Psychedelic Adventure: India

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Cannabis Medicine Finally Available Online in India

So finally it looks like things are heading in the right direction with more Plant based medicines and alternative healing modalities making their way into the mainstream culture of our society. It feels good to know that now there is more awareness of Cannabis being a medicinal plant, although its recreational use being more prevalent, it still is medicine for the sick and dying who could heal in a more holistic way, how nature intended it to be.

Here is an insightful post from our friends at Vedi Herbals about Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System.

The Endocannabinoid System: How Cannabis works?

You have heard about the 11 major organ systems including the respiratory, muscular, skeleton, digestive and reproductive system. But have you heard about the Endocannabinoid System? Probably not, because it has only been discovered in the 1990s and scientists are still trying to understand the complete working of this system.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has been found to be the most important physiological system involved in establishing and supporting our health. It plays a vital role in modulating the regulation of homeostasis of the human body, which encompasses the brain, reproductive, and immune system, to name a few. Let’s take a deep dive into the ECS and how Cannabis works here.

Cannabis infused Ayurvedic medicines are available for patients because of their therapeutic benefits. You can buy Cannabis medicine online at Vedi Herbals.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a biological system composed of 3 components- 1. Endocannabinoids, 2. Cannabinoid receptors and 3. The cellular machinery (enzymes that produce and breakdown endocannabinoids). ECS is responsible for regulating various physiological and cognitive processes including appetite, mood, fertility, pain, and memory.

Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by cells that bind to cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, found throughout the body. Stimulating these receptors results in various physiologic processes inside the cell.

To understand how Cannabis works and its benefits, it’s important to understand the ECS.

How and when Medical Cannabis Evolved?

Decades back while Cannabis was being studied, it’s main active compound THC was discovered. However, scientists then didn’t have any clue that the human body has special receptors for it.

Research work on rats in 1988 helped the discovery of the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1).
In 1993, a second cannabinoid receptor (CB2) was identified which was found to be distributed throughout the immune system and peripheral tissues of the body.

In 1995, researchers discovered that the two receptors, CB1 and CB2 were found not only in rats but in million other species including humans. However, scientists were confused about why humans would have receptors for a substance which was made by some plant. Was it possible that our bodies produced cannabinoids similar to THC?

As research advanced, this was proved true. From what we know yet, human bodies produce 80 endocannabinoids (i.e. cannabinoids produced by our body) and nearly 32 receptors to bind them. The cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids interact in the same way as lock and key and together comprise the ECS. When the cannabinoid "key” attaches to the receptor "lock”, activation occurs, resulting in the amazing effects on the brain and body.

The cannabinoids produced by Cannabis like CBD and THC (also known as “Phyto-cannabinoids” or “Exo-cannabinoids”) work similar to the cannabinoids produced by our body (Endo-cannabinoids) and act as keys for the receptor locks.

Why We Need Cannabis or Phyto-Cannabinoids?

With age and lifestyle, the endocannabinoid levels might change and can lead to various health problems including sleep disorders, inflammatory response, and Alzheimer’s.

Cannabis can play a vital role here. The most popular cannabinoids found in Cannabis are THC and CBD, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This external source can help promote homeostasis in our body and re-establish good health.

How does Cannabis Work?

They work in two ways, one by maintaining the ECS and secondly by complementing if there is a deficiency.

THC in Cannabis is responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis, as well as many of the medicinal properties. THC works by interacting with the ECS’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. By stimulating these receptors,THC can imitate the function of the endocannabinoids our bodies produce to regulate physiology and maintain health.

While CBD in Cannabis interacts with other nominal receptors with remarkable effects. For instance, CBD activates the receptor GPR55, which has been shown to assist in reducing pain and inflammation. CBD has been shown to decrease the activity of THC’s activity at CB receptors. Combining CBD and THC decreases the intoxicating and other side effects of THC, while enhancing some of THC’s benefits and hence they usually work best together.

If there is a cannabinoid deficiency in the body, administering Cannabis can help bring levels to normal. Low Cannabinoid levels trigger health issues like headaches, mood swings, irritability, etc. The optimum level of endocannabinoids maintains vital health functions and helps restore the balance within the body.

How are Cannabis and Ayurveda related?

Interestingly, Cannabis is a vital ingredient in more than 80 traditional Ayurvedic formulas. It has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years in India, mainly to treat pain, insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Cannabis is regarded as one of the five essential plants in Vedas. Cannabis, also known as “Vijaya” means attaining victory over sufferings.

What is CBD and what is THC?

CBD and THC are two vital components, described as "sister molecules". CBD and THC have many similarities,yet distinct differences. Both have different roles to play, offer incredible health benefits, and relief to symptoms.

For some ailments, the intoxicating effects of THC are more beneficial while for others CBD is more appropriate. CBD is capable of blocking the effects of compounds such as THC. Consequently, it can balance the intoxicating effects of THC. Cannabis medicines are available in different proportions of CBD and THC for various health issues.

Source : Vedi Herbals

Adiyogi Shiva : The Supreme Ascetic

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Consciousness , God 0 Comments

In the story that follows, Sadhguru tells us about Shiva, the first yogi, and how he transmitted the yogic sciences to the Saptarishis.

Sadhguru: In the yogic culture, Shiva is not known as a god, but as the Adiyogi or the first yogi – the originator of yoga. He was the one who first put this seed into the human mind. According to the yogic lore, over fifteen thousand years ago, Shiva attained to his full enlightenment and abandoned himself in an intense ecstatic dance upon the Himalayas. When his ecstasy allowed him some movement, he danced wildly. When it became beyond movement, he became utterly still.

People saw that he was experiencing something that nobody had known before, something that they were unable to fathom. Interest developed and people came wanting to know what this was. They came, they waited and they left because the man was oblivious to other people’s presence. He was either in intense dance or absolute stillness, completely uncaring of what was happening around him. Soon, everyone left… Except for seven men.

These seven people were insistent that they must learn what this man had in him, but Shiva ignored them. They pleaded and begged him, “Please, we want to know what you know.” Shiva dismissed them and said, “You fools. The way you are, you are not going to know in a million years. There is a tremendous amount of preparation needed for this. This is not entertainment.”

