That obstinate lady

On that day, it was around 11 am when a fairly well placed lady walked into Sankara mutt and desired private audience with Sri Mahaswamigal. She was continuously shedding tears, her eyes swollen and face red due to continuous weeping.

Sri Mahaswami himself came out and tried to pacify her by saying that she had his full blessings but to be alone in a room with a lady was strictly forbidden to sanyasi’s like him. The lady was adamant to talk to him alone. Sri Mahaswamigal could have turned her away by ordering the mutt staff to give her some “prasad” and send her away. The Ocean of Mercy he was he some how wanted to cheer her by some means.

“Dharma” never fails. Suddenly Sri Mahaswamigal ordered for a stone deaf man to be found and sent to his room with that lady. The puzzled Sri. Srikantan (the attendant of Sri Mahaswamigal whose services used to remind everyone of Anjaneya’s services to Lord Rama) was beyond words or bewildered as to how to suddenly find a totally deaf man to accompany the lady?

Saints and sages perform miracles as though they are mere coincidences. They need not prove anything to anyone. A deaf man was present at the Sankara mutt at that time who accompanied the lady to Sri Mahaswamigal.

After sometime the lady came out with all smiles accompanied by the deaf man who was unaware of anything.

Sri Mahaswamigal never exempted himself from any of the rules and regulations of sanyasa dharma. Today if by chance one notices sadhus, sanyasis or holy men constantly in the company of women devotees, shall we ignore them as they are imitations? Nothing can be imitated without an original. Let us go and search for that original for eternal bliss.

Source:: Lakshmi Natarajan

10 new generation tracks of Dikshitar compositions

1. Sanjay Subramanian: Chetasri Balakrishnan in Raga

Dvijavanti:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQHDWDyMoP0

2. T.M. Krishna: Arunachala Nadham in Raga Saranga:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnQhkzMsIUQ

3. Bombay Jayashree: Subrahmania Rakshitoham- Suddha Dhanyasi-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXP3nh20pb4

4. Ranjani Gayatri : Mahalakshmi Karunarasa Lahari: Madhava 

Manohari:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU-li9iEpOQ

5. Abhishek Raghuram: Ekambaresa Nayakim: Shanmukhapriya:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOZpWFCe13U

6. Dikshitar compositions: INRECO Album : Sudha Raghunathan, P. Unnikrishnan, Bombay Jaysshree, Nithyashree Mahadevan, Neyveli Santhanagopalan, S, Sowmya, Hyderabad Brothers, TM Krishna and Bombay sisters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVrjs9DGG-g

7.  Sreevalsan J Menon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCp4p2Js2H8

8. Panca Bhuta kriti: TM Krishna: Ananda Natana

Prakasham:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTmxE55W8G4

9. Sri Kamalambike: Sanjay Subramanian:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_4qU9hXjFI

10. Mamava Minakshi- Varali- P. Unnikrishnan:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dO-r7SvhfM

Lower Back Pain

One of the consequences of being sedentary, and also being incredibly active, is back pain. About 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given moment. It’s a common affliction and one that takes care and diligence to eliminate. Whether you experience stiffness, aches, or spasms, the following stretches will help keep your back fit and strong. 1. The hamstring floor stretch. Hold for 30 seconds twice for each leg. 2. Knee to chest stretch. This helps strengthen and relax your glutes. Hold for 20 seconds for each leg twice. 3. Spinal stretch. This was a favorite of mine when I suffered sciatica. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the other knee. Do this as many times as you like but don’t overdo it. 4. The piriformis stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg. 5. The hip flexors stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and then switch and repeat. 6. The quadriceps lying down stretch. Hold for 30 seconds on each side. Do this one twice on each side. 7. The total back stretch. Hold this for 30 seconds and then try this: Hold for 10 seconds on both sides. With any luck, this will have your lower back feeling great again!

Drink Pineapple Water In The Morning For A Year and These 9 Things Happen!

Do you drink 8 cups of water a day? Have you ever considered the thought that staying hydrated may not be enough!

The choices that you make during your daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Did you know pineapple offers a source of micronutrients that your body needs? Pineapple is full of enzyme bromelain and the antioxidant vitamin C. These both play a major role in your body’s healing process. To get this amazing ingredient in your system before your day you should start to drink pineapple water on an empty stomach. Doing this will activate the micronutrients, which will help you to feel better though out the day.

