Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Inimical Mysticism
Hatred is inverse Love. This is the rationale of Vidwesha Bhakthi or Inimical Mysticism.
The doctrine of Inimical Mysticism is that the Lord is the doer and the devotee has his rights to question the Lord when he subjects his devotee to suffering !
Yada vairanubhandena martyasthanmayamapi tat
Na tadha bhakti yogena, iti me nischita mati
Not even Bridal Mysticism can get the benign effects of Inimical Mysticism. It is said that Kamsa and Ravana got Moksha earlier than the Yogis who extolled him. In hatred there is more emotional attachment than in love. Kamsa and Ravana were always thinking about their Grand Enemy. That is what the Yogis were contemplating, as they contemplated Being Knowledge Bliss !
Milton began the Paradise Lost by saying
That I may assert Eternal Providence
And justify the ways of God to man !
But then his famous statements through Satan were " It is better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven" and "Eternity so spent in worship paid, to whom we hate". Satan became the unconscious hero of Paradise Lost and Milton could not redeem God with Paradise Regained ! The voice of Satan was Milton's own, craving for liberty and abhorring the absolute monarchy of God !
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Love is greater !
Amongst the Threefold Yog
Wisdom, Love and Action
Bridal Mysticism is the greatest !
Since the Essence of Beauty is Thee
And Self Actualisation comes effortlessly
In Mysticism Bridal, as Love is all in all !
Evam Bhothathaya hi bhakti bi hitho
Yoga sa yoga dwayal
Karma Jnana dwayath bhrisothamatharo
Yogeeswarayair geeyathe
Soundarasya rasatmake thava khalu prema prakarshatmika
Bhaktir nisramameva vishva purushair
Labhya rama vallabha !
Work is worship, duty is divine
One duty is one's Yog !
This be the rationale of Karma Yog
But its effect is distant and far !
Deeply subtle are thoughts Upanishadic
Vedanta is difficult to study
The Absolute Self is inconceivable
By finite and defining Mind !
Philosophic principles like
I Absolute AM, I AM that I AM
Only reality is Self
Are difficult to comprehend !
Hence the most practical
And the noblest
Is unalloyed love for Thee
Which is Bridal Mysticism
Where Self is the lover, Self is the Bride !
Nishkamam niyatha swa dharma charanam
Yath Karma Yogabhidam
Thad doorethya phalam Yadaupanishada
Jnanam cha labhyam puna
Thathva avyakthata sudurga macharam
Chithasya thasmath vibho
Thvat Prematmaka bhaktireva sathatham
Swadeeyasi sreyasi !
Wisdom, Love and Action
Bridal Mysticism is the greatest !
Since the Essence of Beauty is Thee
And Self Actualisation comes effortlessly
In Mysticism Bridal, as Love is all in all !
Evam Bhothathaya hi bhakti bi hitho
Yoga sa yoga dwayal
Karma Jnana dwayath bhrisothamatharo
Yogeeswarayair geeyathe
Soundarasya rasatmake thava khalu prema prakarshatmika
Bhaktir nisramameva vishva purushair
Labhya rama vallabha !
Work is worship, duty is divine
One duty is one's Yog !
This be the rationale of Karma Yog
But its effect is distant and far !
Deeply subtle are thoughts Upanishadic
Vedanta is difficult to study
The Absolute Self is inconceivable
By finite and defining Mind !
Philosophic principles like
I Absolute AM, I AM that I AM
Only reality is Self
Are difficult to comprehend !
Hence the most practical
And the noblest
Is unalloyed love for Thee
Which is Bridal Mysticism
Where Self is the lover, Self is the Bride !
Nishkamam niyatha swa dharma charanam
Yath Karma Yogabhidam
Thad doorethya phalam Yadaupanishada
Jnanam cha labhyam puna
Thathva avyakthata sudurga macharam
Chithasya thasmath vibho
Thvat Prematmaka bhaktireva sathatham
Swadeeyasi sreyasi !
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The 25 Principles of Sankhya
Prakrit Mahat Ahamkara Tanmatra Bhotaan
Api Hridapi Dasakhi Poorusha Pancha Vimsa
Nature
Universal Mind
Ego
The Five Subtle Essences
The Five Great Elements
Heart
The Five Sense Organs
The Five Knowledge Organs
These are the 24 principles of Sankhya. And Purusha, the Absolute Self, is the 25th !
Sanniveso Maya Proktho Ya Kala Pancha Vimsaka
Time is the All devouring Power
Of the Absolute; the foolish Ego
Who is said to be the Experiencer
Is afraid of Time Almighty !
Prabhavan Pourusham Prahoo
Kalameke yatho bhayam
Ahankara Vimoodatma
Karthu prakriti peeyusha
Outside as the all consuming Time
Within as the individual Self
He moves all beings with his Magic
And is the Lord Supreme of the Universe !
Antha Purusha Roopena
Kala Roopena yo Bahi
Samanvethveva sathwanam
Bhagavan Athma Mayaya
The Knower of these 25 princilples is freed from Bondage !
Ithi vividha vibhago muchyathe sow prakritya
Kapila thanu rithithvam Deva hootyanyagadi
So Thou revealed to Thy mother, Devahoothi, in Thy incarnation as Kapila !
Api Hridapi Dasakhi Poorusha Pancha Vimsa
Nature
Universal Mind
Ego
The Five Subtle Essences
The Five Great Elements
Heart
The Five Sense Organs
The Five Knowledge Organs
These are the 24 principles of Sankhya. And Purusha, the Absolute Self, is the 25th !
Sanniveso Maya Proktho Ya Kala Pancha Vimsaka
Time is the All devouring Power
Of the Absolute; the foolish Ego
Who is said to be the Experiencer
Is afraid of Time Almighty !
Prabhavan Pourusham Prahoo
Kalameke yatho bhayam
Ahankara Vimoodatma
Karthu prakriti peeyusha
Outside as the all consuming Time
Within as the individual Self
He moves all beings with his Magic
And is the Lord Supreme of the Universe !
