LP Feb 2022

www.lifepositive.com
YOUR PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH COMPANION
Subscriber copy
February 2022
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ORGAN DONATION
Honey: facts you didn’t know
PAGE 26
PAGE 40
The power of positive thinking
Understanding God
PAGE 18
PAGE 56






Our body as a sacred offering
Dear Reader,
2022 started on a fulminating note with the new Omicron variant spreading like a bush fire across continents and the count rising astronomically with each passing day. Although the casualties have been negligible as compared to last year, and the infection too is not as virulent as before, in a way, Omicron is a good reminder to not get casual or laidback about the pandemic as we move through 2022. If we stay on our paths with focus and resoluteness, while taking all precautions, 2022 will reward us abundantly.
The lead story for February is on the noble act of organ donation. To be honest, I had many reservations about carrying this article as I did not feel that the success rate of such transplants was high and also that there were legal complications involved in it.
However, on reading this article by Jamuna Rangachari, I had a change of heart and mind. There are a lot of people whose lives can be saved or resurrected if only there were enough people willing to donate their organs after death. I have pledged to donate my eyes, and I urge all of you to consider the idea of signing up for organ donation. It is a great way to leave a legacy behind and continue to exist in another form as someone else’s eyes or heartbeat.
We have another fascinating article on honey. Though the health benefits of honey are numerous, very few of us know how to distinguish between adulterated and authentic honey. The article carries a few eye-opening facts about honey, empowering you to make the right choices.
The Sun has moved northwards towards the Tropic of Cancer, unleashing a change of season as well as a new set of energies for human beings to replenish themselves with. Let’s make the most of this and infuse our lives with vigour,
positivity, and vitality. Have a happy February!
LP mascot: Laughing Buddha
- Editor
February 2022Vol. 25Issue 11
Chairman: Aditya Ahluwalia President: D R Kaarthikeyan Director: V Venkat
Editor: Shivi Verma
EDITORIAL
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losZ HkoUrq lqf[ku~%] losZlUrq fujke;k%
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May all beings be happy, May all be healthy, May people have the well-being of all in mind, May nobody suffer in any way. — Vedic prayer
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4 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022




26
THE LEAD STORY
Living through another
Our body can be the source of a new life for someone else, provided we pledge to donate our organs before leaving this world, says Jamuna Rangachari
15
HEARTSPEAK
Express yourself
Ajay Kalra says that the Universe has provided us with relationships to help us move into peace and divinity
18
VEDANTA
The God of the Upanishads
Vanitha Vaidialingam explains the Upanishadic concept of Brahman: the unmanifest reality that is the Source
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40
SUPERFOOD
Honey: facts you didn’t know
How to make informed choices while picking honey for its numerous health benefits.
46
FOOD
The science of eating right
Benefit from the author’s weight-loss journey and ensure that yours is a smooth ride
52
CLOSURE
Letting go
The author’s father’s ill health and eventual passing away opened made her surrender to the divine grace
56
Attitude
The power of positive thinking
‘What you think, you become.So read it with a positive attitude and change your life
REGULAR COLUMNS
Response 08 Mandala 10 Yoga 14
Journey Aha-moments Spirit
24 Mudras 61 38 Tribute 63 50 Banyan Tree 64
Cover photo: Adobe Stock, Photo credit: Adobe Stock, Cover design: Sandeep Kumar
Total pages 68, including the cover page and the back cover
Contents 07


RESPONSE
www.lifepositive.com ` 100
YOUR PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH COMPANION December 2021
BUILD YOUR
RESILIENCE
(How to bounce back after setbacks)
PAGE 26
How to choose the
right partner
PAGE 46
Combat the
climate crisis
PAGE 52
Secrets of the
Upanishads
PAGE 18
Letter of the month
Salute to mothers’ divine strength
The article Mother’s bhakti, son’s shakti in the January 2022 issue of Life Positive was very touching. Last month was a very trying month for us as a family, as my son fell sick. He is a medical student, and visiting the government hospital daily for his practicals could not be avoided. He caught an infection and had to manage for a few days all by himself. But he came home later, and as parents, we nursed him back to health. Hence, I could relate to every bit of this article so much.
Truly, I feel that as mothers, we get the inner strength from the Divine to tide over the situation. I salute all mothers and caregivers who put aside their own comfort and become a pillar of strength during the most challenging times. Thanks, Ganesh Pai, for sharing your experience.
Roopa Rani, Coimbatore
Light on homeopathy
It is rightly said that in life, most complex situations have the simplest of answers, and we must believe this. Thank you, Mr Rishi Rathod,
for conducting the extremely useful interview, The miracle man of homeopathy, with Dr Jayesh Sanghvi, in the January 2022 issue of Life Positive. I request you to kindly send the PDF of this article, if possible, so that I can circulate it. Dr Kamlesh Dabhi, Junagarh
It was a pleasure to read the January 2022 issue of Life Positive. I would especially like to compliment Rishi Rathod for the excellent interview with Dr Jayesh Sanghvi, the renowned homeopath, He has explained very nicely how homeopathy works and also the relevance of homeopathy for the prevention and treatment of Covid.
My best wishes to Team Life Positive as it transitions to the digital version Madhavan Nambiar, advisor
First-class first issue of the year
Thank you, Team Life Positive, for once again giving us awe-inspiring articles in the January 2022 issue of LP. Every issue acts as fuel for my mind and body. No doubt, all articles deserve praise, but, in particular, I want to mention Dr Jayesh Sanghvi’s interview, The miracle man of homeopathy, which was an eye-opener,
08 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022
Mail from our readers, online fans and subscribers


especially as he combines his medicines with sincere prayerful intent of love and genuine concern for the well-being of every patient.
I also deeply understood the article, Swabhava and Swadharma, by Ajay Kalra, where he explains that we should be aware that our swadharma (duty) is based on our swabhava (our natural tendencies, unique to each one of us). I truly appreciated Suma Varughese’s article, Cherish your elders. Her teachings are pertinent on a day-to-day basis. Similarly, I enjoyed reading about how to deal with our emotions in Megha Bajaj’s All Is One.
Looking forward to future issues eagerly.
Gitika Kaji by email
Need for ‘senior citizen articles’
The editorial piece Owning my unhealed parts by editor, Shivi Verma, in the January 2022 issue of Life Positive was extremely impressive. I liked how she introspects on her own behaviour. It’s not easy to be one’s own critic! The need to heal oneself is so important.
Jamuna Rangachari’s article on the NGO which works for funding the marriage of girls from underprivileged homes and the one on Gulabi Gaon was also very good. All in all, it was quite a good issue, though there is room for further development. A section or a few articles for senior citizens may be added to the magazine to make it more inclusive.
Radhika Sridharan, via email
A gentle reminder
Be gentle with yourself by Charles Shahar in the January 2022 issue came as a powerful reminder to me, to be kind, not only to the world but also to my very own self. The reverse quote, “Do unto yourself as you would have yourself do unto others” kept ringing in my head. I was able to relate to every passage of the article, as if it were my own story. Not only did I learn to identify the habit, but the article also taught me how to break free from the toxic pattern of pulling ourselves down. I am thankful to Life Positive and Charles Shahar for sharing such a valuable piece with the readers. Best wishes!
Mona Verma, Virginia, USA
Response 09


MANDALA
Herbal beauty products take root
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LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022
Akansha Modi with her products
There is a treasure of herbal remedies and wisdom in our traditions that many of us either ignore, put on the back burner, or often forget. Some, however, like Akansha Modi, not just use it but promote it for the wellness of everyone.
She often remembered her aunt (bua) who advocated herbal products when she was a young girl, and this remained etched in her memory. Akansha herself was very fond of herbal beauty products and used to try them at home in Kolkata. She regularly used to make a mixture of turmeric, rose petals, sandalwood, and other ingredients
at home. Though she always knew its merits, she understood its actual potential during a visit to a dermatologist in 2012 for her mother- in-law who had developed an allergic reaction on her skin. While awaiting her turn, Aakansha started talking to the other patients. They started discussing skin issues, and a few said that they had not felt any improvement even after months of trying medicines. Akanksha suggested they try the mixture she made for herself. She was very happy to observe that they saw better results and 80 per cent improvement within a fortnight of applying her remedies.
The women were impressed by the outcome and requested more of the mixtures. Word spread, and the demand for her homemade mixtures increased. One thing led to another, and with just Rs1,000/- as an investment, she launched her enterprise, Roots and Herbs, to make eight products for different skin types. These products were made from natural, quality ingredients and worked very effectively on most people.
The solid and liquid ingredients were provided separately, and clients were told to blend them before use. This method ensured that the products remained fresh and did not require any preservatives or chemicals to prevent them from getting spoilt.
Now, with an offline and online presence on Nykaa, Amazon, and more, she has customers from 45 countries including the USA, the Middle East, and Singapore. She has approvals for being cruelty-free and vegan certifications from AYUSH and Good Manufacturing Practice.
Her mission is to spread awareness about the use of natural, chemical-free products, and looking at her rapid rise, she certainly seems to be succeeding.


Pots of earth for the Earth
People who care for gardening are usually connected to the earth and the environment. A case in point is Prashish from Kolkata, who has always been passionate about the environment. His mother loved to garden, and as he was very close to his mother, he helped her a lot in her gardening efforts.
When COVID struck, his time with her and gardening increased. He realised that clay pots, though environment-friendly, were heavy to handle, and the plastic ones, even if made from recycled plastic, often broke and harmed the environment. He kept thinking that there had to be another option. Is it not said that what we seek sincerely does get answered by the Universe? He got his answer in the form of jute. In July 2021, combining his love for the environment and his passion for entrepreneurship, a start- up, ecomaalee, was born. His siblings were very supportive, and he worked hard to honour their backing.
He started his business by making pots out of jute, which are biodegradable and recyclable. He wanted to provide an alternative for people who would like to grow their plants but have limited access to quality pots. His mission, therefore, is to provide ‘quality products at reasonable prices to make it easy for people to grow their plants in style with the best materials available.’
Additionally, he also started making rugs and other products, again following the same principle of not harming the environment. He and his company want to spread the message that they care about the planet and will stop at nothing to protect it.
His customers are happy that the pots are easy to use and that they are not harming the environment. This once again shows us how people make positive choices when they are available. Kudos, Prashish, for giving us a healthy, eco-friendly option.
Prashish with his eco-friendly pots
Mandala 11


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LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022
Rejuvenating the soul
Zorba, the Buddha in New Delhi organised a four-day relaxation retreat from December 30, 202 to January 2, 2022. Around 40 people from different age groups and walks of life flocked here to be a part of this rejuvenating event. The event comprised two definitive, active, and dynamic meditations like Kundalini and Nadabrahma meditations. Both were quite powerful and had many releasing their pent-up emotions and feeling empty and light by their end. Joy, a technical writer, and a participant shared, “I came to Zorba at a time when I was going through many personal transitions. So far, my experience has been cathartic, I am letting go of the old and allowing the new in my life. The active, dynamic meditations help the monkey mind sit quietly.”
There were many other interesting workshops like, Faster EFT facilitated by Ms. Geet Taneja. The session was very effective as she taught everyone the power of EFT tapping along with saying some powerful affirmations. People felt confident and in control of their lives after learning from Geet.
A participant, Swati, an HR professional said, “I always wanted to explore different ways to celebrate the New Year. I am pleasantly surprised by coming here; I am keeping an open mind to
learn from the meditations and workshops. It is wonderful.” Another workshop was on Poetry writing by Ms. Priyanka Parvaz who recited many poems from Harivansh Rai Bacchan’s book Madhushala. She taught everyone about the space of writing creatively and with surrender. In the end, each participant wrote one poem The workshop, Pleasure theatre by Manoj Sharma was very un-inhibiting and fun. In this, participants improvised by playing many characters and enacting scenes. This workshop urged people to be present to other people, really listen to them, and respond truthfully. The last workshop on Jan 2 that the retreat ended with, was Soul dancing by Ms. Ashuma Maya who helped everyone to open fully and express themselves freely through fluid dancing. People let go of the stiffness in the body and just flowed with music. The nights were warmed by lovely pondside bonfire and heartwarming singing and playing of cello, cajon, and flute. This event was full of talented, artsy, and creative people.
To sum it up, 2021 ended on a rather positive and smooth note with this group of people coming together and sharing a delightful experience with each other.
A healing retreat at Zorba the Buddha




YOGA
Tree of life
Kamala Venkat shows how to get concentration, strength, and balance into your life with the Tree Pose
Vriksasana is a combination of two Sanskrit words, ‘vriksha’ (tree) and ‘asana’ (posture). So it’s also known as Tree Pose. It is a standing pose in which the heel of one leg is placed on the thigh of the other, which is placed on the ground firmly. The leg which is placed on the ground resembles the trunk of a tree.
Method
It’s better to start this pose near a wall or some object so that you can rest your hand on it for balance. This helps in protecting yourself from falling during the practice.
• Start this pose by keeping a distance of one foot between the legs, and stand with your toes pointing straight ahead with your arms by the side of your body.
• Then slowly bend your right knee and place your right foot high up on your left thigh. (Do not place your foot on the knee). Place the sole of your right foot firmly on the left thigh and keep your left leg straight.
• Once you are well balanced in this pose, slowly take in a deep breath, raise your arms over your head from the side, and bring your palms together in Namaste Mudra. The inner side of your upper arms should touch the ears.
• Look straight ahead in front of you. Focussing on a particular point will help maintain balance. You can also try to close your eyes if you practise this pose continuously. But you may lose your balance if you try to close your eyes without proper practice.
• Keep your back straight, and inhale and exhale normally. Stay in this pose as long as you can.
• Then, slowly, while exhaling deeply, bring your arms down by the side of your body. Gently release the right leg on the mat. Stand straight as you did at the beginning of the posture.
• Then repeat this pose with the left leg off the mat, and place it on the right leg.
Benefits
• Gives a good stretch to your legs, arms, and back. • Makes the legs strong and opens the hips.
• Improves balance.
• Helps improve concentration. Contraindications
• High or low blood pressure.
• Knee or ankle pain, or recent surgery thereof. • Vertigo, insomnia, dizziness, or migraine.
Mrs. Kamala Venkat is a home maker with a great passion for yoga. Inspired by Shri Swami Ramdev of Patanjali, she has been practising it with complete dedication for the last 20 years.
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HEARTSPEAK
Express yourself
Ajay Kalra says that the Universe has provided us with relationships to help us move into the peace that is divinity
Heartspeak 15


Many years ago, I was initiated into Let me explain. spirituality through an Art Of Living
programme. There, I got my first taste of ananda (bliss). Sitting still, meditating, chanting, and singing devotional songs, I was soaked in the Bliss of Being. A mind free from thoughts, desires, and fears reflected the radiance of True Self. It was heavenly! I couldn’t get enough of it. I became addicted to ananda.
Whenever something triggered my emotions of inadequacy, anxiety, hurt, rejection, or abandonment, I would retreat within myself and recreate the bliss of being through silence and stillness. I saw the feeling of being unwanted and unloved as not representative of my true Self. Hence, I never encouraged or expressed it. I thought meditation and chanting would help me reach my divine state, where I would experience and express unconditional love for all.
I was wrong.
I was not sublimating my emotions; I was suppressing them. I was trying to be Jesus Christ even before I had learnt to be human. In the process, I was storing up my hurt, pain, anger, and resentment in some deep corner of my being, only to explode like a volcano someday. And it did.
I have learnt over the years that one cannot transcend one’s desires and fears by overlooking them. One has to acknowledge them and express them where needed, without holding others responsible for them. Ultimately, we are human and have human needs to be loved, respected, and appreciated. Owning up to our humanity is not a weakness but a strength. Divinity can enter us only when we embrace our vulnerability.
Bring to mind the relationships that truly matter in your life: father–son, husband–wife, brother–sister, etc. Basically, any relationship that is close and intimate. In such a relationship, there is bound to be an exchange of energy in the form of sharing physical space, experiences, thoughts, and feelings. When this exchange of energy takes place, there are bound to be feelings, wants, or rejections.
What happens when needs don’t match, when feelings are not reciprocated, or there is emotional hurt? More often than not, we do something that hides our vulnerability and covers our true feelings. We give reasons, we suppress, we withdraw, we react, we block communication. Or we try to meditate and chant as I used to do earlier. But we do not do what is most needed in the moment: express our feelings.
Why is it that we do not express our feelings?
There could be many reasons for it. Maybe we are not in touch with our feelings. We are scared of our feelings being rejected. We believe expressing feelings is a sign of weakness. We think bringing feelings into a relationship creates a big emotional mess.
When we continue relating without expressing our feelings and needs, the relationship survives in the short term, but in the long term, the core of the relationship begins to erode. The relationship lacks authenticity. It becomes a role play. We feel alienated and distanced. Even if it exists, it is for namesake only.
What is the purpose of a relationship?
In my view, relationships are psychological mirrors that help us see our desires and fears in the reflection of another human being. If we do
16 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2021


