On the occasion of Makara Sankranti (Tai Pongal), San-Francisco-based Hindu astrologer Sam Sadasiva Geppi interviewed Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami about the monastery and his perspectives on astrology and timing, including the monastery’s bold but minority opinion on the calculation of the beginning of uttarayana (the period of the year when the sun is on its northern course), breaking from the inherent inaccuracy held on to by the jyotisha tradition.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyd7u60kaxk

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOi5fOgrUBE

From Sloka 100 of Dancing with Siva:
“Tai Pongal, in January-February, is a harvest thanksgiving and
invocation for prosperity. God Surya, the Sun, is honored,
and daughters are presented with gifts.”

Yesterday, on the chitra nakshatra, Sadhaka Mayuranatha was accepted as a Natyam in a short ceremony just before Gurudeva's padapuja. The Natyam is one whom Bodhinatha has qualified as a potential candidate for the dharma of the Saiva sannyasin. He was given a yellow sash and is now in preparation for the eventual trails of the Yogi tapasvin.

The natyam (literally "dancer") works diligently toward the ideals of purity, selflessness and humble service.

"The sadhakas seeking deeper admittance into the monastery and those in yellow could fulfill each duty, were punctual, accurate, refined, serving long hours, performing their tapas and were as spontaneous as a six-year old child in their happiness and response, yet transparent"

Aum Namah Sivaya