So they started preparing. Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, they prepared. Shiva just chose to ignore them. On a full moon day, after eighty-four years of sadhana, when the solstice had shifted from the summer solstice to the winter solstice – which in this tradition is known as Dakshinayana – the Adiyogi looked at these seven people and saw that they had become shining receptacles of knowing. They were absolutely ripe to receive. He could not ignore them anymore. They grabbed his attention.

He watched them closely for the next few days and when the next full moon rose, he decided to become a Guru. The Adiyogi transformed himself into the Adi Guru; the first Guru was born on that day which is today known as Guru Pournami. On the banks of Kanti Sarovar, a lake that lies a few kilometers above Kedarnath, he turned South to shed his grace upon the human race, and the transmission of the yogic science to these seven people began. The yogic science is not about a yoga class that you go through about how to bend your body – which every new born infant knows – or how to hold your breath – which every unborn infant knows. This is the science of understanding the mechanics of the entire human system.

After many years, when the transmission was complete, it produced seven fully enlightened beings – the seven celebrated sages who are today known as the Saptarishis, and are worshipped and admired in Indian culture. Shiva put different aspects of yoga into each of these seven people, and these aspects became the seven basic forms of yoga. Even today, yoga has maintained these seven distinct forms.

The Saptarishis were sent in seven different directions to different parts of the world to carry this dimension with which a human being can evolve beyond his present limitations and compulsions. They became the limbs of Shiva, taking the knowing and technology of how a human being can exist here as the Creator himself, to the world. Time has ravaged many things, but when the cultures of those lands are carefully looked at, small strands of these people’s work can be seen, still alive. It has taken on various colors and forms, and has changed its complexion in a million different ways, but these strands can still be seen.

The Adiyogi brought this possibility that a human being need not be contained in the defined limitations of our species. There is a way to be contained in physicality but not to belong to it. There is a way to inhabit the body but never become the body. There is a way to use your mind in the highest possible way but still never know the miseries of the mind. Whatever dimension of existence you are in right now, you can go beyond that – there is another way to live. He said, “You can evolve beyond your present limitations if you do the necessary work upon yourself.” That is the significance of the Adiyogi.

Editor’s Note: Download Sadhguru’s ebook, Shiva – Ultimate Outlaw, alongwith Vairagya, an album of sacred chants (also available as an Android App). They’re free!

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Is India Ready for Cannabis Medicine ?

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Ancient Indian Wisdom , Cannabis 0 Comments

For a land of traditional knowledge and wisdom of the ancients, India has today become a place where its people have forgotten what it is to be human while chasing material wealth and sensory pleasures like the rest of the human population on Earth. In India we find all kinds of folks ... some awake and aware .... some who seem deeply archaic and medieval in their world view to the techno savvy robots tuned into the Matrix with obviously no idea of the extent of mind control and manipulation that goes on in our reality.

Before western medicine and pharmaceutical drugs came into the scene mankind always relied on natural remedies to cure any diseases and ailments. Cannabis for instance has always been used as medicine throughout various cultures around the world and is now making a resurgence on the world stage as a potential remedy for all kinds of ailments and disorders that affect the human body. I came across one such shining example of someone being cured of Cancer using Cannabis Oil in India. The story was shared on Facebook on a highly popular page called 'Being Indian' sometime in November last year and has managed to fetch close to 25,000 likes with about 10,000 shares and thousands of comments which shows some signs of the truth finally reaching out to the masses. Its up to us now what we choose to do with this information.

Viki Vaurora used 500 gms of Ganja buds and extracted all its medicinal properties to its oil base, concentrated with THC and CBD compounds. 14 gms of oil was extracted from this process and was ingested in small doses for a period of 2 months. Leela who was suffering from cancer for a long time wasn’t able to eat, talk, walk or sleep peacefully because of the the damage done through chemotherapy but after 2-3 days into the treatment by Viki, she was able to eat and rest without any pain.

Here is the full story ...

What an amazing day with some great news.

A couple of months ago, i was talking to my cousin regarding the amazing benefits of CANNABIS and the reasons for it being illegal. She being an Ayurvedic doctor was quite surprised to learn about the medicinal values of the plant and later informed me that one of her neighbour and a family friend, LEELA, was suffering from cancer. The chemotherapy had damaged her to an extent where she wasn't able to eat, talk, walk or even sleep peacefully. She was throwing up like 20 times in a day and she had to pop like half a dozen of prescribed pills at a time to null the side-effects of the toxic chemo injections. None of the prescriptions was helping her in anyway.

Next thing we know, we asked the patient if she wanted to switch to the "REAL" medicine. A sacred plant, filled with medicinal compounds to cure any disease known to man, CANNABIS / MARIJUANA or commonly referred to as GANJA, in India.

I got my hands on half a kilo of plant buds and extracted all its medicinal properties to its oil base, concentrated with THC and CBD compounds.

14 grams of extracted oil, ingested in small doses over a period of 2 months.

Our patient is now cancer FREE.
And her doctors are curious to know HOW?

Just 2 or 3 days into the treatment, she stopped throwing up completely and was able to eat a little and also rest without any pains.

And in the course of next two months, she healed herself completely.

Thank you Leela for being a brave patient, handling the powerful medicine on a daily basis and finishing your treatment.
Thank you Sowjanya for your brave support in letting me do this. Our world needs more open-minded doctors like you.
Thank you Sushmitha and Harshith for accompanying me in the very long extraction process. (still owe u guys the pizza that we never ordered that night)
Thank you Abhiram for you greatest support. This couldn't have happened without you.
Thank you Sowju and Sowmya for taking the test dose.
And thanks mom, for helping me clean seeds from half a kilo of plant
You are all awesome - Viki Vaurora

Many of us who have blindly accepted Ganja or Cannabis as a dangerous drug still continue to live in our bubble reality, oblivious of the truth. Its only after having done some research into the subject can we truly understand how this really works and the ulterior motives of the big pharma and the-powers-that-be to suppress natural cures and herbal remedies while pumping toxicity into the vast majority which continues to sleep in a perpetual state of ignorance. It is time we speak the truth as we know it and help ourselves and the planet of all negativity and lower, pesky vibrational frequencies which seek to keep us in their control. There are many folks who are beginning to use Cannabis as medicine and there are scores of articles in the mainstream media on the potential benefits of Cannabis which should enlighten and awaken the masses, hopefully !

