Bodhinatha is back and resting after a long journey. He will be leaving again for Singapore in 2 weeks.

~~~~~~~~~~~
END OF PHASE
Today is the last day of our short 4-day phase.
This edition of TAKA will remain posted
over our coming two-day retreat,
until Prathama Tithi, Sun One, Sunday, August 31st.

The big news of the day is the arrival of three new men on the Iraivan Temple Team. After a two-year delay in the visa process, they were finally issued and their entry yesterday into USA was very smooth.

Yoginathaswami writes:

“Chidambaram Sthapati, (Center), Silpi Kannan and Silpi Lokesh as they just arrived at the Lihue airport yesterday.

“All three of them joined the Bangalore Iraivan Temple work site late 1993 and now arrived Kauai together. They’ve been with us nearly 15 years!”

Iraivan shines in the morning sunlight of a truly beautiful day.

Our visitors today from L/R, Ricardo Morano from upstate New York who is visiting Kauai for a few weeks. Next to him are Olga and Ray Barenchi from Lakewood, CA. Also a family from Chennai, (now residing on Kaneohe, Oahu) Muthukumar and Anupana with their two children, Karishma (age 8) and hanging from his father’s back and giving a “shaka” sign is 4 year old Pratyush. Muthukumar and his wife were here just one year ago and are making this temple their pilgrimage site.

We found a few photos on one of our iphones from Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Mahaswamiji’s visit.

He was very interested in everything the monks do here. We took him to the carpentry shop which is master minded by Acharya Kumarswami, who is here showing him some Japanese planes.

The guests try their hand at planing.

Swamiji tries this Japanese saw.

Bodhinatha said at lunch today at the Aadheenam that one of the highlights of this trip was the temple visit to Johor. Even the temple trustees were surprised that 800 people came and they had to order more food at the last minute. Bodhinatha says the interest has changed from just the novelty of a event. People are seriously interested in the teachings. Young children who normally run out, were glued to the screen during Bodhinatha’s presentation.

Much of the success is due to the hard work of our sishya there and here is a behind the scenes report from Ravichandran.

“Last minute preparations, a day before the event. Gowri “akka”, Dr Dharma, Nathan drove down from Klang. Madhu’s home was turned into our “opearation center”!

Iraivan’s information note handouts – contact numbers

Dr Dharma and Nathan prepares a beautiful banner!

Dr Dharma with Mr Manimaran discuss events minutes.

With Yoginathaswami at Doorsett Hotel.

Nityasankaran helping at the books sale booth.

Banners at Iraivan booth

Mr and Mrs Mogan with Nityasankaran at book sales booth

A series of conceptual drawings from TAKA were displayed to show how Gurudeva visioned Iraivan Temple as part of floor-tile sponsor promotion.

Young temple priest from India was looking for an old Hinduism magazine and proudly pointed out his picture at “Pillayarpatti” – priest training “kulam” – 2003 issue.

Ganapathi taalam CD release. Mr Manimaran a prominent devotional song producer released a CD in conjunction with this event. Satguru launched his CD. He had offered his help to do a similar CD on Yogaswami’s Natchinthanai songs. He said that it was a miracle to have Satguru to launch his CD and felt blessed indeed!

Satguru with Arulmigu Sithivinayagar temple trustees. They’d given 100% support, a united and wonderful team.

Aum Sivaya! Satguru with Singapore sishyas!

Great to have our Singapore sishyas attending this event. Thank You soo much!

Great banner, beautiful and eye catching. It enhances Satguru’s presence greatly!

Temple’s ladies wing having a group picture with Satguru. Stunning in orange silky sarees. They’re a united team with single mind and focus in assisting temple management providing able “seva”.

Mrs Uma (Thanam) with Yoginathaswami. Drove all the way from Singapore, braving the usual causeway traffic jam. Manage to locate the temple, albeit a slight detour!!

Amazing ! Can you see Gurudeva here?

Yoginathaswami beside banner.

Bodhinatha sits quietly after the event next to a wonderful marble statue of Lord Ganesha

Our Natha’s Pada

Mr Paramsivam of Melaka, a recent devotee of Satguru presented a granite-tile frame with Satguru’s picture on it.

“Here’s my autograph and blessing” Satguru signing What is Hinduism Book? to a devotee who bought the book earlier.

Kids presented Satguru “Ganapathi Taalam” CD to Satguru for launching.

“Golden shawl for Satguru”

Temple committee receiving “CD” from Satguru.

Mr Paramsivam with Satguru

Dato’ S. Balakrishnan, Temple Chairman – We thanked him for his great support and gesture of goodwill.

Satguru listening while the kids danced to “Ganapathi Taalam” song tune.

Cute little Bharatha Natyam dancer and her sister (daughters of Mr Manimaran)

Satguru delivers part/section of What is Hinduism? to an attentive audience.

Bodhinatha and Yoginathaswami arrived home today after a long 36-hour travel from Singapore. Yoginathaswami took our new silpis and sthapati to the silpis house directly. We will feature them tomorrow.

Coming back to Kadavul temple is always a blissful moment after being away.

Bodhinatha sent this marvelous shot from the airplane on approaching Kauai Island.

We have 4 sets of slides to show you over the next few days from Johor Bahru. With captions sent by Ravichandran. We begin to day with the arrival and the evening event at the temple

The elegant Nissan Camry driven by Mr. Mogan arrives at Doorsett Hotel, Johor Jaya with HH Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami & Yoginathaswami, Monday, the 25th.

Another of our Johor team, Madhu Narayanan also has some photos at on Google’s, Picasaweb

preparing for Satguru’s arrival (at home)

Satguru’s arrival at hotel

Prep at Ganesha temple, Satguru at temple and Jalan Jalan (sight Seeing) breakfast and lunch with Satguru.

One by one prostrated on the holy feet of Satguru. What a wonderful feeling to have Satguru in Johor Bahru!

Flower garlands for Satguru.

“Nice to have everyone here”, says Satguru

Satguru steps into the temple.

Satguru arrives sharp 7.30pm at Arulmigu Sithivinayagar temple, Johor Jaya

Koodam, tatthu & vesthi for “pada cleansing” ceremony.

Madhu performs “pada cleansing”.

Satguru walks towards temple

Yoginathaswami looks on…

Nathan, Madhu and Ravichandran Ceyon at Doorsett Hotel – waiting Satguru’s arrival to check in.

Satguru enters temple.

Place where Satguru will sit and deliver upadesa’- Part of What is Hinduism?

Gurudeva had been to Johor Bahru couple of decades ago and His Holiness presence is significantly felt!

Satguru in preparation for a keynote talk.

Event started with “tillana” – Bharatha Natyam opening dance

Section of a fully packed temple hall.

The temple was really, really packed with devotees.

..crowd extends till to the back of the temple..

Front view…

Bharatha Natyam by 6 wonderful kids!

Satguru enjoys cultural dance!

The crowds overflowed and many viewed “Iraivan” CD played on a projector within temple compound.

Mogan hands over 12 copies of What Is Hinduism Book? to Satguru to be handed over to temple committee who had purchased them earlier.

Waiting for “vibuthi blessing”

More photos from Johor tomorrow.

As we write, Bodhinatha, Yoginathaswami, two silpis and Chidambaram Sthapati are flying home and will be here tomorrow. Below you will find the story of Bodhinatha’s stay in Singapore. He wrote with some additions to the last hours before departure.

Om Sivaya, everyone,

Jai Ganapati.

Revised figure for attendance at Vinayaga Temple is 800. Excellent turn out for a Monday night. Trustees want to use our material for their teachings programs. Lots of interest in our publications, good sales.

