Vonteri's Blog for better tomorrow...

108 Names of Lord Venkatesa

2010-12-14T20:59:00.002+05:30

Venkatesaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Seshadhri Nilayaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vrushadhrug Gocharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vishnave Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sadanjana Gireesaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vrushadhri Pathaye Nama Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Meru Puthra Girisaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sarasswamy Tadee Jushe Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Kumaara Kalpa Sevyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vajridhrug Vishayaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Suvarchalaa Suthanyastha Sainaapathya Bharaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namah
Raamaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Padmanabhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sadaa Vaayu Stutaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Tyakta Vaikuntta Lokaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Girikunja Vihaarine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Harichandana Gothrendhra Swamine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sankha Raajanya Nethraabhja Vishayaaya Sri Venaktesaya Namaha
Vasoo Parichara Thraathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Krishnaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Abdhi Kanyaa Parishvaktha Vakshase Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Venkataya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sanakaadhi Mahaa Yogi Poojithaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Devajith Pramukha Anantha Daitya Sangha Pranasasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Svetha Dhveepa Vasan Muktha Poojithaangri Yugaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sesha Parvatha Roopathva Prakaasana Paraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Saanu Staapita Taarkshyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Taarkshyachala Nivasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Maaya Gooda Vimana Venkatesaya Namaha
Garuda Skandha Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Ananta Sirase Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Ananthakshaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Ananta Charanaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Srisaila Nilayaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Dhaamodaraya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Neelamegha Nibhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Brahmmadhi Deva Durdarsa Visvaroopaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vaikunttaagatha Saddhema Vimaana Antargataaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Agasthyabhyartitaa Sesha Jana Dhrug Gocharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sri Vaasudevaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Haraye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Theertha Panchaka Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vaamadeva Priyaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Janakeshta Pradhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Maarkandeya Mahaa Theertha Jaatha Punya Pradhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vaakpathi Brahmadhathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Chandra Laavanya Dhayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Naarayana Nagesaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Brahma Klupthothsavaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sankha Chakra Varaanamra Lasath Karatalaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Dravan Mriga Madhaasaktha Vigrahaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Kesavaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Nithya Youvana Moorthaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Artithaarta Pradhathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Visva Teerttha Agha Haarine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Theertaswamy Saras Snatha Janabhishta Pradhayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Kumara Dhaarikaa Vaasas Skandhabheeshta Pradhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Jaanu Dhagna Samudhbhutha Pothrine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Koorma Moorthaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Kinnara Dhvandhva Saapaanta Pradaathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Vibhave Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vaikhaanasa Muni Shreshtta Poojithaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Simhachala Nivasaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sriman Naarayanaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sadhbhakta Neelakanttaarchya Nrusimhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Kumudhaksha Gana Sreshta Sainapatya Pradhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Durmedha Praanahartre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sridharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Kshatriyaantaka Raamaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Mathsya Roopaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Paandavaari Praharthre Sri Venkatesaya Nama
Srikaraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Upatyakta Pradesastha Shankara Dhyaata Moorthaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Rukmaabja Saraseekoola Lakshmeekrita Tapasvine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Lasalakshmi Karambhoja Dhattha Kalharaka Sraje Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Saalagraama Nivaasaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sukha Dhrig Gocharaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Naarayana Artitha Asesha Jana Dhrig Gocharaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Mrigayaarasikaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vrishabhasura Haarine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Anjanaa Gothra Pathaye Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Vrishabhaachala Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Anjanaa Suta Dhaathre Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Maadhaveeya Agha Haarine Sri Venkatesaya Nama Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Priyangu Priya Bhakshyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Svetha Kola Varaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Neela Dhenu Payo Dhaaraa Seka Dehotbhavaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sankara Priya Mithraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Chola Puthra Priyaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Sudharminee Suchaitanya Pradhaathre Nama Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Madhu Ghaatine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Krishnaakhya Vipra Vedantha Desikathva Pradhaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Varahachala Naataya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Balabhadraaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Thrivikramaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Mahathe Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Hrisheekesaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Achyuthaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Neeladhri Nilayaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Ksheeraabdhi Naataaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Vaikuntaachala Vaasine Sri Venkatesaya Namah
Mukundhaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Ananthaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Virinchaabhyartithaaneetha Soumya Roopaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Suvarna Mukhari Snaatha Manuja Abheeshta Daayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Halaayudha Jagath Theerttha Samastha Phala Dhaayine Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Govindaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha
Srinivaasaaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha

Water or Coke - incredible?

2010-12-08T22:09:00.011+05:30

Water or Coke

WATER
#1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
(Likely applies to half the world population)

#2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak
that it is mistaken for hunger.

#3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as 3%.

#4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs
for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of
Washington study.

#5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

#6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of
water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain
for up to 80% of sufferers.

#7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term
memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on
the computer screen or on a printed page.

#8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%., and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should drink every day?

COKE

#1. In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

#2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke
and it will be gone in two days.

#3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the
toilet bowl and let the 'real thing' sit for one hour,
then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes
stains from vitreous china.

#4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:
Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds
Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.

#5. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour
a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble
away the corrosion.

#6. To loosen a rusted bolt: Apply a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola
to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

#7. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into
the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake.
Thirty minutes before ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

#8. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke
into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run
through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen
grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your
windshield.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

#1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase of osteoporosis.

#2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup! (the concentrate) the commercial trucks must use a hazardous Material place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.

#3. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean engines of the trucks for about 20 years! Now the question is, would you like a glass of water?