Antha Purusha Roopena
Kala Roopena yo Bahi
Samanvethveva sathwanam
Bhagavan Athma Mayaya
The Knower of these 25 princilples is freed from Bondage !
Ithi vividha vibhago muchyathe sow prakritya
Kapila thanu rithithvam Deva hootyanyagadi
So Thou revealed to Thy mother, Devahoothi, in Thy incarnation as Kapila !
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Jupiter in the 9th gives India victory !
Providence ( Jupiter in the House of Fortune ) saved India yet again. Master Batsman Sachin Tendulkar got Man of the Match Award for his blistering 85, but then he had as many as six lives.
Four Paki fielders let him off, Misbah, Y Khan, Afridi and Akmal. He survived two close calls for blw and stumping. Today was his day.
Let us see the astrological factors.
Yesterday was Dhanishta, his kshema tara or 4th star or Lucky Star. But Dhanishta, which ruled for 57 Nadis ( 23.5 hours ) or right throughout the day was not so good for India or Dhoni. For Dhoni, it was his vipat tara, or adverse star. Hence the nervousness of the Indian spectators and viewers !
For Sehwag, this was his sampat tara or favourable star. Even though he scored only 38, he hit the premier Pak bowler, Umar Gul, for five fours in one over. He hit Gul off his length !
When we analysed, we knew that some factors were adverse and we did remedial measures to overcome those adverse factors. We knew that the Transit positions of Jove and Saturn are benign and so ultimately India will triumph. ( As for me, I fasted in the afternoon, as I badly needed an Indian triumph. I indulged in prayers and meditation right throughout the day and relief came from tension at 1000 PM ).
For Pak, the transits of Jupiter and Saturn are not so benign. Jupiter in the Tenth is Dasame Darika Vadham or adverse for their Ego. Saturn in the 4th is also disconcerting and affected their batting performance in this WC. Not even one Paki batsman had scored a century and they were reckoned formidable because of their excellent bowling !
On 25th, Mars moved over to Pisces, ending some bad luck for India. After then Indian bowling became efficient and fielding improved. Indian fans were afraid that bowlers and fielders might put Sachin & Co down ! But in the QF and SF, Indian bowling and fielding rose to the occasion. The mighty Australians were restricted to 260 in QF and in SF, Pak were bowled out for 231 !
Friday, March 18, 2011
Panic not as Super Moon will not harm Earth !
Now that Super Moon has already harmed ( the tsunami ), it will not harm
furthur !
Here we give the dates of the Super Moon from 1950 to 2050
November 10, 1954
November 20, 1972
January 8, 1974
February 26, 1975
December 2nd, 1990
January 19, 1992
March 8, 1993
January 10, 2005
December 12, 2008
January 30, 2010
March 19, 2011
November 14, 2016
January 2nd, 2018
January 21st, 2023
November 25, 2034
January 13, 2036
To make one revolution of the earth, the moon takes 27.3 days . Since, as the earth has motion and has moved in the heavens, it takes further two days to catch up with the earth. ( Full moon-new moon lunar cycle takes 29.5 days.
The moon's orbit around the Earth is elliptical, and its orbit is inclined at 5.14 deg to the elliptic (earth's path around the sun) with a substantial eccentricity of 5.49 percent (earth's is 1.67 per cent). The Moon at Super Full Moon will be at 217 K kms and at Apogee it is more than 300 K. A difference of more than 100 K kms. The Moon will be Full when it is near Perigee and will appear brighter. Yesterday Moon was a great sight in the heavens.
Jupiter in Pisces will see to that the Earth is not harmed. The Sun Moon
Opposition takes place in Pisces/Virgo and Jupiter is there, posited in
Pisces. Hence we dont see any devastation happening on the 19th in US and
20th in India !
Anyway the Gayathri mantra should be recited for the welfare of humanity !
Jupiter will save Earth
Should one worry about the Super Moon? NO!
The Super Full Moon occurs when Sun is in Pisces and Moon comes diametrically opposite at ( 180 degree from the Sun's longitude ) Virgo. This is the Full Moon, the Pournami of Indian Astronomy.
Now Jupiter in Pisces is the Redeeming Grace. Jupiter, the indicator of Divine Grace will save this planet from catastrophes.
Some devastation has already taken place, as the Tsunami hit Japan on the 11th. Still Japan is in a mess. Burning nuclear rectors , earthquakes and tsunamis ravaged Japan and Japan looks like a devastated area.
Jupiter is the divine planet, the wisdom planet and He will not allow this planet to be destroyed !
It will not be the end of the world, as some Doomsday theorists make out. Vedic Astrology does not support Doomsday theories. The sum total Energy in the Universe is a constant and cannot be destroyed ! So no end of the world !
One need not bother unnecessarily about this phenomenon. There were Doomsday theories that the world was going to end in 2000 ! ( There was one grand father of Pongo Twistleton in Wodehouse, who gave all his shirts and pants to a passerby, saying that the end of the world was coming at 1030 AM sharp ! ).
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Sun Moon Opposition !
The Sun Moon Opposition is called Pournami in Sanskrit, when the Moon is 180 degrees away from the Sun.
The Sun Moon Conjunction is called Amavasya in Sanskrit, when the Moon is conjunt 0 degrees with the Sun.
The Super Moon is a Full Moon. The Super Moon is a term coined by the astrologer Richard Nolle.
Yesterday, there was an earthquake in Japan, measuring about 6 on the Richter scale. Japan is devastated by explosions in nuclear reactors, earthquakes and tsunamis or harbour waves !
In 2005, Tsunami struck fifteen days before the Super Moon date. This time almost one week before.
One has to be wary of this week.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Super Moon Effect ? Tsunamis ?
| JupMerSun | Ket | ||
| Mar | RASI | ||
| Ven | Moo | ||
Rah | Sat | ||
The Lunar Perigee ( when the Moon is closest to earth ) is called Supermoon and is believed to cause earthquakes and natural disasters.
That Moon causes tides is well known and Supermoon may affect tides.
On Mar 19, the Moon will be 221,567 miles from earth, the nearest point in 20 years.
