Monday | June 16, 2008

Heartburn and it's Symptons

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Wu] Catherine Wu What is Heartburn? Heartburn is a burning sensation that rises from your stomach or lower chest up towards your throat. Occasionally it may feel like food is coming back up, and some people get an acid or bitter taste in the back of the mouth. Heartburn can last for several hours and is often worse after eating, or when lying down or bending over. Heartburn is the most common symptom of reflux. 1. Digestive Health Foundation, Gastroenterological Society Of Australia. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Adults. Guidelines for Clinicians. 3rd edition, September 2001. What is Reflux? Reflux occurs when acid in your stomach, which is there to help you digest your food, rises up into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach), causing pain, irritation and discomfort. For some people, the pain of heartburn is the only symptom experienced; others may have a range of symptoms. Other common symptoms of reflux include: excessive burping regurgitation (when fluid or food comes back into the mouth) sudden filling of the mouth with saliva difficulty swallowing sore throat persistent dry cough chest pain (if you are experiencing chest pain, contact your doctor immediately). Do you suffer from any of these symptoms on 2 or more days a week? Take the Heartburn check. What causes reflux? Normally, the contents of your stomach are prevented from moving up into your oesophagus by a ring of muscle (the lower oesophageal sphincter). This acts as a one-way valve, allowing food to enter your stomach but not to exit the same way. Sometimes this valve does not work properly and allows stomach acid to rise up into your oesophagus. Unlike your stomach, your oesophagus does not have a protective lining, so when it is exposed to the acid it may become irritated and painful. If reflux occurs frequently, it may cause inflammation and even ulceration of your oesophagus, which may need to be treated by your doctor (see How serious is it?). Some of the following things may make your heartburn or other reflux symptoms worse. Foods Certain types of food, such as fatty or spicy foods, can trigger heartburn. Large meals may increase pressure in your stomach causing acid to rise more easily. Lying down soon after eating also allows acid to enter your oesophagus more easily. Pregnancy The increased pressure on your stomach from the baby may increase the risk of heartburn. Smoking Smoking may aggravate heartburn in some people. Obesity Excess weight puts extra pressure on your stomach. Wearing tight clothes Tight waistbands or belts can put extra pressure on your stomach. Bending over Bending allows stomach acid to enter your oesophagus more easily. Medications Some medications may aggravate heartburn; for example, some of the anti-inflammatory medications commonly used to treat arthritis, pain or inflammation. If you are experiencing heartburn, ask your doctor about the medications that you are taking. How serious is it? Most people experience reflux occasionally, but some suffer from it more regularly. If you experience heartburn or other symptoms of reflux more than twice a week, or your heartburn is interfering with your daily life, you may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD can have a significant impact on quality of life and may damage your oesophagus if it is not treated appropriately. If you have GORD, refluxed stomach acid may inflame and damage the lining of your oesophagus. It is not possible to tell from your symptoms whether or not you have damage to your oesophagus. That's why it's important to see your doctor if you experience symptoms more than twice a week. If left untreated, GORD may also lead to more serious complications. Fortunately, many of these complications can be avoided with proper monitoring. More about it [http://www.heartburn.com.au/] www.heartburn.com.au Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Wu ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Wu [http://ezinearticles.com/?Heartburn-and-its-Symptons&id=280377 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Heartburn-and-its-Symptons&id=280377 money tree day loans moneytree pay day loans avoid foreclosure sell fast dor cash payday loan lenders
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Thursday | June 12, 2008

Civil War Uniforms: Double the Value of Your Shirt!

