Posts classified under: From Founder

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

I have never met grandma. As a child, when I sang children’s songs and came to the part that ran as follows “Rock, rock, rock, rock to grandma’s bridge”, I used to feel envious of other children who had grandmothers! War and politics separated my grandma from me. Thirty years later, when I first returned to my hometown, she had already left this world.

I met my cousin for the first time last year. Although we led different lives for about half a century, our family bonds made us feel close to each other the moment we met. I asked my cousin for details about our grandma, since she had stayed with grandma for some time. During our conversation, I realized that my cousin’s voice was gentle and soft. Friends commented that her intonation was like those from the Jiangsu  province. Although our mothers were raised in Hunan province, they had grandma’s Jiangsu intonation. Like our grandma, we also had a Jiangsu intonation even though we are from the third generation. In actual fact, not only than our intonation, our bodies and minds are also influenced by grandma because we came from grandma’s womb!

When our mothers were five-month fetus in our grandmother’s womb, we were already eggs in the fetus. Many medical experts have observed that the womb is the source of health and illnesses. The health of our grandmother can influence the health of third-generation offspring. Dr Peter Nathanielsz holds three degrees (medical degree, doctorate, and science degree) from Cambridge University in the U.K., and is currently a professor at Cornell University. In his book “Life in the womb: The origin of health and disease”, he introduced the accidental discovery made by Dr David Barker. In 1984, Dr Barker was compiling England’s national health distribution. He noticed that between 1968-1978, the districts with the highest incidence of heart problems suffered by males between the age of 35-78 was the same as the districts with the highest infant mortality rate at the beginning of the twentieth century. These districts were the industrial and poor areas in England and Wales.

At the time when Dr Barker made this observation, the popular belief was that heart problems were products of affluent lifestyles. Why, then, did Dr Barker find that heart attacks occurred most frequently in poor districts? Could it be that there is a close relationship between the health of the fetus and the health of the grown-up? This was indeed what he found. He retrieved the birth records of infants born a century ago, and found that the size of the placenta, the width of the infants’ waist, and their body weights were related to their health after they reached middle age. When the womb lacked nutrition in the first three months, this would lead the placenta to enlarge in order to transport enough blood and oxygen to the fetus. The lack of nutrition caused the infant’s waist to be small. Because the development of the brain took priority, this caused the liver, intestines, spleen, and pancreas to be small, and the infant’s weight to be lighter. Infants who had inadequate nutrition in the womb tend to develop heart attacks, obesity, and diabetes in later life. Dr Barker’s research was extended to, and his findings corroborated, in Europe, India, and China.

Another research study in the U.S. found that in a sample of 700,000 nurses, those who weighed less than five pounds at birth were twice as likely to develop heart problems when they grew up. Towards the end of  World War II (September 1944 to May 1945), the Dutch people in Holland went through a hungry winter. The German army had cut the food supply on the eastern part of Holland to punish them for helping the united army successfully seize a bridge. That was a particularly cold winter, but the citizen’s food supply was cut from 1500 calories to 750 calories (and even down to 450 calories) per day. The ideal calorie intake of pregnant women should be about 2500. Women who became pregnant during that period gave birth to babies who were harmed by the famine, and this extended to the third generation offspring.

Fetus that endured famine during the entire nine months in the womb are worst affected, and had body weight, height, and brains that were smallest. Those that endured famine in the three months before delivery suffered the next greatest level of harm. Those that endured famine in the first three months of pregnancy suffered the least harm. In fact, these infants turned out to be especially large because their placentas were larger, and the pregnant women were able to resume their normal calorie intake after the united army saved Holland and began to ship large quantities of food to the nation. People who suffered from malnutrition while in their mothers’ wombs grew up with a higher incidence of diabetes, heart problems, obesity, and schizophrenia. In turn, when the females (who had malnutrition as fetus) became mothers, their offspring also had a higher incidence of these ailments. This multi-generation influence was not due to genetic reasons, but arose from the conditions at the fetal stage.

This discovery explained the puzzle behind the abnormally low incidence of heart problems among the French. One hundred years ago, the French led the world in terms of health maintenance benefits for pregnant women. French doctors had discovered that washing women who worked till delivery date were more likely to have premature deliveries. To protect the next generation, the French government provided many privileges to pregnant women. This far-sighted move benefited the future generations of French citizens, and testified to the truth of the saying “the merits cultivated by ancestors will benefit their next generations”. Every pregnant woman can be the grandmother of the next generation. Protecting the bodies and minds of these pregnant women from harm can work only with the involvement of the entire society.

The founder of anthroposophy, Dr Rudolph Steiner, warned of the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers on the health of future generations. He said that the first generation to consume food grown from chemical fertilizers may not feel the effects, but second and third generations will progressively suffer from weakened nervous systems and weakened ability to tolerate stress. The use of chemical fertilizer now has over 50 years of history. Currently, natural organic products occupy less than 0.5% of the market.

Suicide is now the third most popular cause of death among children between eight and fourteen. This statistic was unheard of fifty years ago. The incidence of mental illness has also gone up dramatically. Is this the price that we pay for our ancestors’ eating food grown from chemical fertilizers? Contamination from chemicals, nuclear waste, electromagnetic radiation, and microwave radiation causes severe harm to the fetus and all future grandmothers. To welcome healthy children and grandchildren, we have to re-adjust our lifestyle, and do our best to clean up our earth home. Grandma, if you come back to this earth again, I pray that you will have a healthy, happy, and blissful life. In the nine months that you spend in the womb and in the time thereafter, I pray that you enjoy the following conditions:

1. Have adequate food and clothing, and live in a peaceful time without war.
2. Your parents have a warm and loving relationship, and they are mentally and physically well prepared for your arrival.
3. Your parents have long adopted an organic vegetarian diet, and have avoided all forms of contaminants.
4. During her pregnancy, your mother will engage in appropriate exercise and rest. She will embrace nature, be happy, and have full confidence and control over her body and mind.
5. You will be naturally delivered in a peaceful and warm environment. During her delivery, your mother will have someone to give her mental and physical support, and your father will be beside her. You will be placed on your mother’s abdomen before your umbilical cord is cut, and after appropriate rest, you will naturally crawl to your mother’s breast to suckle. You will then gaze at your mother’s loving face, get to know each other, and establish a loving mother-child relationship.
6. Your father will be beside you to welcome you.
7. Because you are conceived and nurtured in a peaceful, loving environment, you will have well-developed forebrain and cerebrum, as a result have an intelligent and wise mind, loving heart, and healthy body. You will have the conditions to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

May every future child and grandchild have such a beautiful start to life.

Extracted from Lapis Lazuli Light Magazine 2002 Aug Issue
Translated by Lapis Lazuli Light Singapore

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

Observing the traditional confinement period for new mothers is becoming almost extinction, sharing the same fate as 95% of extincted agricultural crops and hundreds of millions of extincted animal and plant species.  American women usually take their newborns along for shopping trips just days after delivery.  During the 14th century in Europe, experienced midwives and herbalists were accused of practicing witchcraft and were killed.  Having a baby became an “illness” and came under the administration of medical doctors; women thus lost their independence and dignity.  Currently, 97% of American women do not breast feed their babies and 50% have their wombs removed after menopause.  What actually is the function of observing the confinement period?

Confinement is important to both mother and baby.  The new mother has to be well rested. Stagnet blood have to be discharged quickly so as to avoid toxemia and to ensure a speedy recovery of the womb.  Special attention has to be paid to the mother’s diet to ensure good overall health and good milk flow as milk is transformed from the mother’s blood.  The new baby also needs a peaceful and conducive environment to adjust to the new surroundings, as well as some privacy and space to build up a close bond with his/her parents.

Normally it takes one month for a person to heal the “Chi” body.  This applies to the new mother who needs to rest and recuperate her “chi”; thus the confinement “month”.  If relatives can help to provide the month of rest period for the new mother, it would be the most cherished of gifts.  For a small family who has no relatives to help out, it is advisable to hire a domestic helper during this period as the cost is not high.

Before pregnancy, steps should be taken to detoxify the body and mind.  During pregnancy, food taken must be clean and natural, and the mother feeling good.  These will pave the way for a smooth and easy delivery as well as recovery.  Taking tea made from raspberry leaves will ensure a painless and easy delivery, especially if drank during the later part of pregnancy.  Dr. John Christopher has an herbal Prenatal tea formula for use starting six weeks before due date (1-800-453-1406 or The Herb Shops P.O. Box 777, Springville, UT84663).