The only way we can free ourselves from this invisible prison is by gradually taking our power back, one step at a time. Once we stop feeding this system, we become more self sustained and connected to our roots, which is the need of the hour. Let's grow our own food, our own medicine ... let's change our world, one step at a time. The truth cannot be suppressed for too long ... we must be the change now. Its time !

Let's gear up for a Cannabis Reprise in India !

Join the Community for Legalization !

Some articles from The Times of India on Ganja :

Cannabis and its Medicinal Benefits.

Cannabis Reduces Tumor Growth in Cancer Patients

Related Posts :

Awake : Life of Yogananda ~ Documentary Film

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Ancient Indian Wisdom , Consciousness 0 Comments

One of the greatest spiritual teachers from India, a Yogi called Paramahansa Yogananda, left behind a treasure chest of knowledge and wisdom for millions to be inspired from. His book, Autobiography of a Yogi, considered a spiritual classic of all time made Paramahansa Yogananda a world teacher, a spiritual emissary who brought ancient Indian wisdom to the West.

His life and teachings continue to be a source of light and inspiration to people of all races, cultures and creeds. Paramahansa Yogananda was born Mukunda Lal Ghosh on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, into a devout and well-to-do Bengali family. From his earliest years, it was evident to those around him that the depth of his awareness and experience of the spiritual was far beyond the ordinary.

Both his parents were disciples of Lahiri Mahasaya, the renowned master who was instrumental in reintroducing Kriya Yoga in modern India. When Yogananda was an infant in his mother’s arms, Lahiri Mahasaya blessed him and foretold: “Little mother, thy son will be a yogi. As a spiritual engine, he will carry many souls to God's kingdom.”

One day in 1920, while meditating at the Ranchi school, Yogananda had a divine vision showing him that now was the time to begin his work in the West. He immediately departed for Calcutta, where the next day he was invited to serve as India’s delegate to an international congress of religious leaders convening later that year in Boston. Sri Yukteswar confirmed that the time was right, saying: “All doors are open for you. It is now or never.”

Shortly before his departure, Yogananda was visited by Mahavatar Babaji, the deathless master who revived in this age the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. “You are the one I have chosen to spread the message of Kriya Yoga in the West,” Babaji said to Yogananda. “Long ago I met your guru Yukteswar at a Kumbha Mela; I told him then I would send you to him for training. Kriya Yoga, the scientific technique of God-realization, will ultimately spread in all lands, and aid in harmonizing the nations through man's personal, transcendental perception of the Infinite Father.”

You can find more about his life here.

'Awake : The Life of Yogananda' is an unconventional biography about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. Paramahansa Yogananda authored the spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi,” which has sold millions of copies worldwide and is a go-to book for seekers, philosophers and yoga enthusiasts today. (Apparently, it was the only book that Steve Jobs had on his iPad.) By personalizing his own quest for enlightenment and sharing his struggles along the path, Yogananda made ancient Vedic teachings accessible to a modern audience, attracting many followers and inspiring the millions who practice yoga today.

Filmed over three years with the participation of 30 countries around the world, the documentary examines the world of yoga, modern and ancient, east and west and explores why millions today have turned their attention inwards, bucking the limitations of the material world in pursuit of self-realization.

Archival material from the life of Yogananda (who died in 1952) creates a spine for the narrative, but the film stretches the dimensions of a standard biography. The footage includes stylized interviews, metaphoric imagery and recreations, taking us from holy pilgrimages in India to Harvard’s Divinity School and its cutting-edge physics labs, from the Center for Science and Spirituality at the University of Pennsylvania to the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California. By evoking the journey of the soul as it pushes its way through the oppression of the human ego and delusion of the material world, the film creates an experiential immersion into the unseen realms. AWAKE is ultimately the story of humanity itself: the universal struggle of all beings to free themselves from suffering and to seek lasting happiness.

Get your copy of the Autobiography of a Yogi ... It is a must read !!!

Reference : http://www.yogananda-srf.org/

Bhang : Entheogenic Use of Cannabis in India

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Cannabis , Entheogens 0 Comments

Bhang, the Holy Drink of Lord Shiva, is LEGALLY sold in India and its use is not restricted to the Sages and Holy Men (Sadhus) who have renounced the material world to maintain singular focus on Shiva, for everything is Shiva in the eyes of an initiated Shaivite. All bhakti (devotion) finally leads the bhakt (devotee) towards the realization of absolute oneness with the deity, whoever the deity might be. The use of Cannabis in the form of Bhang is deeply rooted in the Indian culture and has references in the Vedas as well. The Atharva Veda, estimated to have been written sometime around 2000 – 1400 BC, mentions Cannabis to be one of the five sacred plants and the guardian angel resides in its leaves.

In certain Vedic rituals, Cannabis stems were thrown into the ritual fire (yagna) to overcome enemies and evil forces. The Vedas also refer to it as a source of happiness, joy giver and liberator. One version says that, when the devas (gods) and demons churned the ocean, nectar (amrit) as well as poison (vish) emerged. No one wanted the poison, so Shiva drank it all up, which earned him the title 'Neelkanth, the Blue Throated One'. As per one version, the poison remained in his throat as Parvati held his neck tight, not allowing the posion to go any further into his body. When a drop of Amrit fell on the ground, the Cannabis plant sprouted from it. This plant is believed to bestow supernatural powers to its user.

In Tibet, this plant has been traditionally considered sacred. According to one Mahayana Buddhist tradition, the Buddha, in his last six years of ascetism before enlightenment, subsisted on one Cannabis seed a day.

In Tantric Buddhism this plant is consumed to heighten ones awareness during certain rituals. A gift from the gods, according to Indian mythology, the magical Cannabis "lowered fevers, fostered sleep, relieved dysentery, and cured other illnesses. It also stimulated appetite, prolonged life, quickened the mind, and improved judgement."

