Life in Balance: Amit D. Chaudhary’s Blog
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I found the Washington Post article to be a good summary on the topic of Toxic gases from Telfon (including Telfon coated cookware), Keep Your Cool When Using Teflon By Robert L. Wolke

First, a few facts. Most nonstick coatings are made of Teflon, a patented product of DuPont Co. DuPont employs a chemical called PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, or C8) at some stage in the process of manufacturing Teflon. PFOA has long been known to cause reproductive defects and cancer in animals. The Environmental Protection Agency concluded last month that PFOA and its close chemical relatives (often referred to generically as PFOA) “present an unreasonable risk to human health” because it has become widespread in the environment. Hence, the suspicion that nonstick cookware contains PFOA and can impart it to our foods.
It doesn’t, and it can’t. The EPA’s rightful concern is with PFOA in the environment, not in our cookware.

Teflon will eventually succumb to heat. When Teflon becomes hot enough, its big (polymer) molecules break down into smaller (telomer) molecules and larger particles, at the same time giving off a multitude of gaseous fluorine compounds, many of which are known to be toxic or carcinogenic or both.
What, then, are the options for the concerned home cook? The answer? Don’t let them get too hot.

What is “too hot”? According to published research cited by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington, fine particulates are released from Teflon pans when heated to more than about 550 degrees. These particulates have been tied to the deaths of several species of birds, whose respiratory systems are hypersensitive. (That’s why canaries are used as warnings of mine gases.) Above about 680 degrees, gases that are toxic to humans and most likely carcinogenic are emitted — but note: no PFOA has been detected. Below those temperatures, nonstick cookware is entirely safe. There is no emission of particulates or “off-gassing” of chemicals, whether toxic or benign.

Here, then, are some simple rules for continuing to enjoy the benefits of nonstick cookware in complete safety:

- Never leave an empty nonstick pan unattended on a burner. (An empty pan gets hotter than a pan with something in it, even oil, because the oil absorbs and dissipates heat from the pan’s surface. Empty, a frying pan can reach 750 to 800 degrees after several minutes on a high burner.)
- Don’t preheat a nonstick pan before adding the butter or oil for sautéing. (On uncoated metal pan surfaces, heating the pan before adding the fat reduces the food’s tendency to stick. With a nonstick pan, that’s unnecessary.)

-Don’t sear meat in a nonstick pan or on a nonstick grill. (In my opinion, Teflon-coated grills and grill pans should be banned because grilling temperatures can reach 700 degrees.)

- Don’t broil in a Teflon-coated pan. (Broiling temperatures can easily exceed 1,000 degrees.)

My personal guidelines have been:

-Do not use teflon coated or not-stick grils.

-Cook at upto 90% of max temparature (no more than 9 on a cooking range with 1-10) for Non-stick telfon coated pans and vessels.

-Discard Non-stick utensils when the non-stick material starts peeling\falling off as it tends to do.

We would not be afraid to get up knowing that there are greater chances of us falling again. We would not be afraid to “shake up” that mud at the bottom of the glass and see it for what it is. We would not be afraid to get lost because we would know that only then, are we truly capable of discovering.

Ironically, the opposite of settle is not “unsettle.” According to the dictionary, it is: emerge, increase, go up, wake up, growth, stand up, rebel, and originate.

Rest at: An Inner Journey: Bottom of the Glass

Yoga Magazine by Bihar School of Yoga: Antar Mouna

On Pratyahara (Sensory withdrawl) setting the stage for meditation

Stage 1: Awareness of external sensory perceptions

Stage 1 of antar mouna is concerned with the sensory perceptions of external stimuli. The awareness is consciously directed to focus on the sense of taste, then to witness any smells nearby, to observe the sensations of touch, body against floor, clothes or air against skin, then to move the awareness to all the different available sounds within the vicinity, without analyzing or naming them, simply witnessing the quality of the sounds. We are told this is a pratyahara technique, so externalizing our awareness may seem like a paradox at first. Why do we do this? Because if we try to internalize our awareness directly, what happens? Instantly the monkey mind jumps outside and becomes distracted by the outside sounds, or smells and the sense of touch etc. So first, there has to be a full extension of awareness to all the sensory inputs. We have to know what they are and how they affect us, or how we react to them. Three factors are involved: (i) the external object of perception (smell, taste, sound, sight and touch); (ii) the external organs of perception (the jnanendriyas: skin, nose, ears, eyes and tongue), and (iii) the internal perceiver – the witness awareness – which knows it is observing; “I know I am listening to the outside sounds and I know that I know” is the form this awareness can take.

