Pranas and their functions (From Internet Sources)

Pranas and their functions (From Internet Sources)

Prana is energy, vitality, power. Prana is the foundation and essence of all life; the energy and vitality that permeates the entire Universe. Prana flows in everything that exists. Prana is the connecting link between the material world, consciousness and mind. Prana regulates all physical functions for example, the breath, the supply of oxygen, digestion, elimination and much more. Prana is divided into ten main functions:

The five Pranas - Prana, Apana, Udana, Vyana and Samana.
The five Upa-Pranas - Naga, Kurma, Devadatta, Krikala and Dhananjaya.

PRANA (also called Mukhya Prana) - Prana is that special function of the Cosmic Prana, which supplies the human body with essential oxygen. Its energy flows from the nostrils to the level of the heart.
APANA - Apana Prana influences the lower part of the body from the navel to the soles of the feet. This Prana regulates the elimination process. Diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., are the result of disturbed Apana Prana.
VYANA - Vyana Prana flows through the nerve channels of the human body. It has an effect upon the whole body and particularly on the Nadis. Poor circulation, impaired nerve stimulation and nervous breakdowns, originate from a deficiency in Vyana Prana.
UDANA - Udana Prana is the ascending energy that flows from the heart to the head and brain. Udana Prana accompanies the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti. It is with the assistance of Udana Prana that the Astral body separates itself from the physical body. A strong Udana Prana eases the phase of death.
SAMANA - Samana Prana distributes the energy of nutrition throughout the human body. We are aware that food not only influences our physical body, but also affects our psyche and consciousness. The quality of our Prana (all types of Prana), is directly associated with the quality of our food. Pure, sattvic, vegetarian food and the practice of Pranayama will provide a healthy and balanced body for life.

The Five Upa-Pranas
The five Upa-Pranas regulate important functions in the human body.

NAGA – Burping - Removes blockages of Prana and Apana and prevents gas formation in the digestive system. Constant suppression of Naga can lead to Cardiac Arrhythmia. Other functions include triggering of the vomit reflex due to indigestion and dissolving blockages of Samana Prana.
KURMA – Blinking - This Upa-Prana functions in the area of the eyes, controlling opening and closing of the eyelids. The energy of this Upa-Prana is active when we are awake and is revitalised when we sleep. Kurma protects the eyes from the penetration of dust and foreign bodies etc. Disturbance of this Upa-Prana causes uncontrolled blinking and twitching of the eyelids.
DEVADATTA – Yawning - The function of Devadatta is similar to that of Samana Prana. Yawning expels gas, reducing tiredness after eating. Certain foods such as grains, onions and garlic cause fatigue. Many Yogis only eat vegetables and some milk products in order to sustain their level of vitality and thereby reduce lethargy.
KRIKALA – Sneezing - Clears blockages in the respiratory system. Sneezing can also ease headache as it releases energy blockages in the head and neck. A sneeze should not be suppressed, as this may affect vertebrae in the cervical spine.
DHANANJAYA - Opening and Closing of Heart Valves - Dhananjaya resides close to the Heart. It influences the whole body and in particular the muscles of the heart by opening and closing the heart valves. Cardiac Arrhythmia and even Heart Attack may occur due to a serious disturbance of Dhananjaya.

Rayalaseema diamond potential is back in focus

Rayalaseema diamond potential is back in focus   7\12\2012(express news service)

TIRUPATI: The diamond potential of Rayalaseema is back in focus with a team of international experts visiting the areas where diamondbearing kimberlite is found in abundance. It may be recalled that geological surveys undertaken as a part of the National Diamond Project found 53 kimberlite formations in the region.

Last week, a team of 37 experts, including 18 kimberlite specialists, from South Africa, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, England and other countries participated in an idea sharing programme in the district, organised by the Geological Survey of India. As many as 10 geologists and nine other experts form GSI joined the international team. Some of the international experts were from the famous diamond company De Beers.

In fact, a team of De Beers scientists conducted an aerial survey using ultrahigh resolution magnetic equipment a few years ago to identify kimberlite resources in the region.

The visit of experts to Vajrakarur and other areas in the district was a prelude to the weeklong 10th international conference on kimberlite in Bengaluru, which commenced on Monday.

