Recent Trip to California

Acharya Arumuganathaswami and Natyam Jayantha recently returned from several days on the mainland. The two were invited to an event at the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple in the Bay Area, which celebrated the success and bright future of the Center for Dharma Studies at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkley. Acharya had been asked to be the primary guest speaker and give a presentation on the current position of Hinduism in academic studies and public education. While in the area, our two monks had time to attend several other meetings, do some exercise-driven exploring and visit with our local members, namely the Golden Gate Mission members. Overall it was a successful and uplifting trip.

Goodbye Kauai, see you soon

Hello open skies

The Bay Area had just received some much needed rain. The hills were covered in picture-perfect green

We arrive at GTU

We have a nice meeting with Rita Sherma before meeting with GTU\

s president. Rita is the scholar-practitioner in charge of the Center for Dharma Studies here.'

The main library had a display of Hindu artifacts. An auspicious collection to see right as we arrive to learn more about what the Dharma program is all about.

We take a walk in San Jose and happen across this large naga

Next a visit to Deva Rajan\

s community garden'

They grow many beautiful vegetables here, including a great deal of tomatoes which they sell

This section can be planted as people please and harvested to the hearts content

The next planting area has these lovely cherry blossoms and is also were the tomato field is

We then visit with Deva and Gayatri at their lovely home in Canyon

Everything in their house is a marvel to look at

even their wood stove is made from an old, giant buoy

Another walk for our monks, who have spend more than enough time sitting in planes and cars

A small park near their hotel offers a nice stroll

The team also meet with the CEO of Gamaya Inc. A company that made a mobile game about the Ramayana. We had a very uplifting discussion and got some insight on the making of Hindu related video games and their importance. All useful for our own projects

Onto the main event. Musicians Lakshmi and Ashwin open the night with a bhajan performance

The main guests light the lamps on the stage\

s shrine'

A children\

s chanting\/singing class performs some nice chants'

Acharya gives his presentation

It was quite informative and very well received

The children\

s group also preforms an abridged version of the Ramayana'

Rama is banished from the kingdom!

We also get a sneak peak at a musical performance called \"Shanti\" which will soon play in the Bay Area. The real thing has hundreds of musicians, singers and dancers on stage all at once

The next day we have a satsang with the Golden Gate Mission.

They have some nice flowers here

First some Natchintanai singing and then a talk with Acharya

We discuss what we\

d been doing in California as well as a variety of other interesting topics'

Om Namah Sivaya

Last but not least, a trip to a county park for a one and a half hour hike before our return trip to Kauai

The trails lead up through green hills, replete with wild flowers

Cows have been here

It is a perfect sunny day. Ideal California.

We make quite an elevation climb

Something you\

d find on your computer\'s desktop'

The paths lead us across streams..

and up to a rocky area that is usually used for rock climbers to safely test their skills

\"cave rock\" we think it\

s called?'

It\

s a neat place to explore'

Some rock climbers make their way up

This climber makes it to the top just in time for a photo

The trail down winds through trees and along a stream

Goodbye California

Hello Kauai

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