Practice abdominal or even deeper pelvic breathing regularly.  The breathing should be slow and deep, allowing the brain waves to enter the Alpha state (8 to 13 times per second).  Alpha brain waves have the function of healing and relieving pain.  The tempo is to count 8 during inhale, hold for a count of 8, then exhale counting to 8,  and stop for a count of 4.   Repeat this for more than 3 times.  To have an unobstructed flow of vital energy passing through all the charkas in the body, especially the root chakra. Chakra breathing exercises are to be a daily regime (please refer to Dr. Lai’s Health Tips) as well as cleansing anesthesia residues (after surgery), and the trauma one suffered at birth.  The cleansing process can start with gentle tapping and rolling of eyeballs.  Birth trauma if not cleared, may surface during delivery.  An effective way to deal with this is to first allow the brain waves to enter the Alpha state, and then look into the distance with both eyes closed. Imagine a clock face and look at 11 o’clock.  Move clockwise 3 times (11 o’clock…1 o’clock… 3 o’clock….).  Followed by the counter clockwise motion many times (from 1 o’clock… 11 o’clock… 9 o’clock…).  Do this exercise for 10 to 15 minutes. When feeling tired, repeat the above procedures from clockwise direction.

One may also in a relaxed state ‘rehearse’ a relaxed delivery process, so as to be better prepared both mentally and physically.  During pregnancy, a weekly oil bath will help blood circulation, relaxation and warming the body (please refer to  回归身的喜悦). Preparation for delivery should commence 6 weeks before the due date.  Besides clean and soft organic cotton bed sheets, nappies, scissors, etc., a small bottle of cold pressed olive oil is handy during delivery for massaging the perineum area to relax uterine cervix when the baby’s head emerges.  Further, prepare some golden seal root powder to dust over the cut umbilical cord.  Mix some apple cider, honey and cayenne pepper into a drink that can prevent shock (2 tablespoons apple cider + 2 tablespoons honey + 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper in 1 cup of warm water).  Also, Bach Flower Rescue Remedy helps calm the mind, ArnicaD6 (6X) helps prevent excessive blood loss.  After delivery, take 5 drops of Arnica in some water at 3-hourly intervals for 24 hours, this would reduce postnatal blood loss.  Should the hands and feet become cold during delivery, sip the shock prevention drink to warm them up again.

The foetus would transmit indications to the mother a few days before birth.  Each day at dusk, the womb would experience strong contraction as if going into labour.  At the due time, contractions would be stronger.  The husband and midwife can massage the mother’s palms and heels, especially behind the right heel and bottom of the heel to relieve pain, and the left heel to help discharge the placenta.  Should there be an urge to cry out, make a low pitch ‘AH’ loudly. Many Buddhists find it effective to chant Amitabha along with rhythmic breathing.  As the throat and root chakras are connected, making a sound at the moment of birth has the effect of dilating the uterine cervix.  Once the baby is born, immediately place him/her on the mother’s abdomen and cover with a thin cotton towel, allowing him/her to rest.  Generally, within 30 to 45 minutes, the baby would crawl up by him/herself to suckle.  Individuals born in this manner will grow up to be self directed, self-determined and physically healthier because his/her natural rhythm was not interrupted.

The umbilical cord is cut only when pulsing has completely stopped.  According to the natural delivery process in Russian, this is about 24 hours, allowing the baby to maintain his/her spiritual connection.  It is called the “lotus-born”.  As to how much of the umbilical cord to keep, Chinese physicians do not encourage cutting it too short as it would be harmful for the baby’s “chi”. Ideally, it should be 9cm, and sprinkle the wound with golden seal root powder.  Traditionally, moxa is also burnt over the belly button area to prevent harmful “chi” and moisture from seeping in.  There is no need to bathe the new baby immediately; wiping or a warm shower will do.  Do not remove the protective layer of oil on the skin, which contains rich nutrients and can also keep the baby warm.  The oil would be absorbed into the baby’s skin in a day or two.  There is no need to separate the baby from his/her mother so that the baby could bond with the mother. This will help in breast feeding and calming the baby’s heartbeat.

If the foetus is still quiet when date is due, the mother should only take liquid food such as vegetable soup or fruit juice, be completely relaxed, set her sight only on beautiful views, have positive thoughts, and communicate a welcome message to the baby.  Normally, the baby would arrive in 2 days.  Most people, who remember their birth under hypnosis, recall that they were reluctant to be reborn.

In the Chinese tradition, the new mother drinks a herbal soup (生化汤 ) after giving birth to help discharge lochia from the body.  To recover her energy, she may also drink warm organic grape juice (best to take juice of either the red or black grapes), or prune juice.  In Southern China, shredded dried citrus fruit (金桔饼) fried with ginger and sesame oil is served immediately after delivery to assist the flow of chi. In the West, caraway and anise seeds are used.  Indians consume a teaspoon of fried fennel and cumin after meals.  To heal the womb after delivery, drink boiled comfrey root or leaves is helpful.

In considering the functions of a postnatal diet, rejuvenating the chi and blood flow are of paramount importance to keep the body warm and to promote contraction of the womb.  In general, drinking ice water and using tap water are taboos.   Should the mother need to wash, use boiled water.  Drinking soup is recommended; washing of hair is not advisable to avoid catching a cold.  Diets for the confinement period are different in northern and southern China.  In northern China, millet porridge, noodles, eggs and red dates are eaten.  In the south, boiled food is the norm, especially chicken and sesame chicken.  In Jiangnan, sweet wine eggs are also eaten.  In Guangdong and Guangxi, trotters cooked with green papaya or soybean are served.  Both northern and southern Chinese do not take fried food, raw and cold food.  They also drink honey water and use brown sugar.  Since the new birth is welcomed as a celebration of lives, killing of animals should be discouraged.  Northern Chinese are physically better built.  During confinement, the mother’s staple is millet porridge cooked with red dates.  This will promote sufficient milk flow.  In Indian medicine, the physical condition of the mother is first assessed, and then only a suitable combination of appropriate spices and herbs is recommended to balance the diet.  A balanced condition of the body is to be established before conception as well as after delivery.  The human body type is formed by the imbalanced interactions of elements such as ‘wind’, ‘fire’ and ‘water’.  Body type here refers to having more characteristics of certain element.  The ‘wind’ element (vata) is embodied in motion, fast, light, chill, coarse, dry as in cold dry wind, coarse food such as popcorns.  The ‘fire’ element (pitta) is hot, sharp, sour, oily; for example, chilli sauce, summer noon sun, and high pitch noise.  The ‘water’ element (kapha) is heavy, oily, sluggishness, cold, stable, wide, slow like the elephant’s body, drowsy as in after an afternoon nap.

A person of Vata constitution has a pulse rate (for women) of 80 to 100 per minute, she is small built, quick in action, and has irregular meal times. The Pitta constitution has a pulse rate of 70 to 80 per minute. She is medium built and gets angry easily. The Kapha constitution has a pulse rate of 60 to 70 per minute, larger built, calm temperament and patient.  The following are suitable food recommended for the different kinds of constitutions.

Vata constitution :
All kinds of oil, especially sesame oil (from black sesame) can be consumed after delivery.  Others include rice, wheat, cereal, glutinous rice, sweet fruits e.g. grapes, avocados, peaches, prunes (avoid acidic fruits for the time being), asparagus, roots and leaves of beet root, sweet potato leaves, carrots, French beans, and sweet potatoes.  Choose sweet and warm-natured sweet spices, avoid bitter spices like fenugreek and turmeric.  All kinds of nuts such as walnuts, pine nuts, cashew nuts, sesame, etc. Beans such as garbanzos, red lentils and green beans.

Pitta constitution:
Coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil,  苦茶 oil, barley, oat , wheat. Sweet fruits such as apples, avocados, figs, dried prunes, raisins (avoid acidic fruits). Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, French beans, green leafy vegetables (except spinach), sweet potatoes, squashes.  Spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, small amount of fennel and avoid chilli. Nuts include coconut, pumpkins, sunflower seeds. Eat less beans such as garbanzos, green beans and soybean.

Kapha constitution:
Use oil sparingly; can take a bit of sunflower oil, 苦茶 oil, almond oil, organic butter.  Grains include barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, rye, etc., but avoid oat flakes, rice and wheat.  For fruits, choose apples, apricots, dried fruits, pears, and guavas; avoid sweet juicy fruits.  All kinds of vegetables, but avoid cucumbers, sweet potatoes, summer squashes, tomatoes. All kinds of spices, except salt.  Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are allowed and all kinds of beans except tofu.

