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SUMMER GEM SALE
Looking for a powerful quality gem for astrological or ayurvedic purposes? We are offering up to 30% discount on select merchandise through the last official day of summer, September 20th.
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Get your FREE signed copy of Hamsa's book "An Introduction to Vedic Astrology"
with your astrological reading (good until December 2010)
Help to avoid mistakes.
Make intelligent choices.
Bring new insights that can significantly improve your decision-making and collaborate with Hamsavatar.
Go to www.vedicworld.org
and book your reading NOW
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HARVEST VEGETABLE SOUP
This is a great time to make a summer vegetable soup!
With summer vegetables at their peak and for gardeners who have an abundance of vegetables to harvest this is a great way to use them up in a nutritious and delicious way. You can always make substitutions where necessary.
2 med potatoes, peeled,diced
4 c vegetable broth
1 to 1-1/2 tsp salt
black pepper
� lb green beans, trimmed & cut
1 medium red bell pepper
1 medium carrot, peeled & diced
1/2 lb sugar snap or snow peas
2 small zucchini, diced
2 yellow squash, diced
1 cup small broccoli florets
1 cup fresh corn
1 cup chopped cauliflower
small bunch of spinach, chopped
1 cup buttermilk, room temp
Optional: freshly minced herbs for garnish Place potatoes and vegetable broth in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Pur�e the potatoes in the cooking broth. Add salt & pepper. Set aside until just before serving time. Meanwhile, steam the vegetables until just tender in the following groupings: (a) green beans (b) broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (c) peas, zucchini, yellow squash, pepper, corn, spinach. Set the vegetables aside.
Heat the potato pur�e shortly before serving. Stir in the steamed vegetables and optional buttermilk at the last minute.
You can give the soup a sprinkle of freshly snipped herbs, such as basil, dill, parsley, chives. Enjoy!
adapted from The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen
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OUR UPCOMING TRAVEL SCHEDULE
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We hope to see some of you there!
ATLANTA
Cymatics - The Science of Sound and Vibrational Healing Conference
October 17 2010
Presentation on Ayurvedic Gem Healing
Contact Mandara
@ 404 307 0593
Self Discovery Center
Thursday 11th November 2010
Free Lecture
Three Sisters Sciences - Yoga, Ayurveda and Jyotish Workshop November 13/14, 2010
Contact Anandini
@ 404 201 8511
NEW YORK
Hamsa
October 31st - November 5th, 2010
Astrological Consultations in person
for appointments in NYC 11/1-11/5 contact Hamsa directly at balaji@vedicworld.org or 352-629-3156
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Hamsa with proud Mom & filly- the newest resident on the VCF farm
 | Greetings To Everyone From Our New Home in Ocala FL!
Late last year we decided that our location in New Mexico did not allow us to expand our service and horizons for the Vedic Cultural Fellowship. At the same time we saw in our staff's horoscopes that major changes were afoot, so we began looking for a new location. After visiting north central Florida several times we decided that it was the perfect place to open a yoga and meditation center and decided on the city of Ocala.
Ocala is also known as "the horse capital of the world" and has more horse farms than anywhere else on earth. We found a beautiful farm so all of the horses and other animals came with us, as well. In future there will be a retreat facility for yoga teacher trainings here, but for now we want to concentrate on opening the center in the city where many more people will have access to classes and all our other programs and services.
As we are more than 100 miles from the Gulf we have not been affected by the Gulf oil disaster ourselves, but feel terribly for all that have been, people and wildlife alike. This year is one of much concern for our country, as is already obvious, and Hamsa has written an article for this newsletter about the karmic scenario for the US during 2010 and early 2011, which everybody will appreciate reading, we are sure. Normally he writes about this subject in the early spring when we begin the chart of a country. It is called the yearly "new Moon" chart and is calculated at the date and time of the last new Moon before Sun moves into the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, each year using the capital city of a country. This year we are late in writing this due to the move. We apologize for being out of touch, but newsletters will again be sent out to our friends and members at least quarterly from here on in.
We have good news and sad news concerning our staff. The good news is that Howard and Jennifer (Hamsa and Yogamaya) are here, of course, and will continue to spearhead educational endeavors. Jude Roberts, who you will remember as our secretary, girl Friday, newsletter editor and office manager at our center in New Mexico, tragically died of a heart attack at the age of 50. We will all miss her and continually send our prayers for her continued spiritual development on the next leg of the journey home.
Astrological consultations are available most weekdays again, as well as ayurvedic consultations, and Balaji Natural Gems' new office has finally opened again, as well. Beginning in September we will again begin doing traveling programs, beginning with England in September, Holland in early October and Atlanta and New York in October/November. As always we appreciate your feedback and suggestions about our programs and for future newsletters, so we look forward to hearing from you. |
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 When Will the Disasters End?
