Thekchen Chling, Dharamsala, HP, India - Today, the clouds had lifted, and sunlight played on the courtyard as His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked to the temple. People sat on either side of the walkway to greet him, with white silk scarves in their folded hands.

Six Mongolian laypeople sat before His Holinesss throne and recited the Heart Sutra in Mongolian while many of their compatriots sitting in the body of the temple joined in.

His Holiness addressed the congregation: Today, we have here Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhists, as well as people from elsewhere who are interested in learning about Buddhist teachings. They are attracted by their discovery that Buddhism is based on reason and has a bearing on peace of mind as well as peace in the world.

As for me, I have reflected on cultivating the awakening mind of bodhichitta and an understanding of emptiness since I was a child. Ive found them helpful and Im happy to share what Ive learned with other people.

We Tibetans here are living in exile because we lost our country. But where we are doesnt matter that much because we rely on the Nalanda Tradition that the great Indian master Shantarakshita established in Tibet at the invitation of King Trisong Detsen. This tradition has spread all over Tibet and the Himalayan region. Conditions may change but we have a custom of responding to each other warm-heartedly. This is something worth preserving.

Tibetans in Tibet continue to wish to follow the tradition introduced by Shantarakshita, and they place their trust in me. Not only in Tibet, but also in mainland China, growing numbers of people are taking an interest in Tibetan Buddhism and its essencewarmheartedness. Tibetan Buddhism includes a thorough understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions, which interests scientists. Other people are keen to know more about training the mind and tackling their emotions.

Because I meditate on the awakening mind and emptiness every day I have peace of mind and sleep soundly at night. True peace is to be found in our inner world.

His Holiness noted that the main disciples for the teaching were Mongolian. He recalled that there has long been a special affinity between Tibetans and Mongolians. Many Mongolians became scholars in Tibet. In his own case, he said, his principal teacher of philosophy and dialectics was a Mongolian called Ngodrup Tsognyi. He remains very grateful for this teachers kindness and is happy to repay it to some extent by teaching others, particularly Mongolians.

He observed that spirituality is not just a matter of words. It entails practice and developing good qualities within. Its not enough for Buddhist monks and nuns to wear the robes; they need to study what the Buddha taught and integrate it within themselves.

My Dharma friends, His Holiness observed, its good to remember that we are able to study and practice now due to the traditions passed down by past masters. The Chinese Communists have tried to destroy Buddhism, but many other people in China are showing an interest in Buddhism. We Tibetans need to think carefully about the significance of sharing what we know of the Buddhas teachings with interested Chinese.

His Holiness announced that he would like to discuss the awakening mind of bodhichitta. He declared: Bodhichitta is very precious. It brings peace of mind. It is a powerful way of serving others. There is the Seven-fold Cause and Effect method and the more powerful Equalizing and Exchanging Self and Others approach.

Taking account of all sentient beings and cultivating the mind that cherishes others more than oneself is powerfully transformative. It brings confidence and peace.

He advised the congregation to meditate briefly on this. Next, he pointed out that we all have a mind characterized as clarity and awareness and that it is powerful to use it to help others.

As human beings, he remarked, we were nurtured by our mother from the very start of our lives. She planted a seed of kindness within us. Think of all sentient beings, especially the human beings of this world, and imagine extending that sense of kindness to all of them. We can build temples and institutions with a view to preserving the teaching, but what is ultimately most important is to cultivate the the thought of cherishing others more than ourselves. This is how well achieve a life at ease.

Like us, all human beings wish to be happy. We are the same. Thats why we need to be warm-hearted to everyone. Cherishing others is the source of all good qualities. Cherishing only ourselves is a source of misery. We survive due to the kindness of others, therefore, showing kindness and good heartedness are the simple key to happiness.

His Holiness counselled his listeners to reflect on the shortcomings of self-cherishing and the advantages of cherishing others. Think, he said, how good it would be if all human beings were happy. Wishing others to be happy brings peace of mind. Think of other beings as friends. The best offering you could give to me, he suggested, would be to cultivate the wish to benefit others.

My Mongolian Dharma friends, His Holiness told them, practice is not just about the prayers you say, its about transforming your mind and cultivating a good heart. Reciting mantras is not as effective as cultivating a good heart. When I was a child I came across a parakeet that could recite Om mani padme hung, but with no sense of what it meant. We dont want to be like that bird. The real way to benefit others is to generate the awakening mind. What you can do is to visualize Avalokiteshvara on the crown of your head and as you recite your manis seek his blessings that you may develop a good heart.

We Tibetans have a custom of reciting manis whenever we can, but if, while were doing so, our minds wander after jealous thoughts, then its not helpful at all.

His Holiness gave the transmission of the mantras of the three Long Life Deities:

Amitayus Om amarani jivantaye svaha White Tara Om tare tuttare ture mama ayuh punye jnana pushtim kuru svaha Ushnishavijaya Om drum svaha om amrita ayu dadai svaha

Representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment in the form of a statue of J Tsongkhapa, a silver chrten and a precious scripture were presented to His Holiness by the Lamaiin Gegeen.