There were Superomoons in 55,74,92 and 2005 and these years were characterised by extreme weather conditions.
Weatherman John Kettley said about the phenomenon on Mar 19th."A moon can't cause a geological event like an earthquake, but it will cause a difference to the tide. If that combines with certain weather conditions, then that could cause a few problems for coastal areas."
Astrologically, Sun will be at 334 degrees and Moon at 143 degrees.
As a remedial measure, the mantra of the Moon Om Saum Somaya Namah can be chanted. Also the Gayatri mantra, as natural calamities affect the psyche of universal humanity !
Om Bhoo Bhuvah Swah
That savithur varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo yo no prachodayath
Some astronomers, who decry Astrology, says there wont be much problem during this phenomenon of Extreme Super Moon.
We are giving the Anti Thesis ( to the Astrological Theory of Lunar Perigee) here, the opinion of Pete Wheeler of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy.
Wheeler stated, "(The Earth will experience) just a lower than usual low tide and a higher than usual high tide around the time of the event, but nothing to get excited about."
"Remember in the past, planetary alignments were going to pull the sun apart. It didn't. Astrologers draw a very long bow most times. Normal king tides are about all I would expect out of this Super Moon prediction," he added.
The Web world is in fact, influenced by the Super Moon phenomenon and this is very much evident in Google trends, a public facility of Google Inc, based on Google Search, that shows how often a particular search-term is entered relative to the total search-volume across various regions of the world, and in various languages.
Within a few day, the Earth could be headed for a big showdown. Some experts also claimed that huge storms, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters will occur on Saturday, Mar 19. On the very day, the moon will swing around Earth more closely than it has in the past 18 years.
Extreme Super Moon is the term coined by those who are well versed in the Art of the Nine Revolving Heavens ( Astrology ).
Extreme Super Moon is the term coined by those who are well versed in the Art of the Nine Revolving Heavens ( Astrology ).
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Favourable Saturn and Jupiter makes Sensex rise !
The Sensex rose, when the FM announced that FII investment is welcome in Mutual Funds. This will pave the way for billions coming in to the mutual funds sector.
The Sensex rose 623 points yesterday, an inordinate rise. Experts feel that more dollars will find its way into the Indian stock market.
The Budget was said to be populist, but it will not hurt Industry. It comforts the middle class man ( IT limit increased to 1.8 lk ) and Industry.
On the whole, an industry friendly budget and the initial euphoria has led to the inordinate rise of the Sensex !
The FM has done a balancing act, he has to please both Industry and the Common Man.
Ridham Desai, the MD, Morgan Stanley India, said that the move to allow global investors in mutual funds is very positive. Another positive factor is the infra spending of 27% more. He expects a positive impact of 50-60 bps on earnings. He expects the markets, Sensex and Nifty, to perk up by a furthur 20%.
"I think the budget was okay, there was nothing bad in the budget. I guess market expectations were a little bit on the lower side. So, I think there is a sigh of relief that there is nothing untoward in the budget.
I think he has done a decent balancing act. There were a lot of constituencies to serve. I think there is a bit of skepticism on the numbers, maybe the revenue side is a tad aggressive and on the subsidy side, he has been maybe a little bit too aggressive on the downside. So, maybe eventually he is going to have a tough fight on his hand to meet these numbers.
But apart from that, I think there were a few positive takeaways, which the market I don’t think has immediately paid attention to, I don’t see a lot of investors have paid attention to it. This whole thing about the Nandan Nilekani Committee is a very positive signal. The move to allow foreign individuals to invest in domestic mutual funds is positive.
I think there is a fair bit of infrastructure. If we look at the split of expenditure, he is budgeting for a 27% increase in infrastructure spending. Now, in a budget where overall spending is rising 3.5%, that is a huge skew towards a particular sector in terms of spending. Ofcourse the skeptics will come back and say but he didn’t do it last year, he had spending increased last year and he underdelivered. But the fact is that he has chosen to discriminate all his spending basket. He has picked out infrastructure for his spending, which I think is the key area where we need the spending.
So, he is doing the right things. Now, it is all down to execution. It is easy to stand up now and say, “They will not execute and be skeptical about it.” I think the other way of looking at it, which is my way of looking at it, is we will see we will wait and watch and give them the benefit of doubt right now and come back late to check whether the executions have happened or not. So, I am reasonably okay with the budget. I think it is pretty okay for the market."
"The market interest rates, to me, at various levels look like we are almost done. The only caveat here is what happens to oil. In 2008, when oil went up, we responded with the very sharp increase in rates. If oil does go up to USD 130-140 per barrel then that may have some implication on short-term rates. Otherwise, I think deposit rates we are mostly done, lending rates may go up a little bit. The RBI definitely needs to move a little bit maybe another 75-100 bps over the next nine-twelve months, but not a lot left on short rates. I think we are dealing with almost peak rates across various market interest rates."
We had said in our columns that India is running a good time, astrologically. Jupiter in the 9th and Saturn in the 3rd are both favourable. Period wise, India is running Sun Dasa/ Rahu Bhukthi. The ICTT Terminal at Vallarpadam became operational during this phase. Vibrant Gujarat mopped up 450 billion during this time. The Sensex is going up, thanks to the govt allowing global investors to invest in the mutual funds sector. Bullish news will come in during favourable times and during unfavourable times, bearish news ! The markets normally go down after budgets. But this time, due to the pragmatism of the FM, it is otherwise !
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Jupiter in the favourable Ninth brings good news !
FDI in Retail has been advocated by the Economic Survey of 2011. There can be private participation in the social sector.
It is good that the farm sector has clocked in 5.4% growth. Forex reserves at $297 billion. The foodgrain production has gone up to 232 million tonnes.
With the financial planet, Jupiter, in the favourable House of Fortune, this good news has come in.
As food prices rise, there is an imperative need for immense investment in the agri sector. It is due to the good performance of the agri sector that the economy has clocked in 8.6% growth.
The survey calls for a second green revolution. As the world is undergoing a Food Crisis, the solution is to upgrade agriculture so that India becomes the granary of the world.
