Archive for March, 2011
A Brief History Of Tantra
Tantra is a loose term assigned to practices characterized by ritual, rites of passage, energy work, and the utilization of the mundane to reach the supramundane and understanding the relationship between the micro and macrocosm. These aspects of Tantra can be spiritual and/or material. A guru is often consulted to help the practitioner have a mystical experience and properly guide them through the associated rituals.
Yoga is a vital part of Tantra as it awakens the ability to reach the divine in the practitioner. An integral part also of Buddhism, there is different forms of yoga in existence to meet a person’s spiritual needs – varying from vigorous to peaceful movements. Visualizations, evocations and mantras can also help the Tantra practitioner reach a point of spiritual awareness.
Tantra has had roots in areas of the world such as China, Tibet, Japan, Cambodia and Indonesia. It is closely affiliated with religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In Hinduism, Tantra ties closely to Vedic tradition- or rather the rejection of the orthodox beliefs. Practicing Tantra is meant to bring the practitioner a blissful feeling of self awareness while sorting away illusions.
The exact rituals associated with Tantra are difficult to pin down since they vary greatly depending on region and the available tantric community. Commonly employed rituals include the repetition of mantras and yantras (amulets) to invoke deities. Feasts and bodily functions can also be included in the rituals. Although it gets the most attention, sexual rituals play a very small part of traditional tantric practices.
The term Tantra is of course most familiar to Westerners for the sexuality related to that small portion of rites. It is believed the sexual practices originated early in the Hindu culture as a means of forming body fluids that were thought to be transformative and a necessary offering to the deities of the Tantra. The fluid exchange often involved man, woman and guru (also a man). The female fluid was thought to be the fluid of the clan and it could be used to mark a man’s belonging to that community. These rituals of Tantra evolved to focus on bliss and the divinity of union.
Tantra evolved when it moved west to become what is known as NeoTantra. The sacredness of sexuality was kept but the involvement of a guru was abandoned, as were some of the ritualistic rules and meditations. NeoTantra followers favor aspects of the Tantra like full body orgasms, the worship of the female and many do still study the non sexual aspects of the rituals.
The history and spirituality of Tantra is so great that those merely seeking sexual thrill might want to look elsewhere. Tantric sexuality is more of a pleasurable religious act than an impulsive physical satisfaction. Studying the meaning of Tantra and employing some of the rituals in conjunction with the acts of physicality will heighten the cognitive clarity that practitioners are truly seeking. The mental effects will last much longer than the physical pleasure, but will pave the path for future enjoyments in bodily union.
Originally published here.
Victor Epand
Physical Therapy Universities: Earning your Degree
Find Physical Therapy Universities in the United States and Canada. Become an expert in the field of physically therapy by attending one of several physical therapy universities where you can participate in various degree programs. Commonly, physical therapy universities provide 4-year programs in physiotherapy, which may lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy, or a Masters in Physical therapy.
Prospective students must complete a minimum of an undergraduate program in physiotherapy or related sciences prior to entry into physical therapy universities. In some cases, physical therapy universities do extend undergraduate studies so students can complete necessary academics for acceptance into one of these graduate/post-graduate courses.
Currently there are over 200 accredited physical therapy programs at physical therapy universities, colleges and schools throughout the United States. Accreditation is important as graduates must attain this formal education in order to earn eligibility to take the national licensing examination. (Licensure is required by all States in the U.S.)
Depending on which course of study you choose to pursue, there are at least 31 accredited Master of Physical Therapy programs, as well as over 170 Doctor of Physical Therapy degree programs available through physical therapy universities and colleges today, which makes earning a degree both convenient and readily accessible.
The curricula at physical therapy universities includes studies in biology, biomechanics, chemistry, diagnostics, human growth and development, kinesiology, neuroanatomy, pathology and physical therapeutics. Studies are course-intensive and require a fair amount of dedication and willingness to strive for academic excellence. In addition, if you’re currently in high school and are aiming for a degree in physical therapy, it is wise to take associated science courses related to the field like sports medicine; or volunteering as an athletics trainer for the local football or baseball team. Furthermore, some physical therapy universities do provide Associate Degree programs to students pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant or physiotherapy aide.
Once you’ve enrolled in one of a number of physical therapy universities, and you’ve earned your professional degree, you can continue to grow professionally by not only taking required continuing education courses, but opting to attain board certification in several specialized areas of focus, like cardio-pulmonary physiotherapy, geriatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthopedic physical therapy, among others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career outlook in both professional fields (physical therapist and physical therapist assistant) are expected to grow over the coming years.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding physical therapy universities, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
Physical Therapy Universities: Earning Your Degree
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Originally published here.
Steven Parbach
2011 Detroit Lions: Injured Players Coming Back Healthy This Season
If you were to ask Detroit Lions’ fans who they wanted to see stay healthy this season, Matthew Stafford ’s name would be heard from every mountain top, every valley and everywhere in between. The good news is that, after having surgery on his shoulder earlier this year, Stafford is finally throwing the football again. He may have just started tossing it around this week, but it is a sign we …
Published Mar 28, 2011.
Read more: Bleacher Report