As the never forgotten fabulously famous James Brown said, sometimes you have to have a "funky good time". I must admit, I am closet bedroom dancer, but for sometime I have not been inspired to cut a rug. There must be an inch of dust on the acid jazz and disco CDs on the shelf. As the DJ booth has been empty some time. Dealing with the struggle of recession and life's challenges has gotten the best of me. But the video below has brought a bit of needed inspiration to snap my fingers, even though it is ridiculously humorous.
The bedroom dancing dude to James Brown in this video appears to be an exceptional exhibitionist contortionist. I must say that I so understand his joy, because James Brown also inpires me to snap my fingers and dancing in the light!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Jeramaine Clark "I AM KRITEEK'D" URBAN ART SHOW
Jeramaine Clark is wonderful young artist that produces the most phenomenal Urban Pop art. A recent 2010 AAMU Alum, is making his mark on the Atlanta market. Once the world sees his work, I think he might be the next Basquait.
Born and raised: St. Louis, Mo
Recent graduate: of Alabama A&M University
Major events: Theshoegame.com 3rd year anniversary party, Nike Town Lennox Mall, Atlanta, Ga (Sold painting to prominant sneaker head “Mayor”)
Sneaker Friends ’10 Compound, Atlanta, Ga (Sold painting to platinum hip hop recording artist Rick Ross)
CONTACT INFO: www.kriteekd.blogspot.com
kriteekd@gmail.com
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Source: Mademonarchs , www.fresh-cool-dope.com and a repost on AAMU News Watch
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The James Morrison effect!
Something about a man singing about the love of a woman with a guitar, a smooth voice and lyics that touch the soul.
James Morrison is a scrubby little "short" british dude with a smokers version of a silky smooth Sam Cook voice, that totally touches my soul. His voice sounds like it is so telling, but I was wrong. Not that it matters because I've experienced the James Morrison effect after listening to only two songs. That CD will be a keeper. Yes, I am among the population that still appreciates CDs, even though I run and bike listening to the ipod. Two thumbs up and three bravos for James Morrison.
James Morrison is a scrubby little "short" british dude with a smokers version of a silky smooth Sam Cook voice, that totally touches my soul. His voice sounds like it is so telling, but I was wrong. Not that it matters because I've experienced the James Morrison effect after listening to only two songs. That CD will be a keeper. Yes, I am among the population that still appreciates CDs, even though I run and bike listening to the ipod. Two thumbs up and three bravos for James Morrison.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Veronica Chambers, HAVING IT ALL?
Farai Chideya, author of THE COLOR OF OUR FUTURE said; "Veronica Chambers' HAVING IT ALL? is more than a collective biography of successful black women. The book is a history lesson about women who've transformed the cultural image from Aunt Jemima to uber-mogul Oprah Winfrey--and transformed America in turn. Most importantly, Chambers reveals the moments of self-transformation that happen in every black woman's life, through the stories of some of the most fascinating and accomplished people in America."
The Publisher Weekly wrote; In a series of interrelated essays, Chambers (Mama's Girl), explores the lives of middle- and upper-middle-class African-American women. Throughout, Chambers nicely weaves historical and literary anecdotes into her insightful narrative. While identifying this population as linchpins in the astronomical rise of a black middle class, she pursues such questions as how their "creative and indomitable spirit" translated into corporate reality while black men languish; why they no longer feel the need to choose allegiance between race and gender; what the image of Aunt Jemima declares about today's affluent African-American woman; and why they are more likely to be alone than any group of black women before them. Nonetheless, these women, Chambers says, have a strong sense of community and a renewed feeling of empowerment, which enables their transition into a predominantly white mainstream culture. Largely based on interviews of black women defying conventional perceptions, and written for those "who have crafted successful lives without role models or media coverage," the book lends a panoramic effect to such figures as former Whitney curator Thelma Golden, television host Star Jones, Barbara Bush's former press secretary Anna Perez, Anita Hill, and the growing population of African-American stay-at-home moms.
I do agree with both reviews. In addition, the book is entertaining but it lacks the multifarious dimension of the African American experience. The book is spoken from the voice of a first generation middle class African American, born during the intersect of opportunity and change. Therefore, the examples are primarily from the entertainment, media and politics of the 20th century. Of course, there is an entire history filled with African American role models found in the libraries, alumni associations and grounds of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Even in our failures we can find answers to the mysteries of success by going back to the base; HBCU's. Gen-X'ers are the beneficiaries of women who came before us. Those determine women who who broke down the door, allowing Gen-X'ers to walk through and catapult ones self through the glass ceiling like Super Woman. Black Women are not pop culture super heros, but dignified, intelligent, enduring souls rooted in family and the pursuit of happiness. I like this book, as I do of all Veronica Chambers books. Had she of attended an HBCU the book might have a different voice with a longer list of women from all the industries. Black women carry the weight of the world on their backs. It's utterly fascinating how Chambers unravels those truths.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World Aids Day
Today, we are observing WORLD AIDS DAY, remembering the ones we lost, those who are suffering and those who are working to end it.
Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. During 2008 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people died from AIDS.1 Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.2
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.3
The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalised groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.
The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!
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Source: www.worldaidsday.org
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Nina Simone Memorial Project Sculpture Preview
Still photography video of Nina Simone sculpture model preview in Tryon, NC on Sunday, 11 October 2009 in Nina Simone Plaza. Sculpture commissioned by Nina Simone Project and sculpted by Zenos Frudakis. JET magazine nationally previewed Frudakis’s model for the public art sculpture of Simone in its 9 March issue. The over-life-size representation of a seated Nina Simone has evoked overwhelmingly positive response from viewers.
The Eunice Waymon-Nina Simone Memorial Project (www.ninasimoneproject.org) released photographs today of the model in progress for a memorial sculpture depicting the legendary chanteuse Nina Simone. The over-life-size bronze sculpture of Simone, by Philadelphia-based sculptor Zenos Frudakis, is planned as part of a public art installation in Tryon, NC, birthplace of the world-renown singer and human rights’ activist who came to be known as the High Priestess of Soul.
Crys Armbrust, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the Nina Simone Project (NSP), remarks that “we are extraordinarily gratified by the positive response to each of the NSP’s memorial efforts—scholarship, sculpture and music festival.” Regarding the sculpture and its sculptor, Armbrust continues, “we are fortunate, as well, to have assembled an excellent team to accomplish this important phase of our endeavor.”
Zenos Frudakis’s work appears in numerous art collections both in the US and abroad. Notable commissions include the Honor Guard at the National Air Force Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, Freedom at the GSK World Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA, and Martin Luther King at the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
Frudakis’s enthusiasm for this commission is evident in his comments following. “I am delighted to share in the creation of a lasting tribute to jazz legend Nina Simone. In addition to being a fan of her work, as an artist, it is especially pleasing for me to be given this opportunity to honor another artist.”
The highly-acclaimed sculptor Frudakis is joined in this effort by Nina Simone’s daughter Lisa Simone Kelly, known to many as a seasoned musical performer in her own right. Her credits include lead roles in such Broadway productions as Aida, Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables. Kelly, who performs under the single name Simone, is now on tour to promote the release of her tribute CD “Simone on Simone.”
“Lisa Simone Kelly,” Armbrust reports, “has played an integral role in the creative process, and her participation has made our efforts all the more meaningful. Beyond her valuable commentary on earlier versions of the bust study, she graciously continued on to pose for Frudakis’s full scale study of her mother. So, what we have here is, in point of fact, indeed Simone on Simone—a legend and a legacy combined together in tribute to one who was and is a powerful musical force in a global theatre and an icon of human potential realized.”
For further information about the Nina Simone Project, see www.ninasimoneproject.org.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Big Business of US prisons
Good Magazine featured video called "Jailbirds" incite interesting questions. I question the the impetus behind the significant spike in the prison population. I don't have answers only questions.
There are approximately 2.3 million inmates in state, federal and private prisons throughout the country. According to California Prison Focus, "no other society in human history has imprisoned so many of its own citizens." The figures show that the United States has locked up more people than any other country: a half million more than China, which has a population five times greater than the U.S. Statistics reveal that the United States holds 25% of the world's prison population, but only 5% of the world's people. From less than 300,000 inmates in 1972, the jail population grew to 2 million by the year 2000. In 1990 it was one million. Ten years ago there were only five private prisons in the country, with a population of 2,000 inmates; now, there are 100, with 62,000 inmates. It is expected that by the coming decade, the number will hit 360,000, according to reports.
Could it be "privatization of prisons, federal deregulation, state prison budgets, corporate prison industry lobby pushing policies like the "three strikes" to generate shareholder wealth driving the shocking spike in the prison population? Does the contracting prisoners for work create additional prison cash flows that violate labor laws? Do those contracts cannibalize the employment rates in states? Is the system self sustaining as long as the flow of prisoners continue? The system feeds itself," says a study by the Progressive Labor Party, which accuses the prison industry of being "an imitation of Nazi Germany with respect to forced slave labor and concentration camps." The prison industry complex is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Is this systemic of where this country has been led; Bush/Chaney business of war and security? Or is this where this country is going? If so, how can we change the impact on society? How can we change this?
There are approximately 2.3 million inmates in state, federal and private prisons throughout the country. According to California Prison Focus, "no other society in human history has imprisoned so many of its own citizens." The figures show that the United States has locked up more people than any other country: a half million more than China, which has a population five times greater than the U.S. Statistics reveal that the United States holds 25% of the world's prison population, but only 5% of the world's people. From less than 300,000 inmates in 1972, the jail population grew to 2 million by the year 2000. In 1990 it was one million. Ten years ago there were only five private prisons in the country, with a population of 2,000 inmates; now, there are 100, with 62,000 inmates. It is expected that by the coming decade, the number will hit 360,000, according to reports.
Could it be "privatization of prisons, federal deregulation, state prison budgets, corporate prison industry lobby pushing policies like the "three strikes" to generate shareholder wealth driving the shocking spike in the prison population? Does the contracting prisoners for work create additional prison cash flows that violate labor laws? Do those contracts cannibalize the employment rates in states? Is the system self sustaining as long as the flow of prisoners continue? The system feeds itself," says a study by the Progressive Labor Party, which accuses the prison industry of being "an imitation of Nazi Germany with respect to forced slave labor and concentration camps." The prison industry complex is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Is this systemic of where this country has been led; Bush/Chaney business of war and security? Or is this where this country is going? If so, how can we change the impact on society? How can we change this?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP)
The AMAZING Nina Simone will be forever immortilized through a memorial and scholorship. The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) exists to honor the remarkable life and legacy of a native Tryon, North Carolina daughter, who achieved international recognition for her unique talent and her formidable contribution to the musical arts.
The musical talent of Eunice Waymon, who was born in 1933, evidenced itself early on. By age 4 she had begun to play piano; by age 7, she had begun to play organ as well—each of which she did for St. Luke’s C.M.E. Church. Waymon’s formal musical training began shortly thereafter under the tutelage of Muriel Mazzanovich, wife of noted artist Lawrence Mazzanovich.
That Waymon possessed a prodigious talent was recognized by many, so much so, that enthusiastic Tryonites created ‘The Eunice Waymon Fund’ to help underwrite the costs of her future studies. Those studies continued with Carl Friedberg at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, and with Vladimer Sokoloff of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Waymon’s professional career, as Nina Simone, began in 1954. Her unique musical style merged a strong classical training with an exceptionally broad range of musical genres, which run the gamut from classical, gospel and jazz to pop, folk and spiritual. That Simone asserted a powerful artistic impact upon late-twentieth-century American popular culture is evident in her expansive discography, her musical arrangements and her original compositions. She was and is a powerful musical force in a global theatre.
Your participation in the Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project supports the recognition of an international musical legend and an icon of human potential realized.
VISION STATEMENT
The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) exists to honor the remarkable life and musical legacy of Nina Simone, and to inspire and support talented youth to reach their full potential.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) purposes to establish and promote educational scholarship, to commission a Nina Simone sculpture, and to establish an international music festival in Tryon, North Carolina, with supplemental venues in the broader Western North Carolina region.