1. Fights inflammation
People who play sports or that have arthritis should really consider doing this because Bromelain helps the body get rid of toxins by fighting off inflammation which impacts all the tissues and organs in the body. It can help with mild pain from the sports or arthritis.

2. Helps with weight loss
Want to lose a few pounds? Drink the pineapple water! Due to the fiber contained in pineapple, it takes more time to digest, thus causing a prolonged feeling of satiety. By drinking the pineapples water in the morning, you will not have sweet cravings. Thiamine helps boost your body metabolism by converting carbohydrates into energy.

3. Flushes parasites from liver and intestines
No one wants to think they might have a parasite in their body like a tapeworm but it is possible. The bromelain in pineapples can kill tapeworms fast if you do a three day fast.

4. Regulates the thyroid
Pineapples contain iodine and bromelain that are effective in improving various autoimmune disorders, which means it is also effective in easing symptoms associated with thyroiditis.

5. Balances electrolytes

To prevent cramps or other injuries drink the pineapple water. The potassium in pineapples helps maintain a proper balance of electrolytes and keeps your body strong.

6. Gets rid of heavy metals and toxins
Pineapple is loaded with fiber, beneficial enzymes and a host of antioxidants that help to detox your body from heavy metals and toxins.

7. Works as a digestive aid.
Bromelain in pineapple helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

8. Strengthens gums
Not only will it strengthen your gums, but it also helps whiten and preserve your teeth. Dr. Frawley says pineapples act as a natural stain remover also.

9. Improves vision
Pineapple contains beta-carotene and vitamin A which leads to good eyesight. Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of pineapple per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.

You have our permission to reprint this article via creative commons license if you attribute us with a live backlink to this article. - Organic Health

Neat Uses for Vodka

Vodka is commonly known as an alcohol that does wonders for mixing cocktails and other drinks. Most people don’t think to look beyond the liquor cabinets for its magnitude of uses. This spirit can be used in many inventive ways to help with common household challenges.

1. Keep flowers vital

Add vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to a vase of flowers.

2. Deodorize clothing.

Remove unpleasant odors and kill bacteria with a spritz of vodka. Hang the smelly clothes in a well ventilated area and spray the garment with a 1/1 water/vodka solution. Let the garment dry, and the smell should be gone within a day.

3. Shiny hair

Add 1.5 fl. oz (44ml) of vodka to your 12 fl. oz (354ml) shampoo for extra shiny hair.

4. Keep dark fabrics dark

Mix water and vodka, spray on dark clothes and linens, then machine wash.

5. Remove mold or mildew

Spray a bottle filled with vodka onto the mold, or mildew caused by caulking. Let this sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away the mold with an old toothbrush.

6. Disinfectant for a cleaner mattress

Disinfect your mattress and pillows by spraying with a solution of water and vodka.

7. Sparkling clean glasses

Use vodka in a water solution to keep the lenses of glasses and sunglasses sparkling clean.

8. Clean windows and other kitchen surfaces.

This works for glass, chrome and porcelain: wet a soft cloth with vodka and then rub. Your surface will be shining new.

9. Make homemade mouthwash

Combine a few drops of cinnamon, spearmint or tea tree oil with vodka and let this mixture sit for two weeks, for a high-octane homemade mouthwash.

10. Vanish foul odors from shoes

The smells that reek from your shoes are from bacteria, which to live in the moist dark areas. Spray your shoes with vodka to kill both smells and bacteria. Soaking your feet in vodka also cures odorous  feet.

11. Create homemade hand sanitizer

Because vodka kills bacteria, it makes the perfect sanitizer. Fill a small spray bottle with vodka and mist your hands whenever necessary.

12. Protect against bugs

The high alcohol content in vodka is a killer to insects. Mix with water in a spray bottle and either squirt yourself or the bugs, for a bite-free outdoor experience.

13. Treat poison ivy

Wash the infected area with vodka, then rinse with warm water. Dry and repeat rubbing area with vodka dipped cottonball several times and let it air dry. This also works for treating Jellyfish stings.

14. Remove Band-Aids painlessly

Dab the area around the Band-Aid with a cottonball dipped in vodka to ease the removal without any ripping pain.

15. Polish silver jewelry

Pour some vodka in a dish and swish the piece of jewelry around. Dry and shine with a cloth. If the item is really dirty let it soak and then scrub the dirt away with a toothbrush. Swish it in the vodka again and let it dry.

