Detroit jazz festival’s new sponsor trio: Fiat, St. John Health, PNC Bank - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information: "Laura Soave, head of the Fiat brand for North America, attended a luncheon today at the Detroit Athletic Club during which this year’s jazz lineup was announced. There also is talk of offering test drives of the Fiat 500 during the festival, scheduled for Sept. 2-5.
Besides local jazz artists, this year’s lineup will include artists from Japan, the Netherlands, Israel, South Africa, England and Brazil, celebrating the influence jazz has had on the world and the world’s influence on jazz.
The festival attracted about 750,000 people last year, Turnbull said.
The event has an estimated economic impact of about $90 million each year, with about 23 percent of its attendees coming from outside of Michigan."
FREE SYMPOSIUM OF AMB. JUAN
Thursday, April 14, 2011
WELLNESS UPDATE IN SOUTH AMERICA: Leaders of tropical forest nations to meet - Times Of India
Leaders of tropical forest nations to meet - Times Of India: "Leaders of tropical forest nations to meet
TNN & Agencies, Apr 13, 2011, 11.07pm IST
Tags:
united nations
NEW YORK: The Republic of Congo announced that it will host a climate summit next month for the heads of state of 35 nations covering the three major rainforest regions in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, in celebration of the International Year of Forests (Forests 2011).
The announcement was made at the United Nations by Henri Djombo, Congo's minister of sustainable development, forest economy, and the environment."
TNN & Agencies, Apr 13, 2011, 11.07pm IST
Tags:
united nations
NEW YORK: The Republic of Congo announced that it will host a climate summit next month for the heads of state of 35 nations covering the three major rainforest regions in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, in celebration of the International Year of Forests (Forests 2011).
The announcement was made at the United Nations by Henri Djombo, Congo's minister of sustainable development, forest economy, and the environment."
WELLNESS UPDATE IN ANTARCTICA: Antarctic krill harvest under scrutiny after penguin study
Antarctic krill harvest under scrutiny after penguin study: "Most abundant
The shrimp-like Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is one of the globe’s most abundant species found in densities of up to 30,000 creatures in a cubic-metre of seawater. Rich in phospholipids and omega-3s, they are harvested by companies such as Aker Biomarine and Neptune to make omega-3 products.
The British Antarctic Survey said the research underlined the need to monitor krill populations. The organization’s Simeon Hill told NutraIngredientsUSA: “This is a very welcome piece of research which illustrates that krill is a key part of a complex ecosystem. There are many causes of change in this ecosystem, including fluctuations in the climate and long term changes in the balance of species in the foodweb.
“These changes to penguin populations are a useful reminder of the need to continue to monitor and carefully regulate the krill fishery to ensure that it does not become an additional source of pressure on vulnerable populations.”
Last month, Hill told an omega-3 conference in Bruges, Belgium that the annual krill harvest ot 210,000 tonnes was 34 percent of the limit of 620,000 tonnes set to minimize environmental risk."
The shrimp-like Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is one of the globe’s most abundant species found in densities of up to 30,000 creatures in a cubic-metre of seawater. Rich in phospholipids and omega-3s, they are harvested by companies such as Aker Biomarine and Neptune to make omega-3 products.
The British Antarctic Survey said the research underlined the need to monitor krill populations. The organization’s Simeon Hill told NutraIngredientsUSA: “This is a very welcome piece of research which illustrates that krill is a key part of a complex ecosystem. There are many causes of change in this ecosystem, including fluctuations in the climate and long term changes in the balance of species in the foodweb.
“These changes to penguin populations are a useful reminder of the need to continue to monitor and carefully regulate the krill fishery to ensure that it does not become an additional source of pressure on vulnerable populations.”
Last month, Hill told an omega-3 conference in Bruges, Belgium that the annual krill harvest ot 210,000 tonnes was 34 percent of the limit of 620,000 tonnes set to minimize environmental risk."
WELLNESS IN AFRICA: AL Extends Business to South Africa, Announces Upcoming... -- HONG KONG and LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -
Artificial Life Extends Business to South Africa, Announces Upcoming... -- HONG KONG and LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --: "The Company currently already provides two mobile health monitoring apps: GluCoMo™, a diabetes monitoring app, and Opus-M Health: Neurodermatitis an app for monitoring the skin condition known as neurodermatitis. In the past, these two applications were targeted mainly to industrialized markets. However, GluCoMo™ as well as the upcoming patient monitoring app for HIV/AIDS will now also target the BRICS emerging markets of which South Africa is a new member. Featuring functions such as patient/medication monitoring, reminders, and education/health tips, the application will be built especially with the treatment of HIV/AIDS in mind. The Company will again be leveraging its Opus-M technology to power the backend system to ensure reliability and security of user-sensitive data.
