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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"
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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

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