When the Washington Post isnt lighting the funeral pyre for our dying democracy, the paper is doing solid investigative work into the organic-food industry. Over the past decade, the media has largely avoided scrutinizing the $40 billion organic market. An organic-friendly Obama administration and wealthy organic-company executives who are generous Democratic-party donors boosted organics influence in both the government and the media, helping promote the phony narrative that organic products are healthier, pesticide-free, and locally grown.

In two articles this month, the Posts Peter Whoriskey exposes the dubiousness of the organic label and the alarming trend of fraudulent organic grains being imported here. For his May 1 article, Why your organic milk may not be organic, Whoriskey tracked a few milk producers to see whether they followed the Department of Agricultures strict but weakly enforced guidelines for organic certification. Organic milk can cost twice as much as conventional milk, and, as Whoriskey correctly surmises, if organic farms violate organic rules, consumers are being misled and overcharged.

The Post surveilled Aurora Organic Dairy a major milk supplier for house organic brands sold by retailers such as Walmart and Costco and found that the company appeared to violate rules about how often the cows were grass-fed, a key differential between conventional and organic milk production. The Post had several organic milk samples tested to measure for two fats that are more prevalent in organic milk (although in amounts inconsequential to human health), and most fell short. Whoriskey says that the integrity of the organic label rests on an unusual system of inspections that the head of the USDAs organic program calls fairly unique. Organic producers pay a private inspector, approved by the USDA, to certify their products as organic; the agency checks in on those inspectors every few years. The USDA has only 82 certified inspection firms to supervise a massive organic supply chain of more than 31,000 farms and businesses worldwide. This leaves plenty of room for error and fosters a pay-to-play climate that benefits producers and inspectors at the expense of unwitting consumers.

The burgeoning organic market has also created a huge demand for imports here. (We are a net importer of organic goods; so much for locally grown.) Most alarming is the importation of allegedly organic grains from Ukraine, Turkey, India, and China, countries with uncertain food-safety standards, to use as animal feed. Any organic meat or animal by-product, such as milk or eggs, must be sourced from animals fed organic-only grains. Since nearly all the corn and soybeans grown in the U.S. are from genetically engineered seeds and therefore forbidden under federal organic standards the organic versions of those grains are now being shipped here from around the world. In 2016, we imported $160 million in organic yellow corn, a 400 percent increase just since 2014, and $250 million in organic soybeans, a 75 percent increase in two years.

But the Post investigated what some have questioned about these imported organic grains: their authenticity. In his May 12 bombshell article, Whoriskey reveals how 36 million pounds of soybeans from Ukraine, shipped through Turkey to California last year, underwent a remarkable transformation from conventional to organic. The fraud increased the value of the beans by $4 million, since organic grains are worth more than non-organic. Whoriskey found that at least 21 million pounds of the phony organic soybeans have already entered the food supply a potential safety threat, since its unknown how these grains were grown and handled.

The Post reported on two other fraudulent shipments of organic grains in the past year that were large enough to constitute a meaningful proportion of the U.S. supply of those commodities. All three were presented as organic, despite evidence to the contrary. I contacted the USDA, and a spokesman told me the agency is investigating unspecified shipments of corn and soybeans intended for the organic market that appear not to meet the requirements of the national organic regulations or may have been exposed to a prohibited substance during shipment. He confirmed that enforcement actions are underway against the parties involved. Penalties can result in a fine of up to $11,000 per violation.The problem, as Jason Kuo writes in a Post column on May 22, is that the USDA doesnt directly oversee international organic producers. Instead, the USDA outsources its authority to equivalent agencies in other countries, as well as third-party certifiers. This raises the real possibility that plenty of food companies are using these questionable grains to claim that their products are organic when they are not, and then sell them at a premium.

For example. Organic Valley is the largest producer of organic dairy in the U.S., selling milk to other organic companies such asStonyfield Yogurt. Miranda Leis, Organic Valleys feed coordinator, told me that on the rare occasions when we are forced to buy imported feed due to domestic shortages, we use two trusted sources that trace certified shipments directly back to the farms where the feed is grown. However, in a 2015 e-mail to me on this same subject, Organic Valley verified that their farmers might use imported grains that likely originated from countries such as Turkey and Romania, which should raise questions about their authenticity (thats not to say the company used the fraudulent beans, only that all of these imports should now be suspect.) But Luo points out that the U.S. does not recognize the national regulator for Turkey, which should give all organic purveyors reason to doubt the legitimacy of those grains. All of this underscores the inanity of the organic system. Why would anyone trust soybeans from India more than soybeans from Indiana? Furthermore, importing grains grown in abundance here betrays the central appeal of organic: There is nothing local or environmentally friendly about shipping in millions of pounds of grains we dont need.