British psychiatrist G. Morris Carstairs spent 1951 in a large village in northern India and reported on the two highest castes, Rajput and Brahmin, and their traditional intoxicants of choice - alcohol and cannabis, respectively. The Rajputs were the warriors and governors; they consumed a potent distilled alcohol called 'daru'. The Brahmins were the religious leaders; they were vegetarian and drank bhang. Rajput lore, glorified sexual and military conquests. The priestly Brahmins, on the other hand, "were quite unanimous in reviling daru and all those who indulged in it. Bhang, a Brahmin told Carstairs, "gives good bhakti." He defined bhakti as "emptying the mind of all worldly distractions and thinking only of God." Whereas the Rajput in his drinking bout knows that he is taking a holiday from his sober concerns, the Brahmin thinks of his intoxication with bhang as a flight not from but toward a more profound contact with reality."

Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years, yet ironically it has also been used to decrease sexual desire. Yogis have mastery over their senses, hence they can make the creative life force (shakti) travel upwards towards the Crown Chakra, through the Ajna, instead of being released outward in a sexual act. This knowledge behind the sacramental use of Cannabis is gradually spreading among thousands and millions of Cannabis users worldwide who have begun to see beyond the recreational use of Cannabis and recognizing its true worth as medicine and as an Entheogen, awakening our inner divinity, enabling us to realize how deeply we are intertwined with all existence.

Secret Symbolism of Ganesha in Hinduism

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Chakras , God 0 Comments

"Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotee Sama Prabha
Nirvighnam kuru mey Deva, Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvadaa"

Ganesha, the son of Parvati is celebrated in India as one of the most generous and kind hearted, among a pantheon of Gods, Goddesses and other deities that are worshiped in India. The countless number of Gods of India perhaps signifies a time when a huge number of humans living on Earth were aware of their true divine nature, hence were considered Gods. There have also been many things that have been misinterpreted or lost in translation somewhere ... For instance the 33 crore Gods of India is actually a direct reference to the 33 different kinds of families which were considered Gods in their time. Namely, 12 Adityas + 11 Rudras + 8 Vasus + 2 Ashwini Kumar = 33 Families. The last two families of Ashwini Kumar are replaced by Indra and Prajapati sometimes. All of these ancient stories of Hindu Gods and Deities have deep inner symbolism, hidden behind the story. Ganesha's story is a very interesting one, especially when understood symbolically ...

The Birth of Ganesha

One day Goddess Parvati was at home on Mt.Kailash preparing for a bath. As she didn’t want to be disturbed, she told Nandi, her husband Shiva’s Bull, to guard the door and let no one pass. Nandi faithfully took his post, intending to carry out Parvati’s wishes. But, when Shiva came home and naturally wanted to come inside, Nandi had to let him pass, being loyal first to Shiva. Parvati was angry at this slight, but even more than this, at the fact that she had no one as loyal to Herself as Nandi was to Shiva. So, taking the turmeric paste (for bathing) from her body and breathing life into it, she created Ganesha, declaring him to be her own loyal son.

The next time Parvati wished to bathe, she posted Ganesha on guard duty at the door. In due course, Shiva came home, only to find this strange boy telling him he couldn’t enter his own house! Furious, Shiva ordered his army to destroy the boy, but they all failed! Such power did Ganesha possess, being the son of Devi Herself!

This surprised Shiva. Seeing that this was no ordinary boy, the usually peaceful Shiva decided he would have to fight him, and in his divine fury severed Ganesha’s head, killing him instantly. When Parvati learned of this, she was so enraged and insulted that she decided to destroy the entire Creation! Lord Brahma, being the Creator, naturally had his issues with this, and pleaded that she reconsider her drastic plan. She said she would, but only if two conditions were met: one, that Ganesha be brought back to life, and two, that he be forever worshipped before all the other gods.

Shiva, having cooled down by this time, and realizing his mistake, agreed to Parvati’s conditions. He sent Brahma out with orders to bring back the head of the first creature he crosses that is laying with its head facing North. Brahma soon returned with the head of a strong and powerful elephant, which Shiva placed onto Ganesha’s body. Breathing new life into him, he declared Ganesha to be his own son as well, and gave him the status of being foremost among the gods, and leader of all the ganas (classes of beings), Ganapati.

There can be many variations to a story and many interpretations to those variations, here are some of them I resonate with as being meaningful ...

Shiva symbolizes the Soul, who seeks to meet his consort Parvati or Para-Shakti (Supreme Energy), which is symbolic of Kundalini energy which resides at the Muladhara Chakra. It is said that when we purify ourselves, ridding ourselves of the impurities that bind us, then the Lord automatically comes. This is why Shiva, the Supreme Lord, came unannounced as Parvati was bathing.

Nandi, Shiva’s bull, who Parvati first sent to guard the door represents the divine temperment. Nandi is so devoted to Shiva that his every thought is directed to Him, and he is able to easily recognize the Lord when He arrives. This shows that the attitude of the spiritual aspirant is what gains access to Devi’s (the kundalini shakti’s) abode. One must first develop this attitude of the devotee before hoping to become qualified for the highest treasure of spiritual attainment, which Devi alone grants.

After Nandi permitted Shiva to enter, Parvati took the turmeric paste from Her own body, and with it created Ganesha.. Yellow is the color associated with the Muladhara chakra, where the kundalini resides, and Ganesha is the deity who guards this chakra. Devi needed to create Ganesha, who represents the earthbound awareness, as a shield to protect the divine secret from unripe minds. It is when this awareness begins to turn away from things of the world, and toward the Divine, as Nandi had, that the great secret is revealed.

Shiva is the Lord and Supreme Teacher. Ganesha here represents the ego-bound Jiva. When the Lord comes, the Jiva, surrounded as it is with the murky cloud of ego, usually doesn’t recognize Him, and maybe even ends up arguing or fighting with Him! Therefore, it is the duty of the Lord, in the form of the Guru, to cut off the head of our ego! So powerful is this ego however, that at first the Guru’s instructions may not work, as Shiva’s armies failed to subdue Ganesha. It often requires a tougher approach, but, eventually the compassionate Guru, in His wisdom finds a way.

