#THESE ARE NOT the best coolest most important pivotal deaths. these are the ones i cheer for. the ones i love to see.

[everymlmhybrid]

everymlmhybrid's official top ten Connor deaths

[recentanimenews]

OPINION: The Best Moments from Attack on Titan's First 3 Seasons

*Be sure to catch up on Attack on Titan before the Final Season starts December 7th! All episodes are streaming here.*

There are so many unforgettable and visually impressive moments in Attack on Titan. The sheer enormity of the Titans themselves, along with the always dazzling aerial acrobatics of the protagonists who battle for survival, are both portrayed in ways that create a uniquely immersive atmosphere. WIT STUDIO, Inc. did an incredible job making you really feel like you’re submerged in Attack on Titan's despair-ridden world, as if you too are rippling through the sky at breakneck speed, full of both courage and paralyzing fear at the sight of a seemingly unstoppable enemy.

This is especially apparent during key Titan transformations, the many battle sequences, moments that emphasize Hiroyuki Sawano’s breathtaking OST, and more. In anticipation of Attack on Titan Final Season, I came up with a short list of some of the best eye-popping, heart-racing moments from the first three seasons. Let’s dive in!

**Please don’t forget: there are MASSIVE spoilers up ahead!**  

Category 1: BEST TITAN TRANSFORMATIONS

II. Annie transforms into a Titan within the walls, Season 1, Episode 24 – Mercy - Raid on Stohess District (2)  

Up to this point, viewers only knew that the woman Titan was a traitor operating within the Walls. The end of the episode prior — Episode 23 — made the big reveal that Annie was the woman Titan all along. There's a lot of twists and turns here, with Armin and co. luring Annie into a trap that ultimately fails. Annie's Titan transformation leads to a pivotal fight that also coincides with the first season's end. The emotional stakes feel significantly charged in this situation, since unlike any of the prior battles with Titans, here the protagonists are forced to duke it out with a friend.

  I. Eren in Season 2, Episode 31 – "Warrior"

  My favorite transformation comes at the end of Season 2, Episode 31 "Warrior." Eren discovers that two of his dearest comrades — Reiner and Bertholdt — are in fact the Armored and Colossal Titans, the very ones responsible for Wall Maria's breach and the subsequent death of thousands (including Eren's mother). It's a pretty shocking moment that forces viewers to revise their entire perspective on two beloved characters, and the episode does a wonderful job expressing Eren's emotional anguish through his facial gestures and an absolutely spine-chilling scream. 

  The emotional weight is visually matched by Eren's mid-fall transformation, which is possibly the most elaborately animated character metamorphosis in the series thus far. It's a gut-wrenching moment that deserves its rightful spot in the multitude of "TOP TEN ANIME BETRAYAL" lists (and memes) online.  

Category 2: BEST SAWANO DROP

Eren encounters the Colossal Titan – Season 1, Episode 4 – Night of the Graduation Ceremony - Humanity Rises Again (2)  

  Hiroyuki Sawano is a powerhouse of a composer. The man responsible for the stellar soundtracks in Kill La Kill and Promare is known for sonically accentuating already-thrilling battle sequences, with a technique now famously coined as the "Sawano Drop." The Sawano Drop is a section in any Sawano track when the music briefly pauses only to come back in full epic force.

  This moment in Attack on Titan Episode 4 is a prime example: the music cuts out at 0:21 — timed perfectly with the moment the Colossal Titan unexpectedly appears — and returns around 0:43, just as Eren fires off his OMD hooks and gets ready for battle. The sudden musical drop emphatically underscores the absolute shock of seeing the gigantic Titan literally pop up out of nowhere, and the musical return adds extra hype to a suddenly desperate situation. It's a riveting sequence that comes after Eren muses somewhat hopefully about the prospects of beating the Titans alongside his freshly graduated comrades (poor Eren gets his hopes squashed rather quickly). Sawano's expert timing and sound palette make this scene that much better.

