Suffering Dictionary

Duhkha:

Duhkha ("bad axle space"): suffering, a fundamental fact of life, caused by ignorance (avidya) of our true nature (i.e., the Self or atman)

(See also: Duhkha ,Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

Thumb

• To dream of seeing a thumb, foretells that you will be the favorite of artful persons and uncertain fortune.
• If you are suffering from a sore thumb, you will lose in business, and your companions will prove disagreeable. To dream that you have no thumb, implies destitution and loneliness. If it seems unnaturally small, you will enjoy pleasure for a time. If abnormally large, your success will be rapid and brilliant.
• A soiled thumb indicates gratification of loose desires. If the thumb has a very long nail, you are liable to fall into evil through seeking strange pleasures.

Source: 10 000 Dream Interpretations, by Gustavus Hindman Miller

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Thumb , Meaning of Dreams about Thumb , Dream Interpretation Thumb )

BOWEN TECHNIQUE

Developed by Thomas Ambrose Bowen of Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, this hands-on, light-touch body therapy consists of gentle rolling movements over muscle bellies and tendons to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Originally intended to help people suffering from muscular-skeletal problems, Bowen Technique has also been successful with many other conditions, including asthma and respiratory ailments in children and pre-teens.

(See also: BOWEN TECHNIQUE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Abhutarajas (Sanskrit) (from a not + the verbal root bhu to be born, produced + rajas passion)

Those not produced by or born with the quality of passion; a class of 14 gods or divinities belonging to the "fifth manvantara," the fifth Manu of which was Raivata (cf VP 3:1). The abhutarajasas are a hierarchy of divine beings, similar to the kumaras and manasaputras, who have passed through the material worlds in previous evolutionary periods. Having risen above all passional attractions to the lower spheres, these three classes of deities are reckoned as exempt from passion -- in the sense of suffering passively, one of passion's original connotations. These divinities are masters of themselves, not passive subjects.

In the theosophical scheme of rounds and races, the fifth manvantara of the Puranas refers to the first half or descending arc of the third round of our present planetary chain, and the fifth manu, Raivata, to the root-manu of this third round; further, the passage of the life-waves through each round of all the globes of the planetary chain -- i.e. from globe A to globe G -- consists of two "manvantaras," and thus it is that the first half or descending arc of the third round is the fifth of these manvantaras.

Moreover, just as in the third root-race on this globe in our present fourth round the manasaputras incarnated in the then relatively intellectually senseless humanity to awaken its self-conscious mind, so in their own way and on their own planes did the abhutarajasas act. In the descending arc of the third round they played the same part, albeit in a more diffuse and less active way, that they later did in the early part of the third root-race of the fourth round on this globe, when the human vehicles were evolutionally ready for a more intensive incarnation.

(See also: Abhutarajas , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Mesmerism Named for Friedrich Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), a Viennese physician who conceived the idea that diseases could be healed by stroking the afflicted parts of the patient's body with magnets. Later he discovered that the same healing effect could be produced by stroking or making passes over the afflicted parts with the hands. Hence the name animal magnetism as descriptive of this method of healing which today is generally called mesmerism.

Mesmer's fundamental idea was that there resides in man a power, an odic force or nerve energy, which can be projected by the will and directed either to heal and cure, or to harm and kill. All people possess this power in varying degrees. The very life-atoms which continually enter and leave not only our physical bodies, but the higher parts of our composite nature, are charged with and carry with them this odic force or mesmeric influence. We continually exchange these life-atoms with other beings, unconsciously to ourselves, and with those kingdoms according to their respective natures or planes.

Mesmerism, however, means the conscious or unconscious projection by a human being of this odic or vital nerve force or magnetic fluid. But the possession of this power depends upon the physical vitality and health rather than the moral or spiritual status of the operator; while the quality of this power is very greatly influenced by the moral or spiritual status of the operator. In this lies the danger of the practice of mesmerism, for unless the operator is pure minded and of high moral character, the physical vitality or magnetic fluid which he projects to the patient will be morally tainted and may constitute a grave danger to the patient who, while apparently deriving physical benefit from the treatment, may become morally weakened by it, be it in however small degree.

