The Japanese Healing Therapy

REIKI 

In a fast-paced world filled with stress and constant activity, many people are turning toward gentle, natural methods of healing. One such practice is Reiki, a Japanese energy healing therapy that focuses on restoring balance within the body, mind, and spirit. Simple yet profound, Reiki is based on the idea that a universal life force energy flows through all living beings.

What Is Reiki?

The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:

Rei – meaning “universal”

Ki – meaning “life energy” (similar to prana in India or chi in China)

Reiki practitioners believe that when this life energy is low or blocked, a person is more likely to feel stress or fall ill. When the energy flows freely, it promotes relaxation, healing, and overall well-being.

Origin and Founder

Reiki was developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, a Japanese spiritual teacher. According to tradition, Usui experienced a spiritual awakening during a meditation retreat on Mount Kurama in Japan. After this experience, he began teaching and practicing Reiki healing, and the method gradually spread across Japan and later to the West.

Today, Reiki is practiced worldwide as a complementary therapy.

How Does Reiki Work?

During a Reiki session:

●The recipient lies down fully clothed.

●The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above specific areas of the body.

●Energy is believed to flow through the practitioner’s hands to the recipient.

Reiki is not massage. There is no pressure or manipulation of muscles. Instead, it is a gentle, calming experience. Many people report feeling warmth, tingling sensations, deep relaxation, or emotional release.

Benefits of Reiki

While scientific research on Reiki is still developing, many people experience positive effects such as:

●Reduced stress and anxiety

●Improved sleep

●Relief from emotional tension

●Support during illness or recovery

●Enhanced sense of peace and clarity

Hospitals and wellness centers in several countries even offer Reiki as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments.

Reiki Principles

Mikao Usui taught simple ethical principles to guide practitioners. They begin with:

●Just for today, do not worry.

●Just for today, do not anger.

●Be grateful.

●Work diligently.

●Be kind to others.

These principles emphasise emotional balance and mindful living.

Is Reiki a Religion?

No. Reiki is a spiritual practice but not a religion. It does not require belief in any doctrine. People of all faiths and backgrounds practice and receive Reiki.

A Gentle Path to Healing

Reiki reminds us that healing is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. In a world that often seeks quick fixes, Reiki offers a quiet, compassionate approach — one that encourages stillness, balance, and connection to the universal life energy within us.

Whether one views it as energy work, relaxation therapy, or spiritual practice, Reiki continues to bring comfort and calm to millions around the world.

Climb the ladder of success

WHY COMPARISON HOLDS YOU BACK

One quiet morning, a young craftsman walked into the home of an old philosopher. His shoulders were tight, his thoughts heavier than the tools he carried each day.

“I always feel behind,” he confessed. “Everyone around me seems more skilled, more successful, further ahead. No matter how hard I work, it never feels like enough.”

The philosopher listened without interrupting. He simply nodded and led the young man into a small workshop at the back of his house. Sunlight streamed through a narrow window. Wooden benches lined the walls. And in the corner stood a simple wooden ladder.

“Climb,” the philosopher said gently.

Though confused, the craftsman obeyed. He climbed halfway up the ladder.

“Now look around you,” the philosopher instructed.

From that height, the room looked different. He could see the grain of the wooden beams, the neat arrangement of tools, and dust floating like tiny sparks in the sunlight.

“What do you see?” asked the philosopher.

“My surroundings,” the young man replied. “Everything looks clearer from here.”

The philosopher nodded. “Good. Now compare your height to the ladder.”

The craftsman frowned. “Compare myself… to the ladder? That doesn’t make sense.”

A soft smile appeared on the philosopher’s face. 

“Exactly,” he said. “A ladder exists to help you climb, not to compete with you. Its purpose is to support your progress — not to define your value.”

The young man fell silent.

“Yet,” the philosopher continued, “people turn life into a ladder of comparison. They keep looking sideways — measuring themselves against others. But growth is not about standing higher than someone else. It’s about moving upward from where you began.”

The words settled slowly, like calm water after a storm.

“So the real question isn’t, ‘Am I ahead of them?’” the craftsman asked.

The philosopher shook his head.

“It’s, ‘What is my next step?’”

The young man carefully climbed down the ladder. The workshop looked the same. The world outside hadn’t changed. But something inside him had.

For the first time in months, he felt lighter.