  Category 3: BEST CHARACTER “SACRIFICE”  

Armin gets burned alive by Colossal Titan – Season 3, Episode 54 – Hero  

Of the three main protagonists in Attack on Titan, Armin is distinguished by his unwavering loyalty to friends and comrades, along with his tactical genius. Armin saves his friends and other Scout members on more than one occasion due to his intellectual prowess, and his willingness to stand brave — and remain kind — despite overwhelming fear makes him a truly admirable character. That’s what made this moment from Season 3 all the more horrifying to watch. 

Near the end of Season 3, Armin surrenders his commanding position to Jean in a sudden moment of self-doubt and despair, but eventually comes up with a last-minute plan to beat the Colossal Titan. The only catch? It meant Armin had to be scorched to a crisp by the humongous Titan, all so Eren could trick and defeat an unsuspecting Bertholdt. We were forced to see one of the show’s most lovable characters literally get set aflame, made even more crushing by Eren’s recollection of young Armin’s bravery and innocent desire to witness the distant sea. Miraculously, Armin survives this ordeal due to a last-minute change of heart in Levi, but it doesn’t make the experience any less impactful. Armin’s selfless gesture leads to the complete defeat of the Colossal Titan and marks a major narrative turning point: he gains Bertholdt’s power (after uh, eating him) and ostensibly becomes the new Colossal Titan. That makes this moment one of the most important sacrifices — albeit temporary — in a show riddled with, well, lots of sacrifices. Which leads us to yet another mind-blowing moment from the same episode ...

  Category 4: BEST TIME LEVI DID HIS OP POWER MOVE Levi Vs the Beast Titan – Episode 54, Hero  

  I know I’m not the only one that thinks Captain Levi is the absolute coolest. He quickly earned a top-tier spot for me in the pantheon of magnetic, effortlessly badass anime characters. Levi kept an even-temper during the most desperate situations, like when he managed to briefly fight Annie’s Titan form and survive, or during the victorious battle against Kenny and his minions. Even with those accomplishments, this has to be Levi’s crowning achievement: absolutely decimating the Beast Titan with his signature spinning attack. Erwin and the last remaining Scouts sacrifice themselves in a suicide run toward the Beast Titan to give Levi the time to sneak up and kill the animal-like monster. The Beast Giant murderously, and gleefully, annihilates most of the Scouts by casually throwing loads of stones — baseball-style — at our heroes. That’s why there’s no greater satisfaction than to see Levi avenge his fallen comrades by ruthlessly hacking up the Beast Titan. Even though Zeke manages to survive and escape, I still think Levi laying the smackdown here is the most gratifying battle sequence yet in Attack on Titan.  

Category 5: BEST TEAR JERKING MOMENT Mikasa and Eren, Season 2, Episode 37 – Scream  

Mikasa and Eren have so many great moments throughout Attack on Titan, but this one takes the cake for me. At the end of Season 2, Eren and the Scouts try to fight off both the Armored Titan and a slew of other Titans with almost no hope of success. Eren fails to transform into his Titan form and watches helplessly as the very smiling giant who killed his mother devours Hannes — a surrogate father figure who rescued young Eren and Mikasa years back. In a last-ditch effort, MIkasa tenderly reminds Eren of their connection and the many times Eren supported her (like when Eren saved her life and gave her the iconic red scarf she always wears). Mikasa usually interacts with Eren as a protective guardian, so it’s especially beautiful and cathartic to see her express care for him with such warmth and vulnerability. And Eren returns the sentiment, which is also a deviation from the norm since he generally seems frustrated with Mikasa’s overprotective tendencies. “I’ll wrap that around you as many times as you want” is hands down one of the best lines from the series, and a fitting summation of Mikasa and Eren’s loving attachment.

  Those are some of my favorite moments from the first three Attack on Titan seasons. What was left out? What would you have included? Let me know in the comments below!

  Do you love anime? Do you love writing? If you have an idea for a features story, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features!

By: Matt Fagaly

[revolutionyoga]

How do you Divine Love? By Cali Pulice

How do you Divine Love?

