Control your mind, love your body

Facts about me :

1. Despite all the marketing & campaign on whitening cosmetics in Asia, I'm very proud of the color of my skin! Not too dark, and not too light, just a nice moccha-colored skin.
2. I'm totally egalitarian person, I hate being no. 2 caste in the society.
3. I love the smell of rain in the afternoon, springing from the wet land. Ah....heaven
4. I sleep like a baby. When I sleep, I cannot even feel the earthquake! But when I'm in love, I get insomnia
5. Grandma is my hero. She has such strong influence in my upbringing. Oh Grandma how I miss you ...
6. I adore Bono, for his sexy voice, influence in music industry and total commitment to struggle for Human Rights. That's totally sexy!
7. Enjoy reading Pramoedya Ananta Toer's books. It tells the deepest pain of our nation and the very essence of universal humankind at the same time
8. I am addicted to yoga & meditation. NOTHING can replace the "seretonin storm" you experience after!!!

                 

I've just found out how precious the work of the late Indonesian writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer is. He was a candidate to receive Nobel in the literature category several times, unfortunately he didn't make it to get the Nobel Prize. But still, I admire this man a lot! His works are precious Indonesian contribution for the world, especially for humankind.

 

Life has been unkind to him. He had to face poverty, unhappy childhood back in Blora, Central Java. As a teenager, he did not attend high school, he did not get enough opportunity for school. But grew up as a very critical mind, courageous. He stands firm to defend the nation's poor, the peasants of Java by his critical writings.

The New Order regime (during Suharto's presidency, 1967 - 1997) banned all his

writings. He had accused as Communists (for his dislike of Capitalism probably), and sent him to jail, WITHOUT trial, for 14 years. His most famous, legendary writings are the Tetralogy (also known as The Buru Serie) of Bumi Manusia - This Earth of Mankind, Anak Semua Bangsa - Child of All Nations, Jejak Langkah - Footsteps, and Rumah Kaca - House of Glass. He produced this masterpiece in jail of Buru Island, that's why people also called these the Buru Quartet. Looks like the bars of jail did not decrease his guts, his fighting against injustice, did not prevent him from writing! What an energy!

 

My first fave book of Pram is Anak Semua Bangsa, or Child of All Nations. In this second book of the Buru Quartet, he showed the reader so much about the evil power, the Colonial Dutch-Indies (Hindia Belanda, now Indonesia), who tightened its grip on our homeland by not only power, but also the "evil protozoa", the CAPITAL! The colonial power had built lots of factories in Indies (now Indonesia), especially Java, to fund their Kingdom.   They've done this by exploitating local farmer (the Javanese farmer). The setting of the story was in East Java - a place where I spent my 4,5 years in college. So the places are very close to my heart, my imagination. The most common commodity in East Java was sugar cane. The colonial power had large factories in Sidoarjo area, the Tulangan village. The had developed the factory by forcing local landowner to an injustice deal. They rented farmer's land in an extremely low price, with the help of a local authority, the Regent and Chief Villages - the "local Royal group" (known as The Priyayi). Local people, who mostly farmers, didn't have any power to fight this. Their lack of education is one of the main factors why they cannot strike back. The only language they know, they can do, was physical, or traditional weapons. They only get used to physical language to fight.   In this case, they needed back up from the well-educated Indies (Indonesian) to initiate the systematic, grand strategy to strike-back.

By that time, most of the well-educated people of Indies are from the Royal family, the Ruling group (The Priyayi), who mostly has good, close relationship with the Colonial Power. Their "comfortable" position in the community, with lots of facilities, had prevented them from knowing so many insights about the real condition of their own people, their own nation. Here in this book, Pram's main character in the story's Minke – son of a Regent in East Java, a well-educated journalist who didn't even write in Malayan language, his own mother tongue. The story's mainly about Minke's dillema, about his obsession of being a great journalist who wrote in Dutch and English, in a newspaper that very pro-colonial vs his passion to know more about his own people, his own nation, and helps the poor to strike-back for their rights. His writings have so much influenced by the ideas of humanity of his idol, his Guru, Multatuli a.k.a. Edward Douwes Dekker ( a real character ; famous humanist and writer of Dutch descendants, who concerned about the fate of the poor Javanese people. His masterpiece's a book titled"Max Havelaar"). Minke's surrounding, his French best friend, Jean Marais, had gave him so much ideas about the spirit of the France Revolution the principles of Liberty, Fraternity, Egaliter , that help him understand the very core problem faced by his nation. Japan's victory in Manchuria, marking Asian's victory against Europe and the status of the Japanese nation that's now equal with European nation, and also Philipine's people struggle against the colonial Spain under Dr. Jose Rizal, also opened his eyes of the new possibilities, a brighter future for his own nation.   That it's about time to rise against the colonial evil. He realized that in finding the spirit to fight for freedom of his nation, he had learned from his friends of all nations. Then he too realize that in order to make inter-nations friendship, he must learn to know a lot about his own nation.

 

I believe this masterpiece historical novel, is a "must read" book, especially to young Indonesians. We must learn from history. Never to let any "new form of colonial power" got its grip on us, and let me tell you this is very POSSIBLE, even already slowly but sure, happen in this beloved country. There's a saying : "One who does not learn from history are condemn to repeat it". Of course we don't want that!

 

What is very sad for me is that all of Pram's awards is received from outside Indonesia. He received Ramon Magsaysay Awards from Philipines, Freedom to Write Award from PEN of USA, Mandanjeet Singh Prize from UNESCO, and many more…None from the Indonesian authority or institutions! Well, I don't know why… I believe that a great nation is a nation who knows how to respect its great writers, for their contributions to inspire people, to tell the world a great story of their nations, right?

