This morning the aadheenam begins a new phase--our lunar calendar's version of a 5-day week. This does vary however, and sometimes the monks observe shorter or longer weeks and weekends which we call "retreats." This will be a five day phase. Gurudeva began the tradition of beginning each phase with a havana, creating a synthesis with the inner worlds as we dive back into our usual routines and seva.

With Bodhinatha on a short trip, Sadasivanathaswami stepped in to burn the prayers to the devas and offer grains to the sacred flames. He gave a lovely talk afterwards, discussing the trends he was seeing in the Hindu world, particularly in India. That of Hindus being proud and inspired to be Hindus. In our own world, we've been seeing many young Hindu couples rediscovering their religion on our little island. Quite the positive trend!

Recently we had our annual pizza lunch with members of the Wailua Mission to show appreciation for the work they do in raising money for Iraivan temple, working at the visitor center, greeting guests, answering visitor's questions and guiding the weekly tours. As special guests to this event we had Aran and Tara Veylan. They live in Canada where they help run the Edmonton Temple and Mini Mela Canada. They recently acquired a house here on Kauai and Bodhinatha came by to give his blessings. He also came to see how the Wailua Mission makes the Rudraksha products, as this was the mission's monthly Iraivan day at the Veylan's new house. Bodhinatha gave a wonderful speech at the pizza lunch about Iraivan Temple's mystical significance.