As a thanksgiving mandala was offered, he made an appeal to His Holiness as follows:

The nature of the kindness showered on the faithful people of Mongolia in general, and upon the successive members of the Lamaiin Gegeen lineage, by your previous incarnations, and particularly by Your Holiness yourself, who are the Buddha for us, and brought to us by the strength of our prayers, is such that even if the entire universe were filled with the seven kinds of precious objects and offered, it would be difficult to repay. Since the welfare of sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma depend on Your Holiness, the Great Treasury of Compassion; and since for us your disciples, otherwise bereft, you are our impeccable refuge, like the eyes in our brows and the hearts in our chests; and since we will have no higher refuge than you in all our future lives, we make this fervent request to you:

Again, in the future, through your unceasing and successive emanations, may you never release us from the hook of your compassion. This is the sole supplication that has lingered long in our minds.

Your great compassionate activities are unending like the rolling of the ocean's waves, and although it is difficult to make this request, we offer this fervently unflinching supplication:

Just as when a piece of stone is treated as gold, you have showered your compassion on us. In your future incarnations may you continue to be our sole refuge, our supreme field for accumulating merit. May we never be separated from you, who manifests as a monk, wearing the robes and upholding the three vows-Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva and Tantric. From the sphere of your primordial wisdom, may you, the Omniscient One, kindly ensure that we are not separated from the supreme Avalokiteshvara, but are kindly led by him.

From our side, as your disciples, under your unexcelled guidance, with the support of the Gaden Phodrang, we remain committed to observing our pure and unwavering commitment. We will please you by obediently carrying out your instructions. We have been sincere until now and there will be no change in the future. We will persevere by every possible means to obediently please you.

May you live long, unwavering, like an indestructible diamond.

His Holiness smiled in acquiescence and as the congregation recited the Mig-tse-ma prayer he left the temple saluting well-wishers as he went and returned to his residence.

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Recently, psychologist Maytal Eyal has observed what she calls an epidemic of self-hatred. Both within her work as a therapist and in her wider community, Eyal noticed how the weight of self-criticism and self-loathing wears on peoples souls. Its become sort of normalized, she says. And when people feel that way, they want to buy products to self-improve.

A consequence of the cultural obsession with self-improvement is the hyperfixation on the self. From elaborate skin care regimens to the culling of toxic friends from your social circle, some will go through extreme lengths in the name of self-preservation and betterment. However, weve collectively overcorrected when it comes to the impulse to self-correct. When theres always a new ideal to strive toward, a new workout to try, a new home renovation project, a new way to hack bodily functions, it can be hard to feel adequate, sufficient, enough. Very real socioeconomic, racial, and health factors impact a persons ability to feel fulfilled, too. When a society marginalizes people based on their income, background, or abilities, its extremely easy to feel like we dont measure up.

Regardless of your financial circumstances, living situation, or mental and physical health, inescapable psychological functions motivate us to strive for more. Taken too far, these compelling responses can also lead to overconsumption. The barrage of modern marketing and social media-driven comparison only furthers the desire to, well, desire. Theres nothing wrong with wanting to better your life, but there are ways to counter the innumerable pressures both internal and external urging you to spend or labor or improve to reach your full potential.

While all animals are compelled to survive, we as humans may be unique in the lengths to which well go to better that existence. The motivating drive that tells us to seek out food when were hungry or to find shelter when its raining is primed to find other creative life upgrades. A non-peer reviewed study found that when people were asked how certain objects and experiences, like their phone, their pets, and love, could be different, they consistently thought of ways these devices, creatures, and emotions could be better.

The reason why we went from hunting and gathering to living in skyscrapers is because someone had to imagine all of the improvements, says the studys co-author Adam Mastroianni, an experimental psychologist and author of the science newsletter Experimental History. It really does seem to be something very intrinsic in the way that humans work and that theyre always imagining how things can be better than they are right now. There is likely no limit to what people could dream of improving, Mastroianni says, considering how they imagined ways of bettering the experience of love: Theyre like, Oh, there could be more of it, Mastroianni says.

What allows us to strive for more is our ability to constantly adapt. Known as the hedonic treadmill or hedonic adaptation, we have an incredible capacity to acclimate to both positive and negative life events, settling at a base level of satisfaction after objectively good and not-so-good things happen. Hedonic adaptation is why buying a new car feels spectacular for a few weeks and then gradually less so until we realize we need something else to spark ecstasy again. Perhaps accidentally, a niche population of dopamine fasters recognized the phenomena of hedonic adaptation and denied themselves stimulating or enjoyable experiences as a means of staving off habituation for more mundane experiences.

Another factor that fuels our wants and desires is comparison. Not only do we compare ourselves to others, weighing our success and happiness against theirs, but we can juxtapose our current circumstances with what we could want in the future, says Rachit Dubey, a postdoctoral research fellow at MIT Sloan School of Management.

Paired together, hedonic adaptation and comparison mean the goalposts are constantly shifting. Achieving the goal or purchasing the item is just the start of the cycle. When the novelty wears off, we look for the next thing that might bring us self-actualization. Maybe our coworker or best friend or neighbor has that next thing. Then you go on to get that new, next shiny thing, Dubey says. Then you get habituated to it, then you do some more comparisons, and then you want something else. So this is the cycle of habituation and comparisons that can lead to this drive of always wanting more.

This cycle of longing almost never feels good. In a study, Dubey and his colleagues programmed virtual robots he calls agents to act like humans, meaning they got used to positive rewards they received and compared themselves to other agents. Habituation and comparison allowed the agents to achieve more in their virtual world, up to a certain point, but at the cost of their internal happiness, Dubey says. If the agents aspiration levels were left unchecked, their performance actually diminished.