As far as the stock market is concerned, every correction is good.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Mars and Cricket Astrology
In Cricket Astrology, Mars is the planet of Cricket and the 3,6,7 and 11 houses are very important.
The Third House signifies ability, courage, hands, energy, fitness, mental strength, intelligence. The Sixth House represents enemies, victory, action and competition. The Seventh House represents the opponent. The Eleventh House represents fame, gain, fulfillment of desire, ambitions, profits, wishes and desires.
Sagittarius represents ground playing games and the Signs which trine Sag like Leo and Aries also become significant. Aries is the natural Ascendant of the Cosmic Man or Kalapurusha and Leo, the sign of sports and games.
Mars represents the organising ability, administration, competition, determination and energy ( sathvam kujo ) . Mars is the most important planet in Cricket Astrology and you will find powerful Mars in the horoscopes of Cricketers. The power of 3,6,7 and 11 Houses also denote cricketing success.
Mars is in the 7th House in Aries, forming Ruchaka Maha Yoga, in the horoscope of Kapil Dev.
Mars is exalted in the horoscopes of Wadekar, Gavaskar and Tendulkar.
Mars is powerfully posited in Scorpio in the horoscope of the Wall ( Dravid ).
In Ganguly's horoscope, Mars aspects the 6th and 7th Houses.
Mars tenants the Ascendant in Srinath's horoscope.
Mars is powerfully posited in the 3rd in Sehwag's horoscope.
Mars aspects the 5th House, in Yuvraj's horoscope.
Mars is powerfully posited in own sign, in C K Nayudu's horoscope.
Mars is placed in the 5th, in Leo, in Bradman's horoscope.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Aquarius Rains !
Yesterday it rained heavily for more than two hours. Started from 0600PM and lasted till 0830 PM.
There is a saying in Malayalam " Kumbha mazhayil kathirum pookam " - that anything will sprout during the summer rains in the sidereal months of Aquarius.
Temperature may rise to more than 40 degrees win the sidereal months of Aquarius ( Kumbha ) and Pisces ( Meena ).
Kerala receives more than 400 mm rains during the summer. This comes as a big relief from the blistering heat. And when Kala Varsha ( South East Monsoon ) comes, people welcome it as a merciful release, even though it can wreak havoc on the "rural infrastructure" !
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Jupiter in Pisces augurs well for Indian Cricket
| JUP | KET | ||
| MARMER SUN | |||
| VEN RAH | MOO | SAT | |
Till May 6, Jupiter will be in Pisces, in the 9th. The World Cup, therefore, will take place when Jupiter transits the 9th. Saturn will be in the favourable third. The only negative factor is that Mars will be moving over to the 8th, on 20th March. So things are looking good for India ! There may be slices of bad luck after 20th March.
Jupiter was in the Fifth, a favourable house, in Scorpio when India won the 1983 World Cup.
Imran Khan, the former Pak skipper, was on TV yesterday contradicting Petersen's view that the WC longish schedule is negative.
On the other hand, it is positive, he feels. The greatest threat a team can face is injuries. He cited the example of the Pak defeat in the 1987 final, when their 3 major players were injured.
Now India is also smarting from injuries. Praveen Kumar is flying to England for treatment and Sreeshant may be roped in. Asked about Sreeshanth, Imran said that Sreeshant is not a bad replacement. His oustwingers are excellent.
About the Pak skipper problem, Imran said that Misbah does not have adequate experience. The World Cup will be fiercely competitive, and Misbah simply do not have the experience to handle tough situations, which may arise. Misbah did play well yesterday, scoring 93 no and winning the match for Pakistan.
Imran said India are favourites and Sri Lanka are second favourites. But he warned that Pakistan can be the dark horse. Pak may enter the semis, upsetting the theory that Sri Lanka or SA, Australia, England and India may reach the semis.
Dhoni said he will convert pressure into responsibility.
There is a theory that India in 1983 had nothing to lose, as they were written off as underdogs, and hence they performed well, as they played without pressure. They were not a star studded side, like the present one, and was a team of bits and pieces players. Bits and players players are players capable of taking one or two wickets, and can score 30/40 runs. Not people who score 200 not out !
The present Indian team is star studded, with a lot of watchwinners. Sachin is the top scorer in ODIs with 200 no against SA, we have Yuvraj who created a record in the T20s by hitting six sixes in an over ( overtaking Sobers' and Shastri's performances, which was only in county cricket ), an explosive batsman in Sehwag and a blitzkreig batsman in Y Pathan. More experienced is this team than the 1983 squad. The only enemy India will face is pressure. As Trevor Bailey used to say " It is the situation". It is pressure which will be the no 1 enemy. Look at Pathan's last innings. When India were 113/8, the game was almost over. And Yathan played without any pressure. When he scored a hundred with 8 sixes and 8 fours, then pressure crept in. There was a chance for India to win and then when pressure came, he got out, giving the match on a platter to the South Africans !
It is easy for Dhoni to say he will change pressure into responsibility. If Indian players do not perform well, they would have let the 1 billion Indians down. They are playing before a 100,000 crowd, watched avidly by miliions of cricket crazy Indians. There is tremendous pressure on all teams, but more on India. When everybody thinks that India is favourite, pressure becomes enormous. But then, India are on their home ground and home ground advantage can be benign !
India's strength lies in her spinning allrounders. Yuvraj, Pathan, Sehwag, Sachin, Raina all can bowl and they are fairly well experienced. Another factor in their favour is the position of the heavens. Jupiter in Pisces is in the 3rd in India's national horoscope. Saturn in the 3rd is a redeemer !
India is currently placed 2nd in ODIs, ICC Rankings. Retaining that spot brings in another pressure situation ! Complacency should be avoided at all costs and anything can happen in one day cricket. Most of the teams are more or less equal. Australia, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka can stage upsets at any time. They have better fast bowlers than India !. ( Allan Border is of the view that Aussies with three genuine fast bowlers will lift the Cup )
It is to be noted that this will be Sachin's last World Cup. He has created all records except one. He is not like, like Kapil Dev, a member of the WC victors ! What greater gift can be there than consecrating the WC to Sachin Tendulkar ?
