Water in Siva’s Sacred Garden
Photos from today’s walk through the monastery sacred garden on Kauai
Today’s amble through the monastery’s sacred gardens became a meditation on water — among the most common substances on Earth, yet also one of its rarest treasures. Without it, no garden could flourish, no forest could endure and no human life could continue. On our island of Kauai, water appears in many forms at once: rushing rivers, quiet pools, misting rain, waterfalls tumbling over volcanic stone and delicate droplets resting silently on lotus leaves. It is an essential offering to Siva in the temple sanctum during abhishekam. Clear water appears empty, but contains 5-6 million forms of life in a single drop. Patiently, persistently, unceasingly, water moves toward its source, the sea, just as the soul moves toward God.
Water is endlessly adaptable. It accepts every shape without losing its own essence. It yields to obstacles and moves around them effortlessly. It can appear gentle enough to cradle a lotus leaf, yet powerful enough to carve valleys through stone over thousands of years.
Scientifically, water is astonishing. A simple molecule made from two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom forms the basis of nearly all life on Earth. Its unusual properties allow plants to draw moisture upward against gravity, help living cells regulate temperature and enable oceans to store immense amounts of heat that stabilize the planet’s climate.
In Hindu thought, water has always carried sacred meaning. It purifies, renews and restores. Temples are traditionally built beside rivers, tanks or oceans, recognizing water as both a physical necessity and a spiritual symbol. Watching the streams move through the monastery gardens today, one is reminded that water teaches by example. It yields, adapts, nourishes and continues moving forward without resistance.
We have much to learn from water’s ways.
A drinking fountain stream arcs gracefully through the air, suspended for an instant before returning to earth. The river waterfall observes from the distance.- The Wailua River winds through dense greenery, carrying fresh mountain waters to the ocean.
- Lotus leaves float peacefully atop a small pond, collecting drops of fresh Kauai rain.
- Knowing He would be outdoors in the tropical rains, we provided Ganesha with an umbrella.
- A tiny pond of water rests perfectly upon a lotus leaf, unattached, as we should be.
- Four drops of water gather on the small bell attached to the umbrella.
- One of many falls, this one emptying into Rishi Valley Pond.
- Getting the water under the paths and roads. Not pretty, but oh-so-necessary.
- Water lilies looked after by Yogaswami in the distance.
- Raindrops on the lotus leaf.
- Namarda Stream connects two ponds.
- Wailua River moves toward the sea, 3 miles away.
- The monks log any rainfall over .5 inche. We get about 100 inches a year!
- Saint Sambandar dances in his fountain.
- A seldom traveled path in the garden.
- Cascading down a steep slope.
- Pilgrims love the solitude of the river rocks.
- Black rock and water, what a combination.
- Bali Hai waterfall, just 15 feet away from falling into the river.
- A carefully set exposure.
- Small fall near Yogaswami’s murti.
- Looking straight down as water enters the Narmada pond.
- A shallow rain puddle captures fleeting reflections of sky, leaves and passing clouds.
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