 

Although I'm sure Pram wouldn't mind any respect at all. He had the great times of his life. And his spirit will forever be rooted in the hearts of Indonesian people, especially the young ones.

 

                                    

I will move to another company starting 6 November 2006. This would mark a new starting point of my carrier. I've been working for the current company for 3,5 years now, the same position, Administration Officer. In my 3rd year, I started to feel bored. I need bigger challenge, I'm ready for a bigger responsibility, that is the company could not provide me : Self Development! The 3,5 years working in this company has been such a great experience. I love the team work, the people. A very comfortable working environment. Me and my boss has always been best friends. A fact that most people could not believe, how can your boss be your best friend at the same time??? Well, she is! She had always been very supportive, always ready to share her experience and knowledge. Gosh, I'm gonna miss her a lot!

So next, I will be working for a media/publishing company, a place of my dream. I've always wanted to work for media. My interest in reading and writing has drawn my attention in this field. I wish to develop my writing ability in this new environment. Although my post is not exactly reporter or journalist, at least (hopefully) this will open the new opportunity for me to write more.

Well now, I've started to tell clients, partners, suppliers, and of course co-workers about my resignation. Most of the response is they're surprise! Why are you moving? You have such a nice people in the office, the business's fine too, etc, etc....
I have the best time of my life here in this company, I enjoy all the comfort, but...it's time to spread my wing. 3,5 years in the same post is enough, I need a change. I'm now ready for a bigger challenge, a bigger responsibility. At the place of my dream, the Media/Publishing field of work. What can I say? They would never understand...

Sometimes I think : Am I not grateful enough?

Dalai Lama's the perfect example of how powerful the struggle of non-viollence is in today's world. Gandhi's teaching of Ahimsa / Non - Viollence is still applicable.
Perhaps it's about time for the Palestinians Liberations Army need to follow Tibetan's footstep in facing People's republic of China that invaded his country.
Although we know, it will takes time, energy, and patience to gain  freedom.

Om Mani Padme Hum

***
                                                      
 
The Dalai Lama, in Woodstock, Calls for Peace and Compassion Woodstock, N.Y. USA 22 Sep 06 (Blaise Schweitzer / Daily Freeman)

The Dalai Lama came to town Thursday, drawing thousands of followers and admirers in a celebration of the International Day of Peace. The 71-year-old winner of the Nobel Peace Prize spoke about challenges to world peace without singling out gaffes by world religious leaders or rhetoric of fear-mongering politicians. His visit was supposed to be a secret, because of security concerns. More than two thousand found out what the 14th Dalai Lama's itinerary was anyway, and showed up at Andy Lee Field off Rock City Road hours before his 3:30 p.m. appearance. The Dalai Lama arrived via sport utility vehicle and quickly offered a message of compassion, kindness and respect for other religions and against materialism and fear-based thinking. "We all have every right to successful life, happy life," he said, emphasizing that money shouldn't be part of the definition of success or happiness. "We should not forget our inner values. By inner value I mean ... human affection, or another word, human compassion." Just as children blossom when parents show love, communities respond to compassionate treatment from their neighbors, he said. "Reach out and create positive atmosphere." Kind acts help more than the recipient of goodness, he said. "Benefit first goes to the practitioner." Hostility similarly hurts those on both sides of conflicts, he said. "When fear, hatred, jealousy dominate our mind, then the best part of our brain which can judge cannot function properly," he said, calling such emotions destructive to wisdom. "You will never get satisfactory result." Although he is a believer in Buddhism, the world's fourth largest religion, the Dalai Lama isn't pressing for converts to overtake the third slot, held by Chinese folk religion. Harmony among the followers of world's disparate faiths has been important to the him for much of his life and recent events have only sharpened his concern. True believers of any faith would never use religion as a basis for hatred, but not enough people appreciate that, he said. "In the name of religion, sometimes more conflict, more divisions happen," he said. He has made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, although he noted Buddhism has no roots there. He has also visited with several popes and Mother Teresa and interacted with Muslims, Hindus and Jews. He spoke in favor of interfaith prayer and meditation. "Harmony on the basis of mutual respect is the key thing," he said. The Dalai Lama's security detail had threatened to cancel his appearances if too many people showed up, but the event went off without a hitch. Visitors from several states drove to Woodstock and showed up hours early to sit as close to the dais as possible. Elaine Taylor of Newburgh said she was brought up to be Jewish but doesn't follow any particular religion. Still, she said she believes in striving for goodness and wouldn't have missed seeing the Dalai Lama. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said. Jazz pianist Warren Bernhardt of Bearsville said the event was "quintessentially Woodstock" and although he isn't a follower of the Dalai Lama, he was impressed by the visit. "It's a thrill," he said. Trudy "Sita-das" Pelligrino of Long Island, was almost radiant. "He brings an amazing love energy and peace," she said. "For real." The Dalai Lama did not take questions, nor did he respond to any of the protest signs from neighbors of his Woodstock host, the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) monastery. Critical of the size of the Tibetan Buddhist monastery's large new building, which looms over the small church just below the KTD property, residents along Meads Mountain Road posted signs reading: "Welcome Dalai Lama, please help KTD to be a better neighbor." He did respond to a sign in the crowd reading: "Tibet lives in the hearts of Woodstock." The Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India in 1959 when the People's Republic of China overran the country. Before heading up Meads Mountain road to KTD, the Dalai Lama thanked the person holding the sign and said Tibet continues to go through difficulties. "We need more moral support from you," he said. Before leaving the stage, the Dalai Lama clasped his hands and bowed toward the crowd. A sea of clasped hands returned his gesture.
Daily Freeman 2006
 

Not my writing, it's my Guruji's article on www.aumkar.org. Just want to share this with all of you....