According to AVERT, an estimated 5.6 million people are living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa in 2009 – more than any other country. It is estimated that in the same year, around 310,000 South Africans died of AIDS. The highest prevalence age group is 15-49, at 17.8 percent."
According to AVERT, an estimated 5.6 million people are living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa in 2009 – more than any other country. It is estimated that in the same year, around 310,000 South Africans died of AIDS. The highest prevalence age group is 15-49, at 17.8 percent."
UN - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 13 April 2011
UN - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 13 April 2011: "The Secretary-General flew overnight to Doha, Qatar, to take part in the first meeting of the International Contact Group on Libya today.
He told the officials gathered at the meeting that the international community had acted swiftly and decisively in the past seven weeks. But he said that even the most optimistic observers foresee a protracted period of instability before sustainable peace can be restored. And in the meantime, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.
The Secretary-General said that he had spoken by telephone with Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Al-Mahmoudi before leaving New York. He again emphasized to the Prime Minister the need for an immediate stop to the fighting and for all parties to abide by Security Council resolution 1973 (2011)."
He told the officials gathered at the meeting that the international community had acted swiftly and decisively in the past seven weeks. But he said that even the most optimistic observers foresee a protracted period of instability before sustainable peace can be restored. And in the meantime, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.
The Secretary-General said that he had spoken by telephone with Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Al-Mahmoudi before leaving New York. He again emphasized to the Prime Minister the need for an immediate stop to the fighting and for all parties to abide by Security Council resolution 1973 (2011)."
CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATE: Cities Get Boost to Address Climate Change in NYC, Clinton Merger
Cities Get Boost to Address Climate Change in NYC, Clinton Merger: "Former president Bill Clinton and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday announced the merger of their respective climate initiatives for cities.
Bloomberg serves as the Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), which will join with the Cities Program of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI).
The combination of these two organizations brings significant resources and infrastructure that will bolster both organizations and position the combined effort as one of the preeminent climate policy organizations in the world.
CCI's Cities' Programs include building retrofits, outdoor lighting, waste management, low carbon transportation, new urban developments, and greenhouse gas measurement and reporting."
Bloomberg serves as the Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), which will join with the Cities Program of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI).
The combination of these two organizations brings significant resources and infrastructure that will bolster both organizations and position the combined effort as one of the preeminent climate policy organizations in the world.
CCI's Cities' Programs include building retrofits, outdoor lighting, waste management, low carbon transportation, new urban developments, and greenhouse gas measurement and reporting."
WELLNESS UPDATE: EUROPE: Food & Beverage News: Top Stories - EFSA okays health claims for Tate & Lyle ingredients
Food & Beverage News: Top Stories - EFSA okays health claims for Tate & Lyle ingredients: "EFSA okays health claims for Tate & Lyle ingredients
Friday, April 15, 2011 08:00 IST
Our Bureau, Mumbai
Sugar replacement ingredients polydextrose and sucralose of Tate & Lyle, a leading provider of innovative ingredients and solutions, have received a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for 'reduction of post prandial blood glucose response' and 'maintenance of tooth mineralisation' health claims.
This was published in the result of the EFSA evaluation of a fourth series of 'general function' health claims submitted for use on food and drink products (EFSA Journal 2011; 9(4):2076).
These claims will now proceed through the remainder of the regulatory process for authorising health claims in Europe."
Friday, April 15, 2011 08:00 IST
Our Bureau, Mumbai
Sugar replacement ingredients polydextrose and sucralose of Tate & Lyle, a leading provider of innovative ingredients and solutions, have received a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for 'reduction of post prandial blood glucose response' and 'maintenance of tooth mineralisation' health claims.
This was published in the result of the EFSA evaluation of a fourth series of 'general function' health claims submitted for use on food and drink products (EFSA Journal 2011; 9(4):2076).
These claims will now proceed through the remainder of the regulatory process for authorising health claims in Europe."
