20 crates arrive from Brasil. The concrete on the left is a glimpse of the path that will be clad with stone.
Quartzite is an especially hard stone, so dense it does not give a foothold to molds and fungi like softer stones do.
Offloaded onto the asphalt west of Iraivan.
It made it all that way—9,000 miles by ship—with no breakage.
Each crate will cover 45 linear feet of the Garden Path.
It’s a big project and will take about two months to install, depending on the weather.
We sometimes kid that projects always take less time, effort and money than expected. Of course, only those who never completed a big project believe it. This Garden Path has been many years in the making. The final step, of many, is to install half-inch-thick quartzite onto the recently poured 900-foot-long, 8-foot-wide concrete path.
It took about four months for the stone to reach Kauai, and that allows Alfredo to begin the installation tomorrow. You will meet him in future TAKA posts. This project is also significant because it is the last large construction project at Iraivan.
Jai to our Beloved Gurudeva! Jai to our Light-filled Paramparai! Jai to Iraivan’s Grace-giving Mahalingesvara!
A very familiar face (Guess who is it). No? The Dalai lama.
With a Japanese Zen master
At the boarding gate, ready for our adventure.
Guruderva’s upadesha in Jaipur
Shum Meditation class during the round-the-world Innersearch
Gurudeva carefully observing a master Japanese calligrapher at work
Roshi Kabori later visited us in Kauai
Deva Rajan with a cobra around his neck bravely playing the flute in India
We look down at Tiruvannamalai Temple from the hilltop
Jai Ganesha!
As we were going through our photo archives, we stumbled upon a wonderful episode of Gurudeva’s old Innersearch. In this captivating journey, Gurudeva traveled with his devoted members and a few of his monks across various countries, including Sri Lanka, India and Russia. The images we found from this time evoked a wave of nostalgic memories, transporting us back to moments filled with energy and inspiration.
In these photographs, we see a young and vibrant Gurudeva, full of life and passion, leading his group with an infectious enthusiasm that is hard to forget. The smiles on the faces of the monks and members capture the essence of their shared experiences, revealing a deep bond forged through spirituality and exploration. It’s intriguing to see how some of the monks have changed over the years, and you might find it a bit of a challenge to guess who they are, as time has gracefully transformed their appearances while their spirits remain unchanged.
During their travels, Gurudeva and his group immersed themselves in the rich cultures and traditions of the places they visited. In Sri Lanka, they engaged with the local communities, learning about their customs and rituals while sharing the teachings of Saiva Siddhanta. The vibrant festivals and colorful ceremonies provided a beautiful backdrop for discussions on spirituality and the universal values that connect all of humanity.
The images from this journey remind us of the transformative power of travel, especially when it’s infused with purpose and intention. Gurudeva’s ability to connect with individuals from various walks of life underscores the universality of spiritual principles. The joy and curiosity on the faces of those who participated in his sessions reflect a longing for connection that is inherent in all of us.
As we reminisce about these travels, we are reminded of the importance of cultural exchange and the sharing of knowledge. Gurudeva’s commitment to spreading the teachings of Hinduism while also embracing the traditions of others serves as a beautiful example of how spirituality can flourish in diverse environments. This legacy inspires us to continue exploring, learning, and growing, while honoring the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that exist in our world.
In reflecting on Gurudeva’s journeys, we not only celebrate his contributions but also acknowledge the ongoing journey of each individual who seeks to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. These archives serve as a testament to the impact of his teachings and the bonds created during these transformative experiences.
Now enjoy these nostalgic memories from decades ago.
20 crates arrive from Brasil. The concrete on the left is a glimpse of the path that will be clad with stone.