The organic industry has long peddled the myth that its food is healthier and better for the environment. Consumers buy organic because they wrongly believe its grown locally and without pesticides. Now there are serious questions about whether most of the pricey products labeled by our government as organic actually are. This scam requires more than a few solid newspaper investigations. The federal government, particularly our new agriculture secretary, Sonny Perdue, should take a much closer look at this system, and consumers should take a second look at what they are buying.

Julie Kelly is a food-policy writer from Orland Park, Ill.

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When 'Organic' Food Isn't - National Review

The U.S. organic sector, already strong, remained on an upswing in 2016, gaining new market share and breaking sales records, according to the Organic Trade Association's (OTA) 2017 Organic Industry Survey, the results of which were revealed May 24 at the organizations Annual Policy Conference.

Organic sales in the United States were around $47 billion in 2016, reflecting new sales of nearly $3.7 billion from the prior year. The $43 billion in organic food sales marked the first time the U.S. organic food market has surpassed the $40 billion mark. Organic food now accounts for 5.3 percent of total food sales in the United States, another first for the sector.

Organic food sales grew by 8.4 percent, or $3.3 billion, from the prior year, compared with 0.6 percent growth in the overall food market, while sales of organic nonfood products rose 8.8 percent in 2016, also versus overall nonfood growth of 0.8 percent.

"The organic industry continues to be a real bright spot in the food and ag economy, both at the farm gate and checkout counter," noted OTA CEO and Executive Director Laura Batcha.

The $15.6 billion organic fruit and vegetable business retained its position as the largest of the organic food categories, accounting for almost 40 percent of all organic food sales. With sales up 8.4 percent, compared with the 3.3 percent uptick logged for total fruit and vegetable sales, organic fruits and veggies now make up almost 15 percent of the produce that Americans consume, perhaps because its traditionally been the gateway category for shoppers new to organic, due to their ability to touch and smell the product and compare it with its conventional counterpart.

Meanwhile, sales of organic meat and poultry surged by more than 17 percent in 2016, to $991 million, the category's largest-ever annual gain. Continued strong growth in the category should lift sales past the $1 billion mark for the first time this year, OTA predicted. Additionally, rising awareness of such options as natural, grass-fed or hormone-free meats and poultry is driving consumer interest in organic meat and poultry items.

Even organic condiments saw spectacular sales: Dips reported an impressive 41 percent sales growth in 2016, to $57 million, while spice sales soared 35 percent to $193 million.

On the nonfood side, sales rose by almost 9 percent to $3.9 billion, with organic fiber, supplements and personal care products accounting for the majority of those sales. These purchases were spurred by consumers growing desire for transparency, clean ingredients and plant-based products is spurring sales of such product, as well as their belief that what they put on their bodies is as important as what they put in them.

"Organic products of all sorts are now found in the majority of kitchens and households across our country," said Batcha. "But the organic sector is facing challenges to continue its growth. We need more organic farmers in this country to meet our growing organic demand, and the organic sector needs to have the necessary tools to grow and compete on a level playing field. That means federal, state and local programs that help support organic research and provide the organic farmer with a fully equipped tool kit to be successful."

Conducted in February and March and produced on behalf of OTA by Nutrition Business Journal, the survey received responses from more than 200 companies. The full report can be purchased online.

Washington, D.C.-based OTA represents more than 9,500 organic businesses in all 50 states. Its membership encompasses growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants and retailers, among others.

See the article here:

Organic Sector Posts Record US Sales: Survey - Progressive Grocer

The world of sustainable food just got a little more exciting. With the creation of Barnraisers brand-new Discover program, theleading digital authority on organic food andthe number one sustainable living community have united. This new partnership will help create an even bigger space forsupporting sustainable good food and healthy living, pushing these fields to new heights by connecting people who care about where their food comes from with the people who produce it.

