Ashoka Newmedia

ng back on Thai history, we see clearly the close relationship between Buddhism and the Thai nation. The history of the Thai nation is also the history of Buddhism. The Thai nation originated over 2,000 years ago. Also in that same period Buddhism came and has played an important part in the Thai history ever since. The Thai nation settled firmly in present-day Thailand 700 years ago. Also seven centuries ago it adopted the present form of Buddhism. Buddhism is still the state religion of Thailand. Under the Constitution, the King, as a symbol of the nation, although protector of all religions, must be a Buddhist. According to the latest census, the total population of Thailand is 48[..]

Yoga is an ancient practice that is alive and well today. With forms like Bikram Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga you can learn an old time secret that has been used for ages which can help deliver you from the stresses of modern life better than any science can afford you. There are many people who simply think that Yoga is a synonym for Hinduism but then nothing can be further from the truth because Yoga is actually much older than Hinduism the religion. It may be a little hard to trace the exact origins of Yoga, since there are numerous theories regarding it but it is estimated to be over 5000 years since it begun being practiced. From the time it was first practiced from as early as 3000BC, it[..]

Hinduism is more than an outer religion of certain rituals and formalities. Hinduism is in fact a way of life; a spiritual code. This spiritual code or Dharma is at the heart of Hinduism and governs the moral and spiritual practices of its believers. Through the practise of Yoga proscribed in Hindu scripture adherents can seek to attain union with God. As Sri Chinmoy writes: "Know Thyself." This is what Hinduism stands for. This is the quintessence of Hinduism" As well as stressing the need for self-discovery, another notable feature of Hinduism is its tolerance. This is tolerance of other religions, other cultures and other spiritual paths. Inevitably certain fanatics have ignored this[..]

India - Indian hair is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. It is fine in texture and comes with a natural body wave that is the perfect texture for most people. Indian hair can also be purchased with a strong natural curl which is full of volume. A large percentage of highest quality hair extensions sold today are from India. Do you wonder how so much hair can come from India? Do people just sell their hair or is it taken from dead people? The answer is no! India is a country with a large religious population of Hindus. Hinduism is a religion consisting of many customs and beliefs. One such belief in Hinduism is sacrificing ones hair in the name of god. This is an[..]

p>Women in Hinduism have a rich past. In ancient India, women were treated equal to men and in fact they were considered superior to men in many aspects. It is indeed remarkable to note that the word for strength, virility and power in Hindu culture is represented by the feminine "Shakti". Shakti is the all prevailing universal manifestation of the feminine and she is worshiped as the goddess of strength, valour and power in Hinduism. All male power is said to be derived from this universal power and strength of the feminine principle. As per Hindu Mythology and literature kings and towns were completely destroyed because a single woman was wronged by the state or the people in power.[..]

As far as the history of India is concerned, it traces its origins to Indus valley civilization. These civilizations spread and developed in the sites, which are now known as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Lothal. This was followed by the arrival of Aryans and scholars usually classify these periods as the Pre Vedic and Vedic periods. In the Vedic era Hinduism cam in to being which it self was largely influenced from the Indus valley civilization. Near about in the 4th century BC, the entire subcontinent was brought together and unified by the Mauryans. This period saw India being ruled by Ashoka the great, who later on converted in to Buddhism. It is under him that Buddhism propagated to the[..]

Of the theologies in the world, some change with time and are often further developed; many stay fairly constant and keep their original beliefs with them. One like this is Hinduism. An ancient religion formed centuries ago in India and Asia, Hinduism is a complex belief that is based on the spirit and mind, and also on the idea of reincarnation. With many rituals and festivals, Hinduism is a very active religion that requires a firm faith. In it is the idea of multiple gods, yet all of these are in turn forms of the one true deity, God. This religion also consists of many sacred writings that seem to incorporate mythological stories. Hinduism is a unique religion that focuses on a much[..]

Hindus are concentrated in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and these places have been the hot spot of this culture since time immemorial. Unlike other religions, Hinduism does not recognize a single prophet and has multitude of gods and goddesses, mythologically numbering at around 30 millions! Such a figure is given in mythology by people of wisdom who have included all such perceptible forms as things of worship, so that man can see god in them and respect the existence of such all forms (plant, animal, stone, sky, stars, soil, water, rain, fellow human being, etc. While failing to appreciate such deep meaning of the practices and beliefs, few people from within and outside have started[..]

Have you ever taught a class of ESL/EFL students who worship their dictionaries? Or had one of those days when the beeping sound of an electronic dictionary steals classroom attention for that one crucial moment during the lesson? To make matters worse, some of these dictionaries have ring tones and other unnecessary sound effects that amplify the distractions. From the Students' perspective In countries like China and Japan where electronic dictionaries are increasingly popular among EFL students, a teacher soon notices that intermediate level English students quickly head for their dictionaries every time they come across new vocabulary. This is understandable because at the[..]