Tuesday visited the Swami at the Temple of Fine Arts, walked through a major public garden, in particular saw the major orchid display, many interesting varieties. Drove back to Singapore to new hotel right at the Changi airport, a Crowne Plaza and rested for the evening before getting up at four on Wednesday to check in very early, find our silpis who are stationed in the airport and then return home.

Om Namasivaya,

Bodhinatha

Brahmchari Shama offers us some photos of visitors that have been coming over the past few days.

Here are Usha and Guru Prasadh with their two sons, Jai Ganesha age 10 (left), and Rishi Ram (age 9) next to his mother, all from Austin, TX. They are here visiting the Kauai Aadheenam on the recommendation of friends. “This is such a beautiful spiritual place” said Usha. “Its just like being in India!”

Vijay Tanikella with his wife, Sakunthala Bandaru and their 6-year-old daughter, Manasvini pose beside Lord Ganesha on their way to visit the Iraivan Temple.

And in front of the Iraivan Temple

…and around the lotus ponds to the Narmada Lingam where they all perform abhishekam.

…Manasvini devotedly rings the bell to summon the Devas while her parents pour the sacred water from the Wailua river.

Yoginathaswami got a chance to upload photos of the trip to Singapore….

Devotees are greeting Bodhinatha upon arrival.

A group photo of everyone.

Next morning Bodhinatha arrived at the PGP Mandapam of the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. The Hindu Centre of Singapore organized a conference here in conjunction with their 30th Anniversary celebration.

The title of the conference is Hinduism in a Changing World: Challenges and Opportunities.

Bodinatha was greeted by the temple priest with Purna Kumbha with Guru mantra chant. Bodhinatha is here to give his keynote presentation titled Hinduism in a Globalized Society.

The conference was officially opened by the Singapore’s Finance Minister Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratham.

Bodhinatha was introduced to the minister.

Bodhinatha sitting with other speakers

Bodhinatha was the first speaker. He is on the stage giving Keynote presentation from his computer.

Participants in the hall

The Hindu Centre in house publishing staff interviewed Bodhinatha after the presentation for their newsletter.

As we went for our morning walk in the heart of Singapore city, guess what we found? A Taka store–50% off storewide; but ours is Free!

We had satsang with members and students at the home of Kulapati Dohadeva Samugam who is here greeting him on arrival.

Bodhinatha was seated and preparation for Pada puja begins

Kulapati Dohadeva about to begin the pada puja

He was assisted by his youngest son Girish

All the devotees gathered are singing Natchintanai during the pada puja.

After the Pada puja Bodhinatha gave a short upadesha–which was listen very intently by all.

Our Singapore mission started an effort to do fund raising for Iraivan Temple. Spearheaded by Sivakumar and Lavanya Saravanan they made cute little Gurudeva murtis. The murti can be kept in the home shrines or where ever you want to of course. It is the replica of the murti shrined in Kadavul Temple where we do our monthly Guru puja.

We will post the detail on how to purchase the murti very soon…

After the Satsang we went back to the The Hindu Center Conference. This is the final panel session of the conference when all the seven speakers were given the opportunity to answer questions from the participants. How to find and recognize ones Guru was one of hot subject this evening.

Pacific Business News recently did an article on Hinduism Today, as one of the very unique and unusual enterprises being conducted in the state of Hawaii. Our Ganapati Kulam here….

You can read the opening here:

http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/08/04/focus1.html

Bodhinatha completed his events in Singapore (Photos coming on tomorrow’s TAKA) and then when to Johor for a temple event. He will be returning the day after tomorrow. He writes:

Om Sivaya, everyone,

Jai Ganapati.

Arrived Singapore airport about 8 PM on Friday. Greeted by group of members, students and devotees.

Saturday morning attended conference. My presentation, 90 minutes, was first and well received. Hall was filled with 400-500 people. Listened to a second presentation on Hinduism and prosperity, had lunch then we left to return to hotel to catch up on our sleep.

On Sunday in the morning we had a satsang at Dohadeva’s home with members and devotees. Afterwards back to the Singapore Centre conference. First we listened to a presentation by Swami Mitrananda of Chinamaya Mission, Chennai. Many of his points were the same as the ones we made in our presentation such as Hindu pride. Then we participated in a panel of all seven speakers answering questions from the attendees.

Then on Monday we drove from Singapore to Johor Bharu Malaysia in morning. In evening a presentation at a Siddhi Vinayaga Temple, about 400 in attendance. A number of Malaysian members promoted What is Hinduism book and Iraivan floor sponsorships, believe they did well.

Om Namasivaya,
Bodhinatha

Usually cameras disappear when the Kauai rains fall, but one visitor took this photo in the middle of a tropical downpour. This is why the monastery is always so green and lush.

Today was tour day! Today Siva came in many forms again. Because of Siva’s veiling grace, even though they are Siva, all guests were surprised to hear about their true identity.

The first group was small for our standards nowadays, with only around 40 people. They were unusually attentive and interested. When we came back to Kadavul, all went inside and meditated for a long time, or just stayed quiet. “Summa iru.”

This guest was intent on carving something… in the 10 minutes before the tour finishes! “I’m etching an Aum, ” he said.

His wife and kids take photos.

The guide was faced with some engaging questions. Upon explaining Siva Daksinamurti’s darshan, the silent teacher, they asked: “How does a teacher know that he is ready to teach?” Then our monk could talk about the importance of the Guru, about being an upadeshi sannyasin and the power of one’s superconscious as opposed to opinionated knowledge.

They all were so interested.

We continue today sharing some of the Aums being designed for the cover of Hinduism Today’s future issues. These come with full permission to use them freely. Hexagon Aum derives from a sketch we found in India during the Odyssey.

AT OM is at home on TAKA, a modern digital expression of a most ancient symbol.

Bodhinatha has arrived in Singapore after a long flight and is deep into activities there today. More news on Sun One…

Having seen this aum on a man’s arm in India, Palaniswami used it to inspire one of the 2009 aums for Hinduism Today, just completed today.

At home today the Siddhidata Kulam gave their report. Sadhaka Adinatha has been putting in a lot of work coordinating with a surveyor, and getting all of our property line points literally “nailed down” with clear protected markers. And lots of work in our gardens as well.

Here are pictures of Bodhinatha’s departure yesterday afternoon.

He and Yoginathaswami overnighted in Honolulu in order to catch a very early morning flight on China Airlines direct to Singapore with a three-hour layover Taipei airport. It is a 19 hour long haul and he is still in the air as we write today’s TAKA.

At this time each year Palaniswami designs Aums and borders for all the next year’s Hinduism Today pages. This one came off a T-shirt worn by a visitor to the monastery.

This one was inspired by a painting on a wall in India. If anyone has really creative aums, swami says to send them to him at palani@hindu.org

Here are a few photos from the Wailua Mission, Saturday August 16, making clay Ganesha’s for Ganesha Chaturthi at the Sendan home.

We will let the clay dry; then paint the Ganesha’s and put them on the home shrine until September 2.

In remembrance of the visit of our brothers from India Sadhaka Satyanatha has prepared a Pic Lens Slide show covering their stay. It now works in Safari too!

Bodhinatha departed for Singapore this afternoon with Sannyasin Yoginathaswami. He will be 19 hours in transit on a direct flight. He will be attending a conference held at the Hindu Center and then going to a big event at a temple in Johor, Malaysia, which is just across the channel between the two countries.

Here are some details on the conference:

Hinduism in a Changing World Challenges & Opportunities

Sat 23–Sun 24 August 2008

Hinduism is the oldest living religion today. Codified more than 2500 years ago, the sacred
Vedas and the Agamas, the seminal scriptures of Hinduism, provide a remarkable window into
life 2500 to 4000 years ago. Yet Hinduism remains a valid template for life even today. What
are the enduring features of the Hindu faith that have ensured its resilience 4000 years on?