Organic Authority joins some of the top change-makers in the new food revolution on thenew platform, includingFairtrade America, MicroShiner, and Food Craft Institute.

Barnraiser is the most complete source for the products, people, and stories in our organic living movement theyre a perfect partner to showcase our stories and trends, says Laura Klein, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Organic Authority.

Organic Authority is the leading organic, eco-conscious food and lifestyle publication online, redefining what it means to live a conscious and healthy lifestyle in America today. Its already a favorite amongst people who want to make a difference in their food system for its obsessive coverage of the latest trends and news in food, nutrition, wellness, natural beauty, and more.

Barnraiser is a platform connecting artisan food makers, innovative farmers, and chefs at the forefront of sustainability with the people who demand more from their food system. This platform makes it easy to discover and fund projects committed to making a difference in the way we produce food in this country.

Were meeting the needs of an entire generation who demand authenticity, connection, and influence in food and health, says Eileen Gordon, Barnraiser Founder and CEO. Our work, together with our new partners, continues to expose consumers to the good food, farmers, food businesses, innovators, and tastemakers changing how we eat and live.

Together, these two leaders in the field of sustainable food will create and curate an information hub connecting readers to their food community and helping to incite change in Americas food system.

Related on Organic AuthoritySustainability is Stylish in One of Americas Favorite Towns These 61 Badass Disruptors are Changing Your Food System 5 Online Sharing Communities that Bring Peers Together for Common Needs

Emily Monaco is an American food and culture writer based in Paris. She loves uncovering the stories behind ingredients and exposing the face of our food system, so that consumers can make educated choices. Her work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Vice Munchies, and Serious Eats.

Read more:

Organic Authority and Barnraiser are Creating the Sustainable Food Space of the Future - Organic Authority

Meditation is an intensely personal and spiritual experience. Indeed, it is a way of attaining balance and contentment even in adverse situations. If our minds are peaceful, we are free from worries and mental discomfort; but if our minds are not peaceful, we will not be happy, even if we are living with the most comfortable external conditions.

Meditation usually involves a persons attention, allowing it to turn into a single point of reference. Because of its effectiveness in leading a persons consciousness to a higher level than that of a common person, meditation is now being practiced by people all over the world.

In fact, the most elementary use of meditation is to relax the mind and the body. In modern times, it has been welcomed as a tool for relief in a stress-filled life. It is claimed that there are great effects from meditation, including the treatment of migraines, lowering blood pressure, decreasing stress on the heart, and strengthening the immune system.

All religions have introduced ways and approaches in their own characteristic styles to help people practice meditation. As meditation has a spiritual element, it forms an integral part of religions.

Meditation takes place in a state of inner and outer stillness, though its styles may vary according to the specific religious framework within which they are placed.

In Hinduism and Buddhism meditation is closely aligned to asceticism and mysticism. The Semitic religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam on the other hand, have placed more emphasis on the common man in society by introducing regulatory laws to order day-to-day life; and for that reason, they afford to meditation only a comparatively subsidiary role.

Meditation in Hinduism

One of the religions known to practice meditation is Hinduism. It is considered the oldest religion that focuses on meditation as a spiritual and religious practice. There are several forms of meditation practiced by Hindus. Principal among them is Yoga, one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy. It provides several types of meditation.

In Hinduism, the object of meditation is to achieve a calm state of mind. The Yoga philosopher Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga gives a detailed analysis of meditation. (How to Meditate)

According to him, meditation has three stages: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

Dharana literally means unmoving concentration of the mind. The objective in dharana is to steady the mind by focusing its attention upon some stable entity. One may practice focusing attention on a single inanimate object. After the mind becomes prepared for meditation, it is better able to focus efficiently on one subject or point of experience. It is emphasized that meditation is not meant as an escape from reality, but rather as a movement towards the perception of the true nature of Self. (How to Meditate)

Dhyana in Ashtanga Yoga, means worship or profound and abstract religious meditation. It involves concentration upon a point of focus with the intention of knowing the truth about it.

During dhyana, one learns to differentiate between the mind of the perceiver, the means of perception, and the objects perceived between words, their meanings and ideas, and even between all the levels of natural evolution.

Dhyana is apprehension of real identity among apparent differences. If dharana is the contact, then dhyana is the connection.