There isnt much that differentiates having a goal and seeing each accomplishment as a step toward a larger pursuit, Dubey says. Because social comparison can motivate people to get a promotion or buy a mansion, there is little preventing us from constantly striving for more if weve already had success on a smaller scale. Even the most well-meaning goals can be taken too far, like turning a joyful hobby into a soul-sucking side hustle.

The instinct to improve our circumstances is a functional one in a society where resources are scarce. The problem arises when those who objectively already have enough and ample time and money are constantly marketed endless goods and opportunities. Then, habituation and comparison fuels unhappiness, Dubey says. Having enough money to cover necessities and conveniences is shown to make people happy, research shows, but earning much beyond that may be detrimental to life satisfaction. People can go from miserable to fine fairly easily, Mastroianni says. Its going from fine to great that gets really hard.

In the pursuit of fine to great, we chase products. Through no fault of our own, we fall prey to messaging from social media users, algorithms, and expert marketers, urging us that this shampoo or this rug will shift the scales toward enoughness. This is how the marketplace continues to work, says Brooke Erin Duffy, an associate professor of communication at Cornell University, which is by amplifying our inadequacies and insecurities.

Baked into these social platforms is a natural ecosystem for comparison. In the past, people weighed themselves against celebrities in the media and those within their immediate social circles, Duffy says. Now, we can compare ourselves to the idealized version of millions of strangers online who may be perpetuating an aesthetic trend inspiring us to buy in order to participate.

Where we falter is believing that more money, more things, better things, better selves will ultimately make us happy. Were obsessed with buying the serum so our skin looks really good, were obsessed with getting the new piece of equipment so that our body looks really good, Eyal, the psychologist, says. But we sort of lost the plot. In one sense, the quest for self-optimization may be a means of asserting control over our lives when war, climate change, and political polarization wreak havoc around us, she says. All the wanting, though, leads to overconsumption, Dubey says.

The hedonic treadmill has implications beyond individual happiness: Attempting to fill an imagined (often by a savvy advertiser) void with more products or swapping out perfectly adequate tech for the newest version taxes our already fragile planet. Dubey argues that we can strive for a better life, for something more, without consuming.

Feeling enough and having goals are not mutually exclusive. Goal-setting is shown to increase performance and motivation, research shows. However, not all goals are created equal, says Tal Ben-Shahar, the founder of the Happiness Studies Academy and a professor at Centenary University. Instead of setting goals based on accumulating things, we should work toward personal growth and development, Ben-Shahar says. This requires deep introspection to determine what we value. If we dont stop to consider what we want out of life and wind up following the status quo as a result, we may become focused on fulfilling someone elses idea of success. Determine whether a goal adds to happiness or detracts from it, Ben-Shahar says, whether it is truly attainable or out of reach, and whether it is something we actually want or something we observed someone else achieve. These may not be easy questions to answer, but theyre worth considering.

Another mindset shift involves moving away from feeling like we are at a deficit, Mastroianni says. If we perceive our starting point to be below baseline, well never climb out of that hole. This line of thinking assumes those who have different jobs than we do, or who live in different locations than us, or dont have the social connections we do cannot live full lives, he says. I ask myself this question a lot, Mastroianni says, if I dont get to live a life that I think is valuable, who does? Who has more than me?

To gain more perspective, many experts and researchers suggest expressing gratitude and appreciation for what we already have. Gratitude prevents us from habituating to the new car or the new job or the new relationship, Ben-Shahar says. Taking a few minutes over dinner or before bed to share or to journal about what were grateful for reminds us of all the ways were enough, instead of how we dont measure up. To avert the impact of hedonic adaptation, we continue to appreciate, Ben-Shahar says, so that we can experience both mindful and heartfelt connection to whatever it is that were appreciating.

Considering how habituation and comparison function and how the culture of consumption ratchets up those experiences its hardly surprising how difficult it is to feel satisfied. But, according to Ben-Shahar, it would serve us well to find the balance between appreciation and aspiration.

Good enough, he says, really is good enough.

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The single biggest art project in Chicago this spring, at least in terms of surface area, is a new commission by Nora Turato, the Croatian graphic designer-turned-multidisciplinary artist, for Art on the Mart, the public series that projects art onto the 2.5-acre exterior of the former Merchandise Mart building. Her projection (12 April-5 June) builds on recent projects including a commission for the 2023 Performa Biennial in New York and solo shows at Sprth Magerss spaces in Berlin (last year) and Los Angeles (until 27 April).

Running through all these projects, and playing across the Marts hulking exterior on the banks of the Chicago River, is Turatos interest in the culture of self-optimisation and the language of wellness culture and quasi-spiritual self-improvement incantations. Like a Millennial take on Jenny Holzers Truisms (1978-82), Turatos works isolate and amplify found sentences and phrasesbecause goals, unlock everything, govern me harderin funny and stark compositions rendered in videos, murals, performances and enamel-on-steel panels.

Everybodys reading, everybodys looking, everybody sees these things, Im not bringing anything new to the table; its just that Im the only one who stops and writes it down, Turato has said of her process. When you seek it out, it doesnt work You just have to live, you have to expose yourself to the content. Visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago will also be exposed to Turatos content when she performs there on 13 April .

