Seeking Wholeness

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

 Marianne Williamson

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Ethan Z Awareness, Be Happy, Emotional Wellness, Inspirational, New Norms Happiness

Sit down, put your feet on the ground, sit up straight, close your eyes, breath deeply, start to notice your thoughts. Now slowly separate your awareness from your thoughts, in other words take a couple steps back in your mind from your thoughts, notice the thoughts but don’t actually think them, start to listen and watch the thoughts as the arise.

What you are doing is becoming an observer of your thoughts, not participating in them, simply acknowledging them, letting them go along as you remain, a non-critical observer.

It may help if you had a word to repeat (like ‘ohm’, or any mantra) or a spot to concentrate your eyes on (with your eyes closed) to help you keep your observer self separate from your thoughts.

Soon, you may notice all sorts of thoughts, ideas, even images and sounds show up, from somewhere, and if you let them be (without judging or participating in them), fade away.

This practice of observing thoughts is fascinating and amusing. As the observer, I noticed how many of the thoughts I noticed seemed random and unrelated, some of them even seemed foreign to me.

The above is how I typically explain what it’s like to meditate.

Soon after I woke up this morning, right before I left the bed, I had an idea that connected the above experience of meditation with designing artificial intelligence software. The insight I gained from meditating, into how we are observers of seemingly random thoughts, seemed appropriately suited for artificial intelligence computer programs.

Let me clarify, I’m trying to say that artificial intelligence design may benefit (and become actualized) if and when we can mimic what human minds do. In other words, when random ideas are picked from an idea bank or generated in some fashion then presented to an observing software for split-second analysis. By generating or picking up thousands of seemingly random pieces of information, then running them through the examining software (observer) that can discard some ideas and pick others for further consideration, we may be able to give a machine the ability to find inspiration and creativity.

I am posting this idea online, in hopes that someone can pick it up and utilize it, I hope you can find this helpful, assuming that this concept is not already being utilized in AI projects.

My meditation practice allowed me to see how thoughts, almost at random, criss-crossed my mind, and how consciousness or the observer can pick some and discard others, unconsciously processing countless numbers of ideas behind the scene of the logical mind. This is very different than the typical linear and object oriented computer programming, it is also different than fuzzy logic in computer science.

We, humans, make sense and create order out of seeming chaos in our heads, with ease (unconsciously), maybe this is what AI programs have been lacking.

Let me hear your thoughts, leave a comment below. Thanks!!

Added Feb 18, 2010:

I  mentioned traditional linear, object oriented programming and fuzzy logic above. I would like to clarify that fuzzy logic (ie. going with degrees of truth instead of true/false values) can be a valuable part of the AI strategy mentioned above. The observer program would utilize fuzzy logic to evaluate all the random ideas, images, concepts, sounds being presented to it. The source of such ideas, concepts etc being presented can also be another complex program, or multiple ones, I will call the source the ‘Presenter’ program(s); the observing program is what I’ve referred to as ‘Observer’. 

Read more…

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Ethan Z About Me / Blog, Science & Technology Consciousness, Life, Meditation

Greetings and salutations!

the following is a message that I feel is very worthy of sharing with those of us who are seeking wholeness, especially on this day many call “valentines day”. This message was sent out yesterday from the founder and leader of Young Living brand essential oils. if you don’t know who or what i’m talking about then here’s my quick shpeel: Young Living is passionate and serious about producing therapeutic-grade products; Gary has the strictest standards for purity, potency and safety when it comes to the essential oils that Young Living produces, and he is passionate about bringing a higher quality of life to all of the world. if you are new to ‘essential oils’, they can be considered, but are far from limited to the word aromatherapy. they are basically considered the blood of a plant/tree/fruit/flower and this blood contains enormous healing potential, and is imbued with the intelligence of nature.

I am a distributor of these oils-
i use them in a variety of ways daily, on myself, on dogs, and in my massage and healing practice, so i have stories from using the oils myself, as well as from other people over the last year and a half, since I first heard about Young Living.

i hope you have a wonderful valentine’s day! know that i love you, and care for you so very much. You are an invaluable piece of the giant Cosmic Puzzle, I will say. and that is no small thing! I mean, your ability to realize grander dreams and desires for ourselves and others, is important. Your health, happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction in life IS IMPORTANT. i think you came here to this thing we call “Life” to evolve and achieve deeper fulfillment in your own unique and perfect way. And really, right here and now, you are doing that just perfectly. You are perfect, whole and complete. You are lovely. I love you!

if you would like to get to know more about the Young Living essential oils on your own, you can click here or just get in touch with me.

peace!

