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NATCHINTANAI DHYANAM
“Ever present in all beings, Oh Immaculate One!
Entrancing Beauty in all art Thou too!
Permeating in pebble, rock and imposing trees
And flourishing e’en in grass and weed as well.
Essence of Harmony, Thou divine Songster,
No other Lord will I revere but Thee.
In worship meek will I sing thy glory.
Please heed my garland of praise to Thee.
–Natchintanai. 120.
Our Beloved and Revered Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Attained Maha Samadhi on November 12th, 2001
Click to read for Details.
Click here to read
Gurudeva’s statement on September 11th
Yogaswami’s words are echoed in Bodhinatha’s recent guidance in one of his talks for us to all “stop and listen to the birds.” Lord Siva is easily felt in nature.
Cybertalk: Two boys were on a task force program at Kauai Aadheenam many
years ago. I found them one day playing hide and seek in his office and
couldn’t help laughing. We don’t want to ignore playfulness. It should be a
regular part of our Church members’ lives. In fact, it’s number three on the
list of suggested Church mission activities in Saiva Dharma Sastras.
“Playful Self-Contentment” is now on my list of 9 qualities that parents (as
their children’s first guru) should cultivate in their children. Happiness
is a consciousness that can be claimed no matter what the circumstances.
Cybertalk Ends”
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Mr. and Mrs Mallik Chaganti, with daughter Anusha and son Mahesh from Wisconsin came to puja today.
A group from a handicap center thoroughly enjoyed a tour by Sadhaka Thondunatha.
Sadhaka Haranandinatha on the right is our book sales manager. Here he consults briefly with Paramacharya Palaniswami on a design for a small card.
 The Remarkable Vision |
Iraivan Temple Progress Update |
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We bring you more shots of the Chitra pillar carvings in progress. These comprise the most numerous pillar supporting the roof of the temple. The carving of over 200 drawings of special symbols continues daily in India.
This is extremely delicate work.
Please give generously to help manifest the temple. A Chitra pillar can be sponsored for $21,000 each. Go to our new donation page to make your pledge today and find out what others are doing.!
A light touch and a small hammer are used for this fine carving.
The hand mudra of repose…. elbows bent, hands held above the waistline, one hand lightly holding the other.
This beautiful drawing is of “Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama” (cross nostril breathing)… an important practice in purifying the nerve currents, stablizing awareness and balancing the Ida (feminine) and Pingala (masculine) currents so that energy is channeled through the sushumna (central nerve of the spinal column.)
Saiva Siddhanta Church/Himalayan Academy in Singapore
Ladies and Gentlemen! We are pleased to bring you today ….
a story of Gurudeva’s sishya and students from Singapore who formed the Nandinatha Sangam to help fundraising for Iraivan temple. They recently conducted a pilgrimage to visit many of Malaysia’s beautiful temples…facilitated by some of Malaysia members who helped with the trip. here is the report:
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NANDINATHA SANGAM ~ IRAIVAN TEMPLE FUND RAISING PROJECT 2 MALAYSIA PILGRIMAGE � 23 � 24TH FEB 2002
On 23rd Feb 02, Saturