Today Bodhinatha, flew to Chicago for an evening Satsang at the home of Dr. Jeyendran. He gave a talk and answer questions.

Yesterday, Bodhinatha joined over 200 executives from 97 temples and Hindu Organizations from 25 states of US, Canada and the Caribbean converged in Edison, New Jersey, for the Hindu Mandir Executives Conference (HMEC) – 2007.

Bodhinatha was one of the guest speakers. He gave a 55 minute presentation on mixed religious marriage and Hindu pride. It was well received.

In the concluding session of the Conference, the delegates agreed on a series of action items and passed the following resolutions unanimously for consideration of their temple’s boards.

Resolution 1
We, the Hindu Mandirs of America: Commend the US Congress in general and Senator Harry Reid in particular for taking the courageous act of inviting Shri Rajen Zed to perform the invocation for Senate session with a Hindu Prayer. We will work together, and work with public institutions to enhance the presence of Hindu traditions in public sphere.

Resolution 2
We, the Hindu Mandirs of America: Will work together and with US Governmental agencies to ensure that the upcoming eligibility criteria for issuance of R1 Visa by US authorities Hindu “religious workers” does not adversely impact the operations and effectiveness of Hindu Mandirs.

Resolution 3
We, the Hindu Mandirs of America: Agree to adopt and promote within the US school system the Hindu Dharma supplement published by Hinduism Today. An action committee shall be constituted to enhance the dissemination and sustenance of this effort.

He returns to Kauai tomorrow afternoon.

The base for the Maha Sphatika Lingam of Iraivan will be cast at the end of this month, about two weeks from today. We have this news from India from Selvanathan Sthapati.

“I am very happy to write that the Maha avudaiyar is forming to a divine beauty with the wax mould. It is getting ready for the metal casting process.”

I have attached a few pictures taken during my inspection visit to Swamimalai.

The casting process will be started with the kandam part, that is the middle part of the avudaiyar.

The mahapadmam (lotus design) of the base with other embellishments will be carved after the casting process. But I have shown it with chalk piece to have a better view for Rev Swami.

Sadhu Paksha continues for three more days…