~angie

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angela englund, cmt Be Environmentally Friendly, Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Socially Responsible, Emotional Wellness, General, Inspirational, Just Ask Yourself, Physical Wellness, Reflections, Resources, Social Wellness, Spiritual Wellness, Wellness, Wisdom, World Awareness, Education, Emotional Wellness, Evolving, Happiness, Human Rights, Life, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Quotes, Wisdom

New sunspots just appeared, known as sunspot group 1045. This is an active region that has produced moderate (M-class) solar flares. Here’s a photo of the sun

You can find a LIVE photo of the sun if you scroll down and look in the right side of this website

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Ethan Z Environmental Wellness, Science & Technology Astronomy

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you … See More spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

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Ethan Z Be Happy, Emotional Wellness, Quotes, Social Wellness Norms, Quotes, Wisdom

My dear friend of Minnesota’s environment and public health,

Can you take just a couple minutes to help save Minnesota lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater from the first serious threat of pollution by toxic Acid Mine Drainage from copper-nickel mines?  Here’s a quick-and-easy webform provided by our friends at Organic Consumers Association:  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1839

TWIN-CITIES COMMENT-WRITING WORKSHOP  this Sunday:

Also, you and anyone you  know who might be interested are invited to attend this special comment-writing workshop Sunday, January 17, 1-4 PM in St. Paul.  Please refer others, even if you’re not likely to attend.  It is a private meeting for contributors to substantive public comments on the draft environmental impact statement, hosted by WaterLegacy.org.

This is a limited opportunity, with comment period set to close *February 3*, 2010. Your comments are critical to the project receiving the scrutiny it deserves. It would create toxic acid mine drainage for hundreds or thousands of years.

Register NOW. Be sure to state your topic(s) or area(s) of interest in the DEIS.
http://www.mepartnership.org/mep_calendar.asp?cal_id=3510

All levels of citizen participation are welcome. Some would just like to sign a form letter and hand it in. Some would like to pick a narrow topic and write comments in one hour, or stay for the duration and write extensive comments. We held a similar workshop in Cloquet last weekend, which was very well-attended and productive.  Many completed and either emailed or mailed their comments that day.

You will benefit by learning from other citizens, background and technical documents, information about PolyMet and the environmental review process, and tips to make your comments most effective. We can provide talking points and drafts.  We will facilitate according to your needs.

Professional input will be available and more is welcome.

NOTE:  Even if you may not feel comfortable submitting written comments on the EIS directly, your expertise would be very beneficial.

Meanwhile, you can demand that DNR provide adequate public participation in the environmental review process. Specifically, ask for 1) extension of the comment period from only 90 to at least 180 days; 2) more convenient and interactive public hearings around the state. Email: Stuart Arkley MDNR stuart.arkley@dnr.state.mn.us <mailto:stuart.arkley@dnr.state.mn.us>

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Ethan Z Be Environmentally Friendly, Be Socially Responsible, New Norms, Politics Morals, Politics, Toxins

Peace …comes within the souls of men when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the Universe and all its powers, and when they realize that…the center of the Universe… is really everywhere, it is within each of us.

—Black Elk, Oglala Lakota, 1947

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Ethan Z Awareness, Be Happy, New Norms, Quotes Evolving, Mindfulness, Native American, Norms, Quotes, Wisdom

Be kind, the better we treat others the better we feel about ourselves. The more we build and affirm people the more we grow as human beings.

By: Hal Urban

Also, remember, be kind to yourself!
Your opinion and view of yourself is the only one that matters so be careful what you say to yourself, your unconscious mind is always listening.

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Ethan Z Be Happy, Emotional Wellness, Intellectual Wellness Happiness, Quotes, Wisdom

I came across this music recently thanks to a dear friend, it’s pretty mellow . Enjoy

www.lemonjelly.ky

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Ethan Z Be Happy, Just for Fun Happiness

Great Music video from the nineties !
The lyrics are taken from a famous essay — written in 1997 by Mary Schmich, a columnist with the Chicago Tribune (article) — which gives some amazing advice for life, thoroughly recommend everyone to watch this ! enjoy !

