Scientific Aspects of Agnihotra: Effect on Seed Germination January/February Satsang 2018 | Volume 45 #6 | New Era 75

Scientific Aspects of Agnihotra: Effect of Agnihotra and Agnihotra Ash on Seed Germination

By Dr. Ulrich Berk
Germany

(Quantity of food worldwide–especially in developing countries–continues to be an urgent issue.
Quality of food in developed countries–especially in the age of the spreading of the GMO scourge–is a less publicized issue [in part due to obfuscation by vested interests]. In both cases, the proven potential of Homa Organic Farming in yielding greater quantities and quality of food should not escape the notice of all. The following article shows the effects of Homa on seed germination–the first step in our food chain.–Ecovillage Bhrugu Aranya) 


Earlier we have covered the beneficial effects of Agnihotra and Agnihotra Ash on air, soil, and water resources, as well as on radioactive radiation. As environmental pollution naturally also affects plants as it affects us humans, it can be expected that both Agnihotra and Agnihotra Ash have beneficial effects on the growth and health of plants as well as their resistance against pests.

The easiest way to experiment with that is by examining the germination of seeds, both in Agnihotra atmosphere and using Agnihotra ash.

Quite a number of such experiments have been done, some of them already quite some time ago.

Germination of rice seeds were part of two Ph.D. theses done at the Vivekananda University in Bangalore in the first years of this millenium. Rice seeds were put in petri dishes on top of a filter paper which was soaked in water. Agnihotra was performed, and  root length, shoot length, fresh weight, and dry weight were measured and compared with control. There were three controls: One without any disciplines of Agnihotra, one with just the mantras, one with Agnihotra fire but without mantras and offerings. Result was that Agnihotra led to a significant increase of root length, shoot length, and fresh weight compared to control. Also it was obvious that the effect of Agnihotra is more than the added effects of mantras and the fire alone.

Interesting that one study specifically examined whether it makes a difference whether a male person or a female person utters the mantras. No surprise that there was no difference – which hopefully helps to remove one prejudice still prevalent in some countries.

The authors attribute the positive effects of Agnihotra on seed germination to the Agnihotra fumes. This seems to be a premature assumption – in experiments on water purification, we could show that water gets purified even when the water bottles are closed (and no fumes get in touch with the water). That means there must be some energy field around Agnihotra which leads to this effect. About this Energy Field of Agnihotra we will talk in a later issue of this newsletter.

The effect of performing Agnihotra in a room where seeds are kept was subject of these two studies just mentioned. Other studies examined the effect of Agnihotra Ash on the germination of seeds. One quite comprehensive study was done a couple of years ago in Fergusson College, Pune, India. Again the seeds were kept on some filter paper in petri dishes. Watering was done with:

  1. a) tap water
  2. b) control ash water (1 gm control ash + 100 ml water) and
  3. c) Agnihotra ash water (1 gm Agnihotra ash + 100 ml water)

(Control ash is the ash you get by burning the same ingredients as used for Agnihotra – but without the disciplines of Agnihotra: No mantras, not done at sunrise or sunset, and the vessel – although made from copper – does not have the pyramid shape of our Agnihotra pyramid.)

Seeds of vigna aconitifolia (mat bean) and vigna unguiculata (cow pea) were taken as experimental material. Seeds were allowed to germinate and germination was observed every 24 hrs.

The results show clearly that control ash improves rate of germination as compared with plain water, but Agnihotra ash does so much more:

After getting this encouraging first result, more experiments were done, trying to figure out whether all the different disciplines of Agnihotra are really necessary to get the full effect. For that, variations of the different parameters were used:

  1. Time: sunrise time, sunset time and any time other than sunrise and sunset
  2. Mantra: with mantra (sunrise and sunset) and without mantra
  3. Rice: brown rice (unpolished) and white rice (polished)
  4. Ghee: cow ghee and buffalo ghee
  5. Vessel: Agnihotra copper pyramid and steel pot of same size and shape

Fires were done with altogether 48 different combinations of these parameters, and the resulting ashes were used for germination of mung beans, providing the same environmental conditions. After two weeks, plant growth was measured by considering shoot and root length and put in a graph:

The peaks are there when all the disciplines of Agnihotra were properly followed. You can clearly see – if you make any change, the results are worse than performing Agnihotra properly.

This means we really have to be exact in our practice of Agnihotra!

After just one day, sprouting mung beans on the right, which were watered with Agnihotra ash water, developed a deeper green color than the beans on the left, which were given plain water.

