August 16, 1998, is a special day in a number of ways. First, it is Independence Day for India. Second it is the Change of seasons at Kauai Aadheenam, from the Nartana Ritau to the Jivana Ritau, and that means members will be changing their daily study from Dancing with Siva to Living with Siva, focusing on the many ways we can live our dharma more dynamically from momemt to moment. Third, it is the 11th Anniversary of the arrival on Kauai of the sacred, 700-pound crystal Sivalingam! Many connections.

And it is the inaugural issue of "Today at Kauai Aadheenam." We hope good souls around the globe, whether you are in Mauritius or Germany, California or Singapore, will take a moment each morning before you go out to face the world and all of its challenges to visit these pages. Spend a moment reflecting on the eternal Self within, on GurudevaÕs short audio message of the day, and if time permits check out our video and other buttons. Each day there will be a fresh digital photograph of the happenings at the monastery, so you can be with us, visit with us and feel one with us.

This morning Ajit Gokhale and his wife joined the mathavasis and families for our weekly dawn homa. At it Gurudeva blessed the 11-foot by 23-foot flag that would go up an hour later. The Gokhales tossed uncooked turmeric rice into the fire that represents the witnessing consciousness of Agni, and listened to the chanting of Rudram from the Vedas. They also heard a wonderful talk by Gurudeva in which he stressed nonviolence in the home, every Hindu home, and called on all Hindus to set the example for the world of loving families in which there is no corporal punishment, no fear, no anger, no physical punishment, but love abounding and surrounding the youth. He also stressed the importance of everyone following their sadhanas, following the 365 Sutras that guide our lives, and living 100% in harmony with every other human being. He also stressed all Hindus getting along with all others, the Vaishnavites with the Saivites and the two of them with the Smartas and the three of them with the Saktas, all strengthening and appreciating one another.

We then paraded out to the 60-foot tall flagpole and as conches blew in the tropical morning air Gurudeva took down the old flag and raised the new one high above the monastery, representing, he said, the Hindu solidarity we all are striving to promote around the world and through Hinduism Today magazine.

Mr. Gokhale it turns out is a fine landscape photographer. He took his camera around the property all day, capturing the beauty of the sanctuary. He is doing this as a gift for Saiva Siddhanta Church, for which we are deeply grateful.

Gurudeva gave a brief talk to inaugurate our new web presence. Click the GURU SPEAKS button to hear his welcome to you all, today and every other today far into the future of futures. And remember to take a moment to visit us tomorrow morning for a minute or two. Aum Namasivaya!