Latest news with #TranscendentalMeditation
News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
How Ganesha Resides in the Human Brain: A Vedic and Scientific Revelation
Last Updated: Ganesha's divine form mirrors the architecture of the human brain, bridging ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience. In the Vedic perspective, the Veda is more than a text or a collection of hymns, it is the fabric of natural law, the very structure of creation itself. These eternal resonances are said to structure the universe at every level, from atoms to galaxies and everything in between. Thus, human physiology is not merely the result of biological processes, but a performance of the same natural laws described in the Veda laws that also govern human behavior and consciousness. Dr Tony Nader (Born: Tanios Abou Nader, neuroscientist, researcher, university president, author and leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement shares all you need to know: When examined through this lens, the ancient imagery and symbolism associated with deities like Lord Ganesha reveal a remarkable relationship with features and functions of the human brain. The shape and characteristics of Ganesha—fondly known as the remover of obstacles and protector of new beginnings—mirror the structures and processes of the brainstem, the entry point for all neural activity in the body. The cerebellum, for example, corresponds to Ganesha's large ears. Just as Ganesha listens attentively to the Mahabharata as dictated by Rishi Vyasa ensuring that sound reflects meaning, the cerebellum compares intention with action, refining our motor coordination and maintaining balance. The pons, conceptualized as Ganesha's face, controls sensory information, behavioral performance, and autonomic functions like breathing and sleep. It symbolizes Ganesha's awareness and his role in managing perception and life-sustaining systems. The medulla oblongata, likened to Ganesha's trunk, regulates critical life functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Just as Ganesha's trunk is a powerful, adaptable tool that helps him overcome obstacles, the medulla ensures the smooth flow of vital energy and maintains physiological stability. Other anatomical structures support this parallel. The trigeminal nerves which govern facial sensation and movement can be compared to Ganesha's eyes, taking in and interpreting sensory information. The pontine nuclei, involved in body posture and reflexes, align with the symbolic function of the tusks, which represent both precision and balance. These neurological parallels illustrate how the form of Ganesha exists in the nervous system not only as a metaphor but as a structural and functional reality. The symbolism in the Vedic literature is not merely poetic—it is remarkably precise, describing physiological truths that have echoed through human consciousness for millennia. The names and attributes of Ganesha: Vinayaka (the guide), Vighnaraj (remover of obstacles), Chakravarti (ruler of the universal wheel) mirror the brainstem's primacy in sustaining life and maintaining order in the body. These correlations are not coincidental. They reflect a deep understanding of the unity between consciousness, nature, and physiology. The Vedic seers could perceive the structure of the universe within themselves, and their sacred literature is infused with rich symbolism that reflects this inner knowledge. When modern science views the human body through a similar lens, the parallels become self-evident. To understand Ganesha in this way bridges spirituality and science, presenting the divine not only in temples and scriptures but also in the architecture and function of the human brain.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vikrant Massey visits Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru as part of preparations for ‘White'
Mumbai: The preparations for the upcoming film 'White' are underway, The film stars Vikrant Massey in the lead role, and delves deep into the life and teachings of the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The film promises to blend gripping storytelling with profound spiritual insight, marking a bold new chapter in socially conscious and globally relevant filmmaking. On Saturday, the team shared an update with regards to the preparation laying the foundation for an authentic and immersive cinematic journey. As part of this preparation, producer Mahaveer Jain personally paid a visit to the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru. Vikrant participated in the 'Happiness Program', a signature breathwork and meditation course founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar himself. A photograph shared from the ashram beautifully captures this serene moment, with the group dressed in simple white attire, embodying the film's spiritual essence. They wrote in the caption, 'Hearts Filled with Gratitude. Grateful for this wisdom Gurudev Sri Sri @gurudev'. Directed by Montoo Bassi, the film is set to commence shooting in Colombia this July. It is an ambitious and visionary endeavor from Mahaveer Jain Films and Marflix Pictures. Known for championing stories with social impact and cinematic scale, Mahaveer Jain and Siddharth Anand continue to expand their creative footprints, further establishing their reputation for delivering films that combine scale, substance, and social consciousness. Speculation around Vikrant's involvement began when the actor was seen sporting significantly longer hair and undergoing physical transformations. Talking about the spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also referred to as around the mid 1970s, he worked as an apprentice under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation. In 1981, he founded the Art of Living Foundation. In 1983, he held the first Art of Living course in Switzerland. Vikrant made his transition to cinema by playing supporting roles in films such as 'Lootera', 'Dil Dhadakne Do', and 'Half Girlfriend'.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vietnam veteran reflects on 50th anniversary of war's end
