Buddhism Holydays: Holy days and Festivals in Buddhism

Festivals play a big part in the lives of many Buddhists. Most Buddhists, with the exception of the Japanese, use the Lunar calendar. The dates of Buddhist festivals and the way they are celebrated vary from country to country, and between Buddhist traditions. The most important holy days are: Wesak, Dharma Day, Sangha Day, Parinirvana Day and Losar

Read more here: » Buddhism Holydays: Holy days and Festivals in Buddhism

Phoenix

(Egyptian-House of Enoch) Egyptian mythological bird of gorgeous plumage, sacred to the sun, reborn from the ashes of the funeral pyre which it made for itself when each life span of 500 or 600 years was over.

"At the top of a palm tree a bird's nest catches fire. It has been ignited by a spark struck from the hooves of celestial steeds drawing the chariot of Ra, the Egyptian sun god. Amid the flames a beautiful Arabian bird extends its golden neck and purple wings, but instead of flying off, it dances. Eventually, it is consumed by the fire and reduced to ashes. but this is not the end. Indeed, it is only the beginning - for 500 years later a new bird is reborn from the ashes. It seals the remains of the nest in myrrh, wraps it in aromatic leaves, and molds it into the shape of an egg. This it carries as a sacred offering to the temple of the sun at Heliopolis, then flies away to paradise. Five hundred years later it returns to earth, where it begins again the cycle of selfimmolation and resurrection - a process that continues forever. "

The phoenix, originating in the mythology of ancient Egypt, has become a universal symbol of rebirth and the most famous of all fabulous birds. Clad in feathers of red and gold, the color of the rising sun, it had a melodious voice that became mournful with approuching death. Other creatures were then so overcome by its beauty and sadness that they themselves fell dead.

According to legend, only one phoenix could live at a time. The Greek poet Hesiod, writing in the 8th century BC, said that the phoenix lived nine times the lifespan of the long-living raven. Other estimates went up to 97,200 years. When the bird felt death approaching, it built itself a pyre of wild cinnamon and died in the flames. But from the ashes there then arose a new phoenix, which tenderly encased its parent's remains in an egg of myrrh and flew with them to the Egyptian city of Heliopolis, where it laid them on the Altar of the Sun. These ashes were said to have the power of bringing a dead man back to life.

The profligate Roman Emperor Elagabalus (AD 205-22) decided to eat phoenix meat in order to achieve immortality. He dined off a bird of paradise, sent in place of a phoenix, but the substitute did not work. He was then murdered shortly afterward.

Scholars now think that the germ of the legend came from the Orient and was adopted by the sun-worshipping priests of Heliopolis as an allegory of the sun's daily setting and rebirth.

Like all great myths, it stirs deep chords in man. In Christian art the resurrected phoenix became a popular symbol of Christ risen from the grave. Strangely, its name may come from a misunderstanding by Herodotus, the Greek historian of the 5th century BC. In his account of the bird he may have mistakenly given it the name "phoenix" because of the palm tree (Greek: phoinix) on which it was customarily pictured sitting in those days. In their attempts to identify the gorgeously plumed phoenix of Egyptian myth with a real bird, scientists tended to discount New Guinea's birds of paradise otherwise likely candidates because of the island's great distance from Egypt. In 1957, however, Australian zoologists discovered that New Guinea tribes had exported bird of paradise plumed skins for centuries and that among those visiting the island, as long ago as 1000 BC, had been traders from Phoenicia in the Middle East.

Another significant discovery was that the tribespeople used to preserve the skins for export by sealing them in myrrh, molding them into an egg shape, and wrapping this in burned banana skins - a procedure that tallies almost exactly with the mythical bird's reputed treatment of its destroyed nest. Perhaps most significant of all is the fact that the brilliantly colored males of Count Raggi's bird of paradise are adorned with cascades of scarlet feathers that, during their courtship dance, they repeatedly raise aloft, while quivering intensely - a spectacle reminiscent of the phoenix dancing in its burning nest. On reaching the Middle East, descriptions of this spectacle, combined with the egg-like parcels of skins, may well have been sufficient to inspire the myth of the phoenix.

(See also: Phoenix , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dancing Dictionary

asana: (Sanskrit) "Seat; posture." In hatha yoga, asana refers to any of numerous poses prescribed to balance and tune up the subtle energies of mind and body for meditation and to promote health and longevity. Examples are the shoulder-stand (sarvangasana,"whole body pose") and the lotus pose (padmasana). Each asana possesses unique benefits, affecting the varied inner bodies and releasing energies in different parts of the nervous system.

While the physical science of hatha yoga can dramatically influence health and general well-being, it is primarily a preparation for the deeper yogas and meditations. Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has provided a system of 27 asanas to tune the nervous system for meditation and contemplation and to mitigate the burdensome karmas, known by the modern term "stress," built up through the interaction with other people. His 27 asanas are performed in a meditative sequence, not unlike a serene dance, accompanied by certain visualizations and pranayamas.

See: hatha yoga, raja yoga, yoga, yoga positions

(See also: Asana , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Dancing Dictionary

Afterife - Life After Death

An encyclopedia of different cultures mythology  around afterlife, including : Adiri, Ama-No-Hashidate: , Asamando, Asgard, Astral Plane, Avalon, Bralgu, Chalmecacivati, Ching Tu, Chinvato Peretav, Dilum, Djanna, Elysium, Fortunate Isle, Gwenved, Happy Hunting Ground, Hawaiki, Inkolwe, Isle of the Blest, Kevala, Khun-Lun, Ki-Agpga-Pod, Kotluwalawa, Land of the Moon, Lewu Liau, Limbo, Mizumu, Moksha, Mormon Heaven, Mount Kailasa, Mount Meru , New Age Afterlife, New Jerusalem, Nirvana, Otherworld, Sheol, Summerland, Tain, Tamoanchan, The Pole Star, Tlalocan, Tum and Valhalla.

Read more here: » Afterlife: Encyclopedia of Afterlife Mythology in Different Cultures

The general premise of DDR EXTREME is the same as the previous Dance Dance Revolution games. One player can play using one dance pad (Single play style), Two players can play using one dance pad each (Versus play style), or One player can play using both dance pads (Double play style). A player must step to the beat, matching the beat to the arrows presented to them on screen by stepping on arrows on a metal-and-plexiglass dance stage. Depending on the timing of each step, the step is scored "PERFECT," "GREAT," "GOOD," "BOO" or "MISS. ...

See also:

Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Gameplay, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - FMV backgrounds, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Groove Radar, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Modifiers, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Extra Stages, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Nonstop Mode, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Challenge Mode a.k.a. Oni Mode, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Link Data, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Bootlegs, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Dance Dance Revolution MegaMix, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME Plus!, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Home versions, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Music, Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Soundtrack

Read more here: » Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME: Encyclopedia II - Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME - Gameplay

A dictionary Of Siddha Yoga Terminology. From Abhanga to Yogini.

Please note that all words in grey, like "enlightenment" or "kundalini" are hyperlinked to archives further explaining the term. At the corresponding archive you will also find articles related to the term.

For more dictionary entries, see » Dancing Dictionary

For a full listing of albums and singles, see Jackson 5 discography. The Jackson 5 - Top Ten US and UK singles. The following singles reached the Top Ten on the Billboard Hot 100 or the UK Singles Chart, or #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart: (all Motown releases) (all CBS releases) The Jackson 5 - Albums. (all Motown releases) 1969: Diana Ross Presents the Jackson ...

See also:

The Jackson 5, The Jackson 5 - History, The Jackson 5 - Early career, The Jackson 5 - Influences, The Jackson 5 - Joining Motown, The Jackson 5 - Jackson 5 discovery credit discrepancy, The Jackson 5 - Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, The Jackson 5 - Popularization and franchise expansion, The Jackson 5 - Relationships and marriages, The Jackson 5 - Decline, The Jackson 5 - The move to CBS Records, The Jackson 5 - The 1980s and Michael's solo career, The Jackson 5 - Post-history and followers, The Jackson 5 - Miniseries, The Jackson 5 - Personnel, The Jackson 5 - Members, The Jackson 5 - Band personnel, The Jackson 5 - Discography, The Jackson 5 - Top Ten US and UK singles, The Jackson 5 - Albums, The Jackson 5 - Notes

Read more here: » The Jackson 5: Encyclopedia II - The Jackson 5 - Discography

A köçek would begin training around the age of seven or eight, and would be considered accomplished after about six years of study and practice. A dancer's career would last as long as he was beardless and retained his youthful appearance. Dancers would get married when they were around 25 or 30, and then could become organizers of a new köçek troop. Köçeks were organized into companies known as kol. Twelve such companies were counted in the mid-1600's, each c ...

See also:

Köçek, Köçek - Roots, Köçek - Culture, Köçek - Modern offshoots

Read more here: » Köçek: Encyclopedia II - Köçek - Culture

Contrary to popular belief, b-boys do not only break to hip hop. It is very common to see b-boys breaking to funk and soul tracks. Whatever genre it is, most of the songs popular for breaking are from the 1980s. Modern mainstream hip hop, through its changes, is generally not as good for breaking as tunes from when breaking had its peak popularity. Music is a very important thing to a b-boy. One could argue that the knowledge of music is almost as important as the ability to dance to it. Skilled b-boys are expected to have almost a tr ...

See also:

Breakdancing, Breakdancing - Etymology, Breakdancing - Dance, Breakdancing - Style vs technique, Breakdancing - Battles, Breakdancing - Breakdancing as a Folk Dance, Breakdancing - Music, Breakdancing - Fashion, Breakdancing - Media, Breakdancing - Myths, Breakdancing - Video clips, Breakdancing - Sources

Read more here: » Breakdancing: Encyclopedia II - Breakdancing - Music

Bharatanatyam is thought to have been created by Bharata Muni, a Hindu sage, who wrote the Natya Shastra, the most important ancient treatise on classical Indian dance. It is also called the fifth Veda in reference to the foundation of Hindu religion and philosophy, from which sprang the related South Indian musical tradition of Carnatic music. However, there are references to Rishi Agastya teaching his disciples a different form o ...

See also:

Bharatanatyam, Bharatanatyam - Traditional roots, Bharatanatyam - Essential ideas, Bharatanatyam - Medieval decline, Bharatanatyam - Modern rebirth, Bharatanatyam - Technique, Bharatanatyam - Elements, Bharatanatyam - Other elements, Bharatanatyam - Dancers, Bharatanatyam - Gurus and Dancers

Read more here: » Bharatanatyam: Encyclopedia II - Bharatanatyam - Traditional roots

The International Skating Union - ISU is the governing body for international competitions. The ISU oversees the World Championships and the figure skating events at the Winter Olympic Games. In singles and pairs figure skating competition, competitors must perform two routines, the "short program", in which the skater must complete a list of required elements consisting of jumps, spins and steps; and the "free skating", in which the skaters have slightly more choice of elements. Ice dancing competitions usually consist of three phase ...

See also:

Figure skating, Figure skating - Equipment, Figure skating - Disciplines, Figure skating - Jumps, Figure skating - Spins, Figure skating - Steps and turns, Figure skating - Competition format and scoring, Figure skating - History, Figure skating - Notable figure skaters, Figure skating - Navigation, Figure skating - Men, Figure skating - Ladies, Figure skating - Pairs, Figure skating - Ice Dance

Read more here: » Figure skating: Encyclopedia II - Figure skating - Competition format and scoring

Very soon after their arrival in January 1967, the Bee Gees were signed by Robert Stigwood, and added Australian musicians Vince Melouney (guitar) and former child actor Colin Petersen (drums). Their first single recorded in England was "New York Mining Disaster 1941" (1967), a surreal, haunting and macabre song that made the Top 20 on both sides of the Atlantic. Their album "Bee Gees' First" scored well with critics and the public, offering an innovative blend of rock and orchestral ballads such as the classics ...

See also:

Bee Gees, Bee Gees - Early history, Bee Gees - 1960s in England, Bee Gees - 1970s: Saturday Night Fever, Bee Gees - 1980s and 1990s, Bee Gees - Later years, Bee Gees - Current news, Bee Gees - Awards and success, Bee Gees - Original Albums, Bee Gees - Compilations, Bee Gees - International Hit Singles, Bee Gees - Band, Bee Gees - Parodies of the Bee Gees

Read more here: » Bee Gees: Encyclopedia II - Bee Gees - 1960s in England

The Jackson 5 - Members. Jackie Jackson (1962–1990), vocals tambourine and cow bell The eldest brother, Jackie was a high tenor singer and, prior to a musical career, a baseball player. He had a solo career, releasing three albums, and eventually married Enid Jackson, also later having an affair with singer Paula Abdul. Tito Jackson (1962–1990), vocals and lead guitar Another original member, baritone singer and guitarist Tito has enjoyed a solo career as a blues m ...

See also:

The Jackson 5, The Jackson 5 - History, The Jackson 5 - Early career, The Jackson 5 - Influences, The Jackson 5 - Joining Motown, The Jackson 5 - Jackson 5 discovery credit discrepancy, The Jackson 5 - Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, The Jackson 5 - Popularization and franchise expansion, The Jackson 5 - Relationships and marriages, The Jackson 5 - Decline, The Jackson 5 - The move to CBS Records, The Jackson 5 - The 1980s and Michael's solo career, The Jackson 5 - Post-history and followers, The Jackson 5 - Miniseries, The Jackson 5 - Personnel, The Jackson 5 - Members, The Jackson 5 - Band personnel, The Jackson 5 - Discography, The Jackson 5 - Top Ten US and UK singles, The Jackson 5 - Albums, The Jackson 5 - Notes

Read more here: » The Jackson 5: Encyclopedia II - The Jackson 5 - Personnel

Wicca and Witchcraft: General Practices in Wicca (Witchcraft)

The roots of the religion called Wicca, or Witchcraft, are very old, coming down to us through a variety of channels worldwide. Although any general statement about our practices will have exceptions, the following will attempt to present a basic foundation for understanding.

Some of the old practices were lost when indigenous religions encountered militant Christianity and were forced to go underground for survival. The ancient mystery religions were lost when the practice of the rites were stopped and the old verbal traditions were no longer available.

Read more here: » Wicca and Witchcraft: General Practices in Wicca

Names of many Greek dances may be found spelt either ending with -o or with -os. This is due to the fact that the word for "dance" in Greek is a masculine noun, while the dance itself can also be referred to by a neuter adjective used substantively. Thus one may find both "hasapiko" ("the butcher thing") and "hasapikos (horos)" - "the butcher (dance)." Antikrystos Baidoushka Ballos Fysouni Gaida Hasapiko (Chasapiko, Khasapiko, Hassapiko,Kasap,Butcher Dance ) ...

See also:

List of folk dances sorted by origin, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Albania, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Austria, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Belarus, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Brittany, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Bulgaria, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Cambodia, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Khmer, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Catalonia, List of folk dances sorted by origin - China, List of folk dances sorted by origin - England, List of folk dances sorted by origin - France, List of folk dances sorted by origin - FYROM, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Western, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Southwestern, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Southern, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Northern, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Eastern, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Germany, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Greece, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Crete, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Hungary, List of folk dances sorted by origin - India, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Indonesia, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Bali, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Ireland, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Israel, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Italy, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Japan, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Poland, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Portugal, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Romania, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Russia, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Scandinavia, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Scotland, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Turkey, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Adiyaman, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Artvin, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Aydin, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Bingol, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Burdur, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Edirne, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Trabzon, List of folk dances sorted by origin - USA, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Hawaii, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Louisiana, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Texas, List of folk dances sorted by origin - Ukraine

Read more here: » List of folk dances sorted by origin: Encyclopedia II - List of folk dances sorted by origin - Greece

He was born Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson in Edmonton, North London, into a Salvation Army family who owned a local garage. He attended The Latymer School in Edmonton and started in showbusiness aged 14, with a song, dance, and ukulele act called "Boy Bruce, the mighty atom". Bruce made his television debut in 1939 when a child, singing and dancing on a talent show introduced by Jasmine Bligh (This was probably an episode of "Come and be Televised" (BBC, 1939), broadcast from Radiolympia). He spent many years performing on stage, with little success; he travelled the UK working seven days a we ...

See also:

Bruce Forsyth, Bruce Forsyth - Life history, Bruce Forsyth - Catch phrases, Bruce Forsyth - Film

Read more here: » Bruce Forsyth: Encyclopedia II - Bruce Forsyth - Life history

Dattatreya Jayanthi

DATTATREYA Jayanthi falls during December-January on the full moon day of the month of Margaseersha.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Dattatreya Jayanthi: Hindu Worshipping - Dattatreya Jayanthi

 ÓÉAs they placed my body in the ambulance, I floated along with it. I was not attached to it in any way that I could determine. I just thought everything was so interesting. The driver turned on the siren and we started for the hospital. The attendant began trying to revive my bodyÉÓ

Read more here: » Near Death Experience: Patsy's NDE (Near Death Experience) Story

Dancing Stage - Arcade versions. Dancing Stage (1999) Dancing Stage Internet Ranking (1999) Dancing Stage EuroMIX (1999) Dancing Stage EuroMIX Internet Ranking (1999) Dancing Stage EuroMIX 2 (August 2002) Dancing Stage Fusion (March 2005) Dancing Stage SuperNOVA (2006) Dancing Stage - Home versions. Dancing Stage EuroMIX (PlayStation; June 16, 2001)See also:

Dancing Stage, Dancing Stage - European releases, Dancing Stage - Arcade versions, Dancing Stage - Home versions, Dancing Stage - Japanese releases, Dancing Stage - Arcade machines, Dancing Stage - PlayStation, Dancing Stage - Gameplay

Read more here: » Dancing Stage: Encyclopedia II - Dancing Stage - European releases

The series started in New Zealand in 2005 on Television New Zealands TV1 channel. The celebrities that took part were: Georgina Beyer (Politician) Shane Cortese (Actor, Shortland Street) Ewan Gilmour (Comedian) Theresa Healey (Actress) Norm Hewitt (Rugby player) Bernice Mene (Sportswoman) Tim Shadbolt (Mayor of Invercargill) Nicky Watson (M ...

See also:

Dancing with the Stars, Dancing with the Stars - Australia, Dancing with the Stars - Austria, Dancing with the Stars - Belgium, Dancing with the Stars - Denmark, Dancing with the Stars - Italy, Dancing with the Stars - Mexico, Dancing with the Stars - Bailando por un sueño, Dancing with the Stars - Bailando por México, Dancing with the Stars - The Netherlands, Dancing with the Stars - New Zealand, Dancing with the Stars - United States, Dancing with the Stars - Spain

Read more here: » Dancing with the Stars: Encyclopedia II - Dancing with the Stars - New Zealand

There are four Asramas or stages in life, viz., Brahmacharya or the period of studentship, Grihastha or the stage of the householder, Vanaprastha or the stage of the forest-dweller or hermit, and Sannyasa or the life of renunciation or asceticism. Each stage has its own duties. These stages help the evolution of man

The four Asramas or orders of life are Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Dharma in Hinduism: The Four Asramas in Hindu Dharma

The Bee Gees have been incredibly successful, selling in excess of 180 million records and singles worldwide. Their songs have been covered by singers including Elvis, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone and newer acts like Steps and Destiny's Child. Songs written by the Gibbs but better known in versions by other artists include, "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman, "Chain Reaction" by Diana Ross, "Emotion" by Samantha Sang and Destiny's Child, "Guilty" by Barbra Streisand, "Heartbreaker" by Dionne Warwick and "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rog ...

See also:

Bee Gees, Bee Gees - Early history, Bee Gees - 1960s in England, Bee Gees - 1970s: Saturday Night Fever, Bee Gees - 1980s and 1990s, Bee Gees - Later years, Bee Gees - Current news, Bee Gees - Awards and success, Bee Gees - Original Albums, Bee Gees - Compilations, Bee Gees - International Hit Singles, Bee Gees - Band, Bee Gees - Parodies of the Bee Gees

Read more here: » Bee Gees: Encyclopedia II - Bee Gees - Awards and success