He realised that progress wasn’t a race against others. It was a quiet journey upward — one step at a time. 🪜

From that day on, whenever comparison tried to steal his peace, he asked himself one simple question:

What is my next step?

And with each step he took, steady and focused, he discovered something surprising —

When you stop comparing yourself to others, growth becomes natural, meaningful, and deeply your own.

Lesson:

Measure your progress against who you were yesterday — not against who someone else is today. Focus on your next step, and let improvement unfold naturally.

The Golden Giants of the Gourd Family

🎃PUMPKINS🎃

Pumpkins are large, round fruits—often mistaken for vegetables—that belong to the gourd family, scientifically known as the genus Cucurbita. They come in over 40 varieties, ranging from tiny decorative miniatures to massive field pumpkins weighing hundreds of kilograms. While bright orange is the most familiar colour, pumpkins can also be green, white, yellow, and even striped.

Every part of the pumpkin is edible—the flesh, seeds, flowers, and even the tender leaves. Besides being delicious and versatile, pumpkins are packed with nutrients, making them both a festive favourite and a healthy addition to daily meals.

🌍 A Journey Through History

Pumpkins originated in Central America and were cultivated more than 7,000 years ago by early farming communities in regions that are now part of Mexico. They were a staple food of Native Americans, who roasted the flesh, dried and ate the seeds, and even used the hard shells as bowls and storage containers. Some communities crafted musical instruments from dried pumpkins.

European explorers carried pumpkin seeds to Europe in the 16th century, from where the crop gradually spread across Asia and other parts of the world. Today, pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica.

🧡 Nutritional Powerhouse

Pumpkins are about 90–95% water, which makes them light despite their large size. They are:

Rich in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), essential for good vision and immunity

A good source of fibre, aiding digestion

Packed with antioxidants, which help fight harmful free radicals

Low in calories, making them ideal for healthy diets

Pumpkin seeds are equally nutritious. They contain protein, healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy snack.

🌾 Production in India

India is among the world’s leading pumpkin producers. The crop is widely grown in states such as:

●Uttar Pradesh

●Bihar

●West Bengal

●Odisha

●Madhya Pradesh

●Chhattisgarh

●Assam

●Gujarat

Pumpkins thrive in warm, humid climates and are often cultivated along riverbanks and in fertile alluvial soil. The crop is generally harvested twice a year—during the monsoon and winter seasons.

🍽️ Pumpkin Around the World

Pumpkins are celebrated in cuisines across the globe:

●Italy: Pumpkin-filled ravioli and creamy risotto are autumn favourites.

●United States: Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert during Thanksgiving, a major festival celebrated across the United States. Pumpkin soup and roasted pumpkin are also popular.

●Japan: Kabocha, a sweet Japanese pumpkin, is used in tempura, stews, and desserts in Japan.

●Mexico: Pumpkin seeds, called pepitas, are roasted or ground into sauces like mole verde.

🇮🇳 Indian Regional Specialities

In India, pumpkin is used in a variety of traditional dishes:

●Kashmir: Al hachi – a dry pumpkin preparation cooked with sun-dried turnips and spices.

●Bihar & Uttar Pradesh: Khatta meetha kaddu – a sweet and sour curry often served with poori.

●West Bengal: Kumror chokka – a spiced pumpkin dish with potatoes and chickpeas.

●Kerala: Erissery – pumpkin cooked with coconut and green chillies in a thick gravy.

●Assam: Poita kumura – mashed pumpkin mixed with mustard oil and chillies, eaten with rice.

🎃 Pumpkins and Festivals

Pumpkins are strongly associated with the festival of Halloween, especially in the United States and Europe. During Halloween, pumpkins are carved into decorative lanterns known as jack-o’-lanterns. The tradition originated from Irish folklore and later became popular in America.

In India, pumpkin is also used in religious rituals and traditional ceremonies in many regions.

🌼 How Pumpkins Grow

Pumpkins grow on creeping vines with large green leaves and bright yellow flowers. They require plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Pumpkins are pollinated mainly by bees—without these hardworking insects, pumpkin plants would not produce fruit.

After pollination, the fruit develops over several weeks, gradually turning its characteristic colour as it ripens.

🌟 Interesting Facts

●Pumpkins are technically fruits because they develop from flowers and contain seeds.

●The world record for the heaviest pumpkin has exceeded 1,200 kilograms!