Devi threatened to destroy the whole Creation after learning of Ganesha’s demise. This indicates that when the ego thus dies, the liberated Jiva loses interest in its temporary physical vehicle, the body, and begins to merge into the Supreme. The physical world is here represented by Devi. This impermanent and changeable creation is a form of Devi, to which this body belongs; the unchanging Absolute is Shiva, to which belongs the Soul. When the ego dies, the external world, which depends on the ego for its existence, disappears along with it. It is said that if we want to know the secrets of this world, which is a manifestation of Devi, then we must first receive the blessings of Ganesha.

Shiva restoring life to Ganesha, and replacing his head with an elephant’s, means that before we can leave the body, the Lord first replaces our small ego with a “big”, or universal ego. This doesn’t mean that we become more egoistic. On the contrary, we no longer identify with the limited individual self, but rather with the large universal Self. In this way, our life is renewed, becoming one that can truly benefit Creation. It is however only a functional ego, like the one Krishna and Buddha kept. It is like a thin string tying the liberated Consciousness to our world, solely for our benefit.

Ganesha is given dominion over the Ganas, which is a general term denoting all classes of beings, ranging from insects, animals and humans to the subtle and celestial beings. These various beings all contribute to the government of the Creation; everything from natural forces like storms and earthquakes, to the elemental qualities like fire and water, to functioning of the body’s organs and processes. If we don’t honor the Ganas, then our every action is a form of thievery, as it is unsanctioned. Therefore, instead of propitiating each Gana in order to receive their blessings, we bow to their Lord, Sri Ganesha. By receiving His grace, we receive the grace of all. He removes any potential obstacles and enables our endeavors to succeed.

Such is the greatness of Sri Ganesha! Jai Ganesha!

Art by Archan Nair

Something interesting about the 33 Crore Gods in Hinduism ... A small part of the conversation between Śākalya and Sage Yājñavalkya, documented in 'Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Chapter 3'.

Śākalya : "How many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "Three hundred and three." Then he says, "Three thousand and three."

Śākalya : "Is this the answer that you give me to my question, how many gods are there? Three thousand and three; three hundred and three! Have you no other answer to this question?"
Yājñavalkya : There are thirty-three gods.

Śākalya : "All right!" (not satisfied with answer) ...Tell me again properly; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "Six are there."

Śākalya : "How many gods are there. Tell me again. Think properly."
Yājñavalkya : "Only three gods are there."

Śākalya : "How many gods are there? Tell again.
Yājñavalkya : "Two gods are there."

Śākalya : "Tell again; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "One and a half gods"

(Then he was very upset)

Śākalya : "What is this you say, one and a half gods. Tell again properly; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya : "One god is there,"

Śākalya : "All these numbers that you have mentioned – three thousand and three, three hundred and three – what are these gods? Give the names of these gods, the deities."

Yājñavalkya : "All these three thousand and all that I mentioned – they are not really gods. They are only manifestations of the thirty-three. The thirty-three are the principal manifestations, and others are only their glories, radiances, manifestations, magnificences or forces, energies, powers."

Śākalya : "But what are these thirty-three?"
Yājñavalkya : "The thirty-three gods are eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Ādityas, then Indra and Prajāpati – these make thirty-three gods."

Śākalya : "What are these Vasus which are eight in number?"
Yājñavalkya : "Fire is one deity; earth is one deity; air is another; the atmosphere is one deity; the sun is one deity; the heaven is one deity; moon is one deity; the stars are one deity. These constitute eight groups"

Śākalya : "Why do you call them Vasus?"
Yājñavalkya : "Everything is deposited as it were in these constituent principles. Therefore, they are called Vasus."

Śākalya : "Who are the Rudras?"
Yājñavalkya : "The ten senses and the mind make eleven. These are the Rudras."

Śākalya : "What are the twelve Ādityas, the suns?"
Yājñavalkya : "They are twelve forces of the sun, takes away the vitality of people."

Śākalya : "Who is Indra? Who is Prajāpati?"
Yājñavalkya : "The rain cloud can be called Indra. Sacrifice can be called Prajāpati."

Śākalya : "What do you mean by rain cloud?"
Yājñavalkya : "By rain cloud I do not actually mean the cloud, but the lightning which is the embodiment of energy."

References :

~ All is One ~

The Story of Charas, Malana & Parvati Valley !

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Cannabis , Drug Awareness 0 Comments

In India, there has been a long recorded history of the sacramental use of the Cannabis plant popularly known as "Ganja". Even today there are many religious / spiritual sects in India who use Ganja to attain altered states of consciousness which brings them closer to their inner divinity, allowing wisdom and intuition to rise within their consciousness. A million and more Naga Babas, the Nihangs of Punjab, the Pandas of Orissa all use Cannabis in one form or another and have been doing so for many many years. So how did this amazing plant get to be ostracized by modern society ? Someone obviously doesn't want us all to wake up from the slave driven reality we help co-create.

The illegality of Cannabis in India doesn't stop millions of people living here, who choose to use the herb on a regular basis regardless of the so called law. How is it that we still accept a law which makes a plant illegal ? Doesn't matter which part of the world you live in, there has got to be some sense and coherence in the way we choose to live our lives, freely, without having to accept inane laws that are made to diminish our frequency and keep us enslaved in our self created prisons. The fact is that most people who use Cannabis regularly know the true worth of the sacred herb. The history of the plant and its long recorded use by sages and ascetics is evidence of the magical potential it holds as a plant teacher, a friend.

While most people in the world use Cannabis, the flowering tops (buds) of the female plant, there are some who make use of the resin collected from the buds of a mature plant. Charas, the holy resin from the Cannabis plant is considered a gift from Shiva and is said to aid all Shaivites (People who follow Shiva) in their Sadhana. In the Hindu Kush mountain ranges of India, its Cannabis Indica which thrives and is known to be quite different from Cannabis Sativa strain in its effects.

Cannabis Sativa has a higher level of THC compared to CBD, while Cannabis Indica has a higher level of CBD compared to THC. Cannabis strains with relatively high CBD:THC ratios are less likely to induce anxiety. This may be due to CBD's antagonistic effects at the cannabinoid receptors, compared to THC's partial agonist effect.

