Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Brahmavarchas Research Institute - The Humble Scientific Research Endeavor

Almighty God has given man His very own form. From the standpoint of consciousness all those Divine Powers that the Creator (God) possesses are found in the deep recesses of the human psyche albeit in latent form. In this manner all the power and energy present in the macrocosm (cosmos) is present in the microcosm (human psyche). The microcosm is the smallest unit of the macrocosm. All functional aspects of the Solar system are found in its smallest unit i.e. the atom. The divine glory of God exists in individual souls. It is hence that man is called the Prince of God who is the King or ruler of this cosmos. Vedanta Philosophy very articulately proclaims that the living being (Jiva) and cosmic consciousness (God) are one i.e. non-dual or Advaita.

And yet the obvious question that needs to be answered is: If a creature and God are one how come such gigantic differences are seen between both? If indeed man is a Prince of that God who abounds with divine wealth, why is he (human being) so poor and weak? Great seers while answering this all important question opine that although it is true that man possesses all the divine glories of God, this divine wealth lies latent in his psyche/soul. It is like a seed that contains an entire tree or that a locked vault contains untold precious jewels. Thus the locked vault of Divine Powers in mans psyche needs to be opened via the key of intense spiritual efforts (Sadhana). spiritual practices are called Sadhana and they reap rich dividends on the basis of apt psychic credentials (Paatrata) and ethics in ones day to day life. It is only when man passes this most important test that he can become a master of the divine wealth of the cosmos. The principle of Sadhana say Sidhi or Attaining the goal via spiritual endeavor is well known. The philosophy of spiritual endeavor is equivalent to scientific inventions and discoveries. Today man with his intense efforts and sharp intellect has unearthed many material powers via scientific research. Great scientific endeavors have today given us material energy tapped from sources like steam, radio, atom etc.

The human body is like an infinite storehouse of precious jewels i.e. divine wealth. If only via spiritual practices man awakens this divine glory all those Divine Powers attained by Rishis, saints, seers of yore and today can be attained by him too. Sadhana is nothing but awakening the latent divine potentials that lie untapped in the deep cave of mans psyche and soul.

Human existence can be called an all encompassing scientific laboratory. The human body enfolds all powers/energies of nature albeit in seed form. Human consciousness harbors in seed form Gods unlimited divine consciousness. In order to attain cosmic consciousness those efforts are required akin to first sowing a seed in fertile soil, watering it and helping it bloom forth like a skillful gardener who looks after his various plants and trees. Although the atom possesses infinite potent nuclear energy, it can be tapped only by adept scientists with their scientific tools. For a layman this task is well nigh impossible. In order that an embryo grows into a human baby (after the males sperm unites with the females ovum) it has to mature in its mothers womb for 9 months on an average. This is called Sadhana say Sidhi i.e. Making due efforts to attain the goal. In order to become a scholar, wrestler, boxer, artist, scientist, businessman etc intense efforts are required. In the same way if one desires to awaken latent Divine Powers in ones soul intense efforts are required (Sadhana) so as to witness miraculous results. Soul advancement spiritual practices are termed as high stature endeavors.

spiritual practices are a science by themselves. One requires aid of spiritual philosophy so as to make sacred and pure ones inner sentiments, beliefs, aspirations and thinking. This is also called Jnana Yoga or Yoga of Wisdom. Hence one needs to pursue mental reflection, meditation, concentration etc. An all round progress can be achieved by associating with realized saints, seers and studying sacred scriptures with deep devotion. To put this in a nutshell this itself is spiritual Philosophy or the Yoga of Wisdom. Within it predominantly the principle of mental reflection in a focused manner is deployed.

The other important leg of spiritual endeavor is Kriya Yoga wherein physical or bodily movements too are taken recourse to. It encompasses Asan (posture), Pranayam, Bandha, Mudra, vows, fasts, pilgrimages, Mantra chanting or Japa, Yajna or fire sacrifices etc. Thus true spiritual endeavor revolves around both, Dhyana Yoga or Meditation and Kriya Yoga (includes Hatha Yoga too).