●Pumpkin flowers are edible and are often stuffed or fried in many cultures.

●Pumpkins can be stored for months if kept in a cool, dry place.

🌱 A Fruit for Health and Tradition

From ancient Central American farms to Indian kitchens and global festivals, pumpkins have travelled a long and fascinating journey. Nutritious, versatile, and culturally significant, this humble fruit continues to brighten plates and celebrations around the world.

Whether in a comforting curry, a creamy soup, or a festive pie, pumpkins truly deserve their place as the golden giants of the gourd family. 🎃

The Niagara Falls of India

CHITRAKOTE FALLS 

Often called the “Niagara Falls of India,” Chitrakote Falls is one of the widest and most spectacular waterfalls in the country. Located near Jagdalpur in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, this majestic waterfall is a breathtaking example of nature’s grandeur.

A Horseshoe Wonder

Chitrakote Falls is formed by the Indravati River, which plunges from a height of about 30 meters (98 feet). What makes it especially remarkable is its horseshoe shape, closely resembling the famous Niagara Falls in North America.

During the monsoon season, the waterfall spreads across a width of nearly 300 meters, creating a thunderous roar and a misty spray that can be felt from a distance. The sight of muddy brown water cascading powerfully during the rains is both dramatic and awe-inspiring. In winter and summer, when the water turns clearer and calmer, the falls appear serene and picturesque.

Why It Is Called the Niagara of India

●It is the widest waterfall in India.

●It has a curved, horseshoe shape similar to Niagara Falls.

●The powerful flow during monsoon creates a comparable roaring sound and mist effect.

●Though smaller in height than Niagara, its beauty and scale make it equally captivating.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to witness Chitrakote Falls in its full glory is between July and October, during and just after the monsoon. The surrounding green forests and the dramatic water flow make the landscape truly magical.

Evenings are especially beautiful, as the falls are sometimes illuminated, adding to their charm.

Cultural and Local Significance

The waterfall lies in the culturally rich Bastar region, home to tribal communities with vibrant traditions and festivals. Visitors often combine their trip to Chitrakote Falls with exploration of Bastar’s handicrafts, temples, and natural caves.

A Natural Treasure

Chitrakote Falls is not just a tourist attraction; it is a symbol of India’s diverse natural beauty. From its roaring monsoon power to its calm winter elegance, it offers a changing spectacle throughout the year.

For nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, Chitrakote Falls stands as one of India’s most stunning natural wonders—truly deserving the title, “The Niagara Falls of India.”

🌊 Did You Know?

●Chitrakote Falls is formed by the Indravati River, which eventually joins the Godavari River.

●During peak monsoon, the waterfall becomes so wide that it looks like a massive curtain of water stretching across the horizon.

●In summer, when the water flow reduces, small rock islands become visible near the falls. Visitors can even go boating close to the base (when conditions are safe).

●The surrounding Bastar region is known for its tribal art, especially Dhokra metal craft and traditional wooden handicrafts.

●The waterfall is sometimes called “Mini Niagara”, but during heavy rains, many visitors feel it looks just as grand as Niagara Falls!

The Saint of Dakshineswar

RAMAKRISHNA PARAMAHAMSA 

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was one of India’s most revered spiritual figures of the 19th century. Known for his deep devotion, simplicity, and profound spiritual experiences, he played a key role in shaping modern Hindu thought and inspiring a spiritual awakening in India.

Early Life

Ramakrishna was born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay on 18 February 1836 in the village of Kamarpukur in West Bengal. From childhood, he displayed a deeply spiritual temperament. He was known for his intense devotion, love for devotional songs, and moments of spiritual ecstasy.

Though he received little formal education, his spiritual insight and purity of heart drew people toward him.

Priest at Dakshineswar

In 1855, Ramakrishna became a priest at the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata. The temple was dedicated to Goddess Kali, and Ramakrishna’s devotion to the Divine Mother became the centre of his spiritual life.

His worship was not mechanical—it was filled with emotion and total surrender. He often experienced intense spiritual trances (samadhi), during which he felt direct communion with the Divine.

Spiritual Experiments and Universal Vision

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ramakrishna’s life was his practice of different religious paths. He not only followed various traditions within Hinduism but also practiced Islam and Christianity with sincerity. Through these experiences, he concluded that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth.

His famous teaching can be summed up as: “As many faiths, so many paths.”

