Taka Archives

Please note: Gurudeva only responds to questions from the general public on matters that are suitable for our public cyber audience. Personal or intimate questions sent to this address are not answered.

A detailed index of past inspired talks is available here.

Cybertalk: A cyberspace devotee from Singapore wants to know why we use the middle finger to move the beads when performing japa. Gurudeva says that we do not use the index finger because in would make this finger very strong and if it was ever pointed at someone then it might injure them in some psychic way. Another question is posed to Gurudeva from an e-devotee in India who asks if the performance of pranayama and yoga asanas can lead to samadhi. Gurudeva says that this harmonizes the masculine and feminine forces within and sets the foundation for meditation.

Cybertalk Ends"
For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here.

Gurudeva will be happy to hold "Prasnottara Satsang" -- "Questions and Answers" over the telephone with any Hindu religious societies, Hindu youth groups, Radio talk show hosts etc. All you need is a phone with a speaker and an enthusiastic audience. Arrangements may be made in advance by sending email to Sivadevanathaswami

Do you have questions for Gurudeva? Send to questions@hindu.org.

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Transcription of One of Gurudeva's CyberTalks
Date: February_17_2001
Title: Arthur Pacheco interviews Gurudeva Part 5
Category: The Guru
Duration: 1 min., 49 seconds
Date Given: January 27, 2001
Arthur: One more question, if I might ask you? For someone who has just stumbled across meditation and feels the call to meditate, what would be some of the guidelines that you might suggest, in that you have had something to do with this science for so long?

Gurudeva: Well, we have been teaching meditation for over fifty years. The basis of meditation is quieting the mind through concentration. Those who work on the computer are potentially good meditators because they do have concentration. When you are working on a computer or surfing the web, you do not have body consciousness. You can close your eyes and you can go into meditation. Whatever you meditate on, is the state of consciousness that you are in at that particular time. So the idea is to meditate on higher things, rather than the lower things, of life. We are all meditating at one stage or another. It is the subject matter that needs to be changed.

Arthur: I see.

Gurudeva: Oh, before we close Arthur, I am going to give you and our radio audience, a magic mantra. Our radio audience, don't turn off the radio.

Arthur: Oh!

Gurudeva: A really wonderful mantra, before we conclude.

Arthur: Okay.

Gurudeva: It is the mantra that will heal interpersonal relationship and bring an end to conflict. This is a mantra that can be said in any language and it is only six words. It is easy to memorize. So don't turn that dial, just keep listening and we will finally get to it.

Arthur: Thank you very much.

Gurudeva: You remind me, Arthur, so I don't forget.

Arthur: I will, I definitely will. Thank you.
transcription ends

On the left is Shanti Devi, a college professor of Eastern religion and philosophy in Kona, Hawaii with her friend Barbara Summerhawk from Tokyo. Shanti Devi met Gurudeva 30 years ago in San Francisco and is a disciple of Swami Bramananda.

The large stone statue of the bull, is Nandi, Lord Siva's vahana or "vehicle." A representation of the perfect devotee, his right eye is focused on the right eye of Lord Siva Nataraja, the Lord of Dance in the temple.

We are blessed with fresh daily rains over the past week or two. All the plants are bursting with freshness and one has this sense of the Divine Fullness which is expressed in the Vedas as "Purna." There is a famous Sanskrit chant:

Om poornamada, poornamidam,
Poornaat, poornam udachyate,
Poornasya poornamadaya
Poornam evavashishiyate

That is Fullness, this is Fullness,
from Fullness comes Fullness.
When Fullness is taken from Fullness,
Fullness remains.

On the secluded and very peaceful path of the Saivite saints where pilgrims can wander through a tropical glen and ponder their spiritual evolution and be filled with the love of God in solitude... another Siva Lingam resides. Here you may fetch water from the stream and do your own bathing of the sacred image of the formless One. Recently a small Nandi has been installed here as well, the faithful one, lower mind subdued, fully God-centered in consciousness.

Thambynathan Nutanaya took the photo above, this one and the one below, as we are training him on how to use the camera. Our Sun One parade to San Marga.

The parade takes us on to the "pradakshina" or circumambulation of the Iraivan temple foundation. This practice is an important one in Hindu worship. One can "go 'round" your own Atma or soul in a microcosmic way, by simply turning around to the right. Upon approaching a temple from afar, especially for the first time on a long piligrimage, it is customary to walk all around the temple before entering, and then, even after entering, walk around the central sanctum, both before and after worship. This is a simple but powerful tantra... making God the axis of your consciousness. And for the fortunate and very brave, you might even go to Mount Kailas, Siva's abode high in the Himalayas and circumambulate the center of the universe: a 30-mile trek under severe conditions at high altitude... do this by prostrating the length of your body the entire way to cover the distance, and it is said all your sins will be forever transformed.

Gurudeva's other monastery in the island country of Mauritius
in the Indian Ocean near South Africa

Postcards from Mauritius: On the trade-wind facing slopes of the central highlands there are 1700 acres (688 hectares) planted in Assam tea. Coffee and tea plants (camelia sinensis) like hot days, cool nights, and plenty of rain. During the growing season, tea is harvested every seven days. Only the two tender uppermost leaves and terminal buds are plucked by hand.

Here's a Hindu lady who has obviously been working at the Bois Cheri estate for many years. She and her co-workers (some seen in the far background) harvested over 1.5 million kilos of tea last year. She was thrilled to receive some vibhuti from our photographer.

Green tea is known to possess many health benefits. Pictured here is the Bois Cheri estate's description of how they process it. Only a minute fraction of the harvest is sold as green tea. In fact, this is one of only two places in the world you can buy it: here or at a tea shop in Berlin! Most of the rest becomes Curl Twist and Cut (CTC) black tea flavored with vanilla.

Cybertalk: Today's cybertalk is part ten of a radio interview with Gurudeva conducted by Arthur Pacheco. Arthur Pacheco conducts a weekly radio show in Honolulu, Hawaii and is also a trans-medium. Today Gurudeva shares with Arthur the message that he gave when he was at the United Nations recently and that is for world peace we must first stop the war in the home. He also shares with the audience the secret mantra that harmonizes all relationships.

Cybertalk Ends"
For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here.

Gurudeva will be happy to hold "Prasnottara Satsang" -- "Questions and Answers" over the telephone with any Hindu religious societies, Hindu youth groups, Radio talk show hosts etc. All you need is a phone with a speaker and an enthusiastic audience. Arrangements may be made in advance by sending email to Sivadevanathaswami

Do you have questions for Gurudeva? Send to questions@hindu.org.

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Transcription of One of Gurudeva's CyberTalks
Date: February_16_2001
Title: Arthur Pacheco interviews Gurudeva Part 4
Category: The Guru
Duration: 3 min., 39 seconds
Date Given: January 27, 2001

Arthur: Now, I remember from the Master Course, you would speak in terms of the chakras, the psychic centers in the body. Let us say something like this. Would we be stretching the truth too much to conclude that perhaps, the mass consciousness is starting to work more and more with the different chakras. That would account for this interest?

Gurudeva: Well, I would think so. The higher chakra people are becoming aware that if they want to be in the higher chakras, they have to close off the lower ones. What are the lower ones? They are the ones below the muladhara chakra, that is at the base of the spine. They go right on down to the feet. First one is fear, the next one is anger, the next one is jealousy, the next one is total self-centeredness, selfishness and competition and so forth, right down to killing for the sake of killing and getting a great joy out of it, right at the soles of the feet. Anyone who is angry or jealous or fearful, of course, is not in the higher realms. They are in the lower realms and have to close those doors before. So, we really don't have to awaken spiritually. All we have to do is close the doors of the lower instinctive, intellectual nature. Be Mr. Good Guy and Mrs. Good Girl and all is well. Spiritual comes naturally from the soul, which is spiritual, of course.

Arthur: Yes. In my own counseling work, I find one question comes up more and more. I am really grateful because it shows a lot of conscientiousness. It is this. People will say, "Okay, just tell me. What am I not seeing? I feel like I am missing a point. What is it?" Now of course, it is a very loaded question because there is much they may not be seeing. But I of course, ask for guidance and whatever comes is what I share. If I might, I would like to shift that from the personal to again, the social. What would you say from your very unique point of view, would be something that, let us say, perhaps we as a culture, as a society, or as a nation are not seeing? Where would you direct our attention?
What are we not being or seeing?
Seeing, what are we not seeing? What point are we missing?

Gurudeva: What we are missing is that we gain our happiness by making other people happy. We gain our contentment by making other people content and secure. If everybody would do that, we would have a really nice nation and all the other nations would follow suit.

Arthur: So we are talking of moving away then, from that self-centeredness.

Gurudeva: Exactly. Into a higher nature, which is love, contentment, security and knowledge that comes from within. Like it comes from within you, Arthur, as a wonderful representative of the psychic community, well established in this community and doing a very great job. You get your knowledge and wisdom from within yourself and the great Beings in the Higher world.

Arthur: Thank you.

Gurudeva: So, that will come very, very slowly. Only to a few people, at first. Then, it will begin to spread and spread and spread. Then we will, finally, have a 'New Age'.

Arthur: I see.

Gurudeva: We might have to wait a long time. But, it will eventually come.

Arthur: It will come, won't it? Inevitably, it will come.

Gurudeva: Inevitably!
transcription ends

Gurudeva presided over our Sun 1 ceremonies from his new temple chair. He gave some wonderful, rapid-fire, concise answers to TAKA questions today which you will hear soon on these pages.

Paramacharya Bodhinatha offers the prayers into the temple fire. At temples which are "set up" for this practice, prayers that are burned are received by the devas in the inner worlds and answered.

The Yajur Veda offers this powerful prayer:
"Fire is Light, Light is Fire. Glory!
Sun is Light, Light is Sun. Glory!
Fire is Splendor, Light is Splendor. Glory!
Sun is Splendor, Light is Splendor. Glory!
Light is Sun, Sun is Light. Glory!

Let us, proceeding to the sacrifice,
utter a prayer to the Lord,
who hears us even from afar.

You are sacred drink, may I enjoy your sacred drink!
You are greatness, may I share in your greatness!
You are power, may I partake in your power!
You are treasures, may I share in your treasures!

O shining ones, remain in this dwelling,
stay in this gathering, this place, this spot.
Remain right here and do not stir! "

Kulapati Deva Seyon looks on in thoughtful devotion later at the San Marga site while the Ganesha Puja is performed at the banyan tree. Unlike the Kadavul Siva temple, which can be a very "fiery" experience, the San Marga land, site of the Iraivan "Wish-Fulfilling Temple," is pervaded with a "Great Peace".

Kulamata Nilanai Sivadas performs the arati while all sing the Arati Song.

On the right is Sujay and Komal Shah visiting from Orange, California. On the left is Anju Pundit and her daughter Sheela. They recently moved to Kauai, but were unaware of our monastery. Today they were taking a drive around the island and were intuitively guided right to our doorstep. That may not sound extraordinary, but many people can't find our place even when they are looking for it and have directions!

Gurudeva has set up his "mini-office" in the Cedar Room of the publications building. Here he goes through the daily email.

The grass seeding project for Muruga Hill has been a great success. The mixture of grass seed and wildflower seeds have sprouted and grown to make a gorgeous hill in the middle of the San Marga path.

