Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Heartfulness Magazine March 2017
Heartfulness Magazine March 2017
MINDFULNESS
Heartfulness
Self | Work | Relationships | Inspiration | Vitality | Nature | Children
THE TERRAIN OF
CONSCIOUSNESS
Daaji on the ups and downs of
ever-expanding consciousness
www.heartfulnessmagazine.com
2 Heartfulness March 2017 3
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Heartfulness
Self | Work | Relationships | Inspiration | Vitality | Nature | Children
THE TERRAIN OF
CONSCIOUSNESS
Daaji on the ups and downs of
ever-expanding consciousness
HOW TO STUDY AWE? Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and feel relaxed.
Professor Dacher Keltners findings
on the science of awe and gratitude
Have the intention that all complexities and impurities you have accumulated
THE FRAGILE BALANCE during the day are leaving your entire system. They are going out your back,
OF ECOSYSTEMS
Alanda Greene on snakes from the top of your head to your tailbone. Imagine that they are leaving your
and strawberries
system as smoke.
HEALING THE WOUNDS
OF THE HEART
Remain alert during the entire process, like a witness to the clouds passing
The final part of Dr James Dotys
interview on compassion in the sky. Gently accelerate this process with confidence and determination,
applying your will as needed. If your attention drifts and other thoughts come
to mind, gently bring your focus back to the cleaning.
As the impressions leave from your back you will start to feel light in your heart.
You will feel lightness, so now connect with the Source. Feel the current
descending from the Source and entering your system from the front. It is
flowing throughout your system, carrying away any remaining complexities
and impurities.
To order copies online - You have now returned to a simpler, purer and more balanced state. Every cell
single, 12 months subscription and of your body is emanating simplicity, lightness and purity.
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4 Heartfulness March 2017 5
A 21ST CENTURY
57
APPROACH TO THE Mind
Mindfulness has created an awareness of meditation that is almost ubiquitous, especially across the
developed world and the corporate environment. For many, Mindfulness is a gateway. It invites us to
be present to whatever arises, accepting the ebb and flow of life. By simply being present, observing
the breath, our physical sensations and mental activities, we slowly acclimate to the nature of lifes
INSIDE variability.
Mindfulness is a fusion of Eastern and Western approaches to the human mind. It is practical,
46 and hence has an international appeal. In this issue we feature interviews with two well-known
10 The evolution of Mindfulness Mindfulness proponents, both experts in their fields Dr James Doty, the Director of the Center
for Compassion & Altruism Research & Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, and Dr Dacher
12 The concept of surrender Keltner, the faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
63
16 The principles of fencing
The basic definition of meditation is to think of one thing continuously. As the mind learns to let
22 Between stimulus and response other thoughts float by, we are able to focus on one thought, one goal, in meditation naturally
and without forcing the mind. With so many people worldwide learning how to do this, people
26 Living with the new children are waking up to the possibility of self-acceptance and self-awareness and thus the possibility of
32 The science of awe and change.
26 compassion Every practice has a particular point of focus, leading to differing effects in consciousness. In this
issue, Daaji explores the terrain we cross as we journey through various stations of consciousness
36 Traversing the terrain of within the inner universe. Each station takes us deeper and deeper along the spectrum of the
consciousness subconscious, conscious and superconscious. This journey takes us deep within to the ultimate,
12 absolute potential of all life.
40 Varanasi: purity in chaos
This month we celebrate this universal 21st century approach to the human heart-mind field, from
46 An integrative foundation the outermost thinking faculty of the mind to the innermost potency of the heart. We also bring you
to healing more from Terran Daily on why so many of our children are being diagnosed with ADHD, autism
and other behavioral problems, and how to support them, and from Luke Coutinho and Samara
54 Redefining my life Mahindra on an holistic approach to healing dis-ease. Enjoy!
57 Caulifower, fennel & turmeric
FOR CHILDREN
74
6 Heartfulness March 2017 7
CONTRIBUTIONS
PHOTOGRAPHY
inception in 2015. She has
also designed many books for
Simonne Holm sponsorship and revenue collection rights
vests with the Publisher alone.
Simonne Holm, Honza Krej, Bharath Krishna adults and children, and is responsible for the
Simonne lives in Jutland, All rights reserved. Heartfulness, Heartfulness
design of our magazine website at
Denmark, and is an Alkaline Relaxation, Heartfulness Meditation, Sahaj
WRITERS www.heartfulnessmagazine.com. Uma lives in
coach, chef and mind-body Marg Spirituality Foundation, SMSF, www.
