The more we nurture ourselves, the more radiant we become mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally, regardless of our particular body shape or proportions. Get ready to relax and rejuvenate completely the ayurvedic way.

Life is a combination of body, senses, mind and soul. They can’t be separated from each other and they can’t be neglected either. Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda was revealed to the rishis of India. They understood that Ayurveda could create as well as destroy the health of a person. Ayurveda or the ’science longevity’ is the system of nature cure. It is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and long life. Although rooted in antiquity, Ayurveda is based on universal principles and is a living, growing body of knowledge – as useful today as it was in earlier centuries. Evidently, Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. The emphasis is on prevention of bodily ailments and not just curing them. There are no distressing side effects and it has, today, become an internationally acclaimed form of healing, rejuvenation and healthy living. Ayurveda advises to carefully choose food suitable to one’s constitution and the season, so that body can heal itself. Beauty, in the other fields, may emphasize on the way we look and the qualities we possess. But Ayurveda delves deeper. Ayurveda does not see beauty as a cosmetic affair. Ayurveda calls for self care and also development of positive routines and rituals that will help bring out the best in us.
Massage is the most indispensable part while treating varied ailments in ayurveda, works on both physical and mental levels. It transmits a life-giving energy that assists all the systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. Ayurvedic massage practitioners concentrate on the subtle energy points that respond to the gentle physical manipulation and work with the needs of different body types. Here are few of the different types of ayurvedic massages.

ABHYANGAM

The person undergoing massage is seated on the Droni (a wooden plank specially made for the massage) two masseurs stand on either sides of the person applying herbal oil on the head and massaging gently. The massage is continued on the neck, ear, shoulders, chest and back. The person then turns on their back and the massage is continued from shoulder to toe. During the course of the massage the person lies on his right side, left side stomach and again on his back and finally in the sitting position. General Massage has been found very effective for improving eyesight, longevity, sound sleep, rheumatism, vitality and glowing skin. These massages are also a preventive medicine. In short, it rejuvenates the body and maintains the physique.

PIZHICHIL

This is one of the special massages for rejuvenating the whole body. The prescribed medicated oil is applied on the head and the entire body is covered with medicated oil in this treatment the patient lies on the Droni. Next a piece of linen dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed on the patient’s body as the body is continuously massaged. The massage protects you from illness and improves your immune system adding vitality and health to your life. It also aids in the healing of rheumatic diseases, blood pressure, pain in the joints and diabetes.

NAVARAKIZHI

The body is massaged with small linen bags (bundles) filled with cooked Navara Rice, which is cooked in cow’s milk and a specific herbal mixture. These bags are dipped in the same mixture and applied over the whole body of the patient. The bags are not too hot or too cold. After wiping the body with a dry towel, the medicated oil is again applied. The course is 14 days to 21 days. It is one of the most excellent forms of treatments to impart luster to the skin and nourishment for the body through the skin. It also cures various ailments.

DHARA

The patient lies on the wooden bed in a comfortable position and is covered with a liberal application of the medicated oil (herbal concoction of milk or other materials) on the head and body. A specially designed apparatus is filled with the medicated oil and placed at a specific height. The masseur then swings the apparatus back and forth so that the oil flows continuously and gently across the forehead. The head is then dried with a towel and again oil is applied to the head. This treatment can also be done for a specific part or the whole body depending on the ailment. It promotes rejuvenation and revitalization of the human mind and body, diminishing the effect of ageing. This is a special massage therapy for stress and strain.

SIROVASTHI

Luke warm medicated oil is applied to the entire head. A leather cap is then placed on the head to maintain the temperature. The course of treatment is effective for migraine, deafness, diseases affecting cranial nerves, facial paralysis, insanity, diseases and wounds etc. In fact this treatment is good for all diseases.

ELAKIZHI

Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs and medicated powders. The poultices are warmed in medicated oils and used to massage the entire body, neck, shoulders, hand and back, shifting the person from side to side. The massage can promote better circulation within the affected area thereby promoting increased perspiration, which helps the skin to eliminate wastes. It also helps to tone the skin and can be superbly relaxing.

NASYAM

From the shoulders up the patients body is massaged causing it to perspire. The medicine in exact dose is measured and poured into the nostrils, as the patient inhales. During the process, the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palms & feel are rubbed. This is very effective in ailments such as sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold and chest congestion.

The writer is Managing Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Spa & Resorts.

The term ‘leadership’ is commonly perceived as a power to lead others.

But this power is sheer positional leadership. True leadership is more than just an authority over others; it is a responsibility to bring out the best in others to accomplish the task. The focus of the leader is ‘Let’s do it’ than ‘Do it’. The leader develops the leadership in others.

WHO CAN BE A LEADER?

Every one who has the desire and the will power to be a leader can become an effective leader. Kindle the desire and nothing can stop you from becoming a leader in life. Believe in yourself!!!

Looking at the life of the great leaders like Gandhi, Hitler, Napoleon we find many characteristics which are common among them like the degree of their influence on others, clarity of vision etc. These are the leadership traits which can be acquired by continual practice and self improvement.

The essence of leadership is to have a goal directed vision with the ability to communicate it effectively. Vision is different from visualizing. One may see the details but miss to see the big picture. One may see the tree but miss to see the wood. A vision is a clear picture of the goal to be achieved. The clarity of vision empowers the visionary to foresee the obstacles and derive the solutions. Without vision leader is no leader.

All great leaders have had a vision of what can, and should be, done. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation envisioned free India, directed the people of country and launched the biggest mass movement in history to liberate our country from foreign rule and establish democracy. Our independence is the culmination of his vision.

The articulate communication of the vision pumps in the energy behind every effort put in for transforming it into reality. Leaders have two characteristics. First, they possess the vision of what they want to accomplish and second, they are able to persuade others to work in unity to realize the vision into reality.

• Widen your horizons and see with your utmost aware fullness, what is the purpose of the task and how would you like to achieve it. Paint a clear picture of it in your mind.

• Bear in mind the past experiences pertaining to a similar task.

• Brainstorm the ways to realize the vision.

• Establish a course of action.

• Follow the vision.

Own a vision even for the simplest task to be accomplished and gradually, it will just happen to you.

John C Maxwell has mentioned in his book ‘Develop the leader within you’: “Followers find the leader and then the vision. Leaders find the vision and then the followers”.

So, capture the vision and take the ownership to accomplish it with joint efforts; you are a leader!!!

SUPPORT OF VISION – RELATIONSHIPS

Vision needs support of others to be accomplished, as great goals are achieved only when united efforts are made. Accept that you cannot do it all alone. The famous proverb, “People buy into the leader before they buy into his/her leadership” is the reason why your performance varies when working with different leaders. Give others the warmth you desire.

