2017 Maryland Bangaru Bathukamma Sambaralu by Maryland Telangana Community
WHEN: September 24th
TIME: 4:00PM to 8:00PM
WHERE: Gary J Arthur Community Center
2400 State Route 97 Cooksville
Maryland – 21723
EVENT COORDINATORS: Maryland Telangana Community
**OPEN TO PUBLIC** AND **ALL ARE WELCOME**
Imagine you were training to run a marathon. You wouldn’t simply run the 26 miles on your first training session. Instead, you start small, and you would increase the distances over time as you got better.
Imagine you were writing a book. You wouldn’t sit down and write the entire book in one sitting. You would write the first sentence. Then the second. Then a chapter and you would continue to build it up and up.
So, if you’re trying to combat anxiety, sleep better or improve your relationships, why should things be any different? Most people know that meditation techniques are out there that can combat these aspects of life but surely, they can’t be the same?
In truth, Dina Kaplan, founder of a meditation hosting organisation known as The Path, claims there are thousands of meditative techniques to learn and practice. As you would if you went into a shoe shop for running shoes or your toolkit when fixing something, you need the right tools for the job.
No matter what the reason is that you’re meditating, you need to the practice and the right techniques to do so successfully. Always remember that the human brain is just like any other muscle. To improve your brain, it needs exercise and training.
To become fully relaxed throughout your day, or maybe after a particularly stressful day, a full body scan would be ideal. This is where you start at your toes or the top of your head and work your way around your body, releasing the stress out of each muscle.
One of the main benefits of meditation is returning your mind to the present moment. This can help to stop anxious thoughts of the future and helps you concentrate on the current moment. To become present, you’ll want to practice a form of mindfulness meditation.
As much as people don’t believe it, sitting still with your eyes closed can boost your physical and mental energy levels. There are countless techniques you can use. However, one of the simplest is placing a thumb over one nostril and then alternated. Do this while inhaling and exhaling quickly for 30 seconds. This surreal technique has been proven to improve your energy levels.
Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a business man or anything in between, the block can come at the worst times. Even if you’re simply looking for something creative to say on an upcoming date or social event, this can help tenfold. For boosting this kind of creativity, mantras are ideal.
You could use the traditional Sanskrit phrase ‘so hum’ which translates into ‘I Am That’. Alternatively, you could say ‘I am creative and free’ over and over again in your head at a comfortable pace.
It’s very common to fall out of focus. For example, when I’m checking my emails, I constantly find myself doing other things and getting distracted. What I need was a way to stay focused. Practicing mindfulness meditation is a great way to bring focus to your days.
Not only will this improve your productivity in whatever you’re doing, but it also reduces stress, anxiety and promotes patience.
As I mentioned before, there are thousands of meditation techniques and practices out there. If you’re feeling a little stressed, a little depressed or simply want a more positive outlook on life, to name a few, research what techniques will work best for you.
According to a newly released study, practising Hatha yoga can dramatically improve brain functions throughout an individual’s daily life. It’s also a similar effect if the individual practices a quiet meditation.
The study was released in the ‘Mindfulness’ journal, published by the School of Public Health, as well as including input from the University of Waterloo in Ontario Canada.
Current statistics and estimates show that over 36.7 million people in the US alone practice yoga regularly. That’s a huge jump from the 20 million people back in 2012. Simultaneously, around 18 million practice some form of mindfulness meditation on a regular basis.
Easily the most commonly practised form of yoga, especially in the Western World, is Hatha. This is renowned for being an active blend of both yoga and meditation. This is because there is a major focus pull towards breathing and relaxation.
During these Hatha practices, an individual must focus on what’s going on in their body and their minds. However, this should be achieved without forms of judgement. However, it’s worth remembering that these practices can also be practised individually.
The effect that Hatha Yoga has on the brain is known as executive function. Primarily, this function occurs in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. In short, it controls the mental ability, physical body control and memory aspects of our bodies.
Some researchers and scientists will also tell you that this function is essential for other aspects of life. These include the ability to make decisions, situation awareness, attention and problem-solving.
