Whenever I come across news of violence, be it between individuals, mob factions or between countries, a nightmare usually envelops me, of a return to the days of the caveman. But scenes of the incineration of innocents at Godhra and the retaliatory mass live-burning of hundreds in other parts of Gujarat brought back poignant memories of the Partition massacres.

In extenuation, apologists among us could seek to ascribe the latter at least partially to the departing Brits but who do we blame for our own Millennium Abel and Cain act this past week? Only ourselves: In a land which boasts of its sanskriti, sabhyata, and itihaas - noble words uttered from political pulpits especially at election times, what surfaced in the past week is bestiality at its best (worst?).

(See also: Peace on Earth , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Peace on Earth: Our Ishta Devata Lives Within Us

Revenge or vengeance consists of retaliation against a person or group in response to perceived wrongdoing. Although many aspects of revenge resemble or echo the concept of making things equal, revenge usually has a more injurious than constructive goal. The vengeful wish is to make the perceived wrongdoer go through what they put the victim through or to make sure the wrongdoer can never do what they did again. Revenge is a hotly contested ethical issue in philosophy. Some feel revenge is necessary to maintain a just so ...

Including:

• Revenge - Revenge in art and culture
• Revenge - Quotations on revenge

Read more here: » Revenge: Encyclopedia - Revenge

The mind is like a wheel which revolves endlessly with tremendous velocity. It generates new thoughts with every revolution. This wheel is set in motion by the vibration of psychic Prana or subtle Prana. The practice of Pranayama lessens the velocity of the mind and slows down the wheel gradually. Perfect control of Prana will bring the wheel to a standstill.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Control of Thought: The Mind and Control of Thought

A Christian theological definition of Ark of the Covenant according to CARM - The Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry:

"

Ark of the Covenant

See also: Ark of the Covenant , Christianity, Body Mind and Soul

For more dictionary entries, see » Forgiveness Dictionary

Kundalini Dictionary

Dictionary over terms related to kundalini and kundalini awakening. Please note that words in grey like " Kundalini " are links to archives with related articles.

For more dictionary entries, see » Forgiveness Dictionary

Carl-Johan Calleman, one of the leading authorities on the Mayan Calendar, presents a radical theory about the coming Venus Transit. Does the Venus Transit of 2004 relate to the Return of the Energy of Christ and of Quetzalcoatl? Quetzalcoatl is the serpent God of Ancient Mexico referred to by the Mayans as Kukulcan or Gugumatz and this article also explain the connection between the Energies of Christ and Quetzalcoatl.

Read more here: » Venus Transit & Quetzalcoatl: The Venus Transit and The Return of the Energy of Christ and of Quetzalcoatl

Advocates of peace all over the world continue with their avowed mission. They are working towards creating greater awareness of the need for promoting universal feelings of amity and compassion.

The annual Maramon Convention held recently in Kerala - which was first organised in 1896 by the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, an ancient Christian community of India - is one such collective effort to bring out the spiritual essence of the Word of God.

(See also: Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Peace on Earth: Community Efforts For Amity And Peace

Every year, I eagerly await the month of Ramzan. Fasting and praying during the month prepares me to move closer to God. Fasting is not restricted to food and drink; it includes distancing oneself from negative attributes like hypocrisy, covetousness, falsity, backbiting and envy, among others.

Surprisingly and fortunately, the after-effects of this regulated and sanitised lifestyle adopted during Ramzan lingers for several months afterward, enabling one to work towards greater control over one's actions.

(See also: Ramzan , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Ramzan: Why I Love to Fast During Ramzan  

The insights we attain come through the heart. Perhaps the intellect can be a vehicle for enlightenment, but for me and millions of others, the pathway through the heart is the most healing and beautiful way to learn and grow. Relationships with friends and family are filled with learning opportunities. They come in many forms, and could be intellectually discussed for many hours, though there is only one true lesson to learn. We learn to give service unselfishly to our partners or friends and others who may knock on our doors.

Read more here: » Relationships: Relating To Others: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

In the Bible, nothing is more common than exhortations to repentance: "I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" (Ezech., xxxiii, 11); "Except you do penance you shall all likewise perish" (Luke, xiii, 5; cf. Matt., xii, 41). At times this repentance includes exterior acts of satisfaction (Ps. vi, 7 sqq.); it always implies a recognition of wrong done to God, a detestation of the evil wrought, and a desire to turn from evil and do good. This is clearly expressed in Ps. 1 (5-14): "For I know my iniq ...

See also:

Contrition, Contrition - Catholic Perspective, Contrition - NATURE OF CONTRITION, Contrition - NECESSITY OF CONTRITION, Contrition - PERFECT AND IMPERFECT CONTRITION, Contrition - QUALITIES, Contrition - CONTRITION IN THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE, Contrition - PERFECT CONTRITION WITHOUT THE SACRAMENT, Contrition - Obligation of eliciting the act of contrition, Contrition - References, Contrition - Lay use

Read more here: » Contrition: Encyclopedia II - Contrition - Catholic Perspective

Samanya Dharma is the general Dharma or law for all men. Varnasrama Dharmas are special Dharmas which are to be practised by particular castes and by men in particular stages of life. The Samanya Dharmas must be practised by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or colour. Goodness is not the property of any one class, creed, sect or community. Every man should possess this virtue.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Dharma: Samanya Dharma

Sarada Devi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa's spouse and spiritual companion, showered endless love on all. Ramakrishna called her "My Shakti" and worshipped her as the Divine Mother. He said that she was the incarnation of Goddess Saraswati.

