Yoga for Health
By Dr.Aruna Shukla, Indian Cultural Centre, Bali

After publishing in the previous edition two poses of yoga for beginners, we now continue into the number 3, 4 and 5 poses.

ARDHAHALASANA (Half Plough Pose)
Lying spine on the ground with legs together, hands by the side of the body and palms on the ground. Slowly raise your one leg, up to 90-degree angle if possible. Maintain for few second and then slowly bring the leg on the ground. Repeat the same with the other leg and then relax in "savasana".

UTTANAPADASANA
Take spine position with legs together, hands by the side of the body, palm resting on the ground. Raise both legs together up to 30-degree angle and then 60-degree angle. Maintain it for few seconds and the slowly bring both the legs on the ground, and then relax in "savasana". Benefits – This is very beneficial for those suffering from diabetes, constipation, indigestions and nervous weakness. Limitation – People suffering from lumber spondilitis and muscle pull should not practice it.

ARDHAPAWANAMUKTSANA (HALF ANTIFLATUS POSE).
Lie down on your back with legs together, hands by the side of your body. Raise your one leg, then fold it at the knee joint and clasp the knee with both hands, fingers interlocking. Now pull the knee bring it closer to the chest and press. Raise the head up and bring the chin towards the knee if possible, maintain it for some time and then come back. Do the same with the left leg.

Rising Flag Underwater

For the fifth time, the Marine Journalist Group (KJL) commemorated the seconds of Independence Day of Indonesia on 17 August by rising the red-white flag undersea. This happening took place at Sanur Beach. "This year, we make cooperation with the Sanur Development Foundation and Club Aqua (Sea Walker)," explained Supardi, coordinator of the event, while adding that previously it has been carried out at Tulamben Village, Karangasem for three times and ultimately at Les Village, Singaraja.
A number of 17 divers and 12 sea walkers held a ceremony of rising red-white flag in the depth of five metres. One of them came in as commander of the ceremony, four as holder and waver of the red-white the flag, while the other as attendees taking place for 17 minutes.
Uniquely, other than wearing diving suits along with its apparatus, attendees of the ceremony also put on heroic accessories namely regional custom, farmer’s clothes including sharp bamboo log as weapon used in 1945. Having completed the ceremony, the attendees swam around underwater to enjoy the panorama of colourful coral reef and a variety of alluring fishes.
At the same time, the ceremony was also intended to celebrate the landing of Dutch troops at Sanur Beach igniting the agonizing Puputan Badung War, 20 September 1906. In the war, at least 3,500 relatives of the Badung Monarchy, along with its troops including the king and queen, were killed to maintain their territory against the grip of Dutch colonizer.
The happening that was initiated by KJL and coincidentally came in the program of the Sanur Village Festival (25-27/8) also organized an undersea ‘Fashion Show’ (27/8). (BTN/para)

Governor Cup 2006

SANUR - Golf enthusiasts from around the Asia-Pacific region will be making their way to the island of the gods this September, hoping to take home the prestigious Bali Governor Cup, the seventh annual running of an event whose inaugural tournament coincided with the start of the new millennium. Three venues will host this year’s play; The Grand Bali Beach Golf Club in the beach resort of Sanur, Bali Golf & Country Club in Nusa Dua, and Nirwana Bali Golf Club bordering the famous Tanah Lot Temple on Bali’s south-west shore. Each course boasts a unique tropical setting combined with world-class layouts, club facilities and guest services. Bali’s governor, Mr. Dewa Made Beratha, has extended a warm invitation to all players, both locally and from around the region to join in this year’s event and play a part in this worthy cause. (BTN/*)

"Meru" Kite

TANAH LOT – A special Balinese traditional kite in the shape of meru or the roof of a Bali Temple with seven stairs, is ready to fly during the joyful International Bali Kite Festival, in Tanah Lot – Tabanan, held last 11 – 13 August. (BTN/018)

