Last November, Amsterdam-based artist Pieter Weltevrede began work on painting a Lord Nataraja in his fantastically creative style. Recently Pieter sent us the finished work which is the result of countless hours of creative genius.

"O God of mercy who performs the dance of illimitable happiness in the hall of inconceivable intelligence! The Rig and other Vedas are thundering forth in words announcing to us that all are thy slaves all things belong to thee all actions are thine that thou pervades everywhere that this is thy nature. Such is the teaching of those who though they never speak yet broke silence for our sake."
Karunakara Kadavul 6.3

Photos of some of our recent guests who all had an opportunity to have darshan with Satguru. Satguru is often asked many wonderful questions by visiting pilgrims. For those closely associated pilgrims and students who have darshan with Satguru it is always a good idea to prepare and write down any questions you have in advance.

As the Kularnava Tantra states: "Many are the gurus who like lamps offer light in a house. But rare is the Satguru who illumines the village like the sun. Many are the gurus who are proficient to the utmost in the Vedas and shastras. But rare is the Satguru who has attained Parasivam. Many are the gurus on earth who give what is other than the Self. But rare is the Satguru who brings the atma to light. Many are the gurus who rob sishyas of their wealth. But rare is the Satguru who removes the afflictions of the sishya."

A deeply spiritual group visited recently, spending a few morning hours at the monastery. They belong to the Center for Spiritual living whose founder Earnest Holmes created the Science of Life back in 1926, a philosophical and scientific path drawn from many sources. Their beliefs include the perfection of the universe the infinite presence of consciousness and the love and goodness of all and more.

They walked through the sacred gardens stopping here and there to marvel then chanted "Aum Namah Sivaya" together for four minutes at Iraivan Temple. They asked Sadasivanatahaswami a lot of great questions about ahimsa how does one become a swami what does "Namah Sivaya" mean and such.

This is their third year to hold a seven day retreat on the island and each time they have visited the monastery.