Imran Khan, the former Pak skipper, was on TV yesterday contradicting Petersen's view that the WC longish schedule is negative.
On the other hand, it is positive, he feels. The greatest threat a team can face is injuries. He cited the example of the Pak defeat in the 1987 final, when their 3 major players were injured.
Now India is also smarting from injuries. Praveen Kumar is flying to England for treatment and Sreeshant may be roped in. Asked about Sreeshanth, Imran said that Sreeshant is not a bad replacement. His oustwingers are excellent.
About the Pak skipper problem, Imran said that Misbah does not have adequate experience. The World Cup will be fiercely competitive, and Misbah simply do not have the experience to handle tough situations, which may arise. Misbah did play well yesterday, scoring 93 no and winning the match for Pakistan.
Imran said India are favourites and Sri Lanka are second favourites. But he warned that Pakistan can be the dark horse. Pak may enter the semis, upsetting the theory that Sri Lanka or SA, Australia, England and India may reach the semis.
Dhoni said he will convert pressure into responsibility.
There is a theory that India in 1983 had nothing to lose, as they were written off as underdogs, and hence they performed well, as they played without pressure. They were not a star studded side, like the present one, and was a team of bits and pieces players. Bits and players players are players capable of taking one or two wickets, and can score 30/40 runs. Not people who score 200 not out !
The present Indian team is star studded, with a lot of watchwinners. Sachin is the top scorer in ODIs with 200 no against SA, we have Yuvraj who created a record in the T20s by hitting six sixes in an over ( overtaking Sobers' and Shastri's performances, which was only in county cricket ), an explosive batsman in Sehwag and a blitzkreig batsman in Y Pathan. More experienced is this team than the 1983 squad. The only enemy India will face is pressure. As Trevor Bailey used to say " It is the situation". It is pressure which will be the no 1 enemy. Look at Pathan's last innings. When India were 113/8, the game was almost over. And Yathan played without any pressure. When he scored a hundred with 8 sixes and 8 fours, then pressure crept in. There was a chance for India to win and then when pressure came, he got out, giving the match on a platter to the South Africans !
It is easy for Dhoni to say he will change pressure into responsibility. If Indian players do not perform well, they would have let the 1 billion Indians down. They are playing before a 100,000 crowd, watched avidly by miliions of cricket crazy Indians. There is tremendous pressure on all teams, but more on India. When everybody thinks that India is favourite, pressure becomes enormous. But then, India are on their home ground and home ground advantage can be benign !
India's strength lies in her spinning allrounders. Yuvraj, Pathan, Sehwag, Sachin, Raina all can bowl and they are fairly well experienced. Another factor in their favour is the position of the heavens. Jupiter in Pisces is in the 3rd in India's national horoscope. Saturn in the 3rd is a redeemer !
India is currently placed 2nd in ODIs, ICC Rankings. Retaining that spot brings in another pressure situation ! Complacency should be avoided at all costs and anything can happen in one day cricket. Most of the teams are more or less equal. Australia, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka can stage upsets at any time. They have better fast bowlers than India !. ( Allan Border is of the view that Aussies with three genuine fast bowlers will lift the Cup )
It is to be noted that this will be Sachin's last World Cup. He has created all records except one. He is not like, like Kapil Dev, a member of the WC victors ! What greater gift can be there than consecrating the WC to Sachin Tendulkar ?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Climate Change in Kerala felt
Climate Change, wrought about by Global Warming, has had its impact on Kerala.
The Solar transit of Alpha Aquilae is on. From Feb 6th onwards, the Sun will transit Alpha Delphini ( Dhanishta or Avittam ).
The longish North East Monsoon, and the retreating coldness which came later, saw the temperature rise in Kerala. Now it is 35 degree Celsius. In Palghat, 38 degrees were recorded.
Cold ocean winds reduce the heat. These winds have started operation quite earlier than last year.
Hot air rises high in the atmosphere and the cold winds from the ocean fill this void. These winds are there from 1100 AM onwards, coming from the Bay of Bengal. These winds reduce the temperature of the land.
Intense heat is beginning to be felt in Trichur and Palghat. Irrigation has been started in agri lands and this time it was started earlier than usual. Normally irrigation start from the sidereal month of Sagittarius or Dhanus ( from 15 Dec onwards ).
Even though rains have been above the average last year, still potable water problem will persist. From the latter half of February onwards these winds will retreat, making Kerala a very hot place ! Palghat may record heat more than 40 degrees Celsius ( the highest temp recorded last year ).
It is relief for Keralites that the dusty Palghat winds have not strengthened now. Diseases are propagated by these winds.
The current climate - because of the longish monsoons - is favourable for mango trees now. But then if the winds acquire more power, tender mangoes and flowers will fall.
There are reasons for the premature heat experienced now. Climatic changes and the changing rhythms of Kala Varsha ( South West Monsoon ) and Thula Varsha ( North East Monsoon ) are the causative factors. The South West Monsoon exited only after 27 days than normal. The North East Monsoon gave rains till the 15th of December.
Once the rains retreated, cold climate was felt till mid Jan.
Rising temperature has been reported in Kerala. The annual temperature is rising, according to the stats from Trichur, Trivandrum and Kottayam centers. The temp of the water on Trichur paddy fields in now 35 degrees Celsius. The normal temp is 30 degrees.
The summer rains which come in March and April keep the temperature stable in Kerala. Heat comes down in the rain falling areas. But then this will not solve the potable water problem. To the drinking water problem, Rainwater Harvesting has been recommended as the solution.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A Journey through the Six Seasons of India
The sidereal months of Sagittarius and Capricorn constitute Hemanta Rithu. The coldness has not left Kerala. This Hemanta Rithu will be there till the 12th of February.
Sisira Rithu, the sidereal months of Aquarius and Pisces, is very hot indeed. It normally starts from the 13th of February to the 13th April ! During this sixth season of India, hot spells are normal and more than 100 people perished last year due to sunstroke.