Monte Swims for Yogyakarta Earthquake Relief Effort

KARIMUNJAWA -To help spark interest in the World Food Program Relief efforts for the recent Indonesian earthquake, marathon swimmer Monte Monfore accomplished a world new record near the quake’s epicenter. Two weeks after the disaster the American braved stormy seas swimming 12.5 kilometers in the Karimunjawa National Marine Park located north of Central Java in the South China Sea.
The 45-year-old world record ocean swimmer began his challenge under the stars on Menyawakan Island at 4:43am. "I’m beginning my swim in darkness to reflect the devastation of the earthquake and the dire circumstances of those still suffering from the tragedy. Nearly 6000 people lost their lives and some 650,000 people were left homeless or displaced," Monte said before diving into the dark sea from the pier of event sponsor, Kura Kura Resort.
The native Californian who lives on the neighboring island of Bali, exhibited courage, determination, and ocean swimming skills. A fluorescent light stick attached to his swimsuit enabled support boats and camera crew to keep sight of the swimmer in the pre-dawn darkness. Encountering high winds and rough seas from the start he was forced to swim against the current for the first two hours.
"I plan to finish my swim after sunrise to represent the hope that those suffering from the tragedy will receive the urgent help they need. Once again this beautiful country has been hit by a natural disaster and the Indonesian people need our support," Monte concluded in his pre-swim announcement.
As the sun rose over choppy seas the swimmer faced several hardships. Experiencing nausea under the rough conditions he was unable to hold down his energy drinks. He also suffered multiple jellyfish stings. The endurance athlete strictly adhered to the rules of ocean swimming: no fins, no wetsuit, and no touching the boat.
Supported by Stormbird Media filmmaker Dean Allan Tolhurst, cameraman Robert Barkman, and seasoned boatmen from Kura Kura Resort, Monte demonstrated resolve throughout the arduous swim. "I’m OK," he replied every time the concerned crew, who also became sick due to the rolling waves, asked about his condition.
After four hours four minutes battling the elements the swimmer stepped from the turquoise water onto the white sand beach of uninhabited Kumbang Island. Exhausted, but elated after his ordeal, he was cheered by his support crew.
When congratulated in a post-swim interview Monte responded, "Thank you very much. I’m tired, but I feel good…and happy. This swim, however, is for the people affected by the Yogya quake. Hundreds of thousands have lost nearly everything and now they must begin rebuilding their lives. This recovery will cost an estimated US$100 million. These wonderful people need help now." He closed with an appeal to please give generously to the United Nations World Food Program. You can make a difference at www.wfp.org."
When asked what motivated him to swim for Yogyakarta earthquake survivors, the swimmer responded, "I love Indonesia and its wonderful people and plan to spend the rest of my life here. My goal is to raise awareness for those affected by the tragedy and, in a small part, contribute to a better understanding between people of different parts of the earth. I live on the Hindu island of Bali, for example, in the middle of the largest Muslim nation and third largest democracy in the world, and I see a different face of Islam than is often depicted on television screens across the globe. I’ve traveled throughout this beautiful archipelago and have experienced nothing but religious tolerance, smiling faces, and kindness. The WFP’s policy is to provide assistance to those in need around the world, irrespective of race, religion, or nationality, and I’m very pleased to contribute to their efforts."
Monte continued, "Everyone would like to express their extreme gratitude to event sponsors Garuda Indonesia, TNT, Astra International-Honda, Canggu Club, Bali Deli, International SOS, Bali Adventure Tours, Oakley, Surfer Girl, Rip Curl School of Surf, Bali Hai Diving Adventures, Storm Brewing, Paradise Property, C151 Resorts, Sundancer Resort, and Kura Kura Resort here in Karimunjawa for contributing towards the Yogya relief effort."
"And, as always, I want to take this opportunity to campaign for protection of the oceans and reefs around the world, which are slowly being destroyed by humans. Awareness and diligence are nec

Go to France

KUTA – Mr. Ida Bagus Ugrasena, the owner of Hotel Maharani in Kuta, will go to Dieppe – France coming September, to participate in an international kite festival. He will be accompanied by his wife (left side) for the two weeks trip in France. Ugrasena (third from left) will continue to play kite in Holland and also in the other European countries. (BTN/*)

"Petakut" Scarecrow

TANAH LOT – Petakut (a kind of puppet used as scarecrow) competed in International Bali Kite Festival in Tanah Lot, recently. The Petakut scarecrow functions to frighten the birds in order to protect the paddies that belong to the farmer in the rice field (BTN/018)