किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिता: |
तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् || 16||
BG 4.16: What is action and what is inaction? Even the wise are confused in determining this. Now I shall explain to you the secret of action, by knowing which, you may free yourself from material bondage.
तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् || 16||
BG 4.16: What is action and what is inaction? Even the wise are confused in determining this. Now I shall explain to you the secret of action, by knowing which, you may free yourself from material bondage.
Commentary: The principles of dharma cannot be determined by mental speculation(vaad-vivad). Even intelligent persons become confused in the maze of apparently contradictory arguments presented by the scriptures and the sages. For example, the Vedas recommend non-violence. Accordingly in the Mahabharat, Arjun wishes to follow the same course of action and shun violence but Shree Krishna says that his duty here is to engage in violence. If duty varies with circumstance, then to ascertain one’s duty in any particular situation is a complex matter. Yamraj, the celestial god of Death, stated:
dharmaṁ tu sākṣhād bhagavat praṇītaṁ na vai vidur ṛiṣhayo nāpi devāḥ
(Śhrīmad Bhāgavatam 6.3.19)[v17]
“What is proper action and what is improper action? This is difficult to determine even for the great ṛiṣhis and the celestial gods. Dharma has been created by God himself, and he alone is its true knower.” Lord Krishna says to Arjun that he shall now reveal to him the esoteric (unclear) science of action and inaction through which he may free himself from material bondage.
Forget going to an expensive spa! You don’t need anything fancy to make your skin glow, actually…most of the ingredients you can find in your very own kitchen! Lets get started!
Ultra Hydrating Facial Scrub and Mask
{this sweet and sticky recipe is best applied in the bathroom…it’s a smidge messy!}
You will need:
A small bowl and spoon
1.5 teaspoons cornmeal
1 teaspoon honey
0.5 teaspoon warm water
In the bowl, combine all the ingredients and let sit for about a minute. Pull your hair up (you could wrap it in a towel or shower cap). Using your fingertips, gently massage mixture onto your face, avoid the eyes. Then lie down and relax about 10-15 minutes. After time is up, gently rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow up with light moisturizer (I like argan oil).
{note: only make enough to be used within 5 days. Don’t store for longer, the honey and water will cause the cornmeal to ferment, making a strong odor of whiskey! You can also omit the cornmeal and water and do a raw honey mask. It is moisturizing but doesn’t exfoliate.}
Simple Lip Scuff
{To get luscious lips…apply lip balm before going to bed, then follow-up with this recipe in the morning!}
What you will need:
Baking soda
a wet, soft bristled toothbrush
Sprinkle some baking soda into your hand, then dip the damp toothbrush head into it. The baking soda should stick to the bristles. GENTLY apply the brush to your lips and brush in a back and forth motion for about 15-20 seconds to remove the dead skin. Do not brush too hard as that will irritate the delicate skin. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm.
Easy as 1,2,3 Lip Balm
{This recipe is the simplest of simple as far as lip balms go. Of course you could always tweak it, but if you’re on a budget this is a great place to start!}
What you will need:
a double boiler system of sorts
a shallow ice-water bath
a spoon or whisk
container to store balm in
1.5 tablespoon coconut oil
1.5 teaspoons beeswax pastilles
0.25 teaspoon vitamin e oil (or a capsule or two)
optional: 0.5 teaspoon honey and a couple drops of vanilla or peppermint to “taste”
In the double boiler, warm oil and beeswax until the wax is just melted (no need to boil). Remove from heat and add vitamin e and “flavor” (honey and vanilla/mint). Place pan in the ice-water bath and begin to quickly whisk until the honey is well incorporated and consistency is like thin frosting (30-60 seconds). Spoon mixture into storage containers and allow to cool/set for several hours. Apply to lips as needed. Will store for about 12 months.
Rub-a-dub-dub Energizing Scrub
{This homemade body sugar scrub will leave your skin alive and glowing and your senses alert too!}
What you will need:
1 cup sugar (either white or brown)
5 tablespoons ground coffee (the fresher, the better)
4-5 tablespoons of coconut, almond or grape seed oil (coconut is my favorite)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
In a bowl, combine the sugar, coffee and oil. {If the coconut oil is in a solid form, simply warm it up before mixing} Slowly start adding the vanilla drop by drop. Blend until well mixed and there are no hard clumps of sugar. Spoon into a storage container with a good seal. Massage a small handful into wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse and pat skin dry. If needed, follow-up with a teaspoon coconut oil to moisturize. Use within six months. {note: if you use coconut, it may solidify again which is fine. Just use a spoon to scoop it out of the container.}
I hope you will get a chance to pamper yourself a little bit the week! If you are interested in making other homemade skin care products here are some great books to read!
Happy Day.