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Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York is a plastic surgeon based in East Northport, whose expertise and commitment to patient care have earned him recognition across multiple hospitals in the region. Affiliated with institutions such as St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and Good Samaritan University Hospital, Dr. Da Silva brings over two decades of medical experience to his practice. A graduate of St. Georges University School of Medicine, he is renowned for his dedication to surgical excellence and compassionate patient-centered care. In the following article, Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York delves into the complex intersection of body positivity and cosmetic procedures to understand how individuals navigate their journey towards self-love and self-improvement.

In recent years, the dialogue surrounding body positivity has gained significant traction, urging individuals to embrace their bodies in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Concurrently, the popularity of surgical procedures continues to rise, driven by the desire to enhance ones appearance. However, the intersection of body positivity and cosmetic surgery poses intriguing questions about self-acceptance, societal norms, and personal empowerment.

At its core, body positivity advocates for the acceptance and celebration of all body types, free from societal judgments or unrealistic beauty standards. It encourages individuals to cultivate a positive relationship with themselves, regardless of size, shape, or imperfections. Embracing this involves challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting self-confidence, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

The Rise of Cosmetic Surgery

Conversely, cosmetic surgery offers individuals the opportunity to modify or enhance their physical features, addressing perceived flaws or insecurities. Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York explains that from rhinoplasty to breast augmentation to liposuction, these procedures promise transformative results, often bolstering confidence and self-esteem. While cosmetic surgery can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, its essential to approach it with careful consideration and realistic expectations.

Navigating the Intersection

The intersection of body positivity and cosmetic surgery presents a nuanced landscape, where personal beliefs, societal pressures, and individual autonomy converge. For some, going under the knife aligns with their journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. It may serve as a means of reclaiming agency over ones body, addressing long-standing insecurities, or enhancing self-confidence.

However, Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York believes that the relationship between the two can be more nuanced than critics suggest. While its true that some view elective procedures through a lens of perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, Dr. DaSilva emphasizes a different perspectiveone that celebrates individual choice and empowerment.

According to Dr. DaSilva, cosmetic surgery offers individuals the opportunity to enhance their confidence and self-esteem, not necessarily to conform to external ideals of beauty, but to align their outer appearance with their inner sense of self. For many patients, cosmetic procedures are not about chasing perfection, but about feeling comfortable in their own skin.

In Dr. DaSilvas view, cosmetic surgery can be a tool for self-expression and personal transformation. Rather than detracting from principles of body acceptance, Dr. DaSilva believes that cosmetic surgery can complement a journey towards self-love by enabling individuals to take control of their appearance and embrace their unique beauty.

By educating patients about their options and guiding them through the process, he ensures that each individual is informed to make choices that align with their personal goals and values.

Ultimately, Dr. DaSilva sees cosmetic surgery as a positive force for enhancing both physical appearance and emotional well-being. By reframing the conversation around cosmetic procedures as a means of self-empowerment rather than conformity, he hopes to promote a more inclusive and accepting approach to body positivity.

Empowerment vs. Conformity

Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York explains that its crucial to recognize that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is deeply personal and multifaceted. Factors such as cultural influences, personal experiences, and mental health considerations can all play a role in shaping an individuals choices. As such, blanket judgments or criticisms fail to acknowledge the complexity of each persons journey towards self-acceptance.

Promoting Informed Choices

In navigating the intersection of body positivity and cosmetic surgery, education and informed decision-making are paramount. Individuals considering cosmetic procedures should thoroughly research their options, consult with qualified medical professionals, and critically examine their motivations.

Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York notes that by promoting inclusivity and acceptance, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals to navigate their relationship with their bodies.

The Role of Mental Health

Additionally, its essential to address the role of mental health. For many individuals, body image concerns stem from deep-seated insecurities or past traumas. While cosmetic surgery may offer temporary relief, its not a panacea for underlying psychological issues.

Dr. Augusto DaSilva of New York says that therapeutic interventions such as counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy can provide valuable support for individuals grappling with body image issues. Moreover, consulting with a mental health expert can assist individuals in discerning whether a cosmetic procedure aligns with the patients long-term goals and aspirations.

Conclusion

The intersection of body positivity and cosmetic surgery is a complex terrain shaped by personal beliefs, societal norms, and individual experiences. While body positivity advocates for self-acceptance and inclusivity, cosmetic surgery offers a pathway to self-improvement and empowerment. Navigating this intersection requires nuanced conversations, informed decision-making, and a commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance.

Ultimately, whether an individual chooses to embrace their natural features or undergo cosmetic enhancement, the most important factor is cultivating a positive relationship with their body. By fostering a culture of self-love, acceptance, and empowerment, we can create a world where every individual feels valued and celebrated, regardless of their appearance or surgical choices.

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The BMC, along with SNDT university, will develop an application for sale and delivery of products manufactured by women self-help groups across Mumbai. The civic body intends to create an online marketplace, besides market and brand products manufactured by women self-help groups in the city by developing an application for the same. The BMC will tie up with dabbawalas in Mumbai for delivery of these products. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Sudhakar Shinde directed the administration to develop a proper system for an online marketplace for products of the SHGs through the application. The Additional Commissioner also directed those products, which are sold on the online marketplace, should meet a certain quality standard. A delegation of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association met Shinde on Friday. The Dabbewala association also agreed to deliver products created by the women self-help groups all over Mumbai. According to a BMC release, there are about 10,000 women self-help groups in Mumbai, and more than a lakh women are engaged in producing various types of products including food and other items. The BMC has signed an MOU with SNDT university for developing the app. The app will also include photos and videos of the women, who are making products.