Now it is still cold in the morning and even during midday. No need for air conditioners during this season.
Evening is also characterised by cold winds. The Sun will be transiting Sravana, Alpha Aquilae, initiating Thiruvonam Njattuvela tomorrow.
Amongst the six Rithus or seasons, Vasanta ( Medam & Edavam ) is comparitively less hot, Greeshma ( Gemini and Cancer ) and Varsha ( Leo and Virgo ) are rainy seasons, Sarat ( Libra and Scorpio ) is less rainy, Hemanta ( Sagittarius and Capricorn ) is cold and dry and Sisira ( Aquarius & Pisces ) is very hot indeed !
Correspondence between Music and Art
Herbert Read knew the correspondence between Music and Art. " All Art tends to Music", he averred. Human beings are inseparable from their surroundings. It so happens that dusk, dawn, the season, the nature, the lightning, the thunder - all these affect the mood of Man. This mood gives rise to Rasa and every possible Rasa in connection with these circumstantial surroundings has been found to be conveyed through Raga. The world of Ragas, therefore, has all the variety of Life and experiences of Man. This is so true of Indian Music. Seasons or Rithus are a dimension of the vast game of Life and Creation !
The Six Seasons of Indian Philosophy are ruled by Planets
For instance,
Vasanta Rithu is ruled by Venus
Greeshma by Mars and Sun
Varsha by the Moon
Sharath by Mercury
Hemanta by Jupiter
Sisira by Saturn
The Law of Correspondences state that the Six Seasons are related to the six Chakras, according to Kundalini Yoga. The Highest Chakra, the Sahasrara, the Thousand Petalled Lotus, is beyond Time and transcends everything. The lower six Chakras get mildly activated during the six seasons -
Ajna Chakra in Vasanta
Vishuddha in Greeshma
Anahata in Varsha
Manipura in Sharath
Swadhistana in Hemanta
Muladhara in Sisira

Sisira Rithu ( Kumbha & Meena ) is also the mango season, when mangoes are plenty in Kerala. Mangoes are used in Fish curry, in pickles and in all curries. Mango is a substitute for tamarind in curries. Mango pickles are of many types. Tender mangoes make excellent pickle and are known as Vadu Mango Pickle. Cut Mango pickles goes by the name Chethu Manga. Mangoes are dried and pickled. Ripe mangoes are eaten. With red chilli poweder, ripe mangoes are an excellent dish. Special type of pickle comes from Andhra known as Avakkai.
Tender mangoes are also pickled in brine.
India leads in the production of mangoes. 13.5 million tonnes. China is second at 3.7 million tonnes. Mango is a fruit indigenous to the Indian subcontinet and is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines. The word mango is derived from the Malayalam manga .
Widely used in Cuisine, chutneys are made from sour, unripe mangoes. Mango Lassi, a popular drink in S Asia, is made by mixing ripe mangoes, curd and sugar. Mangoes can be eaten raw with salt. A cooling summer drink called panna comes from mangoes. Green mangoes can be used as mango salad with dried shrimp and fish sauce.
Mango is rich in phytochemicals and nutrients. Also vitamins and minerals. The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E compose 25%, 76% and 9% of the DRI ( Dietary Reference Intake ) in a 165 gms serving. Mangoes also contain Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, B vitamins and other nutrients.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Lowering Hyperacidty
There are many who suffer from Hyperacidity. The causes are many. Too much intake of acidic foods and stress. There is an emotional center in the brain which stimulates the oxintic cells in the stomach to secrete Hydrochloric acid. So tension and stress are some of the main factors.
The ratio of Alkalinity and Acidity in the body physiologic is 80:20 and when the ratio of acidity is more than 20%, we have the condition of Hyperacidity. Hyperacidity may lead to ulcer and it is time we reduced this threat of ulceration.
It is time we adopted some prophylactic measures to combat this threat. Hyperacidity intially manifests as gas trouble. Antacid tablets can give temporary relief to gas trouble, but then the entire disease can only be overcome if the body is made more alkaline. Increase the alkalinity of the body by taking in alkaline foods. Optimum health is in an alkaline body.
The virus H Pylori thrives in acidic environment. So the first step is reducing acidity in the treatment of ulceration.
If we alter our food habits, we can get relief from hyperacidity. Prevention is better than cure. The body needs both acidic and alkaline foods and we should be careful to preserve the 80% alkalinity and 20% acidity of the body.
The acidity of blood should be 7 Ph ( Potential of Hydrogen ). Overacidity affects the body's systems adversely. Alkaline reserves are there in the body physiologic and during the condition of hyperacidity, these alkaline reserves will be stolen. This will weaken the body, as reserves of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium will be depleted. If this process continues for a long time, our organs will be considerably affected.
So, in order to maintain the 80-20 Alkalinity Acidity balance, we give below a list of acidic and alkaline foods. Pls incorporate more alkaline foods for optimum health. Knowledge is prophylactic and is Power ( Scientia est Potentia ).
Without Health, even Wealth and Wisdom become zero !
Foods which reduce Acidity
Vegetables like garlic, beet root, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, melon, brinjal, mushrooms, onions, pumpkin, spinach, radish etc are food that will reduce hyperacidity.
Fruits like mangoes, papaya, apricot, butterfuruit, dates, cherry, grapes, orange, lime, pineapple, tomato, pumpkins, berries, almond.
Herbal tea, green tea, cardamom, ginger, coconut, lime juice etc. The citric acid present in lime leaves an alkaline ash. Lime is full of vitamins and minerals. Two glasses of Lime juice, along with 12 glass of water intake, is ideal.
Foods which foster Acidity
Sunflower oil, barley, corn, beans, potatoes, bread, chicken, cakes, coffee, eggs, mutton, green peas, soya bean, rice food, fish, sugar, tea, milk, beef, pork, tuna, groundnut, alcoholic beer, wine, soft drinks, noodles, neutrasweet etc.
In vegetables, organic acids along with sodium and potassium will be more. These element increase the alkalinity of the blood. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium will increase alkalinity while Sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine will foster acidity.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Yoga Tourism
Yoga Therapy has been hailed the world over. Yuj means to unite and Yoga is Union with the Absolute Being.