The collection of wild flowers amidst the seed sprouted to bring an array of colors and fragrance. They will shelter the little grass sprouts from the hot sun and after a year or so, give way as the grass takes over. Now Muruga Hill is secured from erosion and awaits its mandapam (open hall) on top, with a 9 foot granite statue of Lord Muruga as Dandayuthapani (the mendicant holding a staff as at Palani Hills, India), which is awaiting a sponsor to be carved.

Kadavul temple tank (the traditional pool outside Hindu temples for washing prior to entering the temple) has this lovely statue of Saint Sambandar, installed in front of a fountain. Saint Sambandar received the grace of Lord Siva when he was just a baby boy and grew up to be a valiant spiritual leader and revivalist of Saivism through his soul stirring hymns to Lord Siva.

White oleanders have a remarkable fragrance and are sacred to Lord Muruga. It is said that if a devotees offers one such flower every day to Lord Muruga for 30 days with a sincere heart full of love and surrender, then Lord Muruga will grant him a spiritual boon.

Gurudeva's other monastery in the island country of Mauritius
in the Indian Ocean near South Africa

It seems that recently we are meeting many special souls in children's bodies. Visheshta is one of them. Many months after she first visited the Spiritual Park, little Visheshta, in the yellow hat, started insisting she wanted to go and see God. She finally insisted so much that her father questioned her to find what was on her mind. Visheshta, it turned out, wanted to go see the "Big Ganesha."

Her father brought her back to visit Ganesha and while here, the family received a picture of Gurudeva. When they returned home, little Visheshta went off into a corner with the picture and in her simple way started to worship. Then, at the end of January, tragedy struck the family. Little Visheshta fell down some stairs and fractured her skull. Mauritius is too small a country to support many specialist surgeons, so they have a very intelligent practice of bringing in specialists periodically to handle difficult cases. It so happened that there was a very fine brain surgeon in Mauritius at the time of the accident.

The doctor said that the skull had been pushed in against the brain and had to be pulled back, but there did not appear to be much brain damage. She advised the father, "You pray to your God and I will do what I can."

Now less than four weeks after the accident Visheshta is running around with her friends, as happy and lively as ever. Next to her is little Shiksha and taller Diya, then Sachiraj and Visheshta's brother, Vishay.

Cybertalk: Today's cybertalk is a radio interview with Gurudeva conducted by Arthur Pacheco. Arthur Pacheco conducts a weekly radio show in Honolulu, Hawaii and is also a trans-medium. This interview is in many parts and in the ninth part today Gurudeva shares more with Arthur and the audience about Lord Ganesha's milk miracle that happened a few years ago. Arthur then requests Gurudeva to share with the audience ways in which they may be able to buy Gurudeva's books.

Cybertalk Ends"
For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here.

Gurudeva will be happy to hold "Prasnottara Satsang" -- "Questions and Answers" over the telephone with any Hindu religious societies, Hindu youth groups, Radio talk show hosts etc. All you need is a phone with a speaker and an enthusiastic audience. Arrangements may be made in advance by sending email to Sivadevanathaswami

Do you have questions for Gurudeva? Send to questions@hindu.org.

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Transcription of One of Gurudeva's CyberTalks
Date: February_13_2001
Title: Arthur Pacheco interviews Gurudeva Part 3
Category: The Guru
Duration: 2 min., 52 seconds
Date Given: January 27, 2001
How often is it (Kumbhamela) held or how often does it occur?

Well, the big, big, big one that just happened is every 12 years. But, leading up to that in different parts of India, every 4 years, it is held. Actually, every 3 years it is held and they are smaller ones, might only have 10,000,000 attending.

I see. That's all? Just 10,000,000?

Well, maybe 12,000,000.

That is a lot of humanity.

That is a lot of humanity in one place. It is sponsored by the Government of India and their generosity toward the great Hindu religion.

Ah, it is wonderful, wonderful. How do they determine when to hold it?

Astrologically, it is determined astrologically.

I see.

I don't quite know the formula, but that is how it is determined.

I see. Of course, in India astrology is not seen as it is here, is it?

No, astrology and the astrologers are the marriage counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists in India. Most Indian lives, both Muslims and Hindus, are guided by astrology and astrologers. It is not considered a novelty. It is considered a way of life.

Yes and I have benefitted so much from that. I do constantly, as I study this. It is such an incredibly deep science.

A very deep science. This day happens to be a very auspicious day, as was yesterday. That is why I am talking to all these wonderful people on the Hawaiian islands and you too, Arthur.

Thank you so much, thank you. You know, I have noticed lately, especially in the last year or two, suddenly the media is very willing to cover things like psychics, people who are mediums and communicating with people who have crossed over. It has become quite the rage. Now, what do you suppose would account for something like this occurring now? I mean, this is a mass consciousness, a phenomenon.

Well, America has become a multi-religious nation. It used to be called a Christian nation but it is not anymore. We have had conversations with the editors of 'Christianity Today', in collaborating with stories on Hinduism and Christianity. It is quite a concern to them, the multi-religious outlook. Not only of many Americans who don't have any religion at all, but it goes along with Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Astrology, Universalism. The whole country has opened up. Therefore, the media only reflects the mood of the country.

Yes, yes. Deepak Chopra?

Deepak Chopra is doing a fantastic job. We just had one of his representatives here, on the island of Kauai.

I see.
transcription ends

Today was tour day and we had a large wonderful group of souls.

At last night's Sivaratri celebration, which here at the monastery temple is an "invitation only" event, ceremonies began with the traditional homa fire and chanting of Sri Rudram.

This was also a very special night for some of the members who received their mantra diksha and vishesha diksha (initiations.)

