New study: Indus Valley Civilization predates Ancient Egyptian civilization

A new study indicates that the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is around 8,000 years old and predates Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian by thousands of years. Based on a new study, researchers have come to the conclusion that the ancient Indus Valley civilization –best known for their well-planed cities—is around 8000 years old predating Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamian civilizations The Indus Valley Civilization has already been considered by researchers as one of the oldest civilizations on the planet, but it turns out they date further back then scientists previously believed. While many people around the globe consider the Ancient Egyptian and Sumerian civilization as one of the most complex civilization to have developed in the distant past, the truth is that the Indus Valley Civilization might predate them by some 2,500 years. But not only does the new study reveal fascinating details about this ancient civilization, but it also sheds light on why the flourishing ancient

Source: New study: Indus Valley Civilization predates Ancient Egyptian civilization

Daily Words of the Buddha for October 02, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for October 02, 2017 — ṭhiti — stability, steadfastness; duration, continuance

Sa vedagū,
Vūsitabrahmacariyo,
Lokantagū,
Pāragatoti vuccatī.

One who is a master of knowledge,
Who has lived the holy life,
Is called one gone to the world’s end,
One who has reached the further shore.

Itivuttaka 4.109
The Udāna and the Itivuttaka, trans. John D. Ireland

Ghost Beliefs in Polynesia: When Spirits Return and Possess | Ancient Origins

A belief in ghosts is held by many cultures (both modern and ancient) around the world. Some of these ghost beliefs are well-known, whilst others, such as those held by the Polynesians, are less so. In terms of geography, Polynesia covers a large area in the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean.  […]

Source: Ghost Beliefs in Polynesia: When Spirits Return and Possess | Ancient Origins

Where Did the Polynesians Really Come From? | Ancient Origins

Oceania was the last region to be settled by humans and the last part of Oceania to be settled by humans was Polynesia. Polynesians are famous for their voyages to remote islands in distant parts of the Pacific. Using outrigger canoes, they founded a society across islands stretching in a triangle from the Hawaiian Islands to Easter Island to New Zealand  […]

Source: Where Did the Polynesians Really Come From? | Ancient Origins

Daily Words of the Buddha for October 01, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for October 01, 2017 — jotana — illumination, explanation

Attā hi attano nātho,
attā hi attano gati.
Tasmā saṃyamamattānaṃ
assaṃ bhadraṃva vāṇijo.

One is one’s own protector,
one is one’s own refuge.
Therefore, one should control oneself,
even as a trader controls a noble steed.

Dhammapada 25.380
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Tarot Contemplation – The Fool

you

Anything is possible today!  Open your mind.  Say, “Yes!”  You’re only limited by your own doubts and fears.  So, today, shake away your worries and take a chance.  It’s time for a new adventure.  Don’t make all the decisions about your path, or make assumptions about how it’ll be before you embark. Stay open to surprises and unexpected opportunities.  Anything could happen if you leave room for possibilities.  Trust in the universe to keep you safe, then take the leap into the unknown!

Journal of Metaphysics and Connected Consciousness: Deconstructing the Psychology of Reincarnation

The soul and its vehicle are locked in opposite domains, yet living in the same wave-space. The paths of the soul ever beckon to the higher realms. As if in counterpoise, the paths of its vehicle, the body, always remain in fascination with the matrix of space-time. The two sides are always in disagreement. But they manage to have a conversation. This conversation, this dialogue, this concord is a difficult one. But it must occur if they are both to thrive in their native domains. Having made temporary peace, they are free to pursue their respective aims. […]

Source: Journal of Metaphysics and Connected Consciousness: Deconstructing the Psychology of Reincarnation

Tarot Contemplation – The Moon

This card points to a highly emotional time in love relationships. Things can quickly become heated and/or uncomfortable. Take a break if you need to. Don’t make assumptions and fight fairly if you’re going to fight. Pick your battles and be sure to treat your lover like a friend. Don’t be in a hurry to end or to begin a relationship. This is probably not the best time for either course of action.  This is a very spiritual time and a great time to get a reading, healing work done, or other helpful input from spiritual types.  You are more psychically open than usual now. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings and to flashes of information that come seemingly out of nowhere. This is also a great time to access the great spiritual books of the world – you’ll get more out of them than usual.