not like what we see, we can break the mirror or run away from it, but it will not change who we are. While it is important to set boundaries in some relationships, in a relationship that matters, where both persons are committed to personal growth, it is important to share and listen to feelings.
Expression of feelings is not blaming another. Sharing needs is not holding the other person accountable for meeting them. It is simply stating our current reality. Opening our wound so that it can heal in the loving non-judgmental presence of another human being. There is no other way. We grow through only what we go through.
Communication matters
Unfortunately, most of us see relationships with a transactional mindset. Particularly when a new relationship forms. What can I get? Will my needs be met? Is this a good match? Can this person be trusted? Am I ready for such a relationship? How will this meet our practical needs? When the mind cannot find answers to these questions, the relationship dies even before it has had a chance to live. A relationship lives in the heart and minds of two individuals. When they share what they feel and think, the relationship is alive. When they stop doing that, the relationship is dead.
Creating a culture of sharing and listening in a relationship is important. This could be sharing feelings, needs, and appreciation at regular intervals. These communication rituals create the space to release pent up emotions, educate the other person on what is important to us, and build trust through authentic
conversations.
What I have shared so far is the part of owning up to our humanity.
Now comes divinity.
All is God’s grace
Our primary relationship is not with another human being. It is with God. One can call God by any name—Consciousness, Nature, Universe, Love, Divinity, Christ, Krishna; it does not matter. What matters is that we realise that whatever we get and don’t get comes from God and not from another human being.
If you get the love and understanding that you seek from your partner, it is God’s grace. If you don’t, that is also God’s grace. Acknowledging our needs and expressing them is humanity. Surrendering them is divinity.
Humanity and divinity are integral to our existence. Like inhalation and exhalation. One cannot exist without the other. When we focus only on humanity, we become overly personal, critical, complaining and judgmental. When we focus only on divinity, we become hypocritical, delusional, preachy, and patronising. We must learn to balance both.
Relationships are the perfect ground to see and transcend ourself. They get us in touch with our vulnerability. And provide us with an opportunity to let go. If the Universe has provided us with such a relationship, it is not a coincidence. It is just what we need for making peace out of the pieces within us.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
Heartspeak 17


VEDANTA
The God of the Upanishads
Vanitha Vaidialingam explains the Upanishadic concept of Brahman: the unmanifest reality that is the Source
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While theocratic religions of the Brahman for worship. So, Brahman is not the
world may tell you that God created
man in his image, I personally think man created God in his image. God was objectified onto familiar forms, so that man could interact with the divine in ways that he interacts with people around him. Democratic Hinduism, consequently, is willing to accept any form as God into its pantheon, including the formless version. Interestingly, the Vedas and Upanishads are not focussed upon ‘Who is God?’ They are rather absorbed in understanding ‘What is God?’
What is God?
Let us first see what the Vedas have to say about God. Here are a few sample statements. God is
• a singular being who is diversely spoken of
(Ekam Sat-Viprah Bahudha Vadanti; Rig
Veda, Book 1).
• a personal and impersonal being who can be
manifest and unmanifest; who exists or can be non-existent and who is interminable. (Rig Veda, Book 10).
• a being who manifests as the universe and all the eyes and ears of all beings and whose cosmic body transcends into infinity (Purusha Sukta).
• all visible and invisible matter (Narayana Sukta).
• the Creator, the created, and the collective totality (Hiranyagarbha Sukta).
• all that is animate or inanimate (Satarudriya or Rudra Adhyaya of the Yajur Veda).
Note that none of these statements say anything about ‘who’ God is! They are intent on telling you ‘what’ God is and is not. The Upanishads elaborate upon this concept of God and declare that all that is, is nothing but a manifestation of God—Brahman. Since Brahman manifests as everything and is the underlying principle of everything, it is impossible to objectify
God that is worshipped. The different facets of this Brahman or his characteristics may be objectified for worship, maybe, as Indra, Rudra, Aditya, Agni, Shiva, Vishnu, and so on. But Brahman, as a whole, cannot be objectified and encapsulated into a form that can be worshipped.
The Kena Upanishad elaborates on this argument about Brahman. Brahman cannot be described in words because it is the energy that creates the words. Brahman cannot be imagined or thought of because it is the energy that makes you imagine or think. Brahman cannot be seen with the eyes because it is the energy that makes the eyes see. Brahman cannot be heard because it is the energy that makes you hear. Brahman is not breath because it is the energy that makes you breathe. Therefore, that which cannot be described by the tongue, thought of by the mind, seen with the eye, or heard with the ear cannot be worshipped. In other words, you cannot make Brahman an object of worship. So how does one experience Brahman? Brahman is a subjective experience.
What is this subjective experience?
I know, and you will agree, that subjective experiences are hard to communicate, share, or transfer to another. So, the Upanishads are asking you to experience it for yourself. Several methodologies (vidyas) are offered to aspirants for attaining that experience— getting a glimpse of Brahman. Each vidya requires gradual withdrawal of the senses or a refocussing of the senses so that you can experience the limitless that pervades the limited.
Here’s a very interesting story from the Chandogya Upanishad that is often shared for the benefit of aspirants.
Vedanta 19


The Story of Svetaketu
Svetaketu was the son of Udalaka Rishi. Udalaka was a Brahmarishi and wanted his son to experience Brahman the way he himself had experienced it. Svetaketu was sent to a gurukul (school) for twelve years to grasp the fundamentals of learning, at the end of which he returned to his father, having mastered the four Vedas. However, Udalaka found the ego that had grown within his son obnoxious and limiting. Father and son got into an argument. Udalaka demanded: “Did you ask your teacher for that knowledge, knowing which the Unheard becomes heard, the Unseen becomes seen, and the Unknown becomes known?”
Svetaketu had never heard of this knowledge. He was also not sure such knowledge existed. He pointed out that no one can hope to acquire every kind of knowledge because when one
learns something, one realises that there is much more to be learnt in that area. Hence, limitations of time and vastness of knowledge prevent one from learning everything there is. Moreover, knowledge can only be pratyaksha (perception) or anumana (inference); it cannot be Unheard, Unseen, and Unknown. So, how can there be a knowledge which makes the Unheard heard, the Unseen seen, and the Unknown known? Finally, Svetaketu was forced to ask the question “Is there such a knowledge?” and received a surprisingly affirmative answer.
Udalaka tried to explain the nature of this knowledge with three examples:
A clay pot is made of clay. It exists because the clay exists. Take away the clay and the pot will cease to exist. The form ‘pot’ gives shape to the clay, but the clay is the underlying reality. It
Rihadaranyaka Upanishad asserts that one cannot experience this Brahman unless the layers covering it are peeled away by a process of ‘neti, neti’ (not this, not this).
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It was the anandam or joy of Brahman which has manifested as creation. Joy is the nature of Brahman and everything in this universe will ultimately merge into that joy. It is the only reality of existence.
remains unaffected by the shape. If the shape of the pot is destroyed, the clay can be shaped into other forms without being changed by the different shapes it takes. So, the form that is changeable—the pot—is mithya (illusion or untruth), and the clay, which is unchangeable, is Sathya (truth).
Similarly, an ornament is made of gold. If you take away the gold, the form—the ornament— will cease to exist. The gold, unaffected by the destroyed form, can be shaped into different forms. So, the underlying reality of the ornament is gold. The ornament is mithya, and the gold is Sathya.
The final example is that of a nail cutter. The nail cutter is made of iron. By knowing all about the nail cutter, you can know nothing about the iron that gave form to the nail cutter. But knowing everything about the iron, you can know everything about the nail cutter. The nail cutter is mithya, and the iron is Sathya.
However, Svetaketu’s ‘learned’ mind could only grasp intellectually the meaning of the
teaching. He could not experience the Sathya. Udalaka, therefore, sent his son forthwith to another teacher to acquire the experience. The new guru sent Svetaketu into the forest with a few cows with an order not to return till the number of cows reached one thousand. Svetaketu had no one to share his learning with and was forced to remain in silence, like the cows he tended. Years passed and Svetaketu remained in the forest. Gradually, his mind ceased its chatter, and in the silence, he could discern the essence behind all shapes and forms. When Svetaketu returned with the thousand cows to the ashram of his guru, his guru was satisfied that Svetaketu had experienced Brahman.
Nice story. But what does it convey?
Learn to see the animator rather than the animated
We are so engaged with the physical objects around us that we do not see beyond the dictates of our senses. We see the limits but not the limitless that exists beyond the limitations. To see the limitless reality, one must cease to
Vedanta 21


