So Ends Another Phase

Today is the end of the monks' phase. Before heading into a two day retreat, we asked Taskforcer Mayuresh to explore the Aadheenam with a camera. Here is the monastery through his lens. Enjoy!

Aum Namah Sivaya

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridinia Davidi) can be seen peacefully resting along the banks of the monastery\

s amazing waterway system.'

A beautiful bilva tree can be seen on the left side of Kadavul Temple.

Anthurium flowers are bursting with color in the nice summer weather.

The Wailua River waterfall shines brightly in the afternoon sun.

Mount Waialeale hides elusively amongst the clouds.

Water Hyacinth thrives in the monastery\

s small koi pond, and creates a nice, lush grove in the water.'

More cherry shrimp cling peacefully onto the banks of the waterway, slowly swaying with the calm current.

This shrimp is feasting on the roots of plant that is covered in algae.

Accidental artsy photo!

Another small area of the elaborate water ways that are home to a plethora of living creatures.

The sunlight reflects gracefully off the surface of the water and illuminates the surface below.

A small lizard seeks shade from the intense summer heat of Kauai.

More shrimp can be seen here. They only grow to 1 inch (2.5cm) max.

A classic, clear summer sky.

Big talapia can be seen lurking in the muddy water of the monastery\

s lotus ponds. '

Beautiful purple waterlilies begin to close for the day as the sun sets on the island.

A few wild pig prints can be spotted in the wet mud.

The island\

s natural alarm clock can be seen roaming the monastery grounds, ready to sound the alarm every few seconds.'

Iraivan shines gracefully through the jungle like a ray of light cutting through the clouds.

The beautiful rishi valley can be seen in all its glory as it soaks in the summer sun.

The occasional koi fish can be seen gliding through the waters

Waterfalls are plentiful here and are a striking part of the monastery\

s landscape.'

The small indents along the bank of the large pond are not man made, but are created by the fish. Specifically, tilapia create these mud nests to lay eggs and raise their young in.

The monastery\

s unique and vast selection of plant life never ceases to amaze.'

The rich red color compliments the green landscape perfectly.

Albizia trees are plentiful around here, but look like they came from another world!

Multiple plants thrive around the water\

s edge, creating a sanctuary for various types of wildlife.'

Even the smallest plants add to the beauty of the scape, such as the miniscule flowers of the bacopa plant.

The sun\

s rays illuminate and reveal the intricate landscape that lies below the water\'s surface.'

Iraivan Temple stands mightily in the middle of the Hawaiian jungle.

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