Bodhinatha leaves for Australia in less than 14 hours, departing from the Aadheenam tomorrow morning t 7am.

Announcement

Sadhu Paksha begins also tomorrow and there will be no Sun One Homas or public tours for the next two weeks.

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END OF PHASE
Today is the last day of our phase.
This edition of TAKA will remain posted
over our coming three-day retreat,
until Tritiya Tithi, Sun One, Friday, December 4th.

On Sunday we had a small contingent of students led by Sarah Hadmack who is a Religious Studies Instructor from Windward Community College and University of Hawaii. Sarah believes coming to Kauai is a wonderful educational opportunity for her students and many more wanted to come.

After giving the group a basic introduction to our Natha Sampradaya we asked if Sivakatirswami could come join us at the Iraivan site and answer some of the more academic questions the students had.

Sivakatirswami has worked extensively with Himalayan Academy students in years past and has a vibrant and very connecting spirit with students. Among much joy and laughter were questons regarding the way in which “yoga” is being taught in studios all over the United States today with all the emphasis on “asana postures” with very little importance being prescribed for the real ancient core practices of yoga and internalized worship.

Other subjects included; the “intellectual misrepresentation” of claims that all religions are one while ignoring the unique differences in core beliefs and goals; how Saiva Siddhantans look at God, the Satguru; and how faith must eventually meet the litmus test of direct experience, and many more. Sivakatirswami came bearing gifts of the new edition of Hinduism Today for all those present and all those left behind in Oahu.

Iraivan morning is held each month by the Wailua Mission of Kauai in an effort to do something creative as a group to help with the building of Iraivan. Here Kulamata Amala Seyon shows Tandu and Uma’s granddaughter Leila how to string a necklace.

Academy Students Leanora Orr and Faith Collier (on the right) join the mission members during this time. It is an opportunity for students and mission members to get to know each other. The Academy students are actively studying the Master Course and progress through three levels of study and practice culminating in initiation into the Natha Sampradaya.

Justice Collier joins Aran Sendan and Brahmachari Rajadeva in stringing racks of Rudraksha beads for power washing.

Kulapati Durvasa Alahan who coordinates the Rudraksha Project is sitting with another Himalayan Academy student John Stern. Durvasa reported incredible sales of Rudraksha malas and jewelry over the $3,000.00 mark last month!

A variety of beautiful bracelets just complete and ready for the Mini Mela sales rack where Kulamata Isani Alahan is sitting right now waiting for them!

A new and very successful design of single bead necklace.

Leila shows us her beautiful creations. Gurudeva always told us that a harmonious mission is a creative mission!