Spirituality | Wellness | Happiness

Most forms of religion, mysticism, spirituality, and philosophizing have a big drawback: they're wildly out of touch with reality. Of course, for those who don't care about living a truthful life, imagining an illusory world where Jesus saves, a guru enlightens, karma bites you in the butt during your next incarnation, or whatever, can be appealing -- since a believer can substitute warm and fuzzy concepts for whatever hard realities he or she wishes to deny. Those of us who are committed to experiencing life as honestly as possible have our own sources of solace, though. Since I'm a long-time meditator (over forty years) I was encouraged to read "How Meditation May Change the Brain" in today's New York Times. The researchers report that those who meditated for about 30 minutes a day for eight weeks had measurable changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. The findings will appear in the Ja...

Following is a press release just issued by the Office of the Karmapa, regarding recent events in India: "We would like to categorically state that the allegations being levelled against the Karmapa and his administration are grossly speculative and without foundation in the truth. Everyone who knows the history of our lineage, our struggle and His Holiness' life is very surprised by the allegations. We categorically deny having any link whatsoever with any arm of the Chinese Government whatsoever. The Karmapa has a deep affection for the people of this great country of India where he has been practicing his faith for years. We have had a long and positive working relationship with the democratic Government of India that has always demonstrated great tolerance of cultural expression and diverse beliefs. We have followers in a large number of countries who have placed their trust and faith in us and, through their individual donations, enable the sect ...

Following is the most extensive account of the Karmapa's current situation in India: Saturday 29th January, 2011 (IANS) Even as raids on his monastery and close aides continued for the third day Saturday, the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, said there was no China link to his activities and that the foreign currency seized was from disciples from all over the world. Despite the recovery of huge amounts of foreign and Indian currency from the Gyuto Tantric University and Monastery premises and from his close aides in the last three days, the Karmapa's office defended him. A string of central government agencies got into the picture Saturday to get to the bottom of the recovery of unaccounted foreign and Indian currency worth nearly Rs.70 million (Rs.7 crore). Aided by officials of the income tax department, enforcement directorate and intelligence bureau, the Himachal Pradesh police continued their raids on the premises of the Karmapa and his close aides at the m...

On 28 January 2011, the Karmapa's Office of Administration issued the following official statement -- under obvious duress -- in response to the unprecedented Indian police shakedowns, and resulting wild speculation in the Indian media: "Our lineage and His Holiness the Karmapa enjoy the love, trust and faith of millions across the world.We have a rich history of public service made possible through financial dealings that are entirely transparent.We will certainly answer all questions that the press and the public have, but for now we respectfully request you to allow us to concentrate on complying fully with the investigation that is underway. Karma Chungyalpa Deputy General Secretary and Spokesperson, Karmapa Office of Administration" . Write to rinpoche2006@gmail.com http://tibetanaltar.blogspot.com

Jeff Klein: Working for Good 2. Klein-MktgClip01.mp4 Working for Good : www.soundstrue.com Sounds True publisher Tami Simon speaks with Jeff Klein, author of "Working for Good," about the implications of conscious capitalisma new business model that places service and purpose above return on investment. This, he explains, is the key to a sustainable, successful business. From: SoundsTrueVideos Views: 0 0 ratings Time: 07:44 More in Education

Age deterioration would be unavoidable if the body was simply material, because all material things are prey to entropy, the tendency of orderly systems to become disorderly. But entropy doesnt apply to intelligencean invisible part of us is immune to the ravages of time. Modern science is just discovering the implications of all this, but it has been imparted for centuries through spiritual traditions in which masters have preserved the youthfulness of their bodies far into old age.India, China, Japan, and to a lesser extent the Christian West have given birth to sages who realized their essential nature as a flow of intelligence. By preserving that flow and nurturing it year after year, they overcame entropy from a deeper level of nature.In India, the flow of intelligence is called Prana (usually translated as life force), which can be increased and decreased at will, moved here and there, and manipulated to keep the physical body orderly and young.A yogi moves Prana using nothing ...

Thanks to one of my favorite blasphemous blogs, Pharyngula, I got to watch the new version of the Story of Suzie . I found it especially enjoyable because Christians are upset that the video depicts them as delusional. Well, to me Suzie accurately reflects the craziness of Christianity. Have a look and see if you agree.