Bodhinatha sits deep in samadhi, in a photo from a Satguru Purnima padapuja. Once he told us,

“Satgurus of our lineage are very different on the outside. But during a padapuja or when giving an initiation, we are one.”

And so it is that today we performed a padapuja for Gurudeva, the illuminated master who made all this a reality.

Aum Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswamine namah.

Flowers adorn the guru’s feet. We follow his steps to our true, inner Self.

Gurudeva shines.

Today we also began the first day of Pancha Ganapati. Here is the five-faced murti in Kadavul Temple. This is what Hindu families do today (From Loving Ganesha):

“The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The day begins early, and the entire family works together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and more. Then a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit of Pancha Ganapati in the home.

“The sadhana of the day begins, and the family sits together, easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year by making amends one with another. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other’s good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati. Aum Ganapataye Namah.”