This message of religious harmony remains highly relevant even today.

Guru of Swami Vivekananda

Among Ramakrishna’s many disciples, the most famous was Swami Vivekananda. Initially skeptical, Vivekananda was deeply influenced by Ramakrishna’s spiritual experiences and teachings. After Ramakrishna’s passing in 1886, Vivekananda carried his master’s message to the world, especially through his historic speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Later, Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to promote spiritual growth, education, and social service.

Teachings and Philosophy

Ramakrishna’s teachings were simple yet profound:

●God can be realised through sincere devotion.

●All religions are true and lead to the same Divine Reality.

●Renunciation of ego is essential for spiritual growth.

●Service to humanity is service to God.

●He often used simple parables and everyday examples to explain complex spiritual truths, making his message accessible to common people.

Final Years and Legacy

Ramakrishna suffered from throat cancer in his later years and passed away on 16 August 1886. However, his spiritual legacy continues to inspire millions around the world.

Today, the Ramakrishna Mission runs schools, hospitals, and relief services across India and abroad, embodying his ideal of combining spirituality with service.

A Timeless Influence

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was not a political leader or social reformer in the conventional sense, yet his spiritual influence deeply impacted India’s cultural and religious landscape. His life stands as a shining example of devotion, tolerance, and universal love.

He remains a symbol of harmony in diversity—a message especially meaningful in today’s world.

There are many beautiful and inspiring incidents from the life of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Here are a few of the most touching and interesting ones.

1. The Vision of Goddess Kali

While serving as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Ramakrishna longed intensely for a direct vision of Goddess Kali. His yearning became so deep that he would weep, roll on the ground, and cry out to the Divine Mother like a child calling for his mother.

One day, unable to bear the separation, he decided to end his life with the temple sword. At that very moment, he had a powerful spiritual vision—he saw the temple and surroundings dissolve into a boundless ocean of light, and the Divine Mother revealed herself to him.

This experience transformed him completely and confirmed his belief that God can be realised through sincere devotion.

2. Testing Swami Vivekananda

When young Swami Vivekananda (then Narendranath Datta) first met Ramakrishna, he boldly asked,

“Have you seen God?”

Without hesitation, Ramakrishna replied,

“Yes, I have seen God. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only more intensely.”

This confident and direct answer deeply impressed Narendra.

In another incident, Ramakrishna once touched Narendra, and he immediately felt the world spinning and dissolving into nothingness. Frightened, he cried out. Ramakrishna laughed and restored him to normal consciousness. This experience convinced Narendra of his guru’s extraordinary spiritual power.

3. Seeing God in All Beings

Ramakrishna believed that serving people is the same as serving God. Once, when he saw a poor devotee being treated harshly, he felt intense pain himself.

He used to say: “Jiva is Shiva” — meaning every living being is a manifestation of God.

This idea later inspired the humanitarian work of the Ramakrishna Mission.

4. Practising Different Religions

In a remarkable spiritual experiment, Ramakrishna sincerely practiced Islam for some time. He dressed like a Muslim, repeated Islamic prayers, and avoided Hindu rituals. After deep practice, he experienced a vision that confirmed to him that Islam too leads to the same Divine Truth.

He later practiced Christianity and had a vision of Jesus Christ as well.

This was extraordinary for 19th-century India and showed his deep commitment to religious harmony.

Why These Incidents Matter

These stories are not just miracles; they show:

●The power of childlike faith

●The importance of spiritual experience over theory

●Respect for all religions

●Love and compassion for humanity

Ramakrishna’s life teaches that spirituality is not about rituals alone—it is about sincerity, love, and direct experience of the Divine.

A Turning Point in American History

THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH 

In 1848, a single discovery changed the destiny of an entire region—and helped shape the future of the United States. The California Gold Rush was one of the most dramatic mass migrations in history, transforming a quiet frontier into a booming land of opportunity almost overnight.

The Discovery That Sparked It All

The story began on January 24, 1848, when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. The discovery was made by James W. Marshall while working for John Sutter.

At first, the news was kept secret. But when word spread, it travelled fast—across the United States and even overseas. By 1849, thousands of fortune-seekers had rushed to California. These hopeful miners became known as the “Forty-Niners.”

The Journey to California

Reaching California was no easy task in the mid-19th century. Prospectors travelled:

●By wagon across dangerous overland trails

●By ship around South America’s Cape Horn

●Or through the disease-ridden jungles of Panama

Despite the risks, more than 300,000 people arrived in California between 1848 and 1855.