Dementia - Good Advice

2010-12-08T21:48:00.003+05:30

Most of us start worrying about dementia after retirement - and that may be too little, too late. Experts say that if you really want to ward off dementia, you need to start taking care of your brain in your 30s and 40s - or even earlier. "More and more research is suggesting that lifestyle is very important to your brain's health," says Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a neuropsychologist and an adjunct associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "If you want to live a long, healthy life, then many of us need to start as early as we can." So what can you do to beef up your brain - and possibly ward off dementia? Nussbaum, who recently gave a speech on the topic for the Winter Park ( Fla. ) Health Foundation, offers 20 tips that may help.
1.	Join clubs or organizations that need volunteers. If you start volunteering now, you won't feel lost and unneeded after you retire.
2.	Develop a hobby or two. Hobbies help you develop a robust brain because you're trying something new and complex.
3.	Practise writing with your non-dominant hand several minutes everyday. This will exercise the opposite side of your brain and fire up those neurons.
4.	Take dance lessons. In a study of nearly 500 people, dancing was the only regular physical activity associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The people who danced three or four times a week showed 76 percent less incidence of dementia than those who danced only once a week or not at all.
5.	Need a hobby? Start gardening. Researchers in New Zealand found that, of 1,000 people, those who gardened regularly were less likely to suffer from dementia! Not only does gardening reduce stress, but gardeners use their brains to plan gardens; they use visual and spatial reasoning to lay out a garden.
6.	Buy a pedometer and walk 10,000 steps a day. Walking daily can reduce the risk of dementia because cardiovascular health is important to maintain blood flow to the brain.
7.	Read and write daily. Reading stimulates a wide variety of brain areas that process and store information. Likewise, writing (not copying) stimulates many areas of the brain as well.
8.	Start knitting. Using both hands works both sides of your brain. And it's a stress reducer.
9.	Learn a new language. Whether it's a foreign language or sign language,you are working your brain by making it go back and forth between one language and the other. A researcher in England found that being bilingual seemed to delay symptoms of Alzheimer's disease for four years. And some research suggests that the earlier a child learns sign language, the higher his IQ - and people with high IQs are less likely to have dementia. So start them early.
10.	Play board games such as Scrabble and Monopoly. Not only are you taxing your brain, you're socializing too. Playing solo games, such as solitaire or online computer brain games can be helpful, but Nussbaum prefers games that encourage you to socialize too.
11.	Take classes throughout your lifetime. Learning produces structural and chemical changes in the brain, and education appears to help people live longer. Brain researchers have found that people with advanced degrees live longer - and if they do have Alzheimer's, it often becomes apparent only in the very later stages of the disease.
12.	Listen to classical music. A growing volume of research suggests that music may hard wire the brain, building links between the two hemispheres. Any kind of music may work, but there's some research that shows positive effects for classical music, though researchers don't understand why.
13.	Learn a musical instrument. It may be harder than it was when you were a kid, but you'll be developing a dormant part of your brain.
14.	Travel. When you travel (whether it's to a distant vacation spot or on a different route across town), you're forcing your brain to navigate a new and complex environment. A study of London taxi drivers found experienced drivers had larger brains because they have to store lots of information about locations and how to navigate there.
15.	Pray. Daily prayer appears to help your immune system. And people who attend a formal worship service regularly live longer and report happier, healthier lives.
16.	Learn to meditate. It's important for your brain that you learn to shut out the stresses of everyday life.
17.	Get enough sleep. Studies have shown a link between interrupted sleep and dementia.
18.	Eat more foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, sardines, tuna, ocean trout, mackerel or herring, plus walnuts (which are higher in omega 3s than salmon) and flaxseed. Flaxseed oil, cod liver oil and walnut oil are good sources too.
19.	Eat more fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables mop up some of the damage caused by free radicals, one of the leading killers of brain cells.
20.	Eat at least one meal a day with family and friends. You'll slow down, socialize, and research shows you'll eat healthier food than if you ate alone or on the go.

The Baggawad Gita Simplified

2010-12-08T19:47:00.004+05:30

THE BHAGAWAD GITA SIMPLIFIED

Why do you worry without cause?

Whom do you fear without reason?

Who can kill you?

The soul is neither born, nor does it die.

Whatever happened,

happened for the good;

whatever is happening,

is happening for the good;

whatever will happen,

will also happen for the good only.

You need not have any regrets for the past.

You need not worry for the future.

The present is happening...

What did you lose that you cry about?

What did you bring with you,

which you think you have lost?
What did you produce,

which you think got destroyed?

You did not bring anything,

whatever you have, you received from here.

Whatever you have given, you have given only here.

Whatever you took, you took from God.

Whatever you gave, you gave to Him.

You came empty handed,

you will leave empty handed.
What is yours today,

belonged to someone else yesterday, and

will belong to someone else the

day after tomorrow.

You are mistakenly enjoying the thought

that this is yours.

It is this false happiness that is

the cause of your sorrows.
Change is the law of the universe.

What you think of as death,

is indeed life.

In one instance you can be

a millionaire, and

in the other instance you can

be steeped

in poverty.
Yours and mine, big & small

erase these ideas from your mind.

Then everything is yours and

you belong to everyone.

This body is not yours,

neither are you of the body.

The body is made of fire, water, air, earth and

ether, and will disappear into these elements.

But the soul is permanent - so who are you?
Dedicate your being to God.

He is the one to be ultimately relied upon.

Those who know of his support are forever

free from fear, worry and sorrow.

Whatever you do,

do it as a dedication to God.

This will bring you the

tremendous experience of

joy and life-freedom forever.
Thanks for Reading

and Honestly Trying to

Implement the same,

in your Day to Day Life.

Please share this presentation with your friends.

Candidate for Manager Position!

2010-12-08T19:26:00.005+05:30

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company. He passed the first interview; the director did the last interview, made the last decision. The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none". The director asked, "Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.

The director asked, “Where did your mother work?" The youth answered,”My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, “Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.
The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning. The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high.

When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother. That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office. The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: “Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"

The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'

The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."

The youth said, Number 1, I know now what appreciation is. Without my mother, there would not be the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, “This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put him first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done

Have we ever felt / feel this once in life?

Speech by Chetan Bhagat

2010-12-07T22:56:00.003+05:30

Speech by Chetan Bhagat at Symbiosis ...

Don't just have career or academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, successful life. I use the word balanced before successful. Balanced means ensuring your health, relationships, mental peace are all in good order.

There is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of tensions.

"Life is one of those races in nursery school where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same is with life where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.

One thing about nurturing the spark - don't take life seriously. Life is not meant to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up?

It's ok, bunk a few classes, scoring low in couple of papers, goof up a few interviews, take leave from work, Enjoy with your friends, fall in love, little fights with your loved Ones .

We are people, not programmed devices.

"Don't be serious, be sincere."!

