terça-feira, julho 28, 2015

5 WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS EVERY DAY



 BY DANA RAIDT 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve amassed quite a collection of essential oils—but have no idea how to use most of them beyond the occasional sniff to relieve a headache or get a quick energy boost. We’ve talked about which oils to use for detoxwomen’s health and gorgeous skin but what are the best ways to incorporate them into your everyday routines? Whether you want to battle fatigue, reduce tension or improve focus, read on for 5 ways to make the most of these powerful oils.

5 WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS EVERY DAY




1. DIFFUSION

Diffuse oils in the morning is a great ways to get your date started on the right note. Throughout the day, try stimulating oils for work or study or uplifting oils if you need an energy boost. Try relaxing and sedative oils at bedtime. You can make a simple reed diffuser or buy a diffuser like this one that covers a larger area.

STIMULATING OILS

·      Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Wild orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Basil

UPLIFTING OILS

·      Lemon, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Bergamot, Geranium, Melissa

RELAXING OILS

·      Lavender, Lemon, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Ylang Ylang

SEDATIVE OILS

·      Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Vetiver, Frankincence, Melissa

2. INHALE

Clear your mind then inhale directly from an open bottle or rub a drop of oil between your palms and breathe in the aroma. Do as needed throughout the day. Apply a few drops to a handkerchief and carry it in your pocket or make a terra cotta necklace that you can inhale whenever you like.

3. TOPICALLY

The most common places to apply oils are the bottoms of feet, chest, temple and pulse points. Once you’ve mastered that you can move on to different places on your body that align with specific ailments, aches and pains. Apply 2 to 3 drops (a little goes a long way) right on the skin, or combine 5 to 10 drops with a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed or olive oil.
Not all oils, or brands of oils, are safe to apply topically. Before applying any essential oil topically, check with the manufacturer to see if it’s safe to use that way. Then consult this handy map to find out where you should be applying your oils. Note: never use essential oils (even topically safe ones) in your ear canal or near your eyes!

4. BATHS

Add 2-5 drops of essential oil to bath water or use with Epsom salts or carrier oil. Try one of these aromatherapy bath salt blends. Avoid using cinnamon, cassia, oregano, wintergreen and lemongrass in baths as they might irritate sensitive skin.

5. MASSAGE

Bring oil to your next massage or give yourself a massage at home to ease tension and get circulation moving (or even help with cellulite!) Make your own massage oil by adding 15-20 drops diluted to 1/2 cup of carrier oil. Start by massaging the feet as it allows oils to quickly enter the bloodstream.

ESSENTIAL OIL TIPS

·      This guide is not meant as a substitute for medical advice. Definitely talk to your doctor!

·      If you have easily irritated skin, try using essential oils with a carrier oil first. If redness occurs, apply carrier oil to the area to dilute the essential oil.

·      Citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity so avoid sun for 12 hours after applying.

·      To retain their potency keep essential oils stored away from sunlight and moisture.

·      Essential oils are extremely concentrated and can rub off nail polish and even melt plastic.

·      Oils, and carrier oils, can stain clothing, towels and furniture—so be careful!

·      Avoid using metal or plastic utensils or containers to mix or apply essential oils. Stick to glass or ceramic.

domingo, julho 26, 2015

Guru Rinpoche Mantra ~ Deva Premal











Om ah hung
Benza guru
Pema siddhi hung



I invoke you, Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava!
By your blessing, may you grant us mundane (health, wealth, success)  and supreme (enlightenment, liberation) realisation.

sábado, julho 25, 2015

The Syllable by Syllable CommentaryExplaining the Benefits and Advantages of the Vajra Guru Mantra

By the great tertön Karma Lingpa (14th century)

The Vajra Guru Mantra is the mantra associated with Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava. This is a draft translation of a treasure text which explains the Vajra Guru Mantra. It was originally concealed during the time of Padmasambhava in Tibet and later rediscovered by Karma Lingpa (14th century) who brought it forth from its place of concealment and copied it down on reams of gold. It is simply known as "The Syllable by Syllable Commentary Explaining the Benefits of the Vajra Guru Mantra." It begins withan invocation and then goes into a dialogue between Yeshe Tsogyal, the spiritual consort of Padmasambhava, and Padmasambhava himself.

And so, Yeshe Tsogyal begins:

I, the woman Yeshe Tsogyal, having offered to you the inner and outer mandala on a vast scale, have the following request. Oh great teacher, Pema Jungne, you have been extremely kind to us, the Tibetan people, leaving for us a legacy that will benefit us now and in future lives. Your kindness is so great that we have never experienced anything like this before, nor will we ever experience anything like this in the future. In particular, so that now even though I am a humble person, I have no doubt that I will attain enlightenment.

In the future, sentient beings will have very short attention spans and a great many things will clutter and occupy their minds. Their characters will be rough and difficult to tame. They will develop many wrong views towards the sacred Dharma. In particular, a time will come when people will cast dispersions on the Secret Mantra teaching of the unsurpassable levels of tantra. At that time, all sentient beings will suffer heavily from disease, famine, and war. Because of the spread of these three calamities, in particular, China, Tibet and Mongolia will experience the same kind of turmoil as an ant's nest when it is destroyed, and the time will come for the
people of Tibet to suffer greatly. Though you have spoken at length of many skillful means to salvage what is possible from that situation, sentient beings in the future will not have the time to practice. Even though they mayhave some slight inclination to practice, they will encounter many great obstacles. Sentient beings will experience a great deal of disharmony. They won't be able to get along or reach any kind of accord, and in the wake of this, their behavior will become very impure. Bad times such as this will be
very difficult to avert. That being the case, what kinds of benefits and advantages would there be for those beings in the future were they to rely solely upon the Vajra Guru Mantra as their practice? I ask you to relate this for the benefit of individuals in the future who are not able to perceive this and therefore have to have it explained to them.

Then the great master, Pema Jungne replied:

Oh faithful lady, what you have said is so very true. In the future, such times will befall sentient beings and both in a temporary and in a long term sense, the benefits of the Vajra Guru mantra can be definitely be felt. Since my spiritual instructions and the methods of practice that I offer are immeasurable, I have hidden a great number of treasure teachings in the water, rocks, the sky and so forth. In these evil times, even individuals with fortunate karma will find it difficult to encounter these teachings. It will be difficult to bring together the necessary circumstances for these teachings to be revealed. This is a sign that the collective merit of beings is on the wane.

However, at such times, if this essence mantra, the Vajra Guru mantra, is repeated as much as possible, a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times, a hundred thousand times, a million, ten million, a hundred million times and so forth, if it is repeated in holy places, in temples, next to great rivers, in areas where gods and demons abound, if it is recited in these places by tantric practitioners with pure samaya, by people with monastic ordination who maintain their vows purely, by men and women who
possess faith in the teachings, if they give rise to bodhicitta on a grand scale and recite this mantra, then the benefits and advantages and energy of such practice are truly inconceivable. This will avert all of the negativeforces of disease, famine, unrest, bad harvests and all bad omens and indications in all the countries of the world, such that the rain will fall in a timely manner for the crops so there will always be a plentiful supply of water for agriculture and for human and animal life, and all regions and areas will experience prosperity and auspicious conditions.

In this life, in future lives, and in the intermediate state between death and rebirth, these individuals who practice in this way will meet with me again and again. The very best of these individuals will actually meet me in their waking consciousness. Those of middling degree of attainment will meet with me again and again in their dreams. Gradually perfecting the different paths and levels of their practice, they will attain to the ranks of the masculine and feminine holders of intrinsic awareness in my pure land in the continent of Ngayab. Have no doubt of this.

If this mantra is recited a hundred times a day, merely a hundred times a day without interruption, one will become attractive to others and will effortlessly come by food and wealth and the necessities of life.

If one recites it a thousand or ten thousand times on a daily basis, one is able to literally overwhelm others with one's brilliance, in the sense of becoming very charismatic and influential in exerting a positive influence over others, and one will gain unhindered force of blessings and spiritual power.

If one repeats it a hundred thousand or a million times on a regular basis one will become capable of effecting an immeasurably great benefit for beings, exactly as one would wish to.

If one recites the mantra three or seven million times, one is never separate from the buddhas of the three times and one becomes inseparable from me. All the gods and demons of existence will attend to one and offer their praises.

In the most excellent cases, individuals will attain the rainbow body, and the final level of attainment in this lifetime. On a more middling level, at the moment of death, the mother and child aspects of radiant luminosity willmeet. At the very least, individuals will behold my face in the bardo state and all the appearances of the bardo state will be free in their own ground such that these individuals will be reborn on the continent of Ngayab andfrom that vantage point, be able to accomplish an immeasurable amount of
benefit to beings. Thus the Guru replied to Yeshe Tsogyal.

She responded by saying:

Oh great master, it is extremely kind of you to have spoken of these vast and immeasurable advantages of the spiritual energy of this mantra. For the benefit of sentient beings in the future however, a detailed explanationwould be of enormous benefit, and so I would ask you to speak in a brief way about the different syllables of this mantra.

To which the great master replied:

O daughter of good family, the Vajra Guru mantra is not just my single essence mantra, it is the very essence or life force of all the deities of the four classes of tantra, of all the nine yanas, and all of the 84,000 collections of dharma teachings. The essence of all of the buddhas of the three times, all of the gurus, yidams, dakas, and dakinis, dharma protectors, etc., the essence of all of these is contained and is complete within this mantra. How, you may ask, does this work? What is the reason for all these being complete with this mantra? Listen well and hold this in mind. Read it again and again. Write it out for the benefit of sentient beings, and teach
it or demonstrate it to beings in the future.

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG are the sublime, essence of the principles of enlightened body, speech, and mind
VAJRA is the sublime essence of the indestructible family
GURU is the sublime essence of the jewel family
PEMA is the sublime essence of the lotus family
SIDDHI is the sublime essence of the activity family
HUNG is the sublime essence of the transcendent family

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG



OM is the perfect splendor and richness of sambhoghakaya
AH is the total unchanging perfection of dharmakaya, the manifest body of absolute reality
HUNG perfects the presence of Guru Padmasambhava as the nirmanakaya, the manifest body of emanation
VAJRA perfects all the heruka deities of the mandalas
GURU refers to the root and transmission gurus and the holders of intrinsic awareness
PEMA perfects the assembly of dakas and dakinis
SIDDHI is the life force of all the wealth deities and the guardians of the treasure teachings
HUNG is the life force of the dharmapalas, the protective deities

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG are the life force of the three classes of tantra
VAJRA is the life force of the monastic discipline and the sutra class of teachings
GURU is the life force of abhidharma and kriya (action) yoga, the first level of tantra
PEMA is the life force of the charya (conduct) yoga, the second class of tantra, and yoga (joining) tantra, the third class of tantra
SIDDHI is the life force of the mahayoga and anuyoga classes of teachings
HUNG is the life force of the ati yoga, the Natural Great Perfection (Dzogchen)

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG purify obscurations arising from the three mental poisons: desire/attachment, aversion, and ignorance
VAJRA purifies obscurations which stem from anger
GURU purifies obscurations which stem from pride
PEMA purifies obscurations which stem from desire/attachment
SIDDHI purifies obscurations which stem from envy/jealousy
HUNG in a general way purifies obscurations which stem from all emotional afflictions

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

Through OM AH HUNG one attains the three kayas
Through VAJRA one realizes mirror-like pristine awareness
Through GURU one realizes the pristine awareness of equalness
Through PEMA one realizes the pristine awareness of discernment
Through SIDDHI one realizes the all-accomplishing pristine awareness
Through HUNG one realizes the pristine awareness of basic space

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG



Through OM AH HUNG gods, demons, and humans are subdued
Through VAJRA one gains power over malevolent forces of certain gods and demons
Through GURU one gains control over the malevolent forces of the Lord of Death and the cannibal demons
Through PEMA one gains control over the malevolent influences of the water and wind elements
Through SIDDHI one gains control over the malevolent influences of non-human forces and spirits bringing harm and exerting negative control over one's life
Through HUNG one gains control of the malevolent influences of planetary configurations and earth spirits

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG accomplishes the six spiritual virtues
VAJRA accomplishes pacifying activity
GURU accomplishes enriching activity
PEMA accomplishes magnetizing activity
SIDDHI accomplishes enlightened activity in general
HUNG accomplishes wrathful enlightened activity

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG avert all imprecations and curses
VAJRA averts the negative consequences of breaking one's samaya with the deities of pristine awareness
GURU averts the negative influences of the eight classes of gods and demons in samsara
PEMA averts the negative influences of nagas and earth spirits
HUNG averts the negative influences of gods, demons, humans, samsaric gods

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG defeats the army of the five mental poisons
VAJRA defeats anger
GURU defeats pride
PEMA defeats desire/attachment
SIDDHI defeats envy and jealousy
HUNG defeats the armies of gods, demons and humans

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG brings about the spiritual accomplishments or siddhis
VAJRA brings about the siddhi of peaceful and wrathful deities
GURU brings about the siddhi of the awareness-holders and the lineage gurus
PEMA brings about the siddhi of the dakas and dakinis and dharma protectors
SIDDHI brings about the mundane and supreme siddhis
HUNG brings about the siddhi of accomplishing whatever one wishes

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

OM AH HUNG transfers consciousness to the pure realms of experience
VAJRA transfers consciousness to the eastern pure realm of Manifest Joy
GURU transfers consciousness to the southern pure realm of Glory & Splendor
PEMA transfers consciousness to the western pure realm of Great Bliss
SIDDHI transfers consciousness to the northern pure realm of Excellent Activity
HUNG transfers consciousness to the central pure realm of Unwavering

If a physical form could demonstrate the benefit of even one recitation of OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG, the entire earth would not be sufficient to contain the merit. All sentient beings who see, hear, or remember this mantra will definitely be established in the ranks of the masculine and feminine awareness-holders. If it is the case that these words of truth of
the Vajra Guru mantra do not accomplish for sentient beings what they wish to accomplish just as I havepromised, then I Pema Jungne, am truly deceiving sentient beings. But I have not deceived you, so you should practice according to my instructions.

Even if you are not able to recite the mantra for whatever reasons, you should mount it on the top of a victory banner, even when the wind touches it, and that wind touches sentient beings, it will free them without a doubt.Alternately, you may inscribe it in clay or carve it in stone. This will also guard the path upon which these syllables are placed and guard that region from malevolent effects. You may also write this mantra out in gold ink on dark blue paper and wear it as an amulet. When you die, if this amulet is burned with your corpse, rainbows will be seen and your consciousness will be transferred to the realms of Supreme Bliss. The benefits of writing out, reading or reciting this mantra defy any accurate measure and defy any standard measurement that could be applied. Having established this for the benefit of beings in the future, I am hiding this treasure. May it meet with a fortunate child of mine in the future who has good karma.


Samaya. Sealed. Sealed. Sealed.
http://www.rinpoche.com/gurumantra.html

terça-feira, julho 21, 2015

10 BEST: ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DETOX



We’ve talked about essential oils for gorgeous skin and staying healthy, but now that it’s January we’re all thinking about detoxing and getting rid of holiday excess. Adding essential oils to your daily routine can help your body repair cells and remove toxic waste from the body. Quality matters here so make sure your oils are pure grade “A” essential oils (I’ve been getting mine from DoTerra). Here are 10 essential oils that support the natural systems of elimination in the body including liver, colon, lymph, skin, and kidneys.


 I’ve included three essential oil blends that I’ve tried and liked (affiliate alert!) that contain more essential oils in one than I could ever afford to buy on my own. And as always, please talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you’re pregnant.

TOP 10 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DETOX

1. LEMON

This citrus oil stimulates white blood cells to defend the body against infection. Its detoxifying and regenerating properties are beneficial for the liver and aid in bringing clarity to the mind and emotions.
Everyday use: Add 2 drops of lemon to my water every morning to aid the lymphatic system. If you are not comfortable with ingesting essential oils (more info on that here), then simply add 1-2 drops of lemon oil to the bottom of your feet to enhance liver detox and the lymphatic system.

2. LAVENDER

Lavender essential oil has a calming scent, which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion, restlessness, and increases mental activity. However, this is also great for digestion, sleep, and even pain relief.
Everyday use: Put two drops on the wrists twice a day to support the adrenals or apply to the soles of the feet before bedtime.

3. GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruit is antiviral, antiseptic, diuretic, and can aid the digestive system and skin. It refreshes the mind, relieves anxiety, is reviving, uplifting, and helps disperse negative energy. Grapefruit is ideal for supporting the body in decreasing unwanted mucus during detoxification.
Everyday use: Add to homemade body was or to carrier oil for an Ayurvedic massage that gets the blood and lymph moving.

4. PEPPERMINT

This is a fabulous oil for cleansing the lymphatic system, releasing weight gain and a sluggish digestion. When applied topically peppermint helps support the gallbladder, and decreases inflammation as well.
Everyday use: Add to homemade toothpaste or make your own teeth whitening scrub.

5. OREGANO

This is a powerful anti-bacterial oil; many of us are harboring pathogens, bacteria, parasites and more. This oil is high in antioxidants and wonderful at combating bronchitis, candida, parasites, and Strep throat.
Everyday use: Add a drop into a teaspoon of honey to soothe a sore throat or add to coconut oil for an instant hand sanitizer.

6. LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is essential for drainage within the body. Some of the therapeutic properties of lemongrass include: analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, astringent and sedative.
Everyday use: Also a great beauty essential oil, lemongrass can be applied directly to the skin or added to your body lotion or other carrier oil.

7. WILD ORANGE

Cold-pressed from the orange peel, wild orange is excellent for energizing and revitalizing. It is also commonly used as an effective tool for uplifting mood, as well as for its wonderful citrusy aroma. For aromatic, topical, or dietary use.
Everyday use: Place 2-3 drops in a glass of water, then swish and spit or add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot water for a steam inhalation to help colds and coughs. Orange oil also makes an excellent household cleanser.

8. GINGER

Ginger is a well-known stomach soother often use to aid digestion and eliminate motion sickness and nausea. You can find ginger essential oil in Slim & Sassy, which includes grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger and cinnamon essential oils and is safe for internal use. The blend is ideal for cleansing the liver, balancing blood sugar, and improving metabolism.
Everyday use: Add 8 drops of Slim & Sassy to 16 ounces of water and drink between meals throughout the day to help manage hunger, calm your stomach and lift your mood.

9. JUNIPER

Juniper helps the body to throw off toxic wastes, improves elimination and supports liver function. Can be found in the Zendocrine essential oil blend of tangerine, rosemary, geranium, juniper berry, and cilantro essential oils that supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of unwanted substances.
Everyday use: Add 2 drops to wrists twice a day to detox the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and skin.

10. FENNEL

Fennel helps with nausea, flatulence and constipation and is wonderful as an afternoon tea. Can be found in DigestZen, a blend of anise, caraway, coriander, fennel, ginger, peppermint and tarragon that helps alleviate congestion, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea and stomach aches.
Everyday use: DigestZen can be taken internally as well as applied topically to the abdomen when stomach upset occurs and can be used safely by the entire family.

11. BERGAMOT

Stress is a major contributor to illness and disease. Bergamot creates a sense of well-being and relaxation and also regulates craving and lifts spirits.
Everyday use: Apply to the bottom of the feet at bedtime to promote restful sleep or add to a warm bath.