Religion is systematized religious experience and this experience depends on temperament. It is one of the Hindus' many merits that they recognize this. Some people ask of religion forgiveness for their sins, others communion with the divine: most want health and wealth, many crave for an explanation of life and death. Indian religion accommodates itself to these various needs. Nothing is more surprising than the variety of its phases except the underlying unity. This power of varying in sympathetic response to the needs of many minds and growing in harmony with the outlook of successive ages, is a contrast to the pretended orthodoxy of Western Churches, for in view of their differences[..]

Anger arises when we have a different point of view as compared with the other people who are dealing in our life, and it is the only thing from which everyone wants to get rid and want to get there life free from it. Every sincere seeker wants to get rid of anger and reach a state of perfection, but is often swept by his or her emotions. What can you do when anger rises in you? You may remind yourself a hundred times that you shouldn't get angry, but when it comes, you are unable to control it. Emotions are much more powerful than your thoughts and the promises you make. Anger is a distortion of our true nature. We call it a distortion because it doesn't allow the self to shine forth[..]

Cognitive behavioral therapy is without a doubt the most widely studied psychotherapy in the world, and in some cases it is possible to study it online, over a 6-month to 2 year training program. Other students, who have completed a course in cognitive behavioral therapy training, have stated high levels of satisfaction with the training, and the subsequent use of CBT interventions. From recent studies it would seem that more than 90% of all CBT students attained at least an adequate level of skills. Being that the areas of treatment can assist so many people in so many different situations, like self-esteem issues, bipolar, and relationship counseling, there is going to be a need for[..]

Based on the premise that depression is experienced due to negative information being processed by the brain, and harboring dysfunctional beliefs, cognitive therapy is an active, structured and problem focused approach to treatment. It is designed to assist patients to learn to think more positively and to allow them to experience vast improvements in their motivation and behavior. Practiced as long ago as the 1960's cognitive therapy for depression has been studied by many professionals since this time, and it is still considered a very effective way to tackle the job of re-educating patients with depression, to live a much happier and productive life. In general terms the treatment[..]

Nirvana in Buddhism is the supreme state of Buddha Nature that is free from Samsara and suffering. Once this state is attained and contained all karmic imprints are stopped and one is released from the cycle of reincarnation. While Nirvana is often used in the East, freedom from suffering can also be explained through non-attachment and this form of Buddha nirvana is also referred to as "Enlightenment." So, how do you reach Nirvana or enlightenment? In Buddhism, enlightenment can be explained as the liberation from our thoughts. Instead of being our thoughts, we shift perspective to watching our thoughts-we are observing our thoughts without identifying with our thoughts. This is the[..]

"We begin from the recognition that all beings cherish happiness and do not want suffering. It then becomes both morally wrong and pragmatically unwise to pursue only one's own happiness oblivious to the feelings and aspirations of all others who surround us as members of the same human family. "The wiser course is to think of others when pursuing our own happiness." Dalai Lama : The current Dalai Lama, 14th Dalai Lama Source: Tibetan Lamaism. Regarded as vice-regent of the Buddha & the reincarnation of the previous Lama. The practice of Mahayana Yoga is not about the elimination of problems, but rather, to enable you to use the problems you experience to train the mind to welcome[..]

For centuries Tibetans have believed that one breed of dog, the Tibetan Mastiff, is sacred. Tibetan Mastiffs have large heads and long hair.. Their large bodies give them the appearance of a lion. The Tibetan Mastiff is the most dangerous and aggressive dog in the world. The Tibetan people were nomadic for centuries, and dogs play an important part in nomadic societies. Dogs guard the animal herds and guard private property, and also predict earthquakes and avalanches. Tibetans also believe that the Mastiff carried Buddha to reincarnation. The Tibetan Mastiff is known for its loyalty, large body, and aggressive personality. But the Mastiff was not born aggressive. When baby Mastiffs[..]

HONG KONG The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is multifaceted with its Cantonese and British influences that undeniably create appeal to both Easter and Western audiences. Upon first impression, Hong Kong dares not intimidate with a travel scene that can't be more welcoming, despite its strict organization. The blinding neon signs, the deafening calls of vendors, or the seductive gastronomic aromas, what better and more convenient invitation could there be. Hong Kong has a worldwide repute of being a shopper's haven with streets teeming of shoppers daily who are there for one and one reason only-the bargains. The odd smells of grilled unusual[..]

Life today is very exciting. With all the technological advances our society makes everyday to keep up distracted and having fun in our own little worlds, there are other basic joys and insights in this life as well. While are all pretty busy human beings, indulging in all of life's exhausting tasks and hobbies, we need a rest from to time. Our spirits get worn out and we crave a deeper way of releasing the stress from our bodies. There are different ways of going about defining exactly what meditation is, because while it has simple and basic principles, it is not an easy thing to master doing. It is something that is better experienced rather than read about our taught by someone else[..]