3 Heart touching Statements

2010-12-07T22:51:00.001+05:30

Charlie Chaplin's 3 Heart touching Statements

Nothing is permanent in this world, not even our troubles. . . . !
The most wasted day in life, the day in which, we have not laughed.
I like walking in the rain, because no one can see my tears.

Dream Big and Make Life

2010-12-07T22:28:00.031+05:30

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.

Medicine for Blood Cancer!!!

2010-12-07T22:11:00.004+05:30

I have posted it to reach the most I can.

Let it reach the 110 crores Indians and the remaining if any.

Put yourself, if you or your brother or sister or your mom and dad or any x, y, z near you, got affected, then how u would have reacted, think it, share this link with them.

'Imitinef Mercilet' is a medicine which cures blood cancer. Its available free of cost at "Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai". Create Awareness. It might help someone.

Share information as many as u can, kindness cost nothing.

Journey of thousand miles, starts with a single step.

This is attitude

2010-12-07T21:35:00.012+05:30

This is attitude

IF AN EGG IS BROKEN BY AN OUTSIDE FORCE..A LIFE ENDS.
IF AN EGG BREAKS FROM WITHIN...... .LIFE BEGINS.
GREAT THINGS ALWAYS BEGIN FROM WITHIN .

This is attitude

IT'S BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONE YOU LOVE.
THAN TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVE ....... BECAUSE OF EGO

This is attitude

WHY WE HAVE SO MANY TEMPLES, IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE ?

A WISE MAN SAID :
AIR IS EVERYWHERE,
BUT WE STILL NEED A FAN TO FEEL IT .

This is attitude

WHEN YOU TRUST SOMEONE TRUST HIM COMPLETELY WITHOUT
ANY DOUBT....... AT THE END YOU WOULD GET ONE OF THE TWO :
EITHER A LESSON FOR YOUR LIFE OR A VERY GOOD PERSON

(Hillary and Tensing in picture)

This is attitude

SOLDIER : SIR WE ARE SURROUNDED FROM ALL SIDES BY ENEMIES ,

MAJOR : EXCELLENT ! WE CAN ATTACK IN ANY DIRECTION.

This is attitude

THE WORST IN LIFE IS "ATTACHMENT " IT HURTS WHEN YOU LOSE IT. THE BEST THING IN LIFE IS " LONELINESS " BECAUSE IT TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING AND, WHEN YOU LOSE IT, YOU GET EVERYTHING.

This is attitude

"You never conquer a mountain. You stand on the summit a few moments; then the wind blows your footprints away."

-Arlene Blum

This is attitude

“I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.”

Chinese proverb

This is attitude

“The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.”

Ben Herbste

Winning MANTRA from MAHABHARATA

2010-11-11T21:11:00.004+05:30

Trivia

Second Longest Epic of the World
“What’s not in Bharata, is not in Bharata”
“A Buffet of Ideologies.”
Written around 3000 BC.
“Harappan” Cultre. Urban Way of life.

Narrated thrice :

“Jaya” by Vyasa to Ganesha
“Bharata” by Vaishampayan to Janamejaya
“Mahabharata” by Suta/Sauti to the Rishis at Naimisharanya.

Has “mindboggling” revelations.

Astronomy: Existence of Uranus(Shweta) and Neptune(Ksharaka).
Geography. Lands as far as Cambodia(Kamboja), Kazakhistan and/or Scandinavia(Uttarakuru),
Mathemetics: Nos to the range of 10 raised to powers of 16 and -16.
Descriptions of Weapons which resemble modern day weaponry including Nuclear and/or Chemical Weapons.
Complex Millitary Formations and Strategies.
Philosphy, Psychology, Sociology, Spirituality, Religion, Politics.
Even Mangement Lessons.
Logistics

Kauravas :11 Akshouhini
Pandavas : 7 Akshouhini

1 Akshouhini = 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 65,610 horses and 109,350 foot-soldiers (in a ratio of 1:1:3:5).

Generals

Pandavas :

Arjuna
Bhima
Dhrshtadyumna
Abhimanyu
Ghatotkach
Shikhandi
Satyaki

Kauravas :

Bhishma
Drona
Karna
Shalya
Kripacharya
Ashwatthama
Duryodhan
Background

Pandavas :

Exiled for 13 years. Have no kingdom. Their main strength both in terms of political and financial power depends on their friends and relatives : The Pancalas, The Yadavas, The Magadhas and The Chedis.

Kauravas :

In power for 13 years. Duryodhan has been a benevolent king. Theres no guarantee that the Subjects really miss the Pandavas. Not only have they the wealth and power of Hastinapur, but also that of Indraprastha, the kingdom that the Pandvas had taken such labors to build and which had surpassed the Hastina of old in all degrees. Karna had gone on a nation-wide conquering on behalf of Duryodhana. They are the national sovereigns

Motivation

Kauravas :

“Without war, will concede not a needle-prick of earth.” - Duryodhna

Duryodhana was completely focused on the War.It was his moment of truth. He had usurped a kingdom, and he meant to keep it. He had resorted to any means, foul or fair to get the kingdom, which he believed to be rightfully his, and he was in no mood to give it up.

Pandavas :

“We fight over a Kingdom, as dogs over a piece of meat.”-Yudhisthira

The Pandavas had been humiliated, their wife insulted, their kingdom taken. But…still they wanted to avoid the War. The three elder Pandavas were against the War. They even went as far as making an offer that they will stop the War in exchange of 5 villages.

Result

War Lasted : 18 Days. 10 Days (Bhisma), 3 Days(Drona), 1½ Days (Karna) ½ Day (No General),1 Day (Shalya), 1 Night(Ashwatthama)

18th Night of the War :

Ashwatthama slaughtered the Pandava camp in sleep.

Before That :

Kauravas :

Bhishma, Drona, Karna and his sons, Shalya, Bhagadutta, Bhurisrava, Susharma, Jayadrath, Duhsasana and all of Duryodhana’s brothers, Shakuni and Ulooka.

Pandavas :

Drupad, Virat and his sons, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkach and Iravan.

SO HOW DID THE PANDAVAS WIN ?????

