami Adbhutananda makes this observation: "Good and evil have no absolute reality."
Silva Mind Control (SMC) is a spiritualistic self-help seminar founded by Jos Silva in Laredo, Texas in 1944. Today, it has grown to be a large international corporate structure. Note the following excerpt from the SMC newsletter:
"Everything is in some respect the universal mind and the creation of that mind... Each one of us is an idea in the universal mind. Man chooses to think of himself as a separate being... but actually we participate in this mind as an atom of water participates in the substance of the ocean."
Conversations with God, a best-selling New Age book series authored by Neale Donald Walsch, quotes 'God':
"You are always a part of God, because you are never apart from God. This is the truth of your being. We are Whole. So now you know the whole truth." "So go ahead! Mix what you call the profane and the profound—so that you can see that there is no difference, and experience All as One." "I Am What I Am: All That Is."
A Course in Miracles, a very popular text and New Age spiritual tome contemplated thus far by over 1,000 study groups in America, teaches that "separation is a dream from which we need to awaken... joining with each other and undoing the separation which gave rise to the dream."
Irwin Kula, a Conservative Jewish rabbi, as quoted from an appearance on Frontline (a production of WGBH Boston, Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero, aired on public television September 3, 2002):
"When you see the seamlessness of it all, that's what I mean by God."
"I guess if you ask me what did 9/11 really do, it made me understand the truth that everything is one."
"We've all had those experiences when we recognize, 'Whoa! We're much more connected here.' That's what those firemen had. Now , they didn't have time to think about it, right, because actually, if you think about it, you begin to create separations. They didn't think about it. All they know was, we're absolutely connected. That's what we mean when we say God."
Deepak Chopra is the author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, reviewed here by Doug Groothuis:
"Chopra's monism (the idea that all is one) really undermines the idea of giving. If all is one flow, there are no givers or receivers at all. Neither could anything really be wrong if everything is equally part of the divine intelligence. The basis for morality dissolves."
Charles Manson: "If God is One, what is bad?"
Dr. John Weldon:
"[Monism's] cultural acceptance would destroy both individual and societal purpose in life. The Eastern religions... deify man, depersonalize God, make the creation an 'illusion,' and justify and promote social apathy, to name just several serious consequences. India... is supposed to be the land of perpetual spiritual enlightenment...[but] one needs only to examine the cultures in which the concept of God as a personal Creator has been rejected to see the unhappy results."
What does the Bible say?
"For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 1:25)
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INTERNATINAL WOMENS' DAY
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Mar 7, 2012 7:17 pm
3177 Views
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 BEST WISHES TO ALL THE LADIES
ON
THE
WOMENS' DAY.
Thank you all for being there always for us Gentlemen and Men. 
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6
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JUSTICE
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Mar 7, 2012 6:37 pm
3122 Views
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Justice deferred enhances the price at which you must purchase safety and peace.
- Lord Brougham
Justice denied is the foundation for rebellion.
- SJ
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SOME INTERESTING FACTS
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Mar 1, 2012 4:49 pm
3293 Views
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The cockroach has a high resistance to radiation and is the creature most likely to survive a nuclear war.
Fried cockroach with garlic is used as medicine for the common cold
The cockroach is the fastest animal on 6 legs, covering a meter a second.
If it were human size, it could run at speeds of 300MPH.
cockroaches can change course as many as 25 times in one second
A chicken who just lost its head can run the length of a football field before dropping dead.
The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds!
Coffee beans can be mixed into B type blood, changing it into O type blood
Rubbing cocoa butter on your abdomen during pregnancy will prevent stretch marks.
The light from your computer screen streams at you at almost 186,000 miles per second.
If you chew a cabbage/lettuce leaf properly, you’ll lose more energy than you’ll gain from actually eating it.
The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds.
The cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
Cicadas have their hearing organs in their stomachs, at the base of the abdomen.
The caterpillar has more than 2,000 muscles.
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To link to this blog (nemesis58) use [blog nemesis58] in your messages.
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