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As Taurus embraces the day on April 13, 2024, the stars arrange themselves in a pattern that speaks to both comfort and upheaval, signaling a period of significant personal growth. The steady earth under your feet might feel a bit more pliable today, urging you to adapt and consider the beauty in change. This day challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, promising that growth lies in unfamiliar territories. While change may not always be comfortable for a Taurus, the cosmic energies at play encourage you to trust in the process and find stability within yourself, rather than in external circumstances. The realms of love and relationships are under a particularly reflective aspect, highlighting the importance of communication and mutual understanding. For those in partnerships, today is an excellent opportunity to build on the foundation of your relationship, addressing any issues with a calm and open heart. The planets suggest a time for healing and deepening the emotional connection with your partner through honesty and vulnerability. Single Tauruses might find themselves introspecting about what they truly seek in a relationship, potentially leading to a revelation about past patterns that could be hindering their path to love. Embrace these insights, as they pave the way to a more fulfilling love life. In your professional life, the influence of Mercury encourages a focus on detail and organization. Its a day where your methodical approach will shine, allowing you to tackle complex tasks with ease. However, the stars also warn against becoming too entrenched in routine; innovation and flexibility could open doors to unexpected opportunities. Consider this a nudge to balance your natural preference for stability with a sprinkle of Taurus tenacity and willingness to explore new avenues in your career. Health and well-being take center stage, with the cosmic advice leaning towards nurturing both body and soul. Your sign often revels in the sensual pleasures of life, which can be a source of great comfort and joy. Today, however, consider integrating activities that also feed your spirit and mind. Whether it's a peaceful walk in nature, experimenting with a new healthy recipe, or dedicating time to a hobby that soothes your soul, the focus is on holistic well-being. April 13, 2024, marks a day of introspection and gentle growth for Taurus. The stars encourage embracing change, fostering deeper connections, innovating in your career, and caring for your holistic health. As you navigate the day's energies, remember that stability isn't just about resisting change but also about finding your inner equilibrium amidst life's ebbs and flows.

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Taurus, Horoscope Today, April 13, 2024: Embrace change for personal growth - The Times of India

Our wellness routines can quickly fall apart like a flimsy house of cards in the fast-paced hustle and bustle of modern life where maintaining a consistent gym schedule competes with learning the art of skincare and staying hydrated feels like amission.

Enter 75 Hard, the wellness challenge sweeping the streets of social media, which wellness experts describe as the solution to transforming your life from the inside out while flexing your mental toughness and commitment muscles.

The 75 Hard challenge, which has taken social media by storm (1.3 million hashtags for #75hard and counting, not to mention the more than a billion TikTok views), is not your garden-variety, slim-down scheme or a get-fit-quick plan.

It's not about counting almonds or achieving Schwarzenegger-esque biceps but rather about embarking on a journey of self-improvement through five rather unique "rules".

But in a world drowning in fitness fads and nutty nutrition advice, the burning question remains: is 75 Hard the real deal or just another flash in the wellness pan?

Is it safe, effective, and most importantly worth sacrificing your Netflix binges and late-night snack sessions for?

As per the 75 Hard website, the appeal lies precisely in its rule-driven regime. However, whether it's the path to enlightenment or just another wellness wagon to fall off is up for debate.

The 75 Hard Challenge was created in 2019 by Andy Frisella, a public speaker, entrepreneur, and podcast host.

But what can you eat on 75 hard, exactly, and what does it all involve?

The 75 Hard challenge consists of a few components: following a specific diet, completing two 45-minute workouts, taking progress photos, staying hydrated, and reading daily.

Specifically, there are five core rules to follow:

75 Hard routine boasts that this intense challenge will "permanently change your life," focusing on mental toughness and discipline.

What is the best 75 Hard diet?

75 Hard does not feature a "diet" plan. The ideal eating diet is one that you decide on and try to follow through on for the entire challenge. Selecting a diet plan that complements your lifestyle and fitness goals is the aim, as there is no one "best" diet.

Sample 75 Hard Diet Meal Plan

Following an analysis and validation of the challenge's feasibility in a recent Yahoo post, Miami-based dietitian and nutritionist, Roxana Ehsani, RD, created seven complete days' worth of meal ideas that you can try:

Monday

Breakfast: Overnight oats made with low-fat milk, berries, almond butter and a coffee or cup of orange juice.

Lunch: Whole wheat wrap filled with lettuce, tomato, turkey and low-fat Swiss cheese.

Snacks: Apple and string cheese.

Dinner: Salmon with roasted broccoli, cauliflower and sweet potatoes.

Dessert: Strawberries dipped or drizzled with melted dark chocolate.

Tuesday

Breakfast: Whole wheat English muffin with scrambled eggs, avocado, spinach and tomatoes.

Lunch: Mixed green salad topped with grilled chicken and veggies of choice (like bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers) with quinoa and olive oil vinegar-based dressing.

Snacks: Whole wheat naan with hummus.

Dinner: Lean turkey chilli with beans, veggies and a slice of whole-grain cornbread.

Dessert: Popcorn.

Wednesday

Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with Greek yoghurt and topped with bananas, berries and walnuts.

Lunch: Tuna salad made with avocado oil-based mayo or mashed avocado, chopped carrots and celery.

Snacks: Guacamole, baby bell peppers and low-sodium tortilla chips.

Dinner: Tacos filled with cabbage slaw and mixed salad on the side.

Dessert: Trail mix.