Preparation

Kauravas :

Karna went on a country-wide military mission, subdued the different kingdoms and acquired wealth. But it meant a loss in terms of both men and money and creation of new enemies.

Pandavas : Though in exile they turned their attention to improving over their weakness

Arjuna set out on a mission to acquires Divyastras.
Bhima met his brother Hanuman and got a blessing of enhanced strength.
Yudhisthira acquired teachings from the various wise rishis, and also learnt the Game of Dice from Gandharava Chtrasena, lest he was challenged to yet another dice game. Its said that he had become undefeatable in Dice.

Turn your weakness into your Strength.

Allies

Kauravas : Centralized power system. The greatest empire of the time. But not many powerful allies, except from old relations from far off places like Gandhara(Shakuni), Sindhu(Jayadrath) and Kambodia(Camboja - Bhagadutt)

Pandavas : No wealth. No power of their own. But powerful allies all over India.

Panchala through Marriage with Darupadi.
Dwarka through marriage with Arjuna and Subhadra.
Magadh through marriage of Shadeva and Vijaya.
Chedi through marriage of Nakula and Karenmayi.
Kasi through marriage of Bhima and Balandhara.
Kekaya through marriage of Yudhisthira and Devika.
Matsya through marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara.
The Rakshasas through marriage of Bhima and Hidimba.
The Nagas through marriage of Arjuna and Uloopi.

Make Powerful Allies.

Leadership

Kauravas : Centralized leadership. One Head of Army at a time, who has supreme authority of 11 akshouhini of army. Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Shalya and Ashwatthama.

Pandavas : Distributed leadership. Seven commanders for the seven divisions.(1 man command 1 akshouhini each).

Virat (King of Matsya).
Drupad (King of Pancala).
Sahadeva(King of Magadha).
Dhrshtaketu (King of Chedi).
Satyaki (Only warrior from Dwarka).
Shikhandi (Prince of Pancala).

Dhrshtadymna – Commander in Chief.

Arjuna –Supreme Commander.

Krishna – Arjuna’s charioteer and counselor.

Share your responsibilities.

Team Spirit

Kauravas : No team spirit. They all fought their individual wars.

Bhishma : For his Vow to protect the throne Hastinapur.
Drona and Kripa : They owed allegiance to the throne.
Shalya : Simply cheated by Duryodhana to be there. Was originally a Pandava ally.
Karna : To prove his mantle against Arjuna. Friendship for Duryodhana.
They didn’t gel well with each other. Bhishma and Karna. Bhisma and Shakuni. Karna nd Shakuni. Karna and Shalya. Shalya and Bhishma. It was like a bees, hornets and mosquitoes put together in a jar.

Pandavas : One team. One Goal. As men, they all had huge respect for Krishna and Yudhisthira. While as warriors they were in complete awe of Bhima and Arjuna. Most of them were close relatives – cousins, brother-in-laws, father-in-laws. More than that they all were part of the decision-making process. It was their “common” war.

Teamwork succeeds where Individual effort fails.

Individual Motives

Kauravas : Except for Duryodhana nobody wanted the War. All the 4 main generals had strong ties with the Pandavas.

Bhishma(grandchildern) – Wont kill the panadavas. Will kill a thousand soldiers each day.
Drona (students) – Wont kill the Pandavas. Will capture them only.
Shalya (Nakula-Shadeva’s maternal uncle) : Loved the Pandavas and covertly helped them by humiliating Karna
Karna (brother to the Pandavas) : Promised not to kill any of the other Pandavas save Arjuna.
A Team of Traitors.

Pandavas : Common goal. But the individuals had their individual targets. Their own agenda, which just became one with the teams’ agenda.

Dhratsadyumna : Drona.
Shikhandi : Bhisma.
Satayaki – Bhurisravas.
Arjuna – Karna.
Bhima – Duryodhana and his brothers.
Sahadeva – Shakuni and his sons.
Nakula –Karna’s sons.

The Right team is made by selecting the Right Individuals. Get the right man for the right job.

Commitment

Kauravas : Already said the Big 4 had big emotional attachment with the 5 Pandavas. Looking further on their commitment.

Bhisma himself gave away the secret of killing him to the Pandavas.He prolonged the War by killing only inconsequential soldiers. He did not fight a warrior like Shikhandi because of his personal bias.
Drona too indirectly gave away his secret, by saying he was invulnerable as long as he held a weapon. Moreover he abandoned weapons as soon as he knew his son had died.
Karna did not kill Yudhisthira and BHima when he got the chance. He gave away his Kavac and Kundala prior to his War. Karna fled innumerous times from the War when he was hurt. He didn’t save Duhsasana when Bhima was killing him.
Shalya kept on insulting Karna while in Battle.

Pandavas :

Abhimanyu , a 16 year old kid. Ventured beyond enemy lines alone. This was suicide mission but he still went in and took a great part of the army down with him. It took the combined effort of 7 Maharathis to take him down.
Ghatotkach even in death, took with him almost half the army.
Yudhisthira, he knew he couldn’t face Karna in War, but still went in to set an example. Yudhitshira didn't hesitate to tell a lie or a twisted truth when faced with the decision of whether to stick to his personal integrity or welfare of the team.
Krishna took up arms twice and almost entered the War, inspite of his promise, only to be stopped by Arjuna.

The interests of the Individual should never exceed the Team interest.

The best man for a Job is not the one with the best capabilities but one with the greatest commitment.

Right Managers

Krishna : The Greatest Crisis Manager the world has seen.

Yudhisthira : Low-key strategist.

On the first day of the War, he played a Master game. Went over to the Enemy side to seek blessings from Elders. In reality he made a covert deal with them, wherein all of them agreed to help him and unfolded the secrets of defeating them.
While coming back, he took a calculated risk. He made an offer to all the assembled people to change sides if they wanted to. He knew well of the lack of cohesiveness among the Kauravas. Yuyutsu, son of Dhrtarashtra crossed over to the Pandavas. This exposed the weakness of the Kauravas for all to see.
Know your enemies weaknesses and exploit them.

Take Calculated risks.

Inspire, invigorate, counsel your own team in moments of need.