Happy reading!

***

“Bali is Beautiful,” Beautiful with big “B”, capital “B”..... Yes, Bali is indeed Beautiful. I believe in it not because people say so, but because I have always felt the beauty. I love Bali. And, I can never differentiate between love and beauty. They are synonym.

But, when I passed by the monument that stands on what they call “Ground Zero” – suddenly the feelings of love and beauty in my heart gave away to hatred and ugliness. What came to my mind at the time were faces of those criminals generally identified as terrorists, those criminals who tried to destroy Indonesia by bombing Bali. I was, as if, watching again all those footages that I saw on television screen years back.

And, the feelings of love and beauty were instantly replaced by those of remorse. Sudden sadness enveloped me, enveloped my total being.

I wonder now, if my experience was mine own….. I truly hope so, I hope the experience is mine own, and no-one else feels the same way. For the first time in my life, I hope and pray that others are not sensitive enough. Not as sensitive as me, at least.

The question is - what if I am wrong?
What if others are as sensitive as me? What is they are more sensitive than me? What about those people whose kith and kin, whose family members died in the incidents? Will they return to Bali? Will they ever come to Bali for holidays?

Yes, perhaps they will return.
Perhaps they come back to Bali, albeit not for holidays. They come back to pay respect to their loved ones. They come back to refresh their memories about the bombings in Bali.

                                       
The monument at Ground Zero in Kuta Bali, is indeed no ordinary monument. It can draw you back in time to 2002 when Bali was bombed for the first time. And, then to 2005 when it was bombed for the second time. It is kind of time tunnel. A Tunnel that leads you back to only one time – the time of death, of destruction, of crime and death, the time of sadness grief and hopelessness.

So, I try to take another tunnel, that at Peace Monument in New Delhi India – where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi are preserved for eternity. What do I feel there? I felt my spirit uplifted. I do not quite see eye to eye with The Great Soul. I do not quite agree with the Mahatma on all the issues – but yet, in spite of that, the monument has always been an inspiration to me.

Both, the Bali monument as well the monument at Rajghat New Delhi, are somehow connected with death. The victims of Bali bombings were killed by a bunch of fanatics, Gandhi was killed by a fanatic too. But again, in spite of all those similarities – Kuta is Kuta and Rajghat is Rajghat. The vibes at Rajghat are very uplifting….. Mahatma’s belief in Truth and Non-Violence can be felt in the air. Whereas the vibes at Kuta’s Ground Zero drain our souls. The air is so heavy with man’s helplessness and sense of insecurity.

Last time when I passed by the monument, just a week ago, I thought the situation must be changed. Bali can change it. Whatever dirt has been thrown on its beautiful face – Bali is still Beautiful with capital “B”, with big “B”. It still has enough beauty to clean its face. It still has enough love to drown all hatred and ill feelings towards those criminals who tried to destroy Bali.

What do we do?
What can be done?

                         
   

First, the image of Ground Zero must be changed completely. So, I suggested to our friends there to conduct prayer meeting every week. A weekly prayer meeting conducted at that very point, Ground Zero. Let people of different faiths pray in their own languages and according to their beliefs, their religions. And, then the meeting is closed with some uplifting songs - songs of love, peace, harmony and friendship amongst nations - songs that celebrate pluralism and multiculturalism, and finally lead us beyond all kind of isms.

The vibes at Ground Zero must be changed….. They must be transformed from draining to uplifting. The monument there must be known and recognized as Monument for Peace. The Ground Zero must be renamed as Ground for Peace, Ground for Love, for Harmony.

Secondly, stop calling those criminals terrorists. Stop them from terrorizing you mentally. Erase their identity as such from your mind. They are not terrorists. They cannot terrorize us. Call them criminals. They are just street criminals. And, they belong to no religion. A criminal has gone against the very teaching of religion by committing such heinous acts of crime. Those who support and defend them are equally criminals. They too, belong to no religion. They cannot claim to be defendant of religion. They cannot defend any religion by killing people, innocent or otherwise. Capital punishment is state’s prerogative, not theirs.

Third, Bali must preserve its cultural identity. That is Bali’s charm. That is Bali’s wealth. Let not a presidential visit by a middle easterner force you to drop your kabaya in favor of another type of dress. A guest is honored, yes…. And Bali knows very well how to honor a guest. But, it does not mean that Bali should make unnecessary compromises that may kill its very identity.

Fourth, the high cost economy and living that is forcing Balinese to sell their lands – must be stopped. While preserving its culture, Bali must also learn to simplify ceremonies and rituals that is costing more than what they can presently earn. Many of the new landowners in Bali do not at all appreciate Balinese culture. They are there just to make quick money. Unfortunately however, they also bring with them, their own belief-systems that are not in line with Balinese Culture – Culture that has its roots deep in history of the archipelago - Culture that goes back to thousands of years before the birth of Christ.

Fifth – something that must be done by the local authorities. They must be one hundred percent pro-people. It is only when you are pro-people that you can be pro-nation. Nation is made of people, and State is the building that houses them. This inter-connection must be understood properly. But, for this the local authorities must not be confronted. No ugly and violent demonstration. They are our brothers, our sisters. They must be persuaded to see things as they are. We must learn to help our government function properly. We must also learn to do our part responsibly.

