A Few Stories from Around the World

Sishya Dr. Ramai Santhirapala of London is a physician of note. Lately, she had been shifting from direct care of patients to working in the realms of research and medical ethics. When the current pandemic arose, however, she immediately abandoned her projects to be where she was needed most, the Intensive Care Unit, caring for the most seriously afflicted. While she was describing the challenging conditions and dangers, we were struck by her upbeat and even joyous frame of mind. How can this be? we inquired. She explained she had been surrounded by so many beautiful spectacles over the past days, that she just felt elated. "There has been so much harmony and willing cooperation on the part of everyone, it seems, all responding selflessly, courageously and nobly to the challenge, giving their all, willingly placing themselves at risk to help another. So much good will. It has really been uplifting." When we congratulated her on seeing the positive where most would not, she replied, "Siva truly is everywhere; we are so lucky to have received our beautiful Hindu teachings!"

From Sri Lanka Thondunathan send us updates of their work there. The country is fully shut down and those at the Subramuniya Kottam are helping as they can. They are distributing rice, dal and some other dry food to local needy people. Yesterday Thondunathan sent us this note for Yogaswami's mahasamadhi day:

"Generally, our Subramuniya Kottam youth prepare for the Yogaswami Gurupuja by making garlands and decorating the shrine. But this year, the observation has taken a new perspective and another divine path. Due to the pandemic situation, instead of the usual celebration, the youth prepared food care packages to be delivered to the needy people.
'Life is Siva' proclaims Yogaswami. Service to humanity is a service to God."

(left) Dr. Ramai Santhirapala on a visit at Kauai\

s Hindu Monastery; (right) in full protective gear at the London ICU.'

Ramai is fully geared up and attending to a sharp influx of patients

At the Subramuniya Kottam in Sri Lanka, dry goods are blessed by Gurudeva before being distributed

preparing food care packages

Aum Namah Sivaya

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