DO’S

• Cultivate relationships with your colleagues, nurture the trust.

• Everyone in this world wants to feel important, accepted. Develop your skills in making people feel important.

• Learn to give genuine compliments. Appreciate! Appreciate!! Appreciate!!! Don’t let go any opportunity of appreciating the worthwhile.

• Develop your motivational skills. Motivate the people around you by knowing the factors which motivate them.

• Always wear a smile:, it’s contagious.

Remember, it’s ‘We’ that produces results, not ‘I’

PRIORITIES

Discipline to prioritize and to act on is essential to a leader’s success. In other words, it’s working in order of importance. Once you learn to prioritize your work, you get the key to unlock the doors of your best performance.

The famous ‘Pareto Principle’ which is also known as 80/20 rule is an effective tool for determining priorities in one’s life. The 80/20 Rule means that in anything a few (20 percent) are vital and many (80 percent) are trivial. Of the things you do during your day, only 20 percent really matter. Those 20 percent produce 80 percent of your results. Identify and focus on those things. Focus 80 percent of your time and energy on the 20 percent of your work that is really important. Don’t just “work smart”, work smart on the right things.

Indeed, we often have to cope with too many priorities and take decisions accordingly.

Just follow 4 simple steps given below.

• List your key responsibility areas.

• Bear your vision in mind and prioritize the tasks accordingly.

• If you discover a tie between two options, break the tie by taking your decision based to benefit the organization.

• Now, place them all in order of priority in your priority list.

Keep priorities in place by reviewing them as and when required.

CAUTION

• The list will produce results only when acted upon. Mere making of a list will not render you any result.

• Whenever you find yourself exhausted of work, it’s a signal to set your priorities right.

DEALING WITH CHANGE

Change gives birth to growth. This attribute of change is not visible at the initial stage when it is introduced. The common response to change is resistance, but changes will continue to happen, whether you like it or not. When you resist change you hinder your success. Be receptive to change and think in terms of the advantages of changing vs. the disadvantages of continuing with the way things are.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Obstacles are conditions of success, this law holds true in human life.
To be a leader you must develop the capacity to turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones. You cannot determine every circumstance in life but you have the choice to determine your attitude towards every circumstance.

Here is the tool to transcend over your problems

• Identify the problem.

• Define the problem. Time, energy invested in solving the vague generality that ’something is wrong’ is all waste.

• Collect all solutions. There’s solution to every problem you face and seldom is there just one way to solve a problem.

• Prioritize the solutions and choose the best course of action.

• Begin to act on it.

• Never talk about the problem again, only the solution. Talking about the problem repeatedly tends to aggravate it.

Leader is seen as a trouble shooter by others. Hence, you must equip yourself with the tool to shoot the trouble.

Handy tips to be an efficient leader

The six most important words:

“I admit I made a mistake.”

The five most important words: “You did a good job.”

The four most important words: “What is your opinion?”

The three most important words: “If you please.”

The two most important words: “Thank you,”

The one most important word: “We”

The least most important word: “I”

Author unknown

Mr. Arun Sharma woke up to the sound of his alarm clock screeching, turned on the television for the latest news, brushed his teeth with an electric toothbrush, warmed his breakfast in the microwave, slipped into the car and parked it at the metro train station. He used the escalators to reach the ticket window and as he bought the ticket, he was informed by the electronically preprogrammed voice that the train would be arriving punctually in 1 minute, and after he boarded the centrally air-conditioned train, he checked his schedule on his laptop while talking on the mobile phone. Finally, when he reached his destination, he exited the train station by slipping the ticket in to an electronic barrier and chose to walk the remaining distance to his office. Phew!! Let this be noted, all this use of technology occurred before 9 AM. Times have surely changed. Throughout the years technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. Leo Tolstoy once said, “When the life of people is unmoral, and their relations are not based on love, but on egoism, then all technical improvements, the increase of man’s power over nature, steam, electricity, the telegraph, every machine, gunpowder, and dynamite, produce the impression of dangerous toys placed in the hands of children.”
There was a time when technology was called ‘progress’ but soon we permitted it to dictate our lives. It is nothing but a competition to make things smaller and faster. Fast cars, Fast laptops, Fast food, fast service, fast relief and the list is inexhaustible. The history of technology is at least as old as humanity. It follows a progression from simple tools and simple (mostly human) energy sources to complex high-technology tools and energy sources without which our lives today would be a mess. The community is trapped by its own delusion that nothing has been changed by technology. We all are so dependent upon technology that without it we feel handicapped. Recall a situation when you had some urgent work to do and your computer system crashed or the last time you lost your mobile phone. I bet that majority of us would not fancy reliving that aching situation. So we are being slowly crushed between our immovable prejudices and are being lured by the superfluous comforts that technology is blessing us with. We can always boast about the way technology has evolved drastically making our lives and work effortless. Great amenities always come at a great price. No I’m not talking about the cost of the latest mobile phone with megapixels camera, GPRS enabled etc that you bought. I can bet you on this that the general populace of the world is ‘ignorant’ about the unwarranted involvement of technology in their lives. The ill effects that such use of technology has provided us with will for sure be visible in the years to come. It’s now time to reveal the truth.
Have you ever noticed your ear getting warm if you use a mobile phone for long? There are different forms of electromagnetic radiation transferred while talking which are strong enough to fry your brain. It can even cause damage to the body’s natural defense system. Headaches, skin tingling and heating, fatigue, neck growths, lack of concentration and memory loss, irritableness, restlessness, depletion, even tumours, cancer and cataracts have also been associated the use of analogue and digital cordless phones.

Electromagnetic radiation caused by a mobile phone call for 2-3 minutes can alter the way your body responds, reacts and functions for up to 3 hours after the call.
Has it ever occurred to you that while you are happily typing away on your computer or enjoying watching television for hours can lead to chronic headaches? Next time you have headache due to extended usage of computer, don’t blame it on the stress or the work pressure. Several other problems have also been observed in people who spend more than four hours a day in close proximity to an unprotected computer or television screens: stress, headaches, irritability, insomnia, eye strain, eyesight decline, abnormal general fatigue, decrease in productivity and in the natural resistance of the immune system, decline in libido, disorders in the menstrual cycle, and hormonal disturbances.
Eyestrain resulting from computer use can also be bothersome and uncomfortable.
EMFs (Electromagnetic fields) are emitted from all electrical appliances. Many top doctors and leading scientists now agree that even just a few minutes of exposure to EMFs can lead to depression, headaches, mood swings, anxiety, lack of concentration, irritableness, memory loss, depleted or low energy, as well as damaging your immune system and leaving you prone to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and depression. All of which is integrated into our modern day life in our mobile phones, televisions, radios, microwaves, alarm clocks and even metal framed beds.
It is not only the technology that has changed but also the lifestyles of the entire generation. There were times when people used to have almonds and honey early in the morning but now a majority of the populace starts their day with pizzas and colas. Fast food for breakfast, skipping the lunch as one has had plenty of coffee throughout the day and processed food for dinner as you are too tired and lack energy to make a nutritious meal. The problem with eating unhealthy food is that it makes you crave for more junk food. We spend most of our lives eating all the stuff that can hardly be called food with all sorts of additives, and preservatives in it. We ruin our systems by consuming liquid and solid acids and chemicals. When was the last time you had complete ’satvik’ food for one whole day? Even if you strain your mind and think hard, you won’t have an answer to this question. We have developed a modern lifestyle that is far removed from nature.