One of the biggest obstacles when it comes to the area of self help, achievement and motivation is learning and being able to control your emotions at any given point in time. Once you really master controlling your emotions it will no longer depend on what mood you are in, if you had a good day, if people were nice to you etc. Emotional control doesn't mean that external circumstances wont phase you, it just means that once they do actually happen you are the one controlling the meaning of that given circumstance. It also means that you will have no problem moving on with the task at hand without getting sidetracked because your emotions started telling you a lot of confusing things.[..]

Detoxification is a process and can be a gentle cleansing ora more rigorous therapy, where many foods are completelyavoided over a long period of time. The detoxifying program you would choose would depend for themost part on the condition of your elimination system and yourove-rall health. Bananas: All That Potassium And Carmen Miranda Too! "�We have old-fashioned tomahto, Long Island potahto, but Yes, we have no bananas. We have no bananas today.."- Folk song by Frank Silver and Irving Cohen (1923) Whether you are off to Rio following the colorful trail of Carmen Miranda�s fruit-filled hat or seated on your couch contemplating the universe, the banana can always come along[..]

Especially in the western world millions of people of average intelligence and education started with nothing and were able to create successful lives. In terms of success, background and education are not deciding factors. Your ability to continuously focus your mind on positive thoughts, however, is the key factor for success. By positive thoughts we mean a focus on what you’d like to achieve rather than what you can’t see or don’t have in your life. There are several powerful techniques that you can use immediately as you embark on your journey of having positive thinking patterns guide you to whatever it is you want to achieve. The effectiveness of these techniques depends on[..]

Medisuggestion – The Efficient Combination of Meditation and Autosuggestion For those who know how to us them, meditation and autosuggestion are efficient tools for influencing the mind and body.  They are comprised of various techniques that impact the subconscious and which partially overlap.  This article shall analyze the option of combining the two methods in a manner that will enable harnessing the advantages of each method.  This option will be referred to below as medisuggestion. Meditation vs. Autosuggestion The main objective of meditation is soothing the soul.  This objective is achieved through relaxation, closed eyes, regulated breathing, an attempt to detach oneself[..]

This term, in the main, identifies, and is one and the same with, Christian Zionism (q.v.) and its branches such as Dispensationalism (q.v.), Hyper-dispensationalism (q.v.) and Pre-millennialism (q.v.). Dr. Alva J. McClain, founder of Grace Theological Seminary, in his book entitled The Greatness of the Kingdom, attempted to dismiss the condemnation of the Orthodox label Materialistic Theology by citing the instance of a young, loud-mouthed, over-fed preacher who de­clared crudely, "The Kingdom of God is a spiritual matter; the Kingdom of God has already been established within you. Don't you gentlemen know that the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteous­ness[..]

Renunciation - What is it? What does this word mean? What is the greatness of this word, when it means we have to loose some thing for the sake of others. What is the greatness in leaving or loosing some thing that we want or that we desire! What is the greatness of this word, when it means that we should not have desires or aspirations. What is the greatness of this word which means that we should live without emotions or temperaments or possessions. My dear friend! The word Renunciation is really a great word. That word is absolutely great, That word is absolute reality and which leads to reality. I know how great it is and how sweet it is, I know how powerful it is and how happy it[..]

The constitutional doctrine of separation of church and state, sends up a red flag in the minds of legal writers who try to analyze America's present state bar association crisis against the background of prophecy, scripture or religious teachings. We were taught in law school they simply don't mix. Nevertheless, events rapidly unfolding in California and other states suggest much insight can be gained from such inquiry. The speed at which online information is now communicated and processed, indicates that lawyers from all religious persuasions, and even none at all, are finding it beneficial to expand their awareness by thinking outside the box. Still, prophecy challenges us to[..]

p>A Baptist preacher, who is a great guy and good friend of mine, said to me, "Mike, I don't understand it. You people in the Churches of Christ only take collections one time a week; you never preach on giving, you don't pass the collection plate on Wednesday nights, you don't have church fund-raisers, you don't raise money like the rest of us (i.e. bake sales, car-washes, spaghetti dinners, etc.), you don't hold services about raising money, but your members seem to give faithfully and liberally, and you always seem to have all the money you need!" (this man lives and preaches in Nashville, TN). My reply was simple. I said, "W don't tithe - we just follow the New Testament pattern!" In[..]

The great arguments among the Christians and the Mormons is that the Mormons will not accept the Christian creeds. The belief here is that the very same reasons that exclude the Mormons or the Latter Day Saints from Christianity as it is known today also excludes the original Christians of the New Testament.what is the big reference here is to the nicean creed or any other creeds that came after the Bible. As far as using other books beside the Bible an argument of the Mormons are Christians will be quick to point out that the early Christians were not either. They will bring to the point the name of the New Testament itself which indicates that it was a new volume of Scripture. The[..]