NEW YORK (PIX11) — The Vietnam War was one that ravaged the lives of many American soldiers who never came home. For tens of thousands who did return, they faced another war of healing and recovery. 'I can't believe I survived this long. I'm 79 and can't believe it,' William Alvarez said. Alvarez has been haunted by the trauma of war since he lost both legs after stepping on a land mine in the Vietnam jungle 47 years ago. The memories remain. They are troubling and quite vivid. 'Yes, very vivid,' Alvarez said. 'The only thing I remember is flying up in the air. It was a big bomb in the river … The chaplain came over to me and said I'm going to give you last rites, so that didn't sound too good … Definitely beat the odds.' More Local News After 13 months in the hospital, Alvarez returned home to battle a different enemy. 'The voice in my head, being depressed, no hope, no future, never thought about tomorrow, always in moments of depression. Always thinking about the war, the explosions, the shootings,' Alvarez said. The Purple Heart he received, along with other military honors, are tokens for a hero who continued to fight the war long after it was over. He attempted suicide on three occasions. 'The third attempt, I was going to put my foot all the way to the floor, hit the gas and just crash into the wall,' Alvarez said. Alvarez said that attempt brought him to his senses, and he decided to attack the demons in his head. 'Can't take this anymore, has to be something else, has to be a better way,' Alvarez said. He reached out to Operation Warrior Shield to participate in a program of Transcendental Meditation. 'That sort of calmed me down, the level of depression and anxiety,' Alvarez said. Determined to break the cycle of depression and hopelessness, Alvarez found his cure in a three-wheeled handcycle. He rides regularly in Central Park, joins other veterans in marathons, and has found a legion of new friends. 'It's about doing something that's a pleasurable activity, getting the energy out and feeling a sense of accomplishment, getting the negative energy out,' Alvarez said. These days, he can look at the fading black and white photos he saved from Vietnam without the pangs he once felt. A bachelor, the only ailment this veteran says he now feels is loneliness living alone in Manhattan. 'I'm looking for some female companionship, even at 79,' Alvarez said. 'I think I'm ready for that now.' Alvarez is a profile in courage who found therapeutic virtues in a sport that helped him defeat the enemy within his own mind. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'Why not?' Katy Perry reveals the simple mantra she lives by
Katy Perry has revealed the simple mantra that has inspired her big decisions in life. In less than a year, the singer has released an album, campaigned for Kamala Harris in the presidential election, and flown to space. And the singer - who is reportedly worth $400million - is showing no signs of slowing down. 'I'm always open and I say, "Why not?" and "Let's just try",' she told The Associated Press. She added: 'The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, "I want to go on tour." And here we are.' With that mantra, though, comes potential pitfalls as her album, 143, was panned, her spaceflight criticized by environmentalists and eco-friendly celebrities, and Harris - whom Katy endorsed - lost the election to Donald Trump. She added: 'I can control what I can control.' That mantra has been refined over the years through her practice of Transcendental Meditation. The meditation technique has been embraced by a handful of celebrities, including the late David Lynch, whom Katy credits with spreading the practice and its message. She said: 'That changed my life. And I've gone on a long inner space journey to untangle some wires, to answer some questions, to become more grounded, to find the power within myself.' Katy is fascinated by all things spiritual, casually weaving into conversation references to astrology, the enneagram and cardology, which purports to impart mystical insights into an individual's personality through playing cards. She also credits her daughter, Daisy, for propelling her along a journey of self-discovery and enhancing her 'feminine divine'. She said: 'Being a mother just makes you level up with that type of power. I think I've just grown into the strong woman that I've always dreamed of and idolized.' That journey has inspired her approach to music, down to the narrative of her sci-fi themed Lifetimes Tour, which will run from April 23 till December 7. Citing films like Blade Runner and The Fifth Element as visual and thematic inspirations, Katy will play a video game character who faces off against evil forces. She said: 'It's really about believing in yourself and leading with love. Those are always my messages, no matter how I wrap it or whatever tour I bring. It's love and empowerment. When I can lead by example, it just ripples.' Katy's tour of more than 80 performances will primarily be a career-spanning showcase of past hits, but with a dance-infused flare to some of the traditional pop songs. She explained: 'I tell everybody they have to wear some sensible shoes.' In the nearly two decades since Katy emerged as a pop star, she has made tongue-in cheek-lyricism - in line with her 'very sarcastic' sense of humor - and catchy messages of empowerment a signature of her songs. Critical reception to her more recent albums has been less than enthusiastic, but that hasn't stopped her from going all out for this tour, calling it 'Disneyland on wheels'. She said: 'I feel a responsibility to my audience who have really been with me on this ride during this whole lifetime to give them that feeling that they had when they first heard Teenage Dream.'