Sanatana Dharma, or the Eternal Path, as it was originally called, did not originate from any
single founder or school, and its timeless and ageless tenets, philosophy and values remain
relevant and applicable to the realities of everyday life. How does Hinduism reconcile its
messages with the challenges of change facing it everyday?

To address these and other questions facing Hinduism today, the Hindu Centre, an independent
organization that is committed to the spiritual evolution of Hindus in Singapore, will bring
together several eminent scholars and teachers from abroad for a two-day Conference. The
Conference, entitled Hinduism in a Changing World: Challenges and Opportunities, will be held
on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August 2008 at the PGP Kalyana Mandapam, 397 Serangoon
Road, Singapore 218123. The Guest of Honour will be Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam,
Minister for Finance. There will be seven plenary sessions and an open panel discussion
session.

The conference is held in conjunction with the Hindu Centre’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations.
This conference should not be missed by anyone seeking a deeper understanding and
appreciation of Hinduism and how the religion addresses and deals with issues facing the modern
Hindu today. The conference will also be a wonderful forum for networking.

Plenary Session Themes

Session 1: Hinduism in a Globalized Society

Speaker: Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, Kauai, Hawaii Aadheenam

In a discourse on Hinduism and Modern Life, Satguru Bodhinatha asks how humanity’s most
enduring faith maintains its relevance amidst the challenges of 21st-century life. Drawing on his
illumined insights into life, consciousness, human nature and our highest purposes, Satguru
Bodhinatha will speak on issues confronting us today, like the increasing disbelief among youth,
skepticism over Hindu deity worship, lack of Hindu pride, difficulties of inter-religious
marriages, as well as how we can benefit from opportunities like the increasing acceptance of
Hinduism among Westerners.

Session 2: Hinduism and the Pursuit of Prosperity Speaker: Dr C L Ramakrishnan, Management Speaker, Chennai

Session 3: Hinduism and Consciousness Studies Speaker: Dr Sangeetha Menon, Fellow, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian

Session 4: Emotional and Spiritual Growth in Hindu Tradition Speaker: Sri Dhira Chaitanya, (Dr Sundar Ramaswamy), New York

Session 5: Mysticism in Hinduism and Modern Science Speaker: Sri Sraddhalu Ranade, Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry

Session 6: Is Devotion blind? Speaker: Sushri Gopeshwari Devi, Universal Society of Bhakti Meditation, Melbourne

Session 7: Challenges facing Hinduism in a Changing World Speaker: Swami Mitrananda, Chinmaya Mission, Chennai

Session 8: Panel Discussion Session

The final session will be an open panel discussion session where participants will be given the
opportunity to raise questions. All the speakers will be seated together. Questions may be
directed to any speaker.

Brahmacharini Shama whose camera was running that day writes:

“On August 15th, following a most powerful homa and puja in the Kadavul Temple, with the sun’s rays were setting in the Western sky and in the quiescent atmosphere of the Monastery gardens, a small group of Swamis, monks and devotees moved quietly down a path toward the flag pole.

With the assistance of Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Mahaswamiji (who was visiting from the Kailasa Ashram in Bangalore), Paramacharya Palaniswami brought down and folded the flag from the Nartana Ritau . . . .

. . . . and began to unfurl and raise the flag for the Jivana Ritau which heralds the coming of the Sat Yuga.

There is a feeling of joy to witness the flag being raised and flying high. It reminds us of the greatest Yuga to come, the Sat Yuga, when a great peace will prevail and souls will dwell in the Consciousness of God, seeing God all.

Another beautiful day brought Sivakamy Vanniasegaram (far left) from Essex, UK. A close friend told her that “if she really wanted to visit a truly powerful and beautiful Hindu Temple, she should visit Kauai.” She is “profoundly happy” that she did. Sivakamy is originally from Sri Lanka where her family were close devotees of St. Yogaswami. Her uncle used to drive St. Yogaswami around Jaffna Town especially in the his later years.