The final step in Ashtanga Yoga is Samadhi. Samadhi means to bring together, to merge. In samadhi, our personal identities completely disappear.

At the moment of samadhi none of that exists anymore. We become one with the Divine Entity. The person capable of samadhi retains his individuality and person, but is free of the emotional attachment to it.(Yoga and SPA)

The prerequisite of a meditative state of mind, according to Hindu philosophers, is an absolute harmony between our gross physical realm, sensual realm and our life energy. (Yoga and SPA)

Meditation in Judaism

Judaism has an uncertain relationship with meditation, and many Orthodox Jews question whether it is really Jewish to meditate.

It is pointed out that both ancient Kabbalic and Hasidic texts support the practice of gaining understanding through intense logical reflection. (Meditation Expert)

Meditation conducted otherwise is considered non-Jewish in nature and delusional. For Jews, enlightenment follows from a deep, concentrated and analytical understanding of the Torah (the Old Testament).

Many Jews argue that contemplative, non-rational meditation is useful for developing a better understanding of God, with some claiming that meditation was clearly practised by Old Testament prophets.

According to Avram Davis, who wrote The Way of Flame, an introduction to the practice of meditation, Judaism embraces the idea of relationships, love, passion. In Judaism these are the keys to unlocking the doors of enlightenment. (Meditation brings mindfulness to Judaism, last accessed onAugust 31, 2009)

Davis says there is a longing for stillness in people, especially now, when most people live busy and complicated lives.

Jewish meditation tradition has been hidden for centuries, since rabbis worried that it might lead to idolatry, or that might be of danger to uninitiated people. At the time of emancipation, meditation was strongly disavowed by secularized Jews because it was reminder of ghetto life considered old-fashioned. During the Holocaust, most of the Eastern European rabbis who had held on to the knowledge of it were killed.

Jewish meditation as described is any kind of meditation done in a Jewish context, in the service of Jewish spiritual activity. The basic definition and aim of Jewish meditation is stabilizing the mind. (Jewish Meditation)

One of the techniques used in Jewish meditation is accurately visualizing a letter (aleph-bet); and this is considered to be a very powerful meditative technique. And another one is using prayers; and if one does not know what to say in prayer, then one may just repeat the phrase Ribbono shel Olam (master of the universe). The method used is traditional and timeless for arriving at a stabilized mind, which is believed to be the foundation for a good life and service of man and God. (Jewish Meditation)

Meditation in Christianity

As in Judaism, meditation does not have a central place in Christianity as well. At the same time, we find some importance given to it in Christian spiritual training. The objective is to become detached from thoughts and images and to open up silent gaps between them.

In Christian mystical practice, this is called contemplation.

According to Mary Jo Meadow, Christianity includes a call to meditate, but it never provides a method of meditating. (Buddhism When Christianity Meet Buddhism) Mary Jo Meadow as well as Kevin Culligan and Daniel Chowning her co-authors of the book, Christian Insight Meditation: Following in the Footsteps of John of the Cross integrate ancient Buddhist meditation within a Christian contemplative prayer tradition.

They are often called Buddhist Christians, as they apply Buddhist techniques to their spiritual exploration of Christianity.

Christopher Boozell, author of Tantric Christianity employs Buddhist techniques of meditation expressed through the rich imagery of Christianity to address this yearning for direct experience. (Tantric Christianity) Christian meditation is said to have begun with the early Christians. But with the Protestant Reformation, meditation was rejected along with other practices. Yet it is still understood as a part of the Christian tradition by the Catholic and Episcopal traditions.

Meditation in Islam

Islam does not permit a spiritual life that is completely separate from ones worldly life. It rejects the purely ascetic view of life that looks down upon Gods blessings in this world.

From the Islamic point of view, the spiritual development of humans is possible only in this world, and not outside of it, as lonely places fit for solitary hermits.

Mankinds God-appointed status as Gods vicegerent on earth demands that it should direct all its energies towards regulating the affairs of this world in the way Godwants them to be regulated. In Islam, spiritual development is synonymous with nearness to God; and nearness to God can be achieved only through unconditional obedience to Him. From the Islamic point of view, therefore, religious people are not recluses. They have to engage in this world like secular people, with the difference that all their efforts are made with the knowledge that they are answerable to God, so that all their actions will be in accordance with Gods laws. The first condition for spiritual progression in Islam is faith, the mind and heart of a person should always be aware: Godalone is his or her Master, Sovereign, and Deity. The second condition is obedience, meaning that the person gives up his or her independence and accepts subservience to God. This subservience effectively means that he or she should fashion his or her entire life in obedience to Gods laws. The third condition is piety (God-consciousness). Pietymeans desisting from everything God has forbidden; so that we are ready to observe the distinctions between the lawful and the unlawful in all areas of life.

