After a lively three-day retreat we begin another short 4-day phase with homa and an Upadesha from Bodhinatha as usual. Last weeks’ talk has been posted and this week’s talk will be coming in a few days.

Senthilnathaswami performs the homa today.

Sabaratnam Sivacharya joins us for today’s homa.

He has been meeting everyday with Ceyonswami and sharing much of his deep knowledge of Saivism and the Agamas. He is very inspired to be at the Aadheenam and says that “Only Gurudeva had a grasp of the importance of this tradition and the commission to preserve our great culture. Kauai Aadheenam is the place that will bring all these great teachings and traditions to life.”

Bodhinatha’s talk today started from the lesson of the day, about not getting bogged down in the conscious mind. He spirited spoke about gaining control over the conscious mind, needing to experience inner states and not just think about them. He said it was the natural of the intellect to either be a barrier to the soul or a tool of the soul. He spoke on desire from Gurudeva’s very first book, Cognizantibility, also called Raja Yoga, which can be found in “Merging with Siva” where Gurudeva explained desire as a “false concept in relationship to corresponding objects.” Bodhinatha said desire and the fulfillment of desire were based on the concept that we would be changing as a result, but in fact, “you are already that which you seek.” Fulfilling desire doesn’t bring you any closer because the essence of the soul always is as it is.

From the last outing to Kokee, monks sitting around the fire place in the evening, “brainstorming” and writing down inspirations on monastic life.

A Hawaiian canoe etching captured on that outing.

A lotus named “Betsy” which flowered this week for the first time after three seasons

Three of the new Begonias that Muruganathaswami has brought to the monastery.

39 different varieties to add to our Begonia collection.

First photos are from the team in India who are carving the four Siva directional forms for the vimanam tower. They are about 30 inches tall.

The carvers write:

“Swami, we attach herewith pictures on the progress of koshta Siva bimbangal for Acharya Swamis’ kind perusal. This may also be shown to our Sthapati.”