Above the Wailua River and with Mt. Waialeale in the background, Sivakamy poses with two of our other guests, A.J. Jeedigunta (originally from Andhra Pradesh and now Oahu) and Rajat Jetley also from Oahu.

Some late images coming in from our tour day on the 18th…

Bodhinatha and Shanmuganathswami arrived home last night at 8 PM. Today Bodhinatha is working diligently on his presentations and teaching materials for the coming trips to Singapore. He leaves tomorrow evening for Singapore with Yoginathaswami to give some presentations in Singapore and also to return with 2 new silpis and Chidambaram Sthapati.

Meanwhile we step back in time to Satsang California. Here is Bodhinatha being greeted at the door of Kulamata’s Gayatri Rajan and Savitri Palani.

Pada puja at Kulapati Deva Rajan’s home.

As some of you noticed on the 16th, TAKA turned Ten…

TAKA received this lovely birthday card by email from a Malaysian TAKA fan (and major TAKA contributor as well)

On the Chaturdasi day, August 15th, which was turn to the full moon by afternoon. We had a most auspicious day. At lunch Sri Sri Jayendrapuri noted that it was the Sravana Nakshatra, Gurudeva’s star; India independence day, the anniversary of the installation of the Maha Sphatika Lingam Crystal in Kadavul, the anniversary of Trichyswami’s visit to Kauai Aadheenam, and by a remarkable series of circumstances we were all blessed to have a joyous and divine satsang with our Indian brothers.

In the afternoon the priest from Kailas Ashram perform a powerful homa.

A powerful shakti entered the atmosphere as all our monks and visitors chanted Sri Rudram in perfect unison.

The confluence of saints and sadhus has alway been lauded as a great moment. If such a vibration can be invoked with so few of us, one wonders what an incredible event must be the Kumbha Mela….

Our priests had two kumbhas prepared, one for Siva and one for Shakti

Homa in progress.

We could all feel the Shakta power of Sri Rajarajeswari being invoked by these priests.

After the puja the final events before Swami’s departure. He garlands our Paramacharyas….

A gift of saffron for the deities…

Paduka of Bodhinatha and Trichyswami presiding at the homa.

Swami gave all the monks a crystal mala. Such a sharp minded soul, he even remembered to give one for Sadhaka Tejadevanatha who is out on his Sojourn in the World for Siddhidata Kulam training.

Paramacharya Palaniswami gives a shawl to Sivananda Puri Swami…

And we give him a set of fresh new Kavi robes.

Then we all go off to change the flag to bring in the Jivana Ritau…

Sridhar carries Trichyswami’s paduka’s during our parade.

Our camera battery entered Nirvilkalpa Samadhi shortly thereafter as we raised the coral pink flag of the Jivana Ritau.

Later that evening Swamiji and his entourage flew back to New Jersey. In an email that day, Sri
Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji wrote:

“It is, in my opinion, the truth in its purest form, that the Kauai Aadheenam with its 456 acres of Sasya Shaalinee greenery and all other landscape with the coolest waters of Mother Wailua Ganga and Narmada and all the go-maathaas sincerely, diligently, untiringly and divinely attended with the most divine love by the celestially sculpted shishyas and parama shishyas of Gurudeva, the upcoming Iraivan Temple with the shilpis of the sacred bhumi of Tamil Nadu, is awesome and verily proves that it is Kailasa of the Himalayas, which has descended or sent a replica of itself through the divine hands of Gurudeva to the blessed bhumandala of Kauai.”

Bodhinatha Arrives home tonite at 8PM. Here he is with a Third generation American Hindu, Bhajana Param, at satsang at the home of Kulapati Deva Rajan in California.

Here are some of Bodhinatha’s note from his last few days travel over our three-day retreat.

