PRAYER: Food For The Soul

“If we provide food for the body which is perishable, than surely, it is our primary duty to provide food for the soul which is imperishable and such sustenance is found in Prayer.” — M.K.Gandhi

Prayer is the very soul and essence of the religion, and, therefore, prayer must be the very core of the life of man, for no man can live without religion. There are some people in the world who, in the egotism of their reason, declare that they have nothing to do with religion. But it is like a man saying that he breaths, but that he has no nose.

Whether by reason, or by instinct, or by superstition, man acknowledges some sort of relationship with the Divine. Prayer is the very core of man’s life, as it is the most vital part of religion. But prayer is no mere exercise of words or of the ears, it is no mere repetition of empty formula. Any amount of repetition of Rama name is futile if it fails to stir the soul. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. It must be in clear response to the spirit which hungers for it. And even as a hungry man relishes a hearty meal, a hungry soul will relish a heartfelt prayer. Continue reading “PRAYER: Food For The Soul”

Red Velvet Cake

This delicious cake is a Southern specialty and has been in my family for many generations. In the early days, red velvet cake was the signature dessert in upscale restaurants and hotels. But today this rich and sweet dessert topped with cream cheese frosting is enjoyed at many celebrations. This moist cake is a good choice to serve for special occasions, and is perfectly suited for your Easter feast.

A few years ago, my sister Debra and I were celebrating her wedding anniversary and my birthday. I doubled the recipe for this cake and baked it in a half-sheet cake pan. Our guests just love it. It was a nice change from the traditional decorated birthday cake. Try it for your next celebration. You’re be glad you did!

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil Continue reading “Red Velvet Cake”

The Wonders of Ginger

The rhizome Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in Asia for centuries as a culinary spice and as a medicinal for the treatment of various ailments. The milder young ginger root as well as the more pungent mature root is used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine to flavor dishes. In the Qing Dynasty it was even used to make a ginger-flavored liqueur called Canton. In Great Britain ginger is used in the production of a spirited beverage called Crabbie’s Green Ginger Wine. Both the Orientals and Arabs use ginger infusions to flavor their coffee and tea, while in the West the traditional use is to flavor cookies and candies, and in the beverage ginger ale.

A most unusual use of ginger was amongst pre-WWI British mounted regiments when during public ceremonies a peeled ginger root suppository was placed in the horse’s rectum. The practice known as figging (or feauging), resulted in a burning sensation, while leaving no permanent damage; it made the horses hold their heads and tails high. As you can well imagine this practice in humans is observed within the S&M community. Continue reading “The Wonders of Ginger”

Amazing Facts About Matcha Powder You Need To Know

Uniquely produced in Japan, Matcha powder has been drunk as tea or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes, for along time now.

Production of the Japanese Matcha tea

The local farmers in Japan cultivate the tea using traditional methods starting with the growing to the grinding. It is known to be cultivated on the banks of Yahagi River, with a misty fog and a micro-climate conducive for it to grow. A few weeks before the harvest during the spring season, the tree plants are covered by use of bamboo mats. This reduces the sunlight that gets to the plants and at the same time increases the content of chlorophyll in the leaves thus offering the matcha green tea its distinctive green color.

Once it has been harvested, the tea is steamed before being air dried. The next step involves the sorting for grade before they are stems and veins are removed. In this stage, the leaves are known as tencha, and once it is ground, it is called matcha.

The stone mill grinds the tea grade version and this is finer as compared to the industrial version. Continue reading “Amazing Facts About Matcha Powder You Need To Know”

How to Reduce Fibrin in the Blood

Fibrin accumulation in the blood vessels may be a common disease among middle aged people but is nevertheless fatal causing heart attacks, arterial blockages, blood clot formation inside blood vessels and thickening of arterial walls thus causing high blood pressure.

The conditions like fibromyalgia, joint pain, inflammation etc brought about by the presence of excess fibrin should not be treated with pain killers. Pain killers will only help reduce the pain but do not assist in the healing process. Contrastingly, proteolytic enzymes act as the primary defense for bodies facing a chronic disease condition. It heals the body by acting upon the fibrin and thus reduces the symptoms like soreness and inflammation related to the presence of excess fibrin or thickening of the walls of the blood vessels. Also, it helps eliminate any trace of a chronic condition like joint pain or inflammation. Continue reading “How to Reduce Fibrin in the Blood”

A Memory of Kyoto

It’s often that chance encounters, the unplanned events, linger, long after the excursions and the sights of a particular trip have faded. It was in 1998 when my wife and I visited central Japan, basing ourselves in Kyoto, having availed ourselves of cheap flights from Bandar Seri Begawan, courtesy of Royal Brunei. I can place the date exactly, because it was during the early group stages of the 1998 World Cup in France. I can remember vividly watching television in a bar and seeing David Beckham being sent off in the game against Argentina. And on the evening that the Japanese team was eliminated, beaten by Croatia, it seemed that the whole nation cried. And then they all got up for work the next day as if nothing had happened, all hubris presumably having been publicly and duly dispatched.