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry reveals the five-word secret that helped her make $400million
In less than a year, Katy Perry has released an album, campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris and flown to space. Now the pop superstar - who is reportedly worth $400million - shows no intention of slowing down. 'I'm always open and I say, "Why not?" and "Let's just try,"' she told The Associated Press recently at her Southern California rehearsal space. And the partner of Orlando Bloom revealed the five word secret to her success: everything starts with a thought. 'The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, "I want to go on tour." And here we are,' said the mother of one. With that openness to try comes accepting that not every endeavor will be a victory. Her September album, 143, was critically panned, and she was simultaneously criticized for reuniting with embattled producer Dr. Luke. Celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski critiqued the spaceflight's use of resources as superfluous and indulgent. And Harris ultimately lost the November election to President Donald Trump. But Perry's longevity and the scale of her fame since her 2008 breakout hit, 'I Kissed a Girl,' are attributable at least in part to her willingness to get back up in the wake of a setback, as she belts in her 2013 empowerment anthem, 'Roar.' 'I can control what I can control,' she said. That mantra has been refined over the past 15 years through her practice of Transcendental Meditation. The meditation technique has been embraced by a handful of celebrities, including — perhaps most zealously — the late David Lynch, whom Perry credits with spreading the practice and its message. 'That changed my life. And I've gone on a long inner space journey to untangle some wires, to answer some questions, to become more grounded, to find the power within myself,' she said. Perry is fascinated by all things spiritual, casually weaving into conversation references to astrology, the enneagram and cardology, which purports to impart mystical insights into an individual's personality through playing cards. Perry also credits having her daughter, Daisy, with propelling her along a journey of self-discovery and enhancing her 'feminine divine.' 'Being a mother just makes you level up with that type of power,' she said. 'I think I've just grown into the strong woman that I've always dreamed of and idolized.' And she revealed the five word secret to her success: everything starts with a thought. 'The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, "I want to go on tour." And here we are,' said the mother of one; seen in 2010 That journey has informed her approach to music and performing, down to the narrative of her sci-fi themed 'Lifetimes Tour.' Citing films like 'Blade Runner' and 'The Fifth Element' as visual and thematic inspirations, Perry will play a video game character who faces off against evil forces. 'It's really about believing in yourself and leading with love. Those are always my messages, no matter how I wrap it or whatever tour I bring. It's love and empowerment,' she said. 'When I can lead by example, it just ripples.' Perry's tour of more than 80 performances will primarily be a career-spanning showcase of past hits, but with a dance-infused flare to some of the traditional pop songs. 'I tell everybody they have to wear some sensible shoes,' she explained. In the nearly two decades since Perry emerged as a pop star, she has made tongue in cheek lyricism — in line with her 'very sarcastic' sense of humor — and catchy messages of empowerment a signature of her songs. Critical reception to her more recent albums has been less than enthusiastic, but that hasn't stopped the 40-year-old from going all out for this tour, calling it 'Disneyland on wheels.' 'I feel a responsibility to my audience who have really been with me on this ride during this whole lifetime to give them that feeling that they had when they first heard 'Teenage Dream,' she said.