Brahman is the whole and we are parts of Brahman. The whole and the parts exist together. Brahman is the reality of the universe and all that is, is a projection of this Brahman. So, by knowing oneself (a form of Brahman), one can know everything there is to know.
objectify Brahman and attempt to experience Brahman. Words, thoughts, images, bookish knowledge—all of these help you objectify Brahman. They point you to Brahman but do not show you Brahman. Only in silencing the mind and the intellect can one truly experience the essence that is beyond all these.
The attributes of Brahman
The 108 extant Upanishads speak of this Brahman, its qualities and attributes. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad asserts that one cannot experience this Brahman unless the layers covering it are peeled away by a process of ‘neti, neti’ (not this, not this). You must cease to regard yourself as a body, a mind, or an intellect. You should discard your ego and transcend your concepts of self to experience this Brahman.
The Katha Upanishad declares Brahman as that eternal which cannot perish. All objects of the senses are perishable. Since Brahman is not an object of the senses, it exists beyond the sensory world and therefore is not subject
to destruction. Wise men (Brahmagyanis) who have experienced Brahman know this and perceive it as existing within themselves. The Isha Upanishad echoes this and says that Brahman is the unchanging element in a changing world.
The Taittiriya Upanishad ponders over the energy that created the universe and asserts that it was the anandam or joy of Brahman which has manifested as creation. Joy is the nature of Brahman and everything in this universe will ultimately merge into that joy. It is the only reality of existence. The Chandogya Upanishad endorses this understanding and aspirants are urged to know that there is only Brahman. Brahman is the whole and we are parts of Brahman. The whole and the parts exist together. Brahman is the reality of the universe and all that is, is a projection of this Brahman. So, by knowing oneself (a form of Brahman), one can know everything there is to know. It all boils down to the Mahavakya (great statement)—Tat tvam asi (You are that).
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But abstractions are very hard to grasp
The truth is that abstractions can only be described in abstract terms and only the experience of these abstractions will make you understand or appreciate their truth. Otherwise, it all remains an intellectual exercise. No amount of reading or learning can help you transition from the limited to the limitless.
The teachers, or Brahmagyanis, in the Upanishads were faced with the same problem. The students
who came to them were at
various experiential stages. It was their bounden duty to reach down to the level of each student
and equip them with
the tools necessary
for their progress.
So, the Upanishads
are replete with
stories, events, meditative
practices, and knowledge
nuggets that students can use to pull
themselves up from the depths of ignorance
and reach out to the light that illuminates everything.
The Upanishads
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
Vedanta 23
The Upanishads


JOURNEY
The value of hard work
Shivi Verma exhorts the readers to overcome Tamas inorder to lead a fulfilling and productive life
M y mother’s life exercised to stay sharp, young, weeks. This has the power to
philosophy can be
summed up in a single line: “This earth is a karmbhoomi, and we have come here to work.” I cannot agree more. As children, we do not have a lazy bone in our bodies, and it is difficult for elders to contain our physical activity, but no sooner does puberty hit
us, than lethargy takes over.
The most logical explanation for this phenomenon is that as we grow, our minds become more active, and greater energy is spent in thinking and imagining rather than doing something. And since the body takes orders from the mind, a fearful, procrastinating, and lazy mind results in a lazy body.
The funny part is that our bodies readily comply when we want to do something entertaining, like going for a picnic, soirees, movies, dates, and tournaments. But anything good for our well- being and success, which requires patience, dedication, discipline, consistency, and learning is mostly procrastinated by us because the mind finds it weary. This is the very reason why very few succeed, even though all of us are talented and blessed with some gift or another.
productive, and agile. The pleasure provided by tamo guna, the lowest of the three gunas, influencing a human being, i.e., sleep, comfort, and lethargy, is undeniable, but if indulged in, can write the script of our shattered dreams and broken aspirations.
So how to break the barrier of inertia and inaction to leap towards our cherished goal?
Clear the mind: When the mind is hyperactive and enjoys daydreaming as a way to escape reality, working hard to achieve a goal becomes secondary. Make a list of your goals, your biggest dream, and keep it before your eyes to keep yourself motivated.
Correct your self-talk: Laziness is also a sign of self-doubt and not believing in yourself truly. Check your inner world to see if you are too self-critical and have more faith in your weaknesses than your strengths. This often leads to procrastination and postponement of your plans out of fear of failure.
Use positive affirmations:
Tell yourself every day that you are energetic, determined, and capable of doing everything to achieve your goal. Write
reprogramme your mind and shake the tamas out of it.
Set small goals: Start by setting small goals and go higher up as you succeed gradually. Lunging after big goals straight from the state of rest can give you a big setback, embroiling you in sadness and depression.
Create an exercise routine:
Often the mind is willing but the flesh is weak, and we succumb to its demands. In such situations, keeping aside a workout routine helps you shake off inertia and fills you with the much-needed vigour and self-belief to move towards the realisation of your dreams.
Be self-aware: Self-awareness is a panacea for all the ills of life, including sloth. Develop the ability to foresee the consequences of your actions or inactions. This itself gives you the resolve to take necessary measures to overcome inertia. Self-awareness forces you to not press the snooze button, throw that quilt away, and wear those Keds to go for your morning walk.
Editor of Life Positive, Shivi Verma is a devotee who found all her answers in loving God passionately.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
Though our bodies and brains
love comfort, they need to be this 21 times every day for two
24 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022




THE LEAD STORY
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Living through another
Our body is precious and can be the source of a new life for someone else, provided we pledge to donate our organs before leaving this world, says Jamuna Rangachari
The lead story 27


Many of us wonder how we can help donation rate of 33 donors per million people.
others. If we realise that the greatest
gift we have been given is our body and if we can help others revive theirs when we move to the next world in our spiritual journey, we certainly can give them the greatest gift of all.
During the time my husband was in the Indian Navy, I remember a young army soldier lying in bed, surrounded by his parents who were full of joy because their son had got a liver transplant through the Organ Donation Scheme of the Defence. Even today, this scheme is well implemented and managed by the army (R&R Hospital) extremely efficiently, as this requires discipline, which the Indian Army possesses in good measure.
This system is still not well known in India; many talk about it vaguely. A huge gap exists between patients in need of organ transplants and potential donors. It’s not that there cannot be enough organs to transplant. Nearly every person who dies naturally or has a brain death is a potential donor. Even so, innumerable patients cannot find a donor. Acute shortage of organs is a universal problem, more so in developing Asian countries like India. According to the Union Health Ministry statistics for 2011, only 4000 kidney transplants were carried out, as against a requirement of 1,50,000. Similarly, 500 livers were transplanted, leaving some 20,000 in waiting.
The deceased organ donation rate in India is estimated to be a minuscule 0.8 per million people (although India has amongst the world’s highest number of deaths from road accidents). Spain had the highest number of donors for many years with a donation rate of 47 donors per million people, but more recently, a small country like Croatia has taken the lead with a
28 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022
Australia is at 21, while the United States is at 32.
To make transplants possible in India and thus alleviate the suffering of many patients, the government of India, in 1994, passed an act called the Transplantation of Human Organs Act. The new act broadens the concept of organ donation to include other organs besides eyes. The universal donor card is the first step in this regard; it expresses one’s desire to donate any or all organs. Let us understand this.
What is organ donation?
Organ donation is the pledge we take during our lifetime that after our death, healthy organs from our body will be given to patients who need those organs and are under severe discomfort or battling for life due to organ failure.
Wouldn’t it make us happy to know that we can give a new lease of life to other people after our lifetime? A single yes can save up to nine lives. People who are waiting to receive a transplant undergo very exhausting, painful, and expensive procedures to just live. For most of them, the quality of life is pathetic, with death looming large, and a long, lonely wait to get a transplant. Many die waiting for organs. This noble act of donation gives us a chance to continue living through the lives of these people previously unknown to us.
In 2005, Tribhawan and Jasmine from Florida did not know much about organ donation. But when their 21-year-old son, Anand, suffered fatal head injuries in a car accident, the attending nurse gently encouraged them to consider a donation. They agreed. Their son’s heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas helped to save the lives of six people.