WELLNESS UPDATE: AUSTRALIA: E-Health | E;ectronic Health Records
E-Health | E;ectronic Health Records: "By July 2012, you will be able to sign up for your own personally controlled electronic health record.
According to the government body established to make this happen - the National E-Health Transition Authority - these new electronic health records will provide secure and timely access to information about your current medications, diagnoses, allergies, immunisations and your health treatment preferences.
Both you and your doctor will be able to access your health record. You can decide which information goes into it, and which health providers can access certain parts of it. If you find incorrect information, you will be able to have it corrected. There will also be scope for you to add information.
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This week, the e-health authority released its 125-page blueprint for the development of electronic records in Australia. Individuals and organisations are being encouraged to provide feedback on the draft concept of operations, relating to the introduction of the proposed system."
According to the government body established to make this happen - the National E-Health Transition Authority - these new electronic health records will provide secure and timely access to information about your current medications, diagnoses, allergies, immunisations and your health treatment preferences.
Both you and your doctor will be able to access your health record. You can decide which information goes into it, and which health providers can access certain parts of it. If you find incorrect information, you will be able to have it corrected. There will also be scope for you to add information.
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This week, the e-health authority released its 125-page blueprint for the development of electronic records in Australia. Individuals and organisations are being encouraged to provide feedback on the draft concept of operations, relating to the introduction of the proposed system."
WELLNESS IN ASIA UPDATE: Digital medical records provide critical backup - Communications - News
Digital medical records provide critical backup - Communications - News: "'Imagine the enhanced effectiveness and savings in resources if rescue parties and medical teams are aware of the profile of people in danger, put on standby the necessary equipment and drugs for those chronically-ill, and quickly identify those with special medical conditions upon rescue. This can be possible if the information is made available via a national EHR (NEHR) [system],' Chiew explained in an e-mail.
With hospitals and clinics destroyed, records of the sick and elderly may be ruined, and this can lead to greater medical and logistical complications for those affected by the disaster. According to an EHR online forum, author Katherine Rourke shared that while Japan has a health information exchange (HIE) strategy, it is still immature.
'EMR (electronic medical record) coverage is patchy, though like here in the United States, is on the upswing. Research interest is high, in fact, medical informatics specialists there have developed their own clinical data exchange format, the Medical Markup Language. However, health data digitization and sharing is still in its early stages, or so it seems from the reading I've done,' Rourke said. She also suggested that a robust HIE system would serve as a good backup in case of widespread infrastructure damage."
With hospitals and clinics destroyed, records of the sick and elderly may be ruined, and this can lead to greater medical and logistical complications for those affected by the disaster. According to an EHR online forum, author Katherine Rourke shared that while Japan has a health information exchange (HIE) strategy, it is still immature.
'EMR (electronic medical record) coverage is patchy, though like here in the United States, is on the upswing. Research interest is high, in fact, medical informatics specialists there have developed their own clinical data exchange format, the Medical Markup Language. However, health data digitization and sharing is still in its early stages, or so it seems from the reading I've done,' Rourke said. She also suggested that a robust HIE system would serve as a good backup in case of widespread infrastructure damage."
Alvin Ailey’s Masterpiece 'Revelations' Back On Tour - FoxNews.com
Alvin Ailey’s Masterpiece 'Revelations' Back On Tour - FoxNews.com: "'Dance companies have a stigma where dancers can't eat or have to restrict their diets but we’re all very healthy and try to have healthy diets,' McClaren said. 'Of course we all have to keep on top of ourselves, but it is not about having a skinny body. It’s about being strong, and what you’re willing to share as a dancer and ultimately as a human being.'
And in a town known for its movies-only approach, Ailey’s company has (somewhat surprisingly) been embraced by Angelenos over recent years, which is why they are currently back in Southern California performing a vast new repertoire at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of their North American tour.
“(Hollywood) has hesitancy towards live performances, but people here are starting to see it as very social and shared experience,” explained Renae Williams Niles, Director of Dance Presentations at the Music Center in Los Angeles.”There is a real love of Ailey, it's such an illustration of the human spirit. It seems to even attract those, who in the past, have said they didn’t like dance.'"
And in a town known for its movies-only approach, Ailey’s company has (somewhat surprisingly) been embraced by Angelenos over recent years, which is why they are currently back in Southern California performing a vast new repertoire at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of their North American tour.