There was a time centuries back that like Modern Science of today, spiritual Sciences ruled the roost. In it within the laboratory of the human body Divine Powers were manifested in the individuals body. These benefits were termed Sidhis by seers of yore. As against this Ridhis are psychic and sentimental glories attained via purification of ones consciousness and psyche. In ancient times spiritual seekers who underwent spiritual practices attained both Ridhis and Sidhis. If one compares the benefits attained by todays modern scientific research they significantly pale in front of the achievements of spiritual seers of ancient times. The laboratory of spiritual Science is the human body and hence it does not require external apparatus like fuel, technology, chemicals and other apparatus used in a modern science laboratory. And yet despite being so priceless spiritual Science it can easily be availed of by entire world humanity. It is a divine gift of God and that indeed is mans good fortune.

spiritual endeavor is said to be supreme amongst all human endeavors. It is a means via which man can attain both material and spiritual benefits. In the Sadhana Age or the Era of spiritual Practices, spiritual Science was in full vogue and very well imbibed the world over. There was both zeal and zest in that era. But alas! Today man is full of greed, envy and avarice. An externalized mind seeks joy and glory in external objects. Today because of a maddening fast life none has the time to self introspect and discover the untold divine wealth lying hidden in the cave of his/her psyche. Man just refuses to give up his lustful, indolent and sensual life and thus master his mind so as to attain the greatness attained by seers and Rishis of ancient times. On the one hand a major chunk of world humanity erroneously discarded this profound science and hence simultaneously the number of great seers and sages of spiritual sciences too diminished drastically. If demand depletes the number of buyers decrease and hence the number of sellers too decrease in tandem. At present in the name of Yoga deluded concepts have come into vogue (blind leading the blind). No doubt one finds hordes of so called Yoga Gurus who sell fantastic dreams to gullible aspirants. The latter just have no clue whether their teacher is genuine or fake. As a result the number of genuine Yoga Gurus and Preceptors who are the only ones who can help laymen reach their spiritual destination is dangerously declining as days pass by. That Great spiritual Science has been replaced by nothing but vain deluded proclamations akin to a peg of alcohol. Today in the name of spiritual practice mere lip service is being doled out to a large number of gullible people. And hence both the layman and intellectual class harbor aversion for it.

Today we realize that the need of the hour is to research into the ancient spiritual Sciences in a modern scientific manner and thus understand its aptness, true state and form. This is the way we can transform atheism into theism. Since spiritual Sciences are infinitely more potent and beneficial than Material Science, it should not lie in a hapless ruined state as is seen today. In order to solve this problem once and for all we have established the Brahmavarchas Research Institute. Within its realm the human body is looked upon as a laboratory and intense efforts are being made to manifest Divine Powers that so far existed latently in mans psyche. For this it was most required that in this modern scientific age necessary proof be made available to the highly intellectual class of world humanity. Only then will even the layman accept its true credentials and imbibe them wholeheartedly.

The spiritual Science of the area of consciousness is called Super Divine Wisdom Gayatri (Mahaprajna Gayatri). That science which influences material nature (Prakriti) is called Agnihotra. Both are mutually conjoined to one another as a pair. Both are mutually dependent on one another. Agnihotra is most required for ripening and manifesting mans conscious potentials. It is like exposing bricks into a furnace for toughening them up or like making our speech more audible by using a microphone. When fire and water unite steam manifests which is used to run trains. Programs heard on radios mainly use electrical energy. Similarly within the realm of spiritual practices (Sadhana) Gayatri manifests via the combination of sentimental consciousness and word power (Shabda Shakti). This Gayatri is hence made more prolific via the divine energy of Agnihotra. Gayatri symbolizes Yoga of Sacred Sentiments and Agnihotra symbolizes Kriya Yoga. Gayatri and Yajna are said to be the Mother and Father of Indian culture. Within the field of spiritual endeavor they are compared to Prana (Vital Force) and the physical body. The first step of transformation and purification of the psyche and body is development of a pious character and ethical dealings in ones day to day social and professional life. It is only then that one can enter the portals of spiritual practices.