Led by GSI's Bengaluru training centre director KR Naik and GSI Vajrakaruru camp incharge Ravi, the 37member team visited Lepakshi in Hindupur constituency, Ramagiri in Penugonda Constituency and Chigacherla village in Dharmvaram to inspect the places where kimberlite is found.

The team also visited Pillalapalle, Timmasamduram, Bhramasamduru and

Nagareddypell villages. At Nagareddypalle, the experts collected soil and stone samples from the field of one Umapathi, a farmer. The team also visited Latthavaram, L Thanda and Venkatampalle Thanda of Urvakonda mandal.

According to sources, rich kimberlite deposits were found in Timmasamudram mandal four years ago and international organisations proposed to acquire 1,500 acres for diamond mining.

Already, geologists have collected soil and mineral samples in Penukonda, Dharmvaram, Kalyanadurgam, Brahma Samduram Pamidi in Andhra Pradesh and Rayachur in Karnataka. Those samples were displayed at the GSI camp museum at Vajrakarur. The visiting team of experts also examined those samples.

The team also visited Belum caves and Banaganapalle in Kurnool district, and the areas along Tungabhadra river. After the conference, the experts will visit diamond cutting and polishing units in Bengaluru and Surat.

At Vajrakarur, members of the visiting team were informed of the GIS's activities pertaining to kimberlite, the extent of the resources in the region, quality, different types of diamonds available and the Indian government's policy concerning diamond mining and trade. The visiting experts also shared information on diamond mining in their respective countries.

The shameful double standards of India’s intelligentsia on secularism and free speech

The shameful double standards of India’s intelligentsia on secularism and free speech – Vivek V. Gumaste
Posted on October 16, 2015 by Admin
Sahitya Akademi Awardees
Vivek V. Gumaste“By their silence these writers have abetted the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom, the barbaric incineration of 59 Hindus at Godhra and the systematic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. With such deliberate differential treatment these writers forfeit all moral authority; in addition, this discrimination directly provokes and fuels Hindu radicalism. They must share the blame for the rise of Hindu extremism which is still minuscule in the large picture.” – Vivek V. Gumaste
Sahitya Akademi Award The growing chorus of high-decibel protest from Sahitya Akademi awardees against the perceived rise of intolerance and a threat to free speech in the country serves to underline the crass hypocrisy, blatant double standards and jaundiced perspective that define a certain section of our intellectual community; theirs is a false patois that has corrupted Indian secularism and reduced it to a term of abuse. Scrutinised objectively, this ostensible act of moral activism is a Machiavellian shenanigan; a crafty ploy that hypes unfortunate incidents to assert ideological supremacy and derail a progressive government intent on development.
The warped secularism touted by these worthies does not conform to universal ethical standards nor does it incorporate the basic tenets of fair play, equality and justice. It is a partisan ideological inquisition characterised by selective moral indignation, biased criticism and targeted unsubstantiated allegations—in effect an orchestrated witch-hunt sans morals, logic or legality.
The murder of noted Kannada scholar M. M. Kalburgi, allegedly for expressing a variant opinion (cited as one of the reasons) is a reprehensible act that is anathema to a democracy and warrants outright condemnation; needless to say that the perpetrators must be hunted down and brought to book. Unfortunately, to date a criminal investigation has been inconclusive with no definite pointers. Nevertheless, our eminent writers have rushed to convict extremist Hindu elements via a media trial with the perverse injunction that these outfits are guilty unless proven innocent; an immoral stance that turns the basic premise of innocent until proven guilty on its head.
Efforts to pin these crimes on the BJP by invoking the dubious and rationally challenged concept of guilt by association must be refuted categorically. These lumpen groups are not representative of the broader nationalist narrative and any attempt to club them together is rank skullduggery. If one were to use the same logic, then these Left-leaning writers would find themselves in the dock for the innumerable gruesome murders committed by Maoists with whom they concur ideologically.
It is ironical that this Left Liberal secular lobby which effectively suppressed the nationalist voice by shutting it out of the English language media for over 50 years should raise a hue and cry about freedom of speech. This writer who has been writing for over 30 years has personal experience in this regard.
Malini ParthasarathyEditorial prerogative has been used as an excuse to deny nationalist advocates a space. Recently Rajiv Malhotra, a scholarly nationalist champion—not a rabid hate-monger—was denied a right to respond when concocted and exaggerated charges of plagiarism against him were freely circulated in Indian English language publications.
Malini Parthasarathy, editor, The Hindu, wrote this in reply to Rajiv Malhotra’s request: “The newspaper’s right to exercise its own judgement on the need to give space to a self-proclaimed impugned party, must be protected especially in a climate where frenzy is building up on social media virtually dictating an agenda of political and cultural priorities to the media, demanding compliance. We must be careful not to feed into this frenzy or to legitimise it in any way….”
In her book, this dictum however is only applicable to the “other side”.
Nonetheless the concern about free speech raised by Sahitya Akademi awardees needs to be addressed in the larger interest of our democracy.
The Kalburgi, Dabholkar and Pansare murders are aberrations. By and large there is no establishment-sanctioned threat to free speech. A review of the opinion and editorial columns of the English language media even today indicates that it is unfairly and suffocatingly slanted in favour of the Left Liberal lobby; of the hundreds of columns churned out every day hardly one or two project a different view. In reality, this brouhaha is not a valid complaint at all but a peeve of an arrogant cabal that has become suddenly irrelevant in the narrative of modern India as a consequence of its own antics of hyperbole, half-truths and blatant lies which have been unequivocally rejected by the people of India; in other words the tantrums of a spoiled brat who is no Akhilesh Yadav longer the centre of attention.
Strictly speaking, law and order is primarily a state matter and not a direct central responsibility. By that corollary it is the Congress government in Karnataka and the Samajwadi Party in UP which stand culpable for the Kalburgi murder and the Dadri lynching respectively—not the BJP government at the Centre. And in the Kalburgi case the Congress government stands doubly implicated by its withdrawal of Kalburgi’s security cover in the face of a continuing threat even though it may have been done at Prof Kalburgi’s insistence. Here again these writers are barking up the wrong tree.
Nayantara SehgalAdditionally, a perusal of the track records of these famous personalities throws up a shocking picture of opportunistic inconsistency instead of an unwavering commitment to human values. For example, Nayantara Sahgal had no qualms about accepting the Sahitya Akademi Award from a government that had directly overseen the only true pogrom of modern India: the 1984 massacre of 3000 Sikhs in the nation’s capital.
During the dark days of 1990 when Kashmiri Hindu Pandits were forced to flee their homes, Shashi Deshpande gladly accepted the Sahitya Akademi Award from an impotent government that stood as a mute spectator on the sidelines; she on her part failed to even acknowledge the grim tragedy of brutal ethnic cleansing that was being played out in Kashmir—so much for upholding human rights and combating intolerance.
Likewise, Sarah Joseph, the Malayalam writer willingly accepted her award from the BJP government in 2003 barely a few months after the Godhra-Gujarat riots; her Shashi Deshpande personal aggrandisement, the glory of the award seems to have pushed her principles to the back burner at that time.
“Silence is a form of abetment,” the writer Shashi Deshpande averred while resigning from the Sahitya Akademi governing council. I do agree. By their silence these writers have abetted the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom, the barbaric incineration of 59 Hindus at Godhra and the systematic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir. With such deliberate differential treatment these writers forfeit all moral authority; in addition, this discrimination directly provokes and fuels Hindu radicalism. They must share the blame for the rise of Hindu extremism which is still minuscule in the large picture.
Until I see these celebrities defend the rights of all victims, Hindus and Sikhs included, with the same vigour and passion that they exhibit now, I am forced to take their words, not with a pinch of salt but a ton of salt; their motive will always remain suspect and their protestations a sham.
Rather than indulge in deceptive name calling that paints all nationalists with same extremist brush or flamboyant resignations loaded with the diktat “it is my way or the highway”, these writers would further secularism if they climb down from their ivory towers, shed their arrogance, introspect and engage in a civil debate with mainstream nationalists to effect a positive outcome in the interest of the nation.
“My right to free speech is indispensable while your right to free speech is dispensable” attitude will not do. We need to have uniform standards applicable and acceptable by one and all: a sense of fair play that provides a platform for everyone to freely express their opinions within traditional norms that eschew violence. We need to have the courage and intellectual honesty to rise above our own prejudices and condemn every killing or atrocity regardless of the religion of the victim or his/her ideology—only then will we be able to usher in a truly egalitarian society devoid of a Dadri lynching or a Kalburgi murder. – HuffPost, 14 October 2015
» Vivek V. Gumaste is a US-based academic and political commentator.