By Cali Pulice

“bhakty udrekad viraktasy ya drsi jayate matih |

sa saktih sankari nityam bhavayet tam tatah sivah || 121 ||

vastvantare vedya mane sarva vastusu sunyata |

tam eva manasa dhyatva vidito ‘pi prasamyati || 122||

Be wildly devoted to someone, or something.

Cherish every perception.

At the same time, forget about control.

Allow the beloved to be herself and to change.

Passion and compassion, holding and letting go -

This ache in your heart is holy.

Accept it as the rise of intimacy

With life’s secret ways.

Devotion is the divine streaming through you

From that place in you before time.

Love’s energy flows through your body,

Toward a body, and into eternity again.

Surrender to this current of devotion

And become one with the Body of Love.

Love is particular.

When you love someone,

A tangible, touchable someone,

The whole world opens up.

If you want to know the universe,

Dare to love one person.

All the secret teachings are right here-

Go deeper, and deeper still.

The gift of concentration

Is the spaciousness that surrounds it.

Focus illuminates immensity.”

(The Radiance Sutras, 112 Gateways of the Yoga of Wonder & Delight, Lorin Roche, PHD)

I was in second grade when I got married. It was on the playground at my elementary alma mater. I can’t recall all the details of the momentous occasion, however I do remember a few small things. I remember giggling-a lot, as 7 year olds do. I remember scheming out the ceremony and who would be my “bridesmades” vs “maid of honor”. I remember holding the hands of my betrothed as we walked down the concrete fake isle ( we had no grass at Oaks school #3 ; which I believe many of us still accredit our adult badassery to) and how special and silly and wonderful those quick seconds felt. I remember celebrating to the song “Macho Man” afterwards - because what could have been a more romantic and special way to close the ceremony? This magic all happened within a short span of our 25 minute recess- then the class bell rang. My memory is foggy, but I imagine by the final period bell my new “husband” had his sights set on some other lucky classmate to marry next lunch period. Although I may not have known it at the time, that was one of my earliest memories of my quest for Divine Love.

From the moment we are born we seek the other. We leave the womb and we latch to our mother for nourishment, comfort and warmth. In our formative years, we seek playmates, develop friendships and eventually begin to “crush” on those particular “somebodys” who have stolen our hearts affections. Love, is learned. We learn the effortless bliss of being in the close presence of those who unconditionally share their hearts with us. Discovering love is one of our greatest human blessings. During that same period we learn the heartache and pain of separation and distance. Perhaps it happens in the pivotal moment we all experience as a toddler, that flash of terror that overcomes us amidst our joyful play when we realize mommy and daddy aren't in sight. Maybe it comes later, when your best friends get invited to the coolest slumber party of the year - but you did not. Maybe it comes when you find out the boy you’ve had your heart set on, has his heart set on someone else. Maybe it comes when you lose your Grandma or Grandpa - the person who loved you the way your parents could not. It is in these moments that we learn Love and Loss are not separate. You cannot experience one without the other.

This is both the beauty and tragedy of our human ability to give and receive love. It is a blessing and a curse. It is duality. At some point, we are asked to make a choice. We can either remain with our hearts open, dedicating our lives to continuously loving - regardless of the pain that may come along with it or we can close of our hearts entirely; living in solitude with no other than ourselves and our guarded fragile ego.

Avidya “Ignorance” - tells us to guard the ego by closing the heart. Aparigraha “non- attachment” - tells us to practice loving freely without clinging too harshly to joys or the inevitable sorrows. So how do we choose? How do we continue to Love despite knowing its consequences? How do we dedicate our lives to Love?

Perhaps first we ask, “What is Love - really?” . Looking back, 7 year old me would’ve argued Love was getting married on the playground and holding hands until lunch was over. 15 Year old me would’ve argued Love was desperately wanting to be with my (then) boyfriend every second of every day and talking on the phone all night until one of us fell asleep mid-sentence.The former scenarios (and many more like those) may have been me trying to make sense of Love- to decipher the code of Love; but they were simply that. They were micro creations of the macro. They were snippets of a larger and more profound romance.  In my life so far I’ve been graced with a few small but poignant enough experiences to have a glimpse of an understanding of what Love and Divine Romance truly are. Upon hearing the stories of Radha-Krsna in my late teens, I began to slowly refine my understanding and I am certainly still refining to this day.