Sadhunathan and Dhanya Nadesan on the left and Iraja and Nilani Sivadas on the right sat before the homa fire to prepare for the initiation.

Natyam Tyaganatha had raised a tall fire and the temple was scintillating.

Passing the flame to the devotees afterwards.

Tonight a "rahasya" (secret, unseen) crystal lingam has been brought out from behind Lord Nataraja to be placed by the homa fire for blessings. In many Hindu temples in India, one will see the main Deity, usually carved out of black granite, but the priest will also have a small crystal image behind the main image which also receives the rites of the day, unseen by the devotees.

Gurudeva gives mantra diksha by explaining to Sadhaka Tejadeva the mantra and the guidelines for the practice.

Dhanya Nadesan also receives Mantra Diksha. The mantra comes with a "vrata" or vow to chant the mantra at least 108 times a day. If one misses a day then one should make that up at a future time. But it is more than a mere repetition of syllables... Gurudeva prescribes certain visualizations that are to be concentrated on as the mantra is repeated.

After the initiation he blesses the devotee and gives them their japa mala (rosary).

Next Brahmachari Sivaram receives the mantra.

Now Gurudeva talks to the whole group before the Visesha Diksha that was about to be given "Sadhunathan, Dhanya, Iraja and Nilani, this initiation is long overdue, you have done well, studied the teachings, performed the disciplines you are able to talk to anyone and explain to them the philosophy of Saiva Siddhanta and convey the teachings of Sanatana Dharma. Those who receive the vishesha diksha are the stabliity of Saiva Siddhanta Church, just like the sannyasins, you are the carriers of the dharma. Now we will continue to work together to spread the teachings of positive discipline around the world, to raise up a new generation of children, a generation of "ahimsa" children, non-violent children. We are working in the microcosm and this island is a perfect microcosm and this will in turn have its effect in the macrocosm. It may take five or ten years, but we will help to bring forward a new way to raise children for the future of mankind."

Then the initiates read aloud their pledge. The vishesha diksha carries with it responsibilities and opens the door to inner realms through bringing the ancient rite of Siva puja into the home. We excerpt here the section from our Saiva Dharma Sastras:

"Vishesha diksha", the "distinguishing" initiation, marks the shishya's formal entrance into the Shri Subramuniya Rishi Gotra, our lineage's select assembly of followers, affectionately known as chelas. After this initiation, the devotee is obligated to personally, daily perform the Saiva Atmartha Puja, which now has new power. This worship is performed during the early morning, followed by scriptural study and 108 repetitions of the Panchakshara Mantra. The puja obligation of vishesha diksha is not fulfilled by attending the puja performed by the head of the house in the shrine room. Each member who has received this initiation performs the puja privately (the long, medium or short version) and then attends the family puja as well. Vishesha diksha is also the empowering to perform yoga, to worship internally and undertake serious austerities. This diksha opens access into inner realms heretofore not accessible. As part of the diksha, the shishya voices and signs the following solemn vow binding himself and his family line to the Shri Subramuniya Rishi Gotra. Vishesha diksha brings the devotee more deeply into the study of Shum, my magical language of meditation, through the Shum Tyaef Lexicon."

After the initiations, the ceremonies continue. Here Acharya Ceyonswami (left) and Paramacharya Bodhinathaswami perform the "holy ash" abhishekam to the crystal lingam in Kadavul temple. Above and outside the picture is the never-to-be photographed statue of Lord Nataraja. This holy ash will be sent around the world as sacred prasadam from the temple. Many are the testimonies of its miraculous powers.

Next pairs of monks perform the milk abhishekam, pouring continuously a stream over the crystal as other monks perform further rounds of the chanting of Sri Rudra. The temple is now vibrating with a power that pours forth from Divine inner worlds.

The ceremonies continued through to a climax and deep meditations for the sacred annual rites of Lord Shiva.

Gurudeva's other monastery in the island country of Mauritius
in the Indian Ocean near South Africa

The Mahasivaratri pilgrims return to Pointe des Lascars from Grand Bassin pulling their kanwar. Friends and family have joined the procession.

The pilgrims visit the little shrine on the edge of town and then come to see Ganesha. Sadhaka does a simple ceremony with incense and vibhuti. Welcome back!

Sivaratri morning. Lots of our neighbors came to worship.

We started our Mahasivaratri night celebration with a havan and Siva puja.

Many of Gurudeva's devotees were in attendance.

Then the sadhaka (hosted by driver, Vedaprakasam Peruman) visited 4 temples.
Our first stop was the Siva Soopramaniam temple at Plaine de Roches. A
charming little temple in the sugar cane fields. The Gurukkal priest really
awakened a wonderful shakti with a powerful puja.

Click here to view this day last year.

"How to Become A Hindu"! Gurudeva's latest book release is now available Hot Off the Press! Visit the Himalayan Academy Book Store Web Site get the book and read the incredible testimonies of the early pioneers from the west who chose to make a full and complete conversion to Hinduism, legally change both their first and last names to Hindu names, change their lifestyles, sever their formal connections to previous faiths and joyously face the challenges in joining the tribe of the Sanatana Dharma

Visiting Kauai's Hindu Monastery
If you are planning to visit Kauai, please go first to our our visitor's page. Thank you.

Click here for information about Gurudeva's travels. He is presently staying on Kauai and has no immediate travel plans.

And

2001 EUROPEAN INNERSEARCH

12 Glorious Days, 8 Enchanting Countries
and One Chance in a Lifetime!

Imagine spending 12 days with one of the greatest spiritual leaders of this century. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami will be leading this exotic educational and spiritual voyage himself combining the mystical path of Indian spirituality with a superlative retreat from it all.

