Horoscopes-2016

New Year 2016 and The 12 Signs

1. Aries: March 21- April 19

The ruler of the sign Mars helps you in various activities of your life in the year 2016.

Jupiter helps in your job and your conditions will improve. Good year for love and marriages.

Saturn helps in your elevation and perfection.

2. Taurus: April 20- May 20

The beautiful Venus and the Lord of your sign helps to tide over troubles.

Jupiter in the sign Virgo brings health, wealth and happiness.

Saturn in Sagittarius consolidates your position.  If you work hard then you will reap all good results.

3. Gemini: May 21- June 20

Mercury the ruler of your sign Gemini gives you good communicative abilities, it is better to associate your self with good people to overcome the troubles.

Jupiter helps you in the home front & take the advantage to have success in your other activities.

Saturn always indicates to work hard and do your work with sincerity.

4. Cancer: June 21- July 21

Try to improve every positive aspect of your life.  Remember failures are the stepping stones to success.  Try, try again till success.

Jupiter indicates good events, watch carefully and don't miss good opportunities.

Saturn tries to improve you and be prepared to improve your self for a higher step either at home or at work place.

5. Leo: July 22- August 22

Love, love, love, .... remember you will achieve anything you desire or else be prepared to lose every thing.  The planetary king the Sun gives the determination etc., provided you think of him and the Sun throws light on the path.

Jupiter in Virgo helps you and give and take help from others.

Saturn gives a boost professionally and try to learn new skills.

6. Virgo: August 23- September 22

Excellent.  Jupiter the biggest planet is in Virgo.  He teaches every thing and showers his grace this year.  This may be one of the eventful years of this decade.  An unexpected foreign trip is indicated to some of the Virgos.

Mercury gives the intellect to understand and act prudently.

Saturn give the strength and stamina to work systematically for success.

7. Libra: September 23- October 22

Jupiter helps you personally and professionally during his stay in Virgo and  Libra.

Venus the Lord of Libra helps and aids along with Jupiter to give something new in your life.

Saturn may help financially and professionally and favors you if your try to balance properly your actions and reactions.

8. Scorpio: October 23- November 21

Mars the sign ruler give you a sudden vision and ability to deal carefully.  Think peacefully and the answers will be ready for you sooner or later.

Jupiter indicates gains and wisdom during this year and be careful to catch the ball for success.

Saturn relaxes you this year and you may breathe fresh air of confidence and improvement over the previous years.

9. Sagittarius: November 22- December 21

Good years ahead.  Jupiter helps to achieve success and other planets also help you to achieve your goals.

Saturn in your own sign may confuse you, think twice in your dealings to achieve success. Learn from your  past experience.

10. Capricorn: December 22- January 19

Saturn your ruler of the sign is in the XII sign.  You may experience new things and don't leave the past & take it as a guide for a fuller life expression.  Some times we have to wait till our turn comes.  Wait patiently.

Jupiter indicates new life style, new profession, new skills etc.,  Think carefully and try to be practical in every activity and the ball will be in your court.

11. Aquarius: January 20- February 18

The Aquarians as a rule are good givers.  If you are happy try to do more good.  If you are unhappy don't get discouraged. Think it as a testing time.  You may get a bounty for your patience.  You will always receive what is due to you.  Try to learn and re-learn to earn.

Uranus and Saturn both rule your sign.  In general they will try to do some thing positive. 

Jupiter the beneficiary makes life easy like  an engine and its turbo.  He gives unexpected results.

12. Pieces: February 19- March 20

You may expect more good compared to the previous year.  

Saturn in the tenth house along with Jupiter gives good results.  You may expect professional success and in the sphere of your activity.  You will receive the "Victory Cup" and will store the sweet memories for the future years to come.

Wish you Happy New Year 2016

Boxing Day

Does Boxing Day Have Anything to Do with Boxing?

December 26, 2015 by: Dictionary.com

In the US, the word boxing usually refers to two athletes stepping into a padded ring, each having the intention of knocking the other off his feet.

Also in the US, the holiday known as Boxing Day is generally obscure. In Britain, the celebration is ubiquitous. Let’s spend a minute with the origin of the box in the pugilistic sense of boxing. The brutal sport most likely gets its name from the Germanic word boke, “a blow.” Rest assured that the day after Christmas has nothing to do with bopping friends and family on the head.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Boxing Day has been associated with the tradition of bestowing gifts upon employees or those in need.

There are different folk etymologies regarding how Boxing Day got its name. A common version centers on the Christmas box, or a clay box that was once commonly found in artisan shops in England. Donations to workers would be placed inside. After Christmas, the box would be broken. The workers in the shop would divvy up the contents.

In a similar tradition, churches would collect donations in a designated box. The charity would then be distributed to the less fortunate.

In modern times, Boxing Day in some places has actually become associated with sporting events. For example, in some of the African Commonwealth nations, prize-fighting contests are held on Boxing Day. The day has gained commercial associations, similar to Black Friday.

Dasa Avatar (10 Incarnations)- Lord Vishnu

1. Matsya Avatar:

In this first incarnation Lord Vishnu saved Vedas.  Worshipping Sri Matsya Narayana gives focussed attention and knowledge of the World and the Absolute.

2. Kurma Avatar:

Lord Vishnu in this second incarnation as Sri Kurma (Tortoise) carried mountain Mandara on his back.  This helped Gods and Demons to chrun the ocean in the process of getting Amrut (the divine nectar).  In this same avatar he with his divine maya became Mohini, a beautiful divine woman to deceive the evil forces and to give the Amrut (divine nectar) to the Gods. Worshipping Sri Kurma Narayana gives grace of Lord Vishnu to over come the troubles and gives positive thinking. 

3. Varaha Avatar:

Lord Vishnu became a great divine boar and saved the mother Earth from a powerful demon Hiranya-aksha.  Worship of Sri Varaha Narayana helps to rise above the daily problems and removes bad karma of the past lives and the present life.

4. Narasimha Avatar:

This is the avatar of the Lord Vishnu as  Lion headed and with human torso.  The Lord as Nrusimha has many forms to relieve his devotees from various types of troubles either mental or physical. Indirectly the Lord saved his great devotee Prahlada from different types of troubles.   After taking his birth from a pillar the Lord  killed a great demon Hiranyaka-sipu and thus established the Divine Code on this Earth during Krita Yuga.

5. Vamana Avatar:

The lord was in the from of a short boy, dwarf (Vamana) during this incarnation and as a receiver.  He asked the emperor Bali  three (3) feet land and measured the Earth and the Sky with his two feet.  Bali realised that the vamana was  Lord Vishnu and asked to place his foot on his head.  Sri Vamana gives his devotees a realistic knowledge and a scientific out-look towards this world and other worlds.  

6. Parasurama Avatar:

Lord Vishnu as Parasurama wiped out all cruel kings with his divine axe in the process of establishing Dharma on this mother Earth.  He is also known as Bhargava Rama.  A mere thinking of Parasurama destroys ignorance and all types of evil karma and makes one pious inwardly and outwardly.  He is immortal and present even to-day.

7.  Sri Rama Avatar:

The Lord in the  human form with  sixteen (16) divine qualities during the Treta Yuga.  According to great sages "Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmaha" (Sri Rama is Dharma personified).  Adikavya (First epic) Ramayna by aadi kavi (poet) Valmiki illustrates the entire life of Sri Rama and is considered as the most auspicious book on this Earth.  Lord Hanuman is a great devotee of Sri Rama and is immortal and  will be present on this Earth for many centuries to come.

8. Sri Krishna:

The eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu is a form with sixteen divine qualities  The great sages praise him as "Krishnaha: Dharma Swroopaha:" (Sri Krishna is a form of Dharma).  In this avatar the Lord performed various acts & miracles before his birth, after birth as an infant, a boy & the man.  He was described as Shyama Sundara- the beautiful blue man or Mr. World.  He excelled in every aspect of life during his time  and was praised by great leaders during his time as God in physical form.   As a world teacher he taught to his disciple Arjuna  the various aspects of Yoga & his teaching are famous a Sri Bhagvat Gita, containing 700 slokas.  The book is also known as Geeta Saptasati.  (The other famous one is known as Devi Saptasati- praising the world mother).  The Gita has eighteen Yogas in general and stresses three yogas in particular namely Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Gyana Yoga.   

 As Sri Rama and Sri Krishna are perfect divine  forms of Lord Vishnu, the great sages gave a famous mantra in this Kali Yuga as a prescription to worldly problems & the Gurus and the devotees chant every day to get the grace of the God irrespective of caste, creed and religion.  The mantra is also know as Hare Rama- Hare Krishna mantra.

Hare Rama Hare Rama 

Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

9. Buddha:

Buddha is praised as the most peaceful form of the Lord, who simplified every thing and ground to the earth very practical in his teachings.  The main concepts revolve around the Tripod of Buddha (the enlightened), Sangham ( the Society) & Dharma.  Some trace the roots of modern education to the Buddhist period.  Lord Buddha introduced Scientific Attitude during his life time.

10. Kalki:

The avatar is yet to come during this Kali Yuga.

CONCLUSION:

     The 11th phase of the Moon is known as EKADASI or Harivasaram (Hari Day).  On this day devotees perform Vishnu pooja, Lakshmi pooja, recite the famous itinerary Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram (the 1,000 famous names of Lord Vishnu), recite Sri Bhagavat Gita, visit the temples and fast partially or fully to purify themselves physically and psychologically and to get the grace of the Lord not only in this world but also in that world.  The teachers and the devotees believe that the Lord of the Vaikuntha-loka Sri Narayana descends to the Earth as Vishnu form known  as the avatar and protects all of us as Vasudeva. (Sriman-Narayno Vishnur Vasudevobhi Rakshatu).

The 1200 Calorie Indian Meal Plan- Healthy Weight Loss

     Diet plans are very important along with a good exercise plans.  Only a few will succeed. The succeeded people maintain good height, weight relationship with proper BMR and become healthy physically and mentally.

I. The Indian Meal Plan (1200 Calories)

     A proper calorie intake is essential for a proper metabolism and to decrease the fat in the body.  If metabolic rate increases then weight decreases.  This can be achieved by diet plan of 1200 calories consisting of water, vitamins, minerals,  fats  and other nutrients. 

II. The need of 1200 Calories

     The requirements vary from individual to individual.  It depends on various factors  such as age, sex, weight, height, metabolism and associated  medical conditions. So,  it is always better to calculate BMR(Basal Metabolic Rate) that  helps to  determine  calorie requirement of the body exactly.

The basic concept of weight loss is to create a calorie shortage in the body by consuming fewer calories.  The 1200 calories is the basic requirement of the body or else the body be deprived of energy for the vital activities. 

III. Identify the Right Calories

The most important factor that determines weight gain and weight loss is Calories. A good weight loss plan creates  a safe calorie deficit to promote a healthy weight loss. The weight loss is the total calorie intake and calories burnt. The three major sources of calories are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Sources of healthy  fats are nuts, vegetable oils and seafood.  Carbohydrates like brown rice, wheat flour, beans,  legumes, fruits and vegetables help in weight loss. Proteins are necessary for increasing muscle mass.  It is important to include the right foods in  1200 calorie in the diet plan.

IV. Plan 1200 Calories Diet Menu

It is better to take 5 or 6 small meals per day. It helps to  boost the  metabolism that burns more calories. Divide the 1200 calories into 6 meals consisting of 3 meals (breakfast, lunch,  & dinner) of 300 calories that totals to 900 calories. The balance of 300 calories will be substituted by snacks and beverages.  Fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, dairy for meals as well as snacks.  Please take calcium and multivitamin supplements along with the diet if necessary.