Stage 2: Awareness of the spontaneous thought process

In stage 2 of antar mouna we leave the outside world and turn inside to work with the mind. We sit in a relaxed manner and start to observe the mind ’screen’ in front of the closed eyes. The aim is to view and exhaust the samskaras, the negative thoughts, experiences, phobias, old memories, emotions and fears, i.e. the useless debris, which arise from inside the subconscious mind. Regular practice of this stage cleans the mind of old dross and prevents the accumulation of more rubbish.

Stage 2 has three requirements: The first is to allow the mind total freedom to think anything it wants, without any restriction. Letting all thoughts bubble up spontaneously to the surface, being aware of any corresponding emotions or feelings, especially fear, panic, greed, lust, guilt, hatred or anger. There should be no control, judgement or criticism of any thoughts – they may be about work, home, food, sex, friends, enemies, likes, dislikes; trivial or lofty, sublimely beautiful or violently murderous. Some may be connected, others will be random. Sometimes there may be a torrent of thoughts, at other times there may be just a trickle. No matter, what is important is the second requirement which is that we maintain absolutely vigilant awareness of the spontaneous thought process. Aiming constantly to develop our capacity to witness, just as though we were watching a TV or a video screen, like an uninvolved observer or spectator watching a stream of images, thoughts and events with detachment.

During the practice of stage 2, we will start to observe the different tendencies of the mind. Seeing how we suppress. When we do, we can be certain that the thought or impression will come up again with even greater force at a later time (this can be likened to pushing a rubber toy under water). Witnessing how we hold onto other thoughts, discovering how easily we can lose ourselves within our own mental process, observing that perhaps we have some repetitive thought patterns. The mind can be extremely tricky. It loves a good painful movie, for example, and may tend to replay a particular traumatic ‘video’ over and over, knowing it will get a good emotional reaction each time. By observing the play of the mind with the attitude of a witness, these thoughts start to lose their emotional force and even the most painful experiences can gradually be eradicated.

After some time with this stage, by giving the mind this freedom to spontaneously express, the torrent of babble starts to thin out a bit. The mind starts to become a little quieter. This should not however be confused with either silence, or sleep which often occurs, especially with beginners. A tendency to sleep when practising antar mouna is a classic form of the mind suppressing something it doesn’t want to confront. It is as if the mind recognizes that something different is happening, that you are taking control by asking the question: “What am I thinking now?” and all of a sudden the mind goes quiet. There are no thoughts at all! Do not be fooled into thinking this is enlightenment, rather it is just another form of subtle suppression. Just wait patiently for a short while, imagine you are looking at an empty road and soon enough the mental chatter will continue again!

The third requirement is courage, openness and honesty, for deep, hidden and suppressed parts of our personality will be revealed to us with antar mouna. This may be some beautiful, loving part of ourselves that has been dormant, or perhaps some ugly dark side that has equally been hidden. We learn to understand the nature of our mind and its multifarious activities, to befriend it and to become aware of and observe our emotional reactions to the different thoughts. This process enables us to accept ourselves fully, not as we’d like to be, but as we really are.

Stage 3: Creation and disposal of thoughts

In stage 3 of antar mouna we consciously create and dispose of thoughts at will. It is the opposite to stage two. Here spontaneous thoughts are not allowed. Rather a particular theme or thought is chosen at will, then reflected upon for a while, generating as many connected thoughts as possible related only to that theme. Looking at the issue from all angles, pondering on it, if another person is involved, considering things from their point of view and so on. After a few minutes, this theme or thought is then thrown quickly out of the mind, like a film director giving the order to ‘Cut’ when a scene is finished, and another theme is chosen. This can be repeated several times, choosing a different issue each time. The practitioner is requested to choose confronting, difficult, negative issues and themes, rather than inconsequential thoughts which will tend to be a waste of time.

In stage 3 it is really possible to work at a psychotherapeutic level. Although stage 2 helps to release mental tensions by allowing them to erupt without inhibition, many of these subconscious thoughts are deeply embedded in normally inaccessible regions of the mind, firmly fixed and rooted through habitual suppression, and therefore do not necessarily arise spontaneously.

Stages 4, 5 and 6

Stages 4, 5 and 6 are at a much more advanced level, and it will be a waste of time to attempt them if the first three stages have not been practised extensively first. Stage 4, awareness and disposal of spontaneous thoughts, is a refinement of previous stages. By this time much negativity and many disturbing thoughts will have been cleared. The mind is calmer by this stage. The thoughts will be of a different quality, arising from a deeper or more subtle space. A new dimension of one’s being can be indicated or revealed here, the psychic level. One should not become attached to what arises. Detachment is required in order not to become distracted. When one is heading inwards, into uncharted territory, the witness must be strong. Gradually the mind becomes more refined and lucid.

In stage 5, the aim is to create a state of thoughtlessness. No thoughts, the mind has to become blank whilst alertness or awareness is still maintained. It is like a mental vacuum, but it is not sleep. It is shoonya. This stage leads to actual antar mouna and should arise almost spontaneously as a result of having practised and perfected the previous stages. Suppression takes place here sometimes, but the thoughts have become almost insignificant. When stage 5 is easy, then one is instructed to move on to stage 6, otherwise the mind can become lost in laya, unconsciousness or sleep.

Stage 6 is awareness of the psychic symbol. Here constant awareness of the chosen psychic symbol is required, in order not to be side-tracked by other psychic scenery. At this stage one can slide towards the state of dharana and even dhyana.

Self-Acceptance vs. Personal Growth by Steve Pavlina

Snippets:
Trying to apply the linear mindset to your self-image creates the conflict between self-acceptance and growth.  Instead of merely measuring various aspects of your life and noting how they change over time, you identify with them.  I am richer than I was last year.  I am more depressed than I used to be.  I went from being a telemarketer to being a sales manager.

When you identify with the positional aspects of your life, you pull your ego into the picture.  Your sense of self then becomes dependent on your particular position.

We all experience setbacks.  It’s only a matter of time.  If your self-esteem is based on your position, then you’ll suffer greatly when your position declines.  What would it do to your self-esteem if you lost all your money?  What if you gained 50 lbs?  What if your life mate dumped you?  If you lose your position, will you lose your sense of self?
and

If you find yourself succumbing to the ego-position trap, add some practices to your life like meditation, journaling, time with kids, time in nature, and so on.  This will help you reconnect with what’s most sacred to you (your own version of true north principles) and keep your identity separate from your position.  Then you can experience drive without attachment, ambition without ego, and peace without passivity.

From Outside online and the Book Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness, by Phil Campbell.

SPRINT 8, A 20-MINUTE WORKOUT:
After a three-minute warm-up, start a series of eight 30-second intervals. Prep your muscles for the pace with the first three, then push yourself as hard as possible through the rest. Between each sprint, slow to an easy pace for 90 seconds, to fully recover for the next one. Finish with a couple minutes of easy work.
For the best results, do a series every other day so your body has time off.
If you don’t currently have an exercise routine, Campbell suggests you start with at least three weeks of moderate sprints to strengthen your joints’ connective tissue and to prep the muscles for full-bore exertion.

Tip:
“If you can keep charging past 30 seconds, you aren’t trying hard enough,” says Sprint 8 creator Phil Campbell.

Result:
Doubled his maximum bench press from 135 to 280 pounds, cut two seconds off his 100-yard-dash time, lost 40 pounds, and shed six inches from his waistline—all in just over a year. LDL cholesterol level dropped 60 points on Campbell’s Sprint8 program.

