May 23, 2012
 
Long-time devotee and supporter of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, Dr. Narayana Rao of Illinois, has written an enthusiastic article on our monastery and our work, especially the construction of Iraivan temple. It is in the Telegu language and appeared in the March, 2012 issue of the Telegu Association of North America magazine. It describes how this monastery came to exist in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, who founded it, its mains features and claims to fame. Dr. Rao pilgrimages regulary to the monastery, once bringing 14 members of his family along with him. Click here to get a PDF of the article in its entirety.
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May 21, 2012
At Kauai Aadheenam during our last retreat the Dandapani mound in Siva's Garden was taken apart in preparation for a major overhaul. It had grown dense and needing of resuscitation, as life often is. Sadasivanathaswami was supported by Tandu Sivanathan and Vel Alahan, and the three of them removed all but a few of the plants, getting it ready for new gems.
The mound holds a four-foot-tall Dandapani which came from India in 2006. His name means "One who holds the renunciate's staff, or danda."
He is the deity we draw close to when we wish to meditate, when we want to let go of some small (or large) part of our worldliness, when we are in need of healing, when we wish to undertake special penances and yogas.
At Palani Hills this song is sung to Dandapani:
O Lord of Palani Hill!
O Dandapani!
O Karttikeya, O Muruga!
Salutations unto Thee.
Thou art the younger brother of Ganesha.
The six Krittika Devis nursed you
Thus are you named Karttikeya.
Thou art Nirguna Brahman.
Thou art Siva's sparks of Light Divine,
Thou art the great General
Of Celestial forces,
Thou art the Destroyer
Of Tarakasura and Simhamukha.
Surapadma became Thy vehicle and flag.
Come, O come, Lord Subrahmanya
You blessed Arunagiri.
Now Bless me, O Skanda,
I am Thine, all is Thine my Lord!
The murthi was freshly oiled, awaiting his new forested surroundings that will slowly unfold in the weeks ahead.
Posted in Monastery Happenings, Nature and Sights | 1 Comment »
May 21, 2012
The greatest benefit of coming on Kauai's Hindu Monastery public tour is after the tour the opportunity to meet and have the personal darshan of Bodhinatha. As all Hindus know catching the Guru is like trying to catch the wind. Also anyone who follows Bodhinatha's personal travel schedule knows, He is many times 37,000 feet above the earth, literally! So for many reasons this opportunity is quite rare and many tour guests take full advantage of it.
Gurudeva started the pattern years ago. Gurudeva would sit under the Mango Mandapam and sign books for what was in those days a handful of guests. We couldn't fit under the Banyan Mandapam today! Bodhinatha has continued in perfect continuity this sadhana pattern and takes time from his countless duties to sit patiently, meeting with guests - signing their books, blessing sacred items, and answering a question or two.
Another benefit is that it gives our guests a chance to thank Bodhinatha personally for extending this invitation to the public on this special day to walk through the inner gates of the monastery and enter the private sanctuary of the monks.
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May 18, 2012
Raj Sivanathan and Thuraisingam family are visiting again from Arizona and Sydney, their third or fourth visit. From Jaffna, Sri Lanka originally, they love being here to enjoy the beauty and tranquility. Kethies (second from left in photo) was working in the hospital where Satguru Yogaswami stayed after fracturing his hip around 1960.
They paid a visit to the vegetable garden and fruit orchard
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May 18, 2012
The Ganapati Kulam gave their report today. One important item was the news that the latest children's book is off to the press! Modern stories for Hindu Youth! Book One: Growing Up Hindu
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May 17, 2012
For Satguru speaks fans you will be happy to know we have been putting in some over time to catch up all of Bodhinatha's past talks to make sure the whole world get benefit from his upadeshas. So keep and eye out as we will be adding a new talk to the right side bar daily. thanks to Hitesvara Saravan for pushing through the transcriptions!
You can also jump right to this main index page to read or listen to the latest talks and check if you have missed any.
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May 16, 2012
Enjoy Bodhinatha's, April, 22nd,Sun One Upadesha on progressing in life thru experiences. See the right side bar.
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