Comments on: The Solution to World Hunger http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/ The MBA Graduate Program at Cal Poly Tue, 22 May 2012 21:56:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Matthew Perez http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18182 Matthew Perez Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:21:46 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18182 Even in the remote possibility that a person could simply exercise control over their natural requirement for sustenance, I doubt many people would be capable of this. From the article description, it seems that Prahlad only meditates and practices yoga. Most people cannot spend their days this alone, though. Still, it would be an impressive nevertheless. I know I can't survive more than a couple hours without food, much less years. Even in the remote possibility that a person could simply exercise control over their natural requirement for sustenance, I doubt many people would be capable of this. From the article description, it seems that Prahlad only meditates and practices yoga. Most people cannot spend their days this alone, though. Still, it would be an impressive nevertheless. I know I can’t survive more than a couple hours without food, much less years.

]]> By: Wiliam Ary http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18171 Wiliam Ary Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:07:41 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18171 I am in conflict over this kind of thing. I am very much a skeptical, scientific person and for most of my life I was inclined to believe that all such claims of the supernatural or paranormal are faked. I have read numerous books on magic, con artistry and the psychology of belief, so I have a pretty solid foundation on how and why people would fake such feats. However, recently during second week, I spent a week in the mountains north of Santa Cruz taking a class in wilderness survival from someone who could easily be called a fraud for being able to identify such things as cancer and depression just by examining a footprint. After that week, I am utterly convinced that this is perfectly possible to do- it just requires a lifetime of practice and a heightened awareness. I have also read books my Harvard doctors and scientist that seem to indicate that such superhuman feats may indeed be possible. At this point I don't know what to believe anymore, but I will definitely be approaching this topic with an open mind. I am in conflict over this kind of thing. I am very much a skeptical, scientific person and for most of my life I was inclined to believe that all such claims of the supernatural or paranormal are faked. I have read numerous books on magic, con artistry and the psychology of belief, so I have a pretty solid foundation on how and why people would fake such feats.

However, recently during second week, I spent a week in the mountains north of Santa Cruz taking a class in wilderness survival from someone who could easily be called a fraud for being able to identify such things as cancer and depression just by examining a footprint. After that week, I am utterly convinced that this is perfectly possible to do- it just requires a lifetime of practice and a heightened awareness. I have also read books my Harvard doctors and scientist that seem to indicate that such superhuman feats may indeed be possible. At this point I don’t know what to believe anymore, but I will definitely be approaching this topic with an open mind.

]]> By: Phil Hamer http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18163 Phil Hamer Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:32:46 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18163 Like everyone else, I have my doubts in this, but I believe it is healthy to be somewhat skeptical about everything but also somewhat open and put things to the test. I didn't believe in palm reading until I visited a palm reader. I didn't believe in hypnotism until I went to a small hypnotist show and talked to the hypnotist. A lot of people don't believe in prayer, but I know it works. I've learned not to completely discount anything just because it isn't scientific enough until I've experienced it myself. Perhaps there are some sciences that we don't understand or our minds are too shallow to grasp. I have to disagree with Jeff. If our school systems leave room for a little belief in the unexplained and the sensational, then that is a positive thing. Not that I think that our school systems have anything to do with it either way. I wish a goddess would come down and feed me. I get sick of spending money on food and what a waste of time! In my ideal world I would just eat for enjoyment and not survival. Like everyone else, I have my doubts in this, but I believe it is healthy to be somewhat skeptical about everything but also somewhat open and put things to the test.

I didn’t believe in palm reading until I visited a palm reader. I didn’t believe in hypnotism until I went to a small hypnotist show and talked to the hypnotist. A lot of people don’t believe in prayer, but I know it works. I’ve learned not to completely discount anything just because it isn’t scientific enough until I’ve experienced it myself. Perhaps there are some sciences that we don’t understand or our minds are too shallow to grasp.

I have to disagree with Jeff. If our school systems leave room for a little belief in the unexplained and the sensational, then that is a positive thing. Not that I think that our school systems have anything to do with it either way.

I wish a goddess would come down and feed me. I get sick of spending money on food and what a waste of time! In my ideal world I would just eat for enjoyment and not survival.