Daily Words of the Buddha for September 30, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for September 30, 2017 — ākāsa — [lit. shining forth, i. e. the illuminated space] air, sky, atmosphere; space

Kodhaṃ chetvā sukhaṃ seti,
kodhaṃ chetvā na socati.
Kodhassa visamūlassa
madhuraggassa brāhmaṇa;
vadhaṃ ariyā pasaṃsanti
tañhi chetvā na socatī.

Slay anger and you will be happy,
slay anger and you will not sorrow.
For the slaying of anger in all its forms
with its poisoned root and sweet sting —
that is the slaying the nobles praise;
with anger slain one weeps no more.

Saṃyutta Nikāya 1.187
Gemstones of the Good Dhamma, compiled and translated by Ven. S. Dhammika

Tarot Contemplation: The Devil

Things may be or may get very tight in the near future. Try not to resent the situation, but to deal calmly and rationally with it.  Take one step at a time.  If you need financial help, don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for it.  Help is always available.  If you’re feeling flush right now, this is still a time that calls for financial restraint.  Save for the proverbial rainy day! This is a time that you need to watch out for being overworked, overtired and over-stressed.  Exercise will help, as will anything that helps you focus on the problems faced by others, rather than on your own problems.  If you are dealing with a chronic health condition, don’t let it define you; you are more than your diseases and you are better served by using any health challenges as an impetus for growth.  Keeping a positive mindset is of utmost importance right now. Positive affirmations are important and will benefit you.  Take a look at who you surround yourself with.  Are there upbeat, positive people in your midst, or are you surrounded by overly critical, fault-finding people who nitpick you to the point where you’re depressed? Take stock, then take action.  Life is short and attitudes are catching.

Daily Words of the Buddha for September 29, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for September 29, 2017 — anukampaka — kind, caring, compassionate

Sukhaṃ yāva jarā sīlaṃ,
sukhā saddhā patiṭṭhitā,
sukho paññāya paṭilābho,
pāpānaṃ akaraṇaṃ sukhaṃ.

Good is virtue until life’s end,
good is faith that is steadfast,
good is the acquisition of wisdom,
and good is the avoidance of evil.

Dhammapada 23.333
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Why and how to break the vicious circle of automatic reactions – I AM University

Every single emotion we experience in every single moment of our life conditions the very substance and wiring of our emotional body. Hence, the quality and purity of our emotional nature is directly determined by the emotions we express. We literally build our emotional body by the emotions we go through.Now, from an evolutionary point […]

Source: Why and how to break the vicious circle of automatic reactions – I AM University

Babaylan Knowledge: A Complete Tutorial About Herbal Medicine in the Philippines

Certain herbs, even some fruits are used as traditional and alternative medicine in the Philippines. This Buzzle article presents information on some popular medicinal plants, which are approved by the Department of Health, Philippines.  […]

Source: A Complete Tutorial About Herbal Medicine in the Philippines

Tarot Contemplation – The Hierophant

The Hierophant is all about “doing the right thing.”  You may be struggling with an issue and are unsure about what is “right” for you to do. Know that the answers are within you. Remember that the “right” thing is what is right for you also. This is also a card that is very much about spirituality — everything from traditional religion to earth-centered spirituality and any other spiritual notion of which you can conceive. There may be a tension between your idea of spirituality and the “right thing” and the ideas of others around you. Stand up for your own beliefs. The “rules” and the “system” of doing things are probably playing a major role now.  Rituals of any sort will be helpful to you now, even if it’s just a movie with friends every third Sunday.  In fact, you’re very much concerned with spirituality now (even if you don’t have anything approximating a “traditional” religious belief).  Make regular time, even if you don’t attend a “traditional” house of worship — to quiet yourself and allow your spirit some time to expand.  What matters here is the regularity of it — whether it’s daily, weekly — whatever you can make time for doing. You will see changes in your life and in your outlook as a result of giving yourself this time.