Yoga is the Science of Man !
Know then thyself, presume not God to scan
The proper study of Mankind is Man !
Placed in the isthmus of a middle state
A being rudely great
With too much knowledge for the sceptic's side
And too many weaknesses for the Stoic's pride
He hangs between !
Yoga is a systematic study of man in his threefold aspect, as Mind, Body and Self. It is the Arts Artium or the Art of all arts and the
Scientia Scientiarum, the science of all sciences. It is based on hoary Indian wisdom and culture and is the art of living a
healthy, contented, balanced and peaceful life.
The Eightfold Path of Yoga is
Yama Conditional personal and social behaviour, according to Yogic Law
Niyama Attitutue under Yoga norms
Asana Physical Body discipline
Pranayama Breath Control
Pratyahara Senses control
Dharana Concentration
Dhyana Meditation
Samadhi Transcendental Consciousness
The first five are called Hatha Yoga, as it is culturing the physique. The last three are called Raja or Regal Yoga, as it deals with the culturing
of the psyche. The first Five represent the Psychosomatic Approach and are referred to External or Bahirangi Yoga. The latter three affects
the psyche and are known as Internal or Antaranga Yoga. It is to be noted that the Internal Yoga cannot be done without doing the External Yoga, as
purification of body is a prerequisite for Self Actualisation. " Sareeram Adhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam", the body is the vehicle for Redemption !
Yoga and TM trigger the Relaxation Response and relaxes you completely. Gone are the strains and the stresses of relativistic life.
The physical exercises called Asanas combats stress and keeps the body flexible.
The three physical states of Doing, Thinking and Being are highlighted in Yoga. All that we see is nothing but Universal Matter or Energy, the
Adhibouthika aspect of Relative Being. All minds together is the Universal Mind and this is the Adhi Daivata aspect of the Supreme. These are
all the manifestations of the Unmanifest and this is Brahman, the Absolute, transcending all relativities
The destructible aspect is called Adhibootha
He who tenants the body, the Purusha, is Adhi Daivata
Being Absolute is Brahman called
These three are the triune states of Being. ( The Song Celestial, the Geetha )
We can transcend all relativities and reach the Absolute Self, via this great Science of Cosmic Union. This is the union mystica, envisaged by the mystic traditions of all other countries
Some of the Yoga Centers in Kerala which you can visit on Kerala Tours are
Transcendental Meditation Center, Poonkunnam, Trichur
Atmadarshan Yoga-Dhama - Ayur Health Center Fort, Vanciyoour, Sreekaneteswaram & Taycaud in Trivandrum - Dr D Sreekantan Nair Email intyoga(at)yahoo.com
Yoga Holidays at Edakkad Beach Houses, Edakkad Village Beach, Kerala. Email pam(at) bodybalancefunction.co.uk
Hatha Vidya Gurukulam - Neernamukku, Vadakkethara, Pazhayannur, Trichur, Kerala.
International Vasishta Yoga Research Foundation - Calicut, Kerala, S India, 673010. vaiyoga(at) yahoo.co.in
Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala, 685612
Kasi Yoga Anushtana Kendram, Tulasivanam, N Kurakkanni Jn, Varkala. kasiyoga(at) gmail.com
School of Shanti Yoga, TC 15/1572, M P Appan Road, Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum 695 014, Kerala. santhischool(at) yahoo.co.in
Sivasoorya Divine School of Yoga, Surya, Vellayani PO, Kerala. info(at)sivasoorya.org
Thulasidalam School of Yoga, Tulasidalam Sree Rama Yogashram, Thelliyoor PO, Near Thiruvalla, Kerala. indiayoga(at)gmail.com
Yoga Vidya Peetham, Varkala Beach in Kerala during winters and Dharmasala during summers. info(at) hathayoga-meditation.com
Sivananada Yoga Vedanta Centre in Trivandrum;
Kollam Yoga Kendra, Uilyakoil, I
deal Yoga Centre Manaltheeram Yoga Centre,
Jawahar Balabhavan and Holistic Eastern Advance Research Temple (Heart) in Kollam;
Prajapathi Yoga center, Kacheripady,
Life Yoga Center, Edapally, Adithya Yoga Institute, Thrikkakara,
Pathanjali Naturopathy & Yoga Clinic, Kaloor
Kerala Yoga Centre, in Kochi, Kerala India.
You can visit these centers and feel the holistic positive energy. Enjoy the healing, divine touch of Yoga.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Climate Change and Astro Meteorology
Successive draughts, intense cold climate and floods have ravaged Bolivia. Let us hope that Kerala will not go the way of Bolivia !
That Bolivia is going towards a major Food Crisis has been highlighted by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of UN.
16000 cattle, 24000 hectares of wheat, corn fields etc will perish in Bolivia. Bolivia will not be able to absorb this crisis of a high magnitude. One fifth of Bolivia is stll reeling under the impact of Climate Change. FAO warns that all natural calamities except cyclones will have to be faced by Bolivia.
The agriculturists are always affected by Climate Change. Traditional agriculture gets destroyed by intense rains or drastic draughts. The agriculturist lives in debt and dies in debt. He is forced to stop his agriculture or fall into the debt trap !
That which is happening in Bolivia may happen in India and Kerala.
Normally Libra rains start in the evening, drizzle at night and before dawn stops raining. Now the climate patterns have changed and intense rains destroyed 5000 acres of paddy fields this season ! All seeds were destroyed and Keralites had to go to Madras to get the seeds. If the earlier patterns were followed - bright sunny days after the intense downpour - then the water would have drained itself from the paddy fields.
Heat also has changed its patterns. It is now 40 degrees at Palghat and the lowest temperature recorded is 22 degrees. In Nilgiriis, rising heat has created red spiders . 8% crop has been destroyed as a result. Red spiders attack the tea plantations which are devoid of huge trees.
There are many paddy fields in Kerala which does not produce, despite the intense work done by the agriculturists.