In the north, the weather is cold and the constitution tends to be of Kapha type.  Southerners tend to be Vitta or Pitta types.  No wonder the confinement diets are different.  Nursing mothers must have enough fluid intake, 1000cc more than the normal consumption is recommended.  In Europe, 50 gm (4 tablespoons) of barley or oat is boiled in 8 cups of water for 1½ hrs with lemon rind or 1 lemon.  To encourage milk flow, cook 4 parts of red beans with 1 part of polished round-grained non-glutinous rice into porridge, or 30g pan-fried sesame seeds, or peanuts in sweet almond/sesame milk, or walnut puree, sesame puree, almond puree, pine seed puree.  Above-mentioned puree is prepared together with pan-fried glutinous rice.

Cooking methods recommended are steaming, boiling and dry-double boiling.  The latter means to double boil over low heat without addition of water to the food, that is to say, the food is to be cooked in its own juices.  This method of cooking is most ‘warming’.  Choose an iron pot or corning ware, coated with a thin film of oil, put sliced roots at the bottom of the pot, next layer stems , and top layer leaves or squash; sprinkle a little ginger or other spices, cover tightly and cook over low heat. If necessary, sprinkle with sesame oil before serving.  If appetite is poor, cook slippery elm in water (1 teaspoon to 1 cup water) to drink.  Avoid eating leftovers or food that gives a bloated feeling in the tummy such as cabbage and bean sprout.  The following are some recommended Chinese recipes.

To nourish the blood:
2 parts wild yam ( 山 药)
1 part red dates
rice (long grain)
cook into a  porridge

To nourish the heart (spirit):
1 part wheat
1 part uncooked licorice root
3 parts large dates
add water to make a brew

To enhance chi:
9 gm  Codonopsis root (党 参)
18 gm  white Atractylodes (白 术)
15 gm  Astragalus (黄 耆)
60 gm long grain rice
Brew the first 3 ingredients, sieve, add the liquid to rice, and cook to make porridge.

To improve kidney functions:
Peanuts
black beans (pan roasted)
black dates
black sugar
winter melon skin
Make a brew with 1 part of each of the above in water

To improve functions of the spleen, stomach and kidneys:
30 gm chestnut
30 gm large dates
60 gm wild yam
6 gm fresh ginger
100 gm long grain rice
Boil into a watery porridge

To relieve blood stagnation, pain and injury:
option 1:
60 mg hawthorn cook in water, add brown sugar

option 2:
6 g cinnamon
15 g  Salvia root (丹参)
a little licorice root and ginger boil in water, and to be taken once a day.

Mastadenitis:
30 g  dandelion roots
30 g   忍冬藤
add water and wine in appropriate quantity
Boil into a thick brew, to be taken twice a day.
(Note:  Wash hands clean before breast feeding; allow baby to suckle and empty from one breast, then the other; any excess milk is to be expressed with a breast pump.)

To discharge lochia:
生化 soup  (to be consumed 10 days after delivery)

For overall nourishment:
Four Things Combination (四 物 汤)
Rehmannia Eight Combination (八珍汤)
Ten Complete Supertonic Combination (十全大补汤)
To consume 10 days after delivery

When it’s time to wean the baby, boil wheat sprout in water to make a drink.  Take for 3 days and the milk flow would stop. Similarly, pearl barley, Chinese chives, star anise boiled in water serves the same purpose.

As far as diet is concerned, do take into consideration one’s own environment, own constitution as well as the season of the confinement.  It is best to master the technique of measuring energy level in order to judge what the body needs.  There is a need to avoid contaminants in all kinds of processed food, food with high sugar content, coffee, alcohol and cold food.  Whatever the mother eats, the baby will also take in through the milk, including residues of pesticides.  Should the mother be depressed after giving birth, her tail bone needs to be adjusted.  Please refer to Hanna Kroeger’s book New Dimension In HealingYourself.  Information is also available from various Lapis Lazuli Light centers.  The mother should sleep and rest more during the confinement period; oil massage the whole body daily.  Allow people around to help out with the household chores and take care of baby and mother.  This article is only for reference; for further information consult elders as well as experienced persons.

References

1. Christopher, John R., (Every Woman’s Herbal), Christopher Publications, Springville, Utah, 1987.
2. Kroeger, Hanna,  (New Dimensions in Healing Yourself), Hanna Kroeger Publications, Boulder, Colorado, 1991.

Extracted from Lapis Lazuli Light Magazine 2002 Aug Issue
Translated by Lapis Lazuli Light Singapore

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

Thirty years ago, Dr. Mtichell May escaped death in a traffic accident. He became a medical miracle when he recovered from an injury that broke his legs in 40 places. Now, he is able to walk at ease. In 1992, Dr. May established The Synergy Company in order to supply his personally-formulated super-nutritious blend of food and herbs to patients and doctors. Outwardly, it appears that he has left his healing but in actual fact, he has expanded the scope of his healing work to include business world and the entire planet.

Dr. May resisted entering the business world at first, because he observed that it had very little goodwill. To achieve personal gains, businessmen have no qualms about destroying the environment, harming people’s health, and exploiting employees. Neither do they care that their actions can lead to significant suffering and social unrest. Dr. May did not want to be part of this, as did many others who disdained from entering the business world. Yet, the business world especially needed people who respected life in order for it to change for the better. Businesses should contribute to life, not harm it. Everyday, Dr. May could see people’s greed and deception in the business world, just as he could see people’s suffering when he was going in and out of the hospitals. He could not be indifferent to this, but respond with compassion. He had learned healing skills from his teacher, Jack Gray; how could he exclude the business world from healing? Whether the business world creates benefits or harm has tremendous impact on the world. Hence, he finally decided to jump into the fire pit of business. Little did he know that it would be so hot!

After operating for ten years, The Synergy Company’s contribution to environmental protection was recognized by the state of Utah. In 2003, the company was awarded Excellence in Manufacturing for Environmental Consciousness. Even the town of Moab where Synergy operates has also turned “green”, the town government, and many of Synergy’s employees have switched to Blue Sky wind energy for electricity.

Right from the beginning, in designing the production plant, Synergy company considered the environment and sustainability. It arranged for the National Parks department to transplant wild trees from the site for park restoration projects. Its production plant uses environmental-friendly facilities, and drought-resistant plants and trees for the grounds. It uses water-efficient toilets, and energy-efficient machinery. Even the lightings use motion-sensitive lights. In addition, only 100% environmental-friendly cleaning agents are used to protect the water supply. Recycled paper and boxes are used, and printing use water-soluble colours derived from soya beans. Organic cotton wool is used to pack Synergy’s products. Even the fillers used for boxes are made from bio-degradable corn. Still, the production process inevitably damages the environment, and the company tries to minimize this damage. Hence, 100% of the electricity supply comes from wind power, and this avoids generating 140 tons of carbon dioxide every year. Although wind-generated electricity costs 50% more than normal, this is an investment for the next generation. To compensate for the carbon dioxide that would be generated from using paper, boxes, and transportation, Synergy plants an additional 25% trees annually. In collaboration with Plant-it 2020 (a tree-planting foundation established by the late singer John Denver), Synergy plants indigenous trees within the U.S. and Mexico. In 2003, they planted 2000 trees, and more trees will be planted in the future as the business grows. In addition, Synergy buys the wild Camu Camu grown along Brazil’s Amazon River in an effort to help the local residents preserve their rainforests.

Below, Dr. May shares his thoughts in running a company:

I do business with ethics as the foundation. I define ethics as responsibility towards all forms of life without limit, and it is the principle I use in making every business decision. Other companies see making money as their primary objective. For my company, profits come from appropriate decisions that respect life. Many people consider life to be restricted to humans and not other life forms. This is very narrow, and will lead to the destruction of other life forms. I consider running a business as my spiritual practice. Of course, other people need not do this, but everyone should have morality, honesty, and goodwill. This does not mean we do not use our common sense and judgment, or the fruits of our spiritual practices – loving kindness and a calm mind. All these attributes should be used in business. Doing business is not about being taken advantage of. If companies that are our business partners are not honest, I will stop dealing with them. This is because we want honesty of our counterparts, and we deal with them with honesty. If we don’t want others to pollute the water supply, we must also not pollute the water supply. Goodwill in business comes from being able to see the perfect nature of everyone. Although the other party is not performing to expectations, we have the responsibility to see their perfect nature. Otherwise, it will be difficult to continue a friendly attitude once we encounter negativities in their speech or actions. We do not need to criticize them. Many enterprises do not have goodwill with each other because they care only about making money and gaining power. They will get money and power, but they will not get merit, love, health, and peace, which are all inner treasures.