The last condition is that of perfect righteousness. It signifies that people should strive for harmonizing their wills with the will of God. People who reach this stage attain the highest pinnacle of spirituality and are nearest to God. (The Spiritual Path of Islam) Islams methods of spiritual development rest on the Five Pillars:

The first is the Prayer (salah), which brings man into communion with God five times a day. The second is fasting (sawm), which for a full month every year trains each person individually in righteousness and self-restraint. The third is the obligatory almsgiving (zakah)which develops the sense of monetary sacrifice, sympathy, and co-operation among people. The fourth is the pilgrimage (hajj), which aims at the fostering of the universal brotherhood of the faithful based on the worship of God. Five times a day, during the ritual Prayer called salah, Muslims should be in a meditative frame of mind, if their prayers are to be effective.

True prayer is visualizing the presence of God in a contemplative frame of mind as the it is offered; and certainly this is a powerful spiritual experience. While in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to spend days and nights in the Cave of Mount Hira meditating.

Apart from the Prayer, meditation is at the center of fasting in the month of Ramadan. Islamic meditation is based on contemplation, called tafakkur in the Quran, which is a reflection upon the wonders of the universe leading to a worshipful appreciation of Allah Almightys creative power. (Meditation in Islam)

Some mysticalforms of meditation, developed by some Sufis in a later period of Islam are controversial, as they sometimes lead to practices antithetical to Islamic teachings. Proper Islamic meditation is in conformity with the principles and practices of the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

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Meditation in Different Religions - aboutislam.net

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Meditation is widely touted by wellness experts as a means to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. But it's not all zen and self-actualization. In fact, a new study says the practice can result in distressing and potentially impairing experiences along the way.

The study, released Wednesday by Brown University researchers who interviewed nearly 100 meditators and meditation teachers, revealed frequently reported side effects, including hypersensitivity to light or sound. Insomnia and involuntary body movements was also reported, in addition to feelings of fear, anxiety, and panic.

Meditation can help relieve stress and provide calmness, but also brought up fear and anxiety for some people.

Were not trying to scare people away from trying meditation, Jared Lindahl, a visiting assistant professor at Browns Cogut Center for the Humanities and co-lead researcher of the study told TODAY. There is data that many people find tremendous benefits from meditating."

With so many different types of meditation, teachers, and apps, people who want to meditate need to understand their goals and find a teacher or form that matches what they're looking for, Lindahl said.

The duration of the negative effects like insomnia or a loss of emotions varied from person to person, anywhere from a few days to more than a decade, according to the study, which was published Wednesday in the science journal Plos One.

Sometimes experiences were ostensibly desirable, such as feelings of unity or oneness with others. But some meditators reported them going too far, lasting too long or feeling violated, exposed or disoriented, said Britton. "Others who had meditation experiences that felt positive during retreats reported that the persistence of these experiences interfered with their ability to function or work when they left the retreat and returned to normal life.

Its important to note that the researchers sought out meditators and teachers who have had challenging experiences because there isnt much research on the subject. During their five-year process, they talked to practitioners from the three main types of meditation: Theravada, Zen and Tibetan.

Willoughby Britton, the other co-lead researcher, explained the purpose of the study was not to determine the rate of negative experiences but to document them and find potential influencing factors. Some of those potential red flags which warrant more study, he said, include frequency and type of meditation practice, psychiatric and trauma history, and the relationship the meditator has with his or her teacher.

The science behind meditation is still in early stages. Previous research has found that mindful meditation, which focuses on breathing, can reduce pain. Certain types of meditation, combined with exercise, can ease symptoms of depression, according to a recent study.Sharon Salzberg, a meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, acknowledged that unexpected or uncomfortable experiences can sometimes arise during meditation and applauded the study for examining an under-researched area.