The Brahmavarchas Research Institute is targeting its research on those areas that are related to the goals of various spiritual practices. We are trying to prove that Gayatri Mantra Word Power is not some ordinary mutterings and that it instead activates via incitement our conscious arena. Which precepts are involved in radiating our character and personality and how does it influence the environment? This is being seriously studied at the Brahmavarchas Research Institute. Word Power is an intense and terrific form of divine energy. Various creatures inwardly contact one another with its help. It is the fount of spiritual wisdom and modern scientific laws. Thus we must deeply understand that Mantra Power can be used optimally in ones self/soul unfolding, for helping in others advancement and transforming both the gross and subtle atmosphere of the world in a very positive manner.

Another major research area dealt with by the Brahmavarchas Research Institute is the mysteries of the Science of Mantra Chanting called Japa. Over here we are mainly concentrating on Super Mantra Gayatri. Very advanced scientific technical apparatus is being used in or hi-fi laboratory to analyze the potential of Word Power while chanting Mantras. When we hold spiritual camps for our devotees we also scientifically study the results of Mantras chanted by them. So far the results indicate that Mantra Energy is n-fold more powerful than Yantra Energy (machines and technology).

It is erroneous to believe that Agnihotra is simply a lit pyre of fire. Instead know for sure that it is our Vital Force that manifests a divine fire. In that not only are divine herbs made more subtle that influence a vast area but that the devotees Mantra Power sanctifies and makes more powerful their Vital Force energy (Prana Urja). Hence its widespread influence is indeed gigantic and cosmic in nature. Great seers of yore proclaim in one voice that Yajnas improve our physical health, purify our will power and augment divinity in our soul force. Hence they are said to be priceless means of remedial measures and ones all round progress. Further global pollution which is cause for serious concern all over the world can be greatly warded off via Yajnas and Mantra Chanting. It is strongly believed that rains can be invoked via Yajnas. It is prudent to note that over here rains does not simply mean monsoon season but that the cosmic vital energy rains on Earth so as to add more vim and vigor in our plant life, other creatures and of course human beings too.

If we make intense efforts to understand the true utility of the above benefits and thus make optimal and apt use of them a bright future is in the offing for world humanity and thus various problems faced by us can be easily overcome. In this manner the Brahmavarchas Research Institute of Shantikunj (Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India) is scientifically studying all the principles and tenets that are the foundation stones of the Science of Sadhana (spiritual practices). The progress attained via Spiritual Sciences should no way be looked upon as superficial in comparison to the advancement attained via Modern Material Science. Apart from Gayatri and Agnihotra, Spiritual camps organized by us deals with other forms of spiritual practices too. Its results are being minutely noted via scientific experimentation techniques. When spiritual seekers are made to undergo high leveled spiritual practices of Brahmavarchas not only is their initial and final inner state is noted but that the high-low and pendulum-like state that they go through in between too is being focused on deeply. It is only then that we can truly understand the important basis of Soul Science, the method of spiritual endeavor and the underlying principle behind it. In this computer age of I believe only that which I perceive with my 5 senses it is most required that we prove beyond doubt to both, the laymen and highly intellectual class, the importance of both material and spiritual tenets. This is exactly the task taken up on a war footing by the Brahmavarchas Research Institute.

The most important aspect of Mysticism is to understand deeply the benefits of interstellar space radiations and other potentials on our planet Earth and that along with staving off side effects we make optimum gains with its aid. Keeping this in mind a laboratory has been set up at Shantikunj to study and note interstellar space movements and states. On the basis of these calculations and other mathematical calculations a new Panchang shall be published. In that not only the planets discovered by ancient seers but those discovered by modern science like Uranus, Neptune and Pluto too will be dealt with. It will encompass Panchangs of various regions and method of making a Kundli (horoscope) of a person born in a particular place. Greater emphasis is being laid on the influence of interstellar space emissions on the Earths atmosphere and all creatures dwelling on it. On the basis of this finding we can find methods of balancing varied circumstances that visit our daily life. Today Astrology is called blind belief but with our systematic scientific analysis this will not be the case in the coming years. It is certainly not an overstatement if we call this the total transformation of Astrological Sciences.

The Brahmavarchas Research Institutes endeavor is extremely priceless from the standpoint of elucidating the true nature of Spiritual Sciences and Spiritual Practices (Sadhana Vijnana). Only time will tell us as to how our sacred endeavor results in great service to world beings for their material and spiritual unfolding.