Luke 13:1-9 includes a warning from the apostle Paul about becoming overconfident: "Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12, CEV). And this week's Gospel text challenges the notion of false confidence. The text is structured in two parts. The first part (verses 1-5) focuses on repentance and includes two questions posed by Jesus (verses 2, 4); the second part (verses 6-9) calls our attention to God's merciful patience. In the account of the Galileans who perished and those who were killed when a tower collapsed, Jesus teaches that tragedy is not to be interpreted as evidence of sinfulness. Likewise, Jesus cautions those who do not[..]

The Jews have always known the covetous Arabs who occupy Israel are identified as Ishmael, and the Arabs themselves know it - even if it possibly became better known to some in the North and West due to Mohammad's confirmation. Besides, who else fits the biblical profile like the Arabs feuding with the Jews over inheritance? Genesis 15: 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants [through Isaac] I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates: 19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites." Genesis 16:12 He [Ishmael] shall be a[..]

The other day I had an eye opening experience that taught me a very important life lesson, and one that will forever help me understand what Yom Kippur is supposed to mean to me as a Jew. I was leading a program with a group of kids at my school. Someone passed along the message to me that one of the kids was meeting with a teacher, crying because his brothers had just been in a car accident. I was worried. And remorseful... And then I was told who his brothers were. I knew them well. They were a couple of teens who I cared about very deeply. And my stomach began to hurt. My voice started stuttering. I felt myself struggling to hold back tears. For ten minutes I was in the dark, no[..]

The Bible is full of verses telling us what God calls a sin and explaining to us how we are to live our lives. It does a great job of spelling out two different worlds with two different sets of values by which to live by. However, as you well know, the Bible is made up of various books written by various authors. Wouldn't it be nice if the Bible was organized by topic and God spelled out everything through His prophets and apostles? But it is not that way, it is much like a zig-saw puzzle with pieces scattered through out the Bible and written in different ways depending on who wrote it. Now any other book written like this would be very confusing and would never make any sense, but[..]

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. - Matthew 5:5 The word meek is a misunderstood word. In today's culture a meek man would be viewed as someone who let's people walk all over him; someone who doesn't have a lot of drive or vision; someone who just rolls over and takes life's punches. That is far from what Jesus meant when he used this word. The Greek word literally means a person who accepts God's dealings with us as good, and therefore, without disputing or resisting; someone who wholly relies upon God and not their own strength; it is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. To be meek is to be a person who totally depends upon God for everything in[..]

Saint Agatha, is a famous saint of Sicily, proclaimed the patron saint of Catania. The story of her life and martyrdom has been passed down through the centuries, through one occupation after the other, just as the Faith has survived, from one generation to the next, her story on the lips of the natives of this city. Her short life ended cruelly in 251. She is one of the most well-documented Martyrs in the history of the Church, despite the persecution by Diocletian, the Arab invasion, and the suppression of the Christian faith in Sicily. Saint Agatha and Saint Lucy, another Sicilian Saint and Martyr are on the Martyrology calendar. And if you consider the Renaissance period, with all[..]

What we celebrate on Christmas is the coming down of God to earth in the person of Jesus, who was born as an infant in a lowly manger. The creator took a time out from His throne. He came down as a man - thus "God is with us." In other words, with the birth of Jesus God dwelt with us. This is the doctrine of the Incarnation. We, Christians, worship the God of the Jews. This God is known as Yahweh or Jehova. This God is a spirit. Thus Saint John the Evangelist says, those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. St. John wrote his evangel for the Greek speaking world. At the time Jesus was born, Greek was the lingua franca of the world. Rome was the empire that ruled the[..]

LDS art has many themes: church history, paintings of christ, temples and others. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also have been know to place other types of artwork in their homes. You will find the usual flowers and abstract arts. Who could forget the purple plastic grapes that Relief Societies all over Utah created back in the 1970s? Members of the Church usually like to have a purpose in the art they display. The most famous piece of LDS artwork with a non-LDS theme is that of George Washington's "Prayer at Valley Forge" by Arnold Friberg. This painting shows George Washington kneeling on the ground next to his horse in mighty prayer. Members of the church[..]

You have probably seen tugboats moving ships and barges in New York harbor. Tugboats are the most needed of all workboats in every busy harbor. You see, they are designed to "tug" large ships or barges where precise, careful, slow, movement is essential. When an ocean liner enters a port like New York Harbor, with its narrow channel and lots of water traffic, the liner will need a tugboat to come alongside and help to nudge her gently toward the pier so the ship can tie up and the passengers and cargo can go safely ashore. Generally speaking, modern tugboats are small but they have extremely powerful engines and huge propellers. In addition, they always have a captain and crew with many[..]