Bali must be saved…… rather, Bali must save itself. And, for that what is immediately required is awareness, awareness amongst Balinese. Bali must not only be aware of its place in the archipelago, but its role as the Last Resort of Indonesia’s Indigenous Culture - where culture is still alive and part of life.

Bali has not reacted criminally to the acts of crime – that is Bali. That is the culture of Bali. That is the true identity of Indonesia. We are peace loving, and therefore we do not allow anyone to destroy our peace. Criminals have never been part of our society, and we have to make sure that they will never ever be. We do not hate them, for they are sick. They need some rehabilitation, so we put them in the hospitals made for them. Our love is not an emotional upsurge. Our love is responsible love.

Bali, wake up…..
Wake up to the Glorious Future - that is your destiny…. Destiny that has been delayed, but can never be changed. Learn from your past mistakes, repeat them not and continue your journey towards Love, Light, Peace and Harmony.
***

*Anand Krishna likes to be known as humanist. He has authored more than 80 books on the subject.

Article courtesy of www.aumkar.org

 

 

                        

Fellow members of Anand Ashram Yogyakarta - Semarang - Solo, held a mobile Post Traumatic and Stress-Relieving Program in the village of Bantul, Yogyakarta - which is suffering from earthquake last May 27th. They gave various therapies, such as Reiki healing, Stress Management therapy : Voice Culturing (catarsis), THERFA (Therapy to Relieve Tension and Anxiety), etc. They also asked people, especially children, to celebrate this gathering by singing along with The Torchbearers (youth of Anand Ashram)  joyfully and full of cheerfullness. This project's scheduled for 6 months, now it's been running for 3 months, and they can already see the difference!
People in Bantul's already started to work, they're slowly get over their trauma, and be energetic, full of new spirit to build their home.
These pics were taken during Guruji Anand Krishna's visit to Bantul Village, last July 06.
Together we stand to make Yogya smiles again!

                                

                                
Balinese calendar has been used for years by the Balinese-Hindu as guidance to decide suitable days to perform religious rituals, such as full moon, and dead moon.
The calculation is based on the mixture of lunar-solar system.
The Lunar system : based on the time when the moon rotate the earth (29 days, 12  hours, 44 minutes, so a whole year of Lunar Calendar consists of 354 days, 48 minutes, 36 seconds)
The Solar system : based on the rotation time of earth towards the sun, a year of Solar calendar's 365 days, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds.

Our present, modern, "Christ" calendar is based on the Solar System.

Since it is a mixture, Balinese Caka calendar sometimes has its long year (13 Lunar months), and short year (12 Lunar months).

A person's birthday according to the Balinese calendar is once in 210 days (there are 30 weeks, not divided in months, like "normal" calendar). So Balinese celebrate their Balinese birthday twice in a year.
So, wherever a Balinese decides to live, to wander, far from their homeland, they would always carry this calendar with them. Our holidays and birthdays listed in it.
An American friend who has a Balinese boyfriend once said to me that when she asked him to visit her home in US, one thing that her boyfriend's mother remind him is "Don't forget to bring your calendar".
So true! It's somehow a part of our identity ;)

***

                    

This morning I found out the power of intuition in our action.

The first job to do this morning was to find nearest ATM, withdrew some cash for office's expenses. There are some ATM on my way to the office.

There's 4 options of ATM's on the way from home to the office. First, I thought I will withdraw the cash on the 1st ATM I found, cuz I thought what if the nearest ATM from the office (the 4th ATM-stop) is out of service. I would have no where to run then, since it would've been my last hope.

But again I thought, it's harder for me when you've just started to walk, then you have to stop. So, it's a lot easier to stop at the 4th ATM than the 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

Ok then, I made up my mind, to stop at the 4th ATM.

As I walk in, I was welcomed by the warning on the ATM screen "We are sorry, this machine's temporarily out of service. Please find another nearby ATM".

It felt that I was struck by lightning, a de ja vu feeling come across my mind. And said to myself "Damn, I would never underestimate my intuition anymore!”

The price I have to pay for ignoring it is, I have to return to the 3rd ATM on my way home to the office :(

So, sometimes you have to just listen to your heart, and follow your intuition...

***

As an Eastern girl, eversince I was a child, I was told, educated to behave politely to anyone surround, especially elder people. Guess I have taken this far too seriously ;)

And my character, I was given a sensitive heart and great ear to listen, to pay attention to somebody else’s problem, anything they share to me. I just can’t be an ignorant person.

And sometimes the three character-building, politeness-sensitivity-good ear, killing me softly!

I seem to be so attentive to people, just to be polite. Though deep inside I “torture” myself, by listening. At first, truly, I can be a very good listener.  But then people will started to “use”  this, by frequently sharing all their problems, frequently, too much that I can handle. Then it started to give me the feeling of “Outside I look like a very good listener but something inside me said “Pleasssse….just leave me alone, will you?” . I hope you get what I mean, it’s so hard to explain how I feel. But…I’m way way too polite to say to them “Please, don’t be annoying and just leave me alone”

There are cases that showed how weak I am to response toward inconvenient things that happened to me. What I remember the most was an “sexual harassment” by an old man. I did not slap him in the face, even said bad words to him, just because he’s much much older than me, that it’s impolite to do so. And…I feel thrilled when an old friend of mine, slap a guy in the street when he flirted at us. I felt so liberated for what she did, as if she did it for on my behalf ;)

 

There’s case that just showed me, OK, no more Miss Polite. It’s about time to be straight-forward, to tell the truth, frankly. Cuz, someone just give me the knock in the head, by saying “You cannot play God. You cannot please everyone by what you said or done.” So, why bother?