Adrian Cooper, Terran Daily, Elizabeth Denley,
Hyderabad and is married with one daughter. Heartfulness.org, the Learn to Meditate logo,
Alanda Greene, Simonne Holm, Bharath trainer. She has written
Her husband is also part of our technical team. the Heartfulness logo are registered Service
Krishna, Barbara J. Levin ORiordan, Papiguy, Alkaline Smoothies, Juices, Marks and/or Trademarks of Sahaj Marg
Kamlesh D Patel, Divna Shipovikj Soups and Desserts to show Spirituality Foundation. No part of this
everyone just how easy it is magazine may be reproduced in any form or
to stay healthy, rebuild your by any means without prior written permission
from the Publisher.
Volume 2 Issue 3, March 2017 body and improve your overall state.
Simonne practices Heartfulness. The views expressed in the contributions in
this publication do not always reflect those of
the editors, the Heartfulness Institute, or the
8 Heartfulness Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation.
March 2017 9
from European Romanticism, as well as eastern The functions of the mind ego, intellect and
practices and philosophy. In fact, when we thinking all exist within this spectrum of
examine the history, we see an ever-increasing consciousness, but to varying depths. All of them
integration of West and East. Looking further
The Evolution of
work together. As we go deeper and deeper into the
ahead to the 20th century, Thich Nhat Hanhs heart, we move from thinking to feeling, and then
Plum Village in the south-west of France is yet deeper still, beyond feeling to being, to becoming
another example of the way this integration has and eventually unbecoming. Intellect evolves
Mindfulness
molded our modern approach to Mindfulness. to wisdom and eventually to higher ignorance
or innocence. The ego evolves by refining and
identifying with the Infinite, so that it no longer
And the latest evolution in this global movement constricts the personality eventually only the
is the continuation to Heartfulness. When you purest, subtlest identity remains.
dive deep in meditation, you soon learn that
the field of the human subtle body does not
separate mind and heart. One of the foremost So every function of the mind evolves and refines
Yogis of the 19th and 20th century, Ram Chandra as we dive deeper and deeper into the heart, to
of Fatehgarh called the subtle body the heart- uncover the causal level of existence. We can then
mind. His student and successor, Ram Chandra span the spectrum of consciousness, from the
of Shahjahanpur said it in a slightly different way: outermost region of thoughts to the innermost
The heart is the field of action of the mind. region of pure infinite existence, with everything
in between.
T
he Mindfulness Movement is often eastern approaches, various philosophies and thinking observing the presence and processes process into the deeper realms of infinite existence.
thought to have its roots in vipassana, practices, all merged into a modern synthesis that of the mind, although that too has changed, as Transmission opens the inner dimensions of a
Tibetan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. speaks to people of all backgrounds and faiths. everything continues to evolve. These days pure prayerful heart, and that journey is more
The word mindfulness was probably coined by And this has been developing slowly throughout Mindfulness also recognizes the importance of magical than traveling to another galaxy.
the Pali language scholar Thomas William Rhys the world in an incredible way during the last compassion, gratitude, emotional intelligence,
Davids in 1881, when he translated the word sati 200 years. It has been a gradual evolution, which wonder and awe, which are very much associated
as mindfulness. is still continuing today. with the heart. Ultimately, we are all one; and when heart and
mind are not separate in the subtle body of a
Davids explained that sati literally means human being, who are we to separate them in our
memory, but is used with reference to the For example, the Transcendentalists of the worldview? What if we were to let go of words and
constantly repeated phrase, sato sampajno, 19th century in North America also shaped the differences and come together for humanity?
meaning mindful and thoughtful. He elaborated
"The heart is the field of
evolution of modern-day Mindfulness Ralph
it as that activity of mind and constant presence Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Henry David action of the mind."