By Paula McCoach 5 Tips to Creating a Shirt that is not only authentic but also Expensive! You probably will not start the hobby out as much of a tailor. My first few handmade items were a joke, but eventually I got to where I can put together a good uniform. Basic sewing skills are all you need to skyrocket the authenticity and value of your Civil War uniform shirt. 1. To start, you could purchase a shirt that is already made that has machine buttonholes in it and rework the buttonholes to make it look more authentic. Take a seam ripper and pick out the buttonholes and handwork them. 2. I would stay away from shirts that were real fancy. Check original photographs to get a feel for the appropriate style for your Civil War uniform shirt. 3. I would pick out and redo by hand all exposed machine stitching. Someone can show you how to do that in about 15 minutes. 4. You should have about 6-7 stitches per inch. You have just increased the value of your shirt and made it more authentic. 5. Most shirts were privately obtained although shirts were issued at times even including blue striped British army issue. Basic sewing skills are easy to learn and very useful. Learning how to sew can also make you not only an authentic Civil War Uniform shirt, but can increase your bank account as well. Coach McCoach invites you to subscribe to the Civil War Uniform News where you will receive information weekly on every possible Civil War Uniform item! You will also receive a free uniforms course for subscribing. Click on this link to subscribe - http://www.civilwaruniforms.net If you need the information about Civil War Uniforms NOW, go to http://www.civilwaruniforms.net and purchase a Civil War Uniforms Course Coach McCoach invites you to subscribe to the Civil War Uniform News where you will receive information weekly on every possible Civil War Uniform item! You will also receive a free uniforms course for subscribing. Click on this link to subscribe - http://www.civilwaruniforms.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_McCoach http://EzineArticles.com/?Civil-War-Uniforms:--Double-the-Value-of-Your-Shirt!&id=71543 cash loan in singapore preapproved no money down hummer loan online loan source instant approval personal loans
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Sunday | June 08, 2008

Law Against Departing Employees

By Kum Martin Departing employees can pose threat to a business owner in my ways. They often have company trade secrets and sensitive company information. For example, they may have customer list, or they may know companys secret formula. Departing employees may take the client away by personal relationships as well. But if employees have signed non-competition agreements, they employer may sue them. The law will honor the non-competition agreements within the duration. For example, an agreement may prohibit sale person from taking any former employers clients for one year. This contract is within a reasonable scope. If it is not reasonable, the law may deny it. If the departing employees use the former employers trade secrets, the employer can sue them under the state trade secret law. For example, profit margin can be considered as trade secrets, because it will provide unfair advantage to a competitor. The trade secrets do not need to be in writing. A memorized customer list is considered as a trade secret. If a former employee has competed against the employer during the time of his employment, the employer can sue against the employee for breach of the duty of loyalty. On this situation, the employee will probably be found guilty, because the employer had put the employee to learn the business. Check Out More Articles: ks law firms, pharmacy law study question, pharmacy state laws Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kum_Martin http://EzineArticles.com/?Law-Against-Departing-Employees&id=327847 need money now very small loan merchant cash advance unsecured installment bad credit personal loan no credit check apartment rentals in chicago
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Wednesday | June 04, 2008

Japanese Koi Pond/Water Garden

By RC Moore There are a lot of people that will tell you not to put Japanese Koi and plants together. Pet stores and internet articles suggest that koi will destroy any plants you put in your pond. I have been keeping Japanese Koi in my water gardens for six years without any Koi destroying any of the plants. The plants provide shade and shelter for the koi when spooked, and add to the water clarity. Japanese Koi are by far the most beautiful and desirable fish you can keep in an outdoor water garden. In Japan, breeding koi has occupied a position between hobby and art form for more than two centuries. To keep Japanese Koi in a water garden you have to understand that they are bottom feeders who are most at home rooting around, in and among the rubble found on the bottom of their natural environment. As a matter of fact, the purpose of the famous whiskers is to help them root around more efficiently in the rocks/ rubble. Putting a layer a gravel in your pond will give the koi something to root in and will also add to the natural biological environment. Plants will also benefit from being directly in the gravel. I always remove plants from their pots, and rinse the roots before planting in a bed of gravel, which adds to the natural beauty of the water garden. It is true that koi eat plants. It is also true that in the warm summer months they are none stop foragers. I describe them as eating machines. That is why it is important to keep plants they can eat without destroying. My two favorite are watercress and marsh betony planted in a shallow high water flow area. Trust me, you will need the koi to help you keep these invasive plants in check and may still have to thin late in the season. These plants are excellent filters which will help keep the water crystal clear and the koi happy. Floating water hyacinth can result in the koi eating the roots. I usually plant in the shallow stream just below the waterfall. Their roots bury deep in the gravel to provide excellent filtration. They tend to grow taller and bloom less. Mine have grown 3 foot tall and extend 12 feet down the stream and seem to benefit from the splashing of the waterfall. This is another plant that will have to be pulled in the fall. Pickerel Rush is another plant that enjoys the splashing from a waterfall. I use them to hide the liner below the waterfall and they have bloomed constantly all season. More info at koipondfever.com RC Moore, content writer for koipondfever.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RC_Moore http://EzineArticles.com/?Japanese-Koi-Pond/Water-Garden&id=324231 tax limplications on hard money loan interest bad credit personal loan lenders free money to loan payday lenders in arkansas
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Friday | May 30, 2008