Developing a morally-responsible enterprise is relatively difficult because we need to consider all aspects. Working hours are long and tiring. I have thirty employees, and I need to care for their welfare and concerns such as family, children, sickness or financial difficulties. I also need to provide their health insurance, and a fair salary for their living expenses. We are not an enterprise that relies on volunteers, although we donate to charitable activities. This is the company’s choice. We respect everyone’s value, and respect the natural resources provided by the earth, including resources used in shipping, packaging, and building the production plant. We very much treasure earth’s gifts to us.

Our employees are very committed because their jobs have meaning and reflect their aspirations. They feel badly when the occasional mistake occurs. They want to contribute to mankind and to the earth. They feel happy even after a hard day’s work because they know that they are helping to support small organic farms, protect the rainforests in South America, and support wind energy. When a person constantly feels the inherent goodness inside them, their spirituality will naturally be raised.

At the moment, large corporations control the entire food production and marketing. Being unwilling to share resources with those more unfortunate than us is unthinkable. It is hard to understand why people do not help others alleviate their sufferings when they have the ability to do so. Morally-responsible enterprises have potential, and can make money. Our company’s growth is higher than the industry average, even though we donate a high proportion of our profits, and our cost of organic or natural ingredients is 2 to 5 times the average (generally, the cost of organic ingredients is only 25% more). We use the best natural ingredients as if they were for the consumption of our own families. We only use wind-generated electricity, and this leads to a 50% increase in our electricity costs. This is an investment for our next generation. I will not enjoy the benefits. If we consider the environmental damage caused by electricity generated from nuclear power plants and petroleum, wind energy system is indeed the least expensive option. Our ancestors planted trees for their children to enjoy the fruits. Modern people only want to extract fruits within a few years. If businesses only think of their own benefits, they are like parasites – in the end, both host and parasite will die. Friendly bacteria consume food inside the human’s intestines, but they also secrete substances that help its host ward off harmful bacteria. This symbiotic relation is more ideal. Fortunately, some people have begun to realize this, and businesses have begun to consider environmental and social impacts of their actions. These “green” enterprises think more holistically, and it is a good start. However, do not do so only on the surface. If I only take leisurely strolls, I cannot say I exercise everyday. If I listen to music periodically, I cannot say I practice meditation everyday. How do consumers discern true “green” enterprises? Real products? True moral responsibility?

Knowing an enterprise is like knowing a person. You need time. You can phone the company to find out about their activities, such as support for organic farms, recycling, energy conservation, or awards won. Nowadays, some organizations give recognition to socially-responsible companies that do not sell cigarettes or alcohol, manufacture toxic chemicals or pesticides, and those that provide health insurance for their employees. Some religious organizations do not invest in companies that manufacture weapons.

More and more people want to support morally-responsible enterprises. If there are two similar products, they would rather pay a little more to support these enterprises so that their money can be used to benefit the world, and not destroy it. Thus, when you buy our products that contain Camu Camu, you are also helping Brazilian people to support their rainforests. I can only do things this way because this comes from my spiritual consciousness. It is an arduous task, but anything that has value requires hard work. My rewards are blessings and joy.

The temptations in business are large, and this issue itself is a deep philosophical practice. Management must hire people with love and morality to work for them, and it is best to have a teacher close by to remind them. The CEO’s job is to be vigilant, and when hiring people, observe whether they have an honest job record, and whether they have a sense of responsibility and take pride in their own work. This is the foundation of spiritual life. Many people say that they have a faith or spiritual life, but tell lies when they face crises. What a person does is more important. Does he/she learn from experience? Some employees have their own spiritual practices, but I cannot insist that everyone has. If they unintentionally make mistakes, I forgive them. But if they intentionally cheat, I will ask them to leave.

At the end of a hard day’s work, I know with a clean conscience that I have benefited this world. How many people can say this? Our wealth comes from other people, and we must share this with others. When we share with others, our wealth will grow even more. Based on my experience, true giving has miraculous powers, and quiet giving has even greater powers.

References for morally-responsible enterprises:

www.coopamerica.org
www.planti2020.org
www.awea.org
www.synergy-co.com

Extracted from Lapis Lazuli Light Magazine 2004 Feb Issue
Translated by Lapis Lazuli Light Singapore

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

At a farming class organized by Lapis Lazuli Light in the U.S. last summer, Bob Cannard made this profound remark: “Many people tell me they cannot grow fruit trees because they rent their homes. In our society, many people indeed rent their houses. They may move every few years, so they feel that if they plant fruit trees, they do not get to taste the fruits of their effort. However, think of it another way: if every tenant of a house grows fruit trees in his backyard, then he will enjoy fruits even if he moves to another home later. In our modern society, this narrow perspective is the sickness of our cultural ailments.” Bob elaborated further: “I am also renting this farm to grow vegetables and fruit trees, and I’ve been here over twenty years. One day, I too will leave this land. I can’t bring these fruit trees with me, but I can bring along my experiences to another piece of land. If I hadn’t originally grown fruit trees merely because the farm land was rented, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy so many fruits now!”

A friend living on the U.S. east coast was preparing to sell her house, and engaged a contractor to repair the floor. This friend is particular about using non-toxic materials, and, this time, she also asked the contractor to look for non-toxic glue and paint. Because this involved a lot of time, the contractor was very unwilling to do so, and said: “You are selling your house and not living in it. Why are you so particular about the materials? Other people use cheap materials when they sell their houses.” Carpenters I know also commonly utter the following phrase: “Can’t see it from my house.” It means that when you are building a house for someone else, you can be a little sloppy because you will not live in it.

In our daily life, what we wear, eat, live in, and use are all dependent on others. If we want to raise the quality of our lives, and improve what we wear, eat, live in, and use, we need to change our perspective of life. Our teachers in school teach us this motto: “All for one, one for all”. If we can actualize this motto when we grow up, the earth can be transformed into a paradise. Not only will our living conditions be improved, but so will our lives.

Here’s another true story. Walter Russell was an American genius. Born in 1871 in Boston, he made significant contributions to the arts, music, philosophy, and science. He was twice invited to the White House by the first President Roosevelt to draw portraits of the President’s family. He also made a bust portrait of the second President Roosevelt.

Walter started working to support himself when he was ten years old. At the age of thirteen, he entered the art school, supporting himself on a part-time job. One summer, he was working as a bellboy in a hotel. He was very special in that he enthusiastically served the guests, but never accepted a tip or gratuity. In fact, he would wake up at 5 a.m. to get fresh milk for an infant staying in the hotel. At that time, his salary was only US$6 per month, and income from tips generally could be as high as US$100 over the entire summer. The first time a guest offered him a tip, Walter extended his hand to receive it, but then retracted it. This was because an inner voice told him that he should not take it. He murmured hesitantly: “I am already drawing a salary, and shouldn’t receive a tip.” He then hid in his room to reflect on his feelings just experienced. He had a sudden inspiration: “I want to be the one and only bellboy in the world who doesn’t accept a tip, and who offers the best customer service.”

After that, Walter joyfully and wholehearted served every guest. All the guests were pleasantly surprised by such a spirited bellboy who offered such good services, and yet refused to accept any tip. They invited him to attend their dinner functions and cruises, but the hotel manager told them that this was against hotel regulations because hotel employees are not allowed to socialize with their guests. In response, these guests made it clear that if an exception was not made for him, they would stop patronizing the hotel. So he had a wonderful summer.

Walter paint in his spare time. The hotel guests were very interested in his paintings so much so that during the entire summer, he made US$850 from selling his paintings even though he didn’t receive any tips. In addition, five wealthy families wanted to adopt him as a godson. After Walter’s work became famous, these guests also introduced many people to purchase his paintings. Later, he also attended the wedding of that infant who had, many years ago, needed fresh milk at dawn. Walter deeply felt that the universe’s laws are fair: when we give it all we’ve got, we will naturally get our rewards, so all of us should joyfully do our jobs well. He realized the universal law that we will get back what we offer. Being overly greedy will lead to losses in other areas. Joy is the manifestation of a heart in balance and equanimity, and genius comes from inner joy. A person immersed in joy does not feel tired, nor will his body create toxins.

If what we can give more than expected, our lives will naturally be successful. Walter’s wonderful life story illustrates this universal truth. If we can all internalize and apply this work attitude during this period of economic recession, we would surely see a change for the better. Dr. Mitchell May (featured in the October-December 2003 issue of the Lapis Lazuli Light newsletter), who is himself a living medical miracle, also discovered that the universe transcends three-dimensional space and time. He found that to overcome difficulties within one’s body, life, and finances, one needs to transcend narrow restrictive thinking and living conditions. Faith or trust is one key factor to transcending three-dimensional constraints.