OLD MANTRA TO COMBAT MODERN MENACE

OLD MANTRA TO COMBAT MODERN MENACE

(An article by the Indian Express)

"In the time of global warming and growing pollution, saving the environment seems to be the cause calibre of a lot of people. However, while most people might advocate fixing your faucet and turning off your lights, not many would tell you that a yagna could help.

This is what the Institute for Studies in Vedic Sciences believes. According to its followers, the ancient vedic practice of Agnihotra releases into the air chemicals that absorb pollution and kill harmful bacteria.

In fact, they are celebrating the "World Agnihotra Day" on March 12 to popularise the notion. However, far from asking you to believe it on face value, the members of the Institute insist that the theory is based on sound scientific principles.

"Agnihotra is burning of cow dung along with ghee made from cow's milk and rice in a pyramidical copper altar at sunrise and sunset while chanting specific mantras. We believe that through Agnihotra, certain chemicals are released into the air which absorb carbon and harmful chemicals. Also the fumes have been proven to be pathogenic killing harmful germs. The ash is considered to have medicinal properties," says Dr Purshottam Rajanvale.

To most rational and critical minds, the first question is how can burning cow dung help the environment?

Dr Rajanvale answers, "Our institute scientifically researched the theory and I must admit though we are convinced of the effects, we don't really understand the reasons. For example, we conducted an experiment at a junction in Pune in which we took air samples on a day without doing a morning and evening Agnihotra and a day after doing the Agnihotra. We noticed reduced levels of air pollution."

"In the case of killing germs, burning of ghee and dung is known to give out formaldehyde which is known to kill pathogenic bacteria. Along with this, the ashes have cured skin problems by application in experiments in the hospital we have in Shivpuri, Solapur, where we are based," adds Rajanvale.

Rajanvale further states, "We are actively conducting research into the concept and don't ask people to blindly believe but to see the evidence we come up with."

Answering another finger pointed at it saying it is solely a Hindu practice, Rajanvale explains, "This is not true. Even in the mantras it is only the word God that is used. He is not being named. In fact, the Vedas belong to no specific religion. They are just a tome of knowledge for all of mankind.

"This method of cleansing the air and the environment is popular amongst the younger generation," says Shilpa Polekar who runs a center where she supplies people with the materials necessary for Agnihotra called White Flower in Dadar. "Around 130 families in my area practise this and most of them are young nuclear families. I have also noticed that this practice is more common abroad than in India," she adds.

On March 12, the institute plans small local level events to tell people about Agnihotra."

Original article:-
http://archive.indianexpress.com/…/old-mantra-to-c…/432446/0Mon Mar 09 2009, 03:23 hrs

AN OPEN LETTER BY CHETAN BHAGAT TO KASHMIRI FRIENDS

AN OPEN LETTER BY CHETAN BHAGAT TO KASHMIRI FRIENDS -- 1

Dear Kashmiri Friends (the ones who don’t like India),

I write in this open forum because something terrible is happening in the Kashmir Valley. The recent events at NIT Srinagar only brought the situation to national attention. Some students burst crackers when India lost the T20 semi-final. Many students were beaten for raising the Indian flag. Thereafter, bloody clashes have broken out in north Kashmir.

I understand that there is little pro-India sentiment amongst locals in the Kashmir Valley. Many would rather the Valley be on its own, some wouldn’t even mind being with Pakistan. I will not judge you. Despite being a patriotic Indian, I won’t hold it against you if you hate India. You must and do have your reasons for it.

However, allow me to present another point of view. Allow me to tell you how your future will be best, on a practical basis, if the Kashmir Valley integrates and assimilates with India. This is not an emotional, political or historical argument. It is simply more rational for people in the Kashmir Valley who seek a better future to do it with India.

Sure, the experts will jump on me now. Experts who have made the Kashmir problem their fiefdom. However, if the problem were indeed solved, how will these people stay relevant? Hence, they always attack any solution with their elitist ‘this is too complicated an issue’ stance. They love complicated. It gives them another conference to attend. You suffer with complicated, as the problem never gets solved.

The issue is complicated for sure. For those who don’t know the Kashmir issue, here it is in a nutshell. India became independent. Princely states were assimilated. Jammu & Kashmir didn’t accede. Pakistan attacked Kashmir, took half of it (and still controls it). Kashmir’s ruler called India for help. In return for help J&K became part of India, but with riders.

