Over the retreat, Yogi Dayanatha and Nirvani Tejadevanatha took the siplis to the south of the island to hike along the Maha'ulepu Trail. The trail takes you along some beautiful cliff sides and leads towards the Makauwahi Cave Trial. Everyone had a chance to explore the archaeologically and geologically important Makauwahi Cave and then visit the nearby tortoise reserve.

Recently the aadheenam enjoyed a visit from students of the Kauai High School. While here they enjoyed a tour of Iraivan Temple and our tropical gardens. For many, this was their first time visiting the temple. Aum.

Aum Namah Sivaya

While here, our team of silpis have been enjoying a variety of outings, to experience different parts of Kauai. Lately they have having fun going on hikes and getting their fill of the island's world-renowned beauty. This hike took them to one of Kauai's many hidden streams and waterfalls. Aum

Recently the Kauai Visitor Channel's series "Down to Earth" (not the store) requested do make a short, lighthearted video about our Noni operation. They've regularly cover tourist activities on the island, but have also begun covering more of the island's homegrown businesses and agricultural initiatives. Aum.

A view of our sacred mountain today. The rolling rains clouds have brought us thunder and many glistening waterfalls which shine from Waialeale.

Aum Namah Sivaya

We've recently observed an interesting happening at the aadheenam. Out front of Kadavul Temple has long sat a rather lovely piece of volcanic glass which was gifted to the monastery many years ago. Several weeks ago it was stolen and has not returned. Word (and misinformation) has spread, and we have had a few frantic calls from our island Kama'aina who have thought that it was the large 700 pound crystal that was gone. So to everyone we would like to say, don't worry, the Crystal Lingam is more than safe. Aum.

The biggest donor to Iraivan is? Guess what? The Rudraksha Tree! Each month the Wailua Mission prepares the rudraksha beads grown on San Marga for sale. The proceeds from the Mini-Mela go to the Iraivan temple. We just had "Rudraksha Day" on July 27th.

Several days ago a catamaran ride was sponsored for some of our monks and for our taskforcers. The afternoon catamaran tours depart midday from the west side of our island and make their way north, up and around the Napali Coast--the beautiful northern cliffside of our island. You might recognize these cliffs from Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park or Pirates of the Caribbean. These are some of the most quickly eroding geological formations of this scale and can be seen to drastically change in just one lifetime. Upon reaching the top of the island the catamaran turns around and raises its sail for the ride back, making for a relaxed dinner cruise before sunset.

Did you know that the word "catamaran" comes from the Tamil language. It is originally "kaṭṭumaram." Kattu means "to tie" and maram means "tree," describing a vessel made with wooden outriggers.

Our monks enjoy a blessing from a Hawaiian Aumakua, an ancestral guardian.

To the Hawaiians the owl is a protector and guide, held as sacred. This sentiment is encapsulated in the saying "A no lani, a no honua" meaning "Belonging to heaven and earth."

Today was Ashram Sadhana day, a day where all the monks come together to clean and tidy up the Aadheenam. A few monks did some fence repair for our cows pasture, and the whole herd came over to say hello.