AUTHOR: Shriram Sharma Acharya, founder of the International Gayatri Family, was a great Yogi, seer and incarnation of God who wrote volumes of scientific literature mainly on spiritual subjects for world welfare and peace. For more scientific e-books visit: http://www.shriramsharma.com/ (GOOGLE PR 4) and http://www.awgp.org/ (Google 5)

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Reasons To Use a Car Hire Service

There are several good reasons why you may need to engage the services of a car hire company. Here are some examples of scenarios in which renting from a car hire agency can be an excellent idea.

One of the most frequent reasons for engaging a car hire service is for business travel. Many persons will fly into a city to conduct business and rent a vehicle to get around while in the city. this can take two forms. First, the traveler may choose to simply rent a vehicle that he or she will drive. Second, the traveler may prefer to engage both a car and a driver for the duration of the stay in the city. The latter option can be a great choice, assuming that one is not familiar with the city and does not have a lot of spare time to find his or her way around. While renting a car and a driver from a car hire service may be more expensive than simply engaging a vehicle, it can more than pay for itself in saving time and cutting back on frustration as one goes around town.

Second, many people will choose to engage a car hire service when taking a weekend trip. For some people, this is a necessity, since the vehicle they own may not be in shape to make a long trip. Other people may simply not want to put the wear and tear on their own vehicles. In cases like those, renting from a car hire service makes perfect sense.

As a bonus, there is usually a roadside assistance clause in the rental contract that means you will be able to get a replacement car in the event there are any serious problems with the rental during the trip. A car hire service takes care of all the maintenance and upkeep on their vehicles, so you don't have to be surprised by a failed engine, or some problem with the suspension or any of the many other things that can go wrong with a vehicle while on a long trip. this will mean that you do not have to be worry about being stranded in some small town along the Interstate, having to shell out big bucks in order to get back on the road again. If trouble develops, it is simply a matter of calling the car hire company, reporting the issue and waiting a few hours while they get a replacement vehicle to you. Someone else will handle all the headaches that come with car trouble while you continue on your way.

James Woodley is the writer for the website http://car-hire.webinfo-site.com. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Car Hire

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Obesity, An American Epidemic

An epidemic of obesity and its health related complications are sweeping America.

Unfortunately, one out of three of us are part of this plague, and the number appears to grow daily. Despite an abundance of diet books, diet plans, home exercise equipment, and dire warnings from the medical community, less than one percent of dieters achieve sustained weight loss and many fail to produce measurable results in health improvements. In fact, research suggests dieting may be part of the obesity problem, rather than the solution.

The root of the obesity problem lies in our eating habits. Simply put, we eat too much saturated fat and refined sugar, and too little fibermost of this brought on by spending over half of our food budget on fast food in the form of greasy burgers and fries, gulped down with syrup-laden sodas. Let me give you two weight loss tips right here: (1) Stop using the drive-thru. (2) Stop eating refined and sweetened foods.

On a personal level, has your diet succeeded in changing your eating habits? Chances are it has not. A diet plan may tell you what and how much to eat, but it cannot settle your bodys craving for food, nor can it change your eating habits.

According to the Surgeon General, obesity causes over 300,000 deaths per year and doubles your chances of becoming diabetic. Obesity also increases the probability of acquiring other health related issues, such as:

Heart disease

Breast cancer

Asthma

Sleep apnea

Arthritis

Pregnancy complications

Depression

The statistics are frightening. The problem is real. But, there is hope. While the national statistics of obesity and diabetes skyrocket, you can defy the numbers. As you journey with me, it is my hope you will find the inspiration to achieve success with your diet.

Diets are personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Amidst the din of conflicting and often confusing information about dieting, you must choose the path that is right for you. Your diet should not be drudgery, but should be a joyful process of self-discovery and mastery over food addiction. Each successful day represents a triumph, and each triumph gives you more strength and resolve to persevere. As Thoreau once stated We are all sculptors and painters, and our material is our own flesh and blood and bones.

Now is the time for new beginnings. Become a successful dieter, today. The clock is ticking.