Take advantage of this one chance to be in close proximity with a living master. Come with us on an inner and outer voyage to Northern Europe and Russia.

www.innersearch.org

SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT

Sign our guestbook and we will send you a free issue of our global full-color bi-monthly magazine, Hinduism Today.

THANK YOU, GURUDEVA

For those who have been touched spiritually by Gurudeva's work, his books, his guidance, his inspired life and example and even his website, the "Thank You, Gurudeva Fund" has been established within Hindu Heritage Endowment.

Proceeds from this fund last forever; they're not a one-time gift. So gifts to this fund have eternal gratitude built into them. They live on in perpetuity.

Each month Gurudeva receives the income from the fund to be used at his own discretion to promote his work and mission around the globe. He loves this, for he knows that it comes from all the good souls who have met him and studied with him, traveled with him or just talked with him over the years. A contribution to this fund is tax-deductible.

Cybertalk: Today's cybertalk is part eight of a radio interview with Gurudeva conducted by Arthur Pacheco. Arthur Pacheco conducts a weekly radio show in Honolulu, Hawaii and is also a trans-medium. In today's segment Arthur asks Gurudeva to share with the audience about Lord Ganesha's milk miracle that happened a few years ago.

Cybertalk Ends"
For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here.

Gurudeva will be happy to hold "Prasnottara Satsang" -- "Questions and Answers" over the telephone with any Hindu religious societies, Hindu youth groups, Radio talk show hosts etc. All you need is a phone with a speaker and an enthusiastic audience. Arrangements may be made in advance by sending email to Sivadevanathaswami

Do you have questions for Gurudeva? Send to questions@hindu.org.

transcription begins

Transcription of One of Gurudeva's CyberTalks
Date: November_27_1999
Topic: Darshan and Invocation Part 2
Category:
Duration: 7 min. , 44 seconds

It's very important to realize that the priest is talking to God. How many people, especially the younger people , today say, "What is the priest saying? I don't want to go to the temple. I don't even know what they're saying."

What they are saying has been translated into English, into French, into German and into other languages as well. It's a very simple thing that they're saying. They're saying, "Come, we're going to bathe You. We're going to give You new clothing. We're going to give You vibhuti. There will be incense filling the room. Just come and bless us."

Very simple English. Those same people will learn a completely different computer language, a completely different medical language with no qualms. Yet, even though we've translated and distributed the information on what the priests are saying, still the same complaints come up. It's some kind of a propaganda, I would say, to get rid of Sanskrit in the temple and it's working too. Now in some temples in India, Sanskrit has been eliminated and the local language is used there.

The priests are chanting in Tamil language. But, a turn around. They're chanting for the people, not for the Gods. They're chanting, so the people can understand what is being said. They're not invoking the Gods; they're invoking the people to come to the temple. So that will carry forward now, as a popular breakdown of Sanatana Dharma in the New Age pretty soon, unless it's corrected. We will go to the temple in Livermore, California, or in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and we'll hear the priest singing in English. To get the people, especially the younger generation, to come to the temple. But, we won't feel the vibration of the Gods. We will just see stone faces. We'll go to a temple in France, one or two of our temples in Germany, we'll go to our temple that we started in Denmark and hear the puja in Danish, French, Italian.

Why not? The Catholics tried it; Vatican II changed the face and liturgy, the language of the Catholic church. I remember ... before Vatican II, someone took me to a Mass in a Catholic Church, (it was) done in Latin. It was so beautiful, so uplifting, inspiring. I didn't know the meaning of the words in Latin. But, you didn't care because you were uplifted. After Vatican II, I had another experience - only a couple in my life, of going to a Catholic Church. There was somebody with a guitar and they were singing in English. I felt like every asura in the City was there dancing around, getting in the minds of the people, disturbing the minds of the people and making their homes chaotic. They destroyed their own religion. They destroyed the darshan of the statues, of Saint Teresa, Mother Mary. They destroyed it by changing the vibration and the method of invocation. Rather than invocating the Divine, they invocated the people - to balance the budget.

Why, now, is the Pope so eager to convert those tribals in India and in Nepal? To boost up the numbers. Even once converted, they're not going to do very much. Why not convert the highly educated people in Europe and the United States? Because they're not interested. The vibration of the Catholic Church is just gone. It's not uplifting. The darshan is not there.

Now, do we want to do this to our Hindu temples throughout the world? Do we want to do this to the Hindu people throughout the world?

Of course, we know why, they're promoting puja in Tamil language, in Tamil Nadu. Because the government-run temples are hiring uneducated people, who are jobless, to come, ring a bell and light some incense. There's no time to train them in the subtle arts of doing mantra and visualizing. The proper visualization can give the mantram life. They're too impure to invoke the Gods. So, the temples become tourist attractions. There's no darshan, no vibration.

Darshan not only means "sight of the Divine". It means the feeling of the person. When you see somebody, he's either uplifting you or is making you feel badly. You feel how they feel because they convey a message through their aura, through their thoughts, through just feeling of who they are. A well educated priest of the Sanatana Dharma, who knows his Sanskrit, knows the proper pronunciation, knows the proper visualization can take a banyan tree and turn that tree into a temple. By invoking the Gods into that tree, the Devas around in every branch of that tree, attract crowds that will be benefited and healed - mentally, emotionally and physically. We've seen that done.
transcription ends

Sadhaka Dandapani has moved to the Ekadanta Kulam where he is now working full time under the direction of Paramacharya Bodhinathaswami. His main focus right now is coordinating the coming Innersearch. Why don't you join Gurudeva later this year on his trip to Northern Europe?