“(Hollywood) has hesitancy towards live performances, but people here are starting to see it as very social and shared experience,” explained Renae Williams Niles, Director of Dance Presentations at the Music Center in Los Angeles.”There is a real love of Ailey, it's such an illustration of the human spirit. It seems to even attract those, who in the past, have said they didn’t like dance.'"
8 Easy Ways to Load Up on Healthy Omega-3 Fats - US News and World Report
8 Easy Ways to Load Up on Healthy Omega-3 Fats - US News and World Report: "Seafood
You should eat fish a couple times a week. The federal government's latest dietary guidelines, released in early 2011, suggest a specific amount—8 ounces a week—to get an average total daily intake of 250 mg. of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two main types of omega-3s. Here's a look at some popular fish and shellfish and their approximate total content of those two fatty acids per 4-ounce portion:
Salmon (Atlantic, Chinook, Coho): 1,200-2,400 mg.
Anchovies: 2,300-2,400 mg.
Bluefin tuna: 1,700 mg; yellowfin tuna: 150-350; canned: 150-300 mg.
Sardines: 1,100-1,600 mg.
Trout: 1,000-1,100 mg.
Crab: 200-550 mg.
Cod: 200 mg.
Scallops: 200 mg.
Lobsters: 200 mg.
Tilapia: 150 mg."
You should eat fish a couple times a week. The federal government's latest dietary guidelines, released in early 2011, suggest a specific amount—8 ounces a week—to get an average total daily intake of 250 mg. of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two main types of omega-3s. Here's a look at some popular fish and shellfish and their approximate total content of those two fatty acids per 4-ounce portion:
Salmon (Atlantic, Chinook, Coho): 1,200-2,400 mg.
Anchovies: 2,300-2,400 mg.
Bluefin tuna: 1,700 mg; yellowfin tuna: 150-350; canned: 150-300 mg.
Sardines: 1,100-1,600 mg.
Trout: 1,000-1,100 mg.
Crab: 200-550 mg.
Cod: 200 mg.
Scallops: 200 mg.
Lobsters: 200 mg.
Tilapia: 150 mg."
Karma - Spiritism
Spiritism
Main article: Spiritist doctrine
In Spiritism, karma is known as "the law of cause and effect", and plays a central role in determining how one's life should be lived. Spirits are encouraged to choose how (and when) to suffer retribution for the wrong they did in previous lives. Disabilities, physical or mental impairment or even an unlucky life are due to the choices a spirit makes before reincarnating (that is, before being born to a new life).
What sets Spiritism apart from the more traditional religious views is that it understands karma as a condition inherent to the spirit, whether incarnated or not: the consequences of the crimes committed by the spirit last beyond the physical life and cause him (moral) pain in the afterlife. The choice of a life of hardships is, therefore, a way to rid oneself of the pain caused by moral guilt and to perfect qualities that are necessary for the spirit to progress to a higher form.
Because Spiritism always accepted the plurality of inhabited worlds, its concept of karma became considerably complex. There are worlds that are "primitive" (in the sense that they are home to spirits newly born and still very low on intellect and morals) and a succession of more and more advanced worlds to where spirits move as they are elevated. A spirit may choose to be born on a world inferior to his own as apenance or as a mission.
Karma - Western Interpretation
Western interpretation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
An academic and religious definition was mentioned above. The concept of karma is part of the world view of many millions of people throughout the world. Many in western cultures or with a Christian upbringing have incorporated a notion of karma. The Christian concept of reaping what you sow from Galatians 6:7 can be considered equivalent to Karma.[39]
According to karma, performing positive actions results in a good condition in one's experience, whereas a negative action results in a bad effect. The effects may be seen immediately or delayed. Delay can be until later in the present life or in the next. Thus, meritorious acts may mean rebirth into a higher station, such as a superior human or a godlike being, while evil acts result in rebirth as a human living in less desirable circumstances, or as a lower animal. Some observers[who?] have compared the action of karma to Western notions of sin and judgment by God or Gods, while others understand karma as an inherent principle of the universe without the intervention of any supernatural Being. In Hinduism, God does play a role and is seen as a dispenser of karma; see Karma in Hinduism for more details. The non-interventionist view is that of Buddhism and Jainism.