Learn 4 Tips on How to Get a Girlfriend

By Scott Patterson Many guys use the Internet to find tips on how to get a girlfriend. For a lot of them, they have a happy life, but feel an empty void. They think getting a girlfriend will supply happiness and will be an answer to their loneliness. So if you're worried about getting a girlfriend, then pay attention to these tips. 1- Try to Date Different Women One of the secrets to getting a girlfriend is to date different women. A common mistake I see guys make is to immediately get into a committed relationship with the first woman that pays any attention to them. Don't do this! While I don't recommend sleeping around with tons of girls, I think it's extremely important to date different women. Since your primary goal is to find someone special, you should be selective about whom you choose for a relationship. What you should do is view the whole dating experience as a selection process where you find out what you really want in a potential girlfriend. 2- Have fun with your life The secret to being happy with your life is to take the time to enjoy different things. By only focusing on how to get a girlfriend, you'll end up being depressed if you don't immediately find her. Instead of looking for ways to get a girlfriend, you should take the time to enjoy other aspects of your life. This could mean hanging out with your friends, excelling at work/school, exercising, starting a new hobby, or spending time with your family. Just because you lack a girlfriend, doesn't mean you can't live life to the fullest. 3- Increase your social circle The secret to enjoying life is expanding on your current social circle and forming great friendships. The first reason this is important is because it gives more opportunities to do interesting activities with people you care about. Like I mentioned in the last tip, having an active life helps you become a better person. The second reason it's important to increase your social circle is it'll help you find more women to date. One of the truths to life is many people meet their partners through friends and family. So if you take the time to increase your social life, you'll have a higher chance to get a girlfriend! 4- Find out what you want and go for it If you follow the previous three tips on how to get a girlfriend, you'll start to develop a sense of what you want in a partner. My advice is to narrow down the women you date until you find someone who matches your interests and personality. While there are a lot of incredible women out there, it's important to be in a relationship with someone who completes your life. By taking the time to find the right woman, you'll end up in a healthy and successful relationship. Hopefully you'll follow these 4 tips on how to get a girlfriend and become proactive with your life. If you follow my advice, you'll definitely find the right woman and have a truly happy relationship. Having trouble approaching and attracting women? Well stop worrying about how to get a girlfriend and take a look at Scott Patterson's FREE ebook: Seduction SecretsRevealed! Read it today and start bringing home girls tomorrow. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Patterson http://EzineArticles.com/?Learn-4-Tips-on-How-to-Get-a-Girlfriend&id=380471 unsecure installment loans fast cash in virginia instant cash silver hard money lenders wash dc
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Wednesday | May 28, 2008

