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We are pleased to announce the web release of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami's monumental work on Hindu culture and lifestyle:
Living with Siva.
Click here for the entire text and artwork, now on-line!

Meanwhile in Mauritius Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami has been on the move. We have so many pictures we are unable to keep up. So, we will just try to stay current with the most recent activities and then bring you more pictures later of some days events that we have missed...

Bodhinatha's Sun One Video. Most Recent update: July 30, 2003. Bodhinatha speaks on Japa, Mantra Repetition, niyama # 9, elucidating the many dimensions of the sacred science of mantrams, chanting a holy syllable, word or sentence again and again. 14 minutes, 2 seconds

				Live Web Cam Pix!

The feeling that emanates during the Chitra pada puja is the darshan of our beloved Gurudeva. These words of Siva Yogaswami capture well that feeling, which is, mysteriously, both one of Gurudeva's personal presence and also one of the great teaching of Lord Siva for which he was such a pure and powerful channel for the 20th century and beyond ... all pouring through from the inner worlds during the puja.

"The beauty of love, who can know?
Who doth know the wonder of Grace
In this big, wide and wonderful world?
It gleams in all objects of the universe.

The macrocosm displays His cosmic activity.
The whole existence vibrates to the rhythm of Letters Five.
Creation and maintenance are sustained by Letters Five.
The wonder of the Letters Five, who doth know?

Love is God; Love permeates the world.
Life moves to the harmony of Love.
Love is fulfilling; Love is effacing.
The beauty of Love, who doth know?

He who is transcendent,
He becomes immanent too.
Unveil the Primal Cause by Grace alone
And not by inquiry which eludes.

He animates all existence
He is the Self of all selves,
Unknown to celestials and twice born.

After visiting homes and families on the 29th and 30th. Bodhinatha went for two days of events at the Saiva Siddhanta Church Mauritius Spiritual Park. On the first day, the 31st... (yesterday on that side of the world) the events were for members, students and close devotees. Sadhaka Jivanandanatha reports:

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Today we were able to visit the Spiritual Park for the first time this trip. Bodhinatha, Muruganathaswami and I were all looking forward to seeing the progress and getting the blessings of Panchamuka Ganesha. The vibration at the Park was very high. We were greeted with bhajans then led to the Ganesha mandapam in a shower of flowers from young girls and boys. It was such a beautiful event, we took many, many photos--sorry about that...

The festivities started with a Ganesha homa led by four Kulapatis.

The vibration was so intense meditation came immediately.

Next, three young men took their Brahmachariya Vrata, pledging to be chaste and pure until marriage and marrying with the blessings of both parents and the Satguru. Saravan Koothan, Sivakavenien Munoosamy and Shanda Kumaran Moorghen.

They read the vrata to all present three times.

Bodhinatha then tied the sacred cord around their waist.

Bodhinatha then blesses each one with flowers.

This will constantly remind each of them of their sacred vow.

Bodhinatha then gave a lively talk on resolving conflicts.

Rajen Manick translates into Creole.

Our future Hindu leaders listening the best they can to Bodhinatha's words of wisdom.

The exquisite and powerful Pancha Ganapati lovingly blesses the whole event.

Kulapati Rajen Manick translated Bodhinatha's words into Creole so that everyone could clearly understand each sentence.

Lots of bhajans were sung. Many of the young children were well trained singers, learning from Aadeer Sangara who is well trained and teaches the youth at the Dharmasala. They sang some very difficult songs with ease and with a powerful devotion and big smiles. They sang two songs composed just for Bodhinatha. Some of the lyrics: "Satguru, Satguru you are my shining star! Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami."

Next Bodhinatha cut the ribbon to officially open the Mini Mela Gift Shop.

We had heard much about the new gift shop and the anticipation was building. With the Kulapatis inspiration it took only 21 days to complete.

We walked in the door and were amazed. The shop was elegant and high class. Expert lighting and beautiful cabinetry made all the books and brass pieces shine.

A new shipment of crystal Ganeshas and Sivalingams arrived just in time to make it on the shelves along with other fine items.

Kulapati Sivakumaren shows Bodhinatha the display of Gurudeva's books and Hinduism Today magazines.

Along with other items.

The gift shop was completed just in time for the Ganesha Chaturthi event.

A new rock walkway was installed leading into the gift shop.

Bodhinatha poses at the entrance to the spiritual park.

We then adjourned to inside the Dharmasala to have a Council on Missions meeting with the Kulapati members. But before Bodhinatha stood outside for a moment, enjoying the view of the ocean and Park.

The COM discusses the needs of the members and implements the Satguru's directions. This meeting had lots of important resolutions.

Bodhinatha then gave a rousing talk to the youth on making mistakes and the practical application of Hinduism in daily life. He talked about the purpose of a spiritual life and the progress of the soul through many lives. Bodhinatha spoke in simple, clear terms so that everyone could understand. There was lots of laughing at Bodhinatha's stories and analogies.

Rajen Manick also translated the whole talk.

Then we got the grand tour of the property. With four gardeners working and all the member's help, the land is looking great. If you haven't been here it is very difficult to get a picture of what it looks like.

This is our huge Shanmuga facing the ocean. We are told he is also facing the place where Gurudeva said he had the vision of Ganesha. This is at the far end of the property.

While we were there quite a number of visitors came to worship.

We then headed back, enjoying the hills and rock work.

Hidden in the midst of trees is a spectacular and huge murthi of Siva.

This is one of the bridges that leads to the Ganesha pavilion.

Here grows probably the first rudraksha tree on Mauritius. Already it is about 6 feet tall.

We catch one more picture just as we leave. On the right is our expert driver. He makes us all feel safe--especially with such precious cargo as Bodhinatha.

Driving through Mauritius is much like Kauai, except we found out from them that in Kauai we all drive on the wrong side of the road. Just kidding. ;-))
Stay tuned for the BIG day tomorrow when 3000 people are expected to pass through the park!

Aum Shanti,

Sadhaka Jivanandanatha and the traveling team.

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MORE UPLIFTING THINGS		2004 Indian Odyssey Join Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami on an 18 day Innersearch to South India, from Jan 19 to Feb 5, as we pilgrimage to ancient monasteries, magnificent 1,000 plus year old sacred temples and meet with India's holy men in a life-transforming adventure. Click on the above link for more details.
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