CBD is also a 5-HT1A receptor (serotonin) agonist, which may also contribute to an anxiolytic-content effect. This means that the high concentrations of CBD found in Cannabis indica mitigate the anxiogenic effect of THC significantly. The effects of sativa are well known for its cerebral high, while indica is well known for its sedative effects which some prefer for night time use.

Both types are used as medical cannabis. Indica plants are normally shorter and stockier than sativas. They have wide, deeply serrated leaves and a compact and dense flower cluster. The effects of indicas are predominantly physical and sedative.

An interesting documentary called Goonj, about the scene in Himachal, particularly around the Malana village where most villagers have been growing Cannabis as their main cash crop. The documentary features one of India's well known film actors, Naseeruddin Shah who has always been pro cannabis and doesn't shy away from accepting the fact that he loves the herb too and sees the illegality of the plant absolutely illogical.

A Clip from Strain Hunters : India Expedition
Charas from the Himalayas goes all around the world and due to its high quality and popular demand it's value also increases manifold as it crosses borders and makes its way into Europe. In Amsterdam for instance, the coffee shops sell different varieties of Cannabis, Charas and Hashish openly to their customers. Good Charas from India could be anywhere between €10 and €20, maybe more if its really top notch quality !

In India, because of its huge supply and demand, the prices have been sky rocketing. As the Charas leaves the villages of Himachal and makes its way to other Indian cities, the price for a tola (10 gms) could range anywhere between 1k - 3k. The purity of the stash can be questionable though, with all kinds of other stuff added to it as it exchanges hands. Parvati Cream from Himachal is considered the best variety of Charas one can smoke while in India. Its also sometimes referred to as "Junglee Maal" and is really really potent stuff !

The Smoking Babas : Holy Men of India
Although most people prefer rolling a joint which has a mixture of tobacco and charas, in larger groups of regular smokers Chillums are passed around more often with an opening salutation to Shiva ...

... Bom Bholenath ...

Psychedelic Kriya Yoga : Ancient Science of the Siddhas ~ Part 3

Cosmic ૐ Oneness 3rd Eye , Cannabis 1 Comments

In Modern India there are Naga Baba sects devoted to the use of psychedelics, Ganja and Bhang. Along with yoga practices. One of the most renowned Babas was Ganesh Baba Swami Ganeshananda Gir.

In the early part of his life he was a successful and wealthy businessman. Some time after 1945 he retired from worldly life and took sanyas vows, becoming a monk in the tradition of the Naga Babas, more exactly, in the Anandakara branch of the movement founded by Shankaracharya. He received spiritual teachings from several sources, but his main spiritual practice was Kriya Yoga.

Ganesh Baba stated that he received the four Kriya Yoga initiations from Lahiri Mahasaya (at the age of four, when he was brought to Lahiri Mahasay on the verge of death from cholera), He became well-known to young Westerners visiting India in the 1960s. In the late 1970s he lived at Swayambunath (near Kathmandu) where he received many visitors and gave courses in Kriya Yoga practice.

Everyone who met him were impressed and he was held in high esteem by both Indians and Westerners. He was talkative and would spend hours regaling his listeners with what some might call 'tall tales'.

In the 70’s Ganesh Baba met Timothy Leary in Nepal and shortly after came to NYC. was true to form psychedelic Kriya yogi. He used all forms of psychedelics of the time, and was particularly fond of LSD. He was known to take outrageous amounts of mushrooms, ganja and Acid and remain present and joyful. His statement “once a psychedelic always a psychedelic” says it all. Once you have tasted the bliss and ecstasy of the psychedelic experience you are never the same. He advocated being perfectly present and a straight spine to conduct the pranic life force. He looked like Mr. Natural, a comic strip character of the 60’s. A joyful and cherubic Santa Clause.

Inspite of his ganja smoking demeanor he was a strict disciplinarian. And demanded full and perfect attention no matter how stoned your where. He also advocated the use of psychedelics only for spiritual work. And he was an ecstatic trance dancer.

Teachings of Ganesh Baba including the conscious control of prana and breath, and how to expand the consciousness and connect with universal energy.

“This is a holy plant for the Sadhus, it can give you a glimpse of the divine at work. The Kriya-technique utilizes the eye piece provided at the pineal plexus within the human cerebrum, along the cerebral-spinal channel. The individual ego-consciousness expands the Cosmic Action (Kriya) to embrace the total context of consciousness in the entire cosmos around us-the highest attainable level of consciousness which the most perfected human being can ever attain. The realization of Universal Unity results in a harmonious rapport being established between the individual and the Universal. A sense of belonging, a sense of affinity among All in the Universe wells up in the self-realized soul making for peace, happiness, bliss and beatitude.”

Ganesh Baba's teachings incorporated Western scientific concepts. He taught that there is a cyclic cosmic process of involution and evolution, and he developed a system of correspondences - a "Cycle of Synthesis" - between levels of Kriya Yoga practice, the five koshas, the planets, the kayas, the Yugas, the Chakras, the stages of organic evolution and the Jungian psychological types. He left three manuscripts and many volumes of short essays and papers. The longer manuscripts, "Search of Self," an unfinished autobiography, "Sadhana," a kriya yoga manual, and a detailed essay on his Cycle of Synthesis, are synthesized and updated as The Crazy Wisdom of Ganesh Baba, by Eve Neuhaus (2010).

In 1979 he had developed eye cataracts and was going blind. His Western followers arranged for him to visit the U.S.A. for an operation, as a result of which he recovered his sight. Since many of the young Westerners who had met him in India and Nepal were glad to have him in the U.S. he remained there for seven years, teaching Kriya Yoga to small groups on the East Coast and West Coast. He returned to India in 1986. He visited a Kriya Yoga center in France (which was established by his French followers), then went back to India. He died at Nainital on 19 November 1987, and is buried at the Alakha Nath Temple in Bareilly.

USE AND ABUSE

To lump all drugs together is unfortunate. There are good drugs or plant medicines or bad drugs which deplete and destroy the body. There are empathogens like MDMA that are useful in the psychiatric communities. New research on mushrooms shows a beneficial prolonged change in consciousness. Much more research is needed.