J&K would have its own constitution, have more political independence than other states, while the Centre would handle defence, foreign affairs and communications. In theory, it was a good solution, a sort of one country, two systems approach. In reality, it never worked.

Instead of two parents as planned, J&K became nobody’s child and an orphan. Pakistan took advantage and used the common factor of Islam to start a militant movement. The Indian army tried to control it. However, it is difficult to control terrorism that co-exists with a civilian population (case in point: even the world’s superpowers appear unable to control Islamic State).

Hence the Indian army, and India, only got a bad name in the Valley. Thus the ‘we hate India’ slogans and perennially unsolved Kashmir problem.

The question is, what is a Kashmiri youth to do now? First, it is important for everyone, not just Kashmiris, to understand the area and people involved. The J&K map we see in Indian textbooks is far from what exists on the ground. Half of what we see in the map is taken over by Pakistan and China. Even though India may claim it, unless we are okay with heavy civilian casualties (which we are not), we will never get it.

Hence, let’s just focus on the half under Indian control, which can be divided into three areas: Ladakh, Jammu and the Valley. Most of the trouble is in the Kashmir Valley. This is only around 7% of the area Indians see on the J&K map and approximates the size of Manipur. In terms of people it is 7 million, roughly the population of Chennai.

******************************************************************************************************************************************

AN OPEN LETTER BY CHETAN BHAGAT TO KASHMIRI FRIENDS -- 2

The terrain is rugged and the area is completely landlocked. Even if we were to indulge the argument that India is a terrible country and so Kashmir Valley should be on its own, can you really build a sustainable country out of it? It will be a tiny stub in a troubled area, abused by both India and Pakistan. With no real economy and extreme dependence on its giant neighbours, it risks becoming a cesspool of terrorism, drugs and smuggling.

There is also a risk of its being taken over by fundamentalist Islamic forces. It is unlikely anybody from outside would invest money in such a dangerous place. There would be no jobs and no safety. Would you want to live there? Ditto if it joins Pakistan. India is seen as a major emerging market economy. Pakistan is not even seen as a real economy.

Another issue is women’s rights. Half of the Valley’s people are women. Given the hold of fundamentalist Islam, their rights would be curbed under both the independence and Pakistan options. This half of the population would be better off with India. Or do what women want not matter?

If you are Kashmiri and care for Kashmir, the best thing you can do is to integrate with India. Your population size is small, only 7 million. It is not unthinkable to unite them and create a group of people that talks real business with the Indian government. Your local politician won’t talk assimilation, as he or she would rather hold more power than a typical state government in India. However, for you, the youth, the best bet is to make the Valley truly part of India.

The rest of India should not ask for the removal of Article 370. The 7 million people in the Valley should. Kashmiri Pandits who were made to leave the Valley need to be brought back. Terrorism is no solution, nor revenge and retribution for Indian atrocities. Terrorism is only going to harm people in the Valley most.

So, it is youth in the Valley who have to now start a movement to really solve this problem. Get rid of Article 370. It is not empowering Kashmir. It is only empowering your local politicians, who frankly can do nothing for you without Indian integration.

Don’t blame the Indian army. It has the tough job of weeding out terrorists from a civilian population which is almost impossible without collateral damage, terrible as that might be. However, blame those truly responsible, the Pakistani army, the local leaders who exploited the situation and the experts who did nothing for you.

Don’t burst crackers when India loses. Don’t feel good when India fails.

Because if India fails, you will fail too.

Jai Hind. Jai Kashmir. – Times of India, 16 April 2016

» Chetan Bhagat is a best-selling author and popular newspaper columnist.

Excusing Muslim terrorists and blaming Hindus – David Frawley-1

Muslim preachers like Zakir Naik are afforded respect even when teaching intolerance and excusing terrorism. Hindu gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on the contrary, are criticized and even sued for promoting world peace and the unity of humanity. And this is occurring in Bharat, which is not an Islamic country. – Dr David Frawley

Hindu gurus are kept in jail without bail, made the subject of long court cases, dragging out for years. The media presumes them guilty and does not ask for their release. When their names are eventually cleared, as in the case of Pujya Jayendra Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram, no apologies are offered for the derogatory stories published against them.
Hindu Sadhvi Pragya, accused of involvement in a terror attack, can be kept in jail for years without bail, drugged and tortured as a matter of investigation. This would not happen with a mullah or with a priest.
A Hindu politician like Kamlesh Tiwari can be held without bail for allegedly insulting Islam, while those insulting Hindu Dharma are excused or turned into media heroes, like the student protestors from JNU’s communist student union who denigrated Ma Durga—or for preachers like Naik who routinely demean Hindu deities, practices and theology on television shows.
To be contd.....