Thursday

Breakfast: Smoothie bowl made with a protein powder of choice or Greek yoghurt, baby spinach or kale, banana, strawberries, and topped with granola, dried fruit and nuts.

Lunch: Chicken tortilla soup topped with avocado and with mixed green salad on the side.

Snacks: Pears and cashews.

Dinner: Stir-fry with mixed veggies like snap peas, broccoli, tofu and brown rice.

Dessert: 2-ingredient cream made with frozen bananas and cocoa powder.

Friday

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach with whole wheat toast and low-fat cream cheese or avocado

Lunch: Snack plate consisting of veggies like bell peppers, carrots, Persian cucumbers, hummus or guacamole, almonds or pistachios, whole wheat pita bread, hard-boiled eggs and apple slices.

Snacks: Dates and walnuts.

Dinner: Grilled sirloin steak (or another protein of choice) with portobello mushrooms, zucchini and corn on the cob.

Dessert: Fruit popsicle with no added sugar.

Saturday

Breakfast: Whole wheat bagel with smoked salmon, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, capers and veggie low-fat cream cheese.

Lunch: Caesar kale salad with grilled chicken on top.

Snacks: Mixed fruit salad.

Dinner: Lentil soup with whole wheat dinner roll.

Dessert: Celery sticks dipped in peanut butter.

Sunday

Breakfast: Whole wheat pancakes or waffles topped with nut or sunflower butter and bananas.

Lunch: Grain bowl made with brown rice or quinoa, chicken or tofu, avocado and veggies of choice.

Snacks: Greek yoghurt topped with berries.

Dinner: Veggie soup (like minestrone) and grilled cheese made with whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese.

Dessert: Yoghurt topped with dark chocolate chips.

So, if you're someone who thrives on strict schedules and clear-cut commands, 75 Hard might just be the challenge that turns your world upside down or adds a dash of excitement to your daily grind.

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Veteran Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram feels the fervour for militant, extreme, right-wing Hinduism is working in favour of the BJP in the Hindi belt. Our Hinduism is more inclusive, he says in an interview with The Hindu on Friday. He speaks on a range of issues including the alleged misuse of Central agencies, Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and more.

How does the current Lok Sabha election differ from previous elections? The Opposition in the country seems to be gripped with a sense of urgency and anxiety over the outcome of the election.

I can speak authoritatively about the situation in Tamil Nadu. I can speak to some extent about the situation in Southern States. Therefore I should speak about only what I know. In Tamil Nadu, the situation is no different from 2019 or 2021. The DMK-led alliance, the INDIA Front, will score resoundingly as it did in 2019 and 2021. In the Southern States, the situation has turned in our favour. In Karnataka and Telangana we have governments today. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is on the verge of disintegration. In Karnataka, the Janata Dal (Secular) is practically wiped out by the BJP. Therefore, in Karnataka and Telangana we hope to do far better than 2019 when we got two and three seats respectively. In Kerala, of course, the 20 seats will be shared by the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front (UDF). I think that the UDF will have a slight edge and nothing will be left for the BJP.

Do you think if the BJP is re-elected that will change the course of Indian politics and democracy?

It depends, if the BJP is elected to power. I hope it will not. Then, of course a new government will come to power in Delhi led by the INDIA front and we will reverse the damage that has happened in the last 10 years. We have said so in our manifesto. There is much work to be done to clean up the mess - legal, political, administrative. If the BJP wins by a resounding majority, I have already cautioned that they will amend the Constitution. They will change the Westminster principles of Parliamentary democracy. They dont believe in that. They will introduce some kind of electoral autocracy. There will be a facade of the elections. All their other pronouncements lead to that conclusion: one nation, one election and one nation, one language. All that will convert India into an electoral autocracy. If the BJP wins by a small majority, it will hang on. It will become more repressive. It will try to crush the Opposition. Its goal is to get rid of the Congress, which is the only other national party and then deal with each regional party, State party on a case-by-case basis. I think there is much to expect; much to fear after the result of the election. So let us wait for the results.

What is the reason behind the substantial growth of the BJP?

What is working in favour of the BJP in the Hindi-speaking Northern States is the fervour for different kinds of Hinduism: militant, extreme, right-wing Hinduism. We are Hindus. But our Hinduism and practice of Hinduism is very different. We have great temples for Lord Siva, Lord Muruga and Lord Vishnu. But each one in Tamil Nadu has a family deity, what we call Siru Theivangal (Small Gods). Mariamman, Muthmariamman, Vekkaliamman, Vaiya Karuppan. Our practice of Hinduism is more inclusive. When you go to the temples of small deities, every community prays there whereas the BJP practices extreme, right-wing Hinduism and it is largely influenced by Varnashrama, the four caste divisions, which we reject. We rejected it in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh because of great social reformers like Jyotirao Phule, Narayana Guru, E.V.R. Periyar, Basvaiah and a whole lot of others. That social reform movement seems to have passed the Hindi-speaking Northern States.

The BJP has been accusing the Congress and other regional parties of promoting dynasty politics...

I have a long list of 110 leaders of the BJP who are dynastic, starting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs son, or Sushma Swarajs daughter. What about Karnataka? [B.S.] Yedyurappas son. In Andhra Pradesh, the BJPs ally N. Chandrababu Naidu is the son-in-law of N.T. Rama Rao. What about their ally in Karnataka? H.D. Kumarasamy, the son of H.D. Deve Gowda. What does the BJP mean by accusing us of dynastic politics? If you point one finger, three fingers are pointing to yourself. The BJP minus [Prime Minister] Narendra Modi is full of sons and daughters. Whether it is right or wrong is a different matter. You cannot accuse the Opposition of dynastic politics when you have so many so-called dynasts in your own party. It is a completely baseless allegation and proved on the ground.