 

“May my thoughts be one with my words, and my words be one with my thoughts – Oh…Lord of Love”

***

 

 

 

 

Maybe some would think it's odd, I have such big curiosity about the meaning of my own name.
My parents named me I Gusti Putu Ayu Sri Mahayani (cut the "I Gusti" part, it's a caste name I inherit from my late father, not comfortable using it, I prefer to be just Putu - a Balinese term for first child, Ayu Sri Mahayani).
So, I usually introduce myself as "Ayu Sri Mahayani". Sri is a Sanskrit word meaning "glory", or "prosperity" (from the Goddess Shri, Vishnu's shakti - feminine power, in India they use the term Laksmi). Sri is also used to refer someone who's reached a high spiritual consciousness level.
But in this case, Sri is just my name, not an "honorary label".
What makes me curious the most is, the meaning of the word "Mahayani". Whenever I asked my Mom, she gave me different answer! :( She simply said that she decided to give me the name as a substitute to "Maharani".
Some people did misspell my name into Ayu Sri Maharani because Maharani is more widely used. "Why don't you name me Maharani then, Mom?" She said, "Maharani means Queen, I don't wanna give you such heavy burden to carry that meaning" So, I am quite satisfied with her answer, but still curious tough.
If Maharani can cause such heavy meaning, then what's Mahayani mean, Mom? She said, "Well, I had no idea. The name of the doctor who helps my Mom during the labor is Dr, Mahayana, so I named you Mahayani". Still, she hasn't explained what the word "Mahayani" meant.
I finally got the "answer" from my beloved Guruji, Anand Krishna. During his visit to Bali, we gathered to hear some speech from him. Suddenly he said, that the path we chose in the Ashram, Anand Krishna Center, to reach our mission - One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind, is "Mahayana" the "big vehicle".
What he meant by big vehicle is to go through our journey together with fellow member, and increase our spiritual awareness together, eventually spread that spiritual awareness to our surroundings. So, instead of lit our inner torch alone, we have to be able to spread the torch of divine love, to the people around us.
My deepest thank you and gratitude to my Guruji for answering my long asked question, a part of my identity, which I really am. That's what I adore the most from my Guruji, he answers my question without I'm asking it. He has answered lots of my questions about the mystery of life. Namaste (I worship the particle of God/divine quality that rest in you).
Then I realize, my Mom didn't know that to become a "Mahayani - a Torchbearer with big vehicle" is a lot more difficult than to become "Maharani - a Queen".
But I'm glad that she chose Mahayani, perhaps it's true that we have "chosen" our own name. Maybe it's my Karma. And I believe that nothing is a mere coincidence, everything is happen for a reason. I destined to use that name, because I have a mission in this world. That name perhaps also "bringing" me to go through my journey with Guruji Anand Krishna and fellow friends in Anand Krishna Center.
Some say that a name is a wish. I hope my parent's wish (mine also) come true.
I want to become a real Ayu Sri Mahayani. So help me God!
***

How Dr. Emoto takes  photographs of crystals
Let me explain how I go about taking photographs of crystals.
I put fifty different types of water in fifty different Petri dishes. I then freeze the
dishes at –20 degrees C (–4 degrees F) for three hours in a freezer. The result is that the
surface tension forms drops of ice in the Petri dishes about one millimetre across. The
crystal appears when you shine a light on the crown of the drop of ice.
When we graphed the formation of the crystals, we realized that different water
formed different crystals. Some of them were clearly similar, some were deformed, and in some types of water, no crystals at all formed.
First I looked at the crystals of tap water from different locations. The water of Tokyo was a disaster – not a single complete crystal was formed. Tap water includes a dose of chlorine used to sanitize it, utterly destroying the structure found in natural water.
However, within natural water, no matter where it came from – natural springs, underground rivers, glaciers, and the upper reaches of rivers – complete crystals formed.

The effects of music on water
My efforts to photograph ice crystals and conduct research began to move ahead. Then one day the researcher – who was as caught up in the project as I – said something completely out of the blue: ‘Let’s see what happens when we expose the water to music.’
Dr. Emoto's clear vision helps us see ourselves and our universe differently. Science and spirit unite, resulting in a profound and undeniable quantum leap in how we view our world, and how we can reclaim our health and create peace."
The results astounded us. Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, with its bright and clear tones, resulted in beautiful and well-formed crystals. Mozart’s 40th Symphony, a graceful prayer to beauty, created crystals that were delicate and elegant. And the crystals formed by exposure to Chopin’s Etude in E, Op. 10, No. 3, surprised us with their lovely detail.
All the classical music that we exposed the water to resulted in well-formed crystals with
distinct characteristics. In contrast, the water exposed to violent heavy-metal music
resulted in fragmented and malformed crystals at best.