V. The 1200 Calories Indian Menu for Weight Loss

     The 1200 calories Indian diet plan for weight loss includes vegetarian dishes to get an idea of the food one is supposed to eat for a healthy weight loss.  Remember that this is a general one and not a universal plan.  In case of a doubt it is  better to consult a dietitian to know more about the 1200 calorie diet plan.

VI. A general 1200 Calories Veg Diet Menu

     The vegetarians may include vegetables,  pulses,  cheese (pane-er) and yogurt in the menu as a source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.  The  diet includes:

Timing	Foods To Eat	Calories
Early Morning	Lukewarm Water with Lemon 1 glass	0
	Tea without Sugar + 2 Biscuits	90
Breakfast	2 Rotis + 1/2 cup Paneer Curry	330
	OR
	Brown Bread Upma 1 plate + Milk 1 cup	300
Mid-Morning	1 Banana/ half (1/2) cup Melon/20 Grapes	50
Lunch	Brown Rice a cup (195 gm) + Mixed Vegetables 1/2 cup + Salad 1 bowl + Raita 1 small bowl	345
Evening	Butter Milk 1 cup	35
Dinner	2 Rotis + Vegetable Soup 1 bowl + Salad 1 bowl	370
	Total	1220/1190 Cal

VII. The structure 1200 Calories Meal Plan

     We should remember  to divide the 1200 calories into 5 or 6 meals and portions in order to keep it well-balanced and nutritious so that it can promote healthy weight loss without causing any side-effects. The meal plan is as follows:

1. Three main meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner each comprising of 300 to 350 calories.
2. The snacks and beverages comprise the balance of the 300 calories to be distributed throughout the day. For beverages opt for hot or cool green tea and herbal teas. 
3. The foods consumed in meals and snacks must be fresh.

VIII. The break-fast Plan for 300 Calories

Break-fast is important during the day for a healthy weight loss because he/she is breaking the fast after a good night. The healthy breakfast supplies the necessary energy required to the body. The sample diet plan may consist a breakfast of rotis, paneer curry, brown bread upma and brown bread.

• 1. Boiled beans or lentils with whole grain toast.
  2. Wheat bread slices with paneer and a banana.
  3. Spinach and brown bread toast.
  4. Half (1/2) cup of oats or muesli and an apple.

IX.  The 300 Calorie Lunch Plan

• • A suitable lunch is very important for a healthy weight loss.  The Indian lunch comprises of white rice that has a high glycemic index food that causes a sudden rise in blood glucose levels and also causes lethargy, weight gain. So, a 300 cals lunch should include brown rice or wheat flour rotis. Few 300 cals meal options are-
    1. A cup of brown rice, a small brown of dal tarka, a plate of green salad.
    2. Two (2) wheat flour rotis, a cup of boiled bean or rajma curry, a plate of salad.
    3. A cup of brown rice,  a cup of boiled bean,  a plate of salad.
    4. A Cup of mixed vegetable rice, a glass of thick butter-milk.

X. The 300 Calorie Dinner Plan

• • • Some of the dieters at the end of the day eat more during the dinner. They should remember a controlled 300 cals is always better for weight loss.  It is better to finish the dinner at 8.30 PM at night. It helps the digestion of the food before going to sleep. The body will have gap of 11 hours before next meal i.e., breakfast. A 300cals dinner option for the 1200 calories Indian diet is two (2) wheat flour chapatis, a cup of bean or rajma curry and a plate of salad.

XI.  The Combination of 1200 Calorie Meal Plan with Exercise

• • • The balanced diet with exercise at home or at gym is the best way to reduce weight permanently. Doing exercise is safe for a 1200 cals diet plan. Remember that the recommended weight loss is 2 pounds per week.  To burn 2 pounds each week one will need to burn 300 calories a day. One can do it  by one hour exercises like walking or swimming. The other way is a 30 to 45 minutes of exercises like running, jogging, hiking or cycling.
    • During a combination of  a 1200 calories diet and the exercise one may notice that the body needs more calories to maintain the routine. One must respond to the body’s signs & signals and may make necessary adjustments in the diet. Experiment whether the 1200 calories diet and 300 calories plan is suitable or not with the help of the following formula:
    • Multiply the body weight by 10 (for a woman) or 11 (for man) and add another 10% to it for calories burned through the digestion and 20% for sedentary activities.

