TM UpdateTranscendental Meditation Newsletterfor South AfricaSeptember 2007
======================================================= In this issue:¨ Click on a heading to take you straight to the article Religion Is Not Divorced From Science[Maharishi quote] Maharishi: Describing the TM Technique to Non-Meditators[Maharishi gives practical advice on how to answer some commonly asked questions] Caring for a Benefic Giant[Why the Liver is Important to Health] Fairfield, Iowa Named Great Place You've Never Heard Of[Mother Earth News sought out to look for places with beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities; civic pride and a healthy economy with a community of people who care about the environment, sustainability, alternative energy and fresh, wholesome food] Seven Ways to Stop Stress In Its Tracks["Even if you apply only 50 percent of these recommendations, you'll see definite results."] Naturalness is the basis of effectiveness[Maharishi, Kössen -- 1971]
=========================================== Religion Is Not Divorced From ScienceMAHARISHI -- Every religion is a great science because it provides both the principles and practice to realize God. Religion is not divorced from science -- it is the supreme science of Total Natural Law which guides the destiny of trillions of suns and moons and galaxies in the ever-expanding universe. Global Press Conference -- 5 March 2003
Maharishi: Describing the TM Technique to Non-MeditatorsWe've all had friends ask us questions about the Transcendental Meditation technique. In the following talk from 1973, Maharishi gives practical advice on how to answer some commonly asked questions. Already Perfectly ContentedQuestion: What about people who ask how meditation can be helpful if they feel that they're perfectly contented? Maharishi: Tell them a story. During the first world tour when I stopped in Hawaii, one lady asked, "I have everything that I want. Have you something to offer to me?" I said, yes, if you have everything that you want, and if it is really so, then I'll present the suffering of the world to you to neutralize it with your happiness. That means, if you have everything, you have the technique of fulfilment. I would invite you to come out into the world and give that technique to all the people who are suffering. But let us analyze whether you really have everything that you can think of. I said, maybe you think your living room has everything that you want, but would you exchange it for a living room which is equipped so that you will get things by merely desiring? You desire and the thing is there. Whatever you desire, it's there. Would you like to have such a living room? She said, "Who would not like to have it, if there is some possibility that a room could be there where anything could be gained by desiring, naturally anybody would like it." Then I said, this means your contentment is only due to the lack of knowledge that there could be something better. The moment you gained the knowledge that there is something better, you are ready to trade. This shows that the contentment is not real, it is not complete. And such a contentment will be overthrown at any time you have better information for a better possibility. And when contentment is not complete, it is obvious that you don't have bliss consciousness, complete happiness in a permanent manner. And if you don't have that, here is TM. Change of LifestyleQuestion: What to say to someone who is happy with his lifestyle and is afraid that his interests will change because of the effects of meditation? Maharishi: We tell him that it will not change in a manner different from what it has been till now since birth. There was interest in the toys; that changed. There came interest in the books; that changed. There came interest in wealth, in this property; that also must change. So we know the interest is not constantly on the same thing all the time. It is changing, it is changing. It has been changing. And it will not be a new change if the present also changes. The interest changes with age, with experience. And therefore it has to change. Change is inevitable. So we tell him that you have been changing all the time. Only if you change from suffering to happiness, it's worthwhile. Change has always been there. It will always be there. No one could like the same thing all the time. And then add to this -- through change, we evolve. If we don't change, we don't evolve. And no one can stop his evolution, because the force of evolution is pushing everything on and on. No one can stop it. It’s So NaturalQuestion: One classic question that comes up at Introductory Lectures is why do you need to be taught if it's so natural? Maharishi: It is very natural to speak. Everyone is born with the ability to speak. But when without training one speaks, one speaks at random: "ah, ah, ah, ah, ah." Therefore even though speaking is natural, it has to be cultured. One has to be cultured in speaking. So even though we are born with the ability to speak, it's through training, the alphabet -- A, B, C, -- language, that speech is channelled, is cultured. Like that, we are born with that ability to go to a field of greater happiness. Mind naturally goes, but even so, it must be cultured. So when we don't object to culturing of speech, we can't object to culturing the mind in a spontaneous manner in Transcendental Meditation. Even though it is natural, we have to get trained in order to be usefully natural. Not Enough