Kadavul temple’s Sun One Homa was bright and powerful today.

Bodhinatha introduced a talk he is working describing the two doctrines of Saiva Siddhanta Church, Monistic Theism and Hindu Solidarity. Here is the excerpt he read from Saiva Dharma Shastras:

Doctrines: Saiva Shraddha Dvimulanyaya

The Church’s dual doctrines of faith are: the enlightened monistic Saiva Siddhanta philosophy, Advaita Ishvaravada, of the Nandinatha Sampradaya’s Kailasa Parampara; and Hindu solidarity, Hindu sambandha, unity in diversity among all denominations of Sanatana Dharma. These two streams of consciousness are represented by the two points of our flag, Hindu dhvaja.

1. The First Doctrine: Monistic Theism, Advaita Ishavaravada

The following concise statement capsulizes the first doctrine of Saiva Siddhanta Church, the monistic theism of Saiva Siddhanta: “God Siva is within all things and all things are within Him. He is the Absolute Reality, beyond time, space and causation; He is the Primal Soul–creator, preserver and destroyer of all that exists. Yet, His majestic body is seen and He is talked with by the rishis. So great is He, the Incomparable One. Mysteriously, He is the Creator and the Creation. He is All and within all. Therefore, we preach the monistic theism of Saiva Siddhanta, Rishi Tirumular’s Vedic-Agamic theology, which encompasses pre-Shankaran Vedanta and pre-Meykandar Siddhanta.”

2. The second Doctrine: Hindu Solidarity, Hindu Sambhandha

The following concise statement capsulizes the second doctrine of Saiva Siddhanta Church, Hindu solidarity: “For all sects of Hinduism to survive in their pristine purity, maintaining their traditions, cultural heritages and religious theologies within our great Sanatana Dharma, each must strengthen the other by strengthening itself. Having found their roots, Hindus of all sects can proceed with confidence and work for Hindu solidarity. The many beliefs and practices common to all Hindus are the meeting ground, the basis of this profound unity in diversity. Therefore, we preach Hindu solidarity.”

The Siddhidata Kulam offers some photos of our new task forcer at work. Brahmachari Vel supplicates before Pancha Muka Ganapati in Anna Purna garden.

He performs a simple arati

Sadhaka Rajanatha rings the large garden bell taking part in the sweet ceremony

Arati is over and Vel does Namaskaram to Ganesha

Namaskaram to TAKA viewers. Vel spent three hours cleaning and oiling the Vegetable Garden Ganesha. Thank you Vel for love and devotion to Ganesha. Jai Ganapati

For several Days now Brahmachari Vel has been focused on rust proofing the scaffolding of Iraivan Temple.

Vel brings the scaffolding back to its former brilliant yellow color. This process occurs every few years due to the heavy rain and moisture in Kauai which cause most metal to rust. Thank you Vel for your push to finish this vital project.

Return of Fictionary, the monastery’s dictionary for words that don't (yet) exist, but should. We share a few from the Fictionary, and invite the wordologists (not a word) to send in more.

alphabet heaven: The place where words go when deleted from e-mails, computers, iPhones and all digital media.
horizonticious: tending toward a supine position following a big meal or a bout with dizziness. Not vertical and moving to less vertical by the minute.
druthers: Gurudeva's word for personal preferences that inhibit selfless service and spiritual growth. From "I would rather…." Said quickly, Id'ruther, hence druther.
chrystaloligist: A crystal person with deep knowledge of the subject.
wordoligist: Not merely a wordsmith, but someone who knows words in all their infinite subtle dimensions.
permanentize: Make something permanent
blunderous: The missing adjective for blunder.
liquous: Fluid-like, flowing, watery.
paragraphilia: The love (some would say the obsession) of dividing text into logical, meaningful and linguistically imperative units, called paragraphs. Antonym: aparagraphiphilia, the affliction which cognizes no meaningful distinction between sentences and paragraphs. See also scriptocontinuum.
Jaffnian: Native or citizen of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
consugusting: Excessive Consumer Spending is so Disgusting. (From a TAKA teen CyberCadet)

We had started Basic Hinduism lessons for youths at Arulmigu Sithivinayagar temple, Johor Jaya, Johor on every Friday after pooja. About 20 – 50 youths(10ears – 21 years) attends these classess since 3 months ago. It was indeed a positive move forward getting our youths and imparting Hinduism knowledge systematically.

What is Hinduism? and Saivite Hindu religion books were used as teaching guides. I must add that these books are great teaching tools and the contents are summarized before presenting to them. They really liked the presentation which thenceon attracts their attentation and learning Hindu religion in a fun but effective way.

Mind mapping methodology for easy mental link and memory creativity!

Sadly enough, it was noted that, in many temples, there has been a lack in tapping into youths potentials and preparing them with right Hindu religion knowldege. To this, it was decided that, no time shoud be wasted just leaving the youths by themselves and be washed aside to other non productive areas or negative influences that sway their innocent young mind to lower grade actions.

Streching to induce relaxation, ease tension, better blood flow and also break the monotony.

Question and answer session to stimulate their interest and reinforcing points raised and how effective they can assimilate and use these knolwedge in their daily life.

Another class group attentively listens to lessons.

We spice-up teaching with interactive games that enhance their theoretical learning with practical understanding and experiencing hands on those lessons. Here, the youths were experiencing "synergy energy"

On alternate Sundays, Hinduism lessons are being conducted to kids; age ranging from 4 to 12 years old. Apart from Thevarams, Bhajans and other related religious subjects; children's Saivite Hindu religion is being tought with associated subject games from lessons from book 1 and 2.