Most teachings say that for common mortals, being involved with karma is an unavoidable part of daily living. However, in light of the Hindu philosophical school of Vedanta, as well as Gautama Buddha's teachings, one is advised to either avoid, control or become mindful of the effects of desires and aversions as a way to moderate or change one's karma (or, more accurately, one's karmic results or destiny).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
An academic and religious definition was mentioned above. The concept of karma is part of the world view of many millions of people throughout the world. Many in western cultures or with a Christian upbringing have incorporated a notion of karma. The Christian concept of reaping what you sow from Galatians 6:7 can be considered equivalent to Karma.[39]
According to karma, performing positive actions results in a good condition in one's experience, whereas a negative action results in a bad effect. The effects may be seen immediately or delayed. Delay can be until later in the present life or in the next. Thus, meritorious acts may mean rebirth into a higher station, such as a superior human or a godlike being, while evil acts result in rebirth as a human living in less desirable circumstances, or as a lower animal. Some observers[who?] have compared the action of karma to Western notions of sin and judgment by God or Gods, while others understand karma as an inherent principle of the universe without the intervention of any supernatural Being. In Hinduism, God does play a role and is seen as a dispenser of karma; see Karma in Hinduism for more details. The non-interventionist view is that of Buddhism and Jainism.
Most teachings say that for common mortals, being involved with karma is an unavoidable part of daily living. However, in light of the Hindu philosophical school of Vedanta, as well as Gautama Buddha's teachings, one is advised to either avoid, control or become mindful of the effects of desires and aversions as a way to moderate or change one's karma (or, more accurately, one's karmic results or destiny).
Karma in Jainism
Karma in Jainism conveys a totally different meaning as commonly understood in the Hindu philosophy and western civilization.[35] InJainism, karma is referred to as karmic dirt, as it consists of very subtle and microscopic particles i.e. pudgala that pervade the entire universe.[36] Karmas are attracted to the karmic field of a soul on account of vibrations created by activities of mind, speech, and body as well as on account of various mental dispositions. Hence the karmas are the subtle matter surrounding the consciousness of a soul. When these two components, i.e., consciousness and karma, interact, we experience the life we know at present.
Herman Kuhn quoting from Tattvarthasutra describes karmas as – a mechanism that makes us thoroughly experience the themes of our life until we gained optimal knowledge from them and until our emotional attachment to these themes falls off.[35]
According to Padmanabh Jaini "this emphasis on reaping the fruits only of one’s own karma was not restricted to the Jainas; both Hindus and Buddhist writers have produced doctrinal materials stressing the same point. Each of the latter traditions, however, developed practices in basic contradiction to such belief. In addition to shrardha (the ritual Hindu offerings by the son of deceased), we find among Hinduswidespread adherence to the notion of divine intervention in ones fate, while Buddhists eventually came to propound such theories like boon-granting bodhisattvas, transfer of merit and like. Only Jainas have been absolutely unwilling to allow such ideas to penetrate their community, despite the fact that there must have been tremendous amount of social pressure on them to do so."[37]
The key points where the theory of Karma in Jainism differs from the other religions such as theistic traditions of Hinduism, can be stated as follows:
- Karma in Jainism operates as a self-sustaining mechanism as natural universal law, without any need of an external entity to manage them. (absence of the exogenous "Divine Entity" in Jainism)
- Jainism advocates that a soul's karma changes even with the thoughts, and not just the actions. Thus, to even think evil of someone would endure a "karm-bandh" or an increment in bad karma. For this reason, Jainism gives a very strong emphasis to "samyak dhyan" (rationality in thoughts) and "samyak darshan" (rationality in perception) and not just "samyak charitra" (rationality in conduct).
- Under Jain theology, a soul is released of worldly affairs as soon as it is able to emanicipate from the "karm-bandh". A famous illustration is that of Mata Marudevi, the mother of Shri Rishabh Dev, the first Tirthankar of present time cycle, who reached such emanicipation by elevating sequentially her thought processes, while she was visiting her Tirthankar son. This illustration explains how "Nirvana" and "Moksha", in Jainism, are different from other religions. In the presence of a Tirthankar, another soul achieved Keval Gyan and subsequently Nirvana, without any need of intervention by the Tirthankar.