In accordance with the constant transmigration of life-atoms between person and person, and among all the kingdoms of nature; and, as those life-atoms are of all planes -- physical, vital-astral, psychic, intellectual, and spiritual, each being of the nature of that plane and hence the carrier of the life-essence, prana, odic force, or magnetism of that plane -- it follows that no person can live to himself alone; but that all people influence one another either for good or ill, particularly those who are closely associated together. This is the occult significance of the power of example good or bad, the power of a cheerful, courageous, optimistic nature, or of a nature of opposite character. Hence we may speak of the mesmeric influence as operative theoretically on all planes; but when used for purposes of physical or psychic healing, it operates on the physical and psychic planes alone, because of the vital carriers or life-atoms in question.

Even so considered, the mesmeric influence not only supplements and thus arouses to renewed activity the latent vitality of the patient, but acts indirectly upon the patient's mind and will, by helping to remove the inhibitions upon the action of these due to physical suffering and lack of physical health; and can be used for either good or immoral ends when the influence is directed to the mental and psychic nature of the patient.

But mesmerism is not necessarily psychologization, which is control by psychic force of another's mind and will, resulting in a dislocation of the psychic nature of the latter, a usurpation or forcible direction of the thought and will of another by the psychologizer, an invasion of that other's most sacred rights -- immoral and evil in its results, whatever immediate appearances may be, and whatever be the motive, for it cripples that part in man without which he is not fully human. Nevertheless the psychologizer, as well as the so-called hypnotizer, invariably makes use of mesmeric influence, odic force, and the pranas, for these are the carriers of thought-energy and will, without which these latter could not reach and dominate the mind and will of the subject. Mesmerism, purely as such, depends solely upon the inherent natures of the pranas, and is solely a transference of pranic energy from the operator to the subject. Thus, according to the health, physical and moral, of the operator so will the subject be affected either for good or ill.

The greatest and only sure safeguard against baneful mesmeric influence, whether consciously directed against one or unconsciously exercised by another, is one's own aspirations, positive will, and endeavor to think and live one's best and noblest. If all people were spiritually enlightened, the true mesmeric power could be safely used for the healing of disease and even for aid in bringing about a rectification, by the patient's own will, of distortions and weaknesses in the patient's character or constitution. But as matters stand, the danger in meddling with the subtle pranic energies is invariably both very real and great. One may always use the power of suggestion when this is elevated to, and employed solely on, the high moral and intellectual planes, such as by lofty spiritual and ethical teaching, precept, and especially the power of high example -- because these instill thoughts and ideals in the patient's mind arousing his own desire to follow them. These facts also demonstrate the real danger of suggestion when employed as it so often is on the lower planes, thus frequently taking the form of what are commonly called temptations.

Because mesmerism, psychologization, suggestion, and hypnotism are interlinked, all these have their respective play and place in any usage by one person of his vitality upon another.

(See also: Mesmerism , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

Yourodevoy (Russian) A person suffering from mental deficiencies, such as a half-wit or idiot.

(See also: Yourodevoy , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

Panchkarma Bloodletting

Toxins absorbed into the bloodstream through the gastro-intestinal tract get circulated throughout the body, manifesting under the skin or in the joint-spaces making rooms for disease. Their elimination and purification of the blood then becomes necessary. Thus his therapy is very good in case of all imbalance of blood and pitta disorders as stubborn skin diseases, tumours, gout, excessive drowsiness, alopecia, hallucinations and enlarged liver & spleen.

A sharp scalpel is usually used to make superficial, parallel or vertical incisions with extreme care after a soothing and antiseptic paste has been applied to the location. The amount of blood let out should not be more than 350ml. At such times a needle should be used to puncture a vein. It is however not to be used for people suffering from general swelling of limbs, debility, severe anemia, piles, fever, thirst, alcoholism.

The real objective of Panchakarma is to eliminate the cause of disease, since in itself the absence of symptoms does not always indicate a complete cure. Symptoms can often be quickly eliminated. But cure usually takes more time. Since it is based on the individual constitution, it is obvious that in very chronic diseases there may be more sittings required to eliminate the toxins from the body.

(See also: Bloodletting , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Cherokee healing (Cherokee Medicine): Traditional medicine of the Cherokees, a Native American people.

Its apparent principle is that, if one holds back the light in one's being, one causes:

(a)           occlusion of one's meridians and rivers of life and

(b)           suffering of mother Earth. Cherokee Medicine includes crystal healing, Eagle Medicine, Mental Medicine, the Natural Medicine Path, the Physical Medicine Path, and the Spiritual Medicine Path.