Secured Debt Consolidation Loans � Single Solution to Your Multiple Problems

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Peter_Taylor]Peter Taylor Debt management is a tool that one must know about, especially people who borrow money on a regular basis. It is a procedure whereby people who have borrowed money keep a track of how to use and how to pay off their debt. One should never let debts overburden their budget and put them in a predicament. Secured debt consolidation loan is one such technique where you can eliminate your debts effortlessly. Secured debt consolidation loans are secured personal loans, where the customer consolidates all his debts, which may be in form of store cards, credit cards or other small personal loans. Purpose of secured debt consolidation loans is to reduce interest premiums and thereby reducing monthly repayments. For instance, a person has taken debts from three different creditors at 18% 19% and 23% respectively, which are relatively high rates of interest. The average of these premiums is 20%, which is still high. Secured debt consolidation loans advanced for consolidating debts are available at a lower rate of interest, which may range from 6% to 17% depending on the borrowers credit circumstances. The process of debt consolidation includes the following steps: Calculate all the debts that you have taken from different creditors. Consolidate all the debts that you would be required to pay. This is to be done by the borrowers themselves. The next step on the part of the lender is to negotiate with the creditors for a full and final settlement of their debts. Finally, the lender pays creditors the negotiated amount. People can avail the services offered by loan providers by applying online. They can get a lender that would suite their requirements i.e. provide secured debt consolidation loans that they are looking for. People while on line can also find other different services that are offered by the lenders such as: More product information Quotes i.e. different terms, offers and interest rates Monthly loan calculator to calculate your monthly installments Debt payment calculator Other benefits of applying for secured debt consolidation loans on line is that one can get loans processed quickly. All you need to do is log on to the site and give your details. The processing of your loan will begin in an instance, leading to a quick approval. Features of secured debt consolidation loans are: Secured debt consolidation loans require the borrower to render collateral to the lender. This helps the borrower to benefit from equity of his asset. Secured debt consolidation loans carry a lower rate of interest, thus making them more attractive to customers. Secured debt consolidation loans are repayable over a longer period of time, which may range from 10 30 years at affordable installments. With the secured debt consolidation loans, a borrower can easily get a loan ranging from ₤5000 to ₤75000. If a person has dispensable monthly income of ₤100 or more he can get loans for higher amounts. Alternatively, they will qualify for smaller amounts. Many people think that they cannot get loans if they have bad credit, CCJs, arrears, or bankruptcy. This is not true. People with bad credit can also get secured debt consolidation loans. However, it may not be possible for you to get loans at lower interest rates or at easy repayment plans. It all depends on the lender on how he views your condition. In case of bad credit it is important for you to know your credit score, a score of 620 or more is considered good and a score of 600 or below is considered poor. Correct information of your credit score can help an unsecured borrower a secured debt consolidation loan at correct and justified rates. If you do not know your credit score, you may be charged more than you ought to be. Putting all your eggs in one basket according to an old proverb may be considered unwise in a different set of circumstances. But when we talk of secured debt consolidation loans it is advisable to consolidate your loans into a single loan. It provides tremendous advantages to borrowers who are not able to serve their creditors on a regular basis through monthly installments. So it is in ones benefit that he/she should go for secured debt consolidation loans. Peter Taylor is a senior financial analyst at easyfinance4u with an acumen for finance and insurance. In recent years he has taken up to provide independant financial advice through his informative articles.His articles are widely read because of the lucid manner of wriiting and thoroughly researched datas.To find Secured loans,secured personal loans,secured debt consolidation loans in uk that best suits your need visit http://www.easyfinance4u.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Taylor http://EzineArticles.com/?Secured-Debt-Consolidation-Loans---Single-Solution-to-Your-Multiple-Problems&id=160829 money lenders without a bank cash advance services can employer keep last paycheck when i quit unsecured personal loan lenders
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Saturday | May 24, 2008

Depression Support Groups: The Key To Start Living Your Life

By Ian Henman Depression Support Groups the Key to Start Living your lifeHow's your life going? Seems like a pretty regular question doesn't it? How ever in the case of some people it should be asked more often. Whether you believe it or now, there are a lot of people that struggle with everyday life. Maybe you ask yourself, well how can that be? There are quite a few reasons actually. Peoples remorse and pain might come from the death of a loved one, or a separation with their partner. Even the high stresses of everyday life can be enough for some. No matter what the cause, the issues should be treated as quickly as possible. This is the reason depression support groups are so easily accessible today. You need to take life by the horns, get a grip on your emotions and get back out there. Life is just to short. Have you ever attended a depression support group? It's definitely nothing to be ashamed of. As the next generation gets older we can see they are beginning to face more and more problems. AS these issues mount there is a chance that more of our kids might begging to feel alone and depressed. The answer to ridding yourself of these feelings is by attending depression support groups. Via the power of understanding and discussion, you can deal with depression. When I was in grade school a very close friend of mine became very depressed. It occurred after her mother passed away. Of course that type of loss will affect a persons childhood immensely. She started sleeping a lot, skipping school when ever possible, later on she got into using alcohol and drugs. Before she reached the end of her rope her parents got her into a depression support group and she got help. With time she was able to move on and deal with the tragedy of her loss. While we don't ever totally forget things like that we can learn to get over them and continue to live our life. The key is we have to deal with it the right way. If someone you know or a family member seems to exhibit symptoms of depression or withdraw from their peers and family you should look into depression support groups. Things to watch for include not eating, wanting to stay indoors all the time, sleeping a lot, and alcohol and drug use. All of these are common signs of depression. If your child displays any of these symptoms it's time to consider depression support groups for him or her. Start with a search on the Internet for depression support groups in your area. The solution comes by finding and getting help in a timely manner. There isn't a moment to waste. With todays tiny world thanks to the Internet help for depression is available today, and all you need is your fingertips to start living your life again. For more articles on support groups and other self help topics, take the time to visit our website at Self Improvement Tips Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Henman http://EzineArticles.com/?Depression-Support-Groups:-The-Key-To-Start-Living-Your-Life&id=298649 auto title personal loans loan cash mortgage no turn aways no fax payday loans secured loans online email uk
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Wednesday | May 21, 2008