Om Sivaya, everyone,

Jai Ganapati.

In Saint Louis, on Tuesday we had lunch with Dr. Naidu at his home and Shanmuganathaswami had a chance to share with him our material on “Components of a Successful Endowment Program” Evening was a talk at the temple, with some eight-one in attendance, a good size group for a week night. After, yes after, was a dinner at a home with discussion. Returned to hotel after 11 PM

Wednesday was a flight From Saint Louis to Houston via Denver. Evening was dinner at Vijay Pallod’s home with discussions

Thursday morning was a visit to the Meenakshi Temple in Pearland. Gurudeva attended their kumbhabhishekam in 1982. After arati at all their shrines, there are lots, we sat in the main temple and give a talk to some twenty of the devotees–for a Thursday morning a good sized group.

Thursday evening was a visit to Woodlands where a group of Hindus has started efforts to build a new temple. We visited their temple site which had a bhoomi puja recently. After we visited the home of one of the members and talked to a group of about twenty of the temple leaders. Lots of good questions about how to educate the second generation.

Friday was a day of travel Houston to Denver and then to San Francisco via Portland

Saturday was the morning estate planning seminar conducted by Phil Murphy He gave an excellent presentation

Sunday morning was our satsang at Deva and Gayatri Rajan’s home in Canyon. Pada puja, my talk, singing and dancing by five of the members/devotees. A good size group with many guests in attendance. This was our last event. Heading home tomorrow.

Om Namasivaya,
Bodhinatha

Fourteen-year-old Bhajana Param has a chat and asks Bodhinatha some questions. Bhajan’s parents and grand parents are Hindus and have been devotees with the Kailasa Parampara for 30 years.

Today was a tour day at the Aadheenam, and these smiles are what generally happens after a walk on our grounds.

One of them said, “The island is already a peaceful oasis, then Wailua homesteads (where the monastery is located) is even more serene, and then this… it’s the jewel.”

The monks are always helping to help dispel misconceptions about Hinduism for all those who come and visit. Most people find the truths of Sanatana Dharma resonates with what they feel in their hearts.

Congratulations to Chandra Shekharan, translator and the Ukrainian publisher NIKA in Kiev, Ukraine for completing and publishing Merging with Siva in Cyrillic

Chandra Shekharan has been a long time student and sishya and met Gurudeva in the port of St. Petersburg on the 2001 European Innersearch, where he received his name and was accepted into into the Saivite Hindu faith, by Gurudeva himself.

A warm and sunny weather at the Spiritual Park of Mauritius for the Ganesha Homa held on the first Sunday of August. All devotees coming brought fresh flowers to be offered to Lord Pancha Mukha Ganapati.

Devotees inside the Ganesha Mandapam….

A view f the Mandapam front from the inside of the tarpaulin tent….

Meanwhile some devotees are worshopping at the Siva Lingum.

Pouring water on the Sivalingum is a traditional worship to Supreme God Siva…

The archanas are being done at the small Ganesha Shrine.

The sacred fire where is being burnt hundreds of prayers from devotees each month.

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami overseers all the ceremony…

The Ganesha Homa …..

Offerings to be sent to the inner worlds through the homa after all prayers are being sent to the sacred fire.

Kulapati Manon giving a talk from Gurudeva’s “Dancing With Siva”

The newly purchased tent for the Himalayan Academy salesbooth.

Himalayan Academy publications on sale…

The gravel path leading to the Ganesha Bridge…

Ladies serving sweets to devotees at the entrance after the Homa is over.

Kulapatis Amba and Kulagan counting cash received in the Hundi for this Sunday’s Homa.

Here is a photo of Bodhinatha in India on the last innersearch… meanwhile, Bodhinatha reports
on his trip to the mainland.

Om Sivaya, everyone,

Jai Ganapati.

