Bodhinatha gives his Sun One discourse….

Prayers consumed by fire…

He gave bhasya on the lesson of the day on “anava marga,” a term Gurudeva coined to describe the thinking of people who have yet to get on the spiritual path. He explained how such people only start on the spiritual path when they realize the Deity is so much greater than they are, and become humble. Before then, the ego is ruling.

Bodhinatha told the story of a man who had gone to see Yogaswami and how Yogaswami had fallen into a deep meditation, which he then tried to explain the visitor. Yogaswami explained that silence is meditation, and how one must get rid of intellectual ideas of God before he can experience God.

Vijai Singhal, Secretary, Hindu Council of Australia is here on a pilgrimage and met with Bodhinatha this morning.

He also had a long chat with Sannyasin Arumugaswami. They talked about the teaching of Hinduism in the public schools in Australia, and Vijay is taking sample copies of Hinduism Today’s history lesson back to Australia with him.

Our carpentry shop is in high gear on the retreats. Kumarswami keeps his Mac at hand. Training videos and web sites provide a lot of useful guidance from master craftsmen around the world.

He is also documenting processes by photographing work in progress.

These are window frames for new screens in the second floor of Bodhinatha’s living quarters. We are learning the fine art of complex “joinery” where boards are assembled with precisely cut slots and fittings.

This plane is nearly 100 years old and works like a charm.

Sivakatirswami’s “100% Rudraksha Wood Bookshelf” is nearly done… It is 8 feet tall.

Assembly is complete and it is time for Danish oil. The color and grain of this wood is out of this world!

It was designed in two pieces. One will sit on top of the other. This is an old technique for large, complex cabinets. It is much easier to deal with two smaller units and move them around. Once they are put together in a room, no one knows that they are two pieces.

Hinduism Today… “Wall of Covers”

Nature’s gifts…

With the coming of Ganesha Chaturthi, everyone’s mind is on the Spiritual Park where Lord Pancha Ganapati has become a center of divine worship for all Hindus all over the island. The September homa drew a large crowd as usual.

Devotees arriving early crossing the Ganesha Bridge to reach the Ganesha Mandapam….

At the Small Pancha Mukha Ganapati Shrine, the exterior floor has just been covered with new bricks.

Devotees inside the Mandapam…

Four kulapaties sit around the Homa and help in burning the prayers brought by devotees into the sacred fire.

Kulapati Moorghen making an announcement regarding food sponsorship from devotees for Ganesha Chaturthi.

One devotee giving a testimony about how Lord Ganesha answered his prayers to help his two children obtain scholarships to study in American Colleges.

Kevina shares with everyone one event at her job where Lord Ganesha helped her obtain a transfer she was eagerly looking for, that would help her be closer to her sick mother.

Kulapati Manon reading on karma from our recent book ” What is Hinduism?”.

On every Sunday Homa, a team of sishyas consisting mainly of MC students help with the sales of the Church publications in an outside booth near the main entrance.

Many copies of “What is Hinduism” were sold on that day…

The Homa over, time to prepare for the grand festival, Ganesha Chaturthi coming on September 16th….Tents are being erected all over the place.

Kulapati Valaytan giving some important instructions to Siven regarding preparations…

Kulapati Moorghen and Paramasiven making plans to coordinate with food sponsors.

Here is Gowtam painting a rack where devotees place oil lamps they bring with their offerings.

Ananda and a friend painting the railings at the small Pancha Ganapati shrine…

Gold paint is serving a decorative purpose…

A quiet karma yoga day… Everyone is happily helping in his own way to make the Ganesha Chaturthi celebration a success…