Living locked in air-conditioned houses and offices, (bigger the cities lesser fresh air to breathe) no more aroma of the drops of first rain that falls on the parched earth, no more gazing at the billions of twinkling stars in the sky.

We have great respect for man-made technology and science, but we should be in greater awe of nature. We must firmly believe that the greatest wealth is the wealth of being natural. Nature now widely bears the marks of human influence everywhere. We say we love nature, yet we change it almost beyond recognition. We say we love nature, yet we hack out artificial steps in the ground to facilitate our journey to our favourite secluded, undisturbed and peaceful spots of natural beauty where we build brick kitchens, dam streams for water, bring our pots and pans and make tea and coffee to feed ourselves during our bouts of great philosophical contemplation accompanied by disco music over the radio. We say we love the fresh air, peace and quiet of nature, yet some people disturb this tranquility by using loudspeakers and amplifiers, but to what purpose? Torturing fellow beings with unbelievably lousy music, nauseatingly bad taste and complete disrespect for nature? We all should appreciate the significance of staying in touch with nature, cherishing it, and nurturing it.
Nature is healthy, benevolent and in tune with living beings. It does not threaten man’s existence but to reach godhead here in this life only. For when we lose touch with nature we lose touch with our existence.

Safety Tips For You!

Prevention is better than cure

MOBILE PHONES: Use only for short periods at a time, keep it in a bag or outer layer of clothing, turn off in places like hospitals as radiation levels are normally high enough, don’t get a talk plan with lots of free minutes enticing you to use them all up, swap ears from time to time, put volume higher and hold further away from head, attach an earphone to your phone today.
Clock Radios: Best kept at least 4 ft away from your head because they give off high fields. Electro-mechanical clocks emit more harmful rays than electronic digital ones. Closer than 4 ft, you may feel tired and take longer to lose that flu or infection.
COMPUTERS: Most modern computers give off relatively low levels of EMFs but do still try to minimise exposure by keeping the computer, especially the screen, as far away as practical. Laptops generally emit low EMFs but when used with a mains adaptor plugged in they can cause dizziness and faint spells. Try to recharge it away from where you are, then use it from the battery supply. Place a cactus in the office or computer room. The spine of a cacti attracts charged irons and can change ionisation levels in the room. Take breaks when needed.
Photocopiers: Known to give out high levels of EMFs, generated from around the motor. Best to stand 30 inches back whilst copying in progress.
ELECTRIC KETTLES: Both traditional and jug type create high EMF levels. Heating water using electricity can change its molecular structure. Some people who react badly to this change may suffer from headaches and eye problems. Neutralise the effect by standing the cup/mug/glass on a Vitaflow whilst pouring.
BEDS: Metal framed beds and bedsprings can become magnetised by electricity in wiring and appliances , causing restlessness and insomnia. Try an alternative bed-base and unsprung mattress, preferably with natural materials. Keep electrical appliances at least 3 ft away from the bed head area.
HAIRDRYERS: High currents produce the heat. The motor gives off high EMFs near the handle, dropping only a little at a drying distance of 6-18 inches away from you. The fields are higher when on higher settings. The fact that a hairdryer is only used for a short time at any one interval is not as important as the fact that the user is exposed to high levels of EMFs during that period. Metal hair clips can increase the EMFs from the working hairdryer. It is best not to use a hairdryer after 7 pm as high levels of EMFs near to the head are known to interfere with the body’s production of melatonin which helps the body to repair itself.

In the pink of health NATURALLY!

Early in the morning, without cleaning your teeth or mouth, drink a glass of water so that all the accumulated saliva in your mouth goes back to your stomach. This method in principle is similar to homeopathy and is used widely in Japan to prolong the life span and cure many diseases automatically.
Don’t take salt in excess. Use as little salt as possible. Just observe that any food provided by nature is never salty in taste; it is always plain, sour or sweet. Excessive salt corrodes our body like sea water, which is never allowed to be drunk even if a person is thirsty.
Try inhaling the breath from left nostril during day time and from right during the night time.
After washing your face with water don’t wipe off. Let it dry itself on the face. It keeps the facial skin young and healthy.

Nature sprouts for you

BLACK GRAM SPROUTS: Great for heart and Diabetes.
MOONG(GREEN LENTIL) SPROUTS: A general tonic for a healthy body.
Wheat Grains Sprouts: Amazing source for Vitamin E and helps to support a long life.

Fascinated with Fake

Inspite of several risks and side effects involved, people prefer to do it the artificial way because of their intense desire to look beautiful
HAIR COLOUR

Hair colour is no longer only about covering gray but fashion hair colour has become exceedingly popular among the masses. In India the hair colour market is pegged at more than Rs 380 crore (Rs 3.8 billion).
ARTIFICIAL NAILS
If you lose a nail you can get artificial nails which looks incredibly real and healthy. Artificial nails are available in different sizes, colors and quality and along with them you get nail glue, and if you want to remove, soak them in warm water for 10 to 15 min and very gently peel them off.
TAN LOTIONS
You can tan your body without exposing youself to the UV radiation of the sun. Most of the tanning lotions have an active ingredient called Dehydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a type of sugar which provokes a tan through a chemical reaction that stains the skin.
PERMANENT MAKEUP

Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing used to apply lip liner, eyeliner or eyebrow color. Lots of ill effects happen like swelling, cracking, peeling, blistering and scarring around and on the area where permanent make up has been done.

If God is everywhere then why God allows violent acts. Why can’t God stop it?