XII.  The Benefits of 1200 Calories Diet

• • • 
      
    • 
      
    • The 1200 Calories diet plan is suitable to lose weight easily and stay fit while enjoying the food. One need not to starve himself or herself or leave the  foods. One must have a bit of self-control, restraint and aspiration to lose weight.
      1. He/She may lose his/her weight while enjoying favorite foods.
      2. Get quick results easily and  safely with positive thinking.
      3. Safe weight loss  diet plan is an additional motivating factor.
      4. Put full stop for vigorous exercises and workouts.
      5. Trying  various types of menus and recipes brings variety to the diet and gives perfect satisfaction physically and mentally for a healthy living.
      Conclusion  
    • The 1200 Calories diet plan is a sure way of losing the extra pounds quickly on a short-term basis by any parameter.  One has  to make the effects permanent by introducing good healthy changes in life-style that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.  Please remember 'YOGA & MEDITATION' also helps for a successful weight loss for a healthy and a better life.

YOGA & The Human Digestive System

      A healthy digestive system is essential for our well being. The root cause of many  diseases is due to improper digestion. The 'jathara agni' (heat in the stomach) helps to  eliminate  waste products and harmful toxins from the body. It breaks down the food we take and helps to have a sound mind in a sound body.

I. Yoga and  Digestion:  During the process of digestion with the help of digestive juices the food is digested and waste products will be eliminated. Yoga helps in the process of good digestion and useful to all of us in  many ways.

Yoga also helps  in the process of breathing and tunes various systems of the body that synchronizes the various systems of the body.

II. Benefits of Yoga:  

1. Decreases body weight and increases physical strength.   

2. Makes mind active and alert. Improves memory and IQ. 

3. Builds a healthy muscular system and a strong skeletal system.  

4. Reduces unnecessary fat and toxins in the body.  

5. Improves good appetite and aids in proper digestion.  

6. Increases  resistance of the body to diseases and builds a healthy human system to cope up with the stress and strain of every day modern life.

III. Yoga Asanas (Yoga poses) to help the digestive system and the process digestion:

1. Ustra Asana   Helps to stretch the stomach and its muscles, small intestine and large intestine, helps to improve the performance of gastric glands.  Relieves from constipation and for smooth defecation of waste materials from the body.

2. Trikon Asana Improves digestive system and accessory glands and  improves the  appetite.  Decrease constipation.

3. Ardha-matsyendra Asana  Improves the abdominal organs and improves the digestive system and digestion.

4. Paschimot Aasana  Improves the  digestive system and solves the  problems associated with the digestive system- gas, heat, heart burn and  constipation. 

5. Pawanmukt Asana  Improves the  gastric and intestinal problems and helpful to the digestive system.

 IV. Important points to remember Yoga and  digestive System:

1. Drink water according to your body needs.  
2. Eat to live and do not live to eat.   Do not take  heavy meals either lunch or dinner.
3. Do not sleep immediately after lunch or dinner.
4. Avoid oily food and do not eat  junk food.
5. Eat food materials that contain fibers.
6. Be  regular and maintain prompt food timings either during the day or night.
7. Be happy and do not worry. Avoid stress and strain of every day life. 
8. Do yoga regularly and maintain good healthy habits.
9. Take the advice of elderly people and experienced people.
10. If necessary consult your family doctor and take the  medicines as directed.

V. Conclusion:    

 Please remember that Yoga is long standing and yet out standing to improve the physical and mental health of all human beings of the Earth.  Yoga practice helps to develop a sound mind in a sound body (San Corpora San Mana).