(See also: Cherokee healing , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

penance: Prayashchitta. Atonement, expiation.

An act of devotion (bhakti), austerity (tapas) or discipline (sukritya) undertaken to soften or nullify the anticipated reaction to a past action.

Penance is uncomfortable karma inflicted upon oneself to mitigate one's karmic burden caused by wrongful actions (kukarma). It includes such acts as prostrating 108 times, fasting, self-denial, or carrying kavadi (public penance), as well as more extreme austerities, or tapas. Penance is often suggested by spiritual leaders and elders. Penitence or repentance, suffering regret for misdeeds, is called anutapa, meaning "to heat."

See: evil, kavadi, papa, prayashchitta, sin, tapas.

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

Avidya:

Avidya ("ignorance"): the root cause of suffering (duhkha); also called ajnana; cf. vidya

(See also: Avidya ,Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

Skeleton

• To dream of seeing a skeleton, is prognostic of illness, misunderstanding and injury at the hands of others, especially enemies.
• To dream that you are a skeleton, is a sign that you are suffering under useless worry, and should cultivate a milder disposition.
• If you imagine that one haunts you, there will soon come to you a shocking accident or death, or the trouble may take the form of financial disaster.

Source: 10 000 Dream Interpretations, by Gustavus Hindman Miller

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Skeleton , Meaning of Dreams about Skeleton , Dream Interpretation Skeleton )

Poltergeist

(German - rattling ghost"} The term is applied to a variety of invisible entities which manifest in an unruly and disturbing manner, often involving unexplained noises, the moving or throwing of objects, vile smells, strange shrieks, as well as such curious phenomena as apports. While some occurrences may appear to involve actual spirits or ghosts, the disturbances may also derive from subconscious psychokinesis on the part of an individual.

Poltergeist phenomena have been reported around the world throughout history. Before the nineteenth century, these occurrences were blamed on the Devil, demons and witches. In the 1930s the psychologist and psychic researcher Nandor Fodor suggested the theory that poltergeist disturbances were caused not by spirits but by individuals suffering intense repressed anger, sexual frustration, and hostility. This psychological dysfunction theory has been supported by other research indicating that in a significant number of reported disturbances, the agent was a child or teenager possibly unconsciously unleashing hostility without fear of punishment.

Psychological profiles of agents show that mental and emotional stress, personality disorders, phobias, obsessive behavior and schizophrenia are linked to supposed poltergeist phenomena, and in some cases psychotherapy has eliminated the poltergeist disturbances.

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

Crucifix (cross)

A cross can have several seemingly varying connotations, or the interpretation may be multifaceted. It may represent your spirituality and the coming together of all different parts of your personality. It is a Christian symbol and you can think about what it means to you. The other interpretation may be less spiritual and more of a reflection of how you are feeling. A cross is a symbol of pain and suffering. Think if you are feeling as though you are being "crucified" by something that is going on in your life.

Source: Dream Lover Incorporated, http://www.dreamloverinc.com

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Crucifix (cross) , Meaning of Dreams about Crucifix (cross) , Dream Interpretation Crucifix (cross) )

Vasana, Conditioning, Tendencies, Self-limitation:

Self-imposed limitations; the general idea is that your true self is unbounded and without attributes, yet most people generate their own bondage and subsequent suffering by faulty identification with that which is less than their true self. These limitations are in essence different forms of attachments, such as attachment to one's:

 · Personal history (memory)

 · Personal strengths and weaknesses

 · Predispositions

 · Likes and dislikes

 · Habits

 · Habitual outlook

 · Opinions

 In short all the things that go into building your individual sense of self or ego. The word vasana is usually translated as mental conditioning or subtle tendencies.

(See also: Vasana, Conditioning, Tendencies, Self-limitation , Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

A Dream Dictionary including dreams about:

Charcoal, Chariot, Charity, Chastise, Cheated , Checkers, Checks, Cheese, Chemise, Cherries, Cherubs , Chess, Chestnuts, Chickens, Chiffonier , Chilblain, Childbed, Children, Chimes, Chimney, China , China Store, Chocolate, Choir

For more dream interpretation, see: Dream Dictionary

For more about dreams, see: Dreams.

karma

Physical, verbal, or mental action; one's destiny as shaped by one's previous actions. Karma is more often used to imply the process of physio-psychic evolution, which is controlled by actions of body, speech, and mind.