Time to MeditateQuestion: What do we say to a person who says that he'd like to meditate, but he doesn't have the time to meditate? Maharishi: We tell him, someone doing business in the market must have time to go to the bank. If he says he doesn't have time to go to the bank, he's only saying he doesn't have time to improve his business. Whatever the level of life, if one wants to advance and grow, then one must have broadened awareness. One must use more of his potential. Using more of his potential, he'll be more effective for what he wants to accomplish. If a businessman evades going to the bank, it's not a wise policy. If he says "I have no time, I'm so busy that I didn't get time to take a bath," he'll have a very pale, dull sort of a face in the market. He was in a hurry to go to the market, but without dressing, without taking a bath, he just presents himself. It's not the way to success. Meditation is the bath of the mind, just as a water bath freshens the body. With a fresh body, we have a better personality and better presentation, better success in life. If one doesn't take a mental bath, then the mind is dull and lazy and it doesn't shine in the field of competition. The world is a playfield of life, a big competition. There is a proverb: "First impression is the last impression." How a man looks when you see him for the first time, that is the first impression, and they say it's lasting. Therefore, appearance plays a great part. Bath helps. Mental bath helps. Appearance of the intellect -- what you say, how sweetly, how lovingly, how effectively, how logically, how innocently and simply you speak -- that gives the address of the inner awareness. From where the words are coming out? One word spoken, and that is the picture of one's heart and mind and level of evolution. One word spoken and there you are screened. Speech is like an X-ray. The inside is shown very clearly. Therefore we must take a mental bath so that the inner personality which is expressed through speech and action is expressed in a neat manner. Learning Transcendental Meditation is installing the cosmic bath at home. If you build a home, there is a bathtub and nice, fine hot water. Meditation room is for the cosmic bath of the mind based in pure consciousness. It comes out purer, effective, blissful. With a fresh mind, you do things more effectively, more efficiently. You do less and accomplish more. Those who are busy people, they know that after meditation they don't have to rush so much. In their easy pace, they accomplish more than double. Therefore, it's no excuse that you didn't get time. First meditation, then the second thing. Just as it's no excuse that you couldn't take a bath. Only after bath, you come out. Finished. Nervous EnergyQuestion: What can we say to people who claim they live on nervous energy, and are afraid that meditation will relax them so that they won't have this nervous energy to work from? Maharishi: We tell them it is the stresses and strain that restrict the free flow of energy, and when stresses are released, there is free flow of energy for effective action and more rewarding results. -- Maharishi -- 1973
Caring for a Benefic GiantWhy the Liver is Important to HealthQ: The liver is our largest glandular organ in the body, and is the only one that can regenerate itself. But most people are confused about what the liver actually does. What role does the liver play in the body, exactly? A: Sometimes called the engine of the body, the liver has many important roles to play in digesting, metabolizing and manufacturing essential compounds. For instance, the liver is responsible for converting clear plasma (Rasa Dhatu) to blood (Rakta Dhatu). It is the liver's job to scan and identify toxins in the Rasa Dhatu and store them so they don't enter the blood. This maintains the purity of the blood by keeping ama, or impurities, from mixing with it. But that's not all. The liver produces and secretes bile, using it to break down and digest fatty acids; it produces blood-clotting factors and at the same time creates protective elements that keep blood clots from blocking the circulatory system. It converts sugar into glycogen and stores it for use by the muscles in the form of glucose energy; it synthesizes proteins and cholesterol. The liver is also the place the body stores valuable trace elements such as iron, copper and Vitamins A, D and B12. Q: What are some health problems that can result from an unhealthy liver? A: Because the liver is the seat of Pitta dosha, Pitta-based problems of skin inflammation can be a direct result of liver imbalance. Let's look at the subtle functions of the liver to understand clearly what can go wrong. The liver is composed of five Bhuta Agnis-five digestive fires that correspond to the five elements of earth (prithivi), fire (tejas), water (apu), air (vayu) and space (akasha), each specializing in digesting that particular element in the food. To effectively transform the clear part of plasma (Rasa Dhatu) to blood tissue, these five Bhutagnis must be in balance. If their flame burns too high, or too low, or burns unevenly, then the Rasa Dhatu will not be properly converted into blood tissue, and toxins will enter the blood. All of these functions are governed by Ranjaka Pitta, and when it goes out of balance, it can affect the blood and skin and result in inflammatory problems such as skin breakouts, acne, cold sores, and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Also, toxins