But of course it’s the differences that the ephemeral traveller notices. We had done our research and were resolved to experience something quintessentially Japanese. An essential part of this was to stay in a traditional small hotel called a ryokan. We couldn’t manage to arrange it right away, but did manage more than a week in the place we had earmarked, which was Ryokan Yuhara, right on the canal banks at the southern end of the Philosophers’ Walk. We even managed a room at the front with a balcony, overlooking the water.

Continue reading “A Memory of Kyoto”

How to Tell Different Sushi Apart

There are several different kinds of food that fall under the all-encompassing category of what we as Americans refer to as ‘sushi’. The most commonly known variety, that of makizushi is a long roll consisting of rice, nori and fillings that has been cut into 6-8 pieces. Nigiri usually consists of just a piece of raw fish over a chunk of rice. Sashimi is just a piece of raw fish.

Makizushi is normally divided in two varieties. Futomaki, or ‘fat sushi’ consists of a layer of nori on the outside, then sticky rice, then at least two different fillings in the middle. Hosomaki, or ‘thin maki’ usually is consisted of just one ingredient in the middle, usually a piece of raw fish, although vegetables and fruits may be used. If the nori is rolled up inside the roll instead of showing on the outside, it is called uramaki, or inside-out maki. This was first done because Americans did not like seeing the green nori on the outside of the roll.

Some of the most common varieties of maki rolls have sprung up especially to appeal and satisfy Western palates and cuisine. These are not technically considered to be authentic Japanese sushi, but they are very popular and can be very tasty. Continue reading “How to Tell Different Sushi Apart”

Tea Facts – Why the Shape of the Japanese Tea Bowl Is So Important

Japanese tea sets are considered today as a status symbol in Japanese and Asian homes, and they come in certain shapes and a great variety of colors, sizes, and styles, both to give every tea enthusiast a fine tea-drinking experience and the chance to enjoy the creativity and ingenuity of the Japanese potters and artists in creating superior quality tea pots, tea bowls, and tea cups, which transcend both time and culture.

A Basic Guide to the Shapes of Japanese Tea Bowls

The relationship between Japanese tea bowls, also known as Chawan, and Japanese teas can be slightly compared to that of wines and wine glasses, or of beer and beer steins, in that their shapes, basically answer the preparation, serving requirement, and serving temperature needs of specific or certain varieties of Japanese tea, which, in effect, brings out the best flavor and aroma of the latter, as well as answer the needs of their user. Continue reading “Tea Facts – Why the Shape of the Japanese Tea Bowl Is So Important”

Facts About Koi Fish That You Need To Know

Hello koi fish fanatics, enthusiasts, and keepers! Whether you’re an old pro breeder or just neophyte, there will be always something new to know about this wonderful fish. Here are some amazing koi facts. Have fun folks!

The cultivated and domesticated genre of ordinary carp is Koi fish. This fish is most popular by its lovely colors that have been made through discerning breeding. This fish becomes the chosen pet for some pet lovers. There are more than 20 varieties of this fish that vary in color, patterns and kind of scales. Koi fish is originally from Eastern Asia. It dwells in fresh waters. Its beauty and increased popularity in the past century became the reason why koi can be situated in the ponds all over the world. Since koi is abundant and kept in private and personal aquacultures, it is not considered endangered species.

Koi for pet lovers

This fish can be as large as 3 feet in length, though the size of this kind varies on the living situations. Enough amount of food and oxygen and suitable temperature are essential for the proper growth of fish. Its color comes on varieties such as white, black, red, blue, cream and yellow. They are beautified with different spots. They can also be non-metallic or metallic. Continue reading “Facts About Koi Fish That You Need To Know”

How To Properly Clean Japanese Teapots

A properly-brewed cup of tea can practically give anyone joy and comfort, especially when you’re sick or during the cold season. And a beautiful and elegant teapot can definitely make teatime a more enjoyable experience.

However, teapots tend to become stained over time, either by the tea or by other mineral deposits from the water. These stains are not only unsightly, but can affect the overall taste of your tea. And because tea sets can be highly sensitive, you must know how to clean properly.

First to bear in mind is that you must never clean it using a dishwasher or with any harsh chemicals. Here are some household teapot cleaning tips:

Using A Soak Continue reading “How To Properly Clean Japanese Teapots”