of mind which is one of the duties most frequently Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott and Walt Whitman,
inculcated on the good Buddhist. among others. They took their inspiration
M
any people are concerned about the described as a moral compass. And for others, many competing opinions about what to do. We lion came and saw what had happened to the
concept of surrender in a spiritual it has to do with the profound sensations that can become depressed, angry or confused. But, lion cub, which was bleating, eating grass and
journey. Why? We fear surrender arise when we see or hear something beautiful. even when we are feeling like that, the higher following blindly. The old lion grabbed the
because we consider it to be a somewhat Self is waiting for us to listen and respond to it. cub by the scruff of its neck and brought it to
abject state submission, giving up a sense a pond, where it could behold its image and
It does not matter what you call this thing,
of self-direction, losing the ability to choose, see that it was not a sheep, but a lion. The cub,
but most of us have experienced it in one Spiritual surrender is simply the act of handing
being enslaved. The alarming example of Jim seeing itself for the first time, emitted a roar.
way or another. It is our eternal companion over our decisions to this higher part of
Jones, who led his followers into group suicide,
something that stays with us all our lives. ourselves. It means having the courage to
leaps into peoples minds. But real surrender
give increasing priority to its requirements. A spiritual masters job is to show us that we are
does not involve any of those things at all.
It starts out as a guest in our hearts, but, at lions. So we surrender to that not to him, or to
When we listen to our higher Self, we usually
some point, the guest becomes the host. Then a life of abject submission, but to the lion within.
end up feeling alive, fulfilled and happy.
our lives, even if unobtrusive, become heroic.
We all have a higher Self. It is hard to say what When we ignore it, it does not go away, but
that is, but many of us feel the presence of simply goes to sleep. It waits for the time Nelson Mandela observed that our fear is not of
something within ourselves that is greater. when we are willing to listen to it again. Sometimes, it is more difficult to discern the voice our lower self, or even of how terrifying the world
For some, it is a palpable presence. For others, of the higher Self. That is because our own desires is, but of how big we really are. When, with the
the higher Self is experienced as conscience interfere with our ability to listen. The voices of help of a spiritual master, we begin to see what
Sometimes, when we ignore the higher Self and
the feeling of uneasiness when we have our desires compete so loudly that it becomes we really are and to love it, we surrender to it
it goes to sleep, we feel heavy. We start to have
done something wrong. For others, it may be hard for us to hear the still, small, inner voice. gladly, no longer afraid
The Principles of Just one year out of graduating from the University of Southern
FENCING
California School of Architecture, I earned my second title as a US
National Champion, and was ranked in the top 32 in the country.
My coach recommended that I promote my Taiwanese heritage on
the international level, as my mom is Taiwanese.
Q How has this step in your life helped you learn about yourself?
Self-discipline helps me complete the goals I set for myself. It gives me the
motivation and willpower to stick to my rigorous training schedule, and
fulfill my responsibilities. Its a quality that keeps me honest with myself,
and with others.
led by
HELLE LAURSEN
Heartfulness
Meditation Webinar CEO of Nordic Compassion
letsmeditate@heartfulness.org
Download on Android or iOS
Saturday, March 18th 2017
7:30 PM IST (India), 10:00 AM EDT (USA), 3:00 PM CET (Europe)
Register at https://goo.gl/06fDMv
Emotional resilience is our ability to bounce back. To readjust our goals, or to set our sails
differently when the wind changes. Its especially the ability to live with an open heart, in
times of adversity and difficulties. An open heart is a key element in emotional resilience,
as well as in a mothers love.
the ability to experience emotional pain with an open heart - without being
overidentified with the pain
tips to strengthen your resilience in the midst of everyday turmoil
how to cultivate acceptance, kindness and compassion
and response
has Mindfulness affected you as a brain surgeon, in routine. And to dismiss it as such is really horrible.
- PART 4 -
being able to be calm in stressful situations? To be present even though were doing something
routine and standard to us is very, very important
because it leads to this sense of calmness and the
JD Im a neurosurgeon and the nature of sense that theyre really being cared for. Again
my job requires a high level of training it shifts them from engaging their sympathetic
}Q & A }
and technological sophistication. Interestingly, nervous system associated with fear and
though, what I tell our students and residents is anxiousness to one of calmness, and this actually
In the earlier parts of this interview,
that while that may be true, the successes that I promotes wound healing and also improves their
DR DOTY explored the evolutionary
have with patients are equally touched by caring physiologic state. We know that certain types
advantage of compassion, aspects
and compassion. And this has nothing to do with of stress, such as profound acute stress, can
of human behavior that relate to
using a scalpel. This has to do with being present lead to sudden cardiac death. So those types of
compassion and collective social
for someone and being there for them. In so many compassionate interactions are important.