Original article
High-Intensity Training aka Sprint 8 | Outside Online

Something I thought should be there. Particularly spirituality is important to those who choose to follow it and there have been and are many dubious Gurus (Spiritual leaders or Spiritual Teachers).

It is good to ask someone who you trust what they think of a Guru or Path before jumping into it. It might help in avoiding inappropriate paths.

Needless to say, these are opinions and come with a Beware warning (Caveat Emptor) and sometimes a wrong opinion is worse than no opinion.

I believe in trying to make deliberate decisions in this regard (A more recent post: Ideas to think consciously about your spiritual goals and evaluating spiritual paths)

I found a Guru Rating website by Sarlo (Some who says he\she is not an expert in this and does not mention his\her real name), yet I believe the approach is worth a look. The author of the ratings below (Sarlo) is a Paramahansa Yogananda and Osho follower, so they do rank high.
The original page: Sarlo’s Complete list of Guru ratings

An article about why not to trust them: The Truth About Jody Radzik And Sarlo

Ratings are from 3 (Highest) to 0(Lowest). See meaning at bottom of this blog post, all links from Sarlo’s webpage.

***** The ratings that I thought were closer to truth ****

2.5 Sri Swami Sivananda M 1887-1963 Sivananda

Karma Yoga’s Divine Life Society. “Attached so much importance to dissemination of spiritual knowledge that in a financial crisis, he would shut down the kitchen but not the press.” Disciples in the biz include Swami Vishnu-devananda (successor, M 1927-1993), H.H. Sri Swami Krishnananda Saraswati Maharaj (M b 1922, another successor), and Swami S. Radha (F 1911-1995). Many claimed awakened in this stream. Baggage, big business, outmoded misogynist brahmacharya trip but some good people.

2.5 BKS Iyengar M b1918 (= Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja) Iyengar MORE

Indian very sickly as youth but became influential exponent of hatha yoga, author, brother-in-law of T. Krishnamacharya, harsh and exacting but considered the Big Kahuna of today’s yoga scene, still energetic in old age, tours. Benefit of doubt. Denver Post story

2.5 Baba Hari Dass M b1923 Hari Dass

Indian based in States. Silent since 1952, writes on a small chalkboard. Master yogi, Ayurveda, service and publishing. Weekly Satsang includes spiritual singing, meditation, and questions. “In his presence it is evident that he has found a way to be at peace despite the pain and confusion of the world.” Simple, hardworking, solid rep, etc. Benefit of doubt.
2.5 Dalai Lama M b1935 aka Tenzin Gyatso, Lhamo Thondup Dalai Lama (See also other Tibetan teachers) “Ordinary guy” Interview Anti*

14th in a series of reincarnating Bodhisattvas, renouncing the big E to look after the temporal and spiritual welfare of the people of Tibet. “By developing a sense of respect for others and a concern for their welfare, we reduce our own selfishness, which is the source of all problems, and enhance our sense of kindness which is a natural source of goodness.” Looked up to by all the Tibetan teachers. Nice guy, wisdom, compassion, etc. By (usual) definition not enlightened. Anti site a long intellectual / sociopolitical analysis more on Tibetans in general, seasoned with salacious rituals

3.0 Adyashanti M b1957ish aka Steven Gray Open Gate Sangha Report

American. Many years of Zen training with Arvis Joen Justi, also Kwong Roshi and Gangaji. “Stop all delays, all seeking and all striving. Put down your concepts, ideas and beliefs. For one instant be still and directly encounter the silent unknown core of your being. In that instant Freedom will embrace you and reveal the Awakening that you are.” Already sprouted Mokshananda. Said to be acquiring exes of Nome and Russell. Good rep, benefit of doubt. New URL, spiffier image

0.5 Sathya Sai Baba M b1926 aka Sathya Narayana Raju Ocean of Love Official Site Sai Dirt

“Second of three incarnations of the Sai avatar. First was Shirdi Sai Baba. Will remain in the present form until his mid 90’s, then will appear as the third and final incarnation, Prema Sai Baba and will complete the Sai mission to usher in the golden age.” Manifests Seikos and ashes. Lots of rumours of sexual abuse (prepubescent boys). Legerdemain and vanity could be clever cover for something interesting.