Boomtowns and New Beginnings

Before the Gold Rush, California was a sparsely populated region that had just become part of the United States after the Mexican-American War. Within a few years, towns sprang up almost overnight.

The small settlement of San Francisco exploded in population, growing from about 200 residents in 1846 to tens of thousands within a few years. Shops, saloons, hotels, and banks appeared rapidly to serve the growing population.

The Gold Rush played a major role in California becoming the 31st U.S. state in 1850.

Life in the Gold Fields

Life for miners was harsh and uncertain. Most prospectors used simple tools such as pans and shovels to sift through riverbeds. While a few struck it rich, the majority found little gold and struggled to survive.

As surface gold became scarce, mining operations grew more complex. Hydraulic mining and large-scale companies replaced individual prospectors. The dream of easy wealth faded for many, but the economic impact remained.

Impact on Society and Environment

The Gold Rush had lasting consequences:

●It accelerated the westward expansion of the United States.

●It brought immigrants from China, Latin America, Europe, and Australia.

●It led to rapid economic growth and infrastructure development.

●It caused severe environmental damage due to mining techniques.

●It had devastating effects on Native American communities, who were displaced and suffered violence and disease.

A Legacy That Endures

Though the Gold Rush officially declined by the mid-1850s, its influence shaped modern California. It turned the region into an economic powerhouse and symbolised the American dream—the belief that opportunity awaits those bold enough to seek it.

Today, sites like Coloma preserve the memory of those feverish years when the cry of “Gold!” echoed across rivers and mountains, drawing people from every corner of the globe.

Did You Know?

●The phrase “There’s gold in them thar hills!” became popular during this era.

●Very few miners actually became wealthy. ●Most fortunes were made by merchants selling supplies.

●The Gold Rush helped make San Francisco one of the most important cities on the West Coast.

The floating village of Cambodia

KAMPONG LUONG 

On the shimmering waters of Tonlé Sap—Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake—floats a remarkable community that seems to defy gravity and convention. Kampong Luong, one of Cambodia’s most fascinating floating villages, is not built on land but entirely on water. Here, homes, schools, shops, temples, and even pig pens drift gently with the currents.

A Village That Moves with the Water

Kampong Luong is located in Pursat Province and is home to thousands of people, many of whom are of Vietnamese and Khmer origin. Unlike stilt villages, where houses are built on tall wooden poles, this settlement truly floats. Homes are constructed on large wooden rafts or metal pontoons, allowing them to rise and fall with the dramatic seasonal changes of Tonlé Sap.

During the monsoon season, the lake expands up to five times its dry-season size. As water levels shift, the entire village relocates slightly, maintaining access to deeper water. Boats replace bicycles, and children row themselves to school just as others might walk down a street.

Life on Water

Daily life in Kampong Luong revolves around fishing. Tonlé Sap is one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the world, providing food and livelihood to millions in Cambodia. Families cast nets at dawn, mend boats in the afternoon, and sell fresh catch at floating markets.

The village has everything needed for survival:

● Floating homes painted in bright blues and greens

● A floating school and small shops

● A Buddhist temple gently rocking with the waves

● Even floating fuel stations and basketball courts

● Water is not just scenery—it is the road, the market, and the playground.

Culture and Community

Despite the unusual setting, life here follows familiar rhythms of community and tradition. Festivals are celebrated with boat gatherings, neighbors help one another repair rafts, and children splash in the lake after school. The people of Kampong Luong have adapted ingeniously to their environment, developing a lifestyle deeply connected to the ecosystem of Tonlé Sap.

Challenges Beneath the Surface

However, life in a floating village is not without hardship. Seasonal flooding, declining fish stocks, environmental changes, and limited access to healthcare and clean water pose serious challenges. Climate change and upstream dam construction have also affected the lake’s natural flow, impacting livelihoods.

Yet resilience defines Kampong Luong. Generation after generation, families continue to live in harmony with the lake, preserving a unique way of life that has existed for centuries.

A Living Wonder

Kampong Luong is more than a tourist curiosity—it is a testament to human adaptability. In a world where most communities are anchored to land, this floating village reminds us that home is not defined by soil beneath our feet, but by the strength of community and the will to thrive wherever life takes us.