The Roots

Kauravas : Princes brought up in the comfort of the Royal Palace, matured on romanticized ideals of Power, Fame, Courage and Valor. No experience of ground reality.

Pandavas :

Spent the greater part of their lives in Poverty. Childhood in the Himalayan foothills among Rishis. One year exile among the poor people of Kuru-Panchala. 12 years of Vanvas and 1 year of Agyatvas.
Experinced with the ground reality. Contact with people from various strata of the society. Sannyasis (celibate monks), Acharyas(Householders, teachers), poor Brahmanas, lower-class Potter.
Different races of people. Rakshasas, Gandharavas, Apsaras, Nagas. People from different regions Uttarkuru, Bengal etc.
A Sense of Sharing. A sense of Brotherhood.

Know ground realities.

Know different ideologies.

Share.

Women Empowerment

Kauravas : Patriarchal structure. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Dhratarashtra, Vidur, Shakuni, Duryodhana, Karna, Duhsasana. No women in the decision making process.

Gandhari retreated to the Inner Chambers. Nobody listened to her.

Pandavas : Matriarchal Structure.

Kunti was the authority supreme for the Pandavas.
“Whatever my mother says is Dharma to me” : Yudhisthira.

Draupadi was a companion in whatever the Pandavas did. She had a big role in all the decision making. Without her the Pandavas would have most probably reclined to the forests.
Even the younger Pandavas : Ghatotkach, Abhimnanyu and Iravan were brought up by their mothers. So the female influence was huge.

Women = Better Half. Any team which doesn't have women is unbalanced, for the Masculine traits of Aggression and Dominance should be balanced by the Feminine traits of Harmony and Sustenance.

Recap

Turn your weaknesses into strengths.

Turn enemies into allies.

Share your responsibilities.

Teamwork scores over Individual Effort.

Right Team = Right set of Individuals. The right man for the right job.

Commitment scores over Competence.

Team interests over Individual interests..

Know your enemy/challenges. Exploit its weaknesses. Take calculated risks.

The Right Managers : To inspire, invigorate, counsel in crisis .

Know Ground realities. Accept different ideologies. Cooperate.

Empower Women. The Gender Balance is required for stability and administration.

The Great Donkey Theorem

2010-11-11T20:54:00.004+05:30

On a lighter vein !!! A brilliant one

Equations! - This is the best I have read in a LONG time

Equation 1

Human = eat + sleep + work + enjoy
Donkey = eat + sleep

Therefore:
Human = Donkey + Work + enjoy

Therefore:
Human-enjoy = Donkey + Work

In other words,
A Human that doesn't know how to enjoy = Donkey that works.

++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ ++ ++

Equation 2

Man = eat + sleep + earn money
Donkey = eat + sleep

Therefore:
Man = Donkey + earn money

Therefore:
Man-earn money = Donkey

In other words
Man who doesn't earn money = Donkey

++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +

Equation 3

Woman= eat + sleep + spend
Donkey = eat + sleep

Therefore:
Woman = Donkey + spend
Woman - spend = Donkey

In other words,
Woman who doesn't spend = Donkey

++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +

To Conclude:

From Equation 2 and Equation 3

Man who doesn't earn money = Woman who doesn't spend

So Man earns money not to let woman become a donkey!
And a woman spends not to let the man become a donkey!

So, We have:
Man + Woman = Donkey + earn money + Donkey + Spend money

Therefore from postulates 1 and 2, we can conclude

Man + Woman = 2 Donkeys that live happily together!

Alexander, The Great's Last Words

2010-11-11T20:34:00.002+05:30

Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence.

He now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit him to reach his distant homeland. So, the mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last.

He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail." With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last wishes.

"My first desire is that", said Alexander, "My physicians alone must" carry my coffin." After a pause, he continued, "Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury".

The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest and continued. "My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin".

The people who had gathered there wondered at the king's strange wishes. But no one dared bring the question to their lips... Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. "O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?"

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: "I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt.

Lessons to learn from last 3 wishes of King Alexander...

I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.

The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world".

With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last. . . .

Lessons to Learn

Remember, your good health is in your own hands, look after it.

Wealth is only meaningful if you can enjoy it, while you are still alive and kicking.

What you do for yourself dies with you, but what you do for others, lives on - "Legacy"

Happy Deepavali

2010-11-11T20:04:00.003+05:30

Deepavali is celebrated throughout India on the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu calendar, which in fact is a Lunisolar calendar (moon & sun). It falls on Amavasya (Ammavaasa), the new moon night, that ends the month of Ashwina and begins the month of Kartika. The 5 day festival begins on the 13th day in the dark half of Ashwin and ends on the 2nd day in the bright half of Kartika.' The essence of this light is Shri Lakshmi-arising, at the beginning of time, out of the waters at the churning of the Milky Ocean by gods and demons for a thousand years. Regarded as the goddess of love, beauty and prosperity, Lakshmi, the beloved consort of Vishnu, along with Sri Ganesha, is a presiding deity of the festival of lights. They are worshipped in every household so that the year may be full of prosperity.

O Light serene, dispel the darkness that shrouds the eye, mind and heart of your people so that as on this festive day we may joyously wish and share with those around, right through our life. May the brightness, newness and the prosperity desired and experienced today be permanent. May your light enlighten us, guide and lead us to the fulfillment of your designs for us- of abundance, prosperity and well being.

Russian Christmas

2009-12-15T15:22:00.003+05:30

Thirteen days after Western Christmas, on January 7th, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates its Christmas, in accordance with the old Julian calendar. It's a day of both solemn ritual and joyous celebration

After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed. Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals amidst the company of the painted icons of Saints.

Christmas is one of the most joyous traditions for the celebration of Eve comes from the Russian tradition. On the Eve of Christmas, it is traditional for all family members to gather to share a special meal. The various foods and customs surrounding this meal differed in Holy Russia from village to village and from family to family, but certain aspects remained the same.

An old Russian tradition, whose roots are in the Orthodox faith, is the Christmas Eve fast and meal. The fast, typically, lasts until after the evening worship service or until the first star appears. The dinner that follows is very much a celebration, although, meat is not permitted. Kutya (kutia), a type of porridge, is the primary dish. It is very symbolic with its ingredients being various grains for hope and honey and poppy seed for happiness and peace.