0.5 Frederick Lenz M 1949-1998 aka (Zen Master) Rama, Atmananda Rama Anti Skeptical Book Review

American. “I consider Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin, Jean Reno, Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Linda Hamilton, Sean Connery, Jodi Foster, and Denzel Washington to be some of the best actors and actresses in Hollywood today.” Suicide said to have been because of terminal illness. Learned the biz as recruiter for Sri Chinmoy. Aggressive self-promoter, expert on everything. Philanthropist too.

0.5 Gurumayi Chidvilasananda F b1955 aka Malti Shetty Gurumayi Leaving Siddha Yoga New Yorker Article

Indian, Muktananda successor by virtue of ousting little brother Nityananda. Hinduish devotional structure, shaktipat, siddha yoga. Major dirt around coercion and coverups, though anti sites point mainly to Muktananda.

0.5 Sri Chinmoy M b1931 aka Chinmoy Kumar Ghose Sri Chinmoy Dirt

“Dedicated to world peace and fulfilment of the unlimited potential of the human spirit.” “Peace initiatives, heart-to-heart approach to global harmony, personal and international harmony.” Became disciple of Sri Aurobindo at (orphaned) age 12. Champion weight lifter. 800 books, 8,000 songs and 135,000 works of art to his credit, etc. Celibacy shtick and feats punctured at dirt site. Classier new home page. Former harmless guy now just another exploiter.

1.0 Sri Swami Rama M 1925-1996 aka Brij Keshore Kumar (Brijkishor) Himalayan Institute Anti* Court Case* (pdf) Swami J homage

Breath control, hatha yoga, ayurveda. “Demonstrated under lab conditions precise conscious control of autonomic physical responses and mental functioning – feats previously thought impossible.” Supposedly paid serious dues in Himalayan caves, with many teachers, etc. Succeeded by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. Institutional, methodological approach. “Impressive knowledge” offset by sexual abuse and other stories. Claim of renouncing “Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham” gig bogus, position not officially recognised. Disciple’s homage page has lots of +ve info, downloads
***** The ratings that I thought were far way from truth and probable reality ****

1.5 Shri Swami Lakshman Joo Raina M 1907-1991 Kashmir Shaivism

Indian. Last(?) of a long line of Kashmir Shaivism. “If you have got $1000 in your pocket, well and good. If you have nothing and you are a pauper, then, well and good. Think like that. Then you’ll be liberated from the repeated births and deaths.” Yoga, tantra, etc, many methods enumerated in Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. No bio, succeeded by John Viresh Hughes, a young American. Inaccessible opaque jargon, nice pictures.

0.5 A.C. Bhaktivedanta M 1894-1979 aka Srila Prabhupada, Abhay Charan De Prabhupada Anti Neutral MORE

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” Says it all, except that George Harrison (RIP) was really into them. Succession politix, pedophilia, murder, have led to splintering and irrelevance, if there ever was relevance. 1000s of web pages split Sanskrit hairs, argue, celebrate minutest inanities. Guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. May have some value for speed freaks.

1.5 Ram Dass M b1931? aka Richard Alpert Ram Dass Unofficial (more homey)

Guru was LSD then Neem Karoli Baba. Laid-back books. “I don’t have a model. All I can see is that I am a teacher. The peculiar predicament that I’m in is that I go back to the feet of this little old man in a blanket [NKB] and I’m in the relation to the guru of chela. It’s his trip, not mine anymore. I am in the role of service.” Moved to Maui after stroke, reduced output.