The power of love and gratitude
Water shown the most beautiful and delicate crystal formed by being exposed to the words ‘love and gratitude’. It was as if the water had rejoiced and celebrated by creating a flower in bloom. It was so beautiful that I can say that it actually changed my life from that moment on, for water had taught me the delicacy of the human soul, and the impact that love and gratitude can have on the world.
I realised that the condition of our soul is very likely to have an enormous impact on the
water that composes as much as 70 per cent of our bodies. This impact, in turn, will in no
small way affect our health and state of mind. Therefore, if the keynote of our soul is love
and gratitude, surely this will enable us to become the most beautiful we can be? Indeed,
could it be that the salvation of our souls, our health and our world lies first and
foremost in love and gratitude?
Love and gratitude combine to give the crystals a unique depth and refinement, a
diamond-like brilliance.I also discovered that the love and gratitude crystals actually look more like the gratitude crystals than the love crystals. What this suggests is that the gratitude vibration is more powerful and has a greater influence. Love tends to be a more active energy, the act of  giving oneself unconditionally. By contrast, gratitude is a more passive energy, a feeling that results from having been given something – knowing that you have been given the gift of life and reaching out to receive it joyously with both hands.
So then what does it mean to say that the passive energy of gratitude is stronger than love?  When I was thinking about this question, I stumbled upon an interesting concept, which became an important clue to answering the question concerning how we can and should live our lives.A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, represented by H2O. If love and gratitude, like oxygen and hydrogen, were linked together in a ratio of 1 to 2, gratitude would be twice as large as love. I suggest that having twice the amount of gratitude as love is the balance we should strive for. At a seminar, after I had mentioned this in my presentation, two young women came up to me and said, ‘We were very impressed. Weren't you saying that people have one mouth for speaking and two ears for listening?’ ‘That’s right – that’s absolutely right!’ I exclaimed, and I knew that I had become a little
wiser.

***
Well, now you need to drink some more water, place your drinking water in the most “serene” place, with good music and aura that expresses lots of love and gratitude.

 

 

The Upanishads is an ancient Indian literature contains explanations about who we really are? what is our mission? what makes our eyes see, our body moves, what the universe is, what is the drama of life and death, etc. Literally Upanishad means "sitting down near" - meaning sitting down near a spiritual teacher to learn some spiritual philosophies. Mostly it contains the essence of meditation; the four level of consciousness (Expositions of state of mind), which includes :
1. Waking
2. Dreaming
3. Dreamless sleep
4. Condition of "Turiya" - a silent and the body of joy, a condition of complete self-realization.

And also the explanation of the Self (one's Self/Atman, and the Almighty's Self/Brahman, are indeed one).
What is meant by The Self is both Brahman (the very essence of everything, every power in life, the Almighty God - who is the soul of this universe) and Atman (the individual soul, our inner universe). Hindu believes that the two are indeed one. Atman is the soul of the inner universe, Brahman is the soul of the outer universe.

Some of my favorite quotes from Upanishads :

"As the same fire assume different shapes
When it consumes objects differing in shapes
So does the one Self take the shape
Of every creature in whom He is present"
(Katha Upanishad, II.2.9)

"The Self is the sun shining in the sky
The wind blowing in space
He is the fire at the altar and the home of the guest
He dwells in human beings, in gods, in truth
And in the vast firmament
He is the fish born in water;
The plant growing in earth;
The river flowing down from the mountain
For this Self is supreme!"
(Katha Upanishad, II.2.2)

"In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling
The lotus of the heart
Within this dwelling is a space, and within that space is the fulfillment of our desires
Never fear that old age will invade that city;
Never fear that this inner treasure of all reality will wither and decay;
This knows no aging when the body ages;
This knows no dying when the body dies"
(Chandogya Upansihad VII.1.1.5)

"The world is the wheel of God
Turning round with all the living creatures upon its rim
The world is the river of God,
Flowing from Him and flowing back to Him
On this ever-revolving wheel of being
The individual self goes round and round through life after life
Believing itself to be separate creature
Until it sees identity with the Lord of Love
And attains immortality in the indivisible whole"
(Shveta Upanishad I.4.6.)

"You are what your deep driving desire is
As your desire is, so is your will
As your will is, so is your deed
As your deed is, so you become (is your destiny)"
(Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV.4.5)

 

It is so sad that Indonesians, especially those who live in the island of Java, started this year struggling with natural disasters…
Right before we enter the New Year 2006, on 31 Dec 2005, Jember - a regency located in East Java province, suffered from a rush of flood and landslide. This is due to the heavy rain falls in some areas in Indonesia. This disaster had caused about 90 deaths, ruined hundreds of house, road, and other public facilities. Environment experts said that the most important thing contribute to this is the severe deforestation in the surrounding area. Our forests could no longer hold the water (from the heavy rain fall). The bald forests/hills could no longer help us.
Few days after, on 3 Jan 2006, Banjarnegara - a village in Center Java province, suffered from a heavy land slide, caused by the same factors as the flood in Jember. This had caused a massive destruction. Hundreds of deaths and people missing (buried in the landslide), broken roads, houses, and public infrastructures. Hundreds people are now homeless and seek refuge in the government’s building nearby.
This is a big warning for us. This may not as big as the Aceh's tsunami back in the 2004, but still I believe that each disaster is a hidden message from beyond, that we have done much harm to our friend - The Nature...
So, I plead you all, please... RESPECT, PRESERVE, and LOVE your environment, your surroundings. Cuz your future, your children's future lays in them, our best friend, our Mother Nature.
Vande Mataram!
(salute to the Mother Nature)