16. Use as an ice pack

Place a mixture of water and vodka in a sealable plastic bag and freeze. The vodka keep the contents from freezing completely for a semi-solid texture which applies perfectly to bumps and bruises.

Prevent Alzheimer’s with a Healthy Lifestyle

While the medical world has urgently been seeking to cure Alzheimer’s disease with pharmaceuticals, studies in this field has discovered that prevention is also worth exploring. Researchers have found that everyday behaviors, which un genetics, are within our control, can boost brain reserves and therefore help delay or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

1. Exercise regularly Research reveals that your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced by 50% with regular exercise. Exercise also helps slow down deterioration when you have already begun developing cognitive problems. Start small. Exercise can be overwhelming for those who don’t do it regularly. You can start by taking the stairs or walking when you are talking on your cell phone. 30 minutes, 5 times a week. This seems a lot, but it can include activities that get your heart racing such as cleaning, gardening or doing laundry. You can also walk, try an aerobics class, or swim. Protect your head. Trauma to the head increases your chances of developing cognitive issues. Sports such as football and boxing are more extreme examples, but even a fall from a bicycle can have an effect. Wear the correct headgear and fasten your seatbelt in cars. Balance and coordination. Similarly, you can help prevent future head injuries caused by falling by including exercises that help you focus on balance and coordination. Yoga, Tai Chi or any exercise using balance balls or discs help keep you agile.

2. Be well rested Restful sleep on a regular basis helps your brain work best. Deep sleep is necessary for memory formation and retention. Sleep deprivation slows your thinking and has been shown to increase the chances of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Regular sleep schedule: Our brain’s clock responds well to regularity. Make sure to go to sleep and wake up at a similar time each day to correspond to our natural circadian rhythms. Smart napping: Napping can interfere with your regular sleep and make your insomnia worse. If you do nap, make sure it’s for no more than 30 minutes and do so in the early afternoon.   Bedroom sanctity: ban computers and televisions from the bedroom as these stimulators distract you from sleep. Relaxing bedtime routine: Having pre-bedtime activities such as having a bath, light stretching, dimming the lights, praying or writing in a journal help signify to your brain that it’s time for restorative sleep.

3. Keep mentally stimulated People who are mentally active have been found to be more protected against developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Any activity requiring communicating, interacting or organizing have proven tremendously helpful. Learn a new skill. Learning a new skill helps make larger deposits in the brain reserves. Try study a new language, learn to play an instrument, read a paper or books, or take up a new hobby. Memory exercises: Memorization builds your memory connections.  Start with memorizing something small capital cities or a poem, then progress to rhymes and mnemonics. Brain games: Try riddles, crossword puzzles or strategy games.  Play board or card games, word games Scrabble or Boggle, or number puzzles Sudoku. All of these help build your capacity to retain cognitive associations. The 5 Ws: keep your neurons firing by asking yourself ”Who, what, where, when and why?”. Follow this up by writing down your daily experiences. Go off routine:  varying habits helps create new brain pathways. Take a new route, using your non-dominant hand, or rearrange a storage system in your home.

4. Eat healthily A nutritious diet optimizes your brain’s performance. Changes to your diet can help keep you protected against brain deterioration. Skip trans-fats and saturated fats. Choose lean meats, less processed foods, skim or fat-free dairy products, and reduce your intake of fried foods. Adopt a Mediterranean diet. This diet, consisting of fish, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fresh fruit and vegetables, with an occasional glass of wine or piece of dark chocolate, is good for your heart and a healthy heart helps lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Eat fish and avocado. Both are filled with omega 3, a good fatty acid, which researchers have discovered may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Opt for 4-6 small meals. Eating more regularly helps maintain a consistent blood sugar level.  Think rainbow: Eat an abundance of colorful fruits and vegetables to achieve a diet high in antioxidants and vitamins. Reduce the white shades of your diet too: Carbohydrates high in sugar or refined flour lead to higher glucose levels which can inflame your brain. Drink tea: Green tea has been shown to be excellent for a focused memory and mental alertness which can slow the aging of the brain.