To what do you attribute the rise of Hindutva? Many BJP supporters say the country is going through a Hindu awakening and Hindu assertion after years of humiliation meted out.

What humiliation?

Humiliation in the hands of colonial rulers and before them the Muslim conquest.

Colonial rule is a fact of history. Before that, Mughal rule is a fact of history. But before that, there were other dynasties and empires. You cannot alter history. It is a fact. You can only shape a new India according to the needs of times. What India needs today is not going back to old, premature, pristine Hinduism. What India needs today is a secular nation wedded to science and technology and taking 142 crore people forward. We are the largest population in the world. This large population can survive only if we have secularism, tolerance and brotherhood. The country cannot survive if we divide on the basis of religion or language.

Why then is there a North-South divide on the rise of Hindutva? Is radical Islam across the world complementing the Hindutva forces?

It has nothing to do with Islam. It has got to do with history and the pace of development of south India. Education, healthcare, social reform movement and the rise of regional parties have made south India a more progressive part of India, whereas the northern Hindi-speaking States are clearly among the most backward States. They are poorer, they have less education, less healthcare, less infrastructure and therefore a clear socio-economic factor difference from southern and north India. Therefore they are vulnerable and amenable to these extreme appeals to religion, culture and language whereas we are more inclined to accept science and technology, industry, and education alone would take us forward. Add to that the BJP is seen as a north Indian party led by Hindi-speaking leaders and there is a natural suspicion of the BJP. For example, Mr. Modi knows English, but he refuses to speak English when he visits south India, whereas Mr. Deve Gowda, when he was the Prime Minister made an attempt to speak in Hindi to a Hindi audience. [P.V.] Narasimha Rao was fluent in English and Hindi. Therefore, what we ask is, dont impose one language, one culture and one social structure on States of India. Respect every language, history, culture, tradition, every way of worship. But the BJP wants a uniform India and not a united India.

The Opposition including the Congress is against the CAA. But former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in an interview had made it clear that every refugee who had come to India should leave the country one day

I dont know if Indira Gandhi said that. But please understand there is a treaty of law of asylum and India is a signatory to the treaty. It is based on international consensus, human rights of refugees. Therefore we have to enact a law on asylum and abide by that law. Again migration is a fact of history. Many many thousand Indians migrate from India every year. Therefore those who have come here 20 years ago, 30 years ago, 50 years ago, how can you throw them out? Where will you throw them? Enact an Act on asylum in accordance with international convention and then enforce that law. Nobody is preventing the Government of India from doing that. But those who have already come to India by a particular cut-off date, you cannot discriminate against them on the grounds of religion. They have come here for various reasons, essentially persecution and discrimination. They have come to India, are living in India, working in India and their families are here. How do you distinguish between them and discriminate between them on the basis of religion?

Do you think that the National Population Register (NPR) and the Aadhaar have been powerful tools in the hands of the BJP to further its political agenda?

Aadhaar was introduced by the UPA government. Aadhaar is supposed to be an identity to receive socio-economic benefits. The Supreme Court has categorically pronounced that the law on Aadhaar requires Aadhaar only for socio-economic benefits. You cannot use it for any other purpose. But the BJP government is mischievously insisting it for every purpose and we are opposing, challenging and fighting it. Aadhaar, if confined to socio-economic benefit, is a good means of identity. But going beyond Aadhaar, they are using NPR to discriminate against people on the basis of religion. The exercise in Assam ended in complete fiasco and they did not expect that the bulk of excluded persons who were enumerated under NPR will turn out to be Hindus. That is bound to happen if you have the wrong purpose and it will end with surprising results. Therefore, for the Hindus to remain and the Muslims to be put in virtual prisons they introduced the CAA. It is the result of the NPR fiasco in Assam. People are not able to connect the dots because the NPR exercise was a complete fiasco. They have to introduce the CAA and together they are patently discriminatory. Discriminatory on the basis of religion.

Are the provisions of PMLA, enacted to comply with international obligations to prevent money laundering, being misused?

It is. The PMLA is there in every country. But who has weaponised it? There were two treaties and they are mainly concerned with drug trafficking. They are also concerned with human trafficking. Because vast amounts of money is used for human trafficking and drug trafficking, the countries in the world got together and wanted a money laundering Act. Money laundering is narrowly defined. Are money laundering Acts in other countries used to throw dozens and hundreds of Opposition leaders in jail? Show me, one country which has used the money laundering law to throw the entire Opposition in jail. This is happening only in India. The PMLA has been weaponised. It is no longer a law. It is a powerful weapon to browbeat the Opposition, prosecute them and imprison them. Eventually they will be acquitted. But the process is a punishment. The process of detention, bail, rejection, further appeal, rejection, is a punishment. Now, (Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal is in jail. Hemant Soren (former Jharkhand CM) is in jail. Manish Sisodia (Aam Aadmi Party leader) is in jail. By the time they get bail, the election is over and the purpose is served. We have made it clear in our manifesto that we will repeal the law and enact a new law consistent with international principle of money laundering.