In Saint Louis, on Tuesday we had lunch with Dr. Naidu at his home and Shanmuganathaswami had a chance to share with him our material on “Components of a Successful Endowment Program” Evening was a talk at the temple, with some eighty-one in attendance, a good size group for a week night. After, yes after, was a dinner at a home with discussion. Returned to hotel after 11 PM

Wednesday was a flight From Saint Louis to Houston via Denver. Evening was dinner at Vijay Pallod’s home with discussions

Om Namasivaya,
Bodhinatha

We are blessed with the presence of great souls from india and continue today with our report on their visit.

Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Jayendar Puri Mahaswamiji, is the Kailas Ashrama Mahasamstan Pithadapati.

This is the picture of his visit to the Wailua River yesterday.

Our guest visit the Ganapati Kulam today.

Watchin the monthly video

Arumugaswami introduces everyone to the Agama Preservation project and the simple technology he developed to use a digital camera to take pictures of old texts.

Before lunch Karthik Chaitanya gave us a marvelous demonstration of Hatha Yoga.

Karthik is a sishya of Jayendra Puri Swami. Swami sent him for training to Puna, with famed Hatha Yogi, BKS Iyengar.

Karthik amazed us all.

Chiranjeevi, he studied in the Sri Kailasa Ashrama for 17 years, having started his training when he was 10 years old. He is currently serving as Vaishanava Agama scholar at the Ashram.

Sridhar then leads everyone in two Yogic Games to improve awareness, focus and memory development.

We simply are told to follow hand motions on a verbal signal of three “Gods” “Ram” — Anjali mudra; “Shyam” hand out palms down; “Hari”- hands up

Sridhar calls the names but gives a wrong pose. If you place your hands in correctly you are out. Here are our finalists: Yoginathaswami, Kumarswami and Palaniswami.

Paramacharya Palaniswami won the game.

We bring you a few close ups of our guests:

Karnam Nagabhushanaiah Praveen Kumar, Saiva Agama Suri, serving at the temple Sri Kailasa Mahasamstan temple.

Manjalagiri Venkatachalapathy Sridhar, Yoga teacher and yoga therapy research associate and consultant in 40 countries, he has two PhDs, one in brain research and the other in yoga, from universities in Singapore and Australia.

Sathaiah Periyakaruppan is the cook for traveling group and he serves at the Tiruvannamalai Branch mutt of the Kailasa Ashram.

Karthik Chaitanya plans to be a yoga teacher.

Balasubramaniam Gnanaskandan, Sivachariya, Saiva Agama Visharada, Chief priest Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple of the Sri Kailas Ashrama. He has faithly served the Ashram for over 30 years and begin his training in the Ashram under Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamigal’s direction at the age of 13.

Shivananda Puri Swami, Chief Sannyasin sishya of Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Mahaswamiji

Venkatesh Chaitanya, is a brahmachari preparing for initiation under Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Mahaswamigal. Swami is hoping he will learn some of the modern technologies for better communications to the world and follow in the footsteps of Kauai Aadheenam’s technology

Arumugaswami then has an interview with Swamiji

News from Malaysia. Devotee are preparing for Bodhinatha’s visit.

Ravichandran writes:

Prostration & Vanakkam Swami,

Thank You, Swami. Apart from this event activities, we even manage to get
number of sponsors for Iraivan floor tiles in this month.
Last weekend we had visited a wonderful couple – Mr & Mrs
R.Radhakrishan’s and on line sign-upped their pledges.
I’ve updated this on http://sivatondar.blogspot.com/. We find home
visitation as one of the better methods in getting
donors to understand and sign-up on spot and at the same time have a good
opportunity explaining the many happenings in Kauai,
Saivite teachings and how Hinduism is flourishing in Western world in
that we could appreciate the systematic and
persuasive approach delivery of our profound religion to global Hindu
families as well be proud to be a Hindu.

Vanakkam & prostration again Swami

Aum Sivaya
Ravichandran Ceyon