Linggo, Hunyo 29, 2014

Story: Bridge Or Fence


Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on the older brother’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s tool box.

“I’m looking for a few days’ work.” – he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with?”

“Yes.” – said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor; in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better.”

“See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence –an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge — a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all — and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his arms outstretched — “You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.”

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

“No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother.

“I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but I have many more bridges to build.”

Author Unknown
Source: Academic Tips

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Why Do Obstacles Exist

When we take a look at the ever-wide array of human capabilities and possibilities, we can imagine that it can Easily be all neatly organized into a pyramid (for now, that is). At the bottom are many of us who are known as the 'Average Joe's' of the world. They are the only ones who do what's expected of them and nothing more. They will work the bare minimum in order to provide for themselves and THEIR families and are Easily discouraged in the face of Problems.

Moving upwards in the pyramid will be the folks who are a few steps ahead of the average Joe's, They actually try to go that extra mile in order to better themselves and pave the way to a brighter future. Even though there They attempt greatness once in a while, They can Become discouraged as well.

Then we finally arrive Towards the smallest area of ​​the pyramid, the area that is highly condensed with the great thinkers and talent-bearers of the world. In this section you will find the Einstein's, the Beethoven's, the Martin Luther King's, the Swami Vivekananda's, etc.. of the world, the very men and women who have come to set the bars for the rest of us.

Now if you're like me, you would probably wonder why these three categories do not have to form a pyramid? Why not Such a fairer shape as a square or trapezoid where everything is a bit more evened out? The answer to that question is simple: obstacles .

No matter who you are, where you came from or how much you were born into riches, you are guaranteed to encounter many obstacles and Problems in your life. When the young prince was born Buddha, His father the King did not want him to see or experience suffering at all and so he barred him off Within the royal servants had boundaries and take care of His every last wish. Still he found His way outside of the castle premises and in the face of the biggest obstacle of them all. Easily So we can see that obstacles can not be avoided and that They are naturally attracted to us Because They are Necessary in order to make us stronger.

So what's the difference Between Picasso and your average Joe? One of them forcefully broke all of THEIR past obstacles as if They were paper walls, while the other walked away from THEIR obstacles due to limitations of the mind. Other than that, there are no Differences, both individuals were born with equal capacity to accomplish the tasks Desired.

Obstacles are essentially just filters, THEIR only purpose is to Separate those who have be interested in achieving something and those who actually want to Achieve something. Those that want to Achieve Certain things in life will push past obstacles regardless of THEIR seeming impossibilities and those that are only mildly interested will sadly get filtered out.

If one man can climb Mount Everest, then any man can as well.
"By knowing the nature of a lump of clay, we will all know the nature of clay in the Universe."

The same rule applies to man, if one person does something, so can the other if They try hard enough. So dear readers, the next time you are confronted by an obstacle, remember its true nature. Push forth and Become a giant!

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How Are We All One?

We often hear the spiritual leaders of our time as well as of the past say things pertaining to the universality and oneness of our being with the rest of the beings on earth. However, making such claims as “we are all one”—regardless of the fact that it is true—can be understandably confusing to the inquisitive truth seeker. How can this be? I’m sitting here writing this article, while you are sitting perhaps halfway across the globe reading it. How can we be one? Once you understand the basics of creation, you will easily find the answer.

There are actually two answers to this question—one of them has to do with the soul, and the other has to do with the body.

The Soul

“The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six sense, which include the mind.”
– Bhagavad Gita 15:7
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
– Genesis 1:27

Our souls all belong to the entity called the Super Soul or God. The analogy can easily be understood by looking at an ocean. The waves appear to be doing their own thing, yet behind the tiny wave is the mighty ocean holding a bond that is unbreakable. You cannot take the wave away from the ocean, yet the waves can be viewed individually as though they are separate. The case is the same for the soul. So if I’m one with God, and you are also one with God, then we are both one with each other. Regardless if you are a Mongolian, North Korean, Brazilian, cat, dog or lizard, as long as you have the soul within you (which you do), then we are One.
The Body
It seems as though most people will agree that many of us are One when it comes to our souls, but if you tell them our bodies are the same as well, they will probably think that you’ve gone mad.
What needs to be understood is the process of giving and taking. Everything takes part in this process of giving and taking. The sun gives light to the tree and the tree bears fruit using the power it borrowed from the sun. Therefore there technically is sunshine in every apple you eat (and every other fruit and vegetable). And once you eat it, what happens? Now there is also sunshine in you.