This recent study was set up to test the effects that Hatha Yoga has on this area of the brain. The study consisted of 31 averagely healthy people. They also had experience in the practice of Hatha yoga to a ‘moderate level’.
The individuals then how to set about completing a series of tasks. To make things fair, none of the subjects completed the tasks in the same order as another. The order itself was assigned randomly.
Before each session, the researchers in charge of the study monitored and evaluated their subjects executive function activity. The tests took place at the beginning of each session and then at 5 and 10 minutes intervals after the session had been completed. The test was carried out using the official ‘Stroop’ technique.
The results were clear. Many of the studies participants had dramatically increased their executive function statistics after completing a Hatha Yoga session. There are also reports of elevated moods and increased mental and physical energy.
So, there we go. Another study that proves the benefits that yoga, or Hatha Yoga, has on the mind and body. If you’re still considering starting yoga for the first time, why not just give it a shot, whether you’re at home or your fancy joining a class. Get ready to unlock a new, happier, more productive you!
Stop what you’re doing. If you’re reading this, then you’re looking for ways to get focused.
Whether you’re trying to concentrate at home, at work staying focused and productivity is one of the hardest things to do these days. With so many distractions around us, it’s easily one of the most common modern-day issues.
You could set out to be answering emails, and you’ll quickly find yourself scrolling through your social media feeds. However, here’s a quick, 5-minute meditation that can bring you back to the present. That’s right; you can regain your daily motivation in less time than it takes to make a cup of tea! Here’s how!
Firstly, you’ll want to find a peaceful and relaxing space where they’ll be minimal disruptions. This could be any room in your house, in your car, or even in the bathroom at work.
Wherever you choose, just make sure it’s as quiet a place you can find.
Next, you’ll want to make sure that you’re nice and relaxed. You can do this by sitting in your chair or still on the floor. It can be even more comfortable if you sit on a cushion.
Regardless of where you sit, you’ll want to ensure that your back is nice and straight and your head is level.
Once you’re comfortable, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. This is to get to you nice and relaxed for the rest of the session. Inhale through your nose and fill your lungs up with air as much as you’re comfortable with.
Then, exhale through your nose. As you breathe, try to follow your breath from the beginning to the end of the entire process.
Now that you’re nice and relaxed continue to breathe normally. However, remain following your breath. Look for a part of your body that you can feel your breath the most. This could be;
Wherever it is that you feel your breath most clearly is where you’ll want to focus. Simultaneously, follow your breath from the very beginning of your inhale to the end of the exhale. When making the transition between exhaling and inhaling, and visa versa, you should notice a slight delay.
As with any meditating session, the chances are that your overactive mind will continue to think. Once you realise that you’re thinking about something, don’t worry. Simply think to yourself ‘I’m thinking’ and then return your focus to your breathing.
Try not to get frustrated if you can’t focus on your breathing and your mind keeps wandering. This is perfectly natural, and it can take months, even years, to master this technique.
If you’re finding it especially difficult to concentrate, try counting your breaths. As you follow your breathing, count ‘one’ on the inhale and ‘two’ or the exhale. You could even replace the numbers with the words ‘inhale’ and ‘exhale’ if you prefer.
This is a tried and tested method to focusing on your breathing and bringing your mind to the present moment.
You’ll want to follow your breathing like this for the rest of the session. You may have access to meditation timer, or you can simply set up an alert or an alarm on your phone or computer. Just continue breathing for the next five minutes. When setting the alarm, try to pick a sound with a soft tone or a single beep.
Alternatively, a personal favourite of mine is using the Insight Timer App. Once you hear your alarm, keep your eyes closed.
Move your hands and your feet to improve circulation and to bring you back to the room. Try to notice the feelings of the air or surface around you. Then, when you’re ready, slowly open your eyes.
Now you’re ready to continue the rest of your day with a focused mind.
With over 64% of the major western world population, including children, obese, it’s safe to say the world is suffering from an obesity epidemic.