On the left, Sadhaka Mahadevan in the Ekadanta Kulam. He coordinates events when our monks travel, does a lot of correspondence, and helps with the seva coordination of our members around the world. Member tithe 10 percent of their time each week. This is calculated as 4 hours a week or 16 hours a month in selfless service. And we keep track of it too! Second from the left, Sannyasin Saravananathaswami, also in the Ekadanta Kulam, helping with the student and membership programs. His focus is on youth, youth retreats and right now he's gearing up for the coming Young Men's Retreat that will be held here the first week of June. In the back right Sadhaka Thondunatha, our fund raiser for Iraivan and number one host for guests, and Sadhaka Dandapani on the right, Innersearch coordinator and their beloved Gurudeva in the middle!

The Balachandran family from Sri Lanka here again today. As they are Hindus who have made prior arrangements to come to the Aadheenam on a pilgrimage, they have permission to be on the monastery grounds for sadhana and worship during the morning, unattended. Devoted as they are, they got up early to attend the very lovely and powerful Muruga Puja that is held at 6:00 AM.

Gurudeva's other monastery in the island country of Mauritius
in the Indian Ocean near South Africa

Yesterday's photos showed the annual Mahasivaratri foot pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. Today we have some photos of Gurudeva's Mauritius monks participating in the worship.

But first let's pay homage to the man whose vision, you might say, started it all. Here's the statue commemorating the late Shri Jhummo Giri Gossane. He was the pujari at the Terre Rouge Shivala one hundred years ago. One night he dreamt, the story goes, of pariya (fairies) dancing around a talao (lake) somewhere in the mountains to the south. He began searching for the talao of his dreams and discovered it on the eve of Mahashivratri. The talao, surrounded by beautiful mountains, had a heavenly environment just like in his dream. He named the place Pari Talao. It was re-named (on the eve of a subsequent Mahashivratri) Ganga Talao after holy water from the river Ganga from India was poured into it. Shri Gossane was the one who started the Mahasivaratri walk. The first year only eight people accompanied him.

Since that time hundreds of thousands, well over a million, have followed in
his footsteps carrying the colorful kanwar.

Tied to this kanwar is a plastic replica of Shiva. It's a water bottle for
transporting the holy water to the home of the devotee.

There are several shrines and temples around the lake. Improvements are made
every year to enhance the devotion and comfort of the many pilgrims. Many
can be seen offering prayers and collecting water at the waters edge.

Goddess of the lake.

Mauritiuseswara Shiva Temple at the waters edge has seen a week-long
non-stop line of pilgrims.

One seen here prostrating before the lingam.

Bilva leaves and flowers cover the lingam.

Sadhaka Adinatha, in the talao, offers prayers for Gurudeva and all the
monks.

And does abhishekam of the Siva Linga at the Shivala of the Hindu Maha
Sabha. Note the ingenious metal trough allows for hundreds of pilgrims to do
abhishekam all at the same time. By pouring in the trough the water is
transported to the Shiva Linga seen at the center of the photo. Aum
Namasivaya.

This day last year was a retreat. No page was archived.

"How to Become A Hindu"! Gurudeva's latest book release is now available Hot Off the Press! Visit the Himalayan Academy Book Store Web Site get the book and read the incredible testimonies of the early pioneers from the west who chose to make a full and complete conversion to Hinduism, legally change both their first and last names to Hindu names, change their lifestyles, sever their formal connections to previous faiths and joyously face the challenges in joining the tribe of the Sanatana Dharma

Visiting Kauai's Hindu Monastery
If you are planning to visit Kauai, please go first to our our visitor's page. Thank you.

Click here for information about Gurudeva's travels. He is presently staying on Kauai and has no immediate travel plans.

And

2001 EUROPEAN INNERSEARCH

12 Glorious Days, 8 Enchanting Countries
and One Chance in a Lifetime!

Imagine spending 12 days with one of the greatest spiritual leaders of this century. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami will be leading this exotic educational and spiritual voyage himself combining the mystical path of Indian spirituality with a superlative retreat from it all.

Take advantage of this one chance to be in close proximity with a living master. Come with us on an inner and outer voyage to Northern Europe and Russia.

www.innersearch.org

SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT

Sign our guestbook and we will send you a free issue of our global full-color bi-monthly magazine, Hinduism Today.

THANK YOU, GURUDEVA

For those who have been touched spiritually by Gurudeva's work, his books, his guidance, his inspired life and example and even his website, the "Thank You, Gurudeva Fund" has been established within Hindu Heritage Endowment.

Proceeds from this fund last forever; they're not a one-time gift. So gifts to this fund have eternal gratitude built into them. They live on in perpetuity.

Each month Gurudeva receives the income from the fund to be used at his own discretion to promote his work and mission around the globe. He loves this, for he knows that it comes from all the good souls who have met him and studied with him, traveled with him or just talked with him over the years. A contribution to this fund is tax-deductible.

Yogaswami says:

"No evil shall ever befall those devotees
Who know their own true self,
And discern Sivam within their inner self."

--Natchintanai. 142--143.

Cybertalk: Today's cybertalk is Part 7 of a radio interview with Gurudeva conducted by Arthur Pacheco. Arthur Pacheco conducts a weekly radio show in Honolulu, Hawaii and is also a trans-medium. In today's part 7 Arthur asks Gurudeva about how one can change impressions made in one's subconscious mind and thus get the subconscious mind to work for us rather than against us.

Cybertalk Ends"
For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here.

Gurudeva will be happy to hold "Prasnottara Satsang" -- "Questions and Answers" over the telephone with any Hindu religious societies, Hindu youth groups, Radio talk show hosts etc. All you need is a phone with a speaker and an enthusiastic audience. Arrangements may be made in advance by sending email to Sivadevanathaswami

Do you have questions for Gurudeva? Send to questions@hindu.org.

transcription begins

Transcription of One of Gurudeva's CyberTalks
Date: May_06_1999
Title: What Makes a Religion
Category:
Duration: 4 min., 43 seconds
Date Given: May 06, 1999

What makes a religion a religion? Sacraments, a priesthood, a ministry, training for the ministry, which means a school, a college or university, a doctrine, one major book which all look to and members of the religion, who are not members of any other religion.

