India Blog

An election day is the most important day in the life of a democratic nation. It usually comes once in five years. People get an opportunity to elect new representatives if they are not satisfied with the performance of the sitting candidates.

I had the good luck to witness India’s ninth general elections. Our area had to elect one representative for the Lok Sabha and one for the state assembly. But there were in all seven candidates in the fray for one Lok Sabha seat and ten for the lone assembly seat.

Distribution of leaflets, appeal from blaring loudspeakers on the moving cars and jeeps, posters and banners, processions and meetings were the usual modes of canvassing. In the last few days there was door-to-door canvassing also. Representatives went from door to door and solicited votes* Sometimes, there were clashes between the supporters of rival candidates and the police had to intervene to restore peace.

The canvassing stopped 48 hours before the election day. Peace was restored. At last the much awaited election day dawned. Voting started at eight in the morning. There were long queues of voters at all polling booths. Voters went in the booth by turn. Each had his name in the electoral roll ticked. His left-hand finger was marked with indelible ink and he was given the two ballot-papers-one for the Lok Sabha seat and the other for the assembly seat. Names of all the candidates along with their election symbols were printed on the ballot papers. The voter went to a secluded corner, stamped the symbol of the candidate of his choice, folded the ballot-paper and dropped it in the sealed ballot box. There were two boxes - one for the Lok Sabha seat and the other for the assembly seat. Voting slowed down after eleven, but picked up speed after four. As the closing time neared, people rushed to the polling booths to exercise their voting rights. There were all types of voters-men and women, young and old, the disabled and the sick. An old man was brought on a stretcher to enable him to caste his vote. India is proud of such politically conscious voters who help to keep the democracy alive.

Polling stopped sharp at the stroke of six. An exciting day was over at last. Now began the guess and expectations and waiting for the results.

Thousands of miles from America, in the small village of Belur Karnataka, India, a poor Brahmin child who suffered from malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and malnutrition found the key to enlightenment and healing. It is the ultimate miracle of mind-over-matter, as spiritual teachings cured this young lad, who was then quick to pass on his new knowledge. After publishing several books, Belur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar brought his 3,000 year old spiritual practice to the West with Iyengar yoga, a distinct style based upon posturing and contemplating.

Spiritually, Iyengar yoga is based upon Patanjali’s eight limbs of raja yoga. The first is Yama, meaning physically and mentally abstaining from the following five things: violence toward others and oneself, from coveting others’ belongings, from sexual intercourse, from attachment to possessions and anything that is untrue. The second limb is called Niyama, referring to the five observances: cleanliness of body and mind, satisfaction with what one has, penance and mental control, introspection and surrender to God. Asana refers to posture and position (ideally an erect stance with relaxed muscles) and Pranayama is the directed control of one’s breath, which is so vital to successful yoga practice. Pratayahara calls for the quieting of senses connected with the outer world. Only then will Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (oneness with the Supreme Being) naturally follow.

A typical Iyengar yoga lesson will cover up to 200 posture positions and 14 breathing techniques. Certified instructors pace around the room, assisting students with these techniques and sharing various props, including: buckles, straps, benches, chairs, blocks and even sandbags. This form of yoga is often used for physical healing, as the movements are minimal and the props take much of the strain off the body. Beginners also like this style because they receive individualized assistance and with the mastery of these positions, it will help them in other yoga classes. 

Iyengar yoga has spread like wildfire in the United States, with hundreds of teachers. Major branches of the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States are located in California, Colorado, Washington, New York, Nevada, Texas, Michigan and Minnesota. To find classes near you, check out Iynaus.org as a starting point toward enlightenment and happiness.

There are many different forms of Yoga that people around the world practice. Some use it primarily for its low-impact workout whereas others love the feel of meditation and concentration required in some of the many poses. Yoga is a great way for those suffering from injury or unused to a cardiovascular workout to begin their path to becoming physically and mentally fit. Exercise is an important part of our daily lives and the added benefit of learning relaxation techniques is enough to entice anyone onto a mat. Find your relaxation and work out by clicking here for more information: Yoga Pants and at Tantric Yoga also at Yoga Pants

Some people believe that psychic healers have a “sixth sense” or special powers passed down through their bloodlines. Others believe tarot card readers are just a little more intuitive than most people, able to see “auras” or receive impulses about a complete stranger. Many of us are skeptics who are simply curious as to what tarot card readings could do for us. After all, as the popular adage says, “Don’t knock it ’til you try it!” No matter the back-story, a psychic card reading has more power than you might think.

So, what’s the fascination behind live tarot cards? Are people losing faith, looking for answers, or just plain curious? “People come by because they are looking for some kind of direction,” said Dawna SuMaria, one of the more experienced tarot card readers at the Hawaiian Islands’ 12th annual Psychic Faire in Lihu’e. For her 49 years of practice, Miss SuMaria charges $25 for fifteen minutes and aims to help people focus and reflect on their self growth. Another who does tarot card readings, Erik Taylor, said that self-actualization is a big part of his readings as well. “It’s about helping people get through their everyday things and be the best possible person they can be,” Taylor said. Like a mirror, he reflects back to them so they “see the scene as it really is.” The Psychic Faire is just one of many spiritual events happening this year.

In Shoreditch, London, a fundraising cocktail event for the Terrence Higgins Trust featured tarot card readings and relaxing massages, raising £35,000 in the end. A group called “Posh Milwaukee” hosts “selfless spoiling” fundraising events featuring massage therapists, tarot card readings, bottomless champagne and music at The Moct in Wisconsin, which has garnered much praise. In Haverhill, Massachusetts, you can find tarot card readers at the Winnekenni Castle for “Psychic Nights” offering 15 minutes of spiritual guidance for $20. All summer long, the Lilydale Spiritualist community on Cassadaga Lake features special events with clairvoyants, tarot readers, psychics and spiritual healers. In Etobicoke, Canada, tarot card readers are lending their ability to a good cause. The Women’s Habitat hosted their third annual Girls Night Out Fundraiser June 5th, which featured dinner, tarot card readings, zumba dancing and a silent auction. Port Richey, Florida held its first-ever Metaphysical Fair this year, featuring $15 psychic readings. The lines were longest for the dozen tarot card readers, festival organizers say. Adding tarot cards reading to the itinerary is a powerful draw for people who need an excuse to try it, they added.

The rising popularity of tarot card readings tells us a few things about our collective consciousness. One is that people are more open-minded and actively seeking answers. Generally, we do not believe that help can only be found in traditional means. (This idea is also demonstrated by the rise in Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics and schools within the United States that use massage and acupuncture to treat long-term diseases.) Another thing we learn from the popularity of the tarot cards is that the power of suggestion and the power of one’s own mind is a powerful thing; one that more people express an interest in studying. What better way than to take time out for reflection, introspection and meditation? You can learn how to read tarot cards as a way of sorting through the chaotic matrix that is your life.

Looking at the daily horoscope has become routine for many people. They use their horoscopes to make major decisions in their lives. There is a problem with this logic. Often horoscopes are too vague to do anyone any good. There is an answer that means a more personalized conjecture about your past, present and future. That answer is in tarot cards. These cards can be easy to learn and you can have a deck right in the comfort of your own home. There is no need to consult a psychic to get a reading.

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