As we all know, obesity is a result of lifestyle choices such as poor diet and a lack of exercise. It most cases, other aspects such as lack of education and income can also play an important role. Obesity is caused when fat deposits in the body become excessive, causing extra weight.
Obesity is also linked to a collection of other health conditions. These include numerous types of cancer, liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma. In fact, there are hundreds of related conditions in total.
However, no matter how devastating this condition is, it’s easily resolved. An increased and more beneficial diet is needed along with a comprehensive exercise routine. These combined can help combat and even reverse the effects of obesity.
In Ayurveda terms, obesity is known as Medarog. This is a Kapha humor. This nature controls the structure of both the mind and the body. When balanced, Kapha nourishes the blood, bone marrow, bones and reproductive organs.
However, once the Kapha is irritated or out of balance, problems start to occur. When this happens, the body produces more and more toxins. These toxins are renowned for being heavy and thick, causing blockages around the body. This contributes to weight increase and an increased production of fat tissues.
When you start to treat obesity using Ayurveda practices, you’re aiming to neutralize the Kapha Dosha. The best way to do this is by avoiding Kapha-aggravating foods and substances. Additionally, you’ll want to focus on treating the toxins in the body that have already built-up.
According to Ayurveda practices, you’ll want to start avoiding certain food groups and focusing more on consuming others.
Some of the key foods to avoid include foods that are high in carbohydrates. This includes foods such as rice and potatoes. You’ll also want to avoid processed foods and other renowned fatty foods. Likewise, you’ll also want to avoid foods such as butter, cheese, whole milk, yogurt, and chocolate.
Most dairy foods will contain high levels of fat so it may even be worth considering a vegan diet if only temporarily, to get your weight in check. This is a great suggestion since Ayurveda practices also state that you should increase your intake of salads, fruits, and vegetables.
Having the motivation to combat obesity/Medarog is not something you should ignore. You’ll also be ready to change your diet when you’re ready. Once you are, there’s a world of opportunities open to you that can help you change your life to be happier, healthily and make the most of every day.
Many of us love to meditate to music. It can help to drown out the noises around us and helps us concentrate on our way to becoming present. However, ancient buddhas in our past won’t have plugged in their headphones to zone out to the sounds of the forest. So, is this meditation music beneficial to our practices or simply a hindrance?
To help you make up your mind, here are three of the most beneficial aspects of music and meditation.
Calming tracks are ideal for minimising the stress levels in your body. Listening to soft, pleasurable music, even without music, has been proven to relax both your mind and your body. Life is full of stress and anxiety and many of us will do whatever we can to reduce the levels.
Meditation is renowned around the world for its healing properties. These can be boosted tenfold. By adding gentle and nurturing music to the backgrounds of your session for a whole range of benefits.
By listening to audio to get yourself into the zone, you can proactively heal your mind and body. This will help you be healthier, happier and more relaxed throughout your days.
Unbeknownst to many people, meditation with music can even improve your eating habits. This is because, by focusing your mind, you can be more aware of the decisions that you’re making. This means when you’re eating during meal times, or whether you’re craving a snack, you can have full control over your decisions.
Over time, this will help you to alleviate your cravings, helping you maintain your weight or even lose weight.
One of the biggest benefits is how much your level of focus will increase when meditating. You take these concepts and apply it to your day to day routine. If you’ve practiced enhancing your focus during your meditating sessions, try popping that music in the background while you’re working.
You’ll instantly notice an improvement with your workflow. This will allow you to be more productive and achieve more with your days.
One of the most powerful and most liberating experiences you can award yourself with is opening your eyes after meditating in nature.
Spiritually, meditation is meant for helping us to stay on our paths. This is achieved through a clear mind that helps us to live healthier and by making the best decisions.
However, this sense of waking up in a natural environment isn’t just a beautiful experience. It’s also extremely beneficial. Here are four reasons why meditating in nature will change your world.
Being out in nature is a fantastic way to find a place of calm away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Say goodbye to the constant noises that your city or town has and say hello to a new realm of peace and quiet that you wouldn’t believe.