5. Maintain an active social life Research has found those with a socially active life are better protected against Alzheimer’s.  Often as you get older your support system shrinks and you’re unly to seek new relationships Call or email your friends. If you’re more tech savvy, connect via social networks Facebook. Make weekly dates to see your friends, and partake in a shared hobby, go for a walk together or chat over a cup of tea Take group classes at a local college or gym Get your partner or family members to try something new with you Join social clubs or go to the local community or senior center Get out of the house: volunteer, go to the park, visit museums or other public places

6. Limit Stress Stress can lead to the brain shrinking in the hippocampus, where memory is retained, and impede nerve cell growth, increasing your chances of Alzheimer’s or dementia.   Take a breath: when you’re feeling stressed your breathing rate changes, which can impact the brain’s oxygen levels. A good practice to lower the fast heart beat is to focus on restorative breathing. Schedule daily relaxing activities: make sure to engage in enjoyable activities can help keep your stress levels low. These can be simple activities such as going outside for a walk, playing with a pet or attending a yoga class. Get some inner peace: studies have found that a strong mind-body connection makes for better brain health. Activities such involving religious practices or reflection, prayer, and meditation help protect you from the damaging effects stress causes.

Home Remedies for Knee Aches and Pains

As we age we notice more bumps and pains than ever before. The most common complaints doctors and physical therapists hear about are knee pains. The knee is particularly vulnerable to pain and damage due to people’s high wear and tear of the leg. The knee takes the full impact of a person’s body weight, or any added force from running or jumping. There are plenty natural treatments and alternative therapies that can stop you from living at the doctor’s reception room.

Assess your pain For any moderate to severe pain, you should get medical help because some injuries require physical therapy, a brace or even surgery. Successful home treatments can be done for mild to moderate knee pain. This can be for both pains caused by sprains or arthritis. If you the pain is due to inflammation, arthritis or minor injury you can choose from several home remedies that are effective. How to treat pain due to injury If you have suffered a twisted leg, fallen or strained your knee in other ways a useful mnemonic to remember is ‘RICE’. Rest - Stay off your feet. Ice - Apply a bag of ice or cold compress (a bag of peas also works). Compression - Wrap a compression bandage around your knee. This prevents swelling. Make sure it’s not too tight otherwise you might cut off circulation. Elevation - Lie on a bed or keep your foot elevated with a footstool or ottoman.

How to treat pain due to arthritis As people age, the lubrication and padding around their joints deteriorate. Without cartilage cushioning the joints, joints will suffer bone-on-bone contact and can become inflamed, causing much pain. This is known as Osteoarthritis. For more severe cases, doctors might suggest replacing joints or inserting artificial cartilage. While there is no way to reverse the damage there are ways to treat mild to moderate pain with natural dietary supplements or alternative therapies. Try willow bark You wouldn’t think a piece of tree bark could offer so much relief, but research has found that willow bark’s active ingredient is salicin, which acts similarly to aspirin. This natural painkiller has been commonly used since the time of Hippocrates. It is used to treat fever and inflammation as well as for headaches, muscle pains, spine disease, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Use ginger extract Another pain relief option that grows naturally is ginger, which can be ingested in several different ways. You can use the fresh root, drink it as a tea, eat it as a dried spice or take prepackaged supplements. Research has discovered that the phytonutrients in ginger reduce the production of chemicals in the body that promote joint inflammation. Together with prescription arthritis medication ginger can greatly reduce joint pains since it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Take care if you take blood thinners as ginger has the risk of increasing bleeding.

Apply herbal ointment A salve made from cinnamon, ginger, mastic, and sesame oil was found to be just as effective as over-the-counter medicine, in a study published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences. Traditional over the counter ointments used to treat arthritis usually contain salicylate, which is used topically to relieve pain. Heat and cold therapy It’s worthwhile investing in a heating pad, gel-style cold pack or cool compress for chronic pain. These can easily be found at a drug store, or ordered online. Heat is used to keep joints from stiffening while cold therapy can reduce pain and swelling.

Practice Tai Chi This ancient Chinese practice is a mind-body exercise which helps improves balance and flexibility, works twofold for arthritis suffers. A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism (a journal), highlights that the mental aspect of the practice promotes coping mechanisms for chronic pain, and the physical exercise helps reduce pain and increase range of motion.

Consider exercise and weight management For some people, knee pain is reduced by having the joint moving, so daily exercise is recommended. Keeping a leg stationary can stiffen the joint, and reduce the range of motion. Consider swimming or water walking as these exercises have less of an impact and swimming has countless other health benefits. Carrying excess weight can also aggravate the impact on joints so it’s important to try keep off any unnecessary weight. Your health is important and sometimes dietary supplements and alternative therapies can conflict with any other medication you might be taking. It’s important to talk with your doctor and find the cause of any pain. Sometimes this might involve X-rays and blood work but it’s necessary to get to on the road to recovery.