Valli Ananda becomes Arul Sishya

Long time Master Course student Valli Ananda became an Arul Sishya of Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami at this phase's Sun One homa. Recently, Valli moved from her home in Califnornia to Kaua`i and has been an uplifting, joyous, heplful, and knowledgeable addition to our community of devotees. We welcome her with open hearts into the fold of Siva's seekers.

Saravananathaswami engages important mudras before the fire may be lit.

As devotees arrive, each one offers Satguru a flower or other offering and prostrates.

Valli blesses a handful of uncooked rice and flowers while our monastic pujari intones the chant of intention (sankalpa) for the ceremony. In puja, it\

s always made clear to one\'s self, others present, and the Gods themselves what the purpose of the ritual is.'

All monks, local Wailua Mission members, and a few off-island pilgrims witness the event.

Valli pledges her intention to the Kailasa Paramapara and Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami as her preceptor.

She signs this heartfelt delcaration as the roaring flames of Lord Siva in the form of fire illumine.

Satguru seals the deal.

Valli approaches Satguru for blessings afterwards. He places vibhuti on her forehead, and offers a handful of flowers to cascade down over top of her head.

A fun fact: This kutthuvilakku (a.k.a deepa stambha or pillar lamp) is one of an identitcal pair that we obtained decades ago in Sri Lanka. For many years, it\

s graced each homa perform in Kadavul Temple.'

Task force guests Dean Druilus from California and Kodiswara Selvanathan from Malaysia are each here for size months and arrived just one day apart.

As Satguru presents his upadesha for the week, all listen in focused attention. Listening to the words directly from the Satguru\

s lips have the power to transform one\'s mind.'

Aum Namah Sivaya!

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