NAYAK OR KHALNAYAK (Excusing Muslim terrorists and blaming Hindus ) --2
The problem with having hate speech laws is that they aren’t designed to fight hate. They just make voicing a hateful opinion illegal. – T. A. Bharadwaj (T. A. Bharadwaj is a student journalist and philosophy buff.)
As per recent revelations, at least two of the seven terrorists, who hacked 20 people to death in Dhaka, were followers of Dr Zakir Naik.
Naik, a controversial Indian Islamic preacher, is extremely popular among a section of middle class urban Muslims. Indian media and the political establishment at large have been clamouring to have him banned and to prosecute him on grounds of hate speech.This would be a terrible move.
One may be a free speech fundamentalist, but never smitten with romantic notions of free speech.
We should not underestimate the threat of radical Islamism and recognise the capacity of hate preachers to influence impressionable young men to commit heinous acts of violence in the name of religion without evincing any interest in the repercussions of their detrimental acts.
A serious thought is to be given whether banning a venom spitting hardcore conservative like Jakir Naik help in dealing with radicalaization.
If we watch any of his lectures or debates on YouTube, you will see that not only does Naik draw in huge crowds at his events, but he also has a substantial online audience. His large fan base would seem to suggest that many of his abhorrent views are shared by huge crowds of people. Indeed he has good knowledge of Vedas Upanishads and Bhagavadgitha. The fundamental question that should occur to our mind is that in all his lectures he takes quotations only to such extent, which, either, are in tune with Quran or the meaning of which lead the skeptics to a fallacious conclusion. Neither he quotes the full text of the verse nor interprets in its veracious meaning.***
VERY IMP.THE BOOK OF ALLAH GIVEN TO HINDUS IS ONLY BHAGWADGITA.BHAGWADGITA DOES NOT MENTION TO EAT FLESH.THE BOOK OF PARSIS GIVEN BY ALLAH IS VE DEAVO DATA.IT MEANS LAW AGAINST DEVTAS.VE DEAVO DATA MENTIONS TO EAT FLESH ONLY ON THE FOURTH DAY OF DEATH CEREMONY OF RELATIVES. VE DEAVO DATA DOES NOT MENTION TO EAT FLESH EVERY DAY.ONLY QURAN ALLOWS TO EAT FLESH.VERY IMP. QURAN MENTIONS TO EAT FLESH IN SUCH A WAY THAT LATER ON ANY REAL MUSLIM WILL STOP EATING......ADIL DARUWALLA
Dr. Alok K. Bohara, Ph.D. Professor University of New Mexico states as follows:
In July 16, 1945, nuclear physicist Robert Oppenheimer famously recalled this quote from the Bhagavad Gita after seeing the mushroom cloud from the first atomic bomb test in New Mexico : 
"If the radiance of a thousand suns were to
burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one." and
"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."
famous German author Herman Hesse: “The marvel of the Bhagavad-Gita is its truly beautiful revelation of life's wisdom which enables philosophy to blossom into religion.” The vast span of knowledge and wisdom in Gita, ranging from the nature’s cosmic evolution and creation of the physical world to the subliminal inner self journey, has stood the test of time and space.
On the contrary, the undertone of Dr. Naik’s so-called scholarly rote sermon with rapid citation against the Vedanta and its true teaching seem both childish and full of ignorance. Furthermore, his continuous push for the revival of the throwback era of superstitions and social dogma in the India sub-continent seems to be motivated by his own insecurity in his faith. Why else would you spend so much time fighting such a profoundly secular universal teaching contained in the Gita, especially when it is not even your own religion? Because of his habit of playing fast and loose with the words and facts, many Imams held a press conference to condemn him for his political remark in Italy about the battle in Mecca .
What is stated above reveals the fact that when his charges, allegations, misquotes are refuted in deliberate arguments on a common platform for open discussion with unbiased judges then his voice can be made feeble and thus making him meek. 
If we vban him from ban him from preaching, how would we deal with millions of his fans who hold similar beliefs? Can we ban them? We cannot because ideas cannot be made illegal. The problem with having hate speech laws is that they aren’t designed to fight hate. They just make voicing a hateful opinion illegal.
Just because people don’t say things out loud, doesn’t mean the idea doesn’t exist. Salman Rushdie once remarked: “If we give people the freedom to voice their hateful views, at least we can see where the hate is coming from and take it on directly.”
The best way to counter the influence of people like Naik is to expose their ideas, for the regressive, conservative and pre-medieval notions they are. Inviting him to debates on national television instead of banning him, would be a good place to start. In fact, if you look at his most controversial statements, as problematic as they are, they aren’t calls for violence. Zakir Naik is a hardcore fundamentalist and the only way to defeat religious fundamentalists is by critically scrutinising their ideology by pitting them against ideas based on reason.
We need to win over people’s hearts and minds instead of alienating them for their false sense of right and wrong.
The only reason Naik is even in the limelight right now is because two of the Dhaka terrorists were his fans. Banning him with that as the reason would set a dangerous precedent.
It was revealed soon after Osama Bin Laden’s death that he was a fan of Noam Chomsky, among others.
In fact, Chomsky’s critique of American foreign policy makes him a darling among Islamists. Would that be reason enough to ban Chomsky?
Naik’s views are regressive and extremely conservative.
If we want to mitigate the problem of radicalism, we need to wage a battle of ideas.
Banning one preacher would hardly make a dent in the problem and is bound to create more ill will among the people we should be trying to win over.