Electric current is available in wires. We can use it positively, and we can use it negatively. We can kill with this current and we can use life saving equipment with this current only. The electric current does not make any choices. It is how we use it. Similarly understand this, God is not the planner and dictator of our lives. God is the energy, God is the existence. We have been given the energy to think and we have been given the faculty to think, how and about what we think depends on us. We can use this thinking power in an abusive way or make good use of this power. The closest simile which I am giving is of electric current. How we will use it: it depends upon us. If we abuse it, we suffer; if we use it properly, we enjoy.God is not a dictator who will run our life according to his whims. God is not a puppeteer and we are not his puppets. We have freedom to make our choices which can be good or bad and therefore have to bear the consequences for making choices. When will you grow up! When will you learn to take responsibilities? God is a being, not a personality. We have been given mind to think and intellect to make decisions. If one abuses this liberty, if he makes wrong use of his mind, commits murder, rape, induces pain, and agony for others, mind it! It is not God who is running the show, it is the person to be blamed. We live in a society and are inter-connected to one another.Thus, choices made by a person affect another individual. And we suffer, so it becomes most important to spread this awakening of living our lives with great responsibility. A person who lives irresponsibly can evade the law of land, can evade the punishment of so-called God also. But he cannot evade his own consciousness which will punish. It is not that someone else will punish you for your deeds, other is not needed.We all are the creators of our own hells and our own heavens. There is not any hell or heaven hanging somewhere in the sky. Or some unseen God will punish us for our actions, for our Karmas. It is us. It is our own mind which creates the hell and which is the creator of heaven. There isn’t any God who is pulling our strings. Because if it is so then there shouldn’t be any crime happening. If God is pulling the strings then criminals can easily say, God pulled my strings and I pulled the trigger of the gun.It is just an excuse to save oneself from taking the responsibility for our own evil mindedness. It is us who do the action, it is us who think, it is us who decide, who acts upon our thoughts. Sooner we realize this, better will be our society. If we know that what ever we give to others will come back to me, we will think twice before doing anything.

Truth of one person can be different from the other. So on the level of mind truth is not seen as one?

On the level of mind disagreements can happen. Arguments for and against any concept are created and can be given. But truth is never yours or mine. Truth is just truth. It is eternally unchangeable, beliefs are yours and mine. Religion can be yours and mine. Even God can be yours and mine. But truth can never be mine or yours.Truth is universally unique, one and the same. We believe in God; people say so with a great conviction but it is an illogical statement. This is a ridiculous statement that we believe in God. They don’t believe in God, they just believe in the belief of God. And those who say that they don’t believe in God, it is not that they have found that there is no God, but they again believe in this belief that there is no God.So in a way the so-called believers are also non-believers and so-called non-believers are also not believers. Divinity has nothing to do with your belief. You are alive, you are breathing, it has nothing to do with your belief. You don’t say, I believe that I am living. You are living. You are the evidence of you being alive. Life is right here. And truly speaking, dead ones never ever can say that they are dead.People are just carrying labels on their forehead that they belong to this herd or that one. They are happy to be a part of these groups and console themselves that when so many thousands believe in it then it must be true, as if truth has anything to do with democracy. One, who has known truth is single, yet is a majority.A single knower of truth is true in comparison to millions of people who are carrying a mere belief. It does not matter what kind of label you carry on your forehead: of being an atheist or a theist, believers of God or a non-believer of God. What matters is truth, experience of truth. A belief is a belief only, it can never be a truth. For truth, you do not need a belief, you know. Belief verses Truth, Truth wins. Belief simply pales down in front of Truth.Again the whole definition and the whole notion which you are giving for God or what the God believers are giving the definition is being accepted, know this that they don’t know what they are speaking about. They don’t know what they are talking about. They don’t know their own God. They just know about the beliefs which have been given to them by their family, society – in reality they don’t know it.That is the very reason that we have more than three hundred and fifty kinds of religions and variety of Gods, all different from one another. Believers of these Gods are always having this great fight to prove that their God is powerful than your God. Whole politics is played on the basis of these man made definitions. Politicians savor differences; so they jump in this wrestling and make it dirtier, turn it into murkier, uglier thing. This nexus of religion and politicians has brought so much violence in the society.Our history is full of religious wars. Thousands were slaughtered in the name of religion. Muslims and Christians fight, Hindus and Muslims fight, Jews and Christians fight. Amazing thing is that all are fighting in the name of religion, in the name of God. What a God!Only if your masters, avatars, Buddha’s, Prophets could come on one dias and could give a joint statement that they loved, talked, professed one God only and that God is none other than Truth, then maybe this whole chaos can end. But it won’t happen, they can’t come back and even if they do, they will be called ghosts and their own followers will run away from them.

A dynamic young woman, a very well known television personality, and india’s first veejay, ruby bhatia has created a niche for herself in showbiz, from playing lead roles in prime time television serials to endorsing the most prestigious products in multimedia advertisements, from acting in big-banner films to singing in hugely successful pop music albums, from hosting all kinds of concerts and corporate events to creating television history by being the first woman ever to host three hours of live television everyday at a major international cricket tournament (the icc champions’ trophy, 2002). Exclusive interview with the golden girl of indian television, Ruby Bhatia.

• Soul Curry: Everyone has an individual understanding of religion and spirituality. How do you perceive these?

• Ruby Bhatia: Being brought up in a very traditional family, I have been influenced by both: religion and spirituality. My Mom follows Arya Samaj where God is perceived as formless, which is very spiritual; my Grandmother was born in the land of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan, and my Father follows Sanatana Dharma, so we have Krishna Puja, Ladoo Gopal celebrations too. Since I went to Catholic School for studies, I also have an understanding and respect for Lord Jesus and Mother Mary. So, my understanding has been rather very expansive, to say the very least on religion and spirituality. However, let me answer to your question in a proper way. To my understanding, Truth is constantly within us and we have to realize it. As in The Bhagwad Gita, the Lord had declared ‘Beejam maam sarva bhoothaanaam’ i.e. I am the seed of all beings. God is omnipresent, and manifests Himself in all aspects; in you, in me, in nature, and just everywhere. Please understand that there is nothing but God. The uncountable variety of creatures that we see have all come out of the beejam, that is, the Lord, Nature being the Mother and, God the Father. I strongly feel that God is the source of all religions; be it Christianity, Hinduism, or any other…all lead to one spirit. Religion refers to the rules, regulations, discipline of a certain sect, and the common moral of all religions is the truth. Following the norms of a religion do help in understanding the truth but ultimately one has to realize it oneself and the Prophets, the Gurus act as a link on this path. Eventually, it is all about knowing, understanding, and realizing the Truth, moving from darkness to the light which prevades all. This is not my knowledge but all that I have learnt from my Guru Sri Paramhansa Yogananda.

• SC: You have been conducting seminars on personality development. What are the five topmost grooming personality development tips you would like to give to our readers.

• RB: First is Sincerity – Be sincere in your efforts, be sincere to yourself. Second is Smile – Always give a genuine smile, the one that reflects itself through eyes and cheers the onlooker. Third is Desire for Self Improvement – Only an intense desire for self improvement leads to action. Fourth is Perseverance – A firm resolve is very essential. Fifth is Yoga and Meditation – To clear your mind.