Now Anand’s family takes every opportunity to tell others about organ donation. Tribhawan is a volunteer for TransLife in Florida, the National Donor Family Council, and the National Kidney Foundation. He frequently shares his family’s story. “Anand was this terrific guy, this loving guy,” he recalls. “What a waste it would have been if we hadn’t donated his organs. We are very happy that we made the best decision.” Anand’s family members have contacted four of the recipients of their son’s organs and are comforted to know that their son’s donation has helped them. “This is a blessing that we were able to make a difference in their lives,” says Tribhawan. “Some of them have children, while others have grandchildren.”
Tribhawan urges others to register to become organ donors. “No one knows when you may die, but when you go, you can leave a legacy. Should anything happen to you, you will be a blessing to somebody’s family. As long as the sun shines,
you will be remembered.”
Tribhawan recently found the nurse who attended to his son. He told her how her words had changed him and had benefited so many others. “We can make a difference in people’s lives. It’s all about sharing and caring.”
Another experience is that of Haley from Indiana. Haley had always been healthy and was even training for a half-marathon. She was 24 years old and never had any serious illnesses. So, why was her hair falling out? Doctors were baffled. Weight was melting off Haley’s trim frame, and her nails were coming off. Abdominal pain and swelling plagued her constantly, and she struggled to keep food down. But the doctors couldn’t pinpoint a cause.
The answer came in September 2014, when Haley’s pain became unbearable. A dash to the hospital and emergency surgery revealed
Wouldn’t it make us happy to know that we can give a new lease of life to other people after our lifetime? A single yes can save up to nine lives. People who are waiting to receive a transplant undergo very exhausting, painful, and expensive procedures to just live. Many die waiting for organs. This noble act of donation gives us a chance to continue living through the lives of these people previously unknown to us.
The lead story 29


that a genetic condition caused a blood clot to form in her liver. The clot cut off circulation to her intestine, almost destroying her liver. Her body’s immune reaction, in turn, damaged several other organs.
Haley’s doctor recommended a five-organ transplant surgery, but she was worried about the quality of life she would have after the procedure. She decided then: “I won’t have a transplant. I will learn to adapt.” She stuck to an ultra-limited diet and contacted doctors all over the country to find an alternative.
Haley went from working full-time to living off disability benefits. She couldn’t drive or gain weight. The constant pain was so intense that she could barely walk or stand up straight. Over the months, toxins caused by organ damage lodged in her brain; she couldn’t focus or think clearly. This pain was more than physical —it was hurting her mind.
By June 2015, Haley had exhausted her options. Her doctor told her the only fix was a multi- organ transplant, and she needed it now. With her blood type, body size, and condition, he expected a short wait: hopefully thirty days or less. He wasn’t sure she’d last much longer. After two false alarms, she got the call. She had a match.
The transplant, which included a new stomach, pancreas, liver, and small and large bowels, was a success. But the recovery was long. Haley was in and out of the hospital for a year, and the pain was still a constant companion.
With time, she reached a moment she’ll never forget: one that was pain-free. She remembers visiting a lake with her family and thinking, I can’t believe I’m here. I don’t have a line in me, I’m three hours from the hospital, and I don’t
feel like I’m going to die. It’s just incredible!
Five years post her transplant, Haley is feeling like a normal, healthy person and is enjoying her new freedom. She’s gotten to know her donor’s daughter and wants to “make sure she knows her mom saved my life.” Haley also visits patients awaiting multi-organ transplants to hear their stories, share hers, and offer encouragement.
She doesn’t know what the future holds, but the present is full of possibilities. And with each pain-free moment, she thanks her donor for the gift of life.
Donation from a living person to another.
One of my friends donated a kidney to her niece who was going through hell due to kidney failure. Even today, her sister and niece cannot thank her enough for restoring their life to normal.
Working for NGOs for the last thirty years, Ms Pallavi Kumar from Gurgaon has fought for HIV orphans, comforted the specially abled, and enthused the underprivileged. She currently heads the Delhi-NCR office of MOHAN Foundation, an NGO committed to promoting deceased organ donation in the country. She shares her experience in this area:
“I had only recently joined MOHAN foundation and was in Chennai for a week to attend a training course. MOHAN Foundation is a unique organisation that has been doing pioneering work in the field of Deceased (brain death) Organ Donation in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and I had just been given charge to start their north chapter. I was in Chennai to learn about the intricacies of my work as I took it forward. For those of you who are completely unfamiliar with this concept, let me quickly try to explain it in simple words. Brain death results from a severe, irreversible injury to the brain, or
30 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022


Ms Pallavi Kumar
haemorrhage, which causes all the brain activity to stop. All areas of the brain are damaged and no longer function due to which a person cannot sustain their own life, but vital body functions may be maintained by an artificial support system. This maintains circulation to vital organs long enough to facilitate organ donation. The Transplant of Human Organ Act 1994 recognises this as a form of death and allows retrieval of vital organs if the immediate family gives consent.
“That afternoon, as I was trying to comprehend a complicated lecture on paediatric brain death, I was called by one of the MOHAN Foundation staff. I was told that at the Chennai General Hospital (the biggest government hospital in Chennai), the doctors had just declared a young 17-year-old boy from Bihar brain dead. The father had arrived a while ago, and since
the family only spoke Hindi, the counsellor was having a tough time communicating with them. I was asked if I could assist as I knew Hindi. I obviously agreed, though with a lot of trepidation and fear as this was going to be my very first time counselling a family so recently hit by extreme tragedy and trauma.
“What transpired at the hospital is something that would remain etched in my mind for as long as I live. I spoke to the father—a frail, old, uneducated, poor man, who had just lost a son whom he had had after three daughters. And even before he had proper time to grieve, here was a bunch of strangers, in an alien city, asking for his son’s organs to save the lives of people whom he had never met and never would meet.
“Obviously, he refused! He said he would like the body back and to return home once his son was cremated. Keeping with the norms of organ donation, I told him that we respected his decision but asked if he could just take 10 more minutes to think about it and then give a final answer. We reiterated that his loss was irreversible and that no one could feel his pain for him, but that he should once again consider giving this gift of life that could change seven to eight lives.
“Fifteen minutes later, the father displayed such strength of character and wisdom, that I was moved to tears. He said that he had thought about it and was willing to donate his child’s organs provided they went to other poor people like him. Where did he find in himself the strength to take this courageous decision? Where did he find the power to trust a bunch of complete strangers? Where did he find in himself the large-heartedness to give so greatly when destiny had been so cruel to snatch away from him something as precious as his child?”
The lead story 31


Different organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, and tissues, such as corneas and bone marrow, can now be successfully transplanted into patients who are expected to survive for years or even decades. The organs that can be transplanted depend on the type of organ transplant, i.e., whether the donor is alive or deceased.
Types of organ donation
Organ donation is of two types: from a living donor or a deceased donor.
Living donor transplant: As per the Transplantation of Human Organ Act, 1994, only immediate blood relatives (brother, sister, parents, grandparents, children, and the spouse) can donate. A living donor can donate only a few organs—one kidney, a portion of the pancreas, and part of the liver.
Even an unrelated person can donate, but they will undergo extensive questioning before a government-authorised committee to ascertain that the person is aware of the risks and that the decision to donate isn’t based on financial gain.
Deceased donor transplant: This is when organs from a brain dead individual are transplanted into the body of a living recipient. The deceased individual in this scenario can only be a victim of brain death. This kind of transplant initially requires the recipient to wait on a list until a suitable organ is available based on the recipient’s medical profile.
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Pallavi continues her lesson through this experience, saying, “It reaffirms my faith in everything good, selfless, altruistic, and humane. It reaffirms my faith in my work. It reaffirms my faith in this world!”
Making it possible for people to see
One area most of us can take part in is donating eyes.
There are 3.8 million people in India suffering from corneal blindness, of whom 60 per cent are children. Corneal blindness has several causes, but malnutrition and poor hygiene are chief among them, thus disproportionately affecting the poor. Working at an eye bank for years, Percy Ghaswala closely witnessed the financial barriers between the abandoned poor and life- changing eye restorative surgeries.
was working in Mumbai as the chief of Asia’s largest eye bank. He recounts, “One evening, a cornea was available. So, as per the usual procedure, I made a call to a 72-year-old lady from the waiting list. The phone kept on ringing and no one picked up. I called three times and at the end of the third call, a frail voice answered “What is it?” I said, “Maaji, an eye is available for you. You can go to the doctor tomorrow and get the surgery done.” After a long pause, she said, “I have no money left. This wretched surgeon is asking for another Rs 20,000.” And she started crying. I tried to ask her if someone can help her because getting a chance at restoring vision is rare. She told me that she has no one and she has sold her jewellery and furniture, so she has nothing. Then she said, “I am old and I will die as a blind woman. Give it to someone else.”
He could not help her get back her vision. However, this experience greatly impacted him. This and many other instances made him realise that there is an abandoned section of
the poor who have no money or support. This resulted in many sleepless nights for him. After a lot of struggle, Ghaswala Vision Foundation was started the next year. He is extremely happy that he is able to restore the vision of people who cannot afford the expense of surgery.
Which organs can be donated?
Different organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, and tissues, such as corneas and bone marrow, can now be successfully transplanted into patients who are expected to survive for years or even decades. The organs that can be transplanted depend on the type of organ transplant, i.e., whether the donor is alive or deceased.
Percy Ghaswala
The lead story 33


