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Prana (प्राण) "PRAH-nah"

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The term "prana" (प्राण) is derived from the Sanskrit root word "prā" , which means "to breathe" or "to live." It signifies the vital life force or energy that sustains life. It is considered essential for physical and spiritual health. It is often described as the fundamental energy that connects the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of existence. In yogic philosophy, prana is closely linked to breath (the act of inhalation and exhalation) and is considered a bridge between the body and the mind. Different types of prana (e.g., apana , samana , udana , vyana ) are identified, each governing various physiological and psychological functions. Apana Function : Apana primarily governs downward and outward movements in the body. It is associated with elimination and the processes of excretion, menstruation, and childbirth. Location : It is said to reside in the lower abdomen, particularly in the pelvic area. Role : Apana is responsible for e...

The 14th Baktun

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The concept of "14 Baktuns" in the Mayan Long Count calendar refers to the period following the completion of the 13th Baktun, which ended on December 21, 2012. The Long Count calendar is a non-repeating system used by the Maya to track time over long periods. It consists of several units, with the Baktun being one of the largest, representing 144,000 days (approximately 394.25 years ) [1] . The confusion surrounding the Mayan Long Count calendar and the transition from the 13th to the 14th Baktun arises from how different sources interpret the significance of December 21, 2012.  End of the 13th Baktun: December 21, 2012 This date was widely publicized and often misinterpreted as an "end of the world" scenario in popular culture. Following the completion of the 13th Baktun, the Long Count calendar transitioned to 14.0.0.0.0 . This beginning signifies a new cycle, and it is indeed the current point in the Long Count. Many interpretations of the Mayan calendar focus...

President of the Governorate of Vatican City State

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  The  Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State  ( Latin :  Pontificia Commissio pro Civitate Vaticana  is the  legislative body  of  Vatican City .   It consists of a president, who also holds the title of  President of the Governorate of Vatican City State  and serves as the  head of government  of Vatican City,  a landlocked  sovereign country , city-state ,  microstate , and  enclave  surrounded by, and historically a part of,  Rome, Italy . President of the Governorate of Vatican City State Fernando Vérgez Alzaga   L.C.  (born 1 March 1945) is a Spanish and Vatican prelate of the  Catholic Church  who has been President of the  Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State  and President of the Governorate of  Vatican City State  since 1 October 2021. He was Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State from 2013 to 2021 and before t...

Athens | Αθήνα (pronounced "Athína")

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Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years.  Athens was strategically located along key trade routes, facilitating interactions with civilizations from the Levant, Egypt, and other parts of the Mediterranean. The influx of ideas, artistic styles, and philosophical thought from these regions enriched Athenian culture. Athens evolved into a melting pot of ideas, art, and spirituality, shaped by influences from the Levant, Africa, and the broader Mediterranean. Greece was gradually absorbed into the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. The process began with the conquest of Greek city-states in the 2nd century BCE, culminating in the establishment of Roman control over the region.  Here are some key points that highlight its historical significance: Ancient Athens Prehistoric Period (c. 3000–1200 BCE) : Evidence of habitation on the Acropolis and surrounding areas. M...

Framework for a Fulfilling Life

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Enhancing your metacognitive functions during daily activities involves a combination of self-reflection, strategic questioning, and active engagement with tasks. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can develop greater awareness of your thought processes, improve decision-making, and foster continuous learning. Regular practice will help you become more adept at analyzing and adjusting your approaches in various contexts. Key Principles of Stoicism Dichotomy of Control Acceptance of Fate (Amor Fati) Emotional Resilience Virtue as the Highest Good Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness Stoics believe that true happiness comes from within and is achieved through living in accordance with virtue. External circumstances are transient and often beyond our control, but our character and choices are within our power.  Virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance provide a moral framework for making decisions. They help individuals navigate complex situat...

Letters into Words

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Letters are the basic building blocks of written language. Each letter has a specific sound (phoneme) and can represent various meanings when combined with others. The sounds associated with letters allow for the formation of words, which convey specific ideas or concepts. Words can have literal (denotative) meanings and emotional or cultural associations (connotative meanings). For example, "home" may denote a physical place but connote warmth, safety, and belonging. Metaphors, similes, and other figurative expressions use words symbolically to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery (e.g., "the world is a stage"). Letters combine to form words that symbolize concepts, evoke emotions, and convey complex meanings. This intricate relationship between letters, words, and their symbolic representation is foundational to language and communication, allowing us to share our thoughts and feelings with others. Literary Devices Metaphor A direct comparison between two unlik...

Logical Fallacies

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Language can be a powerful tool, and it can indeed be used to manipulate or mislead. These tactics can lead to miscommunication and can be used intentionally or unintentionally in various contexts, from everyday conversations to political discourse. Awareness of these techniques is essential for critical thinking and effective communication.  Ambiguity : Words or phrases that have multiple meanings can create confusion. For example, a statement might be interpreted differently based on how one understands a key term. Loaded Language : Using emotionally charged words can sway opinions or provoke reactions. This can lead to misunderstandings or hasty judgments. Euphemisms : Softening harsh realities with euphemisms can obscure the truth, making it easier for people to accept unfavorable situations without fully grasping their implications. Misleading Questions : Phrasing questions in a way that suggests a particular answer can lead individuals to respond in ways that align w...