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEO

Lyrics:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of 99 Wear Sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they’ve faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don’t waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long and, in the end, it’s only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Read more…

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Ethan Z Be Happy, Best of, Inspirational Happiness, Toxins, Wisdom

After a while, the United States is simply too much: too much religion and not enough gods, too much news and not enough wisdom, too many weapons of mass destruction – or, for that matter, private destruction (why search so far away when they live right under our noses?), too much entertainment and not enough beauty, too much electricity and not enough light, too much lumber and not enough forests, too much real estate and not enough earth, too many books and not enough readers, too many runners and not enough strollers, too many freeways, too many cars, too many malls, too many prisons, too much security but not enough civility, too many humans but not enough eagles. And the worst excess of all: too many wars, too much misery and brutality – reflected as much in our own eyes as in those of our enemies.

by Bill Holm

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Ethan Z Best of, Inspirational, New Norms Awareness, Morals, Wisdom

In researching philosophies of religions I came across many “isims” so I put together the definitions of all the isims I came across here. Enjoy:

Agnosticism: a (meaning “without”) gnosis (”knowledge”). Agnosticism is the position where one claims they cannot know whether a God or Gods exists. This lack of knowledge may be viewed as temporary (weak agnosticism) or permanent (strong agnosticism).

Animism: A belief that natural phenomena such as rocks, trees, thunder, or celestial bodies have life or divinity. The doctrine that all natural objects and the universe itself have souls. a belief that natural phenomena such as rocks, trees, thunder, or celestial bodies have life or divinity.

Atheism: a (”without”) the (”deity”, or “god”). Disbelief in any supernatural deity.

Autotheism: The viewpoint that, whether divinity is also external or not, it is inherently within ‘oneself’ and that one’s duty is to become perfect; divine. This can either be in a selfish, wilful, egotistical way or a selfless way following the implications of statements attributed to ethical, philosophical, and religious leaders such as Jesus, Buddha, Mahavira, and Socrates. The doctrine of God’s self-existence. Deification of one’s self; self-worship.

Deism: the belief that a god created the world and then left it to run on its own. Popular during the Enlightenment period. The analogy often used to explain it is that of a clock maker who constructs the watch and then leaves it, allowing it to operate on its own.

Dualism: The doctrine that reality consists of two basic opposing elements, often taken to be mind and matter (or mind and body), or good and evil. Dualism denotes a state of two parts. The word’s origin is the Latin duo, “two” . The term ‘dualism’ was originally coined to denote co-eternal binary opposition, a meaning that is preserved in metaphysical and philosophical duality discourse but has been diluted in general usage.

Eutheism: the belief that there is a god, and that this god is good. (Omnibenevolence) is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “unlimited or infinite benevolence”. It is sometimes held to be impossible for a deity to exhibit this property along with both omniscience and omnipotence, because of the problem of evil. It is a technical term used in the academic literature on the philosophy of religion, often in the context of the problem of evil and in theodical responses, and even in such context, the phrases “perfect goodness” or “moral perfection” are often preferred.

Existentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one’s acts.

Fatalism: The doctrine that all events are predetermined by fate and are therefore unalterable.

Hedonism: The doctrine which holds the standard of the good and morality as whatever gives pleasure per se. This theory substitutes ethical purpose for ethical standard, stating (in essence) “the proper value is whatever you happen to value.” Objectivism rejects this formulation.

Henotheism: Devotion to one god, while accepting the existence of others. Much of the Old Testament is henotheistic.

Humanism: is a perspective common to a wide range of ethical stances that attaches importance to human dignity, concerns, and capabilities, particularly rationality. Although the word has many senses, its meaning comes into focus when contrasted to the supernatural or to appeals to authority. Since the nineteenth century, humanism has been associated with an anti-clericalism inherited from the eighteenth-century Enlightenment philosophes. Twenty-first century Humanism tends to strongly endorse human rights, including reproductive rights, gender equality, social justice, and the separation of church and state. The term covers organized non-theistic religions, secular humanism, and a humanistic life stance. The doctrine emphasizing a person’s capacity for self-realization through reason; rejects religion and the supernatural.

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Ethan Z Religion / Atheism Ancient, Buddhism, Mysticism, Oneness

Happy New Year!