Once the first star has appeared in the sky, the festivities begin. Although all of the food served is strictly Lenten, it is served in an unusually festive and anticipatory manner and style. The Russians call this meal: "The Holy Supper." The family gathers around the table to honor the coming Christ Child. A white table-cloth, symbolic of Christ's swaddling clothes, covers the Table. Hay is brought forth as a reminder of the poverty of the Cave where Jesus was born. A tall white candle is place in the center of the Table, symbolic of Christ "the Light of the World." A large round loaf of Lenten bread, "pagach," symbolic of Christ the Bread of Life, is placed next to the Candle.

The meal begins with the Lord's Prayer, led by the father of the family. A prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the past year is said and then prayers for the good things in the coming year are offered. The head of the family greets those present with the traditional Christmas greeting: "Christ is Born!" The family members respond: "Glorify Him!" The Mother of the family blesses each person present with honey in the form of a cross on each forehead, saying: "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year." Following this, everyone partakes of the bread, dipping it first in honey and then in chopped garlic. Honey is symbolic of the sweetness of life, and garlic of the bitterness. The "Holy Supper" is then eaten (see below for details). After dinner, no dishes are washed and the Christmas presents are opened. Then the family goes to Church, coming home between 2 and 3 am. On the Feast of the Nativity, neighbors and family members visit each other, going from house to house , eating, drinking and singing Christmas Carols all the day long.

The "Holy Supper"

Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheatberries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity. Some families used to throw a spoonful of kutya up to the ceiling. According to tradition, if the kutya stuck, there would be a plentiful honey harvest.

Traditionally, the "Holy Supper" consists of 12 different foods, symbolic of the 12 Apostles. Although there was also some variation in the foods from place to place and village to village, the following is a good summary of what was typically served. The twelve foods are:

1) Mushroom soup with zaprashka; this is often replaced with Sauerkraut soup
2) Lenten bread ("pagach")
3) Grated garlic
4) Bowl of honey
5) Baked cod
6) Fresh Apricots, Oranges, Figs and Dates
7) Nuts
8) Kidney beans (slow cooked all day) seasoned with shredded potatoes, lots of garlic, salt and pepper to taste
9) Peas
10) Parsley Potatoes (boiled new potatoes with chopped parsley and margarine)
11) Bobal'ki (small biscuits combined with sauerkraut or poppyseed with honey)
12) Red Wine

It was once common practice, on Christmas Eve, for groups of people masquerading as manger animals to travel from house to house, having themselves a rousing good time, and singing songs known as kolyadki . Some kolyadki were pastoral carols to the baby Jesus, while others were homages to the ancient solar goddess Kolyada, who brings the lengthening days of sunlight through the winter. In return for their songs, the singers were offered food and coins, which they gladly accepted, moving on to the next home.

Ded Moroz and yolka

The origin of Santa Claus is in St. Nicholas. He was born in Asia Minor at at the Greco-Roman city of of Myra in the province of Lycia, at a time when the region was entirely Greek in origin. Due to the suppression of religion during the Soviet regime, St. Nicholas was replaced by Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's. He is accompanied by Snyegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps distribute the gifts.

The Christmas tree (Yolka) is yet another tradition banned during the Soviet era.To keep the custom alive, people decorated New Year's trees, instead. Since ornaments were either very costly or unavailable, family trees were trimmed with homemade decorations and fruit. Yolka comes from the word which refers to a fir tree. The custom of decorating Christmas trees was introduced to Russia by Peter the Great, after he visited Europe during the 1700's.

Why January 7?

In ancient times, many, mostly unreliable methods had been used to calculate the dates according to either the lunar or solar cycles. By Roman times, the calendar had become three months out with the seasons, so in 46 BC, Julius Caesar commissioned the astronomer, Sosigenes to devise a more reliable method. This, we know as the Julian Calendar and was used widely for 1500 years. The month of his birth, Caesar had named Quintilis, but the Roman Senate later re-named it Julius (July) in his honour. In those days, February had 30 days every 4 years.

However, this calendar was still 11 minutes and 14 seconds longer than the solar year, so that by the year 1580, the calendar had accumulated 10 days off again. In 1582, therefore, Pope Gregory XIII corrected the difference between the sun and calendar by ordering 10 days dropped from October, the month with the least Roman Catholic Feast days. His calendar, we know as the Gregorian Calendar, which is used in almost all of the world today. Pope Gregory made further changes to keep the calendar in line, which on average is only 26.3 seconds longer than the solar year. The Gregorian Calendar is so accurate that it will take until the year 4316 to gain a whole day on the sun.

That year, 1582, October 5th became October 15th and was immediately adopted in most Roman Catholic nations of Europe. Various German states kept the Julian Calendar until 1700. Britain and the American Colonies didn't change until 1752, but Russia and Turkey did not adopt the Gregorian Calendar until the early 1900's.

So, January 7th by the Georgian Calendar would have been December 25th by the old Julian Calendar and is therefore why it is still Christmas Day for the Russian Orthodox Church. Many Russians will have celebrated along with the rest of us and will then celebrate again on the Orthodox date.

Speacility with Number 7

2009-12-15T14:19:00.002+05:30

7 (Seven) In religions

Christianity

Seven Days of Creation - 1765 book

The number seven (7) in the seven days of Creation is typological and the number seven appears commonly elsewhere in the Bible. These include:

* Seven days of Creation (Genesis 1). God rested on and sanctified the seventh day (Sabbath)
* Seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Pharaoh's dream (Genesis 41)
* Seven days of the feast of Passover (Exodus 13:3-10)
* Seven day week and the pattern concerning distribution and use of manna (Exodus 16)
* Seven year cycle around the years of Jubilee (Leviticus 25)
* The fall of the walls of Jericho on the seventh day after marching around the city seven times(Joshua 6)
* Seven things the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)
* Seven loaves multiplied into seven baskets of surplus (Matthew 15:32-37)
* The Seven last words (or seven last sayings) of Jesus on the cross.
* Seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom (Acts 6:3)
* Seven Spirits of God are mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
* Seven churches of Asia to which the "Book of Revelation" is addressed.
* Seven churches, seven stars, seven seals, seven last plagues, seven vials or bowls, seven thunders in the Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