Walter’s creative genius originates from beyond time and space. When he had to do his first-ever life portrait bust (of Edison), he had never received any training or instruction in this area. During the flight to see Edison, he entered into deep meditation that transcended time and space. When he arrived before Edison, he had already acquired the skill to do the sculpture.

In his younger days, Walter also used a similar method to transcend challenges in his life. When he was fifteen, he was drawing a weekly pay of US$12. His girlfriend wanted him to bring her to attend opera performance that was coming to town, and he readily said yes, thinking that it was just for one show. He didn’t realize that she wanted to attend every show of the series, costing a princely US$79.60. He said it was impossible to do so, and she retorted “You are the last person in the world that I would ever expect to hear say that word” Walter reflected, and thought that she was right. On the night before the ticket sales, he lined up behind a long queue, with only US$6 in his pocket. However, he believed that by the time he reached the ticket counter, he would have enough money to buy the entire series of shows. The next morning, a man behind the queue asked him: “Do you want to earn five dollars?” Walter said: “Of course.” The man said: “Only if you can offer your place to me so that I can get to work by 9 a.m.” Walter had instinctive thought: “I have a better idea. Give me the money, and I’ll deliver the ticket to your office.” Walter recorded the man’s address in his notebook. Shortly after, other people also sought his help. By the time he reached the ticket counter, he not only had enough money to purchase the entire series of shows, but he had also earned US$110, an amount that was enough to civer his school fees over the next few months. The strange thing was that none of the people who entrusted him to purchase the tickets had asked for his name or address. When he completely trusted on the forces of the universe, it also enabled others around him to trust him.

Because people do not believe in the generosity and fairness of the universe, they engage in unbounded greed. Regardless of whether the targets of this greed are the resources of nature or of the commercial world, excessive greed inevitably leads to poverty and damage. During Bob Cannard’s farming class, he continually emphasized that nature is generous, but we must repay what we get in order for these resources to keep coming. Twenty years ago when he first started farming on this ecologically-damaged turkey farm, all the plants and vegetables needed his daily attentive care to supply liquid fertilizers. After the land had recovered, he could leave it unattended for two weeks, and the plants and vegetables would still grow very well. Long ago, Bob’s farm was originally a place where spring water gushed out everywhere. However, a hundred years of deforestation and damage by cattle grazing led to the hardening of the land around the mouth of the spring water. Furthermore, the water level sank, causing the spring water to dry up. After Bob took over the farm, he used rocks and wood to slow down the flow of creek water. He also used twigs and branches to cover the hardened land around the spring water’s mouth so that the land will soften. After a short four years, the spring water came back again.

From these examples drawn from nature, we can see that when we naturally pay back to nature what we have received, nature will offer its unabated generosity manifested in our daily lives, work, businesses, and interpersonal relationships. Believe in the universe’s generosity and its fairness. Be concerned only in cultivating and planting virtuous seeds, and ask not about the rewards. In this way, we can be sure to create a wonderful world filled with joy.

Extracted from Lapis Lazuli Light Magazine 2003 Nov Issue
Translated by Lapis Lazuli Light Singapore

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

The incidence of cancer has accelerated in the 21st century. Cases of young people contacting cancer are increasing. These are generally malignant cases, so that metastasis has set in by the time cancer is diagnosed. The body’s blueprint of health and diseases are influenced by the nine months spent in the womb, as well as environmental factors experienced later on in life. To understand why young people develop cancer, it is necessary to identify whether the fetus in the womb had contact with contaminants, whether there were nutritional deficiencies, and whether the baby consumed its mother’s milk within 12 hours of birth. A baby’s lifelong immune system, digestive ability, and enzyme formation in the stomach are dependent on the special nutrients and antibodies found in the milk that it first suckles.

A dentist, whose parents died from cancer, conducted intensive research on the causes of cancer. His research spanning thirty years showed that all the cancer patients he examined did not drink their mother’s milk within twelve hours of birth. Of course, this finding does not mean that all people who did not drink their mother’s milk would get cancer, but it does indicate that the likelihood of contacting cancer is higher. Perhaps, this may be the reason why the incidence of cancer in America is so alarmingly high-only 4% of U.S. mothers breastfeed their children.

This dentist discovered that, among other external environmental factors, lack of water among cell structures is a common feature among cancer patients. If the patient’s cells can rehydrate, he/she can easily recover. However, does it mean that drinking more water will enable the body’s cells to absorb more water? This is not necessarily the case: if the water is polluted, or if the water inside the body is acidic, the body’s cells will automatically block the absorption of such water to prevent the entry of toxins. Such toxins can come from outside the body, or they could be uric acid that the metabolic system cannot discharge from the body. Chronic lack of water can lead to aging and other diseases.

The book “Messages from Water” documents how the crystalline structure of water can change through contamination. Microwave radiation can harm the crystalline structure of water. Water inside the cells is a form of liquid crystal, and changes in its liquid crystalline structure influence the functions exhibited by genes from the cell nucleus, as well as whether cells divide and grow (or stop growing). If the crystalline structure of cells is somehow disturbed, these cells may continue to divide and grow, leading to the development of cancer. Many years ago, I conducted laboratory experiments which showed that when potassium was added to a cancer cell cultures, these cancer cells changed to normal cells. After the potassium enters the cells, the liquid crystalline structure and genetic structure of the cells change and lose their “cancer” characteristic.

The key point to preventing and curing cancer is to recover the cleanliness of water inside the body, and to nourish the body’s cells with the necessary minerals. Eating clean food, drinking clean water, and breathing clean air are important aspects. In today’s environment, it is also important to avoid sources of radiation (e.g., mobile phones, computers, televisions, and microwave ovens) that disrupts the water’s crystalline structure. This may be a coincidence, but the young people I heard who got cancer are also those who frequently use mobile phones or who live with people who do so. One day, we may treat the use of mobile phones the same way we treat cigarette smoking – second hand smoke and second hand radiation are both harmful.

We can also understand the importance of water through a person’s energy or qi. Qi belongs to the water element, and lack of water will weaken the body’s qi and lead to illnesses (including cancer).

Many years ago, Dr. Yoshitaka Ohno, a Japanese doctor, started to search for a cure to chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, asthma, and diabetes. His research indicated that water is a major causal factor. To verify his theory, he searched for different sources of water. While conducting his research in Japan, he found a rare magnetic mountain with a source of naturally-magnetized water that can effectively treat chronic diseases. A renowned local doctor successfully treated many kinds of modern chronic diseases using this water. In the past, Russia, China, Japan, and the U.S.A. had reports of the healing properties of magnetized water.

Research shows that naturally-magnetized water can accelerate cellular absorption of water, supplement minerals in the body, protect cells, maintain normal blood circulation and PH levels, discharge pollutants in the cellular structure and fluids, as well as control free radical formation. People who have consumed naturally-magnetized water find an increase in bowel movement frequency and that their faeces have unusual smells. It is also possible that the more we drink this water, the thirstier we become. This is because normal water typically cannot be absorbed by the cellular membranes, and the body’s cells have been deprived of water for a long time. Discharge of mercury is also accelerated six hours after amalgam in the teeth has been removed. People with chronic diseases generally see positive effects of drinking this water within two to four weeks. Magnetized water is also helpful in protecting friendly bacteria in the body, discharging harmful bacteria and toxins from the body, and preventing infection. This water is called Nariwa, and further information can be obtained from this website www.ohno.org.

Over 70% of our body is made of water. In this polluted environment, water that can help our cells begin to absorb the water they need is indeed a treasure, regardless of whether the water comes from organic vegetables or magnetized water.

In preventing and treating cancer and modern chronic diseases, it is important to consider the effect of the environment. Water is one such important factor. Of course, to fully recover our health and happiness, it is important to be with nature as much as possible, and learn how to discharge negative emotions. Finally, it is necessary to develop and cultivate our spirituality.

Note:

For more information, please contact Lapis Lazuli Light (Singapore).

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

Many years ago, at an agricultural academic conference, a medical doctor was invited to be the plenary speaker. He looked at the agricultural researchers participating in the conference, and made this admonishment: “Do not forget that agricultural products are meant to be consumed by humans. Many experts generally care about increasing crop yield and reducing costs, but forget that the products grown are meant for human consumption!”