Germination of seeds has also been done adding Agnihotra ash / control ash / plain water after the seeds were put into soil (and not just kept on filter paper on petri dishes). Results also clearly showed that Agnihotra ash gives better germination (root length, shoot length, total weight) than control ash . Control ash gave better results than plain water, which is not surprising, as any ash contains certain nutrients. Surprising though is the difference between Agnihotra ash and control ash, as these two ashes do not show a significant difference in chemical analysis! This will be a topic of  further discussion.

As sprouting experiments are relatively easy to do, some have been done on school level also. Some time ago Boumika Patil (Amalner, India) did this for a contest in the field of environmental studies, and her project won the first prize! See the above photo.

 Also you  can try similar experiments at home. It will be quite interesting to see for yourself! Please send photos of your results.

On the State of At-one-ment and the New Year

The following messages from Shree Vasant were received in meditation by Parvati Rosen-Bizberg. 

October 31, 2017 Shree On State of At-one-ment
All these great personalities gracing spiritual path, each one thinking he is the one. That self-importance is the only obstacle which stands in the way of reaching that state of AT-ONE-MENT, where one truly experiences ‘I and my Father are One.” As long as one thinks he has reached that stage, it is highly likely not the case.

One can experience states of euphoria even by chanting sacred Mantras. One can fall into deep reverie and arise from meditation feeling renewed and rejuvenated. But that real state where one is fully immersed in Divine is rare, and in that state, the ‘I’ disappears in the ‘ONE.’

One thus experiences no separation, no division, no veil—however thin—between oneself and Almighty. That goes beyond euphoria. Once that state is reached, one is so fortunate to be able to navigate through life and still maintain that blissful state of consciousness.

Be blissfully unaware of what stage you have reached. Do not even think about it. Continue to serve. Continue to devote your life in service to Almighty. Let one hand not know what the other hand does.

Walk in Light.

All blessings to all.

OM TAT SAT.

New Year’s Message, January 1, 2018 Shree
These are the times foretold in Bible, in ancient holy texts from all religions.

These are times of great darkness and times of great illuminating Light.
Keep your focus on the Light.
Be aware of the darkness, vigilant in face of danger.
But always focus on the Light.

The greatest tool has been given you, the FIRE.
The power to heal, to cleanse and purify air, water, soil—
all this in simple Agnihotra.

Now more than ever, refuse to be drawn into conflict, fear or anxiety.
Always, in light of the fire, solutions will be found.

Every thought is known, expressed or not expressed.
Every call is heard.

Never at any time are you to feel alone.
Once the hand is held, it is always so.

Walk in Light.
Be unburdened.

All Our love and blessings always be with you.
OM TAT SAT.

Communications: Having Difficult Conversations

W. Henry Gregory, Jr. Ph.D.

At some time or another we all are challenged to have conversations that could potentially end in conflict or disagreement.  These types of conversations are usually opportunities to build coalitions, mend fences, expand horizons or simply understand from another’s perspective.   We all have perspectives that shape our world and our responses to it.  It is easy to assume that our perspective is of greater value than another’s, but this is seldom true.   Having effective conversations across beliefs, understanding and perspective requires both skill and openness.  It is both science and art, and is the foundation for an effective process of working together and problem-solving, honoring the benefits that diversity of thought, experience and perspective can bring.  We build better solutions from diverse thought than homogenous thought.  Yes, but it can take more energy – at least initially.

The key to having difficult conversation is “first seek to understand and then to be understood.”   The process of communication involves focusing on how issues are expressed over what is expressed.   Too often communication breaks down because of our focus on who is right.   We become distracted by our need to promote and justify our positions and our efforts to get the other to submit to our understanding.  If the overall purpose of communication is to support our collective ability to work together successfully then it matters little who is right, if being right alienates the other and breaks down the communication.

Communication is grounded in and supported by connection.  Connection is facilitated by trust and respect.  This trust is not only trusting the other but also trusting the self to be able to handle things that may seem contrary to your own understanding and perspective.   Peace is a byproduct of trust.  We like to say, “Trust the process” by making your best effort, letting the rest go and giving the Divine a chance to do what the Divine does.

We propose a focus on how we communicate over focusing on what is communicatedIf we understand communication as vibrational interaction it may become easier to see how harsh, rigid, or demanding interactions may sabotage the original intent of the communication.  The vibratory frequency of the communication is created by not only the words, which account for only about 15 percent of the message, but also by the tone, posture, rhythm, etc. of the person sending the message.  Messages have more power when they are most congruent in their presentation and content or, as said more simply by Shree Vasant, “The task is to be full of love all the time.”

