AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 19 of 153 Prahlad was unharmed. In desperation Hiranyakashypu had him fed with deadly poison but it turned into nectar in Prahlad’s mouth. 78. Prahlad was sent to his teacher to try again. This time the teacher tried to get Prahlad interested in means for acquiring wealth and physical pleasures. But Prahlad thought to himself: “How can the pursuit of physical pleasures and wealth bring happiness? It will only lead to envy and anger?” The teacher eventually gave up, when Prahlad told his father that Vishnu is the soul of all created beings and is present everywhere. Hiranyakashypu roared: Where is Vishnu? If he is everywhere why is he not in this Pillar? If he is not there then I shall cut off your head with my sword. Let Vishnu, your Lord protect you.” As Hiranyakashypu was striking the Pillar? With his sword, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Nara- simha (Nara=man, simha=lion) emerged from the Pillar. His look was neither beast nor man. Narsinha caught Hiranyakashypu and it was the twilight hour, carried him to the threshold of the court-room which was neither indoors nor outdoors and while holding him on his lap, killed him. Prahlad was installed on the throne and he ruled wisely and well for many years. 79. The religious significance of the festival of Holi is to mark the burning of self- conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, hatred, in fact all the undesirable demoniac tendencies, propensities, thoughts and behaviours. The victory of righteous forces over demoniacal forces. { source: http://www.hinduism.co.za/holi-.htm } Reading for Mental Fitness 80. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent memory loss is to read. Historical fiction, mysteries, humour, and science fiction - it doesn’t matter as long as you find the material intriguing. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t count reading among their favourite pastimes. They may consider it a chore or find it boring. That’s a real shame, because research shows that the old adage “use it or lose it” applies to your mental power as much as to the rest of your body, and reading is a good mental workout - it exercises your imagination in ways that television and other media can’t replicate. 81. In addition to challenging reading, other mental activities such as crossword puzzles, mind games and educational classes can all help keep your brain agile and strong as you age. 82. For more on the subject, please do visit the site: http://www.drweil.com {the above has been suggested by AVM V Krishnaswamy, VSM} How The Rich Get Richer A businessman walked into a New York City bank and asked for the loan officer. He said he was going to Europe on business for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000. The loan officer said the bank would need some security for such a loan. The business man then handed over the keys to a Rolls Royce that was parked on the street in front of the bank. Everything checked out and the loan officer accepted the car as collateral for the loan. An employee then drove the Rolls into the bank’s underground garage and parked it there.