Improving output is the major consideration in the modern agricultural industry. In the U.S., 99.5% of the agricultural products are grown from chemical fertilizers, and only 0.5% of the products are organically grown. In the past 30 years, many countries have followed the U.S. approach by abandoning traditional farming methods and converting to methods using chemical fertilizers. Perhaps, crop yield would improve in the beginning. However, chemical fertilizers damage the PH level of the soil, kill microorganisms and earthworms in the soil, and in the long run, reduce the fertility and the humic acid of the soil. In turn, this causes plants to have poorer immune system in the future, increases their susceptibility to harm from diseases and insects, and reduces production output. Humans and animals that eat such unhealthy plants and food polluted by chemicals will also become less healthy, and there will be a marked rise in various kinds of chronic ailments, immune system problems, and cancer. We only need to observe how, in the past twenty years, cancer has become the major cause of death in countries that have converted from traditional farming methods to “scientific” farming methods. The most recent addition to this group of countries is China, which follows the footsteps of Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.

The way to transform this situation and let mankind recover their health is to start from the basics—restoring the health of the soil. The health of humans and the earth are interconnected.

The soil in the U.S. experienced the earliest damage, and also received the earliest attention from concerned parties. Robert Rodale made significant contribution to organic farming. When he was young, he had already made his fortune. Once, he listened to a health talk by Dr. Bragg, and became very inspired. He spoke to Dr. Bragg, and indicated that he was wealthy and desired to engage in some meaningful venture. Dr. Bragg asked about Robert Rodale’s interest, and he replied that it was in horticulture and farming. Dr. Bragg then suggested that he should go into organic farming. These words were to influence Robert Rodale’s life, and provided a major boost to the organic farming industry.

Nowadays, it is not difficult to purchase organic products in the U.S. In California, not only do the health stores carry organic products but the farmers markets are also venues to purchase inexpensive and fresh organic agricultural products. Farmers markets provide a way for small farms to directly sell their fresh healthy products to the consumer. The popularity of farmers markets in California is a result of the effort of many people.

Thirty years ago, California governor, Jerry Brown, was visionary in his promotion of farmers’ market, and many dedicated youths took part in natural farming. Thirty years ago, in Santa Barbara, one person who studied natural farming methods in the U.K started a farm within the city, and also commenced natural farming courses at the same time. The vegetables grown by these students needed retail outlets. At that time, one can easily see these organic farms on the open space at the periphery of the university. After six months of preparation by over twenty of these new natural farmers, they finally obtained the approval of the city council, and also obtained media coverage. The farmers market started at a tourist location next to an old church. Residents of the city and car loads of tourists were very supportive of the re-emergence of the farmers market after thirty years. Because of the limited stock and variety of agricultural products, the farmers market was open only twice a month. In recent years, it has become more regular and is on every Saturday and even almost every day of the week. The farmers market attracts farmers from within a two-hour drive, residents and tourists. Products for sale include vegetables, fruits, walnuts, almonds, dates, mushrooms and fresh flowers, and spices. These products are both fresh, and available at an inexpensive price. Through the years, consumers at the market and the farmers have developed friendship, mutual trust, and mutual support. Everyone is fully aware of whose melons are sweet and whose vegetables have high energy, and there is no deception.

The young farmers thirty years ago are now fifty to sixty years of age. Nevertheless, their joy and interest towards natural farming has not diminished. Land is expensive, and there are very few new young farmers (perhaps one or two) who are in the thirty-years old age range. In the future, when the existing group old farmers retire, our source of clean food will become a problem. At this time, across the Pacific Ocean, China is also facing an agricultural crisis. On the one hand, farm land is contaminated by chemical pollutants. On the other hand, in order to survive, farmers are leaving their villages in droves to work in the city. Furthermore, as the people’s income level improves, they begin to consume large amounts of meat, chicken, eggs, and milk, which exacerbate the rapid decline of grains. The gap between consumption and production is widening, and in the past decade, China has begun to become less self-reliant by importing more grains. The agricultural industry is the key determinant of a country’s rise and fall. How to encourage more farmers to return to the farm? How to counsel them to use a more sustainable approach to farming? How to increase consumers’ trust and confidence in organic and green products? These are questions that require urgent replies.

Perhaps, restoring the farmers market is a possibility. Thirty years ago, Chinese farmers were still preserving the fertile land left by their ancestors from 5000 years back. They used natural farming methods to protect the rice bowl and source of sustenance of their descendents. It is hard to imagine how, in a mere ten to twenty years, the use of chemical fertilizer has led to a precipitous drop in the soil’s fertility, so much so that it is now necessary to use pesticides to control damage by insects. Once the land has been poisoned, plants get poisoned, and so will humans. In the past, cancer was a rarity. Now, it has become widespread. In particular, in the past one to two years, many people have witnessed their friends and relatives around them dying from cancer. To solve this problem, we need to get to its root. We need to purify the contaminated earth, air, and water supply. Natural farming can purify the earth and fertilize the soil.

In the book “The Secret Life of Compost”, Malcolm Beck describes how he successfully developed from organic farming to selling compost. He used his neighbours’ organic waste and transformed them to useful compost. He emphasized that employing chemical fertilizer is not a smart thing to do, and that it is also wasteful. All it takes is to feed the microbes in the soil, and they will create fertilizers akin to nitrogen fertilizer free of charge. 78% of the atmosphere comprises nitrogen, and the microbes in one acre of the land can manufacture an average of 1000 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer in two and a half months. What they need is sufficient decomposed plants or humus. Agricultural experts claim that the nitrogen component in compost is low and of little use. However, all the microbes need is chemically-bound carbon and water (e.g., dry leaves and grass) as food, and they can then extract nitrogen and other nutrients from the air.

Plants or weeds found in the wild are key ingredients that maintain the fertility of the soil. Land that has weeds has energy levels that are several times than those without weeds. Once grass has been pulled out or killed using herbicides, the soil is subject to wind erosion, deterioration, and desertification. Northern California farmer, Bob Cannard, does not remove the grass on his farm, but merely trims them. The land next to his fruit trees are filled with weeds, but the trees produce the sweetest fruits.

While standing at the farmers market in Santa Barbara, I spoke to the farmer selling oranges. He was one of the founders of this farmers market thirty years ago.  I told him that the Chinese agricultural industry use large amounts of chemicals on their farms. He shook his head in disbelief. He could not understand why Chinese farmers, who have over 5000 years of farming wisdom behind them, can still be fooled. Perhaps, the Chinese need to import their traditional wisdom back from the U.S.

Translated by Singapore Lapis Lazuli Light.
Article originally published in Chinese in Lapis Lazuli Light magazine (May 2005 issue); available at http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200505/200505.html

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

In 2003, I visited 10 cities in Asia.  Wherever I went, there was always someone asking me about methods for treating osteoporosis and bent spinal cord.  As far as I know, consuming too much animal protein will lead to the loss of calcium.  Also the decrease in secretion of progesterone in women after menopause may also cause osteoporosis.  Additionally, cellular phones that people carry around, microwaves, radiowaves and electromagnetic waves may also lead to the loss of calcium.  However, I was still quite puzzled on why osteoporosis is so common in China nowadays?

After I returned to US, there was a huge fire in the forest of California.  The smoke was blown into the sky and for one week, the sun and blue sky could not be seen.  This scene reminded me of many of the cities I had visited during the trip.  Due to the pollution from industries and transportation, the sun and blue sky cannot be seen in the cities permanently.  But the generation of vitamin D which maintains the immunity of bones requires that the skin be exposed to the sunlight which is then absorbed by the body.  People living in an environment that is smoggy tend to lack vitamin D, and this is another cause for osteoporosis.

A friend who lives in the city of Shanghai told me that in recent years Shanghai has done a good job in protecting the environment.  After the removal of chimneys, the blue sky could be seen more often now.

Transportation is another source of pollution.  A university professor told me that the standard for emission control equipment in Japanese cars sold to China is lower than that in Japan.  The car emission control standard in California is higher than those in other states, so the cars sold to California require special installation.  I once asked a staff in a Taiwanese car company why they do not install emission control equipment of higher standard.  He said, “The cost will be slightly higher.”

Inadvertently I found other causes for osteoporosis in agricultural books.  The lacking of boron in one’s diet may cause osteoporosis.  If the fertilizer contains lots of potash fertilizer, it will cause boron in soil to “disappear”, and also cause magnesium, calcium and salt to “disappear”.  Early in the 20th century, Andr’e Voisin, a famous agriculturalist in France, was aware of this problem.  At the same time, he also mentioned that excess lime will cause manganese to “disappear”, yet manganese has a direct impact on the level of vitamin C in plants.  Phosphoric acid fertilizer may cause zinc to “disappear”, over-usage of nitrogenous fertilizer may cause copper to “disappear” and lead to over 30 times more nitrate content in spinach.

Obviously, the fertilizer used in modern farming can change the nutritional content in food and affect our health; this is reflected through our bones and teeth.  Dr. Voisin specifically emphasized that the agriculture industry should not use quantity produced as a standard, but rather the nutritional value (quality of the produce) should be used instead.

