The Gita on Devotion

Neither by study of the scriptures nor excessive austeries and sacrifices is it possible to see me as I am; only by tireless devotion may I be seen and known, and may one become united with me.

Bhagavad Gita 11:53-54

Brain Fitness Program for MacIntosh

The "Brain Fitness Program Classic" is a software package for personal computers developed in consultation with neuroscientists. It uses techniques designed to improve the user's cognitive functions in areas such as retention and the production of beneficial neurochemicals. The software package includes various exercises adapted to different cognitive functions and user skill levels. Its creators claim that results have been clinically tested.

Such "brain fitness" style software has become increasingly popular in recent years as popular awareness of neuroscience and the possibility of increasing one's own brain function (neuroplasticity) has increased. As a result, similar software has been developed for other user platforms, including video game systems.

http://www.macworld.com/article/134485/2008/07/brainfitness.html

(Photo: the original MacIntosh design team)

The Gita on Equilibrium

That hero, whose deepest essence stands unperturbed by transient circumstances -- accepting both suffering and pleasure with mental equilibrium -- alone is qualified for the immortality of real illumination.

Bhagavad Gita 2:15

Wii Yoga: Video Game & Yoga

An independent video game creator is developing a yoga program / video game that makes use of Nintendo's popular new "Wii Balance Board" (see photo), an accessory that attaches to its Wii game console and inputs the users weight and position into compatible games.  The publisher of the upcoming yoga game indicates that the concept will introduce young people to the techniques and philosophy of yoga in a fun, dynamic video environment.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=192290

Meditation and yoga may deactivate stress genes

Researchers say they've taken a significant advance in the understanding of how relaxation techniques such as meditation, prayer and yoga improve health: by changing patterns of gene activity that affect how the body responds to stress.  They found that when the relaxation response is activated (by means of meditation), stress genes can at least temporarily reduce their activity.  The recent study is the first comprehensive investigation into the effect of mental states upon gene function.

Original article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/02/AR2008070200973.html

The One Alone

You cannot know God by making yourself nothing.
Many a wise man claims that in order to know God one
must denude oneself of the signs of one's existence, efface
one's identity, finally rid oneself of one's self. This is error.
How could a thing that does not exist get rid of its
existence?

If you think that to know God depends on you ridding
yourself of yourself, then you are guilty of attributing partners
to God, the greatest error; because you are claiming
that there is another existence besides That, the all-existent;
that there is a you and a That.

Therefore, do not think anymore that you need to become
nothing, that you need to annihilate yourself in God. If you
thought so, then you would be God's veil, while a veil over God
is other than God. How could you be a veil that hides God?
What hides God is God's being the One Alone.

-- Ibn Arabi (13th cent. Sufi Master)