issues, and shared some cherished
IN CONVERSATION WITH situations this is profoundly helpful for individuals
memories of the remarkable
DR JAMES R DOTY woman who gave him a helping because it changes the dynamic.
hand up when he was a boy. Now, Remember that a neurosurgeons training is seven
in Part 4, Dr Doty talks about how years after medical school. In the context of what I
he was able to develop compassion do, and this has evolved over time, I try to function
and its impact in his work as a with a calmness and a lightness of spirit that allows
neurosurgeon. me, when something bad happens, not to respond
When you have a sense in a negative way. You hear of surgeons who throw
instruments and blame others. First of all, my
of calm about yourself first response if anything happens is: until proven
otherwise its my fault. This limits me screaming at
and what youre doing, people. And I dont do that, of course. When youre
calm and you dont engage your fear response when
and you dont panic under unexpected events occur, your executive control
function in your frontal area works at its best
stress, you are able to do and this is associated with clear decision making,
creativity and being more productive.
much, much better it is
the cultivation of positive When you have a sense of calm about yourself and
what youre doing, and you dont panic under stress,
emotional states that we you are able to do much, much better. This is true
whether or not you are a neurosurgeon and in all
can do with certain types parts of your life. Negative thoughts and negative
emotional states dont benefit anybody. And it is the
of mental practices. cultivation of positive emotional states that we can
do with certain types of mental practices.
24 Heartfulness
I have seen diagnoses of
LI V I NG W I T H T HE
New
ADHD and autism spiral,
and have encountered
H
ave you noticed how many children now stating that over 75 toxic chemicals have been
are seen as difficult or having special found in peoples blood and urine.
not do. These children have
needs? I certainly have. In my 30+ years
as an occupational therapist, I have seen diagnoses
a hard time fitting in with Coming from another angle, English educator Sir
of ADHD and autism spiral, and have encountered Another theory is that our childrens problems Ken Robinson in the most viewed TED talk of all
an increasing number of children even without are due to the electromagnetic pollution we mainstream education and time Do Schools Kill Creativity? holds that our
these diagnoses who have exceedingly strong experience from high power lines, mobile phones current schools operate on an outmoded, factory
wills, dreamy or fiery temperaments, and definite and phone towers, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens and busy working families. model for education. They are not preparing our
notions of what they like and dont like, will and so on. Other people postulate that watching children for life in a world that has entered an
will not do. These children have a hard time fitting television during the brains formative first three explosion of information, creativity and new ways
in with mainstream education and busy working years predisposes children to ADHD, as the brain of seeing things. Our children are simply bursting
families. I have parented one such child and am becomes accustomed to TVs rapid-fire images and out of molds that no longer fit them, and as the
now a grandmother to another. can no longer tolerate the slower pace of ordinary molds burst, new ways will have to be found. They
life. are inspiring us towards change.
Born after 2000. These are the newest and the least
INDIGO CHILDREN common Star Children. They are openhearted children born
to love and serve. They are often gifted with healing abilities
Born mainly between 1970-1990, with a few early and passionate creativity. These children are completely
scouts. These intelligent and talented children fearless they give affection equally to every living being.
are warrior spirits with high integrity, fiery They have very high energy, strong personalities, and can
determination and no tolerance for dishonesty or appear impatient because they are not accustomed to this
manipulation. They will fight for what they think is world where manifestation of what people think or need is
right and will simply not comply with authoritarian not instant.
demands that make no sense to them.
Wedge, M. 2012. Why French kids dont have ADHD, Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.
com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd.
Q
was really deeply involved in building up the center: Can you share some of your personal
writing, giving talks and workshops, organizing journey? Why are you interested in bringing
programs, editing the online magazine and getting goodness to the world? What fascinates you about
out in the world and speaking to healthcare it?
prvoviders, school teachers and the like. And now,
we have been really lucky to see it grow organically,
such that I am largely in the background, speaking
to people when they need it, suggesting themes for
our offerings, and doing the occasional talk. So it
DK Well, I had counter-culture parents.