GOALS
The Eunice Waymon-Nina Simone Memorial Project undertakes to accomplish four related goals.
Support a broad-based education program, including:
the creation of an endowed Nina Simone scholarship,
the development of an educational jazz curriculum highlighting the musical contributions of prominent North Carolinians to the songbook of American popular music,
the archival preservation of Simone’s material record
the promotion of Simone as an important Tryon and Polk County, North Carolina cultural and heritage resource
Commission a life-sized, memorial, bronze sculpture for a public art installation
Develop a Trans-World Music Festival in the name of Nina Simone as a signature Tryon, Polk County, North Carolina event
Provide outreach partnering opportunities for Simone’s designated charities:
Cancer research in underserved communities, arts programming in public education, prevention of abuse against women, and AIDS research, education, & care.
For more information please contact http://www.ninasimoneproject.org
--------------------
The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project http://www.ninasimoneproject.org
The musical talent of Eunice Waymon, who was born in 1933, evidenced itself early on. By age 4 she had begun to play piano; by age 7, she had begun to play organ as well—each of which she did for St. Luke’s C.M.E. Church. Waymon’s formal musical training began shortly thereafter under the tutelage of Muriel Mazzanovich, wife of noted artist Lawrence Mazzanovich.
That Waymon possessed a prodigious talent was recognized by many, so much so, that enthusiastic Tryonites created ‘The Eunice Waymon Fund’ to help underwrite the costs of her future studies. Those studies continued with Carl Friedberg at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, and with Vladimer Sokoloff of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Waymon’s professional career, as Nina Simone, began in 1954. Her unique musical style merged a strong classical training with an exceptionally broad range of musical genres, which run the gamut from classical, gospel and jazz to pop, folk and spiritual. That Simone asserted a powerful artistic impact upon late-twentieth-century American popular culture is evident in her expansive discography, her musical arrangements and her original compositions. She was and is a powerful musical force in a global theatre.
Your participation in the Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project supports the recognition of an international musical legend and an icon of human potential realized.
VISION STATEMENT
The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) exists to honor the remarkable life and musical legacy of Nina Simone, and to inspire and support talented youth to reach their full potential.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) purposes to establish and promote educational scholarship, to commission a Nina Simone sculpture, and to establish an international music festival in Tryon, North Carolina, with supplemental venues in the broader Western North Carolina region.
GOALS
The Eunice Waymon-Nina Simone Memorial Project undertakes to accomplish four related goals.
Support a broad-based education program, including:
the creation of an endowed Nina Simone scholarship,
the development of an educational jazz curriculum highlighting the musical contributions of prominent North Carolinians to the songbook of American popular music,
the archival preservation of Simone’s material record
the promotion of Simone as an important Tryon and Polk County, North Carolina cultural and heritage resource
Commission a life-sized, memorial, bronze sculpture for a public art installation
Develop a Trans-World Music Festival in the name of Nina Simone as a signature Tryon, Polk County, North Carolina event
Provide outreach partnering opportunities for Simone’s designated charities:
Cancer research in underserved communities, arts programming in public education, prevention of abuse against women, and AIDS research, education, & care.
For more information please contact http://www.ninasimoneproject.org
--------------------
The Eunice Waymon—Nina Simone Memorial Project http://www.ninasimoneproject.org
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tantra Yoga for Transformation
One of my resolutions for 2009 is to transform my life into a more purpose drive existance. For a few years I have been stuck in a rut. I will focus abit of energy into Tantric Yoga for healing and rejuvinating purposes.
Dada Shiilabhadrananda wrote that Ananda Marga teaches Tantra Yoga as a transformational tool designed to give the practitioner deep happiness, a universal perspective on life, and spiritual awakening. Ananda Marga believes that such yoga is a resource to be used for the betterment of the individual and human society.
In this flux of change and unfamiliarity it would be easy to become confused and frightened. What is the best education for my kids? How do I meet my innate spiritual needs when traditional religions seem to fall short? How can I find kinship and community in an increasingly fast-paced, individualistic approach to survival?
The ancient holistic tradition of Tantra Yoga is making an increasing impact in the thinking of people everywhere interested in new ways of living in harmony with oneself and the world.
"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
Albert Einstein
According to the philosophy of Tantra Yoga, the Universe is a resultant of the interplay between Consciousness and Its Creative Principle. The Cycle of Creation Cosmic Cycle) is seen to be manifested in two phases: from the very subtle (Supreme Consciousness) to the very crude (inert matter) and from the very crude to the very subtle again. Within this cosmic scheme of things, the human being may be found on the upper levels of this returning cycle, as he/she approaches the final stages of the cosmic evolution. As human beings we are the most consciously evolved beings, although it may sometimes appear otherwise. It is essential that humans assume full responsibility for their unique talents and abilities and utilize them for the advancement of all beings with which we co-inhabit the planet with.
Yogic philosophy states that the creation is the result of the crudification of invisible, unqualified consciousness by the creative principles inherent within itself.
These creative principles can be divided into three categories according to their degree of influence over the consciousness. They are sometimes referred to simply as "forces of nature", for they exist at all times in all things and all beings. They are:
• Sattvic (sentient) principle: This binding quality is the most subtle. It is associated with awareness, purity, happiness, sensitivity and lightness.
• Rajasic (mutative) principle: This binding quality is less subtle than the first. It is associated with change, growth, movement, restlessness and activity.
• Tamasic (static) principle: This binding quality is the crudest of the three. It is associated with decay, degeneration, ignorance, death and inertia.
A few examples will help us understand the interplay of these constantly interacting forces. Did you ever observe a flower? Its beauty, luster and shine are evidence of the dominance of the sentient force. Its growth and development from the seed are evidence of the mutative force. When it begins to decay, shed its petals and whither, this is the manifestation of the static force.
What about yourself? When you wake up in the morning, you fight hard to conquer the static waves that dominate your body and mind – you would just rather sleep more! During the height of the day, you don’t seem to be able to slow down – the mutative force is very manifested in you at that time. But when you retire to view a beautiful sunset or take a walk in the nature, you feel uplifted by the sentient force that dominates your mind at that time.