From this osteoporosis health issue, it can be seen that to thoroughly solve the problem, both the consumption and the production sides must be conscientious.  For our health and the survival of the earth, we will continually introduce socially responsible investments as a model.  Let us be the “friendly bacteria” that benefit one another and not the “parasites” of society and earth.

Translated by Singapore Lapis Lazuli Light.
Article originally published in Chinese in Lapis Lazuli Light magazine (Feb 2004 issue); available at http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200402/200402.html

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

Colour provides many benefits to our body and mind. Dinshah describes these in detail in the book “Let There be Light”. 100 years ago, the senior Dinshah doctor, used a kerosene lamp to shine a light through deep blue glass onto a dying patient. Three days later, the patient started to recover and was able to rise from bed. Another example of how colour can be life saving comes from Europe. A 150-year old house was built on top of an underground ley line, and people living in the house all suffered from cancer. The exception was that for 50 years, the residents carpeted the floor, and used a cobalt blue color for the carpet. Following this, the incidence of cancer stopped. Later, the carpet was changed, and the residents began to be afflicted with cancer again. It was then discovered that the cobalt blue colour can suppress the unhealthy energy from underground.

In our living environment, there are many harmful emissions such as electromagnetic waves, wireless waves, microwave, and radiation. We should carefully consider the use of cobalt blue colour to protect us.

Plants absorb sunlight and hence store the vibrations associated with different colors within them. Hence, their oil essences also store colour vibrations. Different plant-based oil essences have different vibrations. In general, plants that grow in the desert contain more red vibrations. It is common to find green vibrations in plants. Different oil essences can be combined to form different colour vibrations. Hence, I started to investigate the effects of different mixes of oil essence, and their usage under different circumstances based on their colour vibrations. For example, oil essence containing deep blue light vibrations can be applied to counter harmful emissions. Nowadays, people are harmed by electromagnetic and microwave radiation when they sit on airplanes, work in front of the computer, or use cordless phones or mobile phone in the city. These exposures to harmful emissions lead to fatigue, pain, swellings, ambulatory difficulties, coughs and other ailments. However, these ailments disappear when deep blue colour oil essences are applied on the palms, base of the feet, upper spine, or right above the navel. Friends who sit on planes after applying the oil essence find that they are less tired, and do not encounter much jet lag. In general, before I go out, I apply some oil essence on my palms and bottom of my feet, or the small hollow on my throat. Also, apply the oil essence on whichever area that is hurting. For those suffering from disturbed sleep patterns or insomnia because of interference from electromagnetic radiation, apply the oil essence on the crown charka and the third eye charka. Rudolph Steiner (PhD) had once foretold that during this period, we would discover the usefulness of colour light. Looks like he is right!

Translated by Singapore Lapis Lazuli Light.
Article originally published in Chinese in Lapis Lazuli Light magazine (May 2005 issue); available at http://www.lapislazuli.org/TradCh/magazine/200505/200505.html

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

It is extremely difficult to be joyful, happy, and appreciative when faced with natural disasters, human tragedies, illnesses, pain, and afflictions. Nonetheless, during such times, only the energy of joy and appreciation can transform such negative situations to positive ones.

Many years ago, one of my teachers shared with me on how she learned gratitude as part of her spiritual development. She would say “Thank you” no matter what she encountered, even if a bowl of soup she carried had slipped off and broken into pieces! She understood that the energy of gratitude and joy can create a better tomorrow. Regardless what seeds we have planted in the past, regardless what fruits we are harvesting now, creation of the future is still within our control. If we can plant the seeds of joy, then our future will naturally bear the fruits of joy.

We generally feel sympathetic towards people who are suffering, but not towards those whose circumstances are more fortunate. This is because our minds are limited by time, and we cannot see the past or the future. It may be that those who are encountering good fortune now are planting the seeds for future suffering, but they are not aware. In contract, people who are suffering now may develop the virtues of acceptance (in the face of adversity), patience, and loving kindness. In that case, their future will be better.

During the Ming dynasty in China, a gentleman by the name of Yuan Liao Fan learned from his life experiences that destiny can be changed by our thoughts and actions. When he was young, he encountered a capable fortune teller who predicted in detail how his life would turn out. Later, he found that no matter how much he wanted to change the fate that had been predicted earlier, he could not change it, including the results of his entrance examination. Hence, he decided not to think too much because everything had been pre-determined by fate. Later, he met a Zen master who taught him how to change his life. It was then he realized that fate can indeed be changed, but one must know the correct method. Originally, it was foretold that he would be childless and only live up to 53 years of age. Later, he not only had a son, but lived up to 74 years of age. He wrote down his experiences in a book for his son, which later became widely circulated and was known as “The Four Teachings of Liao Fan”. This book discusses four aspects: how to shape one’s life, how to change one’s life, how to accumulate merits, and the benefits of humility and virtue. This is a good book that is worth reading again and again. The reason why he had a son and had a long life was because he loved and protected the lives of animals and humans, and actively engaged in work that benefited other people. Joy comes from harmony and peace. When we are filled with love, do not harm other beings, and strive to benefit others, joy is the natural reward.

Le Gong (the practice of happiness) is a form of primordial chi gong that had been very popular in China. This is a therapeutic form of exercise that can be used for health and sickness. Many people have used this method and regained their health. This exercise is very easy to practice. All it takes is to be happy all the time. The quiet or passive form of exercise is to be happy when one quiets down. In contrast, the action mode is to maintain a happy mind when one is busy. Beginners start by thinking of an incident or person that brings them happiness, and then immerse in that feeling. If they cannot think of any happy event because of prolonged periods of suffering, they can start by pretending, that is, relax the entire body, and curve the corner of the tips upwards into a smile. This is using pretense to develop true happiness. Medical research has shown that actors’ bodily hormones and internal secretions changed when their facial expressions changed. This demonstrates that “pretending” to be happy can have benefits.

If joy cannot arise during practice, reflect on what obstacles prevent your ability to develope happiness within yourself. Does it have anything to do with not being able to release past memories? Is it about someone we can’t forgive? Do you have a sense of remorse? Does it have to do with wounds that need to be cleansed and healed? Many times, knots in our hearts can be disentangled by taking a different perspective. Learn to say “thank you”.

An American, Raymon Grace, took lessons from American Indian masters. He liked to help people, and applied what he had learned to relieve the sufferings he experienced in terms of health, life, and financial situation. He also taught others how to use principles of the universe to change their lives and fate. He found that every event and every phenomenon have their own frequencies. Changing these frequencies will lead to changes in these events and phenomena. For example, polluted water has its own frequency. When we are in a relaxed state, we can use our mental power to disrupt the frequency of polluted water, and then mentally transmit the frequency of clean water to this water. Drops of water that has been purified by Raymon Grace can be added and used to purify other polluted water from wells, rivers, sea, and swimming pools. This is because he had programmed all water to be purified if they come into contact with charged. There was a well that had been polluted by arsenic. After his treatment, laboratory examination indicated that the arsenic level continually decreased, even so after six months. Water purified by Raymon Grace also has therapeutic properties. His friends invited neighbours to swim in a swimming pool Raymon had treated, and they found that their bodily aches disappeared after swimming. In the book “Messages from water”, the author uses microscope to show that the crystal formation of water can be changed by human thoughts. A lake that was originally polluted was purified through the prayers of 300 people. This shows that Raymon Grace’s ability is possessed by everyone. His book “The Future is Yours” and “Techniques that Work for Me” are in the process of being translated, and will be available in Chinese at the end of the year. Raymon Grace is particularly concerned about water cleanliness because the supply of clean water on earth is diminishing while our demand for clean water is increasing. Thus, learning how to purify water is the way to solve this problem. He found that other than environmental pollution, water supplies can be polluted by man’s greed.

If water can be transformed using our thoughts, it is not difficulty to imagine that the entire material world can be influenced by us. This is because water covers a major part of the earth. Water comprises 70% of the earth’s surface as well as 70% of the human body. On December 26, 2004, the biggest damage caused by the earthquake on the seabed off Indonesia was the tsunami, which led to wide scale devastation. If a single person like Raymon Grace can purify water, and 300 people can purify a lake, then perhaps if millions and billions of people on earth unite in their efforts, they can moderate the earth’s erratic weather conditions, strengthen the earth’s fragile surface, and tame the furious oceans?

Many years ago when I was living in Houston, my teacher (who is now approaching 90 years of age) taught us how to tame an impending hurricane. She placed a bowl of water in the classroom to represent the ocean, and asked us to visualize sky blue light and send loving kindness to the hurricane. She said that hurricanes are attracted by human anger, but that loving kindness is an antidote that can transform anger. Maybe it was a coincidence, but the hurricane did not land on that occasion. I have also heard that on many occasions, Taiwan avoided the assault of impending hurricanes through the prayers of members of some organizations.