building up in the liver can result in allergies, high cholesterol, hypoglycaemia, constipation, digestive problems, or fatigue. If the imbalance continues for a long time, serious diseases of the liver, include hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and cancer could develop. Q: No wonder liver health is so important to well being. What kinds of therapies does Maharishi Ayurveda offer for liver health and function? A: Maharishi Ayurveda has recognized that with so many vital bodily functions resting on the liver, it's highly important to make sure this vital organ is healthy. Recently, Maharishi Ayurveda has developed an entirely new product for balancing the liver, called Liver Balance. Liver Balance stimulates cleansing of the liver to flush out undigested impurities that block the assimilation of nutrients, clears the channels for toxins to flow out, and improves the first step of digestion and metabolism, which breaks down food in the stomach and small intestine. This product also supports balanced digestion by enhancing the five Bhuta Agnis, and enhances the intelligence of the liver (Ranjaka Pitta) so it produces healthy blood cells, bile, and nutritional fluids. Q: How is Liver Balance different from other Maharishi Ayurveda herbal formulas for the liver? A: Cleansing formulas such as Elim-Tox, and Elim-Tox-O are still important ways to support the liver. This formula is more targeted for liver health and function, and it also focuses more on balancing the five Bhuta Agnis. Liver Balance is especially helpful for keeping the Bhuta Agnis in balance even if a person has an imbalance in Ranjaka Pitta, or if they have a low agni or digestive fire. When the liver is cleansed and the intelligence of the liver is restored, the blood itself becomes more intelligent, and is free of toxins. This results in greater mental and physical strength, better oxygen flow and an allergy-free, more powerful immune system. Q: What are some of the ingredients contained in Liver Balance? A: There are 19 ayurvedic herbs contained in this formula, and they work together in a synergistic manner to create an effect that is far more powerful and also more balanced than the effect created by individual herbs. This is the beauty of ayurvedic formulas. Certain herbs in the formula have been the subjects of research studies. For instance, Phyllanthus is known to be powerful antidote to Hepatitis B, Indian Tinospora has produced excellent results in treating jaundice, and Picrorhiza has been found to support the liver on a daily basis and to shield it from infectious viruses. Q: Are there any dietary and lifestyle tips for keeping the liver in balance? A: First, avoid toxins in your food. Eat organic, freshly cooked foods. If you eat foods that are laced with preservatives and chemicals, or that are processed or leftover, you're just making your liver work overtime to filter out the toxins. Eventually that's going to tax the health of your liver. Also avoid toxic foods such as alcohol (which is well-proven to be the cause of cirrhosis of the liver, but even in small doses should be strictly avoided by people of Pitta constitution). Stay away from cigarette smoke and air pollution and exposure to commercial household cleansers and other toxic substances. These are all taxing to the liver. In general, drink lots of water to flush out toxins, but be sure it is pure water. One of the best ways to prevent liver imbalance is to keep Pitta dosha in balance. Eat a Pitta-pacifying diet in summer, favoring cooling foods such as sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. These include sweet, juicy fruits, summer squashes, cooked greens, sweet milk products, lassi, and grains. Avoid sour or fermented foods such as vinegar, pungent foods such as chilies, and salty foods. If you have a lot of Pitta in your basic constitution, then favor this diet all year round. Start the day with a stewed apple or pear, to set the metabolism and cleanse the liver. Just eating a sweet, juicy pear every day can go a long way to soothing Pitta dosha and cleansing the liver. Q: Are there any lifestyle tips for helping the liver? A: Yes. Be careful not to skip or delay meals, especially if you are trying to balance Pitta or have a sharp appetite. In the evening, retire early, well before 10:00, as you want to be sleeping before the Pitta time of evening starts (from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.). If you are awake during this time, you'll only increase Pitta dosha and prevent the liver from performing its necessary cleansing and resting functions during the night. Also, lack of sleep has been shown to throw off metabolism of glucose, resulting in weight gain. It also has been linked to an increase in anger. Both of these symptoms point to a liver imbalance caused by lack of sleep. Avoid situations that cause conflict or anger. Avoid pressure situations on the job. Practice the Transcendental Meditation¨ program regularly to reduce mental ama, and to prevent stress and strain of daily life from taking its toll on your liver. After all, negative emotions create powerful hormones that flood your liver with toxins. If you take care of your liver, you will enjoy more energy, clearer skin and stronger immunity all through the year. Maharishi Ayur-Vedic products are available from Ambrosia – ambrosia@amrit.cc 012-321 5443 To find out more about Maharishi Ayur-Veda, contact your local TM Centre, or get in touch with Ambrosia.