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yunj, which means "to unify". The unity envisioned in yoga is a mystical state of Oneness with all of Creation. It is a rare mental state realized by mystics, prophets and sages throughout history in many lands. For some it is considered the highest level of consciousness attainable. In different cultures it is known by different names: samadhi, nirvana, satori, salvation, enlightenment and so on.
But Yoga is also a path or methodology leading to the state of Oneness. Whether we believe we can ever attain those lofty heights, it is true that many people are benefiting from the many changes that they experience as a result of a systematic practice of the various components of the Yogic lifestyle. Some of those components include: observance of universal ethical principles, practice of asanas (yoga postures), deep breathing, sense withdrawal, concentration and meditation.
Although Yoga is more commonly understood today as being yoga postures (asanas), this is only one aspect of a whole spectrum of practices that gradually and subtly develop us physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
Some people believe that the emerging relevance of Yoga practice and philosophy will assist humanity in bridging the gap between the old and new ways of looking at ourselves and our world.
Dada Shiilabhadrananda wrote that Ananda Marga teaches Tantra Yoga as a transformational tool designed to give the practitioner deep happiness, a universal perspective on life, and spiritual awakening. Ananda Marga believes that such yoga is a resource to be used for the betterment of the individual and human society.
In this flux of change and unfamiliarity it would be easy to become confused and frightened. What is the best education for my kids? How do I meet my innate spiritual needs when traditional religions seem to fall short? How can I find kinship and community in an increasingly fast-paced, individualistic approach to survival?
The ancient holistic tradition of Tantra Yoga is making an increasing impact in the thinking of people everywhere interested in new ways of living in harmony with oneself and the world.
"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
Albert Einstein
According to the philosophy of Tantra Yoga, the Universe is a resultant of the interplay between Consciousness and Its Creative Principle. The Cycle of Creation Cosmic Cycle) is seen to be manifested in two phases: from the very subtle (Supreme Consciousness) to the very crude (inert matter) and from the very crude to the very subtle again. Within this cosmic scheme of things, the human being may be found on the upper levels of this returning cycle, as he/she approaches the final stages of the cosmic evolution. As human beings we are the most consciously evolved beings, although it may sometimes appear otherwise. It is essential that humans assume full responsibility for their unique talents and abilities and utilize them for the advancement of all beings with which we co-inhabit the planet with.
Yogic philosophy states that the creation is the result of the crudification of invisible, unqualified consciousness by the creative principles inherent within itself.
These creative principles can be divided into three categories according to their degree of influence over the consciousness. They are sometimes referred to simply as "forces of nature", for they exist at all times in all things and all beings. They are:
• Sattvic (sentient) principle: This binding quality is the most subtle. It is associated with awareness, purity, happiness, sensitivity and lightness.
• Rajasic (mutative) principle: This binding quality is less subtle than the first. It is associated with change, growth, movement, restlessness and activity.
• Tamasic (static) principle: This binding quality is the crudest of the three. It is associated with decay, degeneration, ignorance, death and inertia.
A few examples will help us understand the interplay of these constantly interacting forces. Did you ever observe a flower? Its beauty, luster and shine are evidence of the dominance of the sentient force. Its growth and development from the seed are evidence of the mutative force. When it begins to decay, shed its petals and whither, this is the manifestation of the static force.
What about yourself? When you wake up in the morning, you fight hard to conquer the static waves that dominate your body and mind – you would just rather sleep more! During the height of the day, you don’t seem to be able to slow down – the mutative force is very manifested in you at that time. But when you retire to view a beautiful sunset or take a walk in the nature, you feel uplifted by the sentient force that dominates your mind at that time.
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yunj, which means "to unify". The unity envisioned in yoga is a mystical state of Oneness with all of Creation. It is a rare mental state realized by mystics, prophets and sages throughout history in many lands. For some it is considered the highest level of consciousness attainable. In different cultures it is known by different names: samadhi, nirvana, satori, salvation, enlightenment and so on.
But Yoga is also a path or methodology leading to the state of Oneness. Whether we believe we can ever attain those lofty heights, it is true that many people are benefiting from the many changes that they experience as a result of a systematic practice of the various components of the Yogic lifestyle. Some of those components include: observance of universal ethical principles, practice of asanas (yoga postures), deep breathing, sense withdrawal, concentration and meditation.
Although Yoga is more commonly understood today as being yoga postures (asanas), this is only one aspect of a whole spectrum of practices that gradually and subtly develop us physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
Some people believe that the emerging relevance of Yoga practice and philosophy will assist humanity in bridging the gap between the old and new ways of looking at ourselves and our world.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Robin Thick's "Sweatest Love" video is a Marc Baptiste work of art
Marc Baptiste has done it again. He directed Robin Thick’s video for the single “Sweetest Love”. It’s a great piece of work. Robin Thick’s newest CD is on heavy rotation on my ipod. The Sweetest Love single is my third most favorite song on the CD. The first is “Side Step” and the second would be “Ms. Harmony”. Hence, the “Sweetest Love” was written after Robin Thick visited Paris. Although, I’ve been to Paris only once, he penned the songs simple yet elegant melody perfectly. Moreover, Marc Baptiste captured the feel and mood of the song with perfection; simple, intense and sweet. Check out the Robin Thick’s “Sweetest Love” video below:
I love all forms of art; literary, photography, painting, sculpture, music, film, the spoken word. Superb Art is an emollient on a bad day because it touches the soul, warm the heart and leaves one wanting more. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and often represent our journey, our interests, our experiences, and simply who we are inside; no matter how kooky it may be. My very tiny house is filled with art from unknown artists whose work moves me, inexpensive prints of internationally known artists and many books from critically acclaimed authors. Hence, the books I have on my coffee table bring me great joy conceptually and visually. There is the amazing Freda Kahlo, the extraordinary Gordon Parks, the confused yet impeccable Basquait, the incredible Henry Tanner, and my favorite contemporary photographer Marc Baptiste.
Marc Baptiste, the author/photographer of the book BEAUTIFUL nudes by Marc Baptiste, exquisitively captures the Soul of women in ways few photographers have in the past. To me, Baptiste is the Herb Ritz of the millennium. His work evokes true LOVE and BEAUTY. I can only say that his work is like poetry. Robin Thick definately chose the best director for the "Sweetest Love" video. Bravo, Bravo!
I love all forms of art; literary, photography, painting, sculpture, music, film, the spoken word. Superb Art is an emollient on a bad day because it touches the soul, warm the heart and leaves one wanting more. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and often represent our journey, our interests, our experiences, and simply who we are inside; no matter how kooky it may be. My very tiny house is filled with art from unknown artists whose work moves me, inexpensive prints of internationally known artists and many books from critically acclaimed authors. Hence, the books I have on my coffee table bring me great joy conceptually and visually. There is the amazing Freda Kahlo, the extraordinary Gordon Parks, the confused yet impeccable Basquait, the incredible Henry Tanner, and my favorite contemporary photographer Marc Baptiste.
Marc Baptiste, the author/photographer of the book BEAUTIFUL nudes by Marc Baptiste, exquisitively captures the Soul of women in ways few photographers have in the past. To me, Baptiste is the Herb Ritz of the millennium. His work evokes true LOVE and BEAUTY. I can only say that his work is like poetry. Robin Thick definately chose the best director for the "Sweetest Love" video. Bravo, Bravo!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gnarle’s Barkley “The Odd Couple”
The sophomore Gnarles’s Barkley album “The Odd Couple” was released on March 25th. After listening to the couple of songs, I decided it wasn’t as interesting as their debut album. Fast forward to November 11th, the single “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul” video came out and I’ve changed my mind. “Who’s going to save my soul”, directed by Chris Milk is actually a remarkable piece of art. I so love it. Cee-Lo Green’s voice is so uniquely distinctive that there is no denying its greatness. The producer, Danger Mouse is like the acid house version of Kenye West. The collaboration between multi-instrumentalist producer Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green’s vulnerable vocals and clever lyrics is a match made in heaven’s eclecticism. Check out the video below:
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Tantra: The Science of Liberation
The journey to complete freedom through liberation and enlightenment has opened my view to Tantric Devotion in loving relationship. To fully explain Tantric Devotion, one should first read the history tantric summerized by Dada Shiilabhadrananda. Tantra is the original spiritual science first taught in India more than 7000 years ago. Tan is a Sanskrit root which signifies, "expansion", and Tra signifies "liberation." Thus, Tantra is the practice which elevates human beings in a process in which their minds are expanded. It leads human beings from the imperfect to the perfect, from the crude to the subtle, from bondage to liberation.
The development of Tantra is intertwined with the development of civilization in ancient India. During the time when Tantra emerged as an important spiritual practice, India was passing through a crucial historical period. In the Northwest nomadic tribes from central Asia, the Aryans, began to enter the country which they named Bharata Varsha (the land which nourishes and expands human beings). Although the Aryans were a nomadic warrior culture, amidst them there were certain sages known as Rishis who began to ask the basic questions about the origin and destiny of the universe.
These sages presented oral teachings, which were later compiled in books known as The Vedas. In these teachings they put forward the idea of a Supreme Consciousness, advancing beyond the previous concepts of a world in which many deities were thought to animate the forces of nature. They also developed a system of prayer and worship in order to enter into a relationship with this Supreme Consciousness, but their practices were mostly of an external, ritualistic nature.
In India the Aryans encountered and began to fight with the indigenous peoples - the Austrics, Mongolians, and Dravidians. They considered these races to be inferior to them, and in the epic tales of India such as The Ramayana, these races are depicted as monkeys and demons.
However inferior these races were considered to be, the Aryans were very much interested in the spiritual practices which the indigenous peoples of India were practicing. The spiritual approach of the non-Aryans was Tantra and it differed from the Vedic practices of the Aryans because it was fundamentally an introversive process rather than an external ritual. Many Aryans began to learn the Tantric system of spiritual development, and later Vedic books were influenced by Tantra.
During this epoch of warfare between the Aryans and non-Aryans, a great personality was born. His name was Sadashiva which means "he who is always absorbed in consciousness and one whose only vow of existence is to promote the all-around welfare of living beings". Sadashiva, also known as Shiva, was a great spiritual preceptor or Guru. Although Tantra was practiced before his birth, it was he who for the first time gave humanity a systematic presentation of spirituality.
Not only was he a great spiritual teacher, but he was also the founder of the Indian system of music and dance, which is why he is sometimes known as Nataraj (the Lord of the Dance). Shiva was also the founder of Indian medicine, and presented a system known as Vaedyak Shastra. In the social sphere too Shiva had an important role to play. He introduced a system of marriage in which both partners accepted a mutual responsibility for the success of the marriage, irregardless of caste or community. Shiva himself was of mixed parentage, and by marrying an Aryan princess he helped to unite the warring factions of India and gave them a more universalistic social viewpoint. Because of these social innovations Shiva has been called the father of human civilization.
Shiva's greatest contribution to the birth of civilization was to introduce the concept of dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word which signifies the "innate characteristic" of something. What is the innate characteristic and specialty of humans? Shiva explained that a human being wants more than the pleasure provided by sensory gratification. He said that the human being is different from plants and animals because what he or she is striving for is absolute peace. This is the goal of human life, and Shiva's spiritual teachings were aimed at enabling any human being to attain this goal.
Like most ancient teachings, Shiva's ideas were first taught in an oral form, and only later were they transcribed into books. Shiva's wife, Parvati, used to ask him various questions regarding the spiritual science. Shiva replied to these questions, and the compilation of these questions and answers are known as the Tantra Shastra (Tantric scriptures). There are two types of Tantric scriptures. The principles of Tantra are found in books known as Nigama while the practices of Tantra are contained in books known as Agama. Some of these ancient books have been lost and others are indecipherable due to their having been written in a code language designed to keep the secrets of Tantra away from the uninitiated; thus the ideas of Tantra have never been clearly explained.
In his commentaries on the Tantra Shastra and in his book about the life and teachings of Shiva, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti has presented some of the basic ideas found in the ancient teachings. One of the most important elements in Tantra is the relationship of Guru and disciple. Guru means “one who can dispel darkness" and Shiva explained that for spiritual success there must be a good teacher and a good disciple.
Shiva explained that there are three major categories of Guru. The first type is a teacher who gives a little bit of knowledge but does not follow up the lessons. That is, he or she may leave and the disciple is then left alone without guidance. The second or middle level is one who teaches and then guides the disciple for a little while but not for the complete period needed by the disciple to reach the final goal. The best type of teacher according to Tantra is one who gives a teaching and then makes continued efforts to see that the disciple follows the instructions and finally realizes the ultimate state of human perfection.
The qualities of this highest guru are further enumerated in the Tantra Shastra. The guru is one who is tranquil, can control his mind, is humble and modestly dressed. He earns his living in a proper way and is a family man. He is well versed in metaphysical philosophy and established in the art of meditation. He is one who knows the theory and practice of imparting the teaching of meditation. He loves and guides his disciples. Such a guru is called Mahakaola
But even if there is a great teacher, there must also be someone who can absorb his lessons. The Tantra Shastras describe three different categories of disciples. The first type is compared to a glass which is placed in the water with the mouth facing downward. While it is in the water it appears to be full but if it is lifted out of the water it becomes empty. This is like a student who practices well in the presence of the teacher, but after the teacher leaves, the student discontinues the practice and cannot apply the teachings to his or her every day life. The second type of disciple is like a glass placed in the water at an angle. It also appears to be full when it is immersed, but when it is raised out of the water it loses most of the water. This disciple is one who practices in the presence of the teacher but after a while he or she practices less and less and finally discontinues the spiritual way of life. The third kind of disciple is the best of all and is symbolized by a glass which is immersed in the water in an upright position. While in the water it is completely full and when it is taken out of the water it remains full. This kind of student practices in the presence of the master and continues the practice even if he or she is physically separated from the teacher.
The relationship of guru and disciple is very important and is a key feature of Tantra. The path of spirituality has been described as being as thin as a razor's edge. At any moment it is possible to deviate from the path and then it is very difficult to reach liberation. The guru is always there to love and guide the disciple at all stages of the practice.
Shiva was a Mahakaola, but after his death there was a lack of teachers of the same stature and Tantra fell into decline. Some of the teachings were lost and others were deformed. Today Tantra is shrouded in mystery and there are many misconceptions about it. To understand the source of these misconceptions it is important to examine the 5 Ms. These are spiritual practices beginning with the letter M. When Shiva first taught he gave teaching according to the development of the student. He saw that certain people were at a level in which they were dominated by animal passions and others were at a higher stage of development. He gave different practices depending on the qualities of the disciple.
The first M is known as Madya. It has two meanings. One meaning of madya is "wine". For those people who were dominated by physical instincts Shiva instructed them to continue drinking wine, but he showed them how to control the habit and then finally leave it. For those at a higher level of development Madya has another meaning, it refers not to wine but to a divine nectar. Each month the pineal gland secretes a fluid known as amrta. A yogi who has purified his mind and practices fasting can taste the fluid and experience the profound effect of the fluid on his whole being, which has been described as a state of bliss. Thus, there is both a crude or material interpretation of Madya and a subtle or spiritual understanding of the term.
Another of the five Ms is Mamsa. One meaning of Mamsa is meat. For those who ate much meat, Shiva told them to continue to take it with a spiritual idea and finally to control the urge and quit the habit. For the subtle practitioner of Tantra, mamsa refers to the tongue and the spiritual practice of controlling one's speech.
Matsya, the third of the Ms, refers to fish. For the physically minded practitioner Shiva applied the same instruction regarding fish as he did with wine and meat. In spiritual or subtle Tantra the "fish" refers to two subtle nerves which run up the body, starting at the base of the spine and crisscrossing each other and ending in the two nostrils. These nerves are known as the ida and pingala. By the science of breath control, Pranayama, the currents of the nerves are controlled and the mind becomes calm for meditation. This is the Matsya of the spiritual practitioner.
Another of the Ms is Mudra. Mudra has only a spiritual significance and there is no physical or crude practice associated with it. Mudra means to maintain contact with those who help us to make spiritual progress and to avoid the company of those who might harm our development.
The last of the Ms, Maethuna, is the one which has caused the most confusion regarding Tantra. Maethuna means union. In its crude sense it means sexual union. For those who were dominated by the sexual instinct Shiva told that the sex act must be done with a spiritual idea and that gradually this instinct must be controlled. For the more advanced practitioners, those who were practicing subtle or spiritual Tantra, Shiva taught another practice of Maethuna. In this case "union" refers to the union of individual consciousness with Supreme Consciousness. In this case the spiritual energy of the human being, lying dormant at the base of the spine, is raised until it reaches the highest energy center (near the pineal gland), causing the spiritual aspirant to experience union with the Supreme.
The Ananda Marga yoga of today is based on the spiritual and subtle interpretation of the 5 Ms.
One of the distinctive aspects of subtle Tantra is the introversive method of meditation. The concept of mantra is of key importance in the Tantra idea of meditation. "Man" means "mind" and "tra" means "that which liberates", thus mantra is a particular vibration which liberates the mind.
The ancient yogis experimented with sound vibration and began to utilize special sounds which they found useful in the process of expansion of mind. They found that there are seven principle psycho-spiritual energy centers in the human body. They further learned that there are 50 sounds which emanate from the centers. These sounds are found in the alphabet of Sanskrit, and certain combinations of the sounds were used in ancient processes of concentration and meditation. During Tantric meditation the meditator is concentrating on the mantra and trying to keep only one sound vibration (and its associated idea) in his or her mind. Constant repetition of the mantra leads a practitioner to higher states of consciousness.
Not any sound can be chosen at random for use in meditation, rather there are certain qualities which the mantra must possess in order for it to be effective. First of all the mantra must be pulsative, that is, there will be two syllables which are repeated in synchronization with the inhalation and exhalation of breathing. In addition the mantra must have an idea associated with it. The general idea of the mantras used in meditation is that "I am one with the Supreme Consciousness". The mantra thus helps the individual to associate his or her own individual consciousness with the totality of consciousness in the universe.
The final characteristics of the mantra is that it must create a certain vibration which acts as a link between the individual vibration of the meditator and the vibration of the Supreme Consciousness. As people are not all alike, the mantras which are used in meditation are also not all alike. The meditation teacher chooses a mantra which matches the particular vibration of the individual and can link this individual vibration with the universal rhythm of the Supreme Consciousness.
Tantra is more than just a collection of meditation or yoga techniques. There is a particular world-view associated with it. According to Tantra, struggle is the essence of life. The effort to struggle against all obstacles and move from the imperfect to the perfect is the true spirit of Tantra.
In this movement from imperfection to perfection, there are three basic stages an individual passes through. In the first stage, the person is dominated by animal instincts, but in the next stage he or she gains control over these instincts and reaches the state of true human development. Finally, by constant struggle and effort, a state is reached where the human being becomes godlike. Tantra thus has an optimistic worldview. It shows how each individual is moving in a cosmic circle from a state of less developed consciousness to the most highly developed status.
The development of Tantra is intertwined with the development of civilization in ancient India. During the time when Tantra emerged as an important spiritual practice, India was passing through a crucial historical period. In the Northwest nomadic tribes from central Asia, the Aryans, began to enter the country which they named Bharata Varsha (the land which nourishes and expands human beings). Although the Aryans were a nomadic warrior culture, amidst them there were certain sages known as Rishis who began to ask the basic questions about the origin and destiny of the universe.
These sages presented oral teachings, which were later compiled in books known as The Vedas. In these teachings they put forward the idea of a Supreme Consciousness, advancing beyond the previous concepts of a world in which many deities were thought to animate the forces of nature. They also developed a system of prayer and worship in order to enter into a relationship with this Supreme Consciousness, but their practices were mostly of an external, ritualistic nature.
In India the Aryans encountered and began to fight with the indigenous peoples - the Austrics, Mongolians, and Dravidians. They considered these races to be inferior to them, and in the epic tales of India such as The Ramayana, these races are depicted as monkeys and demons.
However inferior these races were considered to be, the Aryans were very much interested in the spiritual practices which the indigenous peoples of India were practicing. The spiritual approach of the non-Aryans was Tantra and it differed from the Vedic practices of the Aryans because it was fundamentally an introversive process rather than an external ritual. Many Aryans began to learn the Tantric system of spiritual development, and later Vedic books were influenced by Tantra.
During this epoch of warfare between the Aryans and non-Aryans, a great personality was born. His name was Sadashiva which means "he who is always absorbed in consciousness and one whose only vow of existence is to promote the all-around welfare of living beings". Sadashiva, also known as Shiva, was a great spiritual preceptor or Guru. Although Tantra was practiced before his birth, it was he who for the first time gave humanity a systematic presentation of spirituality.
Not only was he a great spiritual teacher, but he was also the founder of the Indian system of music and dance, which is why he is sometimes known as Nataraj (the Lord of the Dance). Shiva was also the founder of Indian medicine, and presented a system known as Vaedyak Shastra. In the social sphere too Shiva had an important role to play. He introduced a system of marriage in which both partners accepted a mutual responsibility for the success of the marriage, irregardless of caste or community. Shiva himself was of mixed parentage, and by marrying an Aryan princess he helped to unite the warring factions of India and gave them a more universalistic social viewpoint. Because of these social innovations Shiva has been called the father of human civilization.
Shiva's greatest contribution to the birth of civilization was to introduce the concept of dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word which signifies the "innate characteristic" of something. What is the innate characteristic and specialty of humans? Shiva explained that a human being wants more than the pleasure provided by sensory gratification. He said that the human being is different from plants and animals because what he or she is striving for is absolute peace. This is the goal of human life, and Shiva's spiritual teachings were aimed at enabling any human being to attain this goal.
Like most ancient teachings, Shiva's ideas were first taught in an oral form, and only later were they transcribed into books. Shiva's wife, Parvati, used to ask him various questions regarding the spiritual science. Shiva replied to these questions, and the compilation of these questions and answers are known as the Tantra Shastra (Tantric scriptures). There are two types of Tantric scriptures. The principles of Tantra are found in books known as Nigama while the practices of Tantra are contained in books known as Agama. Some of these ancient books have been lost and others are indecipherable due to their having been written in a code language designed to keep the secrets of Tantra away from the uninitiated; thus the ideas of Tantra have never been clearly explained.
In his commentaries on the Tantra Shastra and in his book about the life and teachings of Shiva, Shrii Shrii Anandamurti has presented some of the basic ideas found in the ancient teachings. One of the most important elements in Tantra is the relationship of Guru and disciple. Guru means “one who can dispel darkness" and Shiva explained that for spiritual success there must be a good teacher and a good disciple.
Shiva explained that there are three major categories of Guru. The first type is a teacher who gives a little bit of knowledge but does not follow up the lessons. That is, he or she may leave and the disciple is then left alone without guidance. The second or middle level is one who teaches and then guides the disciple for a little while but not for the complete period needed by the disciple to reach the final goal. The best type of teacher according to Tantra is one who gives a teaching and then makes continued efforts to see that the disciple follows the instructions and finally realizes the ultimate state of human perfection.
The qualities of this highest guru are further enumerated in the Tantra Shastra. The guru is one who is tranquil, can control his mind, is humble and modestly dressed. He earns his living in a proper way and is a family man. He is well versed in metaphysical philosophy and established in the art of meditation. He is one who knows the theory and practice of imparting the teaching of meditation. He loves and guides his disciples. Such a guru is called Mahakaola
But even if there is a great teacher, there must also be someone who can absorb his lessons. The Tantra Shastras describe three different categories of disciples. The first type is compared to a glass which is placed in the water with the mouth facing downward. While it is in the water it appears to be full but if it is lifted out of the water it becomes empty. This is like a student who practices well in the presence of the teacher, but after the teacher leaves, the student discontinues the practice and cannot apply the teachings to his or her every day life. The second type of disciple is like a glass placed in the water at an angle. It also appears to be full when it is immersed, but when it is raised out of the water it loses most of the water. This disciple is one who practices in the presence of the teacher but after a while he or she practices less and less and finally discontinues the spiritual way of life. The third kind of disciple is the best of all and is symbolized by a glass which is immersed in the water in an upright position. While in the water it is completely full and when it is taken out of the water it remains full. This kind of student practices in the presence of the master and continues the practice even if he or she is physically separated from the teacher.
The relationship of guru and disciple is very important and is a key feature of Tantra. The path of spirituality has been described as being as thin as a razor's edge. At any moment it is possible to deviate from the path and then it is very difficult to reach liberation. The guru is always there to love and guide the disciple at all stages of the practice.
Shiva was a Mahakaola, but after his death there was a lack of teachers of the same stature and Tantra fell into decline. Some of the teachings were lost and others were deformed. Today Tantra is shrouded in mystery and there are many misconceptions about it. To understand the source of these misconceptions it is important to examine the 5 Ms. These are spiritual practices beginning with the letter M. When Shiva first taught he gave teaching according to the development of the student. He saw that certain people were at a level in which they were dominated by animal passions and others were at a higher stage of development. He gave different practices depending on the qualities of the disciple.
The first M is known as Madya. It has two meanings. One meaning of madya is "wine". For those people who were dominated by physical instincts Shiva instructed them to continue drinking wine, but he showed them how to control the habit and then finally leave it. For those at a higher level of development Madya has another meaning, it refers not to wine but to a divine nectar. Each month the pineal gland secretes a fluid known as amrta. A yogi who has purified his mind and practices fasting can taste the fluid and experience the profound effect of the fluid on his whole being, which has been described as a state of bliss. Thus, there is both a crude or material interpretation of Madya and a subtle or spiritual understanding of the term.
Another of the five Ms is Mamsa. One meaning of Mamsa is meat. For those who ate much meat, Shiva told them to continue to take it with a spiritual idea and finally to control the urge and quit the habit. For the subtle practitioner of Tantra, mamsa refers to the tongue and the spiritual practice of controlling one's speech.
Matsya, the third of the Ms, refers to fish. For the physically minded practitioner Shiva applied the same instruction regarding fish as he did with wine and meat. In spiritual or subtle Tantra the "fish" refers to two subtle nerves which run up the body, starting at the base of the spine and crisscrossing each other and ending in the two nostrils. These nerves are known as the ida and pingala. By the science of breath control, Pranayama, the currents of the nerves are controlled and the mind becomes calm for meditation. This is the Matsya of the spiritual practitioner.
Another of the Ms is Mudra. Mudra has only a spiritual significance and there is no physical or crude practice associated with it. Mudra means to maintain contact with those who help us to make spiritual progress and to avoid the company of those who might harm our development.
The last of the Ms, Maethuna, is the one which has caused the most confusion regarding Tantra. Maethuna means union. In its crude sense it means sexual union. For those who were dominated by the sexual instinct Shiva told that the sex act must be done with a spiritual idea and that gradually this instinct must be controlled. For the more advanced practitioners, those who were practicing subtle or spiritual Tantra, Shiva taught another practice of Maethuna. In this case "union" refers to the union of individual consciousness with Supreme Consciousness. In this case the spiritual energy of the human being, lying dormant at the base of the spine, is raised until it reaches the highest energy center (near the pineal gland), causing the spiritual aspirant to experience union with the Supreme.
The Ananda Marga yoga of today is based on the spiritual and subtle interpretation of the 5 Ms.
One of the distinctive aspects of subtle Tantra is the introversive method of meditation. The concept of mantra is of key importance in the Tantra idea of meditation. "Man" means "mind" and "tra" means "that which liberates", thus mantra is a particular vibration which liberates the mind.
The ancient yogis experimented with sound vibration and began to utilize special sounds which they found useful in the process of expansion of mind. They found that there are seven principle psycho-spiritual energy centers in the human body. They further learned that there are 50 sounds which emanate from the centers. These sounds are found in the alphabet of Sanskrit, and certain combinations of the sounds were used in ancient processes of concentration and meditation. During Tantric meditation the meditator is concentrating on the mantra and trying to keep only one sound vibration (and its associated idea) in his or her mind. Constant repetition of the mantra leads a practitioner to higher states of consciousness.
Not any sound can be chosen at random for use in meditation, rather there are certain qualities which the mantra must possess in order for it to be effective. First of all the mantra must be pulsative, that is, there will be two syllables which are repeated in synchronization with the inhalation and exhalation of breathing. In addition the mantra must have an idea associated with it. The general idea of the mantras used in meditation is that "I am one with the Supreme Consciousness". The mantra thus helps the individual to associate his or her own individual consciousness with the totality of consciousness in the universe.
The final characteristics of the mantra is that it must create a certain vibration which acts as a link between the individual vibration of the meditator and the vibration of the Supreme Consciousness. As people are not all alike, the mantras which are used in meditation are also not all alike. The meditation teacher chooses a mantra which matches the particular vibration of the individual and can link this individual vibration with the universal rhythm of the Supreme Consciousness.
Tantra is more than just a collection of meditation or yoga techniques. There is a particular world-view associated with it. According to Tantra, struggle is the essence of life. The effort to struggle against all obstacles and move from the imperfect to the perfect is the true spirit of Tantra.
In this movement from imperfection to perfection, there are three basic stages an individual passes through. In the first stage, the person is dominated by animal instincts, but in the next stage he or she gains control over these instincts and reaches the state of true human development. Finally, by constant struggle and effort, a state is reached where the human being becomes godlike. Tantra thus has an optimistic worldview. It shows how each individual is moving in a cosmic circle from a state of less developed consciousness to the most highly developed status.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
President-Elect Barack Obama on Election Night
Kudos America! Congradulations America, you did it!! You really did it!!!
A CHANGE IS COMING!
A CHANGE IS COMING!
John McCain is a Class Act!
John McCain is a class act. He gave the speech of his career with honor, dignity and grace. The speech guarantees he will continue to be re-elected as an Arizona Senator. Senator McCain, you are truly a winner, my friend.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Obama speaks to Virginia before election day
November 3, 2008
Obama speaks to Virginia the day before the vote. He speaks from heart logically and sincerely. Check out the speech.
Obama speaks to Virginia the day before the vote. He speaks from heart logically and sincerely. Check out the speech.
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