Other sevens in Christian knowledge and practice include:

* The Seven Sacraments in the Catholic faith (though some traditions assign a different number).
* Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
* The Seven Joys of the Virgin Mary, of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other traditions.
* The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other traditions.
* The Seven Corporal Acts of Mercy and Seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other traditions.
* The Seven Virtues: chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, patience, and humility
* The Seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride.
* The seven terraces of Mount Purgatory (one per deadly sin).
* In the genealogy in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is 77th in a direct line.
* The number of heads of the three beasts (7 × 10 × 7 + 7 × 10 × 10 + 7 × 10 = 1260) of the Book of Revelation, and of some other monsters, like the hydra and the number of seals.
* In the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew 18:21, Jesus says to Peter to forgive seventy times seven times.[6]
* There are seven suicides mentioned in the Bible (OT and NT)[7]

Hinduism

* The Sanskrit word 'sapta' refers to number seven.
* The Indian Music has 'sapta swaras', means seven octats (sa re gan MA pa dha ni), which are basics of music, using which hundreds of Ragas are composed.
* Celestial group of seven stars are named as 'Sapta Rishi' based on the seven great saints.
* Seven Promises, Seven Rounds in Hindu Wedding and Seven Reincarnation
* As per Hindu mythology, there are seven worlds in the universe, seven seas in the world and seven Rishies (seven gurus) called sapta rishis.
* Seven hills at tirumala also known as ezhu malaiyan means Sevenhills god
* There are 7 Chakras.

Islam

* The number of ayat in surat al-Fatiha.
* The number of heavens in Islamic tradition.
* The number of levels of Earth in Islamic tradition.
* The number of circumambulations (Tawaf) that are made around the Kaaba
* The number of walks between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah mountains -that is travelling back and forth- seven times during the ritual pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah.
* The number of fires in hell. i.e the 7 fires of hell.
* The number of doors to hell is also seven.

Judaism

The Menorah is a 7-branched candelabrum

* A highly symbolic number in the Torah, alluding to the infusion of spirituality and Godliness into the creation. For example:
o God rested on and sanctified the seventh day (Shabbat). – Genesis 2:3. "Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars." – Proverbs of Solomon son of David King of Israel 9:1
o A seven-day purification period is required for one who has become tamei to become tahor.
o The Shmita (Sabbatical) year arrives every seventh year.
o The Jubilee (Yovel) year comes after 7 times 7 years.
o The Counting of the Omer leading up to the Giving of the Torah is expressed as "7 times 7 weeks."
o There are 7 days of Passover and Sukkot when celebrated in Israel.
o Shiv`a (another pronunciation of the Hebrew word for 7—(Hebrew: שבעה ; "seven")), is the number of days of mourning. Hence, one sits Shiva. As in Shiva (Judaism)
* The weekly Torah portion is divided into seven aliyahs, and seven Jewish men (or boys over the age of 13 who are considered men; Bar Mitzvah) are called up for the reading of these aliyahs during Shabbat morning services.
* Seven blessings are recited under the chuppah during a Jewish wedding ceremony.
* A Jewish bride and groom are feted with seven days of festive meals after their wedding, known as Sheva Berachot ("Seven Blessings").
* The number of Ushpizzin (also known as the "Seven Shepherds") who visit the sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David.
* The number of nations God told the Israelites they would displace when they entered the land of Israel (Deut. 7:1): the Hittite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
* In Breslov tradition, the seven orifices of the face (2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears, and the mouth) are called "The Seven Candles."
* The Menorah (Hebrew: מנורה), is a seven-branched candelabrum lit by olive oil in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people. It is said to symbolize the Burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25).
* The number of times Cain will be avenged by God if he is murdered (Gen 4:15).
* The Israelites circled Jericho for 7 days and then the wall tumbled down.

How December 25th Became Christmas

2009-12-15T14:02:00.003+05:30

On December 25th of every year the entire Christian world comes together, putting aside petty quarrels and minor differences, to commemorate the birth of Jesus. (Well, most of us come together anyway).

The Orthodox Churches have it on different days because of some sort of disagreement over Gregorian calendars. And there are a few Christian groups around who don't celebrate it at all (too material, I guess).

In any case; on December 25th most of the Christians that I know celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ -- very likely the holiest event ever to take place anywhere on the Earth, and an entirely worthy occasion to celebrate. But don't you ever wonder if we've got anything about it right? Is it even on the right date?

~ Complex Answers to Simple Questions ~

Don't bet the farm.

First off, they didn't exactly keep birth records of the common folk in 0 or 1 or 2 AD (not to say that Jesus was common, but… well, you know the story.) Secondly, even if they did, there's the problem of leap year. Every four years the powers that be add an extra day to compensate for a less than perfect rotation of the earth. The Romans even didn't know about that, convoluting time and calendars even more.

Plus some people back then used a lunar calendar and some used the solar version that we use today. Finally, the authors of the Gospels (Mathew and Luke particularly) either didn't know or didn't think it was important enough to mention the date of Jesus' birth. Who even knows if they recognized birthdays in ancient Judea?

The bottom line is that nobody knows the exact date of Jesus' birth, but the smart money is betting that it was sometime in early spring. There's some historical data, but the best hint is that famous story about shepherds tending their flocks by night. Shepherds tend to only stay up with the sheep during lambing season, and lambing season is in spring. But since no one knows, you might as well go along with the spirit of the season and enjoy all the cheer and good will towards men.

~ Hat Tricks ~

There is, however, some interesting history to the day we choose to remember the birth of the Christ child. It's not just some random date that somebody pulled out of a hat you know.

There have been festivals of every sort around the winter solstice going back to the Babylonians. But it was the Roman Emperor Aurelian who fixed the actual date. He called December 25th "The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun", and put it right in the middle of the feast of Saturnalia. (The Romans really knew how to have a feast: Saturnalia lasted a week.)