At this time, a week after the celebration of Christmas, we find ourselves gearing up for one more round of parties, celebration, and perhaps some deep reflection and quiet contemplation.   And we carry on a tradition of making , what many people call, New Year’s Resolutions.

I was pondering this word on the night of the solstice- when the light begins to return for longer periods than the darkness- and it dawned on me (no pun intended!) that the evening of the solstice felt more like “New Year’s” to me than anything.  A new year was beginning for me that night, as the darkness would be given less time to linger, and the light would be filling our days moreso.  What a great way to think about how we are moving into a new chapter in our lives.  The chapter of 2010-

But the meat of what I got to pondering, on that cold, crisp night here in Minnesota, where I live… was the word “resolution”; what’s with this making new year’s resolutions stuff?  I find there is a lack of feeling and motivation behind this word, resolution.

I wondered how many other people hear that catch-phrase and imagine the plethora of topics that are common in our country:  eating healthier, going on a diet, losing weight, getting in shape, paying off debt, quit smoking, quit drinking, quit this, quite that, stick-to-this, follow-through-on-that, etc.  These things can sound like such a CHORE!  And then it hit me:  the very word itself, resolution, implies there is something to be resolved, and if something is to be resolved, then we must first have a “problem”.

Well, I don’t like the word problem. When we take into account the Bigger Picture, I feel that here, there are no problems.  A problem is a matter of perception.  They are just a sign-post that something is simply out-of-whack in our mind and our heart, and thus is spills forth into our outer lives.  So we must bring it into the light, where it will be TRANSFORMED, brought back into alignment, and returned to us as a fresh perspective, a right outlook, a new energy that will fill us and point us in the direction of where we would like to be going.

After all, nothing can truly be destroyed, extinguished, or ended.  ALL is energy, ever changing, in a state of flux, shifting and moving and altering form as it naturally evolves or as we come along and perceive it and project our energy onto it.  So it’s not that bad habits need to be cut out of our lives- in fact, this can prove to be quite difficult!  Going “cold turkey” just usually doesn’t work that well.  But if we offer it to the Light, it will be transformed and shifted in the way that is most effective and perfect for us.

We are not here to resolve our lives or “fix” the world- WE ARE HERE TO TRANSFORM IT.

And Oh!  What a grand opportunity that is.

May you know that you,

right here, right now,

are FULLY  EQCUIPED to do just that-

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angela englund, cmt Definitions, Emotional Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, Just Ask Yourself, Reflections, Stress Reduction Consciousness, Emotional Wellness, Evolving, Life, Mental Health, Social Wellness

I am honored to welcome a new author on Seeking Wholeness .com her name is Angela. Angela is full of wisdom and love, she is an experienced Shiatsu massage therapist, Reiki instructor and Rain Drop therapist. Angela also is very knowledgeable and passionate about essential oils, if you have any kind of diss-ease she can help you in so many ways. Now, she has come here to Seeking Wholeness to share her knowledge and love with YOU!

A page will be added soon with more info on how Angie can help YOU!  You can find it under the About section on this website.

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Ethan Z About Me / Blog

Very valuable – must watch:

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Ethan Z Awareness, Be Socially Responsible, General, New Norms, Politics, Religion / Atheism Ancient, Native American, Wisdom

Enjoy!

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Ethan Z Be Happy, Hypnosis, Just for Fun

Happy birthday to Jesus of Nazareth, Mithra of Persia, Attis of Phrygia, Horus, Osiris, Krishna,  Heracles, Dionysus, Tammuz, Adonis, Hermes, Bacchus, Prometheus and solar messiahs that were BORN on on December 25th

Happy Bday!

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Ethan Z. Crazy World, Religion / Atheism Ancient, Wisdom

It is sad how people experience stress during the holidays, but things don’t have to be this way!

The shopping, driving, mailing out greeting cards, going to the post office, budgeting, traveling and seeing relatives. Sounds familiar?

I want to tell you now, that you can change this. You do not have to be stressed. In fact, you can be happy and make a bunch of other people happy.

You do not have to navigate crowded malls, get stuck in traffic, drive long distances, deal with airports and air travel, worry what gifts to buy, wrap gifts, mail gifts, send cards… nothing! Yes, you can simply say “no”.

Many alternatives to the commercialized, stressful, costly and polluting norms exist. Consider finding a bunch of friends that are close to your heart and locale (in your same state or region) and spend time with them.

