Can We Exist Without Plants?

An existence without plants is a feat that humans are unlikely to achieve. That is one of the greatest problems with space travel; keeping plant-life alive and producing. Learning how to keep plants alive and healthy may also be the greatest key for long distance manned space travel. There are many relationships that exist between plants and humans. They support each other, in a cycle we can proudly call Earth. In fact, it is the plant’s ability to absorb the Sun that makes it the primary food source for humans and animals alike. 

Phytochemicals are the true secret to the relationship between plants and humans and our subconscious obsession with consuming them. These antioxidant chemicals are what their name suggests; a chemical bearing the fruits of light. Some of these chemicals affect the production or reduction of hormones. Muscles repair themselves better with the abundance of phytochemicals. (Matthew G. Kadey, 2013) A lot of phytochemicals can be reduced to elements, suggesting that they are basically Sun-charged organic molecules. Many of these molecules have been found to clinically improve diseases, tumors and sickness. Even Hippocrates used phytochemicals (Salicin - willow tree) to treat his fever patients. (Fujita, 2014) This suggests that plants play a significant role in keeping humans alive, making their immune systems stronger and nurturing the activity of their nervous systems. 

Another important organic ingredient that plants offer humans is fiber. Fiber, as we all know, helps with our digestion and absorption. And there’s good reason for that. Carnivores have much smaller intestines, whereas more vegetarian omnivores (like chimps) and herbivores have intestines that are 6 times longer. This fiber helps regulate blood-sugar levels, strengthen muscles and reduce overeating.

Plants are the only organism that has an abundance of both primary and secondary metabolites. Many medicines are derived from plants, and the chemicals can be secondary metabolites that the plants use to ward away antigens and predators. Plants play a pivotal role in the water cycle. Using transpiration, plants move water from the soil up into the atmosphere. Plants transform carbon dioxide, with the aid of sunlight, into oxygen, which humans need in order to survive. Plants are pivotal geologically. They carve habitats and were a form of shelter for thousands of years before metal and other forms of material were used to construct buildings. The climate is affected by plants as they are a global carbon storage and delivery system.

It is safe to say, humans absolutely need plants to exist!


References

Kadey, Matthew G., (2014). Vegetables: 3 Fantastic Reasons Why You Should Be Eating Them

. Muscle & Fitness. Retrieved from http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/gain-mass/vegetables-four-fantastic-reasons-why-you-should-be-eating-them

Phytochemical. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2014, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical

Phytochemical. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 5, 2014, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical

Kounosuke Fujita, Yuji Nomura,1 Masahiko Sawajiri,1 Pravat K. Mohapatra,2 Hany A. El-Shemy,3 Nguyen T. Nguyen,4 Masashi Hosokawa,5 Kazuo Miyashita,5 Teruo Maeda,4Hirofumi Saneoka,4 Shohei Fujita, and Takayuki Fujita (April 17, 2014). The extracts of Japanese willow tree species are effective forapoptotic desperation or differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Pharmacognosy Magazine, volume 10, 125-131. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4048558/

http://www.bgci.org/plantconservationday/whyplantsimportant/ Retrieved August 5, 2014

The Science of KARMA

I'm sure you've heard the word karma. It has found its way into popular culture. Unfortunately, many people connect it to Hindu and Buddhist traditions and limit its omnipotence. There is a certain aura, a general feeling, that karma produces. Within that framework, I'd like to present an interesting perspective; a WHAT IF?

What if KARMA was taught in primary education? Imagine a world where children learned the science of karma. They already do, but it's not taught as karma. It is taught as the set of laws known as thermodynamics. Unfortunately, physics has a tendency to drive us away from karma because equations with really weird symbols is just, weird. Ok, let's get back to this imaginary world where children learn the science of karma and relate it to different subjects, and their own lives. 

Before we can really begin to imagine this world, we really have to come to a grand understanding of KARMA. In ancient Sanskrit, karma has its root in the basic concept of "action." In context, and in application, karma begins to pave a very scientific path. Basically, all thoughts, words, deeds and creations have and will always create some sort of Force. This Force will follow the laws of thermodynamics and reverberate back to its Source. Essentially, it's like an echo. Karma is like yelling into a well, "You are awesome!" What happens? What do you hear? "You are awesome!" Vice versa, if you project a different set of words and thoughts, you echo back a completely different set of emotions. 

KARMA is a perfect science. It can be found at a molecular level. When we provide nutrients and nurture to organic complexes, most notably our cells and their microscopic factories, we create a karma within those cells that passes the nurture on to tissues, organs, body systems and eventually our entire body. When we decide to inject inorganic, toxic elements into the cells, we produce a karmic reaction that sends our body into a frightful mode of action that manifests itself as cancer, disease and sometimes death. 

Ok, so we understand karma at both a thought and word level, and a molecular, scientific level. With that understanding, we can go back to imagining a world where children learn about the science of Karma. They play games, compete in sports and study hard. They practice elements of karma, realizing that their thoughts/words/actions have and will always create an equal "echo" back upon themselves. These children will begin to pay very close attention to their thoughts. They will self regulate their actions. When other children lose focus of their thoughts and emotions, the children with heightened awareness will be able to remind the "lost" ones of the importance of Karma and its power on their individual and collective success. Can you imagine?

Now imagine if the science of Karma was a certification that all leaders (political, economic, community and more) had to possess. There is no religious affiliation of Karma. It is a word, a natural law that we cannot escape in this Universe. It is a part of the life cycle, the carbon cycle, the water cycle and the solar cycle. No matter can escape its gravity and no mind is above its influence. 

Recently, Obama and Congress, along with a slew of governments around the world, declared their assault on a terrorist group known as ISIS. Their attempt to disrupt this enemy is a prime example of "anti-karma". Now imagine, they were all trained and prescribed to the science of Karma. They would immediately understand that any attack, or show of heavy force will inevitably, sooner or later, lead to an equal force in return. With communities, these exchanges of energy can be overt or subversive. ISIS, or eventually some other new entity can use explosives and terror techniques, or they can subversively gain more traction in the minds of confused Americans. No matter what, the karma will not help humanity as a whole.

Now imagine, the greatest leaders of this age, The Obama's, the Bill Gates', the Zuckerberg's, the people who own the banking industry and the energy industries and so on, had to get a certification in Karma. They would make much more mindful decisions. Their diplomatic ideas would be filled with foresight. The businesses would run with integrity and honor. They would consider the ramifications of debts, budgets, bureaucracy and the consequences of resource and energy perversion. There would be a worldwide phenomenon of Justice. No religious or ethnic group would ever have to face mass genocide like the Jews in the Holocaust or the Sikhs in India. Every action that any leader, corporation, government, industry, bank, or community ever makes would be based on the principles and laws of KARMA; the absolute natural law of Karma, that is engraved in the fabric of this Universe.

Imagine if everyone in high school had to learn about Karma and Relationships. Think about the amount of times you have been betrayed by people in your life. You've been scorned by lovers, friends, acquaintances, employers and the like. You have also been a perpetrator too. You have, sometimes through sheer ignorance, hurt the ones you love. All the suffering and pain endeared in relationships can be directly correlated to an ignorance of Karma. Now imagine, you were well versed in Karma. You end up meeting an incredibly loving and giving spirit. He is pure of heart and mind, and comes to you at a time when you need that kind of spirit the most. The law of Karma, the science of it, explains that you will only revel in the light of an experience if you shine it from within. If you act out of deceit, in an attempt to continue feeding the depths of your ego, and never realize the gift you've been given, you set into place a cascade of events that will leave you heartbroken and alone. We cycle these "negative" karmas in our various relationships. We torment ourselves by feeding our souls with ignorance. Lessons in Karma would remind us that every moment is an opportunity to extend the best parts of ourselves, especially to the people who mean the most in our lives. The more we extend and serve, the more we encourage the same from all who we know. Even people who see us on social media will begin to follow suit. 

I ask you to imagine, but, I must say, this is not about imagination. This is the reality of our times. The idea that KARMA is an obscure, abstract concept is a direct cause of the global suffering, disease, anger, violence and apathy. It leads to vast perversions, secret societies and fear. We, as humans, are so silly to think that we can run from KARMA. Or that we can bargain with God, the Devil, or whatever other deity. Even they abide by the science of Karma! Our willingness to learn, to practice and to share the law of Karma will be our greatest triumph. It will lead to innovations, collaborations and peace like we have never seen before! It may very well be the greatest scientific discovery ever made, even though it is probably the oldest thing in existence within this Universe!

But, just to start, What if you practiced the Science of KARMA?

Knowledge of No-Ledge

Recently, I've had the opportunity to teach a valuable lesson to several new friends. In teaching, I have also realized it is important for me to practice this particular wisdom.

* When we say no to something, we create space to say yes to what we really need. 

The idea is that we are often initially attracted to things, people and emotions that feed our desires. With my friend's case, she is always attracting male attention. She is beautiful, intelligent and creative. Men offer her gifts, travel and money. It's virtually impossible for her to say no. She is not alone, many women get offers like she does and eventually, they become caught in affairs that are based on material exchanges of energy. More importantly, amazing women like her end up losing focus and intent of their own individual power. They become absorbed in reactions to the men that feed their material desires. Often, they cannot and are not encouraged of their own dreams, businesses or passions. 

This example is a clear case where saying no to something that seems immediately gratifying can lead to something truly great. For example, the moment she understood what I was saying to her, she began to say no to men and their offers. Soon after, she was able to give her ideas time to blossom. She had time to meditate, reflect on her negative habits and discover new avenues of health. She is now spending more time with people that encourage her dreams. Saying no is allowing her to use energy to say yes to giving back to her community. She is far happier today than she was when I first met her. 

The act of saying no seems quite negative. And sometimes, it can be. The important facet of saying no is that it must be a reflection of your spirit, not your ego. Your ego will always say yes to things that will stunt your personal evolution. Thus, it's critical to understand and come to terms with what will help you evolve. You must become conscious of channels that will promote your personal growth. You must become aware of your dreams and aspirations. 

No-ledge is a powerful knowledge. It's based on the principle of spiral growth. We can either decay and follow a straight line towards disintegration by saying yes to drinking too much, hanging out with people who bring out the worst in us or chasing momentary material pleasures. Or, we can remember that we can connect to a powerful divinity within ourselves. By connecting with this divinity, we can manifest positive growth both in our lives and the lives of all we touch. We can awake in the morning with joy and we can sleep at night with peaceful harmony. We can receive gifts with grace and dignity. We can share our talents with the world and rejoice in playful resonance. 

The choice is yours to make, just remember, you CAN say no. 

A jective kinda war... (Objective vs. Subjective)

There needs to be a balance. One cannot have more relevance than the other. Subjective living has overtaken our reality. Objective reality requires effort, a longing to learn and a passion to share knowledge and experience. 

Take the time to notice what you emphasize throughout the day; Subjective reality or Objective reality? What would happen if you spent more time with Objective reality? Maybe you'll come up with an idea, a profound understanding, a movement of goodwill?

Boddhisaatva - a poem

I'm trying so hard
My heart has so much love
an abundance of energy and spirit
But on turns, I lose control

God, please give Me strength
Give Me the ability to accept pain
With as much pleasure

Have Me only fight myself
My ego, my pain-body, my regret

Guru, Waheguru, i am at your will
i have faith, love and knowing
you will help me overcome

Let it be my destiny that I battle
Without sword, without shield, sans arms
i am at your mercy

Tomorrow i will awaken with a power unimaginable
A light so bright only the dark can manifest it

Thank you Beloved Guru, your image is plentiful
your blessings have no absolute form
i am your pawn turned king
i will be your sage

Anyone have the directions? GPS? Map? Anything!?

This fellow is wise enough to play the fool;

And to do that well craves a kind of wit.

William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

We strive for direction in this life of ours. Sometimes we look to our friends for approval, in the guise of guidance. Sometimes we look at social media, mimic our parents or read self help books. Trust me, life is not withholding direction from you, it's just that Direction comes from Gurus.

I'm a Sikh, a religion whose roots start in Punjab but embodies a philosophy that is universal and melodious. The importance of self-knowledge and scientific inquiry is as important as equality in Sikhism. Constant emphasis is placed on every Sikh, or anyone paying attention, to focus their mind on the direction that helps their karma blossom. One of the main reasons why I love being a Sikh is because of the importance of our becoming Warrior Saints. What a great paradox!

Undoubtedly, like most religions, Sikhism fell into the despair of dogma and regiment. Patriarchy took over like it did with Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and all the others. Men become powerful and wield their power by waging wars against other ideologies. I can only hope in my lifetime that I can experience and be part of a religious/theology that is run and executed by women rather than men. Can you imagine?

I've gotten off topic, and that can happen when we speak about religion. I think one of the most beautiful adages of Sikhism, Buddhism and many other religions and philosophies dating back to Socrates is the emphasis on learning from Gurus/Masters. The importance of seeking someone who you respect, of someone who is both humble and open to share their knowledge with you, goes beyond your experience. Often, a guru comes in the shape of a teacher, a parent, a dog, a child, a stranger or a lifelong mentor. Gurus and Masters enter our lives and shape our experience like water sustains our structure. Some Gurus have the power to embolden you. Some can take you under their wings.

There are many frauds too, just like with all things. Money can be made by manipulating people. And where greed is left to its devices, without any treatment of its various ailments, people will find a way to take advantage of the collective people's longing for studentship to the Guru. There are ways to tell who the frauds are, but I'll leave that to another discussion, or maybe more personal ones.

What is more vital to get across in this discourse is that we are all seeking direction. Sometimes when we are unaware, we follow whoever and whatever gives us more attention. Attention is power. Even modern quantum physics proves that photons, when projected through slits, change their vibration when they are observed, versus when they are simply let to act on their own. Our conscious attention to something gives it power. With that, we are slowly becoming students of Facebook, Instagram, people who get many likes or people who get attention for various materialistic reasons.

Of course, there is no true GOOD/EVIL. There are only shades of light. When we recognize our own light, and our ability to become even more vibrant and illuminated, we ignite a fire of passion to strive for that end. Without that realization, we are left to repeat cycles within our lives that frustrate not only ourselves but everyone around us.

Next time, when something bad happens to you, think of it as a Guru. It is an opportunity for you to learn something and evolve. When someone comes into your life with a perspective of you and an opinion, pay attention to it, receive it and take what you can to evolve. Question everything (as people often have motives) but also absorb what you can. Maybe something may help you understand something later. Take some time to observe people on a street, a fair, anywhere that people interact. Notice the humanity, and then feel it within you. Spend some time seeking teachers, masters, gurus. Find people that you can respect who have much to teach you. Find people that are open to teach you without fear and without judgement. Watch your dog, or your cat, and notice how they teach you great lessons everyday! Listen to children, they have great wisdom. It is untainted, raw and true. Pay attention to them and your own inner child will smile and grow joyful. Take heed of their inquiries, of their understandings, as they may lead you to be more True to yourself and all you know.

Maybe you are a Guru, a Master, an unaware enlightened spirit as well. Share it! No matter what, live with a sense of inquiry, curiosity, a passion to connect with Gurus and Masters, and you will experience your share of amazingness in this life!

I DARE you to get hypnotized!

Have you ever listened to the voice in your head? Even if you haven't, it's there, or you just won't admit it. That voice is the condensation of your subconscious. Sometimes it can tell you not to do something, sometimes it can convince you to do something, and sometimes it can throw you off by giving you more choices than you really need or understand.

One of the most troubling issues that my students have on the SAT's is with reading passages and answering questions on them. These passages are ridiculously boring and do everything they can to get students to take their focus off of them. They all complain that their mind can't focus and it goes off and begins thinking about what they will have for dinner, what some girl was talking about earlier in the day, or how hot that guy from Twilight is (I don't know which one, they were all weird looking to me, besides the vampire/werewolf aspect). We often do the same thing; we listen to the voice in our head and say something dumb, or we listen and decide to stay home from work. Sometimes we stop ourselves from doing really dumb things, and sometimes we become paralyzed from the possibility of something terrible happening if we put ourselves at risk.

The subconscious is unavoidable, and it's chemistry is under serious study today. Scientists are looking to monks and meditators to try to see how mindfulness is affecting the subconscious and consequently parasympathetic activities of the body. Ancient sciences like Ayurveda and Native American Shamanism had specific interests in exploring the subconscious and making sure there was just as much balance there as there is with the body.

Hypnotism, Siddhi, Shamanic rituals, Past life regressions and many more techniques have been used and are now being reintroduced into the mainstream. Renowned medical physicians like Dr. Brian Weiss are traveling the world teaching people about something we all once knew in abundance. People are learning about subconscious blocks that cause them obesity, addictions and abuse. They are learning that there is more beneath the voices that we speak with and the ones we hide from others.

I have invited different "healers" to explore the vibrant abyss of my subconscious. I've had a psychologist, Dr. Janet Cunningham, hypnotize me. We explored a past life in ancient Egypt where I was a terrible and selfish priest. We explored another realm of my subconscious where I chose to be born to my parents, and be presented with the challenges I've faced, and where a "guide" told me that I need to make music.

I invited a Toltec Shaman, Mark Cloudfoot, to introduce me to the Toltec Dreaming. I was lulled into an experience where my imagination was unleashed. On the tips of the clouds I rode on a dragon while two other dragons rode alongside, and I had a dragon-language conversation about my deepest and darkest fears. I didn't want to leave them, but I learned a lot about myself under the conditions that the Shaman put me in.

Recently, I was hypnotized by a hypnotherapist, the Modern Guru. She placed glasses over my eyes that simulated different frequencies of light that changed "randomly" (or maybe my mind or temperature was controlling them?). She took me on a journey deep into the Earth, where I was introduced to Archangel Michael and he helped me cut Cords that had been prohibiting me from experiencing my potential. These Karmic Cords are the entanglements that keep us caught in loops with certain people or things that are not always helpful or beneficial to us.

All of these experiences gave me great insight into the deepest realms of my mind. They forced me to face my subconscious, which we are often neglecting. We are choosing to look at Facebook, Instagram, watch TV or drink alcohol. All of these limit our ability to look into our subconscious and consequentially, lead us to repeat actions that end up working against ourselves.

I'm not saying that these methods are perfect. I'm just saying that we should all learn that if we want true happiness and joy, we have to be willing to face our subconscious thoughts. We must listen to the voices in our head and have a conversation with them once in awhile. If we don't, if we block them out with external activity, drugs or alcohol, they will find a more explosive way of unleashing themselves and making themselves known.

They are you, and you are incredibly powerful. Where do you want to direct your power?