Living donors, however, can donate a limited number of organs and biological tissue. This list usually consists of one kidney (because one kidney is capable of performing bodily functions), a part of the pancreas (because half of the pancreas is adequate to sustain pancreatic functions) and a part of the liver (because the few segments that can be donated will regenerate after some time).
On the other hand, transplants from deceased donors (who are brain dead) can be of the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, as well as tissues like the cornea and bone marrow.
Eye Donation
Eye donation means donating the eyes of a person after death for transplantation with family consent. When donating the eyes of the deceased, remember to
• Dial the nearest eye bank (or 1919) within six hours of death
• Switch off the fans and keep the air conditioner or cooler on
• Raise the head of the deceased person with a pillow
• Place wet cotton swabs on closed eyes
Eye donation can take place in the donor’s home itself. The total procedure takes 15–20 minutes. There is no disfigurement of the face of the donor.
What is brain death?
In case of natural death, only the eyes and a few other tissues can be donated. All other vital organs can be donated only in the case of ‘brain death.’
A brain death results from a severe, irreversible
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Pledging to donate our eyes is a huge service to humanity


About 60 per cent of deaths in RTA are brain deaths. The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, recognises this as a form of death and allows retrieval of vital organs if the immediate family gives consent. Organs cannot be bought or sold anywhere in India or the rest of the world.
injury to the brain, or haemorrhage, which causes all the brain activity to stop. All areas of the brain are damaged and no longer function due to which a person cannot sustain their own life, but vital body functions may be maintained by an artificial support system. This maintains circulation to vital organs long enough to facilitate organ donation.
Common causes of brain death are
• Road traffic accidents (RTA) • Stroke
• Brain haemorrhage
• Brain tumour
About 60 per cent of deaths in RTA are brain deaths. The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, recognises this as a form of death and allows retrieval of vital organs if the immediate family gives consent. Organs cannot be bought or sold anywhere in India or the rest of the world.
Who can be an organ donor?
People of all ages and backgrounds can be organ donors. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must give you permission to become a donor. If you are 18 or older, you can show you want to be a donor by signing a donor card. You should also let your family know your wishes.
What does the law say about organ donation?
In July 1994, the government of India passed legislation resulting in the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. The purpose of this act was essentially threefold:
1. To stop commercial dealing in organs, especially kidneys.
2. Accepting brain death as a definition of death. 3. Define who could donate organs whether in live related, live unrelated, or cadaver donation.
Let us briefly examine what has been achieved in the last 15 years in India.
The lead story 35


• The 1500 odd cadaver organ transplants have shown that we in India are capable of organising the chain of events that lead to cadaver transplants.
• Brain death certification is now widely accepted by clinicians, and the protocol to certify it has been uniformly accepted as laid down by the government.
• Some hospitals are now regularly doing such transplants, and in this respect, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have made some commendable efforts.
• It is now possible to not only do kidney transplants but complex transplants of the liver, heart, lungs, and pancreas as well by skilled doctors.
How can you be an organ donor?
You can be an organ donor by signing a donor
card from any hospital or an NGO. A donor card is not a legal document; it is only an expression of your willingness. If a person has a donor card, it means that they are willing to donate organs at the time of death. Remember that in our country, even if you have signed the donor card, it is important that your family consents to your wish, as their decision will be considered final.
To help the cause of organ donation, an NGO called MOHAN (Multi Organ Harvesting Aid Network) Foundation was formed in 1997. The focus of the foundation is aimed at working as a support group for patients, physicians, and the public. It distributes organ donor cards and also facilitates the process of donation between various hospitals to ensure that the organs, when available, are not wasted.
Choose life with MOHAN Foundation. Organ donation is all about giving life— life that only you can choose to give to help the thousands of
36 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022
There is lack of awareness in society about the significance of organ donation


patients waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.
What can you do?
• Pledge your organs to be donated after your death.
• Carry a donor card with you at all times.
• Discuss your decision with your family members so that it will be easier for them to
carry out your wishes.
You can access the following link to download MOHAN Foundation’s organ donor card http://www.mohanfoundation.org/download_ donorcard.asp and your pledge with us will be handed over to NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation), which is a national registry.
Feel free to call the MOHAN Foundation 24 X 7 toll-free helpline—1800 103 1700— if you have any queries about organ donation and transplantation.
There are many areas in which one has serious limitations, but in the area of making choices, we have complete freedom. We know that we will die and move on to the next world. If this physical body of ours can help others in some way, it can be our wonderful parting gift to humanity. Surely, our Creator would be happy
to observe that the organs were not thrown away but recycled.
Giving with humility: Teaching Story
Though this is a story of giving with humility, I found it very relevant to organ donation as giving our organs is giving the gift of life to others.
Tulsidas came to know about a unique behaviour of Rahim. While giving alms to the poor, Rahim gave with extreme humility. While giving, he kept his gaze downwards towards the earth. He never looked at the person he was giving alms to. Tulsidas promptly wrote the following couplet and sent it to Rahim.
“O great person, where have you learnt this amazing way of giving?
As your hands rise (to give), your eyes look down.”
Completing the couplet which Tulsidas wrote, Rahim replied with extreme humility. His reply shows what an evolved soul he was.
“The Giver is someone else (God Almighty), giving day and night.
The world has a misconception that I am the giver. So, I lower my eyes in embarrassment.”
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
The lead story 37


AHA-MOMENTS
Consciously making a difference
Megha Bajaj muses on how we can make the world a better place by contributing positively to it in our individual capacities
T here exists a stream of the stream, and in turn, be a very myopic way of looking
consciousness. It has
been going on from way before you were born, it exists while you exist, and it will continue even after you are gone. Think of it like a train. You board the train at a particular station, take your seat, find a family in the bogie, and then get down at your designated destination. The train keeps going on. With you, without
you.
Often, I hear people speaking of how the world is seeing troubles like never before. The pandemic itself has been a sign of how contaminated the stream has become. In the same breath, we just cannot ignore how the world is evolving. Spirituality is becoming second nature for many. Love is experienced in its depths by many. Yoga and sattvik ways of living are being adopted by the world like never before. It almost appears that there is a paradox: The stream has never been this beautiful and pure, or this filthy and contaminated before. And each of us living in it – depending on our dominant thoughts and feelings—are experiencing the stream either at its best or at its worst. Often, we experience both spectrums.
The question that I keep asking myself is, How can I enter the stream of consciousness by my consciousness, replenish
replenished by it? How can I play my part, in contemporary terms, to clean up the train I board and leave it sparkling for the next set of passengers?
The understanding that everything I do in my individual consciousness affects the larger consciousness is the start of everything. When I realise that my thoughts, my emotions, my words, my actions don’t just affect me but everything, I learn to become a lot more responsible for them. One of the best ways we can change the world is by changing ourselves.
Taking care of our health seems so basic, so simple; yet, it affects not only our home and our life but also the world. By being fit, we add to the healthy vibrations, and, in turn, reduce the vibrations of sickness. I realised that one of the ways in which I can fight the pandemic is by working on my own health. The more positive vibrations I add and the more I inspire others to do so, the more the negativity will start diminishing automatically.
Treating our workplace like a temple, where the deepest of commitment, love, and ethics are followed will ensure that everything we do towards our profession adds to the vibrations of overall goodness and well- being. Working for money is
at things. Working towards a purpose should be the norm and will make all the difference.
When a family becomes a unit connected by love, peace, and bliss (some discord is natural), it adds tremendous goodness to the overall consciousness. Visualise a particular bogie in the train laughing, loving, sharing, and meditating. It would, in turn, inspire and excite every bogie to do the same.
Finally, the role of sitting in Silence, or non-doing, in replenishing the stream can just not be overestimated. Every time we meditate and go deep into Silence, we inherit the purest part of the stream. The highest of vibrations. And in turn, we add that to the overall stream as well. Meditating is literally like cleaning ourselves and the world in ways we cannot even imagine.
I have come to realise that I am but a part of the whole. And yet, but for me, the whole would not be whole. And by playing my role, in purifying myself, my life, I am leaving the world a better place.
Megha Bajaj is a bestselling author, film script writer, and poet.
An ardent seeker at heart, she also runs her online writing and healing workshops called WoW. You can read more about her on www.MeghaBajajWoW.com.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
38 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022