My mom was a feminist and literature
professor and my dad was an artist, and they
has been a remarkable growth.
taught me to feel wonder about the world, and to
look at the arts and think about literature and travel
around, and just be wonderstruck by the world. That
The Science of
was really just getting off the ground. There was
no well-developed literature. So 10 years ago
we were involved in building up our content
essays, research briefs, videos, etc. And then, from
that platform of content, we first extended it to
Part 1
Then we built up a broader worldwide reach with
our online Science of Happiness course with
PROFESSOR DACHER KELTNER is passionate about social justice and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, after which we started to
just as passionate about the experience of awe and wonder in daily life. go to the workplace. We held a gratitude conference
How does a professor of psychology study awe, wonder and compassion on work. Emiliana and I do a lot of speaking to
scientifically? organizations, and I think that we will eventually
move to healthcare, where we will build the wisdom
of the Greater Good Science Center into how a
The journey towards infinite consciousness is vast and full of wonder, even
though there are ups and downs. KAMLESH D. PATEL gives us some tips on
how best to be successful on the journey, with the support of transmission and
our own interest.
A
simple process of meditation with yogic transmission can help us
traverse all levels of consciousness. The terrain along the journey
goes up and down, right and left, in all directions. So just as a person
who is not used to walking gets tired journeying across such a rugged terrain,
a person who is not used to the ups and downs of the superconscious and
subconscious states also gets tired and finds it very difficult.
consciousness
We remain awestruck in disbelief at times while witnessing the inner wonders
unfold in front of our hearts eye. With the help of transmission we are able to
move at lightening speed.
And as we move on, after years and years of spiritual practice we realize that
each successive stage is more and more refined and expansive. Then we truly
appreciate the need for a little inconvenience raising its head now and then
during our journey. It is precisely at this time, when we feel uncomfortable
with the inconvenience, that we need to increase our efforts to cross to the
next phase. If we can do that on our own, it strengthens us to cross more and
more spiritual states as we proceed on our journey.
- part 3 - why when you do a detoxification program, for the have that good food, you
next 4 to 5 days you are completely fine. There is
no need to battle with cravings in your mind, using automatically stop craving
In part 3 of this interview, LUKE COUTINHO and willpower to control them, because your body is
SAMARA MAHINDRA continue to speak about not creating that environment. the bad food. Your body
the importance of different foods, lifestyle and
attitude towards holistic living. only craves clean food.
The moment you get that first dose of sugar and
start that bacteria formation, then the cells become
anaerobic, your whole physiology changes and then
you start craving junk.
Q So sugar is still the big baddy! SM I think a lot of people also want to follow
the dietary fads that are current. We are
always looking outside. For example, there are grains
that are no doubt very healthy, like quinoa, but we
LC Absolutely! There is no doubt about that.
Then there is the whole issue of saturated
fats and the cholesterol myth. People have been
all come from rich, ancient cultures with different
kinds of foods that are good for our system, that we
moved away from the oils that were actually are born into. So we look outside, we want to get
managing their cholesterol to using oils that the fashionable healthy stuff, without realizing that
produce more heart disease and inflammation. So what is local is what is the best for us. Many things
everything is coming up slowly. come into play to take us away from that, like the
media.
LC
dont even need a football; they want to play with
you. For this, you need that inner balance. Everyone
that also is not aligned with I dont go by statistics. I believe in science,
but I also believe that the evidence from
needs it collectively to change the way donations
are given and used.
Nature. We are also moving science has delayed healing. For example, if you
take turmeric to someone who knows it works, and
away to more synthetic yet they are told, We dont have enough scientific
evident to validate its use, then we may be denying
All of us need money to sustain ourselves, but it foods than Nature has someone the right to healing. So I refuse to go only
does not have to be used as a way to send out a by science. If I see a treatment is working, I am
wrong message. As a nutritionist, even if I can given us. going to have conviction and it will also work for
afford organic food, I am not going to eat organic someone else. At the end of the day I follow one law,
food alone, because I want my body to be used to and that is the law of Nature. Nature heals. We all
everything that is happening around, and I dont know that if we align our parameters with natural
want to send a false message that we all need to biology then we thrive. If we align the way we eat,
eat only organic food to be healthy. No, you should think, sleep and move with Nature, then anything
be healthy to tolerate all the toxins that we have that is a disease whether you call it arthritis,
around us. Organic food is a small part of the cancer or diabetes tends to start going away.
whole game. And when cancer patients go into
remission, they still have to deal with air pollutants,
and carcinogens in food, water, everywhere, all the If you look at the way our nutrition is misaligned,
time. Make your immune system stronger the right we are doing fad diets that are often extreme.
way with what we have right now. Everything has to be done in moderation. In
addition, we have our food being sold in synthetic
packets, and that also is not aligned with Nature.