According to the laws of karma, no experience is causeless; rather, everything that occurs has its seed in a previous action and every action sows its seed in a successive action that will eventually ripen in accordance with its nature. In brief, an evil deed produces the seed of future suffering, and good deed produces the seed of happiness.

Technically, karma is of two main types: contaminated and non-contaminated. The latter refers to a deed done with awareness of emptiness; this produces no effect on the doer. Contaminated karmas are bad, good, or steady, resulting in lower rebirth, good rebirth, and rebirth in the realm of form, respectively.

(See also: karma , Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

LAUGHTER THERAPY:

Laughter is said to be addictive. Given its several health benefits, that is desirable. Firstly it gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides. By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, the lifeline of the system, it makes people feel better. It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation easing headaches, body aches and other muscular problems.

As blood vessels get dilated, blood pressure falls by 10-20 mm mercury after 10 minutes of laughter - very useful for patients of hypertension. With levels of antibodies and natural killer cells going up with laughter, it also improves the immunity - evident from thousands of laughter club members have decreased incidences of cough and cold.

Laughter has innumerable other benefits. It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood. Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.

Haasya Yoga is a method of group laughter that is based on yogic techniques. The exercises are designed based entirely on yoga stretching, breathing and variety of stimulated laughs, starting with deep breathing. As simulation helps stimulation, exercise induced laughter - that compliments but is not a substitute for natural laughter - increases the capacity for the latter.

Helping individuals increase their capacity to laugh more, be more self-confident and self-expressive. Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger. The laughter club is in effect a behavioral training institute that spontaneously raises spirits at no cost. The concept of a laughter bank, where people come up with creative ideas for different types of laughter, for instance is to bring in play fullness into the atmosphere. The fun, frolic and childish attitude generated not only reduces inhibitions, but also curtails tensions.

Under certain conditions though laughter therapy is not recommended. Patients with hernia, advanced piles, eye complications, Angolan pain and those who have just undergone major surgery should not venture into this therapy without the explicit advice of a doctor. Pregnant woman should also preferably avoid laughter sessions till some conclusive data regarding the safety is available. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections where phlegm is produced must take precaution against spread of infection. Finally, even a normal person experiencing discomfort while laughing, must discontinue immediately and seek expert medical help.

(See also: LAUGHTER THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

papa-duhkha: (Sanskrit) "Sin and suffering."

See: karma, papa, sin.

(See also: Papa-duhkha , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Buddha (buddha): The name given to one who rediscovers for himself the liberating path of Dhamma, after a long period of its having been forgotten by the world. According to tradition, there is a long line of Buddhas stretching into the distant past.

The most recent Buddha was born Siddhattha Gotama in India in the sixth century BCE. A well-educated and wealthy young man, he relinquished his family and his princely inheritance in the prime of his life to search for true freedom and an end to suffering (dukkha). After seven years of austerities in the forest, he rediscovered the "middle way" and achieved his goal, becoming Buddha.

 (See also: Buddha , Buddhism, Body Mind and Soul)

Indigo Children, Super-Psychic Children, Violet Children, Children of OZ and Chrystal Children are all refering to children born with a new level of consciousness. Kiara Windrider explains.

Read more here: » Indigo Children: Children of the New Dawn

Buddhism Beliefs: The Four Noble Truths

The Buddha taught that life was dissatisfactory because of craving, but that this condition was curable by following the eightfold path. This teaching is called the four noble truths:

1.    Dukkha: All worldly life is unsatisfactory, disjointed, containing suffering.

2.    Samudaya: There is a cause of suffering, which is attachment or desire (tanha) rooted in ignorance.

3.    Nirodha: There is an end of suffering, which is Nirvana.

4.    Marga: There is a path that leads out of suffering, known as the Noble Eightfold Path.

See also: The Four Noble Truths

Read more here: » Buddhism Beliefs: The Four Noble Truths

Medical Astrology: In this second part of the article, Ingrid Naiman further explain the dynamics of Medical Astrology.

Read more here: » Medical Astrology: What is Medical Astrology? II