]]> By: Frederick Peemoeller http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18160 Frederick Peemoeller Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:57:39 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18160 I just wanted to point out that I found this article originally on yahoo, but later when I searched for it I found it at the website above. Therefore, it did make headline news. Here are some more links on youtube that people might find interesting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS7xFzgI_34 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onA7eLPKNp0&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDBz-VbMMQY&feature=fvw I just wanted to point out that I found this article originally on yahoo, but later when I searched for it I found it at the website above. Therefore, it did make headline news. Here are some more links on youtube that people might find interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS7xFzgI_34
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onA7eLPKNp0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDBz-VbMMQY&feature=fvw

]]> By: Jeff http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18159 Jeff Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:41:52 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18159 I have to agree with Jay on this one. This reminds me of the Yogi's that are "levitating" in the village center for all to see <i>(and to collect money)</i>. Just don't get too close or you'll observe that the "staff" in his hand is actually a steel bar that has a platform welded to it that he's perched on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etSivpBHUmE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Kz8FzruvQ&feature=related I think the fact that some people believe Prahlad Mataji's story is a symptom of our school system's failure in that it produces specialists that aren't generalists enough to understand elementary science. I can understand the desire to believe in supernatural events, I would like to believe that I could perform amazing feats like going without food or water for a lifetime with nothing more than dedication and study, but it's not going to happen. We <strong>are</strong> living in a supernatural time from our understanding and use of science... just look at the iPhone... a hundred years ago, it would have been viewed as supernatural. In our reality, it was "conjured up" with real knowledge and by utilizing ideas borne from using the "scientific method". I understand and respect TM and the physicality of Yoga, and I've spent time, in days past, meditating in an Epsom Salt Water isolation chamber like those at the Esalen Retreat in Big Sur. Why ? I was curious about its effect on the state-of-mind. There were many purported benefits. It was an interesting experience that gave me a different perspective on life, and it felt great...but ultimately, reality kicks in when you need to go back to work and function in a profession that <i>isn't</i> meditation. I think there are many facets of existence that we don't know about, but some that we <i>do</i> know about are the laws of thermodynamics. If Prahlad Mataji's not at the same temperature of the air around him, if his blood is pumping, and if he is breathing, he is consuming energy <i>(food)</i>. If he's sweating, he's drinking liquid. Looking at one of several videos on YouTube it was reported that he does partake of several "drops" of "nectar" occasionally. Before I would place my hope for a food free world using him as an example, I'd do a lot more study and find out a lot more details about his life. I have to agree with Jay on this one. This reminds me of the Yogi’s that are “levitating” in the village center for all to see (and to collect money). Just don’t get too close or you’ll observe that the “staff” in his hand is actually a steel bar that has a platform welded to it that he’s perched on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etSivpBHUmE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Kz8FzruvQ&feature=related

I think the fact that some people believe Prahlad Mataji’s story is a symptom of our school system’s failure in that it produces specialists that aren’t generalists enough to understand elementary science. I can understand the desire to believe in supernatural events, I would like to believe that I could perform amazing feats like going without food or water for a lifetime with nothing more than dedication and study, but it’s not going to happen. We are living in a supernatural time from our understanding and use of science… just look at the iPhone… a hundred years ago, it would have been viewed as supernatural. In our reality, it was “conjured up” with real knowledge and by utilizing ideas borne from using the “scientific method”.

I understand and respect TM and the physicality of Yoga, and I’ve spent time, in days past, meditating in an Epsom Salt Water isolation chamber like those at the Esalen Retreat in Big Sur. Why ? I was curious about its effect on the state-of-mind. There were many purported benefits. It was an interesting experience that gave me a different perspective on life, and it felt great…but ultimately, reality kicks in when you need to go back to work and function in a profession that isn’t meditation.

I think there are many facets of existence that we don’t know about, but some that we do know about are the laws of thermodynamics. If Prahlad Mataji’s not at the same temperature of the air around him, if his blood is pumping, and if he is breathing, he is consuming energy (food). If he’s sweating, he’s drinking liquid. Looking at one of several videos on YouTube it was reported that he does partake of several “drops” of “nectar” occasionally.

Before I would place my hope for a food free world using him as an example, I’d do a lot more study and find out a lot more details about his life.

]]> By: Terrence Aym http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18158 Terrence Aym Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:24:41 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18158 @John Barry: I assure you that Fred is not Terrence Aym. I am Terrence Aym and the author of the article you are debating. If you read the article you'll note I do not claim that the yogi's claim is true or untrue. I simply have reported the facts and the events to date. @John Barry: I assure you that Fred is not Terrence Aym. I am Terrence Aym and the author of the article you are debating. If you read the article you’ll note I do not claim that the yogi’s claim is true or untrue. I simply have reported the facts and the events to date.

