You don't love me!" How many times have your kids laid that one on you? And how many times have you, as a parent, resisted the urge to tell them how much? Someday, when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I'll tell them. I loved you enough to insist you buy a bike with your own money that we could afford and you couldn't. I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover your handpicked friend was a creep I loved you enough to make you return a Milky Way with a bite out of it to a drugstore and say, "I stole this." I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your bedroom, a job that would have taken me fifteen minutes. I loved you enough to say, "Yes, you may go to Disney World on Mother's Day." I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust and tears in my eyes. I loved you enough not to make excuses for your lack of respect or you bad manners. I loved you enough to admit that I was wrong and ask your forgiveness. I loved you enough to ignore "what every other mother" did or said. I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall, hurt and fail. I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your own actions, at 6, 10, and 16. I loved you enough to figure you would lie about the party being chaperoned but forgave you for it after discovering I was right. I loved you enough to shove you off my lap, let go of your hand, be mute to your pleas and insensitive to your demands...so that you had to stand alone. I loved you enough to accept you for what you are, not what I wanted you to be. But most of all, I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. THAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF ALL. ........................................................................................................ What Is a Mother It takes a Mother's Love to make a house a home, A place to be remembered, no matter where we roam. It takes a Mother's Patience, to bring a child up right, And her Courage and her Cheerfulness to make a dark day bright. It takes a Mother's Thoughtfulness to mend the heart's deep "hurts," And her Skill and her Endurance to mend little socks and shirts. It takes a Mother's Kindness to forgive us when we err, To sympathize in trouble and bow her head in prayer. It takes a Mother's Wisdom to recognize our needs And to give us reassurance by her loving words and deeds. It takes a Mother's Endless Faith, her Confidence and Trust To guide us through the pitfalls of selfishness and lust. And that is why in all this world there could not be another Who could fulfill God's purpose as completely as a MOTHER!

1.WHY VEGETARIAN: DON'T PLANTS HAVE LIFE ?
Traditionally vegetarianism is practiced by most cultures for reasons of compassion and reverence for life and non-violence, and the Jains are no exception to this. However, the definition and understanding of non-violence by Jains goes much deeper than others that this author has come across. The medical reasons for being a vegetarian are relatively a modern phenomenon mostly during the past half a century or so, during which period developments in the modern medicine have established links between certain ailments and the non-vegetarian diet. The very fundamental question that is often asked of a vegetarians is, "If non-violence is the basis of vegetarianism, why eat plant based foods?

Don't plants have life?" In this respects Jains perhaps were the very first ones to acknowledge that plants are a life form, long before it was established by the modern day biological sciences. Jains recognize five physical senses namely touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing as the principal attributes of living beings. All life forms in the universe are then classified in terms of the senses found in various creatures. Here as a word of caution, the senses should not be confused with other attributes of life, such as breathing, circulatory and nervous systems, heart and brain etc. that are dealt with as a separate topic in Jainism. The lowest life forms are those with only one sense, the sense of touch, such as the plant life, the highest life forms have all the fives senses such as human beings, mammals and most of the animal kingdom. The other intermediary life forms are the living beings with: two senses - touch and taste such as an earth worm, three senses - touch, taste and smell such as lice, and four senses- touch, taste, smell and sight for example mosquitoes. Senses appear in various living beings strictly in the order specified, i.e., touch is the most primitive of all senses, and hearing is the last sense found at the most advanced stage of development. No other combinations of these senses are known to exist. This in itself may be the most remarkable contribution of ancient Jains to the modern life sciences on the evolution of living beings.

Having classified all life forms in this manner, and realizing that human beings must eat to derive their nutrition and to survive, life with only one sense, that is basically plant life, is the only permitted food for human consumption. To reconcile the principle of non-violence with the consumption of plant based diet, and to preserve plant-life as best as possible, there are strict dietary codes of practice recommended for day to day living. These include prohibition on the consumption of some vegetables and fruits, restrictions on procurement of produce, restrictions of times and timings, fasting, recommended occupations etc. Such codes, with their feasible interpretations follow.

2. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS ON PLANT BASED EDIBLES
Vegetables and fruits that grow underground (roots of plants) are prohibited as a general rule. Clearly enough, to procure such vegetables and fruits, one must pull out the plant from the root, thus destroying the entire plant, and with it all the other micro organisms around the root. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be plucked only when ripe and ready to fall off, or ideally after they have fallen off the plant. In case they are plucked from the plants, only as much as required should be procured and consumed without waste. Grains, such as wheat, rice, maize, beans are obtained when the plants or the pods are dry and dead. Cutting down of green trees for wood or any other use is strictly prohibited. This is indeed a shining example of "conservation" in ancient times, which modern civilization is still trying to find ways for.

An orthodox Jain fasts twice a fortnight, on the eighth and the fourteenth day of the full and the new moon cycles of the lunar calendar Some fast even thrice, including the fifth day of the two lunar cycles. During fasting only food prepared from grains is consumed and no green vegetables or fruits are eaten.

In context of "root vegetables and fruits," most modern day Jains have devised self-imposed restrictions, not sanctioned by the religion. The majority of Jains with the exception of the orthodox, traditional ones, eat most of the underground vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, turnips etc. for reasons of social convenience (after all they fall within the regime of a vegetarian diet). Even amongst these exceptions, a large percentage still do not eat onions and garlic. The reasons advanced is their strong odor and that they are Tamsik, food that leads to lethargic action.

It is a common saying that "One is what one eats". But Jains go much farther in defining the character of an individual. According to them "One is what one thinks", a fact that any criminal and social psychologist shall confirm. Violence in thought is as detrimental to the development of character as violence in action. To this extent, candies and chocolates shaped as animals are generally not consumed in Jain families. Imagine a child going around eating the "head of a rabbit" or "leg of a man". What will be his/ her psychology and personality? If you want to eat chocolate, just do that, why lace it with an unappetizing thought of cruelty to animals and/ or cannibalism. Orthodox Jains do not even eat cooked/ prepared food from the shops. All food should be prepared within the house under the most hygienic conditions.

3. SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS ON FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
A group of five fruits from the fig family, termed the Five Udambars in Jain literature are not permitted. Modern biological sciences have established that these fruits, produced by the pollination of flowers by wasps, are inhabited by species of wasps specific to each. For example, the entire life cycle of the wasp "Blastophaga grossorum" is completed within the fig "Ficus carica". The wasp lays its eggs in the gall flowers and dies, the eggs mature within the fig and produce male and female wasps. Wingless males fertilize the females and die, and the females emerge from the fig to restart the cycle. Thus the fig contains the remnants of the eggs and dead wasps. (RE: The Earth, It's Wonders, It's Secrets: NATURE'S MASTERPIECES, Reader's Digest Publication, pp99, 1994).

Very orthodox Jains do not eat even multi-seeded fruits and vegetables such as brinjal (egg plant) and guava. Such fruits and vegetables are often found to contain worms, although this may not be the case with the use of insecticides in farming. But what do the advocates of health food and environmental conservationists have to say about the use of insecticides and chemical fertilizers? Some years ago, this author personally carried out a controlled but informal experiment to affirm this. Very clean and smooth brinjal and guavas, with no mark or blemish on the outside and having no external evidence of a worm entering it were found to have hives of worms inside. On discussing this find with fellow biologists in academia, it was explained that certain insects lay their eggs in the flower that are sealed inside these fruits and vegetables and develop in to worms leaving no indication on the external surface. This is somewhat similar to the life cycle of the wasp in the fig. These days, although most Jains will eat such fruits and vegetables, they generally cut and carefully examine them before cooking, whereas the most common Indian method of cooking brinjal among other communities is to roast it whole, till it bursts with steam, and then prepare it for eating without any concern for worms inside, and how it may effect one's health.

Cauliflower and broccoli that have velvety surfaces are not consumed by orthodox Jains. Very tiny flee like flying insects that grow in and around the farms, get stuck on to their velvety surfaces, and can not be fully removed in spite of careful washing.

Mushrooms and fungus are not used by Jain families because they are said to grow under unhygienic conditions and are parasites. Honey, vinegar, molases and wine of course are a taboo. Vegetables, like jack fruit, that bleed on cutting and when prepared have the appearance of cooked meat are not very appetizing to most Jains.

Cabbage should be peeled layer by layer, each leaf cleaned and washed before cutting and cooking, because there may be insects and worms resident in between the leaves, although these days not many cut cabbage in this manner. Other leafy vegetables, such as spinach etc., should also be inspected and cleaned leaf-by-leaf to prepare for cooking and eating.

4. RESTRICTIONS ON TIMINGS AND TIME LIMITS
Food must be cooked and eaten during day-light hours only. Orthodox Jains do not cook or consume anything, even water, before sunrise or after sunset. Cooking food at night leads to the killing of various creatures by the fire. In ancient times when there were no adequate lighting such creatures could even be large ones such as birds, snakes, rodents, squirrels, lizards that could be hiding in the wood or coal. Insects that are attracted to fire could fall straight into the food. In modern times, where one may have bright lights for cooking at night, killing of insects attracted by light and their falling into the food still presents a strong possibility. Further more while eating at night, a number of insects are attracted to the smell of food and could easily become a part of ones food. In a different context, going to bed soon after late meals is not a good health practice. Eating before sunset, i.e., a couple of hours before going to bed does have relevance.

All food must be cooked fresh daily. Food cooked during the day light should be consumed within the same day, but cooked food left overnight is prohibited. There are various possibilities for such a guideline, for example to avoid the wastage of food as there were no refrigerators during ancient times, with inadequate storage facilities insects may crawl into the food left overnight, the sun's UV light acts as a protection against growth of bacteria in the food, but in the cold and darkness there could be rapid growth of bacteria or fungus perhaps not large enough to be visible to the eye. For the same reason, flour and spices should be ground fresh, and they and a number of other foods must be used within a specified period which depends on the season and the product. As an example ground spices and flour of any grain has a validity of 3 days during the rains, 5 days in summer and 7 days in winter. This practice also ensures freshness, flavor and good taste of these ingredients. How much more scientific could one get during ancient times, when we know that even in today's scientific world all food products on supermarket shelves, even though mostly chemically preserved, are marked with an expiry date.

5. WATER AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
Water must be filtered through three layers of home-spun cotton cloth. Cotton cloth, when wet behaves as a cotton pad; water passes through it by the process of surface tension, and not through gaps between fibres of the cloth as will be the case if one used cloth made of synthetic or vegetable fibre (synthetic fibers were perhaps unknown, but the vegetable fibres such as jute were known). This provides the most effective filtration of non-soluble, suspended contamination and of micro organisms, but will not remove the dissolved impurities. However, such contamination of water was almost unknown as there was no dumping of waste in rivers or other water bodies, and the use of insecticides in agriculture did not exist. Water, with its life-supporting attribute for all living beings and its importance in agriculture, was regarded with reverence. Even with the current crises of clean drinking water in most developing countries, filtering water through a thick cotton cloth provides a convenient and cheapest means for cleaning water for drinking and cooking, where other means are not available, and is practiced by most Jains even today. After filtering the water, the cloth should be rinsed in a river or well to return any living organism to its habitat. Can there be a better example of co-existence of human being with their environment even at the microbe level?

Jains are not Vegans. The use of dairy products is permitted provided they are procured and prepared as per the laid down rules. Before milking a cow, young calves, if any, should be allowed to suckle up to about one third of the expected yield. The milk should be heated within 48 minutes of milking, bringing it to three-boils, and consumed within 24 hours. Compare this to the modern pasteurization of milk at 65o for 30 minutes. Yoghurt is not allowed unless prepared daily, fresh from boiled milk, using the leaf of a certain plant and consumed within 24 hours. Using the previous day's yoghurt for the starter to set it is prohibited. Cheese ans yoghurt, as we know them today, even if vegetarian, shall be classified as stale, and hence not edible.

6. RESTRICTIONS ON PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
Jains are traditionally a trader community that deal in non-violent commodities, such as grains, clothes, jewels and gems etc. Trading in hides, horns, bones, ivory, silk and like animal products is strictly prohibited. Although violence in the line of occupation is allowed as an exception, such as farming, defending one's nation and the community at large, but that does not mean that one can open a butchery or run an abattoir. The trading occupation has made the Jain community a well-off society, with a 100% literacy rate and most living well above poverty line. It is for their non-violent ways of life, that till about 50 years ago, Jains rarely went to study and practice medicine, and to serve in armed forces, although they served amongst the high ranks of courtiers of states and kingdoms, and have been rulers themselves. It is because of their lifestyle that Jains did not migrate en-mass to other parts of the world till about 4 decades ago.

7. EPILOGUE
The Jain-concept of vegetarianism is a total, all encompassing principle of unconditional compassion and reverence for all life. Vegetarianism is not what is on your plate, it is a holistic lifestyle. It is not surprising, that a comparative study of religions presented at a world environment congress in the UK some years ago pronounced Jainism as the most environment friendly. It was stated that if the whole world could think and live the Jains' way, there would be no environmental problems and extinction of species. In modern times, globalization has shrunk the world to the size of a village. Jains have entered all professions, including medicine, have migrated to foreign lands in large numbers, and have been established as accomplished members of the communities which they serve. This may have brought about some degradation of Jain traditional values in India and abroad, however, vegetarianism still remains at the heart of most. Only time will tell which way such changes will steer the community,more at my web site at http://jainism.co.nr/

There was once this guy who was very much in love with his girl.

