This retreat Sadasivanathaswami and Sivanadiyar Girish drove across the island to the Quarry in Eleele to mark more large boulders that have been stockpiled for the Iraivan landscaping project. There were some gems in this set, and now the monks are engineering the delivery in early June. Underneath the red dirt clay is a blue-black basalt stone, dark and powerful, born in the early fires that built the island. Basalt is volcanic rock that forms near the surface of the planet and quickly cools. It differs from granite by having somewhat less quartz in its composition. The name "basalt" means very hard stone" in Latin.

Gurudeva's Samadhi Shrine was installed today at the Palaniswami Sivan Temple in Concord, CA, at the request of head priest Anand Sivachaya. It was sponsored by members of the Golden Gate mission.

This Sun one was tour day. This week is unique, having two tour days.

This group was given an introduction, by our local memebers, before being taken on a tour of the sacred gardens, out to Iraivan temple. Everyone had a wonderful time, and several commented on the beauty and peace of the monastery.

“If a man cares daily for those who come to him, his life will never suffer the grievous ruin of poverty.”
Tirukural

Gurumurti and Alamu are on their first visit from Austin, Texas. They were very happy to see a new batch of rudrakshas at the ideal time, when the fruits are ripe and falling to the ground.

Satsang was held at a local Holiday Inn in Morrisville, PA with about 30 attendees.

On May 15 we flew from Pittsburg to Syracuse, NY and held a satsang of 90-100 attendees at the home of Satish and Usha Krishnamurthy. Bodhinatha's themes for the May satsangs were Hinduism's Gradational Approach to Mysticism and Basis of Worship: Fear or Love?