Fasting during Ramadan - Experts Views

Fasting during Ramadan or Ramzan - Experts Views

https://ramamohanraocheruku.blogspot.com/2016/07/fasting-during-ramadan-experts-views.html

People who follow Sanatana Dharma, may think this is not for them. But among us there are several bunches of people who either feel the practice to be good or even think of converting themselves to Islam. Any enthusiast who goes through their Holy Book Quran will know so many astounding facts. Though the following sloka was told 5000 years back by Lord Krishna in a different context we can corroborate it to the present day frame of reference.

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् |

स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: || 35||

శ్రేయాన్స్వధర్మో విగుణః పరధర్మాత్స్వనుష్ఠితాత్ |

స్వధర్మే నిధనం శ్రేయః పరధర్మో భయావహః ||.

śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt

swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ

The essence of this Sloka is:

'It is preferable to die in the discharge of one’s Dharma, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger.'

Hence the article.

These are the ten advantages of fasting with reference to Ramadan 

or Ramzan stated in a certain site in google search.

1. Fasting Promotes detoxification 

2. Fasting Rests Digestive System 

3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response

4. Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar 

5. Fasting Increases Fat breakdown 

6. Fasting Corrects high blood Pressure 

7. Fasting Promotes Weight loss

8. Fasting Promotes Healthy diet 

9. Fasting Boosts Immunity 

10. Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions.

The ambiguity here is that the fasting remains undefined. However 

considering the practices of the orthodox Muslims during Ramadan 

we will reach out to the factors contributing therefor.

 At the outset let us see how the tradition is modernized in gulf 

countries.

In the Arabian Gulf countries, wealthy sheikhs hold “majlises” where 

they open their doors for people to pass by all hours of the night for 

food, tea, coffee and conversation. Increasingly common are 

Ramadan tents in five-star hotels that offer lavish and pricey meals 

from sunset to sunrise. While Ramadan is a boon for retailers in the 

Middle East and South Asia, critics say the holy month is 

increasingly becoming commercialized.

Coming to the point the salient features of Islamic fasting are:

For 30 days every lunar year (during the month of Ramadan),waking 

up before dawn and eating and drinking to prepare for the fast 

(binge eating is a common habit). Refraining from consuming any 

food or water from dawn to sunset. Breaking the fast at sunset and 

again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.

Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct 

Islamic way however we cannot function for the whole day by eating 

only a small amount of food at the time of dawn. This would affect 

our performance even more during the day. But you feel such a 

compulsion that you can't resist the urges and continue binge eating.