Fairfield, Iowa Named Great Place You've Never Heard Of"Surprisingly sustainable, and a cosmopolitan town", a few words used to describe Fairfield as it was named one of the top twelve in Mother Earth News: The Original Guide to Living Wisely's "12 Great Places You've Never Heard Of." As Mother Earth News sought out to look for places with beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities; civic pride and a healthy economy with a community of people who care about the environment, sustainability, alternative energy and fresh, wholesome food some well-knowns came up, such as Portland, Oregon and Boulder, Colorado, but they wanted unknown great places. They searched for smaller towns that are less expensive, but still interesting. Fairfield made the cut for it's ayurvedic health spa, more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, and for having 25 art galleries on the downtown square. Mother Earth News noted Fairfield's influence of Maharishi University of Management on the community, as well as being the yearly host of an Eco-Fair, having the most homes with solar energy or other green building features in Iowa. Jefferson County as a whole is also noted for having the most acres of organic cultivation in the state. And Maharishi Vedic City, just north of Fairfield also adds to the area's appeal. Making Mother Earth News' "don't miss" spot were the Maharishi University golden Domes. Joining Fairfield on the list of the "12 Greatest Places You've Never Heard of" were: Ithaca, New York; Blue Hill, Maine; Athens, Ohio Wimberley, Texas; Decatur, Georgia; Northfield, Minnesota; Grand Junction, Colorado; St. George, Utah; La Grande, Oregon; Grants Pass, Oregon; and Sitka, Alaska. Seven Ways to Stop Stress In Its TracksMaharishi Ayurveda approach to stressStress has become part of life for many of us. High levels of stress cause excess build-up of free radicals in the physiology, and can lead to disease and premature aging. The ancient science of Ayurveda offers many ways to combat day-to-day stress and enhance your natural ability to throw off the effects of stress. Here, Vaidya Nitin Agrawal of Maharishi Ayurveda describes some of these approaches. 1. Start the Day Stress-Free"The Maharishi Ayurveda approach to stress is unique because it is a total approach, and includes mental, physical and emotional aspects," says Vaidya Agrawal. Many of these approaches are included in the ayurvedic daily routine, called Dinacharya. When you begin the day with a routine, it sets you up for a stress-free day by helping to keep Vata in balance. Vaidya Agrawal suggests creating a schedule to make it easier to plan your time. If you have to leave for work by 8:30 a.m., for instance, it's easy to fit these steps in if you wake up by 6:00 a.m. Schedule for the Ayurvedic Morning Routine· Wake up in the morning before 6:00 a.m. · Empty bowel and urine · Wash your face, giving special attention to the eyes. · Brush your teeth, scrape your tongue and rinse your mouth. This is also a good time to drink a cup of water. · Perform abhyanga (ayurvedic oil massage). · Because it's best to wait an additional 10-15 minutes for the oil to soak in between your massage and bath, to save time you might want to spend this time shaving, flossing your teeth, or starting your Surya Namaskara or Yoga Asanas. · Bathe or shower. Use warm rather than hot water. · Perform Yoga Asanas and Surya Namaskara (Salutation to the Sun Exercise). · Practice deep breathing or Pranayama. · Practice Transcendental Meditation® for twenty minutes · Have breakfast -- a stewed apple or pear and warm cereal is ideal. · Take herbal food supplements and Rasayanas · School or work. 2. Create an Armour against StressAbhyanga is an excellent way to build resilience to stress. If you don't have time for the full body massage, at least massage your hands, feet, and neck region," advises Vaidya Agrawal. These are major stress areas. Vaidya Agrawal recommends the Relaxation Massage Oil if your job is a high-stress one or the Youthful Skin Massage Oil for nourishment of body and mind. 3. Meditate to Release StressWhile all parts of the daily routine are important, the Transcendental Meditation program is the most effective way to reduce stress. While there have been over 600 studies conducted on the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique, perhaps the most impressive research indicates reduction in the stress hormone cortisol; lactic acid, an indicator of stress; and anxiety. At the same time, seratonin, which is a sign of relaxation, increases dramatically. 