• SC: You have been a student of philosophy, what is your philosophy of life?

• RB: My philosophy of life is the ancient eightfold yoga outlined by Patanjali, as mentioned in the book, Autobiography of a Yogi by Sri Paramhansa Yogananda. The first two steps yama and niyama, both require observance of ten negative and positive moralities. These are avoidance of injury to others, of untruthfulness, of stealing, of incontinence, of gift receiving (which brings obligations); and purity of body and mind, contentment, self-discipline, study, and devotion to God. The next steps are asana (right posture); pranayama (control of Prana, or subtle life currents); pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from external objects). The last steps are forms of yoga proper: dharna (concentration) or holding the mind to one thought; dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (super conscious perception). This is the Eightfold Path of Yoga which leads one to the final goal of “realization of the Truth beyond all intellectual apprehension.”

• SC: You travel extensively to places, round the year. What fascinates you to travel so much?

• RB: Traveling is part of my job. It gives me an opportunity to live one day at a time and to be without any responsibilities…empty mind…without any tensions, which is why I enjoy it. I feel the whole environment has been built by our own karmas, and most important, our desires. Perhaps because of my desire to travel, it has become part of my life and I enjoy it very much.

• SC: Referring to your help columns in Sunday Mid Day, and Shaadi Times, what is the most common problem that you think people are facing?

• RB: I would talk about youth in this regard. The most common problem of the youth today is the conflict between one’s self understanding of marriage and imposed arranged marriages. I believe that parents go on compelling children to choose a life partner the traditional way. On the contrary children want to live their life on their own terms. People are also highly confused about the relationships. Look at this; there are so many divorces happening, so many relationship are breaking up… The attitude towards the whole concept of marriage needs to be changed; a perfect balance needs to be established. It is not like buying a shirt that you see the size, colour and if it suits, you buy it. Be it love or arranged marriage, one needs to understand what you need in a relationship and then give some time to understanding the other person. It is definitely important to respect the views of elders but it is also important to understand what you expect from a relationship. The decision should never be taken in haste. I am not saying all this theoretically. It has been my own experience. I have been through it. I was greatly influenced by Bollywood…to such an extent that I started expecting the same in my real life. But life, I mean real life, is not a movie. Every one wants to be happy and I realized that true happiness can come only from within. I discountinued writing columns long time back. After all, for how long can you write on yoga, meditation? It’s high time, one has to seek truth oneself.

• SC: Does receiving accolades for your extraordinary performances as well as the recognition ever influence you as an individual?

• RB: When you have everything, it is only then you realize that it’s nothing. Not before that. Then you lose the purpose of life. Fortunately, for me, my achievements never made me arrogant but, yes, they did make me a bit irritable. Fame…Name…Money…Luxuries… at one point all of it was at my fingertips. It is just like when you get everything easily, you don’t enjoy it much. Well.I was looking for quality of life and this was the turning point.

• SC: What are you seeking then at this point of time?

• RB: I am seeking realization of truth. One has to be on the path to reach the destination. I had known that I was not on the path, so firstly I needed to come on the path. I needed to walk on that wonderful path. It was at this time that I started visiting ISKON temple, which is right near my house. There at the temple, the whole ambience is so cheerful, peaceful, tranquil, and joyous. When I met my Guru, all the questions left my heart and I could feel that this is the man of truth; so authoritative; the one whom I can trust completely. After initiation, my life has changed. I realized that without God all is dark and only God is the ultimate light. So, the ultimate goal of human life is self-realisation. That is the only thing worth pursuing.

• SC: Meditation is commonly perceived as the way to still the restless mind. What does it mean to you?

• RB: Yes, meditation has certainly helped me calm down, to say the least. But it all depends upon what state of mind you are in when you sit to meditate and the results vary accordingly. I don’t feel hasty now…there’s profound patience. Normally we think that meditation is concentration but concentration can be done only on a thing; it is more like concentrating or contemplating on God, when the cosmic consciousness enters one’s being and makes one feel part of the whole. Eventually, meditation must happen on its own, that is the real experience.

• SC: When you are free from work, how do you unwind?

• RB: I am not working so often now, but whenever I want to relax I just get in touch with nature; looking at sky…stars…enjoying nature…feeling nature…feeling breath…all this connects me with my true self.

Varanasi, considered as the most holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus, is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. This is the place where divine unification happened between shehnai and its maestro – Ustad Bismillah Khan, who immersed the world in the melody and rhythm of Shehnai.

India’s most venerated sages – Gautam Buddha, Kabir, Mahavira, Tulsidas, Shankracharya, Ramanuja, and Patanjali meditated here, which has made this place reverberate with the presence of immense peace and wisdom. Varanasi has also produced prominent musicians, philosophers, poets, and writers in Indian history, including Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Pandit Ravi Shankar. This galaxy of great people has given Varanasi a place of pride in the country.

The city of Varanasi is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi – ‘the land of sacred light’. City of many names, it was first known as Kashi, the city of light. The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the ‘original ground ‘created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time.

The city was officially renamed in 1956 as Varanasi, a name from antiquity. Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture, glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion; it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial. To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself…an experience in self-discovery…an eternal oneness of the body and soul.

Varanasi’s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.

MORE THAN A PILGRIMAGE OR HINDUS

Along with being the most sacred place for Hindus, it’s worth noting that Hindus and Muslims are braided together in this city in worship, culture, craft and commercial affairs. Muslim weavers make the famous Benarasi silk saris for the weddings of wealthy Hindus. Muslim craftsmen also produce the crowns of Hindu temple deities. Muslims play concerts at Hindu temples.

DEVOTION OF USTAD BISMILLAH KHAN

The city’s most celebrated musician, late Ustad Bismillah Khan, famous for having begun his mornings with devotional songs before the Hindu temple of Shiva. He attributed all his music at the lotus feet of the Hindu deity. The Ustad personified secularism. He was a practising Muslim who offered `namaz’ five times a day. Yet he had immense faith in Baba Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan and Ganga maiyya. When asked to hunt for greener pastures, he used to remark, where will I find Baba Vishwanath and Ganga? A devout Muslim, he was a symbol of India’s religious pluralism and a symbol of harmony for people of different faiths.

A VISIT TO VARANASI

A visit to Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganga… the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue…soul-stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – the land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss.

DISCOVER THE TRANQUILITY OF SARNATH

Buddhists worldwide look upon Varanasi as the land of the Buddha, and a visit to this pilgrimage is celebrated in the memory of the Enlightened One. Buddha, the great sage, after attaining enlightenment (Buddhahood) at Bodh Gaya came to Sarnath and delivered his first sermon to five disciples (i.e. Kaundinya, Bashpa, Bhadrika, Mahanaman and Ashvajit) for redeeming humanity. It is this place where the foundation of a new order of monks (Sangha) and a new order of religious doctrine (Dhamma) was laid; set in motion the wheel of Law (Maha- Dharmachakra Pravartan). On the day before his death, Lord Buddha included Sarnath alongwith Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers.