Certainly people at different times may go through some degree of difficulty. But its not everybody, said Saltzberg. I wouldnt go into meditation thinking its going to be dreadful. The quality of instructor, the nature of the community and the ongoing support system makes a difference in how we handle the feelings that arise.

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Meditation may cause negative feelings for some, study finds - Today.com

Mumbai city news: Fifty years after prohibition, illicit liquor worth Rs101 crore was seized from Wardha last month

Dry Wardha, a city in Maharashtra that is home to Gandhijis famous Sevagram, is overflowing with liquor.

Nearly five decades after Maharashtra imposed a blanket ban on the production, sale and distribution of alcohol in Wardha owing to its historical links to Mahatma Gandhi, the district topped the list of places in Maharashtra from where massive amounts of illicit brew were seized during the first-ever such crackdown.

The Maharashtra police and the state excise department seized more than 15 lakh litres of illicit liquor worth Rs101 crore from Wardha last month. The volume accounts for more than half of the 30.35 lakh litres of illicit liquor confiscated from 35 districts during the month-long drive, which did not include Mumbai. Illicit liquor includes illegally sold (and smuggled) Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) as well as country liquor brewed illegally.

As many as 9,889 people were arrested during the drive and a record 12,598 cases registered.

Wardha reported the maximum number of cases registered - 1,297.As many as 531 people were arrested. The most arrests were made in neighbouring Chandrapur, which went dry a couple of years ago - 659. More than 66,000 litres of illicit liquor was seized. Osmanabad came second, with as much as 6.41 lakh litres of alcohol seized.

Solapur (rural) traditionally known for its endemic hooch production was low in the list of amount of alcohol seized. Here, 11,237 litres of alcohol was confiscated, however, as many as 509 were held.

Wardhas superintendent of police (SP), Nirmala Arjun, told HT that the large volume of liquor seized was a direct result of the prohibition law, which led to alcohol being smuggled from neighbouring districts or being brewed by tribals.

We cannot seal our borders or prevent people from travelling to neighbouring districts where alcohol is sold. People surreptitiously carry four to five bottles. It is not possible to check each person, she said.

Despite reports of several organised smuggling syndicates operating across the district, police denied having knowledge of these gangs. Liquor is not being smuggled on a large scale.No syndicates are involved. The problem is caused by small-scale smuggling carried out by individuals and locally brewed hooch, she added. The drive helped us identify cracks and we are taking steps to fix them, she said.

Meanwhile, the additional director general of police (AdDP) Bipin Bihari said the crackdown was planned soon after the Supreme Courts order to ban liquor shops along highways in March. Earlier, the raids were patchy and did not cover all districts. This time, we decided to launch raids across state by collaborating with the excise department which regulates liquor, he said.

The state intelligence department (SID) collected information about places where the trade or production was ongoing and the individuals conducting the business. In a large number of cases, we found agents of liquor shops in villages and small towns. They would keep small stocks and sell those at high prices, while a well-organised delivery system ensured quick supply after a phone call was made, he added. The information was passed on to local police stations.

Most of those arrested were booked under the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1951 and Section 110 (8) of CrPC. The licenses of liquor shops engaged in illegal trade have been revoked while externment proceedings under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous (activities) Act (MPDA) is being initiated against repeat offenders, Bihari said. He added that inspector generals of police have been asked to closely monitor the situation in districts where more than 150 cases have been registered.

Read more from the original source:

Liquor prohibited in Wardha, home to Gandhi's ashram. 15 lakh litres of hooch seized - Hindustan Times

Despite its popularity and panoptic appeal, meditation is still a widely misunderstood subject. Nepal is full of places that allow people to explore various meditation techniques and delve into the philosophies that underlie them.

Here we have covered three such places that may inspire you to take meditation more seriously and bring you closer to people with similar interests.

Dharma Shringa Vipassana Meditation Center

Located about nine km north of the Ring Road intersection at Narayan Gopal Chowk, this meditation center sprawls on a slope of Shivapuri Hill at an altitude of 5,200 feet. A black-topped road runs from Budhanilakantha right up to the centers gate, so getting to the place is no problem. This center is next door to the Shivapuri National Parks entrance gate at Pani Muhan.