Bur it is easy to abuse drugs, and therefore it makes it a dangerous path that can lead to self-abuse. When you get high your boundaries collapse and your sense of judgment. I consider psychedelic drugs in a separate category they are sacraments and they should be treated as such in ancient cultures they were used for spiritual purposes only. Today they're very prevalent on the party scene and indiscriminate use. Overuse tends to stretch the body’s’ ability to heal. To larger dose can cause imbalance in the dopamine or serotonin pathways and recovery time is necessary.

Ganesh Baba had his students only use plant medicines and marijuana for spiritual purpose and practice. I agree with this. Ideally one could be able to use less and less of the medicine and have a greater and greater response as you master the conductivity of the breath and the ability to bring sacred substances to the mid brain where it has its most advantageous use. Your body mind remembers these open ecstatic states. When doing practice, you reactivate the experience and open. Eventually homeopathic doses or none at all to achieve the same result.

A brief description of yoga and the sheaths or bodies of our Being.

According to yoga, the human being is composed of several concentric bodies, or sheaths of energy consciousness, from gross to subtle levels.

1. The physical body: the material, visible part of the human being, including the body consciousness at the cellular level which acts without any mental will of our own or even against that will; it has emerged from the Inconscient, the inverse reproduction of the Supreme Superconscient.

2. The vital body: the life nature made up of desires, sensations, feelings, passions, energies of action, will of desire, possessive and other related instincts, anger, fear, greed, lust, sorrow, joy, hatred, repulsion, pride, small likings and disliking’s, etc.

3. The mental body (manas): sense mind; that part which has to do with cognition, perception through the senses, the reactions of thoughts to things, the putting out of mental forces for realization of an idea; the expression of ideas as through speech.

4. The intellectual body (buddhi): reasoning mind; that which analyzes, synthesizes and constructs ideas from signs, indications and gathered data; mind is a subordinate power of Supermind which takes its stand in the standpoint of division, actually forgetful here of the oneness behind, though able to return to it by reillumination from the Supramental (Truth Consciousness).

5. The spiritual body: the eternal true being or Self of the individual; the spiritual consciousness is that in which we enter into the awareness of self, the Spirit, the Divine

In ordinary life, the current of life moves down and through the body. The body decays and falls into the ground and becomes dust. In Kriya yoga, we reverse that process by literally raising the body into the light energizing the cells and acquiring awareness of the energy body. This process is only for a few that are moved to meditate and practice in this way.

THE PRACTICE

The practice becomes a way of life, once the search for enlightenment collapses.

A visual example of the inner movement. The centers open and Self awareness occurs spontaneously.

THE PRACTICE

I would like to at this time draw attention to the three pumps in the body and how they can facilitate the energy moving into higher centers in the brain. A side note, the brain controls many of the processes in the body such as growth, and of emotions. It is capable of the experience of Bliss... Therefore it makes sense that when blood and spinal fluid with nutrients are pumped into the brain for assimilation. Great benefits can be derived. In the practice, pressure is put on some of the ductless glands. The pineal and pituitary which control growth and subtle experience. The third eye. That being said, let's look a little closer at the three pumps.

First of all in the practice air enters the body through the mouth. But literally by the focus of our attention we feel the energy entering through the pineal gland or third eye. The energy moving down into the lower navel area. Holding the breath filling the lower abdominal region thus putting pressure on the sexual organs. This is where the first pump comes into play. The Anal sphincter muscles tighten and hold lifting up gently. For women a slight pressure on the clitoris with the folded palms. The tongue is turned back upon itself and raised at the soft palate. This locks the energy into the body and should be completely comfortable as you become an adept in the practice. The pressure is slightly felt to push down upon the sexual center or for men the prostate gland. This can induce a feeling of pleasure and heat. This feeling is felt to draw up as the air is exhaled gently. It is felt to rise up the back of the spine.

The inhalation sound is a slight houwlllll as the air is inhaled. Then houwww as exhaled. The first pump comes into play in lifting up of the anal sphincter muscles. This feels as if energy is been being lifted into the navel area. The solar plexus moves the energy in a lifting fashion. It is felt to move up into the heart central area of the body where it can be felt as a feeling of warmth, emotion and well-being an expanded sense of self. That's the second pump in the heart center (you can feel this subtle lift when you naturally breathe in your chest rises.) in the exhale you feel a slight tension in the back as the energy is consciously drawn upward. It is important as not to stress yourself in this movement. It's as natural as breathing in and breathing out. Then comes the third pump, right behind the neck muscles which hold the cranium and the medulla in place. In Taoism this is called the jade pillow.

These muscles are lifted, while the tongue is simultaneously pressed on the hard ridge inside of the mouth. This is said to be a pressure point that activates the pineal gland the third eye. This push pushes blood and spinal fluid up into the brain. During climax, ecstasy or joy these muscles move upward automatically. The first area felt is the medulla oblongata. This is the old brain and contains the pleasure centers and activates full brain rapture. Known as the Bliss sheath in yogic lore. A slight pressure is then felt in the pituitary center. This literally milks the gland so that it secretes various hormones that are beneficial to the body. Hence Kriya yoga has been use since early time for physical regeneration.

Yogis would use his practice to prolong life, so they could do austerities and tapas (spiritual disciplines,). The body is a vehicle that can be used to perceive all dimensions. We are multi dimensional. Many of these dimensions are perceived in yogic ways and in silence. Kriya yoga facilitates that process.

The best practice to be free and silence your mind forever whether it is moving or not is simple. DON’T BELIEVE YOUR THOUGHTS. They will come and go and I might ad as you move on this incredible journey don’t believe any experience as well.

You are an Amazing Being !

"I am John Krajewski, a visionary artist from back in the 60's having done posters and Album covers. The rolling stone called my cover for "Iron Butterfly Live" mystical and visionary art. My art was a way to convey the ecstasy and experiences with psychedelic Kriya Yoga. My initial discovery of Kriya Yoga occurred under LSD. I have had initiations in this Sovereign Science by Masters through out the east. In India, Indonesia, and Burma. Forms of Kriya Yoga are known in all ancient cultures. I am forever grateful and deeply respectful to all the teachers I have met. In a forthcoming blog I will share some of these encounters. I have practiced steadfastly for over 45 years with and without plant medicine. The real initiation happens as you do the practice. Kriya Yoga is the real inner teacher. It is a love affair with the Divine."