***

They've knocked Dr. Azahari out!   Dr. Azahari's the number one actor behind the terrorist acts in Indonesia. The most wanted terrorist, an Indonesian's Osama bin Laden. The police have been hunting for him since the 12 Oct 2002 Bali Bombing. He's also suspected to be the main actor behind the Christmast bombings in some parts of Indonesia, throughout 2002.   Dr. Azahari is a Malaysian citizen, got his master degree in Reading University UK, and worked as lecturer in an university in Yogyakarta, Java.   Well, the police's not exactly "caught" him. On 9 Nov, police have found his temporary residence in Batu, Malang, East Java. Then they surrounded the villa, warn Azahari and his followers to surrender. Azahari refused, they fight the police, then finally explode himself. The villa's ruined, flat to the ground. After this dramatic combat, police found three dead bodies, which one of them is confirmed as Dr. Azahari. They've cross-check the Azahari's finger print sent by Malaysian goverment with the dead body.   This victory has been the most wanted news in the media since last 10 Nov. Newspapers and television put this news as headline, up until today. Although they've knock Azahari down, I think his "teachings", and his followers still going arround Indonesia to plan some more terror. Police is now tracking the Group 38 - Azahari's followers who's the main suspect of the last Oct bomb in Kuta and Jimbaran. Well, hopefully this is a positive start for the next defeat of the terrorist in Indonesia.
Salute to you, Mr. Policemen! God bless all of you.   In a hope for a better place to live... Vande Mataram - salute to the Motherland!

Yesterday, we, the Balinese Hindu community celebrate the Galungan Day - a twice in a year holiday. Galungan is a victory day, when we celebrate the victory of Dharma (the good) against Adharma (the evil).
This year's Galungan is not as merry as the usual Galungan day, due to last Saturday night blast in Kuta and Jimbaran area, we still in a mourning condition.

Ironically, just a few days prior to our victory day - the winning of Dharma, we must witness another example of Adharma act - the terrorist act. So sad...

Up till now, I still don't get it, why we those terrorist choose our homeland as a bombing target. What have we done wrong? As long as our history as a tourism destination, we, the Balinese people always welcome our visitors with warmth, with smile, we serve all of our visitors regardless of where you're coming from, your race, your religion, etc. Our land has provide you a sanctuary, a peaceful aura. We do not deserve this second tragedy!

But still, I have to accept this tragedy with open-heart, open-mind. God must have a "hidden message" behind this tragedy.

Hopefully, together we can fight Adharma, and revitalize the spirit of our people, the peaceful aura of our land.
Please, do come Guys, we will always greet you, welcome you with smile, with warmth. Don't let the terrorist win!
Please come for the sake of business in Bali, to support us who are just a victim of this inhuman act of terrorism.

Vande Mataram (salute to the Mother land),

Damn Terorist!

Last night my peaceful hometown once again become a victim of a cowardy act of terorist.

Yes, terorist strikes my hometown for the second time!
6 bombs are found in Kuta and Jimbaran area. 25 killed, 101 injured. I just can't believe that I have to witness this tragedy for the second time... De ja vu feeling embraces me as I saw live reports on TV about what's going on in the ground zero and the hospitals, the ambulance sirene (my house is near the Sanglah Public Hospital). It reminds me of the 12 Oct tragedy. Another blur Saturday Night in Denpasar....

This morning we - The Anand Krishna Center Denpasar, suppose to held a bi-weekly "Laughing Meditation" in front of the Bajra Sandhi monument where Denpasar people usually hang-out and go for a jog. But due to the last night's blast, we switch the event into  "praying together". We form a circle, then said prayers from different religions, the Moslem's Al-Fateha, Christian's Doa Bapa Kami (our Father prayer), Buddhist's Budham Saranam Gatchaami, and Hindu's Gayatri mantram. It really really touch my heart... My deepest condolences to all of the victims. May their soul find peace...

Latter on, our coordinator read the message from our Guru, Anand Krishna who reminds us that "It's time to work. People of Bali have to speak-out, but first we have to waken the spirit of Balinese people. He also said that yesterday's act is not an act of divine people, not a religious act at all!. So, we cannot be provoked to judge certain religion to be responsible for such act. This is cannot lead to a horizontal conflict, between Balinese people, or even between element of Indonesian people.

Ironically, we're just 10 days prior to the 3rd commemoration of the Balinese 12 Oct bombing. We, the National Integration Movement of Anand Krishna Center - are planning to organize symposium with theme "Indonesia Jaya - Time For Indonesian Citizen To Speak-Out". We just hope that we are able to run our event, despite of this tragedy. And hopefully this tragedy will encourage all of us, motivate us the organizers, to work extra hard for Bali, our land which has long known as paradise, a peaceful land.

I'm very disappointed to our govenrment. The police, the law-enforcer. The police has once again failed to guarantee our safety, the law enforcer is failed to put death-sentence to the actor of 12 Oct bombing, Amrozy, Imam Samudra and their link. Sorry to say, I regret my vote to you, Mr. President. Cuz it turn out that he doesn't have enough courage to fight the **** fundamentalist in our country.

Now, it's time for the people of Bali to awaken our spirit, speak-out, and work hard!

Vande Mataram - salute to our mother land!

 

 

Yesterday, I and few friends from Anand Krishna Center gathered to watch DVD titled �What The Bleep Do We Know?�. I was expected regular �spirituality theme film�, in which one usually sees spirituality from psychological and social science perspective. But then I find out that this film is very unique. It tried to reveal spirituality from natural science perspective, especially quantum physics, with of course a high element of human psychology.

 

It began with questions of �who we are?�, �what are we doing here�, �what we seek in this life�, where do we heading for?� Questions which frequently asked by people who�s curious and tried to find awareness of what our being/existence are really are. Here, they used the live of Amanda, a  woman in middle 30�s,  as an illustration.

While we see the story of Amanda, outside the story frame, there are some experts from different kind of subjects - mostly experts from the field of natural sciences, i.e. biochemistry, medical, physics. who gave their comments, their insights, on awareness, dimension of times, in accordance to their particular discipline. Generally they tried to explain the relations between our body, mind, and soul.