This is what is rather peculiar about New Age people. Their families think they are Jewish or Christian but they think they are Buddhist or Hindu. They are attached to their families and attached to their new-found friends within the religion they think they are a member of. They are on the outside of the window looking into their family's home and into the religion they think they are a part of. Kind of, in a limbo state. They are not making progress and they spend most of their time polishing both windows. The family window, to try to keep their family happy, that they are not really in a cult, that they are really a good Jewish boy or girl or a good Christian, Protestant or Catholic. They polish the window of the Buddhist or Hindu faith or Shinto, trying to convince them of their sincerity and their humility. Their dilemma is obvious because they made no commitment. Of course, the New Age people are totally dedicated to making no commitment. They are committed to making no commitment with a great fervor.

Those people who are sincere, sever their relationships with their former religion and enter formally into their new religion through a series of sacraments, a legal change of name, a change of lifestyle. So sacraments are very, very important. Priesthood is very, very important. The ministry is very, very important.

Hinduism does not have one pope, it has many popes. Each of these Sampradayas (lineages) within Hinduism has a head. It has the same authority as the pope of Rome. Maybe a little bit more, because Hinduism is inner as well as outer expression. Figure that one out for yourself..

We don't want to make too many comments about the other religions. We do think that the other religions should bring everyone home, who are drifting off into Buddhism, Zen and Hinduism and living in this limbo-land having made no commitments, one way or the other. Perhaps, Hinduism made the individual religious. When they return home to Christianity or to Judaism, they'll be really religious people. Figure that one out for yourself.

transcription ends

As yesterday, we had a lot of drop in devotees today, who seem to be taking advantage of the 3 day weekend to get away to paradise. Here is Sundaram and Lalitha Swetharanyam from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Here we have a wonderful family from Sri Lanka. This is Mr. S. Balachandran (right) and his wife Mrs. Maheswary Balachandran (left) and their son Yogeswaran in the middle.

They originally hailed from the small island of Karainagar, off the Jaffna penninsula, Sri Lanka. Balachandran worked as a banker for India Overseas Bank. He is now retired in Columbo.

He also served for 10 years as an oduvar (temple singer) in the Muthu Mariamman temple of Kotahena, Columbo.

Maheswary taught Hindu religion classes during her earlier life and continues to sing and expound the great traditional hymns like Kanda Puranam in various temples.

Two of their daughters moved to USA and Yogeswaran ended up in Vancouver, Canada. The elder couple are on a short term Visa and will return soon to Sri Lanka. Yogeswaran promised he would bring them to Kauai Aadheenam before they went home, so here they are.

They also spent time in Vancouver and during the two months they were there, Balachandran did Sivathondu at the Durga Amman temple in Burnaby, Vancouver, BC, Canada. He and his son Yogeswaran had the honor of performing pada puja to Gurudeva when Gurudeva passed through on the way to Edmonton last year.

A religious couple to the core, Mahesvary has become an avid reader of these daily web pages and is a practiioner of Raja Yoga and very interested in meditation. She will be going home with a packet of books. Balachandran says he will serve to help spread the teachings in Sri Lanka and make more aware of the great temple we have here in the middle of the Pacific.

The Srinivasans from New Jersey.

Mr. and Mrs. Prashant Sonnekar from Indianapolis.

Our lovely press shop looking bright after renovations received a gift recently. . . a hand carved wooden image of the ubiquitous "Gekko" lizard that is everywhere in these tropical islands. The actual lizards are only about 3-6 inches long. The chirping of the lizards and the actions of the lizards are part of the ancient science of omens. For example if you speak of something and the lizard chirps on your right, it is said to be a devonic confirmation of the truth of your insights.

Continuing our saga of the mission to Asia and Mauritius:

Here Yoginathaswami joins our long time members in Union-Flacq, Mauritius. At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pareatumbee he give holy ash to one of the neighbourhood kids who came to meet the swami.

Saranamutha and Mootoosamy Pareatumbee have been studying with Gurudeva for nearly 20 years. Saranamutha was originally from Singapore. Mootoosamy became a very successful chef and trainer at 5 star hotels and eventually started his own business. Here they are with their daughters, Padmini and Bijamati.

The famed Senpagar Vinayagar temple in Singapore has a base in the Sri Lankan community and has been very active through the years and always supportive of Gurudeva, his devotees and activities. They host Gurudeva and the swamis when we come to Singapore. Yoginathswami does a "book signing" at the temple, showing Gurudeva's books and explaining their contents to the group.

Our wonderful Singapore mission members and students. They have been fortunate through the years to reside at a major "junction" where Gurudeva and the monks always pass through. Singapore is really an upbeat city. This small but dynamic group are very active in distributing Hinduism Today, fund raising for Iraivan temple and pushing Gurudeva's mission objectives forward.

Mr. and Mrs. Dohadeva and Nagavathy Samugam got up very early to go to the Arasa Kesari Sivan Temple. Here Nagavathy receives Mantra Diksha from Gurudeva over the phone. She is the chief force behind Hinduism Today distribution in Singapore and manages a small subscription data base, receives magazines from USA every issue and the whole family has fun mailing out the magazine to Singapore subscribers and to a few shops around town that sell them. Thank you Amma!