In a recent study done on the Arab world, diseases linked to 

cholesterol and diabetes increased by 27.65% because of 

overeating. Non-compliance with prescribed treatment regimens is 

common during Ramadan. One study finds that incidences of 

dehydration increase during the month of Ramadan

Other health effects include:

Evidence of hemoconcentration and dehydration has been found 

during Ramadan (El-Hazmi, Al-Faleh, & Al-Mofleh, 1987;Kayikcioglu 

et al., 1999; Ramadan et al., 1999; Schmahl & Metzler, 1991; 

Sweileh et al., 1992). Restricted fluid intake, leading to disturbance 

in the fluid balance, is likely to cause these conditions. In the initial 

stages of dehydration, the clinical signs are (an abnormally rapid 

heart rate.), tiredness and malaise, headaches and nausea. Middle-

aged or more elderly persons are usually more prone to the effect of 

dehydration (Schmahl & Metzler).

Migraines are three times more common during Ramadan, affecting 

an estimated 90 million Muslims:

 An estimated 90 million of the world’s 1.57 billion Muslims are likely 

to suffer from migraine headaches during the dawn-to-dusk fasts 

during the month of Ramadan – which begins on Wednesday, at the 

height of summer heat. But Jewish researchers in the US and Israel 

have suggested how to help prevent the problem.

Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Salah, Israel’s only Beduin neurologist – who 

works at Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba – headed a 

team that found migraine attacks are three times more common 

during the Muslim fast than in the rest of the year.

The following study takes a look at the significant fluctuations in the 

weight of individuals that occurs during the month of Ramadan, 

primarily as a result of the metabolic changes that occur in the body.

Researchers have found decreased heart rate and oxygen 

consumption during Ramadan (Husain et al., 1987; Ramadan et al., 

1999; Sweileh et al., 1992). These findings suggest a metabolic 

adaptation to fasting. It seems that during the Ramadan daylight 

hours - when no food or water is taken in - to conserve stored 

energy, the metabolism slows down (Sweileh et al., 1992).

Changes of sleep habit in Ramadan affects autonomic activity and 

melatonin rhythmicity. The other negative effects may be that, 

during fasting patients with cardiovascular disease cannot consume 

medications, such as anti-ischemic, anti-platelet, anti-hypertensive 

drugs, and drugs of heart failure on time. Some patients may get 

admitted to the hospital with cardiovascular symptoms owing to 

failure of therapy.

Effect on Circadian Patterns and Sleep Disorders

The results of the following study can lead us to conclude that 

fasting negatively effects an individual's circadian rhythm. As a 

result, unfavorable side-effects such as lethargy and a lack of 

motivation, may contribute to a society's lack of productivity:

In a certain study, the nutritional status of lactating women was 

affected by Ramadan fasting. All of the nutrient intakes (except 

vitamins A, E and C) decreased during Ramadan. The study said 

that it would seem prudent to excuse lactating women from fasting 

during Ramadan.

The following study in Morocco found that irritability increased 

during Ramadan:

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that people in Morocco are more 

irritable during the month of Ramadan than during the rest of the 

year. Our objectives were to measure irritability in fasting Muslims 

during the month of Ramadan, to describe its various modes of 

expression, and to examine risk factors for this irritability.

METHODS AND SUBJECTS: We studied 100 healthy volunteers 

during the month of Ramadan for two successive years (1994 and 

1995). All subjects were male (mean age, 32+/-5.8 years), and 51% 

of them were smokers. Irritability was assessed over a 6-week 

period (before, four times during, and after the end of Ramadan). 

We assessed both subjective (visual analog scale) and objective 

irritability. We also recorded the consumption of psychostimulants, 

duration of sleep, and anxiety level as measured by the Hamilton 

Anxiety Scale.

Director of Jakarta Police’s General Crime Unit, Sr. Comr. 

Muhammad Iriawan called on Jakarta residents to be alert as crimes 

tended to increase during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Iriawan said crimes such as house break-ins and robberies tend to 

increase during Ramadan, when the need for extra money was high 

because of the festivities.

In August, 2010, Mustafa Mor, who was involved in a road accident 

in Turkey, was left waiting on a stretcher due to the X-ray service 

being closed for fast-breaking.

Low productivity during Ramadan affects Dubai employees

Performance in most companies, institutions and government 

departments around the Arab world is usually at a low during the 

month of Ramadan, with poor productivity and constant reported 

absences.

These are a few points that are mentioned for the benefit of those 

innocent people who are not fully aware of the dictum of the Holy 

Book.