Significance of the Japamala
A japamala is a string of prayer beads used in spiritual practices, especially in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, for meditation, prayer, and counting mantras.
All japamalas have 108 beads, which are used to count the repetition of mantras.
But what is the significance of this number?
According to Dharma traditions, the number 108 represents the types of afflictions of the mind that are the seed of suffering.
This number is reached by counting the six doors through which sensations enter our existence: the five senses plus the ego, the doorway to memory and desire.
These six sensations can produce a reaction that is pleasant, painful or neutral. Six multiplied by three gives 18.
Now, if we locate these mental stimuli on a timeline — past, present or future — we get 54 combinations of affliction.
The number 108 is reached by identifying whether these 54 afflictions exist outside in the matrix of reality or only inside your own mind.
When meditating with your mala, pass through all these combinations to review the afflictions from which we need to detach in order to achieve healing and enlightenment.
May peace be with you. NAMASTE
- Published in Spirituality & Wisdom
Biochemistry of a Magical Potion
Ayahuasca is a medicinal, purgative, and entheogenic brew originating in the Amazon and used since ancient times by the indigenous tribes of Peru as a means of cleansing the body, mind, and spirit and connecting with the wisdom of nature.
Its composition consists mainly of a decoction of two plants. The Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi), which gives the brew its name, and a second plant, usually Chacruna leaves (Psycotrya Viridis), which together result in a potion with powerful properties that activate the nervous system.
Banisteriopsis Caapi (Ayahuasca Vine)
Alkaloids:
Betacarbolines acting as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A): Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine.
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibits serotonin reuptake in the nervous system, contributing to a mood-modulating effect and interacts with other receptors, including benzodiazepine receptors, opioid receptors, dopamine receptors, and GABA receptors, producing a complex state of neurotransmission.
They prevent the enzymatic degradation of DMT, allowing it to reach the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier to exert its visionary effects.
Psychotria Viridis (Chacruna Leaves)
Alkaloids:
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Is a potent neurotransmitter produced endogenously in the body by the pineal gland, during birth, death, trans and dreaming states of the mind. It’s found in the leaves of the Psychotria viridis (chacruna) or other chemically similar plant species like Diplopterys cabrerana.
Mechanism of Action:
DMT is a potent agonist at the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, responsible for profound visionary effects and changes in consciousness.
DMT also interacts with other serotonin receptor subtypes (e.g., 5-HT1A, 5-HT2C), sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1R), and trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1).
- Published in Science
Maya Wedding Ceremony
A Maya wedding ceremony, also known as marriage or union ceremony is a sacred ritual that calls upon the energies of the Earth and the Cosmos to bless the beginning of a shared life path. A sacred commitment is made by the partners to face life’s challenges together as they journey toward a common purpose.
The ruling Nawales of each partner are called to harmonize with one another, along with the spirits of the ancestors, to cooperate and bring healing to past wounds in service of their newly joined spiritual journey.
- Published in Ceremonies
Folktronic Playlist
Enjoy a curated selection of organic electronic music at Tonkiri Sanctuary. Our music curator provides the perfect ambient soundtrack for our open areas, yoga classes, and mealtimes. Listen, relax, and get dancing!
- Published in Arts & Cool Stuff