Emperor Ashoka, who spread the Buddha’s message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234BC, and erected a stupa here. Emperor Ashoka built the Dharmarajika Stupa at the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. During his excavations, Cunningham found inside the stupa a marble casket that might have contained the relics of the Buddha.

Just behind the Dharmarajika Stupa are the remains of the Ashoka Pillar, one of the many that Emperor Ashoka erected. The monolithic pillar was once crowned with the magnificent lion capital that is now in the Sarnath Museum.

The four roaring lions face the four directions symbolising the spread of the Buddha’s teaching. The pillar was originally 15 metres tall and the lions supported a dharmachakra or the wheel of law but only a few fragments of it have been found.

The Sarnath Museum is a treasure trove of Buddhist sculpture, inscription and pottery. Some of the finest images of the Buddha and panels depicting important episodes from his life can be seen here. Also worth visiting are the monasteries and temples built by other Buddhist countries in their indigenous architectural styles.

Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. Sarnath is 10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi, and is an exceedingly tranquil place.

CITY OF TEMPLES & GHATS

Varanasi contains more than 1,500 temples and mosques. Almost all of the city’s 5 kms of river banks have been converted into ghats. On the whole, it has 100 bathing and burning ghats, of which Manikarnika ghat is the most sacred. This is the main burning ghat and one of the most auspicious places.

THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Lord Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. It is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of the Lord Shiva.

BHARATMATA TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Mother India. Just one kilometer from the Varanasi station, the temple is built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could respect Mother India in statue form. The statue is built in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided India in three dimensions which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion.

ANNAPURNA TEMPLE

Near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, there is a nice temple of Devi Annapurna, the “Godess of Food”. Known as Annapurna Temple, it was built in 1725 A.D. by the Maratha chieftain, Peshwa Baji Rao I. During the annual Annakuta festival, just after Diwali, mountains of fruits, sweets and cereals are laid out before the goddess and then distributed to the poor.

SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE

Lord Hanuman is also known as “Sankatmochan”, the god who protects us from the troubles. Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Goswami Tulsidas. Ustad Bismillah Khan often used to play in this temple, and attributed all his music to the Hindu deity with reverence.

GHATS AT VARANASI

The divine grace of this city lies is unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. Ghats of Varanasi are natural supplement to the concept of divinity. The great river banks at Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps – the ghats – progressing along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river level. Each of the hundred ghats, big and small, is marked by a lingam, and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the city.

ASSI GHAT

Assi Ghat, an important ghat of Varanasi, traditionally constitutes the southern end of the conventional city. According to a belief Goddess Durga after slaying demon Shumbha- Nishumbha had thrown her sword here. The place, where the sword (khadga) had fallen resulted in flowing of big stream known as Assi river.

ALAMGIR MOSQUE

An amalgamation of Hindu-Muslim religious sentiments, this mosque is also known as “Beni Madhav ka Darera”. Curiously, the entire lower portion of the mosque is retained as a Hindu temple.

BENARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

This is the largest and oldest university in north India. Spread over an area of 2,000 acres, this great place of education was established by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya. Today the campus has faculties of Arts, Science, Music, Sanskrit, Languages, Engineering, Statistics and Medical, to name a few of them.
The university is a museum in its own right and requires more than half a day visit to do it justice.

A BITTER CONTRASTING PERSPECTIVE

While we talk of the beautiful and breathtaking pictures of Varanasi, Ustad Bismillah Khanji’s hometown and the ancient cityscape as painted by poets and singers, we shouldn’t forget that somewhere down the line, the glory has been tainted, the beauty has become tarnished. And who has done this to the grand beautiful city. We, humans! And none other than us…Mother Nature and the holy Gangaji have been silent witnesses to the atrocities committed by man in the name of religion and mukti. People believe that a dip in the holy Ganga can wash off their sins forever. Under this pretext, tons of pollutants are being released into the so called Holy River. People believe the Kashi Vishveshwar temple is one of the holiest shrines in the country. But this mukti comes with a heavy price of superstitions, trampling upon one another to have a glimpse of Lord Shiva and creating filth all over the holy place. It’s high time, the thinking individual of our country drop the beliefs that are unwholesome and stand up to revive the lost grandeur of the city.

The day when the artisans of the renowned Banarasi Silk are not exploited, the abode of Lord Shiva is turned into a peaceful commune rather than a cacophony of sinful souls seeking liberation, the day when Gangaji is revered as Holy and kept free from pollutants, Varanasi will become the Holiest place of the country in the true sense of the word.

Do visit this ancient city of death and liberation, but with a tender heart and an awakened mind!

Geeta Chandran is synonymous with the Indian classical dance: Bharatanatyam. Since the age of five, when she began learning temple dance form under the tutelage of smt. Swarna Saraswathy, who hailed from the traditional Dasi Parampara, she has continued learning diverse aspects of the dance from a galaxy of eminent gurus. She is a recipient of many prestigious awards, fellowships and honours. A role model and an expert at balancing several identities, Geeta Chandran is celebrated not only for her deep and composite understanding of the art of Bharatanatyam, but also for her carnatic music (she is an accomplished vocalist), her work in television, video and film, theatre, choreography, dance education, dance activism and dance-issue journalism. She is founder-president of Natya-Vriksha, where she teaches bharatanatyam. Her book “so many journeys” won the best book prize at the national book honours 2006. Soul curry spoke to her.

• Soul Curry: How do you manage with the pressure and stress that comes as part and parcel of today’s working lifestyle?

• Geeta Chandran: One of the best things that classical dance teaches is to manage time efficiently. The training in tala (rhythm) is all about time management and how to prepare oneself to keep to the beat. Since one has been trained all one’s life in this, it has become second nature to me to manage my time efficiently and I am able to do different things – professional, family and fun – just by planning schedules efficiently.
  I feel that the need for de-stressing occurs only when joy and a sense of personal achievement are missing from one’s life. If one truly enjoys one’s work and lives life honestly based on values that one wishes to abide by, then stress does not occur. To me, the aim should not be to de-stress, but not to let stress build up at all.

• SC: How far is being spiritual or religious important for a healthy living?

• GC: The spiritual dimension is one of life’s most beautiful experiences. But the mind must be trained to attain that special plateau of peace. Good food, proper breathing, an enlightened physical regimen and moderation in food habits prepare the body so that the mind is completely without stress. At that point one’s mind is able to fly to peaks of peace and incredible joy.
  To some, religion could be the path to that spiritual experience. But really, the spiritual experience connects the individual to the vastness of nature and to pulsating forces beyond. It is that recognition – Upanishadic in many ways – where the individual soul is part of a larger universal whole – that sacred linkage that is truly spiritual.