We are also moving away to more synthetic foods
than Nature has given us.
SM
Many elderly people today have difficulty getting Yes. It starts with an effort, but there are
simple, basic walking, up and down from a sitting position, because they processes so that you can put this into
have never practiced basic squatting, which is one your life, even in a fast-paced life.
which is the best exercise of our basic movements. Most exercise regimes
today have moved far away from improving such
when combined with Yoga basic movements. Again, it is alignment your sleep
but you wont do what as she said baby steps, one at a time.
LC
peel a cucumber. For that, you dont need a coach Its being able to change someones life
who is going to motivate you. Find your own self- as they get their health back. You see
motivation, and that comes from inner balance as a that that person has a second chance. Thats what
result of meditation. drives and motivates me. And I am passionate about
it. This has not always been my field I followed a
hippie trail and then I worked with corporates as
Unless you have that inner balance, you can have well, and that is part of my journey, and I realized
all the information in the world that already exists, that being an unhealthy GM is not what I want, I
but you wont do what is needed. Inner balance want to fix that problem. Every time I am able to
allows you to say, This life isnt making sense change someones life, even in a very small way, I
anymore. I need to change right now. Then you get feel more joy. I do what I love doing.
the courage to drop things that are based on fear.
The wealthiest people in the world are not happy.
Q
I work with people who are in the Forbes Top 10
worldwide, and there is one thing that they say: No Thank you both
amount of wealth can give us our health back or
take away the pain that we feel every night in our
knees and back.
INTERVIEWED BY ELIZABETH DENLEY
REDEFINING
felt so bad that I decided to do something. I went Ayurveda, the philosophy behind it, the herbs, the
to see an ayurvedic doctor for consultations. He natural remedies, the doshas. I was eagerly reading
advised me about diet. Gave me a list of foods I everything available. I met in person the man behind
should avoid. Prescribed me several ayurvedic Planet Ayurveda, Dr Vikram Chauhan. Spoke with
herbal supplements. It seemed too easy to be true. many patients using ayurvedic remedies. Spoke
M
stronger. With the herbal supplements I felt the
y name is Divna. Breast cancer survivor. DIVNA SHIPOVIKJ describes an integrative
improvement in the third week, just before the next I am very enthusiastic as I know first hand how
Ayurveda believer and enthusiast. Starting model for treating cancer that combines
chemotherapy. My blood results were normal again. effective the Ayurvedic holistic approach to health
a new life. Here is my story: why I decided allopathic and ayurvedic treatments.
After the chemotherapy there was no dizziness or and wellbeing is
to redefine and change my life.
weakness. Walked home on my own. That was the
first sign that the herbs actually were helping me
heal and regain my strength.
30 years of my professional life I passionately
devoted to education. I walked my professional
path enthusiastically from the classroom, through I began my long journey Went for another consultation to my ayurvedic
ministerial offices, to fieldwork, implementing
doctor. This time I had some questions about the
reforms in the education system. I considered of educating myself about herbs, the composition of the ayurvedic products
myself privileged for getting a chance to make a
that he prescribed, about Ayurveda and how to
significant impact and personal contribution to Ayurveda, the philosophy change my lifestyle. I left happy with the answers
education.
and advice he gave me.
behind it, the herbs, the
And then a sudden personal blow. I was diagnosed natural remedies, the I continued with prescribed ayurvedic remedies
with breast cancer. A big tumor with a few
and got much, much better. My oncologist was
metastases. I was devastated. Mastectomy and doshas. surprised by the speed of my recovery and with my
lymph nodes removed. And that was the easy part.
check up results that all came out normal. I knew
Chemotherapy was the real challenge. Couldnt eat,
that I had made the right choice for my health.
I m p e r m a n e n ce
is a principle of
harmony. When
we dont struggle
in harmony with
reality.
PEMA CHODRON
Alkaline-Institute.com
March 2017 57
RECIPE
CAULIFLOWER FENNEL
TURMERIC SOUP
Method
...
RECIPE
Method
Set your wok or skillet over high heat. Add the oil. Add the tofu and spread it into a single layer.