Humans have been coming into existence and dying since the beginning of time, and this has been a cycle of giving and taking in the form of reincarnation. Can you agree with me that our bodies are made of matter? The matter that our bodies are made of are also taking part in the game of giving and taking.

After all, take note of Newton’s scientific law:

“Matter cannot be created or destroyed.”

Therefore what happens to this matter when we die? Maybe it decays and flowers grow from our grave. Perhaps after that a bee will come to collect nectar from our grave flowers and create some honey that you will drizzle into your tea. I don’t mean to gross you out, but I want you to see how everything in this world is so intricately connected.

“The matter that is in my body may have been in yours a few years ago, or the sun or in a plant.”
– Swami Vivekananda

So before you go around being angry at this person or that person, take a minute to stop and consider the oneness that you two share in both body and soul, and let this new awareness guide you to a more positive approach in life.

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Biyernes, Hunyo 27, 2014

How Do Friends Affect Us

It is a well-known fact that everything in this world including you and I are just varying levels of vibration. The slower vibrations are gasses, the medium ones are the quickest moving liquids and vibrations manifest as solids. Even many of the electronics we use daily Require the help of vibrations to function Such as radio waves for your stereo sets and cellular waves for your mobile phones.

It was even demonstrated by scientists earlier in the past century that the reason we can not throw a ball through a wall is simply Because the varying levels of vibrations clash. So to put it simply, this world is an ongoing clash of vibrations, some mingling together well and others not so well. Take for example our mind, it is like a sponge. Have you ever noticed that When an angry person walks into a room that you're in, you can almost feel that They are angry? Sometimes you even Become angry with yourself! You can experience the same intuitive conclusions When people are happy, sad, etc.. as well.

There are some children who grow up in a hostile environment that all life THEIR When They are taken away from it, They are still heavily affected. That is Because of the negative vibrations that Constantly impressed onto THEIR consciousness have taken root and will be much harder to counter. THEIR mind-sponge is filled to its capacity and will Require a big squeeze to start anew.

That is why it is extremely important to not choose who we Spend our time with wisely. Do you ever see bees flying around dumpsters? They would much rather fly from flower to flower to extract the honey. But on the other hand, you never see flies flying around flowers do you? They are always the ones at the dumpster, mixing in with the trash. Don't be a "product of your environment".

Until you are completely spiritually charged, it is advised that you stay away from bad company . In Sanskrit, bad company is Called kusanga. Some of you have be familiar with the word satsanga are priority Means a gathering of truth, or good company. Means Kusanga simply the direct opposite. Anyone or anything that Brings weakness, spiritual indifference, doubt, fear, anger, anxiety, etc.. is Referred to as kusanga. Stay away from these people or anyone that Brings your mood down as best as you can. Even the greatest of us fall victim to the dreadful negativfriendse vibrations.

Only until your mind and consciousness has been crystallized from a lump of coal and into a beautiful rock-hard diamond from the rays of powerful meditation you can enter the realms of kusanga and reform those that once brought you down, by your mere presence.

Friends are wonderful to have and essential to our well-being, but choosing the right ones is much more essential. Do not hang around the crows and vultures wanting your time away; why not fly with the eagles or with the songbirds sing instead?

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Where is the Third Eye

Huwebes, Hunyo 26, 2014

Where is the Third Eye

Meditation is slowly beginning to grow in popularity our mainstream society, and for Good Reasons too; but I would not say for the best Reasons. If you take a drive around your city, you will probably come across Several yoga centers or ashrams where Various forms of meditation is being practiced and taught. This meditation is being used to Reduce Stress and Increase levels peace and happiness, and while science has proven that it can actually accomplish these things, that is not the be all end all of meditation.

During meditation, we close our physical eyes and concentrate inwardly to Achieve a Certain level of relaxation. This calm state of mind and body blesses us with a healthier mind and body Because of two things. One, we are withdrawing our association with our external senses and two, we are unconsciously FOCUSING on our third eye or the minds eye.

Forms Of Yoga

Out of all of the forms of yoga being taught around the world, the highest form is Raja Yoga (Raja meaning king, so the king of yoga). This form of meditation is the only one form needs to Achieve all of the benefits that provides the lower along with the ultimate achievement of God realization. But this yoga can be achieved only once the Third Eye has been opened by a Sat Guru. There are three subtle nerves that run along the spine: the Ida, Pingala, and the shushumna. These three nerves fuse and the third eye and God becomes wide open to us, but again, this process can only be done by a true guru.