Give people good words, give good wishes, give hugs, give love, give smiles, do good deeds, be extra relaxed, open doors for people, plant trees, etc.. The sky is the limit. You do not have to venture into these pesky malls.

You have the power to save money, save the environment, save yourself from headaches and have a greater more positive impact this season by being a better friend to yourself, to others and to nature.

Yes, YOU have to power to keep things simple. To say no. To start new traditions. To be unique.
Consider giving a donation to non profit organizations, give the Gift of Microfinance , be selfless, serve others, or make some good food and invite people to eat.

Consider spending time alone in meditation, in counting your blessings, in reflection, in prayer, in adoring Nature or a candle’s flame. Take a walk on a trail, go alone or take a loved one, if it’s cold bundle up and go out, adore the snow, adore the sky, adore the trees, spend time with your God or Nature.

Make the new years, Christmas, solstice or Yule a time to be good, truly good to yourself, to nature and to other people.

If you celebrate Christmas, this year remember that Jesus said “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” and “sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Rid yourself of materialism and stress, keep things simple, honest, spiritual; you will be happier and make others happier while saving a bunch of trees, reducing your carbon and waste footprint and feeling better than ever for having done what you KNOW is right, not what you are told is right.

Remember, you are not alone.

Blessings, Love & Wisdom

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Ethan Z. Awareness, Be Environmentally Friendly, Be Happy, Be Socially Responsible, General, New Norms, Religion / Atheism, Stress Reduction Awareness, Christmas, Holidays, Morals, Norms, Wisdom

Rather than buying gifts, packaged in boxes, wrapping them & mailing them out (think of the carbon and waste produced as a result), how about giving the gift of hope and opportunity to people via micro-finance or micro-credit?

This season, you can help others find hope and start businesses in the US or around the world with a small financial gift!

Learn more here:

• Grameen America
• Grameen Foundation
• Grameen Bank
• Enterprise Development Group
• KIVA
• Accion USA

Find more on how you can support charitable efforts

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Ethan Z Be Socially Responsible, Best of, New Norms Norms, Wisdom

Bangalore: Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) are on the brink of a path-breaking discovery. They may have found signs of life in some form or the other on the Moon.

They believe so because scientific instruments on India’s first unmanned lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, picked up signatures of organic matter on parts of the Moon’s surface, Surendra Pal, associate director, Isro Satellite Centre (Isac), said at the international radar symposium here on Friday.

Organic matter consists of organic compounds, which consists of carbon — the building block of life.

It indicates the formation of life or decay of a once-living matter.

Pal said the signatures were relayed back to the Bylalu deep space network station near Bangalore by the mass spectrometer on board the Indian payload, the moon impact probe (MIP), on November 14, 2008.

The relay of data happened moments before it crashed near the Moon’s south pole. The MIP was the first experiment of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was launched on October 22, 2008.

Pal, however, did not elaborate, but concluded saying “the findings are being analysed and scrutinised for validation by Isro scientists and peer reviewers”.

“It is too early to say anything,” said the director of Isro’s space physics laboratory R Sridharan, who is heading the team of MIP data analysis and study. He, however, did not deny the finding.

DNA later inquired with other senior Chandrayaan-1 mission scientists, who not only confirmed the finding, but gave further details.

“Certain atomic numbers were observed that indicated the presence of carbon components. This indicates the possibility of the presence of organic matter (on the Moon),” a senior scientist told DNA.

Interestingly, similar observations were made by the US’s first manned Moon landing mission, the Apollo-11, in July 1969, which brought lunar soil samples back to Earth. But due to a lack of sophisticated equipment then, the scientists could not confirm the finding.

However, traces of amino acids, which are basic to life, were found in the soil retrieved by the Apollo-11 astronauts.

The Chandrayaan-1 scientists, at present, are analysing the source of origin of the Moon’s organic matter. “It could be comets or meteorites which have deposited the matter on the Moon’s surface; or the instrument that landed on the Moon could have left traces,” a senior space scientist said.

“But the presence of large sheets of ice in the polar regions of the Moon, and the discovery of water molecules there, lend credence to the possibility of organic matter there,” he said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report_indian-scientists-detect-signs-of-life-on-moon_1322785

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Ethan Z. Science & Technology Life