In Alleppey Dist, when temperature rose 1.8 degrees, there was a reduction in weight of the produce. The rising temperature during the months of January, February and March was the villain. The rice fields of Trichur and Palghat were also considerably affected.
Pepper cultivation is also affected. Weight also comes down. Also cocoa, tea etc in the highlands. In 2004, cocoa produce came down by 39%. Rubber produce declined by 3.8%. . In Kottyam, the highest temperature recorded was 33.3% and now it is 35% ! Because of intense heat and cold, more funguses made their way into rubber. Cashew has also been affected adversely by Climate Change. There is a drop in the produce by 30%. Kerala, which was first in cashewnut production, is now only fourth !
Palghat Dist, bordering Tamil Nadu, looks like the hot TN !. 41 degrees have been reported as the highest temperature. If you go to Chittoor in Palghat, you will come to know how different Palghat looks than the rest of Kerala. Paddy cultivation has come down in Palghat. Palghat gets more North East Monsoon than South West Monsoon !
Friday, November 26, 2010
Global Warming and Climate Change
Climatologists are of the opinion that the quantity of rains have not come down in Kerala. On the other hand, rainy days have declined. Now there are fierce downpours and sunny interludes. Fierce rains are defined as rains which give 20 cms of rain in one hour. Such fierce rains have increased and sunny days have also increased. This Climate Change is caused by Global Warming.
In 2008, in Kuttanad, such rains created havoc, destroying crops. Such rains continued this year, during both the Monsoons, the North East and the South West. Depressions caused these rains. The snowfall in Idukki caused destruction in cardamom crops. Climatologist view these happenings as unnatural phenomena. During some years, the intensity of the South West Monsoon becomes less. Not only Kerala, but Jharkhand, Chattisghand are also adversely affected.
It is said the dogs need not check the Astro Calender to know which is the sidereal month of Virgo or Kanya. It is also proof that time for procreation and Climate are interlinked. Kanya or the sidereal month of Virgo is the interlude between the two major monsoons and is devoid of rains. Less daylight and more the duration of night characterise this sidereal month. This is the month dogs find it easy to mate. This month stimulates the procreational urge in dogs and they instinctively that this is the month for mating. The cause is attributed to the Bio Clock mechanism in dogs. Female dogs give birth only after 60/70 days. By that time the Kala Varsha or the Sourth West Monsoon will be over. The young ones will get the right atmosphere for growing. That is why Nature gave dogs such a benign month.
This year the Kala Varsha continued during the month of Kanya with the result the procreational cycle of dogs is adversely affected. The dogs ran here and thereby their mating declined ! The physiological processes of dogs is affected by Climate Change. Now dogs that are born have less weight and this phenomenon has been observed in Alsation dogs particularly.
The intensity of the rains have increased with the result fierce rains wreaked havoc on Agriculture. The rainwater does not seep through the earth and hence there are less wells and water reservoirs. Floods have increased considerably.
Another phenomenon is the retreat of the monsoons. In July/ August of 2002, less rains caused draught. It used to be 21% rainfall during June, 33% in July, 28% in August and 18% in Sep.
Now Climate Change has changed all that. More sunny interludes have been reported in July. This phenomenon has increased by 30% due to the the wind waves of the South West Monsoon going to the bottom of the Himalayas.
For the last 15 years, oreographic precipiation or rains in the hilly areas, have declined by 20%. Lesser and lesser amount of rains are reported every year.
Deforestation is the cause for less rains in Peerumedu and Nerumangalam. The mountains do block the cold wind waves coming from the Indian Ocean and cause precipitation.
In short, Global Warming's repercussions on Climate can be drastic. We hope furthur negative reports do not come from the Climatologists !
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Global Warming and Fish Production
There was a CMFRI ( Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of India ) report that Global Warming affects fish production.
Co2 emissions are more. The Carbon Dioxide combines with ocean water and forms Carbolic Acid. This increases the acidity levels of the ocean water and affects fish.
The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) goes up due to GW and this affects fish. Fish tend to go to colder areas.
The SST has gone up. In 1962, the SST was 28.3 and in 2007, it is 28.94 !
In fact, the quanity of fish has not come down. It is because of the burgeoning population - 1.2 billion in India and more consumption, that it seems to be so. Some species of fish disappeared. Some moved away to other areas.
In Kerala, from 1960 to 1984, fish production increased threefold due to technology, more education and good nets. But then after 1990, it has not gone up. After 1992, there was not much tuna catch. Mackerels catch also declined significantly. Sardines catch only increased marginally.
Catfish production also declined. Catfish has moved from Trichur but is available in Calicut District. Sharks also have disappered from the Trichur coast.
The heat above the surface of the ocean will be more before the South West Monsoon and will come down during the SW Monsoon. For the last 41 years, a different phenomenon has been observed. The temperature during the Monsoon season was 27.16 and now it is 28. 46!
Sardines are available on the Kerala coast after the Monsoons. Mackerel is available during the monsoons. The difference in temperature is responsible for this.
The difference in temperature is the cause for the change in habitat for fish. Ghee sardines and macekerels, which are found in less deep waters, move towards colder areas when they experience heat. There are also fish which move towards deeper waters. Mackerels which were never caught in deep waters before. are now available in deep waters. Different types of fish survive in different temperatures and GW changes the fish production equation !
The food which is eaten by the fish is also affected by the rise in temperature. Phytoplankton is the main food of fish. The Co2 is absorbed by Phytoplankton and food is prepared. The rising temperature destroys the Phytoplankton thus affecting the food of the fish ! Fish cannot survive due to the destruction of the Phytoplankton ! Some small plants grow rapidly due to the increasing heat, which cannot be eaten by fish ! During some seasons, phytoplanktons grow rapidy and gets destroyed. This also affects fish !
That the ocean becomes orange and red has been reported. This is due to certain phytoplanktons spreading. Some species of fish become more and some less. Poisionous plants become more and this adversely affects fish !
Let us hope GW will not devastate furthur !
G W has also affected astro meteorological patterns. Kerala received 56% more rains during this Monsoon season. Intense rains destroys crops and agri lands were indundated.
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