Cook without stirring for about 1 minute, so the bottoms begin to brown, flip to other side.
Add 4 tbsp Braggs liquid amino over top of the tofu, just enough to give it color and flavor.
Place the tofu aside in a plate.
In the same skillet add a little more oil. Add ginger first, then collard greens and last the garlic.
Saut over medium high heat, stirring until tender 3-4 minutes.
Cube the tofu and mix it into the greens and stir over the heat for 1 minute
Topping
1.5 cups freshly cooked lentils al dente Small handful chopped coriander
not soft, 20-30 minutes (cilantro)
Set aside, drain and let them cool down Mix the lentils with coriander
1 tbsp garam masala 1 fresh chili, chopped (option)
1 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil Himalayan salt to taste
even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious
WHY ARE
MOUNTAINS
STILL SACRED?
DR ADRIAN COOPER
A third paradox arises where mountains can simultaneously clarify our thinking as well as confound our
Alongside the paradox of immanence and transcendence is a second paradox:
attempts to understand the landscapes and our responses to them. Toward the end of the eighth century
that mountains inspire both fear and fascination. Whether it is from avalanches,
AD, the Tang poet Han-shan captured this paradox:
landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural terrors, mountains are
undeniably landscapes of fear. And yet, who can resist mountain travel, whether
it is to walk, ski, climb or explore? The Taoist sage Ko Hung captures this paradox
Men these days search for a way through the clouds.
brilliantly in his Pao-pu tzu nei-pien 17.1a:
But the cloud way is dark and without sign.
Or, yet again, seized with panic, he will throw himself into the depths Ultimately, mountains are full of inspiration that is revealed in many ways. Bible black nights near a summit,
of a ravine, trying to avoid the attacks of tigers, wolves and poisonous bathed in moonlight, might reveal looming silhouettes. Equally, overwhelming dramatic volcanic explosions
remind us of our fragile vulnerability against such forces. Each in their way are treasured memories and
animals. One does not venture into the mountains lightly. inspirational in our lives. In all these ways, mountains remain sacred
C
reatures had been eating the strawberries. I dont know where the snakes have gone and I miss
Not only nibbling the bright red juicy fruit them. Even though, no matter how prepared I was
Strawberries
but also chewing at the roots, causing stress to meet one of them lying on the warm stone at the
SNAKES &
to the plant, killing several of them. Root-chewed days end, when the air was getting cool, I invariably
plants were scattered through the bed. started in surprise when I encountered one. A
quick recovery followed and delight in seeing them.
Knowing that snakes are sensitive to vibration, I
regularly talked to them aloud and began to sing to
I suspected voles since, when I lifted the straw
them. Where they had once quickly slithered out of
mulch around the bed, I saw telltale holes dug into
sight, into the foliage of the Echinacea or the sage,
ALANDA GREENE experiences the soft black earth. Chipmunks were the next
they began to move away more slowly, then to stop
the effect a change makes to suspects, with several regularly bounding between
when I hummed or sang.
the dynamics in her garden, the beds as they nibbled beans, raspberries and
and considers how much more young cauliflower. They get away with a lot by
aware we need to be of the being so cute; cuteness might be an evolutionary
decisions we make, and their advantage. Often a snake lifted its head, red tongue flicking,
effect on the Earth. as it tried to find more details about what was
making the sound. Maybe it was singing along.
When I remembered to anticipate a snake in that
Something had disrupted the balance and my hunch
area of the garden and approach slowly, humming
was that the garden snakes had been disturbed. I
or singing, the snake would continue to rest on the
cringed with the realization that the something
rock wall, soothed by both sun and song.
might be me.
A
nice ventilated room is the best way to
breathe every morning, refresh your body
BETSY FELT TRULY FLEIXIBLE.
and mind, and recharge with oxygen.
BUT THEN ...
Adequate oxygen is essential for our health. But Material:
what would you say to adding some natural scent
to your room?