2.0 Jesus Christ M 4 BCE-30 CE aka Prince of Peace Jesus.com.au Gnostics

“Only Begotten Son of God.” Peace, commandments, heaven, hell, family values, etc. Adherents have been divisive and even bloodthirsty in pursuit of doctrinal purity. Patriarchal ideology has honoured neither women nor the environment. On the other hand there are the gnostics, St Thomas, etc. Some believe this trad has kept him alive and accessible. And there’s “A Course In Miracles,” said by enthusiasts to have been written by him. Long dead, killed by hierarchy, but benefit of doubt.
1.5 Lama Surya Das M b1951ish aka Jeffrey Miller Surya Anti

American (MA). Thirty years in various streams of Buddhism, particularly Dzogchen with Kalu Rinpoche, though name and spiritual career began with Neem Karoli Baba. Big author, solid rep but dharma talks seem to consist mainly of quotes strung together like platitudinous prayer flags. “Buddha said: ‘If there are no seeds of anger in our hearts, no one can make us angry.’ ” Benefit of doubt. Anti link deals with lack of Buddhist authenticity.

2.5 Sri Sri Ravi Shankar M b1956 Art of Living Anti (focuses on commercial and self-promotional aspects)

“At four recited the entire Bhagavad Gita . . . Ancient sciences to suit present day life.” Political activities – hanging with President of India, United Nations, etc – detract from reputed solid work in yoga, meditation (Sahaj Samadhi), and breath (Sudarshan Kriya®). Said to be Mahesh Yogi-derivative. Service-oriented as well. Non-serious rep offsets stolid institutional site. Guru aspect more evident in Yoga Journal article.

1.0 Paramahansa Muktananda M 1908-1982 SYDA Anti New Yorker article Successors Dirt

Succeeded by – well, whom? Officially, it’s Gurmayi Chidvilasananda. Swami Nityananda, her younger brother and at first co-successor, now on his own. Siddha Yoga (org = SYDA). Shaktipat tricks. “Chanting stills the mind and the heart opens. Then, quite naturally we can enter and enjoy meditation.” Sexual abuse (teens, natch), impotence and violent harassment allegations, by himself + org. Many successors down the lineage also troubled. Benefit of doubt.

3.0 Osho M 1931-1990 aka Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain Osho General Anti Calder Anti MORE

“Truth is what works.” Developer of myriad devices and meditations to provoke consciousness. Since 1990 his org has expanded and made overtures to the mainstream put off by his fierce iconoclasm and controversy. Despite this, the Pune Commune and other hubs of activity of his people remain some of the most alive spots on the planet. Big money, body gone, divisive politix but still . . .
2.5 Yogi Bhajan M 1929-2004 aka Sardar Bhajan Singh, Harbhajan Singh Puri, Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji et al 3HO Anti

“Kundalini Yoga strengthens the nervous system and balances the glandular system for stability and vitality. Meditation improves mental concentration, sharpens awareness and gives the direct experience of consciousness. Draws from all yogic systems and techniques.” Healthy Happy Holy Organization. Guru Sant Hazara Singh declared him a yoga master at age 16. OTOH, meditation methods said to be dangerous (insufficient guidance = kundalini blowout). Clean, bland.

1.0 Maharishi Mahesh Yogi M b1917 aka Mahesh Prasad Varma TM – Maharishi FEEDBACK (includes pro and con) AntiSympathetic Bio

“Founder of Maharishi Thousand-Headed Purusha… Transcendental Meditation®… discovered the Constitution of the Universe… Yogic Flying to create supreme mind-body coordination in the individual and coherence in world consciousness… Absolute Theories of Government, Education, Health, and Defense to raise every area of life to perfection.” Guru was Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math. Anti link is an ex-TM-teacher, talk of hypnosis, adverse reactions. Tripletalk, enormous money, but benefit of doubt.

1.5 Deepak Chopra M b1948ish Deepak Chopra QUOTE

Indian renaissance man – endocrinologist, Ayurvedic medicine, physics, advaita, master of all trades. Praised by President Clinton and Time Magazine. Site is dedicated to mass marketing, all things to all people: Ask Deepak, Spiritual Law of the Day, Recipe of the Week, Creating Affluence, Ayurvedic Jam, etc. Still, good guy, engaging speaker.

Rating details:

Update, May 2007: Cleaned up and clarified a bit more.