Do you think the PMLA has included too many predicate offences? The ED seems to be overactive mainly because they seem to be able to enter the picture whenever any FIR is filed?

Predicate offence is the essence of the law. There must be an offence and that must be investigated by the State police or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). That offence must be proved. Mark my words: those offences may or may not generate a crime. Money laundering law in only concerned with the proceeds of crime. For example there can be murder - simple murder, murder with robbery or murder with burglary. The first crime is not a predicate offence under PMLA, because it is simply a murder. The second offence is a murder for gain. Whoever has the proceeds of crime is prosecuted under the PMLA. But the ED has reversed the matter. There are cases the CBI has not even filed the chargesheet for the predicate crime. It had not even completed its investigation. It has not come to a conclusion and charged the accused. The ED goes ahead and files a chargesheet or complaint for money laundering.

The Supreme Court Bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, last week said if there was no predicate offence, how can you have money laundering at all. Here the ED is doing the job the CBI is supposed to do. Suppose the CBI comes to a conclusion that there is no crime, what happens to the trial under PMLA? Please understand that the ED is being used to punish people even before the predicate offence is established. Unless there is a predicate crime and prima facie you must establish a predicate crime, the PMLA according to me cannot be used to register a case and it is only after the conviction and predicate crime you can start a trial in the PMLA case.

Do you believe the INDIA bloc would be able to defeat the BJP in the Hindi heartland and usher in a new regime?

I do not know. In the Hindi heartland the fight is being led by two parties in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. One is the Samajwadi Party and the other is the RJD. If they put up a strong fight, those States account for 120 seats. In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, the fight is led by the Congress party and I hope we will do very well in Haryana, and I dont have any information about Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In West Bengal, the fight is between the Trinamool Congress and the Congress and the CPI(M) and these are the States that have a large number of seats. Of course there is Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, the alliance of Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will do very well.

Do you think the BJP would redraw the boundaries of the Lok Sabha constituencies after the election?

One hundred per cent. They have already done it in Assam. They will use every law and every rule to re-engineer the electoral map of India. They broke down Jammu and Kashmir into three parts. Why do you think that they will not do it in Maharashtra or in Tamil Nadu? The BJPs goal is a single government at the Centre. All other units are like the old palayams (kingdoms). Reduce them to smaller sizes and keep them under their thumb. Actually keep them under their feet. It is the national Opposition they want to destroy and today the national Opposition led by the Congress and other regional parties realised the dangers. Hundred per cent, I believe the BJP will amend the Constitution and steer India to a unitary form of government, making the government less responsible to the Parliament. It will be a more Presidential system of government and the States will be reduced to municipalities.

Excerpt from:

BJPs Hinduism is influenced by Varnashrama, ours is more inclusive: P. Chidambaram - The Hindu

India has not yet recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan (Representational)

India on Friday described as "positive development" the move by the Taliban regime to restore private land rights to Afghan Hindus and Sikh minorities.

According to reports, the Taliban administration has taken steps to restore property rights of the Hindu and the Sikh communities.

"We have seen reports on this issue. If the Taliban administration has decided to restore property rights to their citizens belonging to the Afghan Hindu and Sikh community, we see this as a positive development," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

His remarks came in response to a question on the matter during his weekly media briefing.

The Taliban regime has reportedly set up a commission to ensure return to owners the rights of private land which were seized by warlords during the tenure of the previous dispensation in Kabul.

The latest move by the Taliban dispensation comes weeks after India's pointsperson on Afghanistan J P Singh met senior members of Afghan authorities in Kabul.

Singh, the joint secretary heading the division for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), held talks with Taliban's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi last month.

India has not yet recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.

India has been pitching for providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the country.

In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a "technical team" in its embassy in the Afghan capital.

India had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Taliban seized power in August 2021 following concerns over their security.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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India Welcomes Taliban's Move To Return Private Land To Hindus, Sikhs - NDTV

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Hindu American Foundations podcast All About Hinduism was presented with a 2024 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award of Excellence for Specialty Programming, Podcast Series on April 4, 2024, by the Religion Communicators Council.

All About Hinduism is a 13-part educational podcast series presenting the basic tenets of Hinduism and its history, as well as answering commonly asked questions about the worlds third-largest religion and addressing contentious contemporary issues that Hindus face.

All About Hinduism was produced, written, narrated, and edited by HAF Senior Director of Communications Mat McDermott. The shows academic advisor was HAFs then-Director of Education Dr Shereen Bhalla. HAF executive director Suhag Shukla provided script review. HAF Staff Writer Syama Allard was the shows associate producer.

A second series of All About Hinduism is expected to begin production in the second half of 2024.

Commenting on the award, McDermott stated, Im thrilled that my colleagues at the Religion Communicators Council have honored All About Hinduism with a 2024 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award. Religious literacy in the United States is low, particularly when it comes to Hinduism. Public perceptions about the beliefs and practices of Hindus too often remain dominated by stereotypes and misconceptions. What All About Hinduism set out to do, and I believe achieved, was create a concise and accurate portrait of Hinduism. In the second series we hope to go deeper, furthering our listeners knowledge of this vital, modern, and complex spiritual tradition.

The DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards are given annually to active members of the Religion Communicators Council who demonstrate excellence in religious communications and public relations.

Also Read:Hindu American Foundation raises funds for Hindus denied aid in Pakistan

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HAF podcast All About Hinduism wins 2024 Award of Excellence - IndiaPost NewsPaper - IndiaPost.com