REMEMBERENCE
Farewell,Thich Naht Han
“Meditation is not to escape from society, but to come back to ourselves and see what is going on. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. With mindfulness we know what to do and what not to do to help”
-Thich Nhat Hanh
F amous monk Thich Nhat Hanh who passed away recently on 22 January 2022 was a revered global spiritual
leader who originally hailed from Vietnam but was exiled from there for almost four decades. Also known as the ‘Father of Mindfulness’ he travelled internationally teaching, giving talks and retreats on peace, non-violent solutions to conflicts, living with presence, engaged Buddhism, elevating consciousness and awareness, and interconnectedness of all beings. He established the ‘Plum village monastery’ in the Southwest France where he spent most of his life. He also authored many bestselling books on mindfulness and peace. Remembered as a very humble and gentle monk, Thich Nhat Hanh was also nominated for the Noble Peace Prize. He played a pioneering role in bringing Buddhism and Mindfulness to the West.
He dedicated his entire life to the work of inner transformation and freeing societies and individuals from suffering. He also coined the term ‘Engaged Buddhism movement’ in one of his books, Vietnam: Lotus in a sea of fire, which means to do both; helping and serving others in the times of crisis and mediating in the monasteries.
Plum village in Paris founded by Thich Nhat Hanh was a locus for teaching ‘the art of mindful living’ that attracted many visitors from all over the world. This was a place that ran lectures and offered active Buddhist teachings
and writings on the art of mindfulness and ‘living peace.’ Initially called ‘sweet potato community,’ the Plum Village, under the able leadership and guidance of Thich Naht Hanh grew from a small rural farmstead to West’s biggest and most active Buddhist monastery sheltering over 200 monastics.
Thich Naht Hanh said these last words, “Please do not build a stupa for me. Please do not put my ashes in a vase, lock me inside, and limit who I am. I know this will be difficult for some of you. If you must build a stupa though, please make sure that you put a sign on it that says,
‘I am not in here.’ In addition,
you can also put another sign that says, ‘I am not out there either,’ and
a third sign that says, ‘If I am anywhere, it is in your mindful breathing and in your peaceful steps.”
Remembrance 39


SUPERFOOD
Honey:
facts you didn’t know
A storehouse of nutrients, there are plenty of misconceptions around honey, making it difficult to make the right choices while selecting the authentic one. Jamuna Rangachari clarifies certain myths prevalent around honey and guides us on how to make informed choices while picking it for its numerous health benefits.
40
LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022


R ecently when I took ill with the Omicron fungi as it contains hydrogen peroxide, an
virus, I intuitively drank a lot of warm
honey water to soothe my sore throat and build my immunity. Needless to say, the effect was instant and positive. Otherwise, too, I have been mixing honey in my salad dressing, and the result has been fantastic. Never has my salad tasted so good. Now I have made it a habit to drink lemon water mixed with honey every morning as it aids in weight loss,” says Suman Prabhakar, a therapist and healer based in Bangalore.
When I was a young child, I used to often fall and get hurt in the nearby park. I would howl and howl till somebody hugged me and gave me a spoonful of honey. I would immediately become quiet and then go back to playing. Whether this was psychological or scientific, I do not know, but honey is always a part of my kitchen as part of our natural first aid because of this memory. My husband too believes in its powers, and the first thing we have in the morning is warm water with honey and lime. When my children asked us the reason for this habit, I started reading about honey and found its many proven benefits.
Honey has been used in multiple ways for a long time and has a variety of health benefits and medical uses apart from being highly nutritive. It’s even used in hospitals as a treatment for wounds. Many of these benefits are found only with raw or natural honey.
Benefits of honey
that cause ageing and some diseases.
• Is antibacterial and antifungal: Honey has the power to kill unwanted bacteria and
Natural contains an array of plant chemicals which are antioxidants. They help us protect our body from cell damage due to free radicals
antiseptic.
• Heals wounds: It is often used to treat wounds as it is an effective germ killer and also aids in tissue regeneration.
• Is a powerhouse of phytonutrients: These are compounds that help protect the plant from harm. Phytonutrients found in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. This is the reason raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits, as per researchers.
• Helps in digestive issues: Honey has proven to be effective as a treatment for a particular bacteria known to be a common cause of stomach ulcers. It is a good probiotic which nourishes good bacteria in the gut that are crucial not only for digestion but also for overall health.
• Heals sore throats: Honey is an old sore throat remedy that is usually used with tea and lime water.
Colours and flavours of honey
Since honey is mixed with artificial products often nowadays, we are highlighting how to recognise good honey and use it effectively. Honey comes in many colours, flavours, and fragrances each having their own advantages in health and nutrition. However in the masses a myth is prevalent that real honey is dark reddish-brown in colour, maintains its texture throughout the seasons and does not crystallise overtime. This makes people often discard raw honey and pay more to purchase adulterated honey, which tastes and looks the same throughout the year. Essentially, honey could be raw or processed. Even in natural or raw
• Has many antioxidants:
honey
Superfood 41


honey, there are several varieties, depending on its composition, source, colour, processing methods, and therapeutic applications. The percentage of fructose and glucose, and the amount and type of amino acids and organic acids vary by floral source, which, in turn, determine the flavour and colour of the honey. For example, honey collected from mustard flowers would be light in colour, almost white or light yellow, whereas those collected from neem (margosa) or jamun (black plum) blooms would be mostly dark in colour.
Lastly it is natural for raw honey to get crystallised with time. This does not alter its quality, other than its colour or texture. Essentially it is a hallmark of the honey being pure.
The following varieties of honey are indigenous to India:
• Eucalyptus honey: Usually dark in colour, eucalyptus honey is 100 per cent natural, unprocessed floral honey. It is rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties, and provides relief in respiratory tract infections.
• Ajwain honey: Ajwain honey is made out of nectar collected from ajwain (carom seeds) and looks chocolate brown. It reduces acidity, acid reflux, and indigestion; helps lower the risk of heart disease; boosts the immune system; and promotes overall good health
• Lychee honey: Plucked from the lychee tree flowers, lychee honey is sweet and mostly carries a golden yellow hue. It plays an important role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent; lowers blood pressure; optimises metabolism; is excellent for growing kids and ladies;
boosts weight loss; and strengthens bones.
• Sunflower honey: Made out of the nectar of sunflowers, it has a bright lemon-yellow colour. It plays an important role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agent; is good for stomach-intestine conditions and lung and kidney diseases; and is also beneficial for the heart and blood vessels, especially for those who have poor circulation in the hands and feet.
• Neem Jamun honey: Almost black, the iron content in this honey purifies blood, thereby keeping our skin healthy. It is effective in treating digestive disorders; is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium, and Vitamin C; increases one’s haemoglobin count; and cures spongy gums and bad breath.
• Kikar honey: The colour of Kikar (acacia) honey can vary from white, yellow, and orange, to toffee. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, is rich in antioxidants and antibiotic content, and benefits children as it helps in enhancing memory.
• Tulsi honey: It is cultivated from the queen of herbs, tulsi (holy basil). The rich appeal and the dark colour of the honey symbolise its purity and rawness. Tulsi honey helps reduce stress and anxiety; cures cold and cough; has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti- inflammatory properties; and is rich in antioxidants.
Generally, the darker coloured ones are sweeter, while the lighter coloured ones are mild. Essentially, all natural honey is good for health.
The modern beehive experts
There are many who have recognised the
42 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022


strength of pure natural honey and we introduce them to you.
Ramya Sundaram from Bangalore and Mithun Stephen from Chennai were on a trek in Dandeli, Karnataka, when they met a honey- gathering tribe. They tasted honey from the forest for the first time and realised that real honey is very different from supermarket honey. They launched a company, honeyandspice. in, in the year 2015, recognising a shortage of real honey in the market, which is unblended, unprocessed, and raw. Now they sell more than 15 varieties of authentic unprocessed honey to customers across India.
“Our initial investments came from our family and friends like all small businesses. Further, a lot of support came from beekeepers and tribal partners who gave us the right knowledge about real honey. Most importantly, our customers have been supporting us from the beginning,” says Ramya.
Khan Sagir Ahmed Khan and his partner Zahur Ahmed from Ahmedabad wished to provide completely natural honey to all. They realised that as honey is a substance which does not get spoiled, because no microbes can grow in it due to its chemical composition, it does not require any processing or alteration. They formed a company, Bee Natural, which brings only unprocessed honey made by the bees in the beehives to their customers. They sell different flavours, ensuring that all are totally natural.
In Dehradun, Shubhendu and his partners at Uttaransh found out that according to WHO, honey, oils, and dairy products are amongst the most adulterated of all food items in the world. And thus, they found their vocation. Today, under their umbrella, they offer eight variants of raw monofloral honey and cold- pressed oils (using a wooden pestle and mortar setup, just like in the olden days). Their first breakthrough happened when Mr Vir Singh,
Mithun Stephen and Ramya Sundaram
Superfood 43


the current founder of Vana Retreat, an exotic space tucked in the lush green side of Dehradun, allowed them to set up bee colonies in his Vana premises, as part of their campaign, The Bee In Well Being.
Shubhendu says that since, in today’s world, sellers mostly focus on margins, we need to take care of good quality ourselves and make informed purchases. Among many examples, he remembers a woman from Hyderabad who was staying at a homestay in Mussoorie. She had cancer and was undergoing ayurvedic treatment. Luckily, the cook at the homestay was using Uttaransh cold-pressed oil. That woman reached out to them via Instagram and ordered both the oil and honey from them. She has her medicines with their honey and is said to be feeling much better than before. The company has alliances in all A-tier towns and wishes to ensure that people get the benefits of pure honey.
It is always nice if something good for health is also tasty. This is certainly true for honey. Further, in discussions on real and fake products, I believe food takes priority, and we would certainly benefit by ensuring that the food we ingest is authentic. We keep looking
for various kinds of superfoods nowadays. Here, honey, a natural superfood is something we could easily include both in our kitchen and first-aid kit.
Tests for pure honey
•Water Test: In a glass of water, put a spoonful of honey. If the honey dissolves in water, then it’s fake. Natural honey would settle at the bottom of a cup or a glass.
• Vinegar Test: Vinegar can also be used to check this. Mix a few drops of honey into vinegar water to see how it reacts. Pure honey will blend. If the mixture starts to foam, then the honey is fake.
• The Heat Test: Adulterated honey remains unburned. Dip a matchstick in honey and light it. If it does not light up or takes longer to catch the flame, then the honey is not pure.
• Natural test: We can spot the difference naturally too. Pure honey has a unique aroma, and raw honey, when consumed, leaves a tingling feeling in our throat. Further, we must know natural honey is never uniform in all respects like artificial branded honey is made to be.
44 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]


