The silpis went sightseeing this last retreat and, of course, also shopping. Second only to Walmart was a vist to Kawamura’s, the island’s best heavy-duty equipment store.

The staff loved to show the silpis the coolest tools. There is a subtle irony that these masters of hammer and chisels were observing the West’s way — one of more brute force, but less refinement and skill.

Later, a stop at the beach for a South Indian (very hot) lunch.

This wordcloud is a little like us: different colors, diverse hues and abilities, closely tied together around our gurus in a harmonious pattern.

Gurudeva wrote in the Saiva Dharma Shastras about the standards we work within ourselves to uphold:
“The circle of swamis, yogis and sadhakas, our ordained clergy, is the core of the Church. These year-after-year servants of the divine work harmoniously together in a humble, self-effacing way to further the mission of the parampara.”

We wish you a blessed phase. Aum Namah Sivaya.