Shree’s words remind us that whether we agree or not with the other, our responsibility is to be full of love.  To me, that means listening openly and empathetically to the other and attempting to make connection from the heart with their intent, which is always assumed to be positive.  People tend to connect more fully in communications when they feel they can trust the other and that they are being respected.  While this may seem simple, it can be quite challenging if the subject matter at hand or the other’s presentation sparks intense emotions in you.  So, the first step is to take inventory of one’s own emotions before (and during) the conversation.  Awareness of one’s emotions is empowering and creates options.  Ignorance of one’s emotions is sabotaging and creates blockages.

So, in summary, the following steps are suggested for difficult conversations (or the daily ones that can become difficult):

  1. Be aware of your own emotions. Emotions are messengers that can provide guidance and assistance to our decision-making process when we are aware of them and attentive to their messages.
  2. Assume positive intent from the other. We are each, with every thought and action, trying to meet legitimate needs – even if sometimes in unhealthy ways.  If the other seems to be ineffective, or even hostile, in his/her presentation, this may be a reason to be more compassionate and empathetic instead of harsh or demanding.
  3. Remember that trust and respect facilitate connection and connection is the foundation of communication. We are more likely to take the risk of trying on new perspectives and behaviors in an atmosphere where we feel trust and respect.
  4. Listen openly and empathetically to understand from the other’s perspective. To listen is not necessarily to condone but it is to be open to genuinely attending to the other’s perspective.
  5. Say what you have to say with and out of Love. Love does not compromise effectiveness, it facilitates it. Anything that needs to be said can be said with Love.

Idam Na Mama.

 

From the Orion Transmissions

received by Parvati Rosen-Bizberg
Wysoka, Poland

January 1, 2018 On the Best of Times & Worst of Times

Yes, yes. This is the year of great manifestation, a year when the subtle and the material can be utilized to manifest positive, lasting creations.

There is great power available to change what needs to be changed individually, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Be diligent in your efforts to see within, to clear what is muddled in your thinking and in your perceptions, so that your actions will bear sweet fruit and your work will be successful.

These are the best of times and the worst of times. But most of all, these are the greatest of times for manifestation of all which has begun in Light.

For further information:
www.oriontransmissions.com

 

Healing with Homa Therapy–Two Doctors Speak

Dr. Alejandro Gonzáles Rodrígues

Dr. Alejandro Gonzáles Rodrígues
Cáceres, Spain, Europe
I am a Naturopathic Doctor and often do Homa Therapy in my practice. There was a case with a patient, an elderly lady, Joaquina, whom I had treated for some ailments. One day, she came to my office and asked if I have something for a fungus on her leg that did not let her walk, which hurt and she could not touch it. She said that she had tried everything, that she went also to a dermatologist and that she could not find any solution.

It came to my mind that I could give her Agnihotra ash mixed with ghee to see what was going to happen. I did not know if it would work or not. So, I took the Agnihotra ash and mixed it with ghee and gave her this black cream. After four days she called me and said, “Alejandro, saintly brother, my pain has gone, it has been taken away.”

Always when I give a course, I incorporate the teaching of Homa Therapy. Once there was a man who also had the Agnihotra pyramid and he told us his healing story. He said that he had been very much into drugs. He was an addict, and that Agnihotra has been the only thing that got him out.

I was surprised because I did not expect it. Homa Therapy can serve for many things. Its spectrum of action is very broad.

Photo: Dr. Montufar and Mrs. Mesa

Dr. Jaime Montufar
The Good Shepherd Medical Homa Center
Guayaquil, Ecuador

Some time ago, at the Social Security Institute (state hospital), it was discovered that Mrs. Mesa had 15 meningiomas (5 large and 10 small tumors) in her head. She came suffering from severe headaches and other problems. : Currently, she has had 2 months with Homa Therapy treatment. She is consistent with the practice of the Homa Fires and she has her own Agnihotra kit. She can relate, in her own words, how far she has recovered, as before she had a lot of headaches, suffered from stress, could not drive due to her blurry vision, etc., precisely because the tumors were pressing that part of the brain. Now she is completely different.

María Eleonor Mesa Tovar:
I am 41 years old. My problem started four years ago. I suffered from pain in my left eye and I was always stressed out and I felt bad. I did not pay attention to these symptoms and I did not visit a doctor. In June 2016, I got worse. The pain increased so much and my head started to pound. I could not sleep. So, I had an MRI done and the doctors detected meningiomas in different parts of the brain. All the doctors told me that I had to have surgery–one operation for each meningioma. And they were so many! I felt that I was never going to endure so many operations. The doctors also warned me that I could remain in a coma. I decided not to have surgery. I preferred to try natural medicines.