- The karmic theory in Jainism operates endogenously. Tirthankars are not attributed "godhood" under Jainism. Thus, even the tirthankars themselves have to go through the stages of emanicipation, for attaining that state. While Buddhism does give a similar and to some extent a matching account for Shri Gautama Buddha, Hinduism maintains a totally different theory where "divine grace" is needed for emanicipation.
- Jainism treats all souls equally, inasmuch as it advocates that all souls have the same potential of attaining "nirvana". Only those who make effort, really attain it, but nonetheless, each soul is capable on its own to do so by gradually reducing its karma.[38]
Karma in Buddhism
Buddhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
In Buddhism, karma (Pāli kamma) is strictly distinguished from vipāka, meaning "fruit" or "result". Karma is categorized within the group or groups of cause (Pāli hetu) in the chain of cause and effect, where it comprises the elements of "volitional activities" (Pali sankhara) and "action" (Pali bhava). Any action is understood as creating "seeds" in the mind that will sprout into the appropriate result (Pāli vipaka) when met with the right conditions. Most types of karmas, with good or bad results, will keep one within the wheel of samsāra, while others will liberate one to nirvāna.
Buddhism links karma directly to the motives behind an action. Motivation usually makes the difference between "good" and "bad" actions; but included in the motivation is also the aspect of ignorance such that a well-intended action from an ignorant mind can subsequently be interpreted as a "bad" action in the sense that it creates unpleasant results for the "actor".
Other causal categories
In Buddhism, karma is not the only cause of everything that happens. The commentarial tradition classifed causal mechanisms governing the universe as taught in the early texts in five categories, known as Niyama Dhammas:[33][34]
Kamma Niyama—Consequences of one's actions
Utu Niyama—Seasonal changes and climate
Biija Niyama—Laws of heredity
Citta Niyama—Will of mind
Dhamma Niyama—Nature's tendency to produce a perfect type
Buddhism links karma directly to the motives behind an action. Motivation usually makes the difference between "good" and "bad" actions; but included in the motivation is also the aspect of ignorance such that a well-intended action from an ignorant mind can subsequently be interpreted as a "bad" action in the sense that it creates unpleasant results for the "actor".
Other causal categories
In Buddhism, karma is not the only cause of everything that happens. The commentarial tradition classifed causal mechanisms governing the universe as taught in the early texts in five categories, known as Niyama Dhammas:[33][34]
Kamma Niyama—Consequences of one's actions
Utu Niyama—Seasonal changes and climate
Biija Niyama—Laws of heredity
Citta Niyama—Will of mind
Dhamma Niyama—Nature's tendency to produce a perfect type
Karma in Sikhism
Sikhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
Within Sikhism, all living beings are described as being under the influence of Maya's three qualities. Always present together in varying mix and degrees, these three qualities of Maya bind the Soul to the body and to the earth plane. Above these three qualities is the eternal time. Due to the influence of three modes of Maya's nature, jivas (individual beings) perform activities under the control and purview of the eternal time. These activities are called Karma. The underlying principle is that karma is the law that brings back the results of actions to the person performing them.
This life is likened to a field (Khet) in which our Karma is the seed. We harvest exactly what we sow. No less, no more. This infallible law of Karma holds everyone responsible for what the person is or is going to be. Based on the total sum of past Karma, some feel close to the Pure Being in this life, and others feel separated. This is the Gurbani's (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS) law of Karma. Like other Indian as well as oriental schools of thought, the Gurbani also accepts the doctrines of Karma and reincarnation as the facts of nature.[32]
Karma in Hinduism
Karma in Hinduism is also considered to be a spiritually originated law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
Many Hindus see God's direct involvement in this process; others consider the natural laws of causation sufficient to explain the effects of karma.[27][28][29] However, followers of Vedanta, the leading extant school of Hinduism today, consider Ishvara, a personal supreme God, as playing a role in the delivery of karma. Theistic schools of Hinduism such as Vedanta thus disagree with the Buddhist and Jain views and other Hindu views that karma is merely a law of cause and effect but rather is also dependent on the will of a personal supreme God. Examples of a personal supreme God include Shiva in Shaivism or Vishnu in Vaishnavism. A good summary of this theistic view of karma is expressed by the following: "God does not make one suffer for no reason nor does He make one happy for no reason. God is very fair and gives you exactly what you deserve."[30]
Karma is not punishment or retribution but simply an extended expression or consequence of natural acts. Karma means "deed" or "act" and more broadly names the universal principle of cause and effect, action and reaction, that governs all life. The effects experienced are also able to be mitigated by actions and are not necessarily fated. That is to say, a particular action now is not binding to some particular, pre-determined future experience or reaction; it is not a simple, one-to-one correspondence of reward or punishment.