Tea light candles
ARTWORK BY STETC
LEMON FRESH
COFFEE LOVERS
72 Heartfulness
I t was market day in Marvejols, a small town in
the middle of France, when I came across an old
peasant who told me this story. It all happened a
The sisters ran a small school that welcomed
orphans and abandoned children. These sisters
lived very poorly. They had very few resources and
long time ago in a very small village on the plateau their daily life was simple and frugal. Food was hard
of the Margerides, called Serverette. The story to come by but they ensured that each child got
revolves around three young brothers with an at least a bowl of vegetable broth and some black
unusual fate. The little Canfield brothers, Polo, 8 bread. The atmosphere of the house was cheerful
years old, Jack, 10 years old, and Danny, 12 years and warm. The sisters laughed a great deal, and
old, were orphans. After having lost their father passed on their joy of living to the children. The
and mother in a car accident, the three orphans three brothers soon took to this simple life in that
were adopted by a small congregation of Catholic place full of love, in the small village.
sisters called the Daughters of the Heart of Mary.
The atmosphere at the school, which was now the brothers, was joyous, yet there was an underlying
sense of doom for the resources of the sisters were limited. They could not keep children after the age
of twelve, neither could they feed them nor could they support their basic education. The nearest high
school was far away. So, when the oldest brother Danny turned twelve years old, Sister Marie Madeleine,
the mother superior, assembled the three brothers to tell them that she could no longer keep Danny at
school. She had found a place for him in a school of Dominican friars in Montpellier. Polo, the youngest,
threw himself into the arms of his older brother Danny, weeping bitterly. After a few hugs and soft words
of consolation, Sister Marie Madeleine spoke again, I know how hard it is for you my children. May the
will of God be fulfilled and may the best happen to you. Your brother will have to leave in three days. I
will meet you all tomorrow. Sleep well my dears.
78 Heartfulness
Then the days would pass again one after the other, like the wooden horses of the old merry-go-round Polo uttered a cry of enthusiasm and said, Its the It was thin, twisted, the muscles almost gone,
in the Place de Marvejols. This wave of joy would give place to a wave of sadness. Polo sank into his puppy I want to buy! supported by two long metal rods. In the fatal car
nostalgic dreams. Sister Marie Madeleine saw him sad almost all the time. She did not know how to The shopkeeper replied, No, you dont have to accident with his parents, Polos leg had broken
console him and dry his tears. One day she gave him six coins to buy sweets in the neighbouring town of buy this little dog. If you really want it, Ill give it in such a way that even the best surgeons in the
Marvejols. He left gaily on his bicycle, arrived at the gates of Marvejols at full speed. He saw a merchant to you for free! hospital could not repair it.
put a poster on his shop window and on it was written in large letters Puppies for Sale. Polos heart
began to beat fast with excitement.
He questioned the shopkeeper, At what price are you selling these puppies? Polo looked visibly upset, looked at the shopkeeper Polo looked up at the shopkeeper and pointing the
The owner of the store replied, 30 coins. straight in the eye and said, I do not want you to lame puppy said, I cannot run very well myself.
Polo fingered the six coins in his pocket and said a bit disappointedly, I dont have that much. But can I give it to me; it is worth as much as the other dogs, Therefore I can understand this little puppy
at least look at them? and I will pay you the right price. If you agree, I there, and he can better understand me.
The shopkeeper smiled at him and whistled sharply twice. will give you my six coins now, and I will give you The shopkeeper bit his lower lip and tears poked
five coins every month until you have received all his eyes. Then he smiled and said, Son, I hope
thirty coins. and pray that each of these puppies will have such
The shopkeeper replied, But would you not an owner as you. Both of you will become real
prefer to buy this other puppy, who is so beautiful friends. A real friend becomes closer when the
and who can run fast, jumps and plays all the time? rest of the world disappears.
Then the little Polo reached below, pulled up
his loose trousers as high as they could go and
showed his left leg.
Almost at once a dog ran into the shop, followed by five charming, fat little puppies. However on closer
inspection, Polo saw that the fifth puppy was lagging behind. He was limping and walking with great
strain which made him move forward in a zigzag manner. He was panting heavily obviously due to all
the effort that he was making. But his eager eyes were as bright with joy as those of the other puppies.
Immediately, the little boy asked, Whats up with this puppy?
The shopkeeper replied, You see, when he was born, the vet told me he had a hip malformation. He will
limp the rest of his life.
AR
THINK SOL
UJAAS ADVANTAGE
Polo walked away with the puppy in his arms. When Sister Marie Madeleine saw this newcomer
who had restored Polos smile, she succumbed to the situation. Above the door of the elementary
classroom, she wrote: