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IN common parlance a mantra is understood to be a magical incantation that can help us attain the desired goals. We also look upon it as a Vedic hymn or a sacred text that can be set to music and repeated aloud or inwardly for the purpose of meditation. The Gayatri Mantra, chanted at sunrise, is the most popular one. But there are many others that are used for different purposes. Swami Veda Bharati describes mantra as the linking of our lower consciousness with the higher consciousness. He adds, "It is a sound or series of sounds given to a yoga student or disciple to remember constantly for a specific spiritual purpose." The Swami describes how the repetition of a sound affects our mind. The sound effect of a mantra can be used to cure ailments, and even to change a person's very nature; the hyperactive can be calmed down and the indolent energised. He avers that each individual mind has its own composition as it is moulded by "imprints of several lifetimes" (called samskaras). These decide our present nature and conduct, which can be modified by mantras that are representatives of specific forms of consciousness. He reveals the ultimate purpose of mantras thus: "Meditation with mantra is akin to a wordless prayer and is the subtlest sentiment in the practice of devotion." This riveting read contains mantras (Sanskrit text with English translation) for different times of the day and for different occasions.
A study of historical development of legal systems of different countries reveals that although local social, economic and political factors have a great influence on the shaping of such systems, many of their features fall into one of the two legal families, Civil Law and Common Law. However, jurisprudence today has become very complex and sophisticated. At the same time, with increasing multi-layered interactions among nations it has become essential to understand their respective legal systems. Today, Germany is not only an important trading partner of India but also a favoured destination of our skilled and unskilled labour force. Sandhu's comparative study of the legal systems of India and Germany can prove quite useful for experts and laypersons alike.
THE Elizabethan Age (1558-1603) was described as a smoking era by the British writer J.M Barrie. Even when it was still fashionable to sing paeans to the charms of 'Lady Nicotine', King James I (1566-1625) of England had thundered in disgust, "A custom loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black, stinking fume thereof, nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless." This sentiment has only got stronger as new medical evidence of tobacco's lethal hazards came forth with the passage of time. Jindal, an experienced doctor, not only acquaints us with tobacco's harmful effects but also offers a quitting plan with literature on professional help and support for those who want to kick this habit.
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Mantras: the sacred chants
Law functioning in Germany
& India
Quit smoking