This romantic guy folded 1,000 pieces of paper cranes as a gift to his girl.
Although, at that time he was just a small fry in his company, his future doesn't seem too bright, they were very happy together.

Until one day, his girl told him she was going to Paris and will never come back. She also told him that she cannot visualize any future for the both of them, so they went their own ways there and then...

Heartbroken, the guy agreed.

But when he regained his confidence, he worked hard day and night, slogging his body and mind just to make something out of himself.

Finally with all the hard work and the help of friends, this guy had set up his own company ..

You never fail until you stop trying. One rainy day, while this guy was driving, he saw an elderly couple sharing an umbrella in the rain walking to some destination.

Even with the umbrella, they were still drenched.

It didn't take him long to realize they were his girl's parents.

With a heart in getting back at them, he drove slowly beside the couple, wanting them to spot him in his luxury sedan. He wanted them to know that he wasn't the same any more; he had his own company, car, condo, etc.

He made it! What he saw next confused him, the couple was walking towards a cemetery, and so he got out of his car and followed...and he saw his girl, a photograph of her smiling sweetly as ever at him from her tombstone and he saw his paper cranes right beside her...

Her parents saw him. He asked them why this had happened. They explained, she did not leave for France at all.

She was ill with cancer. She had believed that he will make it someday, but she did not want to be his obstacle... therefore she had chosen to leave him.

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

She had wanted her parents to put his paper cranes beside her, because, if the day comes when fate brings him to her again...he can take some of those back with him...

Once you have loved, you will always love.

For what's in your mind may escape but what's in your heart will remain forever.

The guy just wept.....

The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside her knowing you can't have her, see her or be with her ever again.........hope you understand.

Find time to realize that there is one person who means so much to you, for you might wake up one morning losing that person who you thought meant nothing to you.

In LIFE, LOVE is NEVER planned nor does it happen for a reason.

But when the LOVE is REAL,

It becomes your PLAN for LIFE and your REASON for LIVING!

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you", mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name-calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

If God brings you to it---He can bring you through it

It affects environment in the following ways:
1. Air Pollution affecting health especially to diseased persons, aged people, children & pregnant women.
2. Water & land pollution will pollute our resources rivers, lakes...
3. Increased Noise levels can cause deafness/stress to many. 4. It takes several weeks to bring back normal air quality.
5. Fire hazards causing heavy damages to life and property.
6. Social nuisance leading to community disharmony.
7. We are not doing justice to children of age group 6 to 14years who manufacture these crackers who
are the victims of this profession, will suffer from skin & respiratory disorders with shorter span of life.
The indicators of depleting environmental quality are harmful gases in the atmosphere, degradation of
land, global warming, ozone depletion, loss of species and habitat and air and water pollution.

Being responsible citizens: Join hands with any environmental groups to prevent from bursting crackers in the city and celebrate "HAPPYCHRISTMAX & NEW YEAR WITHOUT CRAKERS". dont ever purchase
crackers which amounts to environmental degradation like air, water, land & ground water
pollution. Causes health hazards, inconvenience to asthma patients, infants, pregnant women and
senior citizens.
It is concerning to note that some environmental groups & government agencies are simply taking
precautions for safe bursting of crackers, rather than its prevention. Are they aware of the real
damage to environment even if used in safest ways?
By not purchasing crackers...we are doing humane service to society. Forward this message &
protect the city from pollution, we dont have band width to accommodate this nuisance.
There is no valid historical significance for "BURSTING OF CRACKERS" as fire crackers &
ammunitions are offshoot of post British rule in India.
Do you know that many companies opting for ISO 14001 Certification are struggling to dispose small
quantities of Hazardous wastes, by having material Safety Data Sheets?
Whereas the amount of hazardous chemicals out of the crackers is alarming! recklessly dumping the
hazardous chemicals, without any control, creating environmental havoc.
Who is responsible for control & safe disposal of all these hazardous wastes from these crackers?
=> Is it the Government? NGO? Corporate community? or Citizens in general?
If already purchased, "DONT USE IT, RATHER DAMPEN THE FUSES AND WE SHALL LOOK FOR
ITS SAFE DISPOSAL"

• 
  
  Children.... stop using firecrackers...instead demand your parents to buy toys, gifts, dress, &
  books in place of crackers.
  

Parents & teachers.... urge your children/pupil not to use it...
Employers... Discourage your staff from using firecrackers by any means... more importantly
stop distributing crackers in the form of festival gifts.
Television & other media... Dont allow them to advertise on fire cracker's... Rather bring
awareness in support of preventing cracker usage...
Government... Discourage the sale, distribution & usage of Firecrackers.
Common man... Use your common sense not to brust fire crackers and work towards
sustenance of mother nature.
Environmentalists & NGO's... Kindly unite & work towards a common goal "reducing all sorts
of pollution due to manufacture, sale, distribution & bursting of crackers during these diwali
days..."
LIVE & LET LIVE...... LET US SAVE GOOD ENVIRONS TO OUR FUTURE GENERATION

--
http://jainism.co.nr

Traditionally vegetarianism is practiced by most cultures for reasons of compassion and reverence for life and non-violence, and the Jains are no exception to this. However, the definition and understanding of non-violence by Jains goes much deeper than others that this author has come across. The medical reasons for being a vegetarian are relatively a modern phenomenon mostly during the past half a century or so, during which period developments in the modern medicine have established links between certain ailments and the non-vegetarian diet. The very fundamental question that is often asked of a vegetarians is, "If non-violence is the basis of vegetarianism, why eat plant based foods?

Don't plants have life?" In this respects Jains perhaps were the very first ones to acknowledge that plants are a life form, long before it was established by the modern day biological sciences. Jains recognize five physical senses namely touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing as the principal attributes of living beings. All life forms in the universe are then classified in terms of the senses found in various creatures. Here as a word of caution, the senses should not be confused with other attributes of life, such as breathing, circulatory and nervous systems, heart and brain etc. that are dealt with as a separate topic in Jainism. The lowest life forms are those with only one sense, the sense of touch, such as the plant life, the highest life forms have all the fives senses such as human beings, mammals and most of the animal kingdom. The other intermediary life forms are the living beings with: two senses - touch and taste such as an earth worm, three senses - touch, taste and smell such as lice, and four senses- touch, taste, smell and sight for example mosquitoes. Senses appear in various living beings strictly in the order specified, i.e., touch is the most primitive of all senses, and hearing is the last sense found at the most advanced stage of development. No other combinations of these senses are known to exist. This in itself may be the most remarkable contribution of ancient Jains to the modern life sciences on the evolution of living beings.

Having classified all life forms in this manner, and realizing that human beings must eat to derive their nutrition and to survive, life with only one sense, that is basically plant life, is the only permitted food for human consumption. To reconcile the principle of non-violence with the consumption of plant based diet, and to preserve plant-life as best as possible, there are strict dietary codes of practice recommended for day to day living. These include prohibition on the consumption of some vegetables and fruits, restrictions on procurement of produce, restrictions of times and timings, fasting, recommended occupations etc. Such codes, with their feasible interpretations follow.
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS ON PLANT BASED EDIBLES

Vegetables and fruits that grow underground (roots of plants) are prohibited as a general rule. Clearly enough, to procure such vegetables and fruits, one must pull out the plant from the root, thus destroying the entire plant, and with it all the other micro organisms around the root. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be plucked only when ripe and ready to fall off, or ideally after they have fallen off the plant. In case they are plucked from the plants, only as much as required should be procured and consumed without waste. Grains, such as wheat, rice, maize, beans are obtained when the plants or the pods are dry and dead. Cutting down of green trees for wood or any other use is strictly prohibited. This is indeed a shining example of "conservation" in ancient times, which modern civilization is still trying to find ways for.

An orthodox Jain fasts twice a fortnight, on the eighth and the fourteenth day of the full and the new moon cycles of the lunar calendar Some fast even thrice, including the fifth day of the two lunar cycles. During fasting only food prepared from grains is consumed and no green vegetables or fruits are eaten.

In context of "root vegetables and fruits," most modern day Jains have devised self-imposed restrictions, not sanctioned by the religion. The majority of Jains with the exception of the orthodox, traditional ones, eat most of the underground vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, turnips etc. for reasons of social convenience (after all they fall within the regime of a vegetarian diet). Even amongst these exceptions, a large percentage still do not eat onions and garlic. The reasons advanced is their strong odor and that they are Tamsik, food that leads to lethargic action.

It is a common saying that "One is what one eats". But Jains go much farther in defining the character of an individual. According to them "One is what one thinks", a fact that any criminal and social psychologist shall confirm. Violence in thought is as detrimental to the development of character as violence in action. To this extent, candies and chocolates shaped as animals are generally not consumed in Jain families. Imagine a child going around eating the "head of a rabbit" or "leg of a man". What will be his/ her psychology and personality? If you want to eat chocolate, just do that, why lace it with an unappetizing thought of cruelty to animals and/ or cannibalism. Orthodox Jains do not even eat cooked/ prepared food from the shops. All food should be prepared within the house under the most hygienic conditions.

Triphala : How It Works

Bottom Line: The anticancer effect of Triphala has not been confirmed in humans.

Triphala is an herbal formulation used in the Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. It consists of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica. It is used for anemia, jaundice, constipation, asthma, fever, chronic ulcers, inflammation, obesity and to strengthen the immune system against infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Triphala was shown to have beneficial effects in studies done in laboratory and in animals. However human data are lacking.

Purported Uses

• To treat Infections. Studies done in mice showed that Triphala can reduce infections. No studies have been done in humans.
• To decrease high levels of cholesterol. Triphala was shown to reduce cholesterol levels in rats with high cholesterol. However, this has not been studied in humans.
• To strengthen the immune system. Studies in rats have shown that Triphala can improve immune function but human data are lacking.

Research Evidence

Several laboratory studies have shown that Triphala has beneficial effects. However, it has not been studied in humans.

Side Effects

Intestinal gas Stomach upset Diarrhea.

Constituents

Amla (Emblica officinalis) Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) Belleric Myrobalan (Terminalia belerica).

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action is not known although the polyphenols and flavonoids are thought to be responsible for many of Triphala's effects. Gallic acid, a major polyphenol in Triphala, has antioxidant property. Triphala also increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T-47D), resulting in apoptosis. Terminalia chebula, one of the components of Triphala, was shown to be a potent hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitor that prevented degradation of cartilage. Triphala also protected mice from radiation-induced mortality. Oral administration of Triphala enhanced the immune functions in rats.

Adverse Reactions
Intestinal gas, stomach upset, diarrhea.
References

Ashwagandha : How It Works

Bottom Line: While ashwagandha has shown an ability to hinder the growth of cancer cells in laboratory tests and enhance radiation therapy in animals, it is unknown if these effects can be replicated in humans.

A popular Ayurvedic medicinal substance derived from the root and berry of the plant. Ashwagandha contains numerous biologically active components. It is thought that some of these components can influence potent hormone-like substances that cause arthritis inflammation. Extracts of the root also increase the number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. Ashwagandha has been shown to relax the central nervous system in animals. Studies in laboratories have shown that extracts of ashwagandha kill some cancer cells and enhance some immune cells. It is thought that the structure of ashwagandha extracts may damage the cancer cells ability to generate the energy it needs to reproduce. Ashwagandha also reduces the level of glutathione, an antioxidant, in tumor cells which may enhance the effects of radiation therapy against those cells. Studies in animals have demonstrated possible toxicity, however comparable effects have not been observed in humans.

Purported Uses

To treat cancer
While ashwagandha has shown promise in animal and laboratory studies, few trials have demonstrated an effect in humans.

To treat diabetes
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To treat epilepsy
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To reduce fatigue
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase blood cell counts in the lab, however it is unclear if this will reduce fatigue in humans.

To treat digestive disorders
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To maintain health
Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties in lab tests, however it is unclear if it will have any effect on humans.

To reduce pain
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if this will reduce pain in humans.

To treat rheumatoid arthritis
A clinical trial showed effectiveness of a herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha. To what extent ashwagandha played a role in the reduction in pain severity and disability is unclear.

As a sedative
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if it has a similar effect in humans.

To treat skin infections
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To relieve stress
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if it has a similar effect in humans.

Research Evidence

Arthritis Pain :
Forty-two volunteers with osteoarthritis participated in a trial of a herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of herbs and minerals or placebo for three months. After a fifteen-day washout period, treatments were reversed. Volunteers in the treatment group reported significant drops in pain severity and disability score with few side effects. Because a combination of herbs was used, it is unclear if ashwagandha played an important role in the results.

Warnings
Do Not Take If

You are pregnant. (Ashwagandha may induce abortion.)
You are taking sedatives. (Ashwagandha may increase sedative effects.)

Scientific Name : Withania somnifera.
Family: Solanaceae

Constituents
Alkanoids: isopelletierine, anaferine
Steroidal lactones: withanolides, withaferins
Saponins: sitoindoside VII and VIII Iron

Mechanism of Action
Alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins and withanolides are thought to be the biologically active components. Studies have pointed to cyclooxygenase inhibition as the cause of the herb's anti-arthritis properties. Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to hydrocortisone sodium succinate in rats. The root extract of the herb produced significant increases in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count. Ashwagandha has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects in the brain and to have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system in animals. In vitro, isolates from the root of the plant have cytotoxic properties against H-460, HCT-116, SF-268 and MCF-7 cell lines. Ashwagandha increase cytotoxic T lymphocyte production. Other studies show ashwagandha's cytotoxicity is related to its structure and that it enhances ATPase and inhibits succinate dehydrogenase activity, impairing oxidative phosphorylation. In animal studies, ashwagandha can increase the effects of radiation therapy and inhibits tumor growth. The herb also reduces tumor GSH levels which may contribute to the enhancement of radiation response. Ashwagandha can reverse paclitaxel induced neutropenia in mice. Significant toxicity was observed at high doses in animal studies, however, toxicity studies in humans are limited

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

                  DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

                  It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

                  Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear, nose and throat diseases.

                  METHOD OF TREATMENT:

                  1.. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
                  2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
                  3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
                  4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
                  5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
                  6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

                  The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

                  1.     High Blood Pressure (30 days)

                  2.     Gastric (10 days)

                  3.     Diabetes (30 days)

                  4.     Constipation (10 days)

                  5.     Cancer (180 days)

                  6.     TB (90 days)

                  7.     Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.

                  This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

                  It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

                  This makes sense.The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

                  For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.

                  It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal.  However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

                  Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.

                  Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

                  A serious note about heart attacks:

                  ·        Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,

                  ·        Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

                  ·        You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.

                  ·        Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.

                  ·        60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up..

                  ·        Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...

                  A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

                  Please be a true friend and send this article to all your riends you care about http://jainism.co.nr

The Jains, who are strict vegetarians, practise true Ahimsa to the extent that they literally will not harm a fly. Some Jains will sweep the path before them and wear gauze masks over their mouths so as not to harm small insects by inadvertently treading on them or breathing them in. According to Jain scriptures, All living things love their life, desire pleasure and are averse to pain; they dislike any injury to themselves; everybody is desirous of life and to every being, his own life is very dear.

How does Jainism view the use of animals for food?

 
In addition to the cruelties involved in actual killing animals for food, the lives of animals while living are also miserable. Dairy cows suffer a life of agony: the pain of constant pregnancy, milking machines on their teats, over working their milk producing gland system, and finally the slaughtering when unable to produce enough milk. Separating the cow and her calf in less than 48 hours after birth is another agony. Chaining these calves for life in a small crate and slaughtering them at tender age of four months is routine in the industry. Animals raised for food are mostly brought to this world by artificial insemination. Debeaking, branding, castration, dehorning, and much more pains are the facts of life for these animals. The process of raising animals for food denies the right of animals as living beings, treats them as slaves and inflicts cruelty upon them. By doing so, humans reject all the values, and become very insensitive. As one result, this breeds and invites crime and violence within the society. Looking at Jain values of Ahimsa, the scriptures list various sinful trades, sinful acts, and ways to limit the amount. 

Does vegetarianism place greater priority on animal rights than on human welfare?  

Not really. vegetarianism is also a human welfare movement. By eliminating an animal-based diet and eating plant based healthy foods, humans reap many benefits. The following are a few examples. The incidence of heart disease, strokes, and cancer may be reduced by removing meat and dairy from the diet. A plant-based diet requires less resources and produces less waste which leads to a cleaner environment. Instead of raising animals for food and feeding large amounts of grain to them, that grain can be used to feed many starving humans. World hunger problems may be alleviated when we stop cycling grain through animals. So, what do the humans have to lose for animal rights? Look at this Jain teaching: 'Live and Let Live.' LIVE is human welfare, and LET LIVE is animal rights. They are complimentary. There is an attitude of caring and sharing. This is what vegetarianism includes; sharing this planet with animals and not harming them for human selfishness.   

Can one work to improve conditions for animals without being a vegetarian ?

Yes, one can. Many men and women, who were not vegetarian, started working towards improving the conditions of animals. They were born in non-vegetarian families and they were raised with animal flesh and dairy products as their main food. A stage came in their life when they realized what truly fair treatment toward animals would mean. They joined their hands with those who were saving and protecting animals. In the process, not only did they become kind to animals, but also to themselves. This way, many animal rights workers have become vegetarian at some time in their lives. If not, they are kind at heart, but still a slave to old habits of meat eating. Those who are born and raised vegetarian are lucky. Their minds, speech, and actions are nourished for kindness to animals and all other non-human life. Most individuals who are raised with those values will not harm animals, nor will they support any harm to animals.  Here is a true life example --  
My Transition to Vegetarian...  
I was born into a Russian/American family and raised as a typical American meat eater. My evolution into the animal and environmental rights movement has been gradual. A turning point for me occurred when I was 15 years old. A friend and I had just eaten hot dogs for lunch, and walked next door to a leather shop. I whispered to her that she shouldn't buy anything in there because it is all dead animals. The clerk behind the counter heard my comment to my friend and asked me if I ate meat. I was shocked. I had never made the connection before that moment. I never realized that the meat on my plate was anything but 'food'. As I realized, while standing in that store, that meat is dead animal, I replied, "No, I don't eat meat" to the clerk. My friend thought I had just lied to the clerk. I explained to her that from this moment on I would not eat meat. That was 26 years ago. My personal evolution continued when I saw the pain of a dairy cow being separated from her calf and realized that the male calves on this farm were being shipped to veal facilities. I then quit using dairy products. I am now a strong advocate of strict vegetarianism for our own health and the well-being of animals and the environment. Rae Sikora("Jivan Sanskar")

Since animals kill each other in nature, why should the Jains be concerned about the abuse of animals; such as for example, killing them to eat?  

In nature, big fish eats a little fish because its mind is not developed as much as of human who can discriminate and restraint to a great deal. Humans can also rationalize what is right and wrong and so why should they support abuse or killing of innocent animals? Plus, there is a big difference between natural birth and human breeding; and even bigger difference between animals killing each other and mass killing by humans. The process of raising animals for food involves bringing them in this world by artificial insemination; separating mothers from their young ones; raising them in cages and confined spaces; feeding them unnatural food contaminated with chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics; and finally killing them at a young age. All these actions result in a desensitized attitude and the suppression of compassion at the conscience. As Jains, we do have to protect all kinds of living beings. There are different laws in the jungle than in human society. In the law of jungle, the strong ones eat the weak ones, but in the law of society, the strong one protects the weak one.   

What We Wear. What do the Jain principles teach about the wearing of silk, pearls, ivory, and other clothing and fashion items that involve animal products?  

All these items are produced by killing an animal. When we learn the processes used to obtain these products, it becomes obvious that they do not fit into the Jain lifestyle. Producing silk requires boiling silk worms alive. Producing Wool coats requires the killing of fur bearing animals. Do not mistake leather as a useless by-product of meat production either. Leather coat, shoes, belts, and purses are made from animals bred specifically for smooth skins. Ivory is obtained by killing elephants. Wool production causes animal suffering in various ways. Many people believe that some pearls are manufactured in factories, and they are called "artificial" pearls. Actually, pearl is a product of pain. When a foreign particle gets into the body, if the oyster or fish can not get rid of it, then the creature in pain coats it with a special secretion. When solidified, that secretion becomes a pearl. In nature, a very few creatures would have to develop such pearls. Therefore the businessmen introduce foreign particles in the body, and force them to develop pearls inside. When ready, they kill them, and extract pearls, and sell them as "artificial" pearls. The larger the foreign particle, the more pain, and larger secretion, and larger pearl. By using such materials, we become participants in Pranatipat (killing), Adattadan (stealing), and Parigrah (attachment for accumulation). As Jains, we believe in avoiding all Dravya Himsa (actual violence), as well as Bhav Himsa (psychic violence). So all the righteous Jains would reject wearing silk, pearls, leather, ivory, and similar clothing and fashion items. Just as we would not want anyone to take our life or that of our beloved ones, we shall not take or encourage anyone else to take life of others too. As Jains, we should live simple lives, without any showoff. We should not wear any fashion item that involves taking life. If we can not give life, we should not take either. honey Bees are manipulated worldwide to produce many products for human use: honey, beeswax, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly and venom. They are intelligent insects with a complex communication system. Because bees are seen flying free, they are also often considered free of the usual cruelties of the animal farming industry. However bees undergo treatments similar to those endured by other farmed animals. They go through routine examination and handling, artificial feeding regimes, drug and pesticide treatment, genetic manipulation, artificial insemination, transportation (by air, rail and road) and slaughter.