The US Yearly chart from March 2010 to March 2011 By Howard Beckman As everyone by now might imagine the yearly new Moon chart this year was dastardly. It portended disasters on a scale not seen by us for quite some years. Coupled with the economic travails it has spelled hardship for many. The new Moon occurred on March 15th at 5:01 PM using Washington D.C. our capital city. The first indication of what the year will be like is seen from the ascendant lord's position. As Leo was rising the ascendant lord is Sun and Sun is in the 8th house of death and destruction in a water sign, Pisces. This was the first indication that disasters were to occur causing loss of life, property and much suffering. Being in Pisces indicated something to do with liquids, like rain, rising tides of rivers or seas, floods and of course one thing that many of us might not have thought of...oil.
Since it is the new Moon, which means the exact conjunction of Sun and Moon, Moon is also here in the 8th house and is ruler of the 12th house of losses. Mercury is also here in this 8th house and for Mercury this is very bad, since Pisces is the debilitation sign of Mercury. With Mercury ruling the 2nd house of earning of money and the 11th house of pleasures and gains, here was the portending of economic problems still plaguing the country and for some getting much worse. As if this was not bad enough Venus is also here and although this is Venus' strongest sign, being in exaltation, being lord of the 10th house of work, status, leadership, power and influence in this 8th house of destruction, this spelled big problems for America's economy, the president himself and for many families and the greater populace.
Mars was also in his debilitation sign of Cancer (another water sign giving similar indications as Pisces for water, etc) in the 12th house of loss. Mars rules the 4th house of property and business, so still a depressed housing market and trouble for small business, as well as the 9th of good fortune, which also rules leaders, so regardless of the intentions of the new president, he gets little accomplished in the end and the collective karma simply overshadowed anything he might try to do. Saturn, the great malefic, situated in the 2nd house of finances also pointed toward financial troubles for most of the country's working people and to the health of our economy generally.
The only planet that really showed any growth and some prosperity was Jupiter, who rules bankers, the stock market, gold and investments. Being lord of the important 5th house of investments, entertainment and significance in the 7th house aspecting the ascendant, we saw the stock market recover, gold prices rise to unprecedented levels and large corporations making record profits in spite of the economic conditions of most of the rest of us.
Already we have seen the worst oil spill in US history in the Gulf of Mexico, the worst spill from a pipeline in Michigan dumping millions of gallons into the rivers, record rains and floods, as well as record high temperatures all over the country this summer. It is not a year most of us will remember fondly.
Is the worst over? I'm afraid we are still going to see some very troublesome events taking place as far as storms in the short term and it is highly unlikely that many are going to become optimistic about the economy within the US this year, either.
However, I do see some very hopeful signs for next year. The yearly chart is far better, so my speculation is that somehow money is going to be poured in to try to rescue the economy. It will mean spring 2011 to spring 2012 bringing relief in more sectors, but the question remains is this a good thing to increase the debt and burden on our children and grandchildren. Mine is not to answer these questions, but only to point out what I see astrologically as to coming events. Next year I will write this article at the time of the new Moon chart as I normally do each year.
We cannot change destiny, although our actions surely shape it. This should also become a time of change for many people, allowing us all to evaluate what is truly important in our lives. Spiritual knowledge and action in knowledge of yoga brings not only detachment, and thus relief, from the suffering of difficult circumstances externally, but has the effect of bringing inner peace and satisfaction to our minds. Then we can step back and always remember that no matter the material circumstance, so-called "good or bad" it remains a truth in all times, and amongst all peoples, countries and cultures that "this too shall pass".
There is always a brighter day ahead. |
| Back to School
Anyone with children will spend the next few weeks trying to get the kids ready for school. So much to think about and so many lists to check, and we all want our children to be healthy and happy. The best way to achieve this is to follow the principles of Ayurveda, which is BALANCE - body, mind and spirit. Below is an Ayurvedic checklist that you may not always be able to stick to, but if you use it as a strong foundation for all the family to follow you will find it will produce happy, healthy children.
Diet
So many children now suffer from asthma, allergies, ADD and obesity. According to Ayurveda a diet of frozen, canned, refined, genetically altered foods filled with chemicals cannot be digested properly and contain no Prana or life force to enable the body to produce the life producing Ojas or vital fluid. Instead Ama or poison is produced and ill health follows.
The healthiest diet for children and adults alike is fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, nuts, honey, barley, oats, rice and wheat. I know that some children are fussy, so get the whole family involved, let them help with the cooking or mixing. If you have the space try growing your own veggies. Encourage their school to offer healthier meals. Be pro-active.
Good quality/bad quality
In Ayurveda everything has a certain quality, Sattva (knowledge, light), Rajas (action, passion) and Tamas (ignorance and inertia). We try to increase the intake of foods that are known to have Sattvic qualities, like the ones mentioned above. Diets that include meat will bring Tamasic qualities only. Educate your children about the meat industry and see if they still want to eat meat. What your children digest through their eyes is very important. Violent movies and video games will affect them in the long run as they cannot digest what they are seeing properly and this will turn into mental "ama". Children watch and observe constantly, so become a role model. When they see you swearing and shouting constantly, and then this is what they in turn will become like.