"But you can not see Me with your present eyes. Therefore I give you divine eyes to you by are priority Behold My mystic opulence can. "
Bhagavad Gita 11:8

This is the main reason why many of us meditate and see nothing but darkness. Have some claim to see this or that, but that is all just inner visualization and is coming from the sub consciousness versus the divine eye. But then another question arises: how do some people reap some minor benefits of meditation if THEIR divine eye is closed? The divine eye can be compared to a door. Though the door with be closed, if the sweetest desserts are being baked inside, one with stand outside and still smell the goodness. Similarly, even though our divine eye is closed, divinity still leaks outward just enough to attracted us to fall into a meditative state and Further search.

Where is the Divine Eye?

Directly in the center of the brain there is an organ that secretes hormones Such as melatonin, serotonin and DMT our others. This organ is the pineal gland Called, Otherwise known as the physical manifestation of the Ajna chakra; the third eye, the divine eye. This is why when we meditate, we concentrate upon the point that is straight ahead and slightly upwards.

"The light of the body is the eye: if thine eye be single Therefore, thy whole body shall be full of light."
Matthew 6:22

When a Spiritual Master enters your life and Opens the third eye for you, you will then be able to close your physical eyes, turn your mind backwards Towards your physical pineal gland / third eye Metaphysical, and God will flood your consciousness with His almighty, ever-healing Divine Light.

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Why You Should Learn To Be Deaf

Needless to say, it can be very dangerous if you aren't able to hear a car coming your way fast enough to move; and I'm sure there are many other Instances where being deaf can be extremely hazardous. But today I Learned how it can also be a blessing in disguise.

I salute all of the parents of deaf children and deaf children I salute the 100x more, but in this article I wish to show you the advantages that the deaf have over us and what we can learn from them. We can sit here for hours discussing the Negative Aspects of being deaf, but lets focus on the positive for the next few moments instead.

Not being able to hear everyone around you is actually an astoundingly peaceful trait if you not choose to view it that way. Can you imagine all of the garbage that would be filtered out of your consciousness? Those of us that can hear anything and everything are Constantly flooding our sub consciousness day in and day out with the most useless and sometimes detrimental information. All of our lives we hear negative things from people that sometimes leave the biggest impressions in our minds that are extremely hard to get RID of. The deaf do not have to worry about this issue, meaning if the correct seeds are planted into success THEIR minds by Means of vision or imagination, it is almost guaranteed to blossom into something beautiful without any hindrances.

My favorite NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks and I Learned recently that one of the players, Derrick Coleman, had been deaf since he was 3. In a recent commercial, he explained how many people doubted him on His path to Becoming a great football player and how none of this meant anything to him Because he was deaf. He was unaffected Because he could not hear them. If this is not ground breaking to you, I do not know what is.

Many of us do not succeed Because of all the chitter chatter that goes on around us. We listen too much. Listening is good at times but like a Double Edged Sword, it can also be lethal. It can poison your mind into a paralyzed state where success seems impossible.

So what can you learn from the deaf ? Stop listening as much as you do now. Only listen When you absolutely have to. Remain focused and in your own world, do not get thrown around in everyone else's. Do not listen to the couple argue next to you at the grocery store or the lady yelling on the phone at the DMV. Its unnecessary and damaging to your mind as well as your nervous system.

I sincerely hope that I did not offended anyone with this article or sound too insensitive, Because that's not my motive. I just want to show that something positive can be drawn from every situation you can imagine, and while being deaf is not a desirable state, it can sometimes be a blessing in disguise, for instance take Derrick Coleman.


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If You Can Pick An Apple, You Can Realize God

There have been so many God-realized saints and sages that have come and gone. Some still roam the earth, and others have yet to come. Still we find atheists argue that if God exists , why Has not anyone seen him? What a redundant question Considering the thousands who have outwardly is expressed THEIR full-fledged relationships with God, and described him in vast detail. These atheists will then immediately attack back saying these people have gone mad or are hallucinating. What the atheists fail to realized is realizing that God is as easy as picking an apple-They can do it just as Easily as anyone else can.