• SC: According to you, has the definition of the present generation of being healthy changed?

• GC: The present generation is truly lucky in so many ways. They are the first generation ever where so much wealth and opportunity are available to such large numbers of Indians. Yet, they are also in many ways the most vulnerable, because they are growing up in an environment of widely fluctuating values. This flux leads to confusion, and consequently to great amounts of stress building up. The loss of values leads one to be liable to passing fads – including health fads. The media contributes in no small measure in fanning this confusion. What Gen-Next needs is a bedrock of values that they can use as a measure for themselves. As I always say, unless roots are strong, one will not have the real wings needed to fly. So while Gen-Next may look healthier and have newer options, the choices they make need to be better guided by their values and cultural moorings.

• SC: With the world automating in every possible way, every individual is losing touch with nature. As an artist, how do you see this?

• GC: One can ignore nature only at one’s peril. But really, I return to values. What is our concept of wealth today? Is it only in numbers of cars in our driveway and clothes in our closet, or can it be truly measured by birds singing in your garden and flowers blooming on your shrubs. What is needed is a sea-change in the way we measure ourselves and our lives. What we need is a culture of sustainability to replace our culture of greed. Today, nature is being trapped in museums! That is such a scary thought. My profession – classical dance – is beautifully linked to nature. It cherishes nature and celebrates it in every mudra (gesture). Maybe what we need is a nation of dancers so that our sensitivity to nature can survive! My dance school is called Natya Vriksha. The tree of dance too needs sustenance!

These Indian vegetarian recipes from the treasure of a
well known cook book author, Nita Mehta will add spice to your
cooking and help you stay healthy.

Cornflakes Chaat

Serves 4

1 cup cornflakes (Kellog’s)

½ cup kala or kabuli channas – boiled (1½ cups)

1 boiled potato – chopped

2 tomatoes – chopped

1 kheera (cucumber) – cut into ½” pieces without peeling

3-4 tbsp anaar ke dane, some chopped coriander

MEETHI CHUTNEY

4 tbsp sugar, ¼ cup water

½ tsp salt, 2 tbsp amchoor, ½ tsp red chilli powder,

½ tsp bhuna jeera
HARA DHANIA CHUTNEY

1 cup chopped coriander with stalks

1 tomato – chopped , 1 flake garlic – chopped, ½ tsp grated ginger, 1 green chilli

1 tsp lemon juice, salt and sugar to taste

BEAT TOGETHER

1 cup yogurt (dahi)

¼ tsp bhuna jeera powder, ¼ tsp red chilli powder, ¼ tsp chaat masala
salt to taste

1. For meethi chutney, mix all ingredients. Boil. Cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously, till slightly thick. Remove from fire and keep aside.

2. Blend all ingredients of the green chutney to a paste.

3. Beat the dahi with bhuna jeera powder red chilli powder, chaat masala and salt till smooth.

4. Mix channa, potato, tomato and kheera with half of the curd in a big bowl. Transfer to a flat serving platter. Sprinkle both chutneys and keep aside. Do not mix.

5. Add little water to the remaining curd to make it of a pouring consistency.

6. Just at the time of serving, sprinkle cornflakes. Sprinkle remaining dahi, then the chutneys on it. Serve sprinkled with some anar ke dane and finely chopped coriander.

Dhingri Matar

Serves 4

1 cup shelled peas (matar)

25 gms dhingri (dry white mushrooms) – washed and soaked overnight

3 medium sized tomatoes

4 laung (cloves), 1 stick dalchini (cinnamon)

1 tsp salt, or to taste, ¼ tsp haldi powder

some chopped coriander

GRIND TO A PASTE TOGETHER (ONION & CHILLI PASTE)

1 onion, 1″ piece ginger, 6-7 flakes garlic

2 dry, red chillies (whole) – deseeded & soaked in water for 15 minutes

ROAST LIGHTLY ON A TAWA AND GRIND TO A POWDER

1 tbsp saboot dhania (coriander seeds)

1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds), seeds of 2 moti illaichi (brown cardamoms)

1. Wash dhingri in 2-3 changes of water. Soak dhingri overnight. Next morning wash again in 3-4 changes of water. Cut dhingri into ½” pieces (small pieces) with a knife. Discard any very hard portion, if present.

2. Lightly roast on tawa – saboot dhania, jeera and moti illaichi seeds. Cool and powder finely.

3. Put tomatoes in boiling water, boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the skin & puree.

4. Heat a pan. Add laung and dalchini. Wait for a minute.

5. Add ground onion-chilli paste, salt and haldi powder. Stir fry till onions turn golden.

6. Add tomato puree. Cook till dry and oil separates.

7. Add dhingri to the cooked masala & lower the heat & bhuno for 4-5 minutes.

8. Add peas & bhuno for another 1-2 minutes on low heat.

9. Add roasted powdered masala of jeera, dhania and moti illaichi. Mix.

10. Add enough water (about 1½ cups) to get a gravy. Boil and simmer till peas get cooked and oil separates. Serve hot.

Paneer in Red Gravy

Serves 4

250 gm paneer – cut into 1″ cubes

6 (500 gm) tomatoes – each cut into 4 pieces or 1 cup readymade tomato puree

4-5 flakes garlic and 1″ piece ginger – ground to a paste (1½ tsp ginger-garlic paste)

1 tbsp kasoori methi (dry fenugreek leaves), 2 tsp tomato ketchup

½ tsp jeera (cumin seeds), 2 tsp dhania powder, ½ tsp garam masala

1 tsp salt, or to taste, ½ tsp red chilli powder, preferably degi mirch

½-1 cup milk, approx.

½ cup water

1. Boil tomatoes in ½ cup water. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes till tomatoes turn soft.

Remove from fire and cool. Grind the tomatoes along with the water to a smooth puree.

2. Heat jeera in a kadhai. When it turns golden, add ginger-garlic paste.

3. Add the above tomato puree or use the readymade tomato puree. Cook till puree turns dry.

4. Add kasoori methi & tomato ketchup.

5. Add masalas – dhania powder, garam masala, salt and red chilli powder. Mix well for a few seconds. Cook till the masala turns little dry.

6. Add water. Boil. Simmer on low heat for 4-5 minutes. Remove from fire. Keep aside to cool for about 5 minutes.

7. Add enough milk to the cold masala to get a thick curry, mix gently (Remember to add milk only after the masala is no longer hot, to prevent the milk from curdling. After adding milk, heat curry on low heat).