Although the center looks almost like a continuation of the Shivapuri National Park, the difference becomes starkly clear when one sees how the parks wilderness gives way to a beautifully landscaped facility that resembles a well-maintained resort. Inside, an explosion of colourful flowers greet visitors, and the well-maintained greenery along the stairs and pathways that crisscrosses the facility adds to the serenity of the place.

The entire setting makes visitors feel at home immediately and settles them down for lengthy residential retreats. The center runs a ten-day beginners course for meditators and several other long and short-term courses for those who have mastered the basic techniques. There are several meditation halls and residential quarters, and a large stupa that houses several isolated meditation cells. The main meditation hall can seat up to 250 people at a time and the stupa has 84 individual meditation cells.

Vipassana meditation has three phases: Anapana, Vipassana and Metta.During Anapana, the natural flow of breath is observed to improve concentration. During Vipassana phase, body sensations like heat, cold, itching, prickling, tickling, pain are observed. Metta, the last phase, emphasises praying for all with a pure mind and body.The whole technique hinges on the central idea that our reactions to stimuli, from outside or within us, is pointless because everything is anicchha or impermanent. Knowing this by experience through the practice of meditation bolsters equanimity and sets the meditator on the path of liberation. To attend a ten-day course at Dharmashringa, contact Nepal Vipassana Centers city office at 4250581, 4223968 or visit http://www.np.dhamma.org. To know more about worldwide Vipassana centers log on to http://www.dhamma.org.

Shivapuri Baba Ashram

This ashram is dedicated to a little-known, yet highly revered, Hindu ascetic, Shivapuri Baba. (He was named after the Shivapuri Hill, where he lived for years in a hut before moving down the Valley floor). As per various claims, he lived until the age of 130 or 140, and left the body willingly in full consciousness in 1962. The ashram is sequestered in the Dhrubasthali forest, an extension of the Mrigasthali forest on the hillock east of the Pashupatinath Temple.

Although accessible after a short walk across the road from the Tilganga Eye Hospital and a short climb up a forested knoll, the ashram is hidden from sight. The forest you need to pass through to reach the ashram is dense enough to make you feel uneasy if you are hiking alone, but in a group you feel absolutely no fear and the greenery, and hillocks all around you make the place look like an ideal picnic spot.

It is quite likely that the moment you step into the clearing where the one-story, hut-shaped ashram stands, your everyday self will melt away and silence itself into a seeker. Even the most restless souls wouldnt mind spending some time in meditation after reaching the ashram. For serious meditators and I have heard this from many of them the spiritual pull is unmistakable there.

One of the things you have to bear in mind while going to the ashram is that a huge population of monkeys hangs around the place. They wont pay you any attention if you let them be and it is best not to carry any edible item openly.Although Shivapuri Baba made no effort to establish a cult or commune, he emphasised on maintaining physical, mental and spiritual discipline through right living for the realisation of the higher self.

The ashram is open to all and it is the right place for anyone one who wants to spend their morning or daytime in quiet contemplation. Visitors are not permitted into the premises of the ashram after 6 PM.

Yogoda Satsanga Meditation Society, Kupandole

Despite busy roads and dense settlements all around, this place is surprisingly peaceful. Located behind Gurudwara, the Sikh shrine in Kupandole, the center was established by the disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda to practice and propagate the teachings and techniques of Kriya Yoga.

The Kriya Yoga system combines several stages of pranayama, mantra (chantings), and mudra (asanas) to rapidly accelerate spiritual development and engender a profound state of tranquility and what the practitioners call the ultimate state of God-communion. Rediscovered and passed on by latter-day sadhus since the mid-19th century, the concept is said to resemble the Raja Yoga of Patanjali and is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.

Although the centre is built on a small piece of land, space has been utilised beautifully to augment spiritual grandeur. The centres gate opens to a cemented path lined with trees and plants. Inside, a small patch of neatly trimmed lush grass and more trees and plants contribute to the tranquility of the place.

The two-storey building that houses the Society features large, spacious halls on both floors. The ground floor is a sort of administrative unit where one can get all the information about the Society, such as the process to become a member, meditation courses, and special events. You can also buy books and read newsletters on yoga and meditation.

The meditation hall on the floor above is an airy, light-filled spacious room with pictures of Lord Krishna, Jesus Christ and other saints, including Paramahansa and his gurus, adorning the front wall. The pictures, soothing fragrance and intermittent sounds of chirping birds blend beautifully to create an atmosphere ideal for meditation.