 

One of the subject matter in their insights is that our surrounding which most of us think are a �given� condition, a �given� situation are not exactly like that. Atoms that construct matters surround us are not really a �thing/matter�, they�re only possibilities. It is we who move them, turning them into �something meaningful�. Human has the capability to change their surrounding form merely atom into any kind of environment as they desired, which of course they didn�t realize that they have this capability, so they do it unintentionally. It is our mind which drive us, and eventually drives our surrounding. Our mind, our conscious and sub-conscious mind, is a very powerful resource. So, do believe that it is we, who can really create our days. We have the choice of either making it, or just blew it off. The choice is completely ours.

 

I�ve read a quote from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad which match for this :

 

�You are what you�re deep driving desire is

As your desire is, so is your will

As your will is, so is your deed

As your deed is, so is your destiny�

 

 

Later on, the experts also discuss the relation between the nature of soul in quantum physics perspective. About what exactly we experience in the past, present, and future. They explained that the basic of quantum physic is quite similar to the quantum of  mind. So, our mind is strongly attached the past,  play important role to our present, and definitely determine our future. And this goes in a cyclical period. Unfortunately, my knowledge of physical science is very poor. I don�t have any clue about what a quantum physics really is. So I guess I can�t absorb their detail explanations. After watching this film, I�m very interested to learn more on quantum physics. Another question posted by a anesthetic doctor,   �When I turn my patient into a unconscious state, where do they really go?�. Yes, I wonder about this also, shall try to find the answer.

 

A person who is in the high level of self awareness, have succeed to become an observer for themselves. Who is the observer? The one who tell you which choice to make, which path to take, and which direction to go, �the don�t do this, do that� things.  I am still on my way to find out.

 

I have to admit that it is hard to get into the whole story of this film, especially when you�re not a kind of person who�s into a physical science like me! Maybe if I had a slight knowledge on quantum physic and a chance to watch it for the second time, I will get much fuller understanding.

 

What make this film even more interesting is they use animation to illustrate the process that happened in our brain and the cells in our body, connected to different stimulus from everyday activity, like eating, horny, etc. Most of emotions we experience are due to our addiction caused by a process in our brain, so we become addicted in sex, drugs, even the state of being in love.  Those illustrations are hilarious! They�re definitely the entertaining aspect pf the film, which help us not to get easily bored of this �deeply-insight� film.

 

After watching the movie, I got even more curious to know many more thing on the state of conscious, subconscious, unconscious mind. What exactly happened in the state dreaming? Where do the sensations, emotions, we experience in dreams, came from?

 

A quote in The Upanishads wrote � Dreams are real as long as it lasts, who can say more of life?� For my it�s still a big mystery!

 

I am very thankful that I had a chance to watch the film. Have to thank the �Torch bearers� of the Anand Krishna Center who organize this event. Thank you very much for broadening my spiritual curiousity J  I�m waiting forward to see the next spiritual film, guys!

 

 

 

Today I discover how fatal a fanatism toward religion could be.   It began with a small chat with my newly-wed friend at the office. She's Moslem-Javanese who married to a  Hindu-Balinese man, and decided to follow her husband's religion, Hindu (this is a common phenomena in Indonesia, women should follow her husband's religion because the law of marriage here insist that the couple have to be of the same religion, so couples who have different faith, choose to get married abroad).   Let's go back to my newly-wed friend story. She told me that she received a pressure from a friend from who used to be the same religion to her, who against her decision to follow another faith. Before the wedding, this friend told her not to leave her Moslem faith, and entering her husband's faith. She must consider how bad the consequenses might be (he even reminded her that if she leaves their faith, hell is waited there for her). Whose hell does he talk about? Is there really exist? I wonder... He even threat her that he doesn't want to be her friend if she decided to be a Hindu. What a shallow thinking this little fellow had!!! How pathetic...   And it make me even more sad is, after the wedding, her friend's stick to his attitude. They are not as close as they used to be. And she knew this gonna happen, and ready for all the consequences. So, they are no longer close friend. Why should our journeys to find truth and peace of mind - a.k.a. religions, divided us apart?   That's what another person think of her decision to "move out". Then I asked, what about you, what make you so sure that this is the right thing to do? She said that altough she was born and raised in Java, in a Moslem family, her ancestor from her mother side of family is from the Tengger Mountain, who used to be a Hindu. So, being a Hindu is nothing new and hence not a problem at all for her, and for her family. Well, if she's so sure about her decision and fine with it, why should anybody bother? Religion is a very very private thing, right? It'a all about how we choose to connect ourselves to the Supreme Power, God. This path is our own domain, where nobody should interfere. We have to stand-up for ourselves. In this case, I'm so proud of her, she just keep on going, despite all the pressure she received from her surrounding. Now, she even grow to become much firm Hindu, she makes offering far lot better than I do! I should be ashame of myself :(   We had witnessed too much evidents on how fanatism toward religion had generated conflicts that result great damage for human kind. Lots of wars, riots in various part of the world are trigerred by fanatism. Yet, many of us haven't learn the lesson. As a multi-culture, multi-ethnic, multi-religion society, Indonesia  also experience these conflicts along its history as a nation. But yet, many of us still keep this narrow thinking called "Fanatism" alive. This is a very dangerous time-bomb which just waiting for a trigger to blow it up.
We need to be enlighted, let's begin with ourselves, then spread the spirit of tolerance to our surrounding, hopefully it will create a domino effect to the whole Indonesian people.   Amen...