8. Add the paneer cubes. Keep aside till serving time.

9. To serve heat on low flame, stirring continuously till just about to boil. Swirl a tsp of thin curd over the gravy.

10. Serve immediately.

Mushroom Croustades

Serves 2

2 hot dog buns

FILLING

9-10 mushrooms (120 gms) – chopped finely

2 small spring onions (hara pyaz)- chopped including the greens

2 tsp soya sauce, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper or to taste

1. Cut one hot dog bun into half lengthwise. Cut both the pieces further into 2 pieces. Scoop out the soft center portion with a knife, leaving a border.

2. Grill all the 4 pieces in a preheated oven till crisp.

3. For the filling, heat a pan, add white of spring onions. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add mushrooms, cook for 3-4 minutes or till dry.

4. Add soya sauce, salt and pepper. Add greens of spring onion. Mix. Remove from fire.

5. Spoon this hot mixture into grilled hollowed bread croustades and serve.

Winter is upon us but does that give you the excuse to stay at home for the next two months? Certainly not, especially if you want to stay in good health and maintain your shape. Winter normally ushers one into physical discomforts like cold, fever, sometimes even depression also; your body increases its fat reserves as a protection against the cold.
In winter, beginner or an intermediate practitioner should practice dynamic yoga, meaning instead of holding a pose for few seconds, one should practice each Shuksham vayama and Asana 2 to 5 times continuously.
While practicing yoga in winter it is advisable to practice indoor yoga with proper warm up.
To have good heath, lots of energy and a calm mind, we should honor our body by working in rhythm with nature.

CHEST BREATHING

Sit in padamasna or sukh asana, hand on your knees in (Ghyan mudra). Inhale deeply, expanding your chest, hold your breath as long as you are comfortable then exhale slowly to relax the whole body. Repeat this for minimum 15 times.

SPINE EXERCISE

Stand with both legs apart and place both your hands on your hips, thumbs pointing forward. Bend backward from the waist while inhaling and then bend forward while exhaling. Repeat this for minimum 10 times. Precaution: People with lower back problem should not do this forward bending exercise.

SHIATSU THERAPY

Sit in meditation posture with spine up straight. Now with help of your right hand thumb, squeeze the flashy web between the left thumb and fore finger near the place where the Web V comes together at the hand, for 5 to 10 seconds. This will relive sore throat, common cold, flu, dizziness and headache.

SURYA MUDRA

Sit in meditation posture with your back and neck straight. Then join the tip of ring finger with the root of the thumb in both the hands and press with the thumbs. Keep the other finger straight. Then place hand on your knees with palm facing upward. Put a little pressure on your palm while rest of the hand should be in a relaxed position. Practice this for 10 to 15 minutes every day.
Benefits: This cures ailments like common cold, flu, and headache. It is also beneficial for obesity, and keeps one energetic.

LINGAM MUDRA

Close your hands so that the fingers get interlocked. Keep left thumb up straight, then touch index finger and thumb of right hand, so they are circling the left thumb. Do this mudra for 2 to 3 minutes. This mudra is helpful in curing respiratory ailments such as asthma, cough & cold, and congestion.

SURYA BHEDI PRAYAMAMA

Sit in a comfortable meditation posture with head and spine straight, eyes closed, and hand in Jayan mudra. Now close the nostril with ring finger and inhale slowly & deeply through the right nostril. Then close both the nostril after few seconds, exhale slowly through left nostril by keeping the right nostril closed with the finger. This is one round. Do minimum 5 rounds in a day.
Benefits: This pranayama creates heat in the body and counteracts imbalances of the wind elements. It makes mind more alert, and is good for low blood pressure. It stimulates and awakens the pranic energy by activating Pingala nadi.
Precaution: People suffering from heart disease, High BP and epilepsy should not practice this pranayama.

TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY

• Drink plenty of water: if you suffer from Bronchitis or other respiratory illness, be sure to drink 10 to 12 glasses of water or other fluids daily. The fluid will thin the mucus in your inflamed upper bronchial passages.

• Blow up a balloon: For relief from a persistent breathing problem, try blowing up balloons. Because balloon blowing helps increase lung capacity.

• Sore throat: Take 1000 to 3000 mg of vitamin C daily to help fight the cold or other viral infection causing it. You may also wish to eat three raw cloves of garlic a day as garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.

During winter, when the weather is cold and dry, the hair really suffers. This is the time of year when we like to sit outside and enjoy the warm sunshine. We use hot water for bathing and washing the hair. These things can actually dry out the hair. For one thing, the hair and scalp lose moisture to the atmosphere, due to lack of humidity. Both sun-exposure and hot water also cause dryness. The hair becomes dry and difficult to manage. It can also develop problems like split ends.

A conditioner helps to give the hair protection and body. A good conditioner works by coating the hair. This adds thickness, strength and body to the hair. Conditioners can contain protein and oils. Some ingredients, like henna, are conditioners too, as they have the ability to coat the hair.

One can buy a hair conditioner, or a shampoo with a built-in conditioner, so that it performs a dual task of both cleansing and conditioning the hair. One can also use ingredients from the home to condition the hair.

The hot oil treatment works well on dry and brittle hair. This can be done by mixing, together one-tablespoon pure coconut oil with one-teaspoon castor oil. Heat and apply on the hair and scalp. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better.

Honey can also be used to condition dry hair, specially during the winter months. Mix one teaspoon honey with 2 teaspoons oil and apply this on the scalp. Apply a hot moist towel for about 20 minutes before washing the hair with shampoo.

You can also make a conditioner with two tablespoons coconut oil, one teaspoon lemon juice and one teaspoon honey. Beat them well together and apply on the scalp. Use the hot towel wrap around the head. This opens the pores of the scalp and allow better absorption. Wash your hair after 20 minutes. It will add both body and shine.

TIPS FOR WINTER HAIR CARE

• Use a mild shampoo and use very little of it. Harsh shampoos can also rob the hair of natural oils. Due to this, the scalp loses its ability to hold moisture. Avoid very hot water while washing the hair.

• After your shampoo, apply a conditioner. Or choose a shampoo with a built-in conditioner. If you apply a conditioner, put some on your fingers and then run the fingers through the hair.

• If you use a hair dryer, hold it at least 10 inches away. Stop using the hair dryer before the hair is totally dry and allow it to dry aturally.

• Twice a week, oil your hair and leave it on all night.

• Once or twice a week, condition the hair. Curd or egg yolk can be applied on the hair for conditioning dry hair. Apply and leave it on for half an hour, before washing the hair.

• Henna also makes a good conditioner. Mix a teaspoon of oil in the henna mixture.

• Styling gels are also available. These can be applied in the hair, to make them more manageable. They also lend some shine to the hair.

• When sitting out in the sun, cover the head.