You can reach John at [email protected] or find him on Facebook ...

Related Posts :

String of UFOs Sighted at Ambala, India : 2010

Cosmic ૐ Oneness India , UFO 0 Comments

Another Brilliant sighting of what appears to be a string of multiple UFOs moving north, horizontally, around sunset, appearing and disappearing at will. The video was taken in Ambala, India sometime in 2010.

It definitely bears close resemblance to something filmed over Panchkula, Haryana in 2007 ... its the first UFO sighting featured in the video compilation below ...

Mysterious Lights/UFOs at Mansarovar Lake, Himalayas !

Cosmic ૐ Oneness God , Himalayas 0 Comments

The Himalayan region has been in the UFO news for a while with multiple sightings of mysterious lights in this region for many years and on a quite regular basis as the locals here report. Some researchers believe there might be some sort of a secret underground base/facility (An ET base or perhaps one of our secret government projects) from where these crafts emerge while some relate the anomalous activity to Shiva, who is believed to be living at Mount Kailash in the Himalayas.

The following video is shot by some Indian tourists from Andhra Pradesh who were visiting the Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash. The 3 blinking lights can be seen from a distance hovering in the skies over the Mansarovar Lake. The 3 lights subsequently move close to each other in one straight line while still blinking in and out of our visible reality.

Tibetan Buddhists speak of a higher dimensional plane called "Shambhala" where these Celestial Energies, Bodhisattvas emerge from ... and are often seen as lights in the sky. The Tibetan Lamas, the Siddhas and the Yogis of the Himalayas have for long been using their Light bodies / Merkabas to astral travel and could well account for some of these UFO sightings in the Himalayan region.

Krishna's City Dwaraka found Underwater

Cosmic ૐ Oneness Graham Hancock , India 0 Comments

Not so long ago some Indian scientists accidentally discovered the lost city of Dwaraka, submerged off the north western coast of India near the Gulf of Cambay or Khambat. The first archaeological excavations at Dwaraka were done by the Deccan College , Pune and the Department of Archaeology, Government of Gujarat, in 1963. Since 1983 the Marine Archaeology Unit of the National Institute of Oceanography is engaged in the offshore exploration and excavation of the legendary city of Dwaraka.

A few years ago a team of NIOT scientists while working for British Gas in the Gulf of Cambay region were stunned to see images of objects and things, completely alien to the marine domain. Samples collected include artifacts, wood pieces, pottery materials, hearth pieces and animal bones which were sent to Manipur University, Oxford University, London, Institute of Earth Sciences, Hanover, Germany for analysis and dating. On analysis and dating of the samples collected it was found that the samples were about 9000 years old, about the same time when the Ice Age ended. Some of the artifacts discovered dated as far back as 32,000 years. Perhaps, this is the discovery of one of the oldest civilizations known to mankind.

The Flooding of Dwaraka and the descent of the Kali Yuga - By Graham Hancock

“On the same day that Krishna departed from the earth the powerful dark-bodied Kali Age descended. The oceans rose and submerged the whole of Dwaraka. “

- Vishnu Purana - volume 2, p. 785. Nag Publishers New Delhi 1989.

Indian thought has traditionally regarded history and prehistory in cyclical rather than linear terms. In the West time is an arrow – we are born, we live, we die. But in India we die only to be reborn. Indeed, it is a deeply rooted idea in Indian spiritual traditions that the earth itself and all living creatures upon it are locked into an immense cosmic cycle of birth, growth, fruition, death, rebirth and renewal. Even temples are reborn after they grow old to be used safely – through the simple expedient of reconstruction on the same site.

India conceives of four great epochs or ‘world ages’ of varying but enormous lengths: The Krita Yuga, the Treta Yuga, the Dvarpara Yuga and the Kali Yuga. At the end of each yuga a cataclysm, known as pralaya, engulfs the globe in fire or flood. Then from the ruins of the former age, like the Phoenix emerging from the ashes, the new age begins.

The story of Dwaraka is tightly intertwined with this scheme of things. Reported in the ancient Indian epic of the Mahabharata and in later sacred texts such as the Bhagvata Purana and the Vishnu Purana, it straddles two of the great world ages.

Towards the end of the most recent Dvarpara Yuga, the texts tells us, Dwaraka was a fabulous city founded on the north-west coast of India. Established and ruled over by Krishna, it was built on the site of an even earlier sacred city, Kususthali, on land that had been reclaimed from the sea: Krishna solicited a space of twelve furlongs from the ocean, and there he built the city of Dwaraka, defended by high ramparts. The gardens and the amenities of the city are praised, and we understand that it was a place of ritual and splendor.

Years later, however, as the Dvarpara Yuga comes to an end, Krishna is killed. The Vishnu Purana reports: “On the same day that Krishna departed from the earth the powerful dark-embodied Kali Age descended. The ocean rose and submerged the whole of Dwaraka.

In Book X of the Bhagvata Purana we read how Krishna used ‘his supernatural yogic powers’, in a crisis of battle, to transfer all his people to Dwaraka where he could protect them from the enemy in ‘a fortress inaccessible to human beings.’ “the lord caused a fortress constructed in the western sea. In the fortress he got built a city twelve yoganas (96 miles) in area and wonderful in every respect. The building of the city exhibited the expertise in architecture and the skill in masonry of Tvastr, the architect of the gods. The roads, quadrangles, streets and residential areas were constructed in conformity to the prescribed tenets of science of architecture pertaining to city building. In the city, gardens planted with celestial trees and creepers and wonderful parks were laid out. It was built with sky-scraping, gold-towered buildings and balconies of crystals. It had barns built of silver and brass which were adorned with gold pitchers. The houses therein were of gold and big emeralds.”

Here is Graham Hancock's documentary film Titled "Underworld : Flooded Kingdoms of the Ice Age" which shares all the major discoveries of underwater structures in recent times, which Graham believes is evidence of a missing chapter in our history.