Yoga/exercise/rest
Teach your children to always breathe through their nose and from their stomach. Once they get into the habit, it will stay with them for life. Proper breathing helps to relax and focus. More oxygen will go into the blood and to their brain, helping them to concentrate and remember things. You and your child can do yoga together, or go for a walk and include the breathing exercises, make it into playtime. After, relax for ten minutes lying down, perhaps looking at some clouds, or tree branches or if inside listening to some soft sweet music. If you like you could include a small guided journey. You will be amazed how quickly you child calms and relaxes, some will even go to sleep and you will have spent some quality time together.
Karma Yoga
An important way to maintain a healthy, happy child is to engage them in activities in return, of which they do not expect anything. For example giving old clothes, toys and books in charity to children who are in need and doing some community work. Let the children practically feel the inner happiness and contentment that these instances of feeding their soul bring in. Again all the family can spend time performing Karma yoga or giving in charity. Don't just donate things; you can also donate your time also. You will be amazed how quickly children learn that "giving" brings them happiness and knowledge that having material things or being "rich" doesn't necessarily make you happy or better than everyone else.
Blessings, Yogamaya
If you would like to consult with Yogamaya about your child's dosha or diet please contact her at yogamayadevi@vedicworld.org |
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COMPASSION
<sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others: the victims should be treated with compassion>
Tarra and Bella | The summer of 2010 will not only be remembered as one of the hottest on record, but we will never forget the Gulf oil spill and the horrific scenes of birds and turtles suffocating in thick globs of oil. Our hearts went out to them. How could we help? How could we stop this atrocity? Something had to be done. We felt compassion. But what about all the animals and mammals suffering at the hands of man? Kept in captivity in zoos, circuses or "amusement" parks for years, some in cramped conditions, and often in solitary confinement, or even worse to be experimented on by the bloody hands of demonic scientists. They are living, conscious beings, that feel pain and have the ability to form relationships, even with other species.
Remember Bella the dog and Tarra the Asian elephant who formed a strong friendship at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee where elephants are rescued from zoos and circuses? Bella received a debilitating injury to her spinal chord that disabled her for three weeks, unable to move or go outside. Tarra knew that Bella was holed up inside the Sanctuary office and she waited outside the building, inching herself as close to the facility as the fence would allow, waiting for the entire three weeks while Bella recuperated. At one point, Bella was carried outside to see Tarra and she immediately began wagging her tail. Tarra trumpeted excitedly upon seeing Bella and, straining to reach her through an opening in the fence, affectionately stroked her with her trunk.
Animals also have the ability to show compassion, demonstrated when a young boy fell into the gorilla pit at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois? Binti Jua, an 8 year old female gorilla cradled the boy in her arms and took him to a door where zookeepers could attend to him.
In some cases, the prisoners can take it no longer; they crack, as was the case at SeaWorld in Forida. Suzi Morris, UK Director for WSPCA said: "The shocking news that an animal trainer has died after being attacked by a killer whale at the SeaWorld amusement park, is a sad reminder of the inappropriateness of keeping these animals in captivity. Killer whales are highly intelligent mammals that are taught to perform against their will by their human trainers. Marine mammals experience dreadful stress when forced to endure these unnatural interactions in their concrete prisons, as it is not the way they would naturally behave in the wild. They do not enjoy 'playing' like this in this extremely traumatic environment."
It is not enough that we are able to blind ourselves into believing these poor creatures are happy being abused and incarcerated. No, we have to blind ourselves to the greatest atrocity or lack of compassion, the "meat industry", simply for the satisfaction of the tongue. Millions of animals; pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep and cows will be "grown" in unbelievably horrific conditions, only to be stuffed in trucks and shipped off to slaughter houses where they will experience fear and pain.
There are countless stories of how in fear cows cry, scream, and sometimes fall down dead while inside or even before they are taken into the slaughterhouse. That we still continue to eat meat as a nation and know that these things are going on is mind boggling to me.
A few years ago I remember being stuck in a traffic jam. The car in front of me had a small child in the back seat. A huge truck filled with calves pulled up next to us. I was, of course horrified, as I always am, knowing exactly where they were headed. I was simply amazed at the child's reaction, though. She looked out of the window at these poor dear creatures and suddenly became distraught. She banged on the window, she screamed, she yelled. Her mother did not know what was wrong with her and tried to calm her down from the drivers seat. I will never forget that little girl's face, her tears of compassion rolling down her cheeks. How did she know, how could she understand at such a young age? Why can't we as a nation understand that until we feel compassion for these animals, we will never truly feel compassion towards our fellow men and women, either?
I urge you to read The Pig Who Sang to the Moon: Jeffrey Moussaieff, a wonderful book that will educate you on farm animals, their lives and relationships. It actually stayed on the NY Times best seller list for months. The ancient Vedic text of the Manu-samhita (5.45-8) says it better than I can; "He who injures innocent beings with a desire to give himself bodily pleasure never finds happiness, neither while living nor in death. He who does not seek to cause suffering to other living creatures, but desires the good of all beings, obtains endless bliss. He who does not injure any creature, successfully attains what he thinks of, what he undertakes, and what he fixes his mind on. Meat can never be obtained without injury to living creatures, and injury to sentient beings is detrimental to the attainment of heavenly bliss; let him therefore shun the use of meat."
With compassion,
Yogamaya devi |
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