Karma is not fate, for humans act with free will creating their own destiny. According to the Vedas, if one sows goodness, one will reap goodness; if one sows evil, one will reap evil. Karma refers to the totality of our actions and their concomitant reactions in this and previous lives, all of which determines our future. The conquest of karma lies in intelligent action and dispassionate response.
One of the first and most dramatic illustrations of Karma can be found in the Bhagavad Gita. In this poem, Arjuna the protagonist is preparing for battle when he realizes that the enemy consists of members of his own family and decides not to fight. His charioteer, Krishna (an avatar of god), explains to Arjuna the concept ofdharma (duty) among other things and makes him see that it is his duty to fight. The whole of the Bhagavad Gita within the Mahabharata, is a dialogue between these two on aspects of life including morality and a host of other philosophical themes. The original Hindu concept of karma was later enhanced by several other movements within the religion, most notably Vedanta, and Tantra.
In this way, so long as the stock of sanchita karma lasts, a part of it continues to be taken out as prarabdha karma for being experienced in one lifetime, leading to the cycle of birth and death. A Jiva cannot attain moksha until the accumulated sanchita karmas are completely exhausted.[31]
Compatibility in Western astrology
Compatibility in Western astrology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrological_compatibility
The first concept to be understood is that the different planets correspond to different kinds of love.
Venus is the planet of affection, attraction and/or romantic love. Venus is associated with the Zodiac signs Libra and Taurus. Mars is the planet of sex and passion; Martian love was called Eros by the Greeks. Mars is associated with the signs Aries and Scorpio. The Sun, which is associated with Leo, is also a symbol for love—the kind of love that is mutual honor, respect and an appreciation for each other as equals. The Greek word for this type of love is perhaps Philia. Agape is the love of God or the unconditional spiritual love. In modern astrology Agape might be associated with the planet Neptune or Jupiter, rulers of the spiritual sign Pisces.
A person is often a mix or blend of energies as described in the natal chart. The natal chart also tells the interpreter how or the manner in which someone loves. For example, if someone has Venus in Scorpio they will have a tendency to give affection in an emotionally intense, possibly mystical, way. If someone has a Mars in Taurus, their erotic style of loving will be sensual and slow.
When astrologers speak of aspects, they describe the relationships between the planets or energies. Each person has aspects or relationships between the planets in their birth (natal) charts that represent psychological strengths, weakness, natural blessings and personal demons. In synastry, or chart comparisons, aspects illustrate areas of ease and compatibility or challenge and incompatibility between the individuals studied.
Among certain astrologers, it is agreed that a relationship should balance strengths and weaknesses. Too much of even a seemingly good thing is often bland and unproductive, meaning that two "astronomical twins" who have the same planet alignments, were born at the same time, in the same place, etc, are not always the most compatible. Rarely are even the most narcissistic of people excited about the possibility of being in a relationship with themselves. So healthy or positive synastry between two charts is about blending and complementing another’s energies to create a healthy synergy.
Consider the zodiac as a circle or belt of fixed stars surrounding the Solar System. These fixed stars serve as “landmarks” in the sky. As the planets orbit the sun at their respective speeds and rhythms, when viewed from earth they appear to be in a particular constellation of the zodiac (area of the sky). Aspects have to do with the distance between planets as they travel. Aspects are measured in degrees since they all are moving within a big circle around the sun. Each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac occupies 30 degrees of the 360 degree circle. For example, if Mars is passing through the area of Virgo and Venus is traveling through Capricorn, at a certain time they will be exactly 120 degrees apart. This aspect is called a trine. A trine is considered the most positive aspect or relationship because it is between similar energies and therefore easily blended. In this example it is between the earth signs Virgo and Capricorn. If, however, Mars was in Virgo but Venus was in Scorpio, this aspect would be a sextile or 60 degrees apart. They are separated by one sign or constellation between them. The sextile is also a positive aspect because the energies complement one another. In this case they represent the elements of earth and water, which in nature need or support each other.
