Amazonian Pilgrims
A local kumu (hula teacher) and island spiritual leader, Puna Dawson, brought six Brazilian tribals to Kauai for a shared spiritual adventure. Since she knew Gurudeva so well, she asked if the tribals could visit the monastery, and we could not say no.
Some of you will remember that Gurudeva was flown to Rio de Janiero in 1997 for a Conference on Human Survival. There he briefly met some tribals (see photos in the slideshow).
These profoundly Earth-connected men and women were a delight to be with, asking many unusually deep questions about Siva and the inner worlds. They were moved by the simplicity of the monks' guhas, admiring the austerity and naturalness of life in our own little jungle. It was easy to feel a bond with them. They walked through the Sacred Gardens, heard Pravinkumar chant in Sanskrit in front of Mahalingesvara, ate fresh oranges from our trees and more.
They are from a tribe called the Yawanawa, known for their rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual connection with the Amazon rainforest. They practice traditional rituals, preserve their ancestral knowledge, and actively engage in environmental conservation efforts to protect their sacred lands from deforestation and external threats.
5 Responses to “Amazonian Pilgrims”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
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June 29th, 2023 at 4:46 pm
“AUM”!.
June 30th, 2023 at 5:36 am
Jai Jai Shree Maha Ganesh!
Thank you Swamis for this exciting post. Is South America calling?
Thank you Gurudeva, Satguru Bodhinatha, all the Swamis and Monks, and Kailasa Paramparai Thank you Priest Pravinkumar for your service to Lord Siva, the Monastery and your Sanskrit chanting to increase the power of Iraivan Temple, for the betterment of mankind, the world and the universe!
Aum Namasivaya
Sivayanama Aum
June 30th, 2023 at 6:24 pm
Amazing to see the Brazilian tribals and read about their way of life. Indeed it must have an incredible shared spiritual adventure for them 🙏
July 1st, 2023 at 5:21 am
Aum Namasivayam 🙏🌺🙏
July 3rd, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Good to know that we are all connected in the way we perceive and seek the divine. Aum