The Antique Carpet Runner

By James Sniechowski No matter how much two people have in common, they will always be different in significant and in tiny ways. The question isdo you feel free to speak up and deal with issues that bug you, hurt you, scare you when your partner behaves in ways you don't like? Or are you afraid that speaking up will threaten your relationship? If you fear that speaking up will make a problem too huge to resolve, then you are voting for your fear and your lack of value. Do you get that? Your fear won't let you engage in a discussion about changes that you want (and we ALL want some changes in the course of a long term relationship) and you are insisting that you aren't worthy of having a voiceonly your partner is to be valued! The other day Jim was touching up some paint on a chair rail molding that he'd put up in our hallway upstairs and he was standing on a new antique carpet runner we'd just purchased at an auction here. When Judith saw this, she was horrified for fear of a paint spill and shocked that Jim would take such a risk. "Jim, please don't ever leave anything valuable around when you've got paint." "I'm being careful," Jim answered. "OK, but most accidents happen when we're being careful, Judith replied. Please don't do it." In response Jim rolled up the rug and said to Judith that he wouldn't do it again because he wanted her to be comfortable and not worried. If Judith hadn't spoken up she would have stewed over how dumb Jim can be, how his parents were dumb not to teach him to protect things and she would have continued to build a private case against Jim, little by little distrusting him more and more, undermining our relationship. That's the destructive power of not speaking up! Love works because it is based on a continually created relationship, in which both people are loved for who they are and feel safe to risk speaking up. Don't cheat your love by hiding your complaints or desires. It needs the fertilizer of your speaking up! Judith Sherven and James Sniechowski share the secret of life-long romance. Be sure to get your copy of their Free 1 hour teleseminar "Keeping Romance Alive," and find out how. Just go to ==>http://www.judithandjim.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Sniechowski http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Antique-Carpet-Runner&id=113997 money to loan payday loans gold coast low income pay day loans homemade payday dessert
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Monday | May 19, 2008

How To Use A Cell Phone Review To Its Fullest

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Renee_Flowers]Renee Flowers Shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Are you ever going to be able to find the right cell phone? It may not seem like it on your own, but with the help of cell phone reviews it might make it a bit easier. While looking into buying a cell phone, make sure to research the company and what they offer fully. Plans and services While looking at a cell phone review, make sure to take note of the plans and services offered with a specific phone, or company. Not all companies are required to offer the same choices. Within a review it may tell of the downside to a plan, like the timing on their free minutes or the phone may only be available with a contract or certain plan. A review may also entail what options are available that many may not be aware of, such as Bluetooth capability. My phone can do what?!? Many people, especially those of us less technologically inclined, wont know what all our cell phones can do. A cell phone review helps here, to allow those of us who know nothing of cell phone or how to use one, or even those that are unfamiliar with a new phone, exactly what they can do with their new phone. Some phones allow you to record videos and pictures, while others allow you to download games and ring tones. A review may also entail customers personal opinion of the phone, and pros and cons of the specific phone, like if its easily chipped, or not a very good signal, or hard to operate. With the constant growth of technology its necessary to read up on all the options a phone has before making a choice. Optional or not? A cell phone review could also allow a person to see if they can block certain options on a phone, for example if a parent is buying a phone for their child, they may not want that child to be able to access the internet, or buy ring tones. Wouldnt you also like to choose if you could receive collect calls, or dial 1-800 numbers? Well that may just be included in the review for any phone, if you look thoroughly you could easily decide what the cell phone thats best for you based solely on the cell phone review. For More Information on [http://www.cellphonescentral.info]Cell Phone Reviews Please Visit [http://www.cellphonescentral.info]Cell Phones Central Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Flowers http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Use-A-Cell-Phone-Review-To-Its-Fullest&id=458417 cash loan maryland format for paycheck stubs 401k paycheck take home calculator focus groups for instant cash
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Thursday | May 15, 2008