I would like to speak to you metaphorically for a moment by comparing my body and eating habits to a steamroller.

When it comes to eating Im just like one of those steamrollers you see flattening the pavement at a construction site. Once that thing gets rolling, it takes a lot of energy to stop it. Likewise, once I start eating, I tend to binge. Everything in my path gets flattenedthat is, eaten. Steamrolling my way though the refrigerator seemed fun at the time, but looking back, I realize it was a recipe for disaster.

For ten years I ignored the growing bulge around my waistline and laughed as my pants sizes, and clothing purchases escalated with a regularity that kept my local Wal-Mart clothing department gainfully employed. But like a balloon, you can only fill it up so far before she blows. I had to find a way to shut the steamroller down before it ran me over.

Carrying the steamroller analogy a bit further, I knew if I could steal the battery, or somehow disable the starting mechanism, I could make it through the day without bingeing or grossly violating the rules of my diet. What I learned was that the best way to disable the bingeing steamroller machine was to not allow it to get started. That is, I recognized I was unable to stop eating after I started, therefore, I resolved to not get started to begin with. Dieting for me required cold turkey cessation of the snacking routine. I now limit my eating to scheduled meal times. I now eat three meals and two snacks per day. Its not easy, and it takes desire, dedication, and determination to succeed.

You know that.

But what you may not realize is that the benefits of being physically fit make the pain, discomfort, and hassle of dieting worthwhile.

Ladies beware. I dont mean to frighten you, and it just doesnt seem fair, but obesity is a killer. Not only does it claim over 300,000 lives per year, it also significantly increases your chances of acquiring diabetes and/or breast cancer.

One day I stepped on the scale and nearly passed out when I read the numbers: 270. I shook my head in amazement and whispered to myself, Congratulations Mr. Taylor, you are obese. For the next 18 months following that momentous day, I dedicated myself to a diet of three meals and two small snacks per day, and found a way to get some exercise at least five days out of each week. It wasnt easy, and yes, there were both good and bad days. Following the bad days I reconfirmed my desire to continue with my diet and refused to quit. In hindsight, I can see that the refusal to quit was much more vital to my success than the actual diet plan.

There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of diet plans available on the market today. You may even be working on one prescribed by your physician. In my opinion, any sensible diet that does not demand extremes in food limits, such as starvation diets, and emphasizes a well-balanced approach to reducing calorie intake and increasing calorie consumption (via exercise) is workable. If you have a specific medical condition, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, than of course you need to be working under a doctors diet, specifically designed for you and your condition.

The important thing, I believe, is for you to find a diet you are comfortable with, and that you can sustain as a way of life. Jumping from one diet to the next may be good for the booksellers and packaged food diet plans, but it is rarely effective in helping you to actually lose weight.

Here is the skinny on my weight loss, which you may or may not like to hear. Short of a specific medical condition, as I mentioned earlier, weight loss is a function of expending more calories than you consume. You can do this in any one of three ways:

1.Increase the amount of calories your body burns through regular exercise.

2.Decrease the amount of calories you eat.

3.Attack weight loss by both eating less and exercising more.

Every thing else you read or hear about dieting is a variation or elaboration of these three key points.

Additionally, I learned that successful dieters are patient dieters. It took ten years of binge eating and neglect for me to accumulate over 90 pounds in excess weight. But when I started my diet, I wanted the fat off immediatelythat Thursday would have been fine. Sadly, it didnt happen as I planned. It took 18 months of consistent, deliberate work. On a positive note, however, I felt the difference in my energy level and self-esteem within one week of diligently adhering to my diet. And as you will learn, its these small rewards of confidence and new energy that you will begin to feed on as you adapt to a new lifestyle.

There was no magical pill, ointment, food product, or ingenious piece of home exercise equipment that helped me along. In fact, I would still like my $39 back for that abdominal workout gizmo that tightened my love handles, but did not help me to lose a single pound. Make patience the first ingredient in your successful diet recipe book, and forget the gimmicks.

Ron Taylor hosts The Hersh Directory, Your Gateway To A Wealth Of Internet resources. You can review his various articles and diet plans at: http://www.wealthsearch.org/page2.html

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