Then Samugam and Nagavathy who have been serving, studying and practicing diligently for many years, receive their Vishesha Diksha also, Gurudeva listens over the phone while they read aloud their pledge. Samugam has been a strong mainstay for the Singapore Mission over the years, a pillar of strength and dedication. He and his wife and some others in the Singapore mission have been actively working to end corporal punishment in Singapore schools. In fact they did get one teacher dismissed who had been using corporal punishment on very young children.

A small group was in attendance for the auspicious event which started at 4:30 and went on until 7:45 am. These initiation ceremonies are detailed in the ancient Saiva Agama scriptures and the priest of the temple was delighted to have a chance to finally perform them in a complete way. Thus the ceremony went on for over three hours. The priest did a full puja, followed by a parade and finally he poured water over Dohadeva and Nagavathy, giving them an Abhishekam! They come out from the ceremony as Kulapati and Kulamata.

The priest was a wonderful soul. He explained, "We have a difficult time. Our shastras prescribe the details of the ceremonies and we are obligated to fulfull the scriptural injunctions, but on the other side people are in a rush, and they want us to cut things short. What can we do? We have to eat, so we comply.

What a joy it was to hear you wanted a Vishesha Diksha performed and that we could take all the time to do this properly. That is a rare privilege and wonderful opportunity for me to be able to fulfull the mandates of our shastras like this."

At the Pan Pacific Hotel right next ot the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Yoginathaswami talks to some of the young men. This mission was meant to be one of "Love, Light and Upliftment" and Yoginathaswami talked frankly with the young men about their families and bringing love, kindness and forgiveness to bear in their relationships, now and in the future. Left to right, Nandakumar, Kanesh, Ganeshkanth and Saravan. We have known these young men since they were little boys... soon they will be ready take on mature responsibilities for Sanatana Dharma.

Gurudeva's other monastery in the island country of Mauritius
in the Indian Ocean near South Africa

This morning the monks made the annual Sivaratri pilgrimage to Ganga Talao-the sacred lake at Grand Bassin. Here's Sadhaka Haranandinatha near several kanwars that are waiting to be carried down the mountain.

It's 7AM and the pilgrims are already heading towards home carrying their
kanwar. It's raining heavily as they walk through the pine tree forest.

Another website describes the event just perfectly. So we'll duplicate it here: "In Mauritius, several days prior to the Maha Shivaratri, Hindus perform a pilgrimage to the Grand Bassin sacred lake. They erect a Kanwar - a large wooden structure decorated with white paper and mirrors, which they carry to Grand Bassin. Devotees dress in white as a symbol of purification. The pilgrimage can last several days as devotees walk from their respective village or town to the sacred lake.

Several breaks are made along the way for a short rest and meal (bananas, water, milk or tea). Many voluntary and religious associations set up special stopovers along the road to welcome pilgrims and offer them a break and food. Local public transport authorities organise special routes to and from Grand Bassin to facilitate the access to the sacred lake. Prayers and devotional songs are held in the Grand Bassin Temple where devotees offer bilva leaves, fresh milk, pure water and other sacraments over the Siva Lingam . Other rituals are performed by the lake and some water (from the lake) collected and taken home. On Maha Shivaratri day, devotees pour the water collected from the sacred lake onto the Siva Lingam at their respective temples."

Further down the mountain the sky has cleared. Pilgrims and traffic share the narrow road through the sugar cane fields. These people seem to be headed toward Cluny or Rose Belle.

Har Har Mahadeo!

The monks have arrived at the Kaylasson Temple in Port Louis. Here we've caught up with our own kanwar carriers from La Pointe des Lascars. (see yesterday's photos). They are resting from the long walk here in the shady temple compound.

Two bright young souls from our little village posing with the kanwar. They are happy to make the pilgrimage with their elders and happy to see us. We'll be going on ahead now. They are planning to rest through the night. Tomorrow we'll welcome them back home with a simple little ceremony at the Ganesha Mandapam of the Spiritual Park.

This day last year was a retreat. No page was archived.

"How to Become A Hindu"! Gurudeva's latest book release is now available Hot Off the Press! Visit the Himalayan Academy Book Store Web Site get the book and read the incredible testimonies of the early pioneers from the west who chose to make a full and complete conversion to Hinduism, legally change both their first and last names to Hindu names, change their lifestyles, sever their formal connections to previous faiths and joyously face the challenges in joining the tribe of the Sanatana Dharma

Visiting Kauai's Hindu Monastery
If you are planning to visit Kauai, please go first to our our visitor's page. Thank you.

Click here for information about Gurudeva's travels. He is presently staying on Kauai and has no immediate travel plans.

And

2001 EUROPEAN INNERSEARCH

12 Glorious Days, 8 Enchanting Countries
and One Chance in a Lifetime!

Imagine spending 12 days with one of the greatest spiritual leaders of this century. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami will be leading this exotic educational and spiritual voyage himself combining the mystical path of Indian spirituality with a superlative retreat from it all.

Take advantage of this one chance to be in close proximity with a living master. Come with us on an inner and outer voyage to Northern Europe and Russia.

www.innersearch.org

SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT

Sign our guestbook and we will send you a free issue of our global full-color bi-monthly magazine, Hinduism Today.

THANK YOU, GURUDEVA

For those who have been touched spiritually by Gurudeva's work, his books, his guidance, his inspired life and example and even his website, the "Thank You, Gurudeva Fund" has been established within Hindu Heritage Endowment.

Proceeds from this fund last forever; they're not a one-time gift. So gifts to this fund have eternal gratitude built into them. They live on in perpetuity.

Each month Gurudeva receives the income from the fund to be used at his own discretion to promote his work and mission around the globe. He loves this, for he knows that it comes from all the good souls who have met him and studied with him, traveled with him or just talked with him over the years. A contribution to this fund is tax-deductible.