Although the centre is open every day, more experienced meditators make it a point to gather on Thursdays and Saturdays for special sessions. From time to time Kriya Yoga masters from Ranchi, India lead meditation sessions at the centre.

Published on May 25th, Thursday, 2017 11:19 AM

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Three places to begin your meditation journey in Kathmandu - Online Khabar (English) (satire) (blog)

Bodycom Fitness club will host an aerobics marathon on 27 May at Ivory Park Ext. 7 recreational park to raise funds and sanitary towels.

Founder of the Bodycom Fitness Club, Tebogo Malunga said the aim of the event is to raise funds and collect sanitary pads for girls from poor households in Ivory Park.

Members of the Bodycom Fitness Club are ready to raise funds for girls. Photo: Supplied

As parents and the community, we must do everything in our power to ensure that our children in general and girls in particular do not miss days of school because of things we are able to address, said Malunga.

READKeeping girls in school with essential donations

Those who wish to participate in the marathon are required to pay a R20 fee and bring a packet of sanitary pads. These will be handed to girls in and around the area who cannot afford to buy their own sanitary pads.

Founder of Bodycom Fitness Club, Tebogo Malunga, with members of the club. Photo: Supplied

What other community activities can be done in the community to help those less fortunate? Tweet us @MidrandReporter.

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Aerobics marathon in Ivory Park for sanitary towels - Midrand Reporter

You get the sense that Killingsworth Dynasty would rather be a warehouse in New York than a neighborhood bar in North Portland. The high ceilings and darkly lit space implies a sort of feigned seediness, despite an all-vegan menu and LGBTQ-friendly vibe that attracts a specifically Portland crowd: socially conscious party people. And so while you wait in line at the all-genders restroom, it doesn't seem odd to overhear a woman describe her drunken attempt to make use of a urinal. On the dance floor in the bar's farthest and darkest corner, sweaty people thrash around to left-of-the-dial art music, and in the large leather booths below exposed-brick walls that often serve as a screen for projected animations, you can blend into the background and sip sweet coconut-milk-based cocktails (like the $9 lavender-cream or horchata martinis). Note that while Dynasty is a lot louder and darker than most places in which you'd usually sit down for a meal, its menu has a decent selection of veganized Southern fare, including the holy grail of plant-based comfort food: vegan chicken and waffles.

Bar story: When owner Michael Wolfson originally applied for a license to open the venue in 2011, the city of Portland had some concerns about "the neighborhood" and what the bar might do to stir up crime. "This is a bar for hipsters on bicycles," Wolfson told neighborhood association members at an OLCC hearing. "We might get some tagging, but I'll clean that up."

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Killingsworth Dynasty is Where Vegan Hits the Dancefloor - Willamette Week

Veggie-lovers and beer-lovers have something new to share: Sage Vegan Bistro has just launched a completely vegan microbrewery adjacent to their Echo Park cafe. Along with the brewery operation also comes with a full tasting room and bar to knock back the animal-friendly drinks in style.

There are six fermentation tanks in place, Eater L.A. reports, which implies that at least six of the tasting rooms 36 taps will probably eventually be used for the house beers. For now, they are rolling out their own vegan beers slowly, starting with a habanero pilsner, and using the other taps for pre-batched cocktails, wine and kombucha.

While non-vegans might not think about it often, beer isnt necessarily fit for a vegan diet. A number of breweries, particularly those that adhere to British and Irish beer brewing traditions, use animal-derived additives and ingredients in making their suds. Guinness famously uses the fish-derived clarifying agent isinglass and other beers can contain ingredients like gelatin, casein and other products unsuitable for veggie lips. Los Angeles has no shortage of great spots for vegan dining, but Sages brewpub might mark the first proactively vegan drinking establishment around.

The bar is now open, but night owls may want to keep in mind that hours currently end at the relatively-early 11pm on weekdays, though they will be staying open until midnight on Friday and Saturday and may be extending until a 1am closing time if things pick up.

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Brittany is the associateeditor responsible forTime Out Los Angeles' blog and social media as well as the Film and LGBT sections. Her bloodstream is mostlycoffee. Follow her on Twitter at @britt_m.

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Sage Vegan Bistro launches a fully vegan brewery and bar - Time Out Los Angeles (blog)