The Middle Way of the Buddha

By Mahu D Beneath the Bodhi tree the future-buddha entered four subsequent states of meditation, and from these, he remembered his previous lives and gained understanding of the processes of samsara that all forms of life are subject to. He saw that the cause of rebirth was ignorance which would only cease when the need for sense-pleasures were quenched. As his ignorance of the truth was dispelled he was set free, and seeing things as they truly are, he became an enlightened being. A Buddha. After the Buddha had singlehandedly found the path that leads to freedom, he returned to his former ascetic companions and shared with them the truth (Dharma/Damma) of his discovery, at the deer park in Benares. This was the setting for his first sermon known as the Dhamma-cakka-pavattana sutta, which means 'discourse on the setting in motion the wheel of truth'. The Buddha revealed the Four Noble Truths concerning Dukkha/Duhkha, a word, originally sanskrit, that can be translated as meaning 'suffering' or alternatively as 'anguish', 'unsatisfactoriness' or 'ill'. The first noble truth is that the nature of existence, as experienced by all living things is suffering. this truth was the cause of the Buddha's initial agitation when he first encountered old age, disease, and death. Everything that is born is subject to decay and death and is therefore recognized as 'Anicca', that is, impermanent. within samsara all are fated to suffer this process repeatedly, not only in this world, but also in the other various levels of existence that can be both heavenly and hellish, the destination determined by an individuals particular karma. Greed, Hatred, and Delusion, being specific to the nature of samsara, are also states of suffering. Both dukkha and anicca are categorized as two of the 'three marks of conditioned existence', the third being 'Anatta' or 'no-self'. According to Buddhism the individual self is not really a 'self' at all but an illusionary construct of five aggregates known as Skhandhas/skandas. these are; 1)Rupa (form); 2) Vedana (feeling); 3) Sanna (perception); 4) Sankaras (skilled or unskilled actions or tendencies); and 5) Vinnana (consciousness). It is these skandas, in interaction with one another, that are to be understood as being subject to samsara rather than the individual, who does not really exist. In a Buddhist text known as 'Milinda's Questions' the body is likened to a chariot. Here, the monk Nagasena demonstates for the benefit of the inquiring King Milinda that as the individual parts of the 'self' do not contain the 'self' within themselves, then "How can there be a self?", when the individual parts are viewed collectively? Likewise, the seperate parts of a chariot have no 'chariot' within them, so how is it that a chariot exists when the parts are connected? The answer is "there is no chariot" and similarly neither is there a self. the 'self' is merely a convenient label of no real substance (Horner, I.B 'trans', in Beckerlegge, 2001, p.349-51). And so, the individual is seen as anatta. The second noble truth concerns the cause, or 'Uprising', of suffering. Dukkha is born from ignorance and perpetuated through our desire for sense-pleasures. Existence is perceived as a series of conditions that function within a wheel of cause and effect known as Paticcasamuppada, which means 'Dependent Origination' or 'Conditional Arising'. It is all wrong desires that keep the wheel turning. As all wrong desires have adverse causes, they also have adverse effects, which in turn become causes of more forms of suffering. The Buddha regarded individuals to be 'on fire' through their attachment to objects of desire (Horner, I.B 'trans', in Beckerlegge, 2001, p.344). In feeding the flames of the senses, we perpetuate the false belief that we are real, and as we persist in 'Ever-Becoming' samsara retains its awful hold: If this is, that comes to be; From the arising of this, that arise; However; If this is not, that does not come to be; From the stopping of this, that is stopped 'Majjhima-Nikaya 2.32' (Horner, B.I 'trans', in Zaehner, R.C, 'ed', 2001, p.277) With the third noble truth the Dharma of Buddhism makes the transition from darkness to light as it reveals, optimistically, that there is an end to suffering. By dispelling ignorance and quenching the flames of sense-desire, the realm of conditional existence, along with all impermanence and suffering that distinquishes it, can be transcended: There is an island which you cannot go beyond. It is a place of nothingness, a place of non-possession and of non-attachment. It is the total end of death and decay, and this is why i call it Nibbana (the extinquished, the cool). 