Astrology has a base-12 cycle in common with music. In music theory there are intervals which are more harmonious than others. If music theory can be applied to astrology, then the most harmonious to least harmonious aspects are conjunction, quincunx, sextile, square, trine, semisextile and opposition.
In practice the trine and sextile are considered the most positive aspects, the square (90 degrees) is the most negative, and the opposition (180 degrees) and conjunction (0 degrees) could be either bad or good depending on the kind of energies involved. An opposition of energies can be an ongoing battle or balance. A conjunction, meaning planets standing together in the same sign, can be a beautiful blend, e.g.,Moon/ Venus (emotions and affections) or frustrating—Saturn/Mars (Stop and Go). Again, conjunctions can be positive aspects in a chart when they are energies that blend or complement one another, but if they are energies that naturally oppose or antagonize each other, a conjunction is NOT a good thing. There is one exception, however, and that is the combination of Mars and Venus.
In a compatibility chart between a man and woman when a man's Mars is conjunct with (in the same position as) a woman’s Venus, this denotes a very primal and urgent attraction. They represent the opposite energies in the zodiac and in nature. Venus is the Female principle and Mars is the Male. The combination of attraction /Affection (Venus) and Passion (Mars) is 'the stuff of great love stories'.
[edit]Polarity
Masculine, positive or power signs:
- Leo (Sun in domicile)
- Aries (direct Mars in domicile/Sun in exaltation)
- Gemini (retrograde Venus in exaltation)
- Libra (direct Venus in domicile)
- Sagittarius (retrograde Mars in exaltation)
- Aquarius (Venus as favorable)
Feminine, negative or romance signs:
Compatibility in Indian astrology
Compatibility in Indian astrology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrological_compatibility
The Hindu/Indian system of examining compatibility based on horoscopes of the aspirant couple is unique. Horoscope matching is an art of the highest ingenuity of an astrologer. The fundamental concept of matching horoscopes emanates from constellations occupied by the Moon at the time of births of bride and bridegroom. Individuals inherit qualities of the birth constellation. Various constellations represent different nature in respect of their casts, animals presented by them, sex, Gana (God/man/demon), humour, birds ruled, primordial elements, Gotra, directions ruled, consonants and vowels, mutual harmony and repulsion with certain stars, beneficence to the other stars by virtue of mutual distance etc.
In addition, a host of other factors such as longevity of the individuals, character (sexual), widowhood, poverty, progeny, body status, radical strengths and indications, planetary nature and afflictions, currency of major and minor periods, Marakaas (death inflicting planets), placement of Mars in their nativity (Mangal Dosha), time of query, omen (Shagun), antidotes, propitiations, auspicious time for marriage etc. should be examined to arrive at a suitable union of the couple.
Based on the birth constellations, the following aspects are examined Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Gana, Graha Maitri, Bhakoota, Nadi, Mahendra, Vedha, Rajju, Stree Deergha, Linga, Gotra, Pakshi, Chandra Yoga, Ayya Varga and Yujja for checking compatibility.
In another system, only eight of these factors are given importance and are assigned numeric values - Varna (1 point), Vashya (2 Points),Tara (3 points), Yoni (4 points), Graha Maitri (5 points), Gana (6 points), Bhakoota (7 points) and Nadi (8 points). The total of these factors adds up to 36 points and a horoscope is considered to be matched only if the compatibility score is more than 18.
Significance of various aspects in compatibility are as follows:
- Varna: Grade of spiritual development, obedience
- Vashya: Mutual control – friendship.
- Tara: Mutual beneficence-luck-auspiciousness
- Yoni: Sexual aspects, affinity, urge, compatibility.
- Graha Maitri: Psychological disposition, friendship.
- Gana: Nature: Dev – Manush – Raakshas
- Bhakoota: Children, growth of family.
- Nadi: Temperaments, hereditary (astrological), affliction and death to other
- Mahendra: Promotes attachments, increase in longevity.
- Stree – Dergha: Service to husband.
- Rajju: Felicity and duration of married life.
- Vedha – Varga: Mutual repellence and enmity.
- Varga: Mutual friendship/enmity judged from their names
- Yujja: Type of mutual love – from one side – both sides.
Based on the above aspects, mathematical computation is performed to find a match. In certain cases need based matching is done and the astrologer has to use his skills in examining compatibility. It is felt essential to match the horoscopes before further marriage negotiations are done. The above system is in practice for the last two millennia.
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