]]> By: Catherine Kristensen http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18157 Catherine Kristensen Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:16:49 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18157 The dialog on this blog topic is one of my favorites so far this year. Seeing each of your varied reactions to this topic is enlightening. Frankly, I could care less if he has really gone 70 years without food or water. Fourteen days is amazing enough to me! This topic intrigued me enough to do a little research and I found this video: http://www.rabihdagher.com/blog/2010/05/prahlad-jani-mataji-the-indian-hermit-with-no-food-or-water-for-more-than-70-years/ BBC is no National Enquirer - they are a pretty reputable source and seeing their take on this issue was interesting. Watching Prahlad Jani Mataji in action (though 'action' is a strong word in his case) helps to show how small and frail he is and how limited his motions are. It makes his claim seem more believable, though I still have my doubts... The dialog on this blog topic is one of my favorites so far this year. Seeing each of your varied reactions to this topic is enlightening. Frankly, I could care less if he has really gone 70 years without food or water. Fourteen days is amazing enough to me!

This topic intrigued me enough to do a little research and I found this video:
http://www.rabihdagher.com/blog/2010/05/prahlad-jani-mataji-the-indian-hermit-with-no-food-or-water-for-more-than-70-years/

BBC is no National Enquirer - they are a pretty reputable source and seeing their take on this issue was interesting. Watching Prahlad Jani Mataji in action (though ‘action’ is a strong word in his case) helps to show how small and frail he is and how limited his motions are. It makes his claim seem more believable, though I still have my doubts…

]]> By: Tim Lynds http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18137 Tim Lynds Thu, 27 May 2010 05:24:16 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18137 Whether it is true or not its still an interesting story to consider. I am leaning towards a farce in this case, but I am in full agreement that one can gain greater control over his or her own body by just using their mind. Even with limited hard and fast evidence of the healing powers of the mind, there is still a huge body of research results that more than hint at how powerful the mind can be. One more comment about this post is that fact that most people in our culture, including myself, would completely dismiss this story immediately because of its spiritual implications. We as Americans love and trust scientific medicine and hold it to a godly status. We often discount spiritual medicinal practices as they often have no scientific proof to back them as well as our perception that we have less 'control' over these practices. I say we give these alternative medicinal practices a chance. I mean hey, they have been around for thousands of years and are they really more far-fetched than some our own beliefs about how humans came to exist on this planet? Whether it is true or not its still an interesting story to consider. I am leaning towards a farce in this case, but I am in full agreement that one can gain greater control over his or her own body by just using their mind. Even with limited hard and fast evidence of the healing powers of the mind, there is still a huge body of research results that more than hint at how powerful the mind can be.

One more comment about this post is that fact that most people in our culture, including myself, would completely dismiss this story immediately because of its spiritual implications. We as Americans love and trust scientific medicine and hold it to a godly status. We often discount spiritual medicinal practices as they often have no scientific proof to back them as well as our perception that we have less ‘control’ over these practices. I say we give these alternative medicinal practices a chance. I mean hey, they have been around for thousands of years and are they really more far-fetched than some our own beliefs about how humans came to exist on this planet?

]]> By: Emily Schaapveld http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18133 Emily Schaapveld Tue, 25 May 2010 21:47:54 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18133 Like Jay, it is very intriguing to me as well that if this story were true, why was it not pasted all over the news? And why aren't there thousands of researchers pounding at his door to test whether this is actually possible? It is amazing what you can do if you "put your mind to it"...but come on, not eat or drink for 70 years? Like Jay, it is very intriguing to me as well that if this story were true, why was it not pasted all over the news? And why aren’t there thousands of researchers pounding at his door to test whether this is actually possible? It is amazing what you can do if you “put your mind to it”…but come on, not eat or drink for 70 years?

]]> By: Lindsay Leaver http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/#comment-18131 Lindsay Leaver Tue, 25 May 2010 20:30:27 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2558#comment-18131 You guys are such haters! I totally believe it! Anything is possible if you master the mind/body/soul relationship. I have read books about real accounts and seeing yogi's levitate. LEVITATE. That is like flying! As a yogi myself, I am hungry all the time, and if I don't eat I get super cranky. I am no where near this point of enlightenment, but I do believe it is possible. There are huge possibilities if you believe. Any average person could reach this point, but it takes practice, time, energy, and above all belief. Are we really to the point where we are so cynical that we can't believe in the power of energy and the human mind. We have created computers, electricity, the wheel, and guns for crying out loud? Why can't we evolve to be above the need for food? Awesome article/post Fred! You guys are such haters! I totally believe it! Anything is possible if you master the mind/body/soul relationship. I have read books about real accounts and seeing yogi’s levitate. LEVITATE. That is like flying!

As a yogi myself, I am hungry all the time, and if I don’t eat I get super cranky. I am no where near this point of enlightenment, but I do believe it is possible. There are huge possibilities if you believe. Any average person could reach this point, but it takes practice, time, energy, and above all belief.

Are we really to the point where we are so cynical that we can’t believe in the power of energy and the human mind. We have created computers, electricity, the wheel, and guns for crying out loud? Why can’t we evolve to be above the need for food?

Awesome article/post Fred!

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