This was a always a time a great merry making there were big dinners, halls bedecked with laurels and green trees, people carrying lighted candles through the streets, and the giving of gifts was a common practice. In fact, you might say that the Christmas spirit is really the spirit of Saturnalia passed on over time.

~ Enter the Christians ~

The Christians, in the meantime, were having the "Mass of Christ" at various times and places. This wasn't a commemoration of the birth of Jesus so much as it was a time to reflect on His life and acts. So, when Constantine made Christianity the religion of Rome, the Catholics needed a way to convert the pagans running around the streets of Rome with their candles and presents to Christian practices.

One imagines it went a little something like this: "You have an unconquered sun, we have an unconquered Son. You give gifts -- we have wise men bringing gifts. You have bonfires and lamps and candles -- we have a new star. It's not really all that hard put the two together." Or something like that.

So the date of Christmas became the 25th, the pagans became Christians, and everybody got a day to celebrate selflessness, joy, and light.

This article appears courtesy of The Merry Syndicate at www.mymerrychristmas.com with our best wishes for a warm and merry holiday season.

Drinking water habits basics

2009-12-15T13:23:00.002+05:30

Get your drinking water habits basics right..

Correct timing to drink water, will maximize its effectiveness on the Human body.

Two (02) glass of water - After waking up - Helps activate internal organs

One (01) glasses of water - 30 minutes before meal - Help digestion

One (01) glass of water - Before taking a bath - Helps lower blood pressure

One (01) glass of water - Before sleep - To avoid stroke or heart attack

Why does Love Hurt so much?

2009-12-15T12:35:00.004+05:30

Why does Love Hurt so much?

Love hurts so much because we allow it to hurt. It's human nature. Getting hurt is a part of life. It's how you handle the hurt or how you allow it to affect you. When two people are in a relationship there are good times and bad times being in a relationship is a great feeling.

Knowing that you have a person that loves you is such a wonderful thing. But sometimes people put to much faith in other people and then when that person doesn't live up to the other person's expectations then there are a huge amount of disappointment and hurt. Why do we allow other people to control our emotions?

A broken heart really is one of the worst feelings in the world. When you find out somebody that you love, somebody that you gave such a huge part of yourself to betrayed you, is indescribable. You feel this pain in the middle of your chest and it literally just aches. It hurts oh so bad! And then the tears and crying set in. opinion you do need to allow yourself to grieve. You need to accept everything that has happened and then you just need to look inside yourself to find the courage and strength needed to move on. This is so much easier said than done. It is a part of life. One thing we have to learn is when one door closes three more usually open.

Everything happens for a reason. You must be strong and simply commit to yourself.

POWER OF MONEY

2009-11-25T21:05:00.000+05:30

Words of wisdom by Singapore’s youngest millionaire & a writer…..

POWER OF MONEY
BY ADAM KHOO
(Singapore’s youngest millionaire at 26 yrs.)
Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Suzhou (China). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.
Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is traveling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire. ‘He still looked pretty confused. This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires’). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.
The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster.
Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (If they are lucky).
I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel for Speech and Drama classes without thinking twice.
When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur’s Orgn) a few years back (YEO is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business), I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worth well over $5m, travelled economy class and some even drove Toyotas and Nissans - not Audis, Mercs, BMWs.
I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation.
Thank God my rich dad foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.
Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting in first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while; it does not last. Material happiness never lasts, it just gives you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life…
Instead, what makes me happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries. What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone's life. What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this blog is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.
I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be it teaching, building homes, designing, trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaninglessness.

Speech of Warren Buffet

2009-11-25T20:55:00.000+05:30

" We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism.

Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness
that has infected our families, organizations and nations.

Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness
and help them recover their financial health.

They expect the financial experts to provide them with remedies, forgetting
the fact that it is these experts who created this financial mess.

Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my
future.

This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I
grow wiser and not older.

This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders
along with me, and become financially wiser.

Hard work: All hard work brings profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income.

Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.

Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; Spend what is left after saving.

Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

Auditing: Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.

Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet.

Investment: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

I'm certain that those who have already been practising these principles
remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that those who resolve
to start practising these principles will quickly regain their financial
health.

Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful
life."

- By Warren Buffet

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2009-11-25T20:51:00.002+05:30

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DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 's Speech

2009-09-07T13:29:00.001+05:30

* The President of India DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 's Speech in Hyderabad . *

Do you have 10 minutes?
Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke,
The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.

YOU say, say and say. What do YOU do about it?

Take a person on his way to Singapore . Give him a name - YOURS. Give him aface - YOURS. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road ) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity... In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU?

YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai .

YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah .

YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds ( Rs.650) a month to, 'see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else.'

YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop,'Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost.'

YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New
Zealand

Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo ? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston ??? We are still talking of the same YOU.

YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?

Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay , Mr. Tinaikar , had a point to make. 'Rich people's dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,' he said. 'And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the
officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels? In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan . Will the Indian citizen do that here?' He's right. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility.

We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin.

We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms.

We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity.

This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public. When it comes to burning social issues like those related towomen, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse?

'It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my sons' rights to a dowry.' So who's going to change the system? What does a system consist of ? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU.

When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr.Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away. Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England . When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out
to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

Dear Indians, The article is highly thought inductive, calls for a greatdeal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too.... I am echoing J. F. Kennedy 's words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians.....

'ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA
AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA
WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY'

Lets do what India needs from us.

Forward this link to each Indian for a change instead of sending Jokes or junk mails.

Thank you,

Dr. Abdul Kalaam

Chanakya's Quotes - Worth Learning

2009-09-07T13:23:00.004+05:30

Extracted BY: Bhaktavatsalam Vonteri

***************************************************

"A person should not be too honest.
Straight trees are cut first
and Honest people are screwed first.."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC 75 BC)

***************************************************

"Even if a snake is not poisonous,
it should pretend to be venomous."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)

***************************************************

"The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. ! It will destroy you."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)

***************************************************

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship.
There is noFriendship without self-interests.
This is a bitter truth."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)

***************************************************

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply
and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead.."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)

***************************************************

"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)

***************************************************

"Once you start a working on something,
don't be afraid of failure and
don't abandon it.
People who work sincerely are the happiest."