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Vesak lanterns called Vesak koodu are lit in most of the homes in  Sri Lanka  on Vesak poya day. The lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the message of Dhamma. In ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for illumination. When candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in different shapes and colours were used. Many associations arrange competitions on Vesak lanterns with the creators of the most beautiful lanterns being awarded valuable prizes.

Did you know that smiling more often—regardless of your mood—can improve your health and help you live longer? Discover seven of the surprising health benefits of smiling. 1.   Improved Mood Smiling can boost your mood when you’re feeling blue, and may be beneficial for people struggling with anxiety and depression. A  2010 study  found that making yourself smile when you’re feeling down helps improve your mood and increases positive thoughts. So, if you’re having a bad day, try smiling anyway—it may lead to a genuine smile and lift your spirits. 2.   Lower Blood Pressure Smiling and laughing more appear to help lower your blood pressure, which is good news for your heart health. A  2009 review  explains that laughter causes an initial increase in heart rate, followed by a period of muscle relaxation and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, which helps reduce your risk of developing heart disease. 3.   Stress Relief Did you...

Here are some tips to help make your life better: Day 1: Start a New Hobby Start a new hobby, or pick back up one that you have neglected. Having a hobby is more than just a way to pass the time. It’s a chance to clear your mind and take a break from chores and busy schedules. Whether it’s painting model cars, juggling, playing piano, or putting together a jigsaw puzzle, a hobby teaches patience and improves your ability to focus. Test out couple different hobbies. Ask a friend who you know has one if you can watch or try helping out with theirs. Find something that fits your personality and interests you. If it doesn’t really interest you, chances are you will end up putting your new hobby on a high shelf and forgetting about it before it has the chance to do you any good. If you already have a well-established hobby, then you already know the vast benefits of having one. Try picking up a different one to change things up and stimulate your brain. Invite someone to learn your...

When you think about professional success, you think about the strategies and behaviors that people exemplify when at work. You think about what people do during the 9-5 working hours, and whether they  extend those hours by coming in early or staying late to tackle projects . What they do when they get home, or on weekends, when they're away from the office and away from their computers, doesn't enter your mind. But here's the thing: it should. How people spend their free time can actually have a big impact on their success in the professional world. Successful people tend to spend their free time in these seven ways (and more, of course), so read below and find out why: 1. They Exercise.  Physical exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Taking a half hour after work or on a weekend can get your blood pumping, get your endorphins flowing, and revitalize your spirit. You'll build muscle, burn calories, and oxygenate your brain--giving you a re...

Life is full of beauty, but the most beautiful things are those simple things that teach us profound lessons. Often, we miss these things when we let life get in the way. We fail to see the beauty of simplicity. Here are 12 simply beautiful things — and their profound lessons. 1. Shadows Shadows always seem to get a bad rap, but they are a beautiful thing on a hot summer day. They shield us from the heat. They remind us that there truly is opposition in all things — that even darkness has a place and a potential to do good. No one is ever completely lost. 2. The song of a bird When was the last time you stopped to hear the melodious song of a bird? Birds are amazing creatures. They are constantly working and rarely rest. They are building their nests, foraging for food, flying from one place to the next and finding shelter from storms, yet birds are  always singing . They are truly happy creatures. They teach that a cheerful spirit makes for a happy life as y...