Sarada Devi's mission was to uplift all without bias of caste or religion. Among her devotees was Amzad, who went to jail for thieving. When Amzad came to see her after a long stint in jail, the Mother simply said: "Amzad, I have been really worried."

(See also: Sarada Devi , Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Sarada Devi: Ma Sarada Devi, Universal Mother  

Now that you have become aware of the power inherent in affirmations and of the potency with which they can influence individual lives, you would not be wrong in regarding them as virtually magical! They are wondrous - like so much else in life. Through affirmations much can be accomplished easily; objectives that would otherwise seem like an arduous uphill task.

Nevertheless, there are certain pointers one ought to know and remember. Firstly, affirmations should not be used negatively or for negative ends. Secondly, there comes a time when you need to rise above shortsighted affirmations and broaden your horizons - ultimately giving in to the Spirit of surrender.

(See also: Life Transforming Affirmations , Affirmations, Practising Affirmations, Life Transforming Affirmations, Essence of Affirmations, Faith and Belief, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Life Transforming Affirmations: Transcending Your Limits

Haj Is a Journey Into Yourself

It is every Muslim's cherished dream to go on Haj, to undertake the spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca. On their return, the successful pilgrims are known as Hajjis. When they embark on their journey, they are given a ceremonial and fond farewell by relatives and friends of all faiths. Haj is a commemoration of tests and trials experienced by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Hazrat Ismail, in the vicinity of Mecca.

Read more here: » Haj: Haj Is a Journey Into Yourself

Yom Kippur - Forgiveness and vidduy. According to the Talmud, God opens three books on the first day of the year; one for the thoroughly wicked, another for the thoroughly pious, and the third for the large intermediate class. The fate of the thoroughly wicked and the thoroughly pious is determined on the spot; the destiny of the intermediate class is suspended until Yom Kippur, when the fate of everyone is sealed. The liturgical piece Unetanneh Tokef (attributed to Rabbi Amnon of Mainz) states: ...

See also:

Yom Kippur, Yom Kippur - Date, Yom Kippur - Biblical origin, Yom Kippur - Observances, Yom Kippur - General observances, Yom Kippur - Observances among secular Jews, Yom Kippur - The eve of Yom Kippur, Yom Kippur - Prayer services, Yom Kippur - Atonement, Yom Kippur - Forgiveness and vidduy, Yom Kippur - Reconcilation with others, Yom Kippur - The Temple service

Read more here: » Yom Kippur: Encyclopedia II - Yom Kippur - Atonement

Esoteric tenets of the established religions clearly state, among other things that "God is everywhere."

If we are to believe this statement, we then have to say, "Then God must also somehow be within that which is evil, including the Devil himself!"

Well, without going too far into the esoteric nature of the matter, I will simply say that what appears to be evil, is just that, an appearance.

(See also: Metaphysics, Metaphysical Principles, Definition of Metaphysics, Metaphysical Techniques, Miracles, Creating Miracles Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, Peace of Mind, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Metaphysical Principles: Some Esoteric Principles

Sant Dnyaneshwar realised that the Gita's teachings could be read and understood only by a small Sanskrit-knowing elite. Dnyaneshwar, under the advice of his guru, Nivrathinath, rendered a Marathi version of the Gita known as Dnyaneshwari. It contains more than 9,000 verses called ovies. So Sant Dnyaneshwar brought the teachings of the Gita within reach of the common man. Dnyaneshwari was composed around the twelfth century, when Dnyaneshwar was only 16 years old. He took samadhi at the age of 22 and left this mortal world.

(See also: Dnyaneshwar , Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Dnyaneshwar: Dnyaneshwar's Gita Has Popular Appeal  

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Dharma: Different Kinds Of Dharma

Charms - An amulet or talisman that has been chamged by saying an incantation oover it and instilling it with energy for a specific purpose.

(See also: Charms , Pagan, Wicca Pagan Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Forgiveness Dictionary

Hinduism Lexicon on B

From backbiting to buddhi chitta.

Read more here: » Hinduism: Hinduism Lexicon on B

The year 2005 comes under the banner of 'Spirituality' and is ruled by the strongest God Force represented by number 7.

In Western Astrology, this number is associated with the watery planet Neptune and in Hindu Astrology it swings to the moods of the half-planet Ketu.

It is said that during our time, which is in 'kaliyug' (the era of darkness), Rahu, Ketu and Saturn have become more powerful and active than other planets and exert maximum influence on mankind and the earth as a whole.

(See also: Spiritual Awakening , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Spiritual Awakening: 2005 - The Year Of Spiritual Awakening  

Mayan Calendar: In the series, Evolving Towards Enlightenment I-V, Carl Johan Calleman explains the links between the Mayan Calendar Enlightenment and the significance of the year 2012.

Read more here: » Mayan Calendar: Evolving Towards Enlightenment - V