February 13 Homa

After a two day retreat the monks began their new phase with the morning's homa, performed by Sannyasin Yoginathanswami. This ancient and powerful ritual is a way for us to synchronize our efforts with the Devas and Mahadevas through the very practical means of the written word. Prayers from monastics and devotees are burned in the fire and these prayers are then readable in the second world, so that the necessary actions can then be carried out by the devas. This ability to communicate through written prayers as well as through focused thought forms, is what allows the monastery to function with such efficiency and success. Aum Namah Sivaya.

Ghee is offered to the sacred flames

The ringing of the bell pierces deep into the inner worlds

Bodhinatha gave a wonderful talk afterwards, discussing the positive impressions that personal restraint places in the mind

continuous, unbroken sadhana moves one deeper and deeper into a lasting meditative lifestyle

The talk will be put online in the coming weeks.

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