Living in a house, a home, a city, a town, even a remote village, you’ll constantly be surrounded by other people. When meditating in nature, you can feel truly alone which is such an amazing feeling. This feeling of no judgment and no anxiety is a great way to reconnect with yourself and your mind. Well, you may have a few animals looking to see what you’re up to!
The Earth is renowned for conducting energy through our very beings. Unfortunately, shoes have got in the way of this. Nowadays, the practice of walking barefoot is known as ‘earthing.’
Over the last 4 million years, our feet have developed to be as they are today but over the last thousand years, we’ve grown accustomed to covering them in leather.
However, when meditating in nature, take your shoes off and take a stroll in the wild and you’ll immediately feel the benefits.
Listening to the sounds of the wilderness around you is such a world away from home. The sounds of the winds through the trees. The sounds of distant wildlife in your ears and the heat of the sun on your skin. There’s nothing on earth that can bring you to such a present state of mind.
Traditionally, even in my own posts, I’ve always said that it’s the best practice to set aside a couple of minutes a day to meditate. Sessions can vary from 15-minutes to around an hour or longer.
However, despite being the most beneficial, this doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from meditating for a minute.
Tibetan Yoga and Buddhist Master Mingyur Rinpoche has recently explained that meditation, no matter how long the session, will still be beneficial to you. In fact, he even goes on to say that you can practice anytime, anywhere. You don’t even need to be in a quiet environment.
Hmm, but haven’t I said in the past that you need to find a quiet space in which you can concentrate undisturbed? This is true.
This is so you can focus on your mind, your thoughts and your breathing. However, Mingyur is saying that if you can master the art of concentrating on your mind, you can, therefore, meditate anywhere you like.
In short, what he’s saying is that as long as you can concentrate on your breathing, you can meditate anywhere and anytime that you please. This is true, imagine if you were sat on a busy train going or coming home from work. You could simply close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. At its core, this is what meditation is.
This may be ideal for a Tibetan master to practice but it’s still highly recommended that, if you’re starting out, you still find a quiet place. This is so you can practice the technique and effectively master it. However, once you’ve mastered it, there’s no reason why you can’t practice anywhere you like.
With this in mind, that means there’s no reason why you should beat yourself up because you got up late. A common cause for missing your meditation session this morning. You can do it anywhere and everywhere. Take every opportunity throughout your day.
By taking these opportunities, you’ll help you reduce your stress, increase the ability to remain calm while staying productive and focused throughout your day.
Continuing with our trends series, today we touch upon ‘Beer Yoga’. You may be used to having a cold icy beer in the afternoon or on a Friday night, but what about in your yoga class?
Beer Yoga has been popular for some time, having seemingly originated in Berlin. However, nowadays, it even reaches the shores of the Australian coast, making this a worldwide trend. The founder and long-time yogi, Jhula, claims the practice is fun, and it’s meant to be, but it shouldn’t be taken as a joke.
He remains firm that the philosophies of yoga should be and well-respected. However, the element of beer simply ensures the activity is fun for all. He states that he founded the idea after watching something similar at his last Burning Man festival.
During his classes, certain poses are carried out, such as ‘beer salutation’. There’s also a segment in which beer bottles are balanced on each participants head. Sessions, no matter where they are in the world, tend to last between an hour and an hour and a half. They can also take place anywhere from outdoor areas and studios to the breweries themselves.
However, as you can imagine, there are many critics of this practice. Traditionalists are sceptical, stating that maybe these yoga trends have now simply gone too far? Maybe the original meanings and values are being lost?
Let us know what you think? Have you partaken in a ‘beer yoga’ session? Do you have any thoughts on whether or not these trends have gone too far? Let us know in the comment section below!
The Rig Vedas and other Hindu texts are rich in symbolism. Subsequently, the true meaning of Hindu myths is often misunderstood. This article attempts to enlighten readers somewhat and explain what the eight vasus of the Rig Veda relate to.