I had never heard of Homa Therapy, till a friend talked to me about it and I decided to come to Dr. Montufar’s Medical Homa Center.

Now I have had almost 2 and a half months of attending Agnihotra every day, and I really feel great. I no longer feel that my head is pounding and lately my headache has disappeared. I sleep very well and wake up relaxed. I can drive the car again and I am no longer nervous. I am improving step by step. Now, I can do all my daily tasks.

Thank God, I’m here and I continue with Homa Therapy. I do the Agnihotra in the morning at home and I come to the clinic of Dr. Jaime in the afternoons from Monday to Friday to practice Agnihotra and Om Tryambakam Homa. I take Agnihotra ash 2 to 3 times a day. All my family and friends say that they have noticed positive changes in me.

 

From Shree Vasant’s Teachings

On Service
When one has committed oneself to a path of service, the possibilities and situations are endless. There is so much need. There is never enough time in one day to serve as many who have need of this LOVE. When one commits oneself to a life of service, no matter to what extent his or her outside obligations, still there is never a shortage of opportunities to practice selfless service. If you do not “see” these opportunities, you need only to open your eyes. If you truly wish to serve, these opportunities are there awaiting you. All the time, bow the head.

On Love
There may be people with whom you normally have conflict. You can express what you feel with LOVE without expectation of response, positive or negative. Still do not block the love even with such people. They also have need for it. This is the greatest of teachings. LOVE. If you have conflict with someone, love them. You need not decide to work with them, but refrain from all judgment.

On Conflict
When one finds conflict outside oneself, we must look for the source within. When there exists no inner conflict, there is no outer conflict. It is a matter of perception.

On Judgment
If one sees every face as the face of the Creator, one naturally is in more harmony with one’s own true nature. Therefore, we say, “No judgment.” No fear of judgment also.

On Mantra and Releasing the Past
Release the past instead of carrying it around with you. All the time use Mantra to re-focus the mind. When the mind wanders or becomes drawn to one thing or the other, just do the Mantra. Stop, sit and do the Mantra until that center is again in focus. This is like a conscious waking meditation. It will prove quite useful.

On Confusion and Being Swayed by Others
Confusion comes with mind pollution. Do not become involved–become evolved. Do not be spoiled by or soiled by the confusion of others.

Do not be swayed by opinion. People have their own self-interest, and from that point they go on talking, creating rumors, building walls between factions that do not exist normally.

On Drugs and Alcohol
Refrain from drugs and alcohol. In the end, these are not required. For clear vision, go within.

On Liberation and Surrender
Cycles of birth and death are never ending. TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY IN THIS LIFE TO TRANSCEND IS LIBERATION. It is a time for total surrender, but do not surrender to a physical form, but to the Divine. Indeed HE is above all–PURE and completely ONE.

 

Fivefold Path for Happy Living

1. Yajnya
HOMA Therapy is the science of purification of the atmosphere through the agency of FIRE. AGNIHOTRA HOMA (YAJNYA) is the basic HOMA. It is tuned to the biorhythm of sunrise/sunset and gives nutrients to the plant kingdom, removes diseases in a certain area and removes tension on the mind. This is the basic process in the science of medicine, agriculture, climate engineering and interplanetary communication.
2. Daan
Sharing of your assets in a spirit of humility. This corrects imbalance in financial matters and creates non-attachment to worldly possessions.
3. Tapa
Self-discipline of body and mind. This is conducive to a change in attitudes of mind and body. It results in a harmonious state of mind.
4. Karma
“You reap as you sow.” Always practicing good Karma (actions) diminishes the burden of negative Karma and one begins to invest in his own future. This means that what you do today will bring its fruits. Sowing seeds of love and kindness will bless my garden with plenty of love. Do Karma for self purification.
5. Swadhyaya
Practice Swadhyaya (Self-study) for liberation. Who am I? Why am I here? My work on this planet is to learn to react with total LOVE with each opportunity given to me.
This is the Fivefold Path for happy living on the planet. By practicing the Fivefold Path you become better members of your society, group, religion, community, etc.

Publisher: Fivefold Path Inc.
Parama Dham (House of Almighty Father), 278 N. White Oak Dr., Madison, VA 22727 USA
Editor: Lisa Powers
Published seven times yearly.
Please direct all Satsang correspondence to the Editor.
Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Satsang.
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