We are falsely led to believe that the path of spirituality is a hard one, and that climbing Mount Everest is much more feasible than attaining spiritual perfection. Normally these are rumors spread by the spiritual inquisitives who have not attained perfection themselves due to Lack of devotion or what have you, and now reflect THEIR apparent failure outwards. The fact will always remain that the spiritual path is an easy one, only if you want it to be.

If I tell you that there is an apple tree down the block bearing hundreds upon hundreds of apples daily, and all you need to do is pick one apple to attain perfection, you would be all over that idea, would not you? I mean, who would not? That almost seems too easy! But the truth is, it really is that simple. Now you will begin your journey down the block to the Great Apple Tree, but what happens then? You see your neighbor outside with His kids and you stop to have a conversation. Once you are done, you pass by a small lake and decide to take a quick dip, and then dry off in the sun while you smell the fragrant flowers. After that, you find an envelope of money laying across the side of the road and happily pick it up and head to the store to buy your favorite things. These represent all the distractions that we come across on the spiritual path, if you really wanted the apple, you would have Ignored everything else along the way and nose-dived tree.Even your way to that once you get past all of your distractions and you finally reach the tree and Behold the beautiful apple, you will now analyze over the apple and the proper way to pick it. Maybe you've never seen an apple tree before or never picked an apple so you are under the impression that you need some tools to pick it. So now you head to the store again to purchase the tools, and to complicate things Further, you went to the grocery store instead of the hardware store. After running around town and finally finding the tools you were looking for, you head past your distractions once again (being distracted by them a second time) and head to the tree only to have realized that you need a Phillips head screw driver instead of the original flat head that you purchased!

Such is life, and such is the spiritual path. There are so many distractions and over analyzations that we completely miss the simplicity of the task. It is not until many, many lives pass us by and we ripen into old age we realized that we can Easily walk up to the tree and twist the apple right off of the branch and it will gladly break free into our possession.

That is why the spiritual path is easy, and that is also why it seems difficult. To the persevering, Steadfast mind, They will walk straight to the tree and yank the apple off with Finesse and zero stops along the way; but to the complaining, mind unsure, They will get lost a thousand times before They Eventually find THEIR way.


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How Rejection is Your Friend

There is a huge misconception that not only managed to be passed around like a bad cold society, but also has embedded itself in the minds of generations upon generations of individuals as a living truth: rejection is not good and it usually Means that something is wrong with us or the our work. This ideal is wrong in many ways. From the birds eye view, rejection will actually prove itself to be the complete opposite.

Imagine if you were in Orlando and you had to meet a friend in Miami. It was your first time traveling and so you naturally aren't that good with directions. Your friend instructs you to keep to your left When the freeway splits into two but When you reach the fork, His advice completely slips your mind and you keep right instead. You drive for a few miles until your car reaches a road block construction that does not Allow you to go Further, and so the light bulb goes off in your mind and you remember you had to keep left. Confidently, you turn around onto the correct path and arrive safely in Miami.

  • Your goal in life = Miami
  • Your journey = the freeway
  • The correct path = left
  • The incorrect path = right
  • The construction roadblock = rejection

Now with the legend above, read the story again and see what lessons you can draw from it. You will probably come to the conclusions that without the roadblock (rejection), you would have an extremely rough time finding your way as you probably would have kept driving for a very, very long time. Remember, it was your first time traveling. The rejection that was portrayed as the roadblock actually showed you the way.

Now if we go with the ideal that most of society and the media has put upon us, that rejection is negative and Means that something is wrong with us, we would probably be sitting in our car at the construction site sobbing away. That would do us any good? So why do we sob when we are rejected by the things around us everyday? Family, friends, jobs, schools, etc.. reject us all of the time and what do we do? We get depressed; our confidence levels drop; our self ESTEEM is shot. This is not your fault, this is all simply due to the mighty misconception that has been reinforced ten-fold by your ego.

The fact is that rejection is the Guiding Light does not quite show that you are priority way to go, but clearly shows you are priority way not to go.

Start today to reprogram your mind with this newer, much more accurate definition of rejection. How can you do this? Everytime you come across a situation where you are rejected, pause for a moment and thank the universe for showing you are priority way not to go. Imagine what life would be like if you Spent 80 years trying to impress a girl that has absolutely zero interest in you, but she also has never outright rejected you. 80 years will have gone by and you have nothing to show for it! You just completely wasted your life Because rejection was not there to teach you Otherwise. Always remember, rejection is your teacher, friend and Guiding Light!


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