Since ancient times, Chinese people knows that heaven and earth that exist outside us are one and inseparable from our own internal heaven, earth, and mental thoughts. Our thoughts and emotions have enormous power, and can influence the occurrence of natural phenomena such as rain and wind, the growth of plants, and the purification of water supplies. Bob Cannard, a farmer, frequently emphasizes that the most important job of a good farmer is to send friendly messages and love to his plants and farm. During convalescence, it is useful to send love and friendly messages to our cells. In the Chinese language, there is a phrase that juxtaposes natural disasters with human misfortunes. The reason is that natural disasters occur after humans have erred and caused misfortunes on themselves. The human mind influences heaven and earth. The tsunami tragedy has shown us the devastating power and effects when nature strikes back. Human life is fragile and we can die anytime. Some people live a life where they scheme and engage in pettiness to get the upper hand. But then, what matters at death? It is a gift to be alive, and we have to learn to say “thank you”. This is because when we are happy and appreciative, we can plant immeasurable seeds of joy, improve ourselves and people around us, and create happiness for ourselves and all beings around us.

Extracted from Lapis Lazuli Light Magazine 2005 Feb Issue
Translated by Lapis Lazuli Light Singapore

Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph.D.

In recent days, I have been reading press reports on the tsunami disaster. What left a deep impression on me were the challenges faced by medical staff. Many survivors had not eaten clean food or water for over a week. Compounding this was the fact that their wounds had not been immediately disinfected and clean, and their lives were in peril. To save their lives, doctors resorted to amputating these patients’ arms or legs. However, because facilities and resources were limited, patients often died from loss of blood.

All these remind me that in our daily lives, we should have knowledge of first aid procedures, particularly with respect to materials around us that can be readily used in a disaster. Some of these materials are discussed below:

Medicine In The Kitchen

Salt: Salt has disinfectant properties. When injured, pour boiled salt water to clean the wound. If the arms and legs show signs of infection, immerse them in salt water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Soda powder: Most bacteria and viruses cannot survive in an alkaline environment. For external wounds, wash them with diluted soda powder, or directly apply dry soda powder on the wound. For insect or mosquito bites, immediately apply soda powder to stop itching. Soda powder can be mixed with salt, and used together in combination. Mix equal portions of soda powder and fine salt, and use to brush our teeth. This is beneficial to our teeth because bacteria that cause tooth decay cannot survive in an alkaline environment.

Green grass juice: wheatgrass seedlings, barley seedlings, rice shoots, and other green grasses can cleanse both wounds and blood. Grind the grass to a pulp, and apply on the wounds.

Lemon: Lemon has disinfecting and healing properties. Apply lemon juice directly on the wound. Although this will cause prickly and painful sensations, it will facilitate recovery of the wound. Essence distilled from lemon skins is very good for disinfecting the air. Put a few drops in water, and spray to achieve desired effects.

Green papaya: Green papaya helps wounds to heal faster. A hospital in the U.K. discovered that wounds that did not heal after surgery did so after application of green papaya juice.

Many spices used for cooking have anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties. These spices include: clove, cinnamon, thyme, lemon grass, mint, and purple perilla. Boil the spices with water, and apply to clean the wounds. Alternatively, use their oil essence. Clove has the property of eliminating parasites. Its oil can be used as a painkiller, and is especially good for toothaches.

Effective Microorganisms (EM): Every home should have EM. It can be used in the kitchen and farm, and is also a very effective cleaning agent, air purifier, and emergency rescue aid.

EM is helpful for treating scalds, bee stings, infections, and bruises. Some readers indicate that after a fall, immediate application of EM directly on the wound leads to faster recovery. This is so even if the skin is not broken. Once, I applied a mixture of EM and salt on the wound of a person stung by bees—the numb and painful feeling immediately disappeared after its application. Another friend was bitten on the hand by a cat. The wound became infected, and her entire hand became swollen. Later, she soaked her hand in somewhat diluted EM. As a result, the hot sensation on her hand disappeared, and her wound quickly recovered. I was once scalded, and experienced a painful sensation after I used cold water to wash the scalded area. I then applied EM immediately, and the pain immediately disappeared.

EM is composed of 80 types of friendly microorganisms. They create a high energy environment, and therefore have the ability to ward off bacteria and viruses, as well as treat biological pollution. In times of disasters, EM is very helpful in purifying water and food supplies.

In the aftermath of the Taiwanese earthquake, an EM manufacturer sent workers to the disaster area to spray EM and to get rid of the stench of excreta and waste. Similarly, EM can be used to remove the stench of corpses and pollutants at the tsunami disaster areas.

Use Of Essential Oil Essence In Emergency Procedures:

Many types of essential oil can be used to kill bacteria, remove fungus and mold, relieve pain, calm nerves, and raise immune systems. Essential oils are derived from the plants’ lymphatic systems. Hence, they can influence the circulation of our lymphatic system. The scent of oil essences enters through our noses into our brains, and can affect our moods. Below are some common essential oils used to raise our immune system and kill bacteria: lemon grass, eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, thyme, and lavender.

Lavender has the widest range of functions. Beginners who want to choose only one essence can use lavender. Research shows that good-quality lavender is especially beneficial to breast cancer patients.

Medical research reports the case of a patient who broke his shin. After a year of treatment, his shin became infected and could not be treated by any type of antibiotics. Later, doctors applied the following mixture of oil essences to his wound: lemon grass, eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, and thyme. They applied one millilitre of this mixture with alcohol (actual dilution ratio not reported) to the wound everyday. After 3 months, the infection went away and the wound healed. Doctors had originally contemplated amputating his leg! In London, medical experts discovered that common oil essences have anti-bacterial properties. The mixture used comprised: Italian fir tree, menthol, lemon, eucalyptus, pine tree, ravensara, palmarosa, and gully gum. A nurse used a 5% concentration of sweet marjoram oil essence (a spice), and successfully healed bedsores that could not be healed by western medicine. Readers who want to know more about the use of oil essences in medical treatments can refer to: Buckel, Jane, “Clinical Aromatherapy”, Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

The third kind of emergency aid is a qi adjustment approach that is known by few people, although those who have personally used it will testify to its incredible effectiveness. Use either an energy pendulum, or a metal chain or string with a relatively heavier object tied to its end. Parts of the body that are injured or not well have negative energy. Use the energy pendulum to discharge this negative energy or to replenish the positive energy. Place a hand on the area that is unwell, and use the other hand to hold the energy pendulum or metal chain in a relaxed manner. Let the chain rotate by itself. It will turn in an anti-clockwise direction when releasing negative energy, and in a clockwise direction when replenishing positive energy. The process is complete when the chain stops moving. Areas that are severely injured need to go through this process a few times. In most cases, the wound or bruise will heal very quickly after this qi adjustment. Even areas that are subjected to chronic pains will also heal. A patient who suffered from gastric pain fro two years had the pain completely relieved after this qi adjustment process.

The Power Of The Mind

Readers will recall Dr. Mitchell May who broke his bones in forty areas in a traffic accident thirty years ago. His savior was Jack Gray, who brought him to a healing space that transcended time and space. Jack used a flashing blue light to bring Mitchell to an Alpha wave state, and asked him to chant some verses together. At that time, Dr. May felt that this was strange, and did not chant along. A few days later, his pain miraculously disappeared. I asked Dr. May for the sound that Jack was chanting. He replied: Om Mani Padme Hum. This is the Six Syllable Mantra of Great Compassion that Asians are familiar with, and represents the power of loving kindness and compassion! This shows how the power of love can create miracles.

Mr. Masaru Emoto, who investigated messages contained in water, especially emphasized the power of love and gratitude. In the aftermath of the Asian disaster, his group established a plan centred on love and expressing gratitude to water. They sent letters emphasizing that at this moment, everyone needs to send out thoughts of love to eradicate fear, sorrow, anger, loneliness, helplessness, mistrust, and anxiety. Negative energy vibration facilitate infection. This group hopes that everyone will send out blessings every moment. In particular, everyone should send love and gratitude to those in the disaster areas. Readers who would like more information can check this website: http://thank-water.net/.

In summary, develop and train in the ability to meet the unexpected. Learn natural emergency rescue techniques. In particular, using materials that are easily obtainable. Live a life that is filled with gratitude and joy.

Extracted from Lapis Lazuli Light Magazine 2005 Feb Issue
Translated by Lapis Lazuli Light Singapore