Krsna- means all attractive. Krsna is an avatar (incarnation) of God who graces the earth with his love, mischief, glory and effulgence. He bestows blessings among everyone equally. Most importantly his relationship to Radha, his divine consort is a perfect example of the relationship between God and humans. Despite being an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (God), which means he is omnipotent, all powerful and can ultimately have all that he wishes because he is the creator himself- Krsna’s heart rests and takes shelter in knowing that Radha, a human cowherd girl - is devoted to him and loves him most. Krsna cannot go without Radha’s love and Radha cannot be with Krsna. They are like the Sun and the Sun’s rays - the Sun cannot shine without the warmth of its beams existing and extending outward and the Rays do not exist without the existence of the Sun itself. They are two parts of a whole. They are seemingly separate, but truly they are not. In Rasa Lila (the story of the relations between Radha-Krsna) Radha is the ultimate Bhakta and so we too as humans are asked to offer ourselves to loving God in this same ecstatic and powerful way. This is the premise of Bhakti Yoga,

“ To be a bhakta is to know and adore God through the sentiments, acts and responsibilities of love. It is also to be immersed in the divine Hearts abiding and powerful presence with ones own heart… bhakti is both the offering of love and the state of love from which this offering comes.” (Exqisite Love, William K. Mahony)

In Bhakti Yoga, the Sadhana (the practice) is this, you continuously devote yourself to loving God and establishing a steady awareness of Gods love for you; even if you cannot actually see or feel him (or her). In your various human experiences, throughout the turbulence of life as well as the serenity- God is your beloved and you are his. You and God are dancing together, yet temporarily separate. As Khalil Gibran says in ‘The Prophet’

“You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.

Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,

And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.”

If we follow this ancient wisdom we can begin to answer the question, “what is Love?”, and for me the answer begins with “God is Love.” Here we can start to put the puzzle pieces together. If God is love, and we are a reflection of God then our quest for Divine Love through the experiencing the other makes sense- and yet we also cannot forget the utmost importance of loving ourselves. We are Radha. We are ‘Hari’, the captivating one - Gods beloved, whom he cannot stand to be without.

“ Yaj-jnatva matto bhavati stabdho bhavati atmaramo bhavati

Having know which, one becomes ecstatic; one becomes stunned; one comes to delight in the self.” - Sutra 6 The Bhakti Sutras

If we trust these words enough - faith immerges. We have been given the gift of existence. With Life and all of its mystery and joy and wonder, all that is asked of us is to Love ourselves and one another enough that through our steady devotion to loving, God can feel our potent and powerful love for him in return.

Today my life is shaped by various experiences of Divine Love. When I look into the eyes of my partner; when he holds me - I experience Gods Love. When I laugh maniacally with my closest friends, I experience Gods Love. When I gather with my family, amidst the music, shouting, talk of politics, disagreements and piles of food, I experience Gods love. When I am alone, I experience Gods Love. I was experiencing Gods Love when I danced to ‘Macho Man’ in the 2nd Grade at my sudo-wedding and I’m experiencing Gods Love daily as I dance through the ups and downs of my life today.

“ Life continues from moment to moment in an uninterrupted way. The same is true for Love. Its foundational presence remains always within us. It is there even when we do not feel it. So, too, the powerful yet subtle essence of supreme Love exists within all our experiences relative to love… Love is available to you always. It stands within all of your feelings and sentiments, even though at times it may be distorted, discolored and veiled by them. It flows, silently, from the core of your being, like a wellspring of sweet water rising from the depths of the earth… Ever present, ever quiet, ever fine, Love as the expression of the divine Presence, remains with you, without you. It is avichhinna: uninterrupted.”

(Exquisite Love, William K. Mahony)