Flex Mentallo

Lucina's message is an excuse for a brief excursion... The banyan tree she refers to is in the botanical gardens of Calcutta, a strange, time-warped holdover from the days of the British Raj.

Interlude Dear Michael, Today I have checked my account. I have received the money and I have booked my train tickets. on monday I will do my registration. There was no tickets available so I booked it in Rajdhani Express. First time in my life I will travel in Rajdhani as well as in AC. I am too excited for the journey and seminar. Thank you so much. Hope the work for your new centre is going well. yesterday I went to Botanical Garden for sample collection. I will visit it frequently because I have to collect the samples for my research from there. Sending you a photograph of taken beside the great banyan tree. hope your health is fine. take care of your health. Take proper rest and food. With much much love... Lucina

Thanks Steve!

Finally found some of the issues I really wanted (with sincere apologies to those who really wanted them as well). Reason enough to get this thread back where it belongs!

Om Namah Shivaya "May the greatest that can be in this world be created in me, in others and in this world."

You may just recognize this mantra from the opening credits of Battlestar Galactica! Gayatri Mantra Om Bhoor Bhuvassuvah Tat Saviturvarenyam Bargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayaat "May there be peace on mortal and divine planes I meditate upon the most brilliant splendor May the Sun God inspire our minds to take the right action at the right time."

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Om Triyambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urva-rukamiva Bhandhanan Mytor-muksheeya Maa mritat "We worship Lord Shiva, the three-eyed one Who is fragrant and nourishes all beings May he liberate us from death, for the sake of immortality even as a cucumber is severed from its bondage to the creeper."

It is said that Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra ("Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead. Om Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama

Hindus believe that dying in Benares will release them from the eternal cycle of rebirth and suffering.

The Manikarnika Ghat is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city.

One shivaite temple has famously sunk into the river.

The river front has countless shrines and temples.

One bursts out of the labyrinth and the open vista of the glittering river is presented all at once.

While the ghats themselves are broad and open to the sun, the alleyways leading to them from the old city are narrow and dark.

There are nearly 100 ghats, and all are considered to be spiritual locations on "the divine cosmic road".

It is a religious act.

Ghats are embankments of steep stone steps along the river bank where pilgrims come to bathe.

Benares is famous for its ghats.

It is said that over a million pilgrims visit Benares every year.