Jai Ganesha!
Recently, monks went over to Himalayan acers to maintain and mow the noni orchards. here we showcase some photos captured by Natyam Shankaranatha. He saw friendly cows and the heavy duty equipment used daily to maintain the lands. The ford tractor caught his eye most due to its age and photogenic colors.
The Uncharted Beauty of HA Read More »
Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives his weekly upadesha in Kadavul Temple at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery in Hawaii. It is part of a series of talks elaborating on the inspired teachings of Satguru Śivaya Subramuniyaswami as found in his book Merging With Śiva.
“Once a person rises in consciousness out of the chakras below the mūlādhāra, and the foundation of bhakti has been laid, then going into refined states of mind through meditation becomes easy. This is because devotion has removed the barriers. Those who love each other can communicate easily. The devotee who has reverence for a temple and devotion for the Gods within it can communicate easily with those Gods. Bhakti yoga is love on all levels of consciousness—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Bhakti yoga makes us feel good. When in a state of bhakti yoga—yoked with the Divine through love—meditation is natural, and one can “soar within” with ease. There are no barriers where love is concerned.“
Total Surrender, Part Four Read More »
Aum Namah Sivaya!
The Monastery grounds are now easier to manage, thanks to the arrival of our new ride-on mower. This powerful machine will tackle the many acres of grass that need regular attention. Sivanadiyar Arinien performed a simple Puja in front of the Hale Hana Ganesha shrine. Holy ash, Sandel wood paste, kumkum and flowers were devotionally placed on the mower. The Cub Cadet mower is a welcome addition to the Siddhidatta Kulam’s equipment, and we’re looking forward to seeing the benefits of its efficient cutting capabilities.
Cutting Through Karma, One Mower at a Time Read More »
Aum Namah Shivaya!
Today is Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswamis 84th Jayanti! Later today, monks will prepare a special meal consisting of Satguru’s favorite dishes. Below is included a inspiring talk given by Satguru inside Kadavul temple in 2011.
His talk is about the continuity of effort between our inner and outer life. There aren’t two of us, so the concentration and willpower we bring to meditation should carry into school, work, and everything we do. Meditation doesn’t end when we open our eyes, and control of the mind throughout the day is cumulative.
It’s about paying attention to what we’re doing and finishing what we start. The more we’re interested in something, the more energy we draw out to do it, and it seems effortless. Starting impulsively and then stopping before we finish creates a negative pattern in the mind.
It’s about meeting life with less emotional reaction. The biggest way to have difficulty handling something is to label it a problem. It’s just the next thing to do, and each challenge we meet strengthens our willpower. That is how we are able to go within more deeply.
Happy Jayanti Satguru! Read More »
In the early morning Jai attends the morning monk siva puja.
Aum Namah Śivaya!
Recently, Jai returned to the taskforce program for several weeks. While he participates daily with seva, working alongside swamis and sadhakas in the Siddhidatta Kulam. So far, he has helped with digitally inventorying heavy equipment and machinery onto our maintenance server.
Jai Returns on Taskforce Read More »
Aum Namah Sivaya!
Recently, Pradeep and his team were continuing to clear fallen trees from other parts of the monastery property. Today we share photos of an enormous palm tree being cleared by a large excavator operated by Pradeep. The road these palm trees once grew on was the major path down to Iraivan temple. Clearing this area reopens a major throughway for monks and devotees. Nearby, fallen wild hardwoods were removed; they will be saved for future carpentry projects. These logs were perfectly straight, measuring twelve feet long and had a wide enough diameter to be milled into usable lumber. Once these blue gum eucalyptus and camphor trees are milled, they will spend many years curing before they can be used for future construction. The monks are grateful to find ways to use trees that fall on the monastery’s sacred grounds.
Continual Clearing of the Sacred Grounds Read More »