C
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Eighteen years into an adrenaline-filled career in advertising, Suzy quit her job to focus on her passion and spiritual calling to help heal the personal and collective consciousness. Soon after, she encountered a terrible car crash that caused her near death experience, further accelerating this deep desire. As a therapist and healer, Suzy has extensive clinical
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Angels Speak is the irst Indian Oracle book of divine messages, A afirmations and ifteen Archangels channeled illustrations, all infused
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is an insight. Before the insight is a seeking. Beyond the seeking is a struggle. But in the deep dark origins of human pain, perhaps an illness, a helplessness, a self-destructive
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sister bk shivani RajyogaMeditationteacherandpresenter of the television programme, Awakening with Brahmakumaris
Suma’s columns are a seeker’s personal diary. The lofty becomes routine. The universal becomes particular. The in nite comes home. Jargon dissolves and a very lived wisdom emerges.
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FOOD
The science of eating right
We can benefit from Naini Setalvad’s weight-loss journey and ensure that ours is a smooth ride
46 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022


I speak from experience when I say that the beginning of a health journey can be equally exciting and daunting. My voyage from 160 kg to 60 kg was not devoid of choppy seas, but I sailed through. I had tried multiple diets from my teens to my thirties, but I would always
reach a plateau, which would dishearten me and result in my giving up.
However, at 32, under the right guidance, I hopped on to the fitness train with renewed enthusiasm. This time around, I was more focussed and alert of the traps that would usually bring me down. Having overcome the pain and pitfalls, let me share with you how to identify your own health traps so that you can achieve your wellness goals with ease.
Pecking is for chickens: I can’t stress enough what a grave mistake it is to cut down on your food. Most people who are on weight loss programmes believe that by eating little, they will achieve their goal easily. It is not that simple. As you continue to cut down on your food, your metabolism slows down, making it difficult to lose weight further. This is when you reach that infamous plateau where your weight does not budge. Thus, instead of cutting out food, you must concentrate on increasing your metabolic rate. This can be done by having balanced meals, with appropriate portions of wholegrains, starches, whole pulses, dal, and healthy fats like coconut,
g h e e , and cold-pressed oils.
Do not disregard digestion: This is an area I focus on with all my clients when aiding them with weight loss. Digestion is the root cause of ill health. Many a time, I see people writing off flatulence, constipation, and loose motions as an ‘upset tummy.’ But little do they know that it is their bodies’ way of telling them that all is not well. Did you know that, if ignored, these minor issues can turn into major diseases like abscesses, chronic dehydration, and even cancer!
Fibre first: When on a health trip, everyone is busy counting carbs, protein, and fat, but that’s where they are going wrong. Instead of focussing on calories, focus on consuming enough fibre through fresh fruit and vegetables. Fill your plate with 50 per cent seasonal and local produce to ensure you are forever vitalised,
energised, and glowing.
Food 47


The devil in disguise: There is nothing better in life than being told that something delicious is healthy for you. This is probably why we fall for sugar- free chocolates and health bars. Although they are sugar-free, they will be high on fat to compensate for flavour and have artificial sweeteners that affect gut health. Sticking to fresh, home-cooked meals is the best way to ensure that your
ingredients are unadulterated.
Season with salt: I have often seen that people who are on ‘healthy diets’ forget to keep a check on this essential multi-mineral—salt. When one consumes fresh fruit and vegetables, there is a rise in potassium levels, which results in a drop in sodium levels. This can lead to a dip in energy levels, headache, and exhaustion.
Vitamin check: Today, the world has woken up to plant-based and vegan diets. Not only are these great for health but also beneficial for the environment. However, one must tread with caution. Many a time, we forget that two essential vitamins—B12 and D3—are not in significant quantities in plant-based food. Hence, it is best to get your levels tested and supplement under medical
guidance if they are low.
Health starts with hydration: One of the common concerns faced by many when eating healthy is a feeling of hunger even when full. If you are eating all the food groups in balance, along with plenty of vegetables, then this can be attributed to poor hydration. Drinking at least 2–3 litres of water throughout the day is advisable.
Pay heed to my suggestions and be ready to transform into a healthier, fitter, and energised version of you!
48 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022


Recipe
Do try out this fibre-filled and probiotic-packed recipe given below.
Moong Dal Dhokla
Ingredients:
500 gm split green gram (moong dal) 1 kg bottle gourd
1 bunch spinach
1 bunch coriander
3 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp asafoetida (hing)
3 tsp green chilli paste
1 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
5 tsp oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt to taste
Method:
Soak the split green moong dal for 10 hours. Grind it to a smooth paste in a grinder. Grate the bottle gourd.
Chop the coriander and spinach finely.
Add ginger, chilli paste, salt, and asafoetida to the above batter.
Pour into steel plates and steam for 20 minutes. Heat oil in a wok.
Add mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle. Immediately add them to the dhoklas.
Garnish with lemon juice. Serve with green chutney.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
Food 49


SPIRIT
The crucible of acceptance
Acceptance dissolves the mind-stuff and infuses you with peace, says Suma Varughese
T hirty years ago, shortly after a spiritual awakening, my inner guide gave me the tools for transformation—awareness and acceptance. A constant awareness of one’s inner state and the acceptance of all that awareness
threw up.
My inner guide, of course, did not tell me it would take me 30 years to get anywhere close to it. But today, as I am learning to expand to accommodate all thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and to stay with them long enough to take them deep within, I am grateful that I stayed the course.
Although gurus make it seem a piece of cake (and maybe it was for them), the journey, at least for me, has been gruelling. To be aware calls for a high level of consciousness, and that is never easy when one is battling a garrison of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. As long as I can remember, my inner space was a Kurukshetra where mighty wars were waged between what I was showing up to be, what I wanted to be, and what I thought others expected me to be. A blanket resistance to all that showed up in my mind space was my default state.
enough to contain it. Strength is crucial in this journey, for it is unbelievably hard to rise above grief, anger, or resentment. Fear has been my biggest deterrent on this journey. I have always been subject to fear, but it was amplified by several notches when the contents of my consciousness rose into my awareness, without my having the tools with which to dissolve them. It was gruelling to become aware of low self-control or self-respect, without knowing how to repair them. And it made me more and more anxious and fearful.
As for physical pain, I still have not tested myself much in this zone, but it is no picnic to rise above stomach discomfort or respiratory issues. The mind insists on moaning and groaning about it. I shudder to think of grappling with the really serious pain wrought by a fracture or even arthritis.
What I find is that as strength increases, the capacity to accept grows. You may feel affronted when someone has been rude to you, but you are able to contain that emotion and have it dissolve into peace. Or even if the sight of your favourite actor triggers off a riot of thoughts and pleasurable sensations, you can tame them in time to something resembling silence. The more one is able to
hold of others. The other has never been the problem. The problem has always been the discomfort with the thoughts and feelings brought up by the other’s words or actions. Accept the discomfort, and your problem with the other melts away.
All said and done, though, it is never easy to accept. The entrenched habit of resistance always comes up first, and it is a conscious effort to move into acceptance instead.
However, even the limited extent to which I succeed tells me every day how blessed such a state is. Thoughts come and dissolve into silence; feelings come and dissolve into peace; contentious physical conditions shift and change when placed in the crucible of acceptance. Instead of mutinous and reactive thoughts based on what the other did or said, there is a serene acceptance and a newfound capacity to embrace the other and deal with them gently, lovingly, and peacefully.
Suma Varughese is a thinker, writer, and former Editor-in- Chief of Life Positive. She also holds writer’s workshops. Write to her at sumavarughese@ hotmail.com.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at [email protected]
It has taken me a very long time
to climb out of the hold of the
mind-stuff and become expansive accept, the freer you are of the
50 LifePositive | FEBRUARY 2022