'Kappas Question in the Sutta-Nipata' (Saddhatissa. H, in Beckerlegge, 2001, p.349) The root meaning of Nirvana, or Nibbana, is to 'blow out' such as the blowing out of a fire. The word 'skanda' means 'heap' or 'bundle' and can refer to a bundle of wood. As already mentioned, the burning of individuals by their desire for sense-objects has them caught up in samsara and a state of ever-becoming. the skandas which constitute the self, or rather, the no-self, can be compared to a burning bundle of wood that needs to be extinquished. And when the desires for sense-objects are 'blown out' Nirvana is attained. The fourth noble truth is the path that is to be followed if there is to be an end of suffering. It is the practice of Buddhism Itself, known as the Eight-Fold Way, which is often divided into three categories. These are: A) wisdom. which includes, 1) perfect understanding and 2) perfect resolve, which are both related to a correct knowledge and application of the Buddha's teachings in the life of an individual. B) morality, which includes, 3) perfect speech, that is, talking in a kind and truthful manner, and 4) Perfect action by dealing honestly with others and avoiding sense-pleasure. Also 5) perfect livelihood, that is, earning an honest living that doesn't exploit other human beings or cater for sense-pleasures. C) mental discipline, which includes 6) Perfect effort, which is the development and maintenance of skilled mental states and ridding oneself of unskilled mental states; 7) perfect mindfulness of the body, feelings, mind and mental states, and finally 8) perfect concentration, which is to be acheived through the disipline of 'Jhana', that is, meditaion... ...The forth noble truth is also known as the Middle Way. Buddhist meditation should conform with the middle way, as reflected in the legend of the Buddha when he positioned himself beneath the tree of awakening. the mind needs to be balanced if the realm of extremes is to be transcended. the middle way lies "between the two extremes of self-indulgence..." as reflected in the person of Siddhartha the prince, "...and self-torture" as reflected in the person of Siddhartha the emaciated ascetic (Horner, I.B, in Zaehner R.C 'ed', 2001,p.271). The Hindu practice of extreme self-denial, that was, and continues to be performed by ascetics in the pursuit of Moksha/Mukti was rejected by the Buddha. Such overt zelousness is concidered to be without true value, as is indifference towards spiritual attainment. However, individuals must apply themselves to the way of the Buddha, and are encouraged to investigate spiritual matters for themselves, and not blindly accept what a prestigious teacher may claim, out of respect. It is when you know the truth yourself, that it is to be accepted (Woodward, F.L 'trans', 'Kalama Sutta' in Beckerlegge, 2001, p.348). Also, the monastic lifestyle can be viewed as embodying the principle of the middle way. For two and a half millennia it has remained the prefered enviroment conducive to the attainment of Nirvana. Harvey observes that it lies between the extremes of a reclusive existence and the life of a brahmanic householder. Concerning the four noble truths, cousins tells us that the first truth is to be 'fully comprehended'; the second is to be 'abandoned'; the third is to be 'made visible'; the fourth is to be 'brought into being'. It is for the transformation from a negative to a positive state that the path of Buddhism is the be followed. It requires the rejection of what is unskilful and the cultivation of what is skillful, such as generosity, compassion for all beings, and wisdom (the opposites of greed, hatred, and delusion mentioned above). It is a path that leads to calm, balance and detatchment from desire, and the indescribable Nirvana that awaits beyond. Bibliography Beckerlegge, Gwilym (Ed), 2001 'The world Religions Reader. 2nd Edition' routledge Campbell, Joseph, 2000 'Oriental Mythology' Souvenir Press Stryk, Lucien (Ed), 1968 'World of the Buddha: A reader - From the three baskets to modern Zen' Doubleday Smith, Jonathan, Z (Ed), 1996 'The Harpercollins dictionary of Religion' Mahu D http://www.freewebs.com/protevangelium/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mahu_D http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Middle-Way-of-the-Buddha&id=92666 consolidate pay day loans payday yes payday loans for self employed houston car loan bad credit history
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