4. Calm Anxiety with Therapeutic Aromas"Therapeutic aromas work very well in relieving stress and have a proven calming effect," says Vaidya Agrawal. Maharishi Ayurveda recommends Pitta (Cooling) Therapeutic Aroma Oil. Flowers in the home also create a natural soothing aroma. You can enjoy stress-reducing aromas wherever you are by using an aroma locket, a diffuser or incense sticks. Or you can add six drops of aroma oil to your bathwater for a calming effect. 5. Listen to Serene Music"Music has a vital effect on your nervous system, mind and emotions," notes Vaidya Agrawal. That's why Maharishi Ayurveda recommends the soothing, serene melodies of Gandharva Veda music, which align biological rhythms with nature's rhythms. When you listen to music for its therapeutic effect, keep the volume low. Increasing the volume causes noise pollution and actually increases stress. 6. Drink Stress-Busting Beverages"Almond Energy is an ideal drink for students and others who use their minds at work," says Vaidya Agrawal. Both the herb Ashwagandha and the almonds are energy-producing. Worry Free Tea also reduces helps support the body's natural ability to combat stress. Sip a cup of this potent herbal brew at three different times during the day. In the evening, drink Vata Tea. "Often when people feel stressed they drink large amounts of coffee," says Vaidya Agrawal. But if they start gradually substituting Worry Free Tea, Almond Energy or Raja's Cup in place of coffee, they will feel more relaxed and less stressed and toxic. 7. RasayanasRasayanas are special herbal formulations that promote all aspects of health. Research on Amrit from Maharishi Ayurveda indicates that it helps increase your ability to withstand stress and nourishes all aspects of your physiology. A powerful free radical scavenger, Amrit is recommended as lifelong support. Other Maharishi Ayurveda Rasayanas for mind/body health include Vital Man or Lady, which help create outer dynamism and inner balance and strength. Vaidya Agrawal encourages everyone who faces a stressful day to use these tips. He says, "Even if you apply only 50 percent of these recommendations, you'll see definite results." Maharishi Ayur-Vedic products are available from Ambrosia – ambrosia@amrit.cc 012-321 5443 To find out more about Maharishi Ayur-Veda, contact your local TM Centre, or get in touch with Ambrosia.
Naturalness is the basis of effectivenessMAHARISHI -- Naturalness is the basis of effectiveness. If one poses to be something else, one loses the charm of naturalness. The result is that one accumulates a stress. We do not think of life -- we live it. We do not think of ourselves too much. We do not think of others too much. We just behave in a natural way. Don't make moods -- wonder what anyone thinks of us. We do not live life on the remarks of others. It is enough that we are naturally helpful to others. What others think of us is not our concern -- it is their concern. If we are weak, we will always put ourselves at the whim of others. We do not base our lives on the opinions of others. But if we are not clear in our conscience then we will always be weak and will always mind the looks and remarks of other people. It is the weakness of individuality if it always looks to others. It is important only that we radiate life. Every individual must be a joy to himself, to his family, and to his society. Kössen -- September 1971
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