Integral Yoga March-April 1989: Vol 20 Iss 2

The Cosmic Energy or the Cosmic Consciousness is God. You can communicate with That. You can draw more of that energy and then pass it on to others. Even when you pray for yourself, don't ask God to remove the problem, to remove the suffering. Instead pray for the strength to face it. God will give you some anaesthesia and then operate. The operation has to be done, but your prayer acts as an anaesthesia. When someone knows that many people are praying for him, it gives a hope to the mind. The mind gets hope; then, automatically, the body also changes. Most of the ailments are caused by the mind. When the mind be- comes weak, the body also becomes weak. That's even why we send "Get Well" cards. If a patient receives hun- dreds of "Get Well" cards, she gets en- \couragement. "Oh, so many people are thinking of me, wishing me well. So I will certainly get well." Healing and Karma It's not right to take on someone else's karma. Even if it is possible in a way, 5 it's not the right thing to do. According to past karma something has happened to this person and he or she is purging it out. That purging causes some suffering. If you take over that karma, you're not allowing him or her to purge it out. And you're interfering with the cosmic law and making a new karma, which you will have to face yourself. But, at the same time, you can't just close your eyes and say, "Okay, that's his karma. He's suffering; why should I worry about it?" That also is not the right thing to do. If someone comes to you, or if you happen to see someone suffering, explain the karmic law. That will give the person more strength, courage, and confidence.


Because she knows the gain behind it. Without this pain, she cannot have the gain. So the doctor induces the pain. Cer- tainly, it's painful. It's not that easy to deliver a baby. Sometimes in the pain, she may even scream. But behind that screaming, she has a joy, "Oh, I'm going to have a baby." And once the baby is delivered, she immediately forgets all the pain and enjoys the gain. In a similar way, we all conceive ba- bies, whether we're male or female. When we perform an act, the reaction comes into our system as a baby. And one day, we have to deliver it. So the delivery of the reaction, or the karma, is experienced as suffering. But unless we deliver, we won't be happy. In every case it's like that. Nobody else is the cause of our karma. We did something, somewhere, sometime, and the reaction has come now. So we are facing it. So when somebody suffers, explain it to her. 6 When she understands, she will say, "Oh, in that case I have to be brave. I have to accept it." Once she learns to bear it, it becomes very mild. And then of course you can help her to purge it quickly without much discomfort, like a doctor giving a little anaesthesia. Your words, your prayers, and her prayers on your advice will help to make the pain mild. That is the only approach to take. Even if you have the capacity to take on others' karma, you should not do it. There was a time at the beginning of my spiritual life when I did a lot of healing -- sometimes without even see- ing my patient. But at a certain point something dawned in me and said, "You shouldn't be doing any healing through your Own projection.


The Sun can give heat and light to the whole world, but cannot do so when the clouds shut out his rays. Similarly, as long as egotism veils the heart, the grace of God cannot descend upon a person. Rain water never stands on high ground, but runs down to the lowest level. So also the mercy of God remains in the hearts of the lowly, but drains off from those of the vain and the proud. A person who is convinced that everything is done by the will of God, feels himself to be a mere tool in God's hands. He is then free from all bondage even in this life. In the kingdom of God, reason, in- tellect, and learning are of no avail. 8 There, the dumb speak, the blind see, and the deaf hear. To explain God after merely reading the scriptures is like ex- plaining to someone the city of Benares after merely seeing it on a map. When the grace of the Almighty descends on anyone, he immediately understands his mistakes and knowing this, he does not dispute. The worshippers of God never get tired of singing His praise. He, for whom you work, will supply you with your necessities. God made provisions for your support before He sent you into this world. Always consider that your family and other worldly concerns are not yours; they are God's, and you are His servant come here to obey His commands. When this idea becomes firm, there remains nothing indeed that a person may call his own. If you wish to see God, have firm faith in the efficacy of repeating God's name and try to discriminate the real from the unreal. A beggar would be acting very foolishly were he to go to the king's palace and beg for such in- significant things as a gourd or a pump- kin.


Similarly, a devotee would be act- ing foolishly were he to appear at the threshold of the King of Kings and beg for psychic power, neglecting the price- less gift of the knowledge and love of God. As one can ascend to the top of a house by the help of a ladder, a bamboo, a Staircase, or a rope, so also diverse are the ways of approaching God, and every religion in the world shows one of the ways. He who thinks that he is the indi- — vidual soul with an ego, verily remains that; but he who considers himself to be — God, verily becomes God. As one- thinks, so does one become. 0 p i) Bivaviva viva vivavivaviVaVivavivaviv aviv avivaY VeVi" Viva vivavii’avivavivevivavivaviva avian Well-Being of Body and Mind by His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche The reason for all those [Buddhist] sects is quite simple. It is because dif- ferent levels of individuals received different levels of teachings to help them, and they continued that particular style and it became their particular sect or particular kind of lineage. But all these particular lineages have a very simple belief in common: That is, to re- fine and purify and develop the mind, one has to apply the right methods and the right kind of discipline that will make it happen. The practices that involve discipline, physical discipline, deal with causes and conditions that will result in physical negativity. In Buddhism, everything has a cause and condition. It can be an im- mediate cause and condition, it can. be an accumulation of millions of things, but there must be a cause and condition for anything to happen. Therefore, these physical disciplines deal with those causes and conditions of negativity. There are two ways to overcome 10 negative physical manifestations. One of them is to dissolve the negative causes and conditions, while the other is to develop positive causes and condi- tions.


When you look at them, they are just two sides of the same coin. If you try to do positive things, you do not have to make two ef- forts--trying not to do negative things and then trying to do positive things. It's the same thing when you avoid negative things. How will you avoid doing nega- tive things? Anything you do to avoid. — negative action itself is positive. So in . that way the method of discipline in- volves the physical and verbal in deal- ing with the causes and conditions of negative manifestations. And it involves the causes and conditions of positive- ness. Involve the Mind When you do something physically, you have to involve your mind. You cannot do something positive without involving your mind. You cannot say something positive without involving your mind; therefore, your mind is in- volved there as well. But there is an- other method that involves the mind more than the body and the speech, and that is meditation. When I talk about meditation here, what I am referring to is a particular method that involves a special discipline of the mind. It can be just sitting and not following thoughts, or just sitting and thinking of a particu- lar thing. But there are very specific methods of meditation. When it comes to meditation, we don't have to think, "Now I want to meditate, but I don't know what to meditate on or how to meditate." That question does not exist in Buddhism. If you want to meditate there is a meditation method, and you don't have to invent it. Inventing is sup- posed to be risky, actually, from the Buddhist point of view. In the Buddhist tradition, all the methods of meditation are already prepared; one just has to follow them.


Ignorance means that there is no understanding, absence of clarity. But what is wisdom? It is knowing, the absence of not knowing; and it is clar- ity. Through practice of meditation, you make your mind calm and clear, and you gain wisdom. .. . We have a saying, "Where is the an- swer? Where is the answer? The really true answer is in the question." If you are able to phrase your question clearly in your mind, that is the answer. Of course, if you take it literally, certain kinds of questions will not follow that. If you ask me "When were you born?" even if you know how to ask that ques- tion with super clarity, it won't answer itself. But most of the important ques- tions, the questions that are related to insight, more advanced questions, they contain the answers. What I am trying to say here is that to develop the clarity of the mind is the most important first step of meditation, which will naturally develop wisdom. Healthy Mind An average person might ask how we define a healthy mind. Healthy mind does not mean stubborn mind; many people think that healthy mind means stubborn mind. And in some places that ‘are very liberal, they think healthy mind means the most emotional, sensitive mind--for example, a huge man who can cry just like a kid. That is culture, but it doesn't really mean very much when we talk about a healthy mind. 1] Anyway, when we talk about the body and the mind and its healthy qual- ity, and also about well-being and all of that, they are all connected; they are definitely connected. What is well-being? Well-being means a principle. When you have a valid principle, and you center your en- tire physical, mental, and verbal activi- ties around that principle, then I think that is the definition of well-being.


However, things were happen- felt right about our careers for the last i ing on another level. year or two. __ We had both been public and private One evening, sitting in the living | School teachers for many years, and we room of our Connecticut home, we were Fr 13 listening to a tape of Sri Gurudev giving a talk. He was commenting that since the Ashram gardener had moved away, no one had come forth "to put their hands in the earth" and develop the gar- den. That was the turning point for us! As teachers, we had long summer vaca- tions and had both gardened for many years. Although we had only small gar- dens, because of our association with Gurudev's teachings, we felt confident that we could make the Ashram garden a success. We made several trips to the Ashram and discussed our plans with Swami Shankarananda, the Ashram president. His direct support and involvement at every step of the way has been instru- mental to the growth of the garden. We drew from all of our resources! Some of these included Joe's several visits to the Nearings' farm and his working at a successful biodynamic farm. Our visits to the Rodale Organic Gardening Research Farm, the New Alchemy Institute, Meadowbrook Herb Farm and many other journeys were very helpful. We also learned a great deal about medicinal herbs from our two-year training program at the Center of the Light, in Marlboro, Mas- sachusetts. However, the support we received .. from Gurudev meant everything to us. Once, after we had recently written him a letter outlining our plans, he turned to us at the end of a satsang and said, with great love and humility, "Thank you for your letter. Just call me if there is any- thing that you need.” There was also the time when he came to the garden to pay us a visit during our early stages.


We had gotten approval 14 to put in an irrigation system, and we were busy planning and designing. This was all new to us. But with advice from irrigation companies and the selfless help of Mitra Sommerville, we put in a nice system. We remember lying over a muddy ditch on Christmas morning in 1987, setting in some PVC pipe. (We had to meet a deadline to return a ma- chine we had rented.) Swami Shankarananda appeared and jokingly said, “Aha, I've caught you lying down on the job!" Working with the Earth In a practical way, we feel the garden should play a central role in any gen- uine spiritual community. It represents our respect for working with the earth in all her abundance. It challenges us to work in harmony with the many forces and faces of nature -- earth, water, air, sun and moon, the seasons, the insect and animal kingdom, and so much more. Through it all we can put in an honest hard day's work. It's amazing how most consumers to- day have come to accept what passes for "fresh food." Many-people are still more concerned about washing a little earth and bugs off their produce rather than considering the chemicals that are inside. In their book Pesticide Alert, Laurie Mott and Karen Snyder offer us the fol- lowing information. Their data was ob- tained from the Federal Government and the California Department of Food and Agriculture pesticide monitoring program. California supplies the nation with 51% of the fresh vegetables and a significant amount of the country's fresh fruit. In the research, lettuce was the most frequently tested food. Forty-three dif- ferent pesticides were detected of the more than sixty chemicals that can be applied to lettuce. Twenty-three differ- ent pesticides were found in the broccoli samples of the more than fifty different pesticides the EPA has registered for ~ broccoli.


It is a joy. The positive energy that can be _ generated in the garden is enormous. Presently, we have around fifty raised beds, each one is three feet wide and seventy-five feet long. We use no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Our own compost is made, and the soil is continually replenished with hay mulch. We will have two greenhouses in operation by the upcoming season. We are looking forward to expanding. Here at Yogaville, we are ever grate- ful that the garden is an integral part of this blessed environment. The dedicated energy of the many resident and guest karma yogis who work in the garden during their stay is highly valued. We invite everyone to visit the garden. However, beware, you must follow Gu- rudev's request: When you visit the gar- den, "pull at least one weed!" 0 ‘Substitute Healthful Foods: Ideas for New Vegetarians by Reverend Bhavani Miller _ Many years ago, during a summer of cooking without meat, I had a _ misconception common to many non- _ vegetarians and unfortunately to some vegetarians as well. I thought that being a vegetarian meant eating what I had always eaten but simply eliminating the meat. That may make for a meatless diet, but it certainly does not make for a healthy vegetarian. This first experiment _ only lasted for three months at which point I was more than happy to return to my carnivorous ways. Several years later, when I changed my diet to vegetarianism again, I did it very differently. Instead of simply eliminating certain foods such as meat, fish, eggs, white flour, and white sugar, I emphasized the many new foods I was _ adding. As I began to learn to cook with whole grains, pastas and legumes I found that there did not seem to be much room on my plate for the pro- cessed, chemicalized foods that I had previously consumed in great abun- dance.


The more of these you fit into your menu, the less important meat products become, and they will slowly fall away by themselves. As I explored my new natural, vege- tarian diet my mistakes did not daunt my desire to cultivate healthier eating habits. True, my first pressure-cooked pot of lentils spewed lentil puree all over the kitchen ceiling. (NOTE: Do not try to pressure-cook lentils.) True, my first natural cake looked and tasted like a brick. True, my first batch of homemade granola took two weeks to make and thirty minutes to burn. Luck- ily, these mistakes were not the end but only the beginning of my adventures in natural foods cooking that continues to this day. In those days, I still had no general guidelines of how to plan whole meals. around my new whole foods diet. Per- haps these suggestions will save new vegetarians a few steps in their evolu- tion to a better and more interesting diet: 1) Foods should be vegetarian, of the best quality, close to their natural state, and fresh (not canned or frozen). 2) Each main meal should contain complex carbohydrates, protein and vegetables for balance. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, potatoes, bread and noo- dles. Of these, whole grains are gener- ally the best staple. Protein sources include beans, soy products such as tempeh and tofu, nuts and seeds, and dairy products. Most nuts and dairy foods contain large 16 amounts of fat, so moderation is sug- gested here. Several fresh vegetables should be included in each meal. I always plan for one dark green leafy vegetable and an orange one. Other vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, head let- tuce, and yellow squash are nice for va- riety but have a much lower vitamin content. 3) Fruits are a wonderful, light part of a yogic diet.


Orthodox Herald 1999-06: Vol 48 Iss 565

We consider it impossible to have a break between the two. By traditional doctrine is meant the coherence and the awareness that the Church has its roots in the early centuries. In this regard, tradition joins us to all the centuries of faith without locking us in the past, although thanks to the teachings of the past we are able to cope with the present. Today the world is demystified; increasingly it moves away from the sacred, and different sects and cults offer a false sacredness. On the other hand, we believe that man needs a liturgy full of a sense of the sacred in which the visible signs help him understand the invisible. What do you think about the interactive Divine Liturgy? It seems that more and more parishes have turned to congrega- tional singing and responses. Choirs can- not recruit new members if young people are not familiar with choral responses. Baba has a prayer book and its pages are marked by prayer cards which are given at funerals. In her private prayers, she includes the names of those whose cards she has. There has to be a category in heaven for the “perohi ladies.” The style of the Byzantine ikons was angular, subdued and stiff. It was in Russian churches that ikons acquired a more natural style and brilliant colors so that they could be better seen through the incense smoke and wavering candlelight of Orthodox churches. Do you remember when it was unthink- able to do laundry, wash the car or do yard work on Sunday? In the Orthodox wedding service, vows are not exchanged and the bride is not given away. In some parishes on Father’s Day, all for- mer altar boys serve at the Divine Liturgy. In Wilkes-Barre we have a newspaper which has a feature called SAYSO.


Visitacion Valley Grapevine

Eastin Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the navy (Shipbuilding and Logistics) Merchant's Association Appeals To Planning Commission The Merchants Association has written the following letter to City Planning The Visitacion Valley Merchants Association has followed the development of San Francisco Executive Park since its inception. We are familiar with both the operations of the Sanitary Fill Companies and the new development plan for Executive Park. We see both as important and needed business for San Francisco. For many years the community has waited for the development of Executive Park. We have affirmed our support of the project being developed as approved, and we support the present application so the Executive Park project can proceed. Sincerely yours, Fawzi Kaddoura, President Executive Park Future in Question San Francisco Executive Park The sale of the SF Executive Park has fallen through because of certain conditions that were imposed on it by Sanitary Fill Company when they sold their share to Campeau Corp. many years ago. Apparently, these conditions restricting the use of the land are so harsh that no one wants to own this project. Many years of hard work will go down the drain unless these conditions can be removed. The members of the Executive Park Advisory Committee have met with Major Art Agnos to try to work out some sort of compromise. He agrees with us that this project must go on and is doing what he can to see to that end. We will go before the Planning Commission on April 28th to ask them for removal of these restrictions that Campeau was forced to accept at that time. As usual, applications for employment opportunities at the Executive Park can be picked up at every LHIA meeting. Don Bartone President, Little Hollywood Improvement Association HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Drugs & Murder: An All-To- Common Supervisor Bill Maher I recently requested that the Board of Supervisors meeting be adjourned in respect for the memory of Mr.


Visitacion Valley Grapevine

Speaking of Health By Jacqueline Wasserman, RN.FNP Couch Potatoes and Body Strain GDUKVDIt Couch potatoes or frequent TV watchers not only suffer from dormant minds but also dormant bodies. There have been many articles written about how too much television is bad for the mind. Relying on TV for stimulation prevents other areas of one's mind from being active. One's own imagination and creativity lie dormant, as TV provides unidimensional images. TV also dictates what will be of interest to us, so that shows presented are based on what will draw the largest viewing audience and make the most money. Often a person will come to the doctor with an aching back, stiff neck or twisted disc. When questioned on recent muscle strain or injury the person will draw a blank. People don't realize that lying on a soft sofa or chair in a semi-reclined position with the lower back slumped and the head and neck rolled forward leads to stiffness, weakness, and pain. This is caused by inadequate muscular activity. In just thirty minutes, muscles, joints, and ligaments tighten and result in stiffness. The best way to sit while watching TV is with your back firmly against the back of a chair, with feet flat or on a foot stool. Your head should be held upright or supported by the back of the chair. Unfortunately, most of us won't sit this way. To avoid couch potato syndrome then .exercise during the commercials. Do some neck rolls, shoulder rolls and pelvic tilts. Stand up and stretch, reaching for the sky. You may lose the honored title of couch potato, but your body will feel better and be less prone to injury. How Not To Become a Bagperson A one-day workshop sponsored by Women's Resource Center, San Francisco Community College District's Gerontology Program, and Legal Assistance to the Elderly that tells how to avoid bag-gentry status: financial planning and money management, earning money in retirement, paying for health care, and what to expect from the government and pension plan.


The Greatness Of Sri Gayathri Jyothisha Sasthra By Sri. Y. Subbaraya Sharma In English

A detailed table about this is attached hereto. In brief, Gayathri Manthra is the basis of the science of Jyothisha (astrology-astro- nomy). The description begins with a brief account of the birth of the universe including men and animals. We then discuss how ignorance (ajnana) envelopes man. ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 3 The duties he has to perform to get-rid of this ignorance and attain unison with the Supreme Lord are described step by step. The seven Vyahrithis (Vedic tones) Bhuuhu Bbhuvaha, Suvaha Mahaha, Janaha, Tapaha, Satayam attached to the Gayathri Manthra, are also dealt with. The importance of the twenty seven stars which form the foundation of jyothisha is substantiated on the basis of the Yajurveda Nakshathreshti manthras. This puts their interpretation on a sound basis. But we have avoided elaboration and have preferred to be concise. There is plenty of scope to study with the Upanishadic statements and on the basis of the statements of Maharshi Parashara pertaining to jyothisha in greater detail. Below is a diagram resembling that of a horoscope. It has twelve squares, wherein the names of the constellations are written in order including corresponding symbolic figures. Thus Mesha-means the goat, Vrishabha- -means the bull, Mithuna-means the union of the couple. Karkataka means the crab,Simha means the lion, Kanya-means a young girl, Thula-means the balance, Vrischika-means the scorpion, Dhanus-means the bow,- Makara-means the crocodile, Kumbha-means the pot, Meena-means the fish. The valid reasons for the names of the constellations are not setforth in any of the existing works on astrology. They have been clearly explained in the present book. Even those who are not familiar with astrology can now readily understand the significance of the constellations and of the stars. 4 ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY The nine planets of the universe and the stars are of divine origin, and are governed by the Lord who is the lord creation, maintenance and dissolution of the universe.


Hence Savithuh which means The process of creation and the creator, which means: The emergence of Iswara and Iswari (The Lord of Universe) from the Absolute Supreme to command the work of creation, protection and destruction of the world. These are all imbeded in the word Savithuhu. The significance of the word ‘Savithuhu’ is related to the constellation of Vrishabha and a small part of Mithuna. The last threc quadrants of Krittika, the star Rohini, and the first two quadrants of Mrigashira come under the constellation of Vrishabha, while the remaining two quadrants come under Mithuna. Venus is the Lord of Vrishabha, and Mercury of Mithuna. According to the stellar periods formulated by Maharashi parashara, Krittika is associated with the period of the Sun; Rohini with that of the Moon, and Mrigashira with that of Mars. Vrishabha is the exalted position of the Moon. 12 ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY As cited earlier under the significance of the constellation of Mesha the Supreme being alone existed before creation, as is connoted by the word ‘Thath’. The existence of the three parts of Krittika in the constellation of Vrishbha is equivalent to the Parashakthi, forming the meaning of the half letter ‘Th’ in Thath’ coming out to create the universe. Coming out implies that the first quadrant of Krittika does not come under Vrishabha. The flow of a river commences from its source without exhausting the original source, and likewise the first quadrant of Krittika is unseperated from the original Supreme Being, and itself is in that state, while the remaining quadrants belong to Vrishabha. After the Prarasakthi takes its birth in Vrishabha, it is caHed transcendental power, as it divides itself into the three qualities of Sathva, -Rajas and Thamas, for purposes of creating the world, and these give rise. to the three quadrants of Krittika situated in Vrishabha.


Therefore the Vrishabha (Taurus) constellation implies Iswara State and creation. Parasara Maharshi tells us that the stars Krittika, Rohini and Mrighshira are associated with the periods of the Sun, Moon and Mars. According to the Thaittiriyopanishad statement ‘Agnih Puurva ruupam-aadt- 18 ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY thya uttara ruupam’ the first form of the Sun is Agni or fire, which is one of the five Bhutas elements. When the Supreme Being is reflected in this fire, rays emanate, He is called the Sun. This is our visible Sun. The Krittika in Mesha is the exalted position of the Sun. The Moon has affinity towards water. The Moon is pleasant because the Supreme Lord reflects in it and forms rays of nectar. It has been said before that Rohini is the Suddha Sathva Pradhana Maya and is the Iswari Power. This Rohini synonymous with Iswari power is the exalted position of the moon. Mrigashira is associated with the period of Mars. Mars is identical with Kumaraswami, son of Iswara. Kumaraswami is the General of Commander-in-chief of the Davathas (gods). Just as an army is engaged in its duties on the word of the general, so also every thing in the world is engaged in its duties for fear of disobeying the Lord of Orders. It is indicative of this that Mrigashira is associated with the period of Mars. This interpretation is confirmed by the following statement in the Katopanishath: aeefararrert sor cate fregae | Weat WATT sanfagyaet water | Meaning: The whole universe carries out its duties for fear of punishment at the hands of the life-giving Lord. The air blows under the orders and for fear of the Lord the Sun shines, and the fire burns. There is also the Vedic statement giving the same meaning. viterevara: vad ftorstefire: Atrrenaieer ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 19 Thus far, the Lord’s Greatness and matters relating to the creation of the world have been dealt with in interpretation of the word ‘Savithuhu’ of the Gayathri Manthra.


Accordingly, in the Anthahkarana of every animal the Athma and the Parashakthi are together. The above explanation is the esoteric meaning of Mithuna constella- tion. The first quadrant of the star Punarvasu in the censtellation of Mithuna is to be interpreted as follows:- The word vasu in Punarvasu means that which resides or lives. The Ardra has been interpreted in terms of the creation of the bodies of all beings. It takes 6 months for the human body to be completed inside the mother’s Womb. As one enters a house after its construction is completed, the jivathma enters and joins the body in the 7th month, as per the statement ‘‘Sapthame masse jeeva samyuktho bhavathi’’, in the Garbhopanishath. This is the meaning of the first quadrant of the star Punarvasu. The word Budha means one who knows, or one who is learned. The significance of Mercury being the Lord of Mithuna is then that the creation of the Universe by Iswara has been carried out with perfection and with perfect knowledge. The significance of the star Mrigashira has been given earlier on the lines of the stellar periods given by Shri Parashara.The star Ardra has been said to correspond to the period of Rahu (Moon’s Ascending Node). The significance of Rahu is given by the words refit wert ar tafe ereafrat ar Tg: ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 23 i.e., one who completely eschews sathva quality or one who destroys sathva is Rahu. In other words Rahu is symbolic of Rajoguna which is in the nature of passion and indulges in worldly pursuits. It is contrary to Sathvaguna. This interpretation is corroborated by the statement in Nakshathreshti Manthra relating to Ardra, which explains about all beings being bound by the cords of ignorance. While all planets move in the right-handed or clockwise direction, Rahu and Kethu move amongst the constellations in the opposite anti-clockwise direction.


This too confirms that they are contrary to the Supreme Being who is sath, and to the pure Sathva-guna. Rahu (ascending node) is of Rajo-guna, while Kethu (descending node) is of Thamguna. Kethu will be described in connection with the star Makha. The previous history of Rahu and Kethu will be pointed out under the star Shatha bhishaa. We have discussed the constellation Mithuna as related to the word vareniyam of the Gayathri Manthra. We shall now consider the next constellation Karkataka or Kataka. This constellation contains three quadrants of the star Punarvasu, and the stars Pushyami and Ashlesha. The first quadrant of Punarvasu belongs to the constellation of Mithuna, and has been interpreted to the effect that the creation of the human body in the mother’s womb is completed by the 6th month, and in the seventh month the reflected Chaithanya along with the knowledge that is pure ‘I’ joins the body. Then for the sake of the actions of the body, these radiate into the body and enter the sheath known as Anandamaya kosha (Bliss-sheath), Vignyanamaya. kosha (sheath of knowledge) and Manomaya (Sheath of mind), which 24 ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY are all situated inside the head in the body. This is the significance of the second, third and fourth quadrants of the star Punarvasu. The Yajurveda Nakshathreshti Mantra refers to Punarvasu as follows:- maT AMAT | aTRTTAa sire: wreath: sortate | aaa prpat we fread | waretet sore raft: | Meaning:-A star by name Rikshaa wanted children through medicinal plants and herbs. She gave charu to Aditi and to Punarvasu. Men and animals were born. The above Vedic statement signifies that medicinal plants in the form of grass, creepers, trees and plants, and also animals increase in the world through procreation. According to Maharshi Parashara, the star Punarvasu is associated with period of Jupiter.


Jupiter increases the population. We have said under the meaning of Punarvasu that life energy (jeevathma) enters in the seventh month the gross body that has been created in the mother’s womb, and resides there. But this is not the first time that Jeeevathma enters in order to reside in the gross body created in the mother’s womb. It will have entered and lived in many many bodies created in mother’s wombs in his previous births. It is not possible to know how many such lives have taken place, and hence Sasthra says that life is without beginning. Hence it is said Punarvasu, i.e. living again, and not vasu merely. So it has come again to dwell in the body as in previous births. The next star is Pushyami, again in the constellation of Karkataka. The yajurveda Nakshathreshti refe.s to this star as follows:- ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 25 qeetfrat srarrat 1 werrdet efit aut grey freara Fat we waft | aa § a meANeT WaT | Meaning: Jupiter (Brihaspathi) decided to have the radiance of Brahma (or of a Brahmin). He gave to Brahaspathi and to Pushyami charu prepared out of wild grain, mixed with milk.Then he has the radiance of Brahma (or of a Brahmin). Let us consider the implications of these statements one by one. The word Brihaspathi (Jupiter) connotes Wyre vet fear genie aa watrar w 2 | “He is known as Brihaspathi since he is. the Lord of high education, intelligence, and good conduct.’’ Also qeerat Aaah Feat aT cher: GRR: Brihaspathi is the Lord of the important Devas as well as of Vedic manthras. The word Pushya in Pushyami is derived from ‘Poshayathiithi Pushyah meaning that which feeds or helps to grow. There is also the meaning Pushyatheethi pushya i.e., the growth is accelerated.


The manner in which Brihaspathi assists the growth is suggested in the Nakshthresti Manthra given above. Having obtained the radiance of Brahama (or the Brahmin), Brihaspathi gives the necessary facilities in order that the child in the womb may acquire later the radiance of brahma (or the Brahmin). This is how he develops the growth. 26 ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY It has been mentioned that the reflected Chaithanya (Jeevathma) enters with pure ‘I’ knowledge, the child’s Anthahkarana in the mother’s womb and then penetrates and resides in the Anandamaya, Vingyananamaya - and Manomaya - Koshas (the sheaths of Bliss, Knowledge and Mind). In the Anandamaya Kosha (the sheath of Bliss), He creates the facilities for love, happiness, the joy arising out of happiness, earnestness, and devotion. In the Vignynanamaya Kosha (the sheath of knowledge) he imparts the intelligence which belongs to the anthahkarana the power to acquire good knowledge, discretion, and the decisive knowledge that I am not this transient body, but am the Supreme Being myself. To another part called the Ahankara (ego) in the anthahkarana, He gives the qualities of selflessness, and the dedication of the fruits of all labour unto the Lord. To another portion called the Chitha, He gives the quality of being impersonal in worldly actions, and the will to attain the Lord. In the Manomaya Kosha (the sheath of the mind), He gives the laudable determination to attain the Lord, the determination to be always pursuing good deeds and steadfastness to duty. All these necessarily require the radiance of Brahma (or the Brahmin), and hence Brihaspathi has placed this importance in the several Sheaths. Brihaspathi is also called Jiva since he gives life to the Devathas (gods) as per the meaning of ‘Jeevayathi devaan ithi jeevah jeeva praana dhaarane’. He gives man all the facilities required by him to attain godliness, and thus protects him.


The gods gave to all the Ashleshas charu made out of flour mixed with ghee and curds. The Rakshasas were defeated by the gods. The statement that the gods and Rakshasas fought, and that the Devathas won is to be interpreted as follows: Under Pushyami it has been mentioned that a child was born, leaving the the mother’s womb. The powers of the organs be take of gods. These powers reside in the spheres of the organs like the eye, the ear and so on. When the body takes birth from the womb, some inertia coming out of Tamas remains in the spheres of the organs, and hence the organs cannot function properly. Immediately after birth, the child cannot hear, cannot see, cannot taste, cannot smell, cannot talk. He cannot use his hands to work, He cannot use his legs to walk. The neck is not firmly fixed with the body. The new-born child can neither sit nor stand. All this is ‘because the head, the trunk and the legs are not firmly fixed and strong enough. The war referred to in the above Vedic Mantra is therefore to be interpreted as the fight between the current Buddhi gnyana vahini in accompaniment with ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 29 the reflected chaithanya (Jeevathma) and the inertia arising out of Thamas prevalent in the spheres of the organs and in the other parts of the body. The inertia is ultimately removed and the organs are rendered capable functioning properly in the respective spheres. The above interpretations make it clear that the reflected Chaithanya (Jeevathma) is superior to the powers of the organs and sheaths,. and hence deserves to be honoured by the organic powers. This explains the meaning of the word Vareniyam in the Gayathri manthra, as one -who excels, and one who deserves to be worshipped.


The Yajurveda Nakshathreshti tells about the star Makha as follows: fratat aneretat | figere aaTaft | a ud fpat wena: erry vere facayy | mat T a frgere ongRT | Meaning:-The fathers desired to progress in the world of forefathers. They gave charu prepared out of rice flour in six vessels to the Pjthrus and the star Makha. Then they progressed in the world of the forefathers. The star makha is in the constellation of Simha. The Sun is the Lord of Simha. The Sun’s portfolio includes the bestowal of the father, and so he is like a father. Just as the constellation of Karkataka is the Moon’s house and hence this constellation pertains to the mother, so does the constellation of Simha pertain to the father. The mother who had the child in her womb gave birth to the child. After giving birth, she rears and protects the child till it becomes fit to go ahead in the world, and then hands it over to the father for his progress. The child coming under the care of the father is the significance of the star Makha. What does a father long for the child and how does he protect him? Just as his father and grand fathers carried out their wordly affairs and after death went to the world of the forefathers, he also wishes his child to get on in the world, and to continue the ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY 33 family genealogy by having children and grandchildren; and he nurtures the child by giving him education. This cxtension of one’s own genealogy causes the development of the world of the forefathers. This is the significance of the above Mantra. According to the sayings of Maharshi Parashara, the star Makha is connected with the period of Kethu. We have all along seen that Kethu is symbolic of Tamas while Rahu (the ascending node) is symbolic of Rajas.


Therefore it is up to the father to give proper education to his children to make them do good deeds, and to be of good behaviour. Thereby the children can be prevented from being pleasure-seekers. If they become pleasure-seekers, then atheism will creep in. But even if pleasure-seeking is absent, the pleasure-giving functions of the organs of action, such as taking food must perforce to be present. The action of the Rajao guna is inevitable. Since lust towards objects is also present, the covering by the Thamasic quality is necessarily present. A binding beastliness therefore necessarily exists. Let us understand the effects of yearning for objects arising out of the qualities of Thamas and Rajas, and of the functioning of the organs of action. The reflected Chaithanya of Buddhi associated with the pure blissful ‘I’ pervades inside the body through the sheaths of Anandamaya (bliss), Vignyanamaya (knowledge), Manoma- ya (action), and Pranamaya (life), and finally sits in 36 ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY AND ASTRONOMY the sheath of Annamaya. This reflected Chaithanya has to flow out of the body with the current of Buddhi in an active form in order to see external objects, hear sounds etc., through the sense-organs of the Annamaya sheath. Along with the stream of Buddhi reflected Chaithanya too must manifest itself, and get out of the body. Without the aid of this reflected chaithanya, Buddhi alone cannot see or hear. The organs of action work in unison with the organs of sense. At this juncture, matters pertaining to our previous lives which have to be experienced in this life come in a torrent, besiege our (gnyana) intelligence and draw it out. On account of the flooding of these matters, not a single moment will be available during the period of our wakefulness which is free from thought of objects of the world.


Fort Wayne Ordinance R-76-06-06

Neighborhood instability: Those neighborhood associations which are strong have helped stabilize their areas. Those that are strongest frequently have a definite meetingplace or center which acts as a focal point for neighborhood action. Regular meetings promote sustained effort and concern in an area. Those neighborhoods which cannot present a united front to the world often deteriorate due to a lack of organized interest. Personal inability to cope with home maintenance: Elderly citizens, the handicapped, and single heads of households often find home maintenance a great burden. This can be due to a lack of knowledge, lack of funds, or physical incapacity. Expected Impact Improve Neighborhood Associations Encourage rehabilitation Increase Neighborhood stability Increase effectiveness of Neighborhood Preservation and Community Development & Planning staff Help keep elderly/handicapped/single family heads independent For those associations who need more contact with their residents, the van can provide a center of interest and may help attract those that have not been reached by the association before. Information relating to effective neighborhood organization will be stocked in the van; association officials V7111 be able to learn about improving their group, and learn their way about city hall. 4 Rehabilitation will be encouraged in a number of ways. First of all, people will be told what specific rehab jobs entail. They will be able to judge if (1) they can carry out a job by themselves, or need professional help, and (2) if they can profitably buy the tools they need or should rent - the tool library would be a third alternative. Counselors will also point out that rehabilitation helps preserve property values, especially if enough people throughout the neighborhood do it. Once people realize the value of rehab and see what various aspects entail, counselors vxill also be able to direct them to various sources of financial help. The van will also bring together people who already have an interest in their neighborhood; this might be the only push needed to bring some rehab efforts about.


Fort Wayne Ordinance R-76-06-06

The van will also be equipped with a two- way radio connected to the office so that staff will be able to run down information through other personnel. (4) Multiple use will be made of the van. When there is an additional room available, staff could show two different presentations at the same time. If there are small groups, a tape could be shown in the back while staff counseled others up front. Residents could always browse through the library by themselves. All this will increase the efficiency of staff in the neighborhoods. Buil¬ ding a basic familiarity with rehab among residents will enable staff to focus on specific problems rather than going over preliminary groundwork. The van will also enable junior staff.to conduct Initial meetings with neighborhood associations to acquaint them with the programs. Frequently, senior staff is often overloaded with meetings which they must attend; no one else has all the information necessary about programs on the tip of their tongue. Staff will be better used by making them responsible for directing and developing presentations relating to their specialty. The rehab technicians would be in charge of developing the rehab lessons; counselors would cover financial aids, budgeting, and the like. 6 The elderly, the handicapped, and single heads of households often are overvrhelmed by the demands of home maintenance; the financial burden can often force them onto the welfare rolls. Frequently, all that is needed to keep them independent is a little help with minor repairs. For the elderly and handicapped, neighborhood associations and other volunteers could start a handyman service. For those still able to move around, simple lessons about how to handle hammer, screwdriver, and saw could give them renewed self- reliance. Of course, for those repairs beyond the handyman scope, the usual couseling approach could be used.


Fort Wayne Ordinance R-76-06-06

Department of Community Development and Planning; and the accountant. A member from the relevant Equipment Committees (Element Tb/o) should sit in to give the committee findings and recommendations on specific expen¬ ditures . 1.3- Evaluations will be made of the whole program and various elements. The program will be evaluated at three- month Intervals and at the end of the first year’s operation. Equipment evaluations will be carried out by the appropriate equipment committee and staff. The scheduling policy evalu¬ ation will be made by staff and participating neighborhood associations. Program/presentation production evaluations will be made by staff, the project leader, and neighborhood association representatives. The various advisory committees will list evaluative criteria so that appropriate data vjill automatically be collected from the start of the program. For the overall program evaluation a questionnaire will be pre¬ pared for all participants. This will insure that those involved will have a chance to voice their impressions and suggestions. 1.4- Major expenditures - There will be an advisory committee organized for each expenditure category except "Miscellaneous". The latter will be handled by the project leader and the Financial Review Committee. Neighbor¬ hood association representatives, personnel from appropriate agencies, and persons knowledgeable about each category will comprise these committees. Element Two - Equipment Specifications and Purchase 2.1- Mobile Van 2.11- The Advisory Committee will be organized. 2.12- Specification for the vehicle will be developed by the committee. Comparable vehicles will be reviewed, and visits to two or more local maufacturers of recreational vehicles will be made to preview production problems. 2.13- 2.16 - Standard city procedures will be followed ( once specifications are set) in letting and awarding the bid. The vehicle will be thoroughly inspected before payment is made. 2.17- Maintenance routines will be developed. Data to be collected concerning vehicle operation will be set. Staff primarily responsible for driving the vehicle will undergo a training program before they are allowed to "solo" with the vehicle. 2.18- Evaluations of vehicle performance will be made at six- and twelve- month Intervals. 2.2- Tool purchase - Another advisory committee will be organized.


Fort Wayne Ordinance R-76-06-06

The standard bid procedure will be followed if necessary. The possibility of tool donations from various companies will be inves¬ tigated. Tool storage in the van will be designed and installed once the vehicle is delivered. Six- and twelve- month evaluations will be made. Additional purchases will be made if advisable. 2.3- Literature purchase ~ Essentially the same procedures and tasks involved in tool purchase will be used for printed material. The possibility of buying a copy machine for on- board use will be investigated. If this proves inadvisable, residents could make copy requests in the vehicle; staff could use copy machines in the office and deliver the desired material. Some general topics of materials to be considered: rehabilitation, financing, consumer protection, landscaping and gardening, tool use, applicable laws and codes. 2.4- Video equipment - The same procedures in 2.2 and 2.3 will be followed here. The advisory committee will need a number of people experienced in the use of video equipment. Luckily, Fort Wayne does have a number of these people available beyond television station personnel, including people from the Fort Wayne Public Library, the City Police Department, and the "Theater for Ideas" program. Element Three - Program/Presentation production A development committee will be established, including some citizens with experience in video- taping. Neighborhood Preservation rehab technicians will compile a list of possible rehab "lessons" classified according to priority and simplicity of filming. They should do this in consultation with neighborhood associations, local contractors, and perhaps home- improve¬ ment loan officers from local banks. Neighborhood Preservation counselors will compile a list of programs in areas such as home maintenance and finances. The development committee will select a list of six programs to be used as test vehicles. Staff will film these in conjunction with local video experts. These programs will be reviev/ed and evaluated, and a procedure manual will be written to guide further program productions.


Fort Wayne Ordinance R-76-06-06

Thus, the specific problems and needs which the Cooperative Parenting Concept addresses are the following as they relate to single parent families. 1. social isolation and limitations 2 . cost of housing ■ 3. effects of low-income 2. Approach and the expected impact of the approach on the identified problems and needs. The approach is basically an experiment in housing rehab and design and social interaction. Three duplexes (6 units) will be designed and rehabilitated to create three different types of housing units. These units will be evaluated, after occupancy, to determine (1) the impact and effectiveness of the housing on the lives of the occupants; (2) whether one type is more beneficial for the occupants than other; and (3) whether the program should be expanded or continued to be provided by either Fort Wayne's rehab program or the Fort Wayne Housing Authority's Homeleasing Program. Both have the capability to continue the cooperative parenting concept housing program if it proves worthwhile, a) Design Phase Three different designs will be created to rehabilitate three duplexes in a total of three neighborhoods. An architect will be hired for these designs at an estimated cost of $7,758. 1) Design One: Duplex rehabilitation with no unusual or innovative features. These two units can serve as a kind of control factor in evaluating the impact of Design Two and Design Three. The units will be rehabbed, but normal privacy shall be given. No facilities or space will be common or shared. 2 2) Design Two: Modified Duplex A will include a family playroom which would be common to both units, with the intent that the mothers may be able to share in supervising their children. The playroom and integral outdoor play areas will probably be located to the rear of the house, with access and visual supervision available from both units. Special design features will also be included to minimize housework and esterior yard maintenance.


Fort Wayne Ordinance R-76-06-06

Marketing will be done by the Neighborhood Preservation Division in the Department of Community Development and Planning. They will prepare newspapei" advertisements and contact comraunity groups, such as the Fort Wayne Urban League, the League of Women Voters, the YWCA, the Fort Wayne Woirien's Bureau and Parents Without Parents. Most of these groups have already been contacted for their input, and they have stated that they would aid the program especially in marketing the units. The Fort Wayne Housing 4 Authority and the Neighborhood Preservation Division have v^aiting lists for various housing programs, and there are a number of single parent families on these lists. Since there will be only six units to be filled, it is anticipated there will be little trouble finding willing participants. Tenants will also be requested to assist the Community Development and Planning Department in evaluating the impact of the housing design. The Department will develop a questionnaire to be administered at three month intervals, along with in-depth interviews. (Professional counselors or psychologists could be used to develop evaluation questionnaires and methods; however, this makes the concept more expensive and less viable in terms of its transferability to other cities, if extensive professional counseling is necessary. If HUD feels that this is necessary and desirable, an additional amount of funding would be requested.) $2,100 is requested for marketing and evaluation. It is expected and desired that the new shared housing and parenting concept would relieve the three general problems or needs discussed in the beginning of this section. Social isolation and social limitations should be relieved by the two single parents' being available for help in an emergency situation and simply for adult conversation. It may be that the two parents develop an informal, ad hoc partnership arrangement, or they may work out a type of "house rules" 5 guides for sharing some of their housing facilities.


The Strobe

The slogan "Keep the Campus Center Free'' helped them to win , according to Rebillard, who added that he was "delighted" with the help he received from SGA, the Strobe, and the students who voted. With the increase taking effect soon, Rebillard said that students will start to notice its effects right away in the form of possible refurnishing of the center and differences in the Campus Center's operation. Close Victories for Elected Freshmen Allen Bush Bill McCarty was elected freshman class president by a margin of only twenty-two votes. His opponents Philip Moore and Jeffrey Strong were right behind McCarty with ninety-three votes a piece. "I'm happy I was elected.", McCarty said. "It was something I wanted" About his campaign the newly elected president said, "I think my posters were graphically appealing. I also tried to meet people any way I could. At keg parties I'd write my name on people's hands so when they woke up the next morning the first thing they'd see was Bill McCarty." Out of thefive candidates for vice- president, Lisa Sacco won with 1 05 votes. Paul Dawson finished thirty- Mediation Program in the Works by April Page "A voluntary mediation program may be the key to dissolving disputes between students and neighbors, or anybody in the college neighborhood," says Judge Andre Gelinas of Fitch- burg District Court. Gelinas intends to hold a special meeting at the end of October or the beginning of November with selected officials to put the program in motion. "1 am in the process of identifying and inviting people from a good cross-section of the community to form a steering committee," said Gelinas. A mediation program would prevent civil suits from reaching the courts. According to Gelinas, after one or both parties files a complaint against the other with the police, the matter can be brought to a mediation board.


The Strobe

The board would work out a reasonable agreement between both parties and then a written agreement would be signed by each. After one or two months, a follow-up would be done on the case to make sure harmony was maintained, according to Dr. Shirley Wagner, a professor at FSC and an active member of the Announcements Page 3 Editorials Page 4 Letters Page 4 Ajts/Entertainment Page 6 Calendar Page 6 Comics Page 7 Sports Page 8 mediation program. "This program would make it possible for an on-going relationship to be friendly and so that both people get some of what they want," said Wagner. According to Gelinas, the board would save time, eliminate court procedings and would be free and confidential. Often court cases are dragged on for months and are very costly, said Gelinas. Members of the board must have previous mediation training and those who are not trained and would like to be part of the board can be trained by an experienced board member, according to Wagner. Students may also become members of the board, Wagner added. "Some reports indicate that college students are very good at mediation. They have a sense of fairness," said Wagner. Students who have behavioral science, government orjudicial back- ground may be particularly interested in joining the board because such experience would look good on a resume, Wagner said. Reach Out and Touch an Alum by Brian Riley On Sunday, October 19th the annual Alumni Association Telethon began. The event is held for the sole purpose of supporting us, students now, alumni later. The telethon is one of the largest sources of FSC scholarships. Last year alone, 42 scholarships based on merit and need were awarded Meeting finan- cial aid needs is a priority as is aid to foreign students. Also, last year the association donated $5000 worth of equipment to various departments.


The Strobe

The line has grown all the way around the stadium and has started down Brookline Ave. I walk all the way around once and am on my second lap when Jim spots me. Mom and Dad are there to pick up Lome (he held my spot in line) and drop off some goodies. There's some sandwiches, cold chicken, and some bread and butter. Mom and Dad leave with Lome and I leave to get some McDonald's. When I get back Jim's friend Sean (who is camping out also) is there. So I settle into the chaise lounge, wrap up in a blanket, and eat my Big Mac. 8:30 pm: While eating my french fries, some guy comes walking along and interviews me for the radio. He's from WILD radio and asks me the usual where are you from and what's your name questions and does a little promo for some contest they're having and will I listen in and try to win. I sound like the enthusiastic fan who can't wait, will probably jump out of line so I can go home and listen so I can call in and win tickets (fat chance). He walks away and I realize that I did the entire interview with a mouth full of french fries. 1 1 :30 pm: I don't know how the street people do it. I found it nearly impossible to sleep. Van Ness St is no Sealy, and the chaise lounge wasnt too comfortable either. The weather report for the night was good-clear and cool with a slight chance of rain. Well, I can see stars so until they disappear I don't have to worry. Monday Oct 6- 1 :00 am: The two guys who are next to us come back from their bar-hopping and immed- iately pass out underneath their comforters and leave their radio on.


The Strobe

Saves our batteries. 1:30 am: A couple from Con- necticut show up and buy a spot in line with us for $50. Steve and Debbie are nice enough and we chat about the Sox and what they need to do to win. The radio announces that the line has swollen to 6000+ and growing. Jim and Sean (who went for a walk) say that the line is within a block of the Pm. Those Yankee Fans by Brian Riley New York, New York, the only city of its kind-a prestigious city to appreciate for those who live there and those who don't. With so much to offer such as the Statue of Liberty, Wall St., and David Letterman, New York has its bad comers, too. There's the ever present crime rate, and criminals and beggars who patrol the subways. In between all the criminals and all the beggars are those damn potholes that must average at least seven feet in diameter. Sure these negative aspects can be pretty demoralizing, but nothing, absolutely nothing, seems to compare to those vicious Bronx sports nuts in Yankee Stadium. I am referring to your basic New York Yankee fans. Recently, I, along with my com- patriots, had the distinct privilege of observing these beings. 'Twas on a clear and bright September afternoon when the NY Yankees played host to none other than the Boston Red Sox. The Sox, mind you, were holding on to a comfortable yet hefty 1 1 game lead over the Yanks as they reached the ballyard. Now Yankee Stadium, as you might guess, is very intimidating. History has passed through that place more than any stadium, forum, dome, complex, arena, field or park. After all, it is the "house thatRuth built" Inside "the house" is a beautiful pasture surrounded by bright royal blue walls along with three electronic scoreboards, a lively organist, and a computerized CHARGE bugle.


The Strobe

Salsman One of eight ballot questions Massachusetts voters will be asked to vote on in two weeks is Question 7, a referendum seeking support for a national health program. This issue must be examined for the premise on which it is based. The idea behind a national health program is that the government can impose controls on America's doctors to provide health care for all who claim it. Doctors are told how much they can charge and whom they must treat, regardless of the cost or the risk. Advocates of a national health program couldn't care less. All they recognize is that if a person needs something, in this case medical care, then that is perfect justification for any government regulation, decree, or explicit order. The need of one person is rationale for controlling the work of another. Doctors, like any other responsible professionals, function in their own rational self interest, seeking to provide their services to the greatest number at the lowest possible cost. High medical costs in America result from many other factors. More people today are seeking treatment (increased demand), and new medical discoveries are costly to achieve. The greatest factor in rising medical costs has been government's Medicare program which pours large payments into even the most routine medical procedures, and its mandatory controls on doctors often make it impossible for independent physicians to overcome piles of government paperwork. Hence, there are fewer individual doctors in practice, and those who do make it work for the larger (government subsidized) hospitals which ae more costly. The problem is obvious: government controls on the medical industry harness a profession and make it more difficult for doctors to provide quality health care at a low cost. It is difficult to hold down medical costs. America has the best health care in the world.


Solia - The Herald 1997-09: Vol 62 Iss 9

In time and at the present in particular, the jurisdiction over these specific three territories has been inter- preted in the “vaticanesc” language of the Ecumenical Patriarch as extending to all territories and Orthodox faithful who, for whatever reasons, live in lands out- side those of their Mother Churches or even outside the ancient patriarchates. These territories are considered today by the Phanar as being the “Diaspora,” and the Christian Orthodox faithful in America (a barbarian land according to Canon 28) are the most favorable “Diaspora” barbar- ians to the Phanar, because they are the wealthiest. The Ecumenical Patriarch will never be able to resolve the “problem of Diaspora” as long as he clings to the claims of past authority, or better stated, to the memory of a Byzantine Empire long in ashes. By his jurisdictional claims, he has become part of the problem and not a solver of it. After more than 1500 years since the enunciation of Canon 28, “the Patriarch of Constantinople has lost the title of ethnarch (given to him by the Turks), and the title “ecumenical patriarch’ remains as only a remembrance of a glori- ous past. This title does not apply to the current reli- gious and political situation. In the 19th and 20th Cont. on page 4 3 PATRIARCH Cont. from page 3 centuries, new national Orthodox countries were formed and the Patriarchate of Constantinople lost jurisdic- tion over the Churches of these new countries which were declared and recognized as autocephalous. Un- der these conditions, the question is if the decision for and the motivation of Canon 28 remain justifiable today. The answer to this question is given by the situation itself: the reason why Constantinople and Rome received exceptional jurisdiction does not any longer in fact exist.” (Patriarch Justinian of Romania, “Ortodoxia,” Nr. 2-3, 1951.) For Orthodox Americans (“Diaspora”) too many events have taken place recently and they are worried and concerned about their future.


We con- gratulate Mihaela and her happy parents, Ioan and Marioara Lazar. Daniel Dorin Poleacu graduated from Stevenson High School in Livonia, Michigan, where he was an honor roll student and was awarded for Excellent Citizenship. He plans to attend university for a degree in electrical or automotive engineering. Daniel enjoys playing all sports, and has participated in many AROY tournaments over the years, and was awarded 1996 Volleyball All-Star. He is active in Sts. Peter & Paul AROY, serving as treasurer for the past two years. A graduate of the Sunday School, Daniel is a former altar boy and currently serves as sacristan. His proud mom is Elena Stefureac, president of our ladies aux- iliary. Congratulations! ~ George Michael Purdu, Jr. is a graduate of Allen Park High School in Allen Park, Michigan, where he was awarded for academic achievement in math, sci- ence and communications. He was vice-president of the school band and received an Outstanding Senior Band Award Scholarship. George plans to attend East- ern Michigan University for a secondary educational certificate in Social Science. A member of Sts. Peter & Paul AROY in Dearborn Heights, he is a graduate of the Sunday School, former altar boy and currently serves as sacristan. We congratulate George and his parents, George and Maria Purdu. ve a John (loan) Raicu, son of loan and Margareta Raicu of Westland, Michigan, graduated Valedicto- rian from John Glenn High School in Livonia. Honors include: Presidential Scholarship (four years paid tu- ition at Wayne State University), Tandy Technology Scholars “Champion of the Classroom,” and Phi Beta Kappa. John also received awards in mathematics, foreign language and for perfect attendance, as well as Presidential Awards from both Presidents Bush and Clinton. He was a member of the student council, German Club and Ski Club. John will attend Wayne State University in his quest for a PhD in Computer Programming.