In ancient Sanskrit, the name vasu means dweller. The Rig Vedas mention the Vasus are attendant deities of Indra. In the early myths, Indra was the most important of the Gods. In later texts, the eight vasus are described as demi Gods associated with Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu and Indra before him, represent supreme consciousness. Thus the eight vasus are fragments of consciousness that reside within the energy centres of the human body. This will make more sense later when I explain the myth of the eight Vasus given in the Mahabharata.
The eight vasus named in the Rig Veda are given below. Some of their names are changed slightly in the Upanishad Brihadaranyaka and completely in the Mahabharata. Regardless of the change in names, the demi-gods still have the same meanings:
Agni – the primary fire God of the Vedas, Agni is recognised as the principle destructive force in early myth. He was later replaced by the Supreme deity, Lord Shiva who was subsequently promoted to the Trimurti. Agni is both honoured and feared because of his ability to destroy in order to create.
Aha – there is little information about Aha other than he is “pervading.” He is also known as Antariksa in later myths, who is considered to be the “ether” or space God.
Dhruva – means motionless and is the name of the polestar named in ancient Sanskrit literature that is protected by the “Seven Sages” – the chakras.
Dyaus – the Sky God is described as wise energetic and righteous. Together with his consort, Prthivi (Mother Earth) is the Father of other gods and preservers of all creatures on Earth.
Prthivi – Mother Earth, the consort of Dyaus is associated with fertility, reproduction and supporting nature.
Soma – a moon god that provides inspiration to poets and confidence to warriors. He is also a hallucinogenic plant.
Surya – the sun God is known for his vitality and courage. He represents the light of the soul and rides a chariot drawn by seven horses indicating he has ties with the chakras.
Vayu – a destructive wind God that was once a member of the Holy Hindu trinity before being replaced by Shiva. Nevertheless, he is a constant companion of Vishnu and Lakshmi.
The Mahabharata tells the story of how the eight vasus are cursed for stealing the cow of the wise sage, Rishi Vashishta. As punishment they are banished to live on Earth as mortals.
When the eight vasus begged for mercy, the Rishi Vashishta agreed the time on earth for seven of the vasu would be shortened. However, Prabhasa (originally Dyaus), who was persuaded by his wife to steal the cow in the first place would remain on earth to suffer the consequences.
The symbolism within the story of the eight vasus is quite straightforward. The cow represents “divinity” or “wealth” (consciousness in other words), the wife (feminine principle) represents emotional desires and the eight vasus are subsequent energies. The seven energies that return to “paradise” after a short time reflect energy that passes through the chakras whilst Prabhasa is manifesting energy which always remains in Earth.
“He who committed a crime out of desire for his wife will never know the pleasure of a woman. Even without a wife and sons, he will spend his entire life struggling to serve his household. And in the end he will die at the hands of a woman, for his desire for a woman made him turn vasus into criminals.”
The chakras play a pivotal role in distributing energy in accordance with our thoughts, emotions and actions. How energy is distributed impacts on how we feel, shapes our personalities and manifests as our experience of reality.
Therefore, because the eight vasus betrayed Rishi Vashishtas by stealing his cow, they are condemned for trying to obtain an experience born from desire. And oftentimes the actions we perform out of desire betray us and restrict us from obtaining higher consciousness.
Despite Vashishtas leniency to the seven vasus, the brothers appeal to Ganga – the Mother of all Beings – for help. Ganga promises to give birth to them through her womb and free them of their curse in her waters. Ganga drowned the seven vasus and released them, but when she tried to deliver Prabhasa she was stopped by Vashishta’s curse.
Prabhasa’s devotion to his wife (emotions of desire) became his undoing. He is later considered to be the cause of all suffering and the catalyst for the Kurukshetra war.
Great wars in myth represent the battle you must face with yourself – with the demons of your subconscious mind that lead you to temptation. Desire drives us to commit actions that do not serve us. Sometimes we do not even deserve the objects of our desire.
Consciousness has a divine plan for us. We can only reach our true potential by expanding conscious awareness and communicating with our higher conscious self – the gods of myth.
The subtle energies which are represented by the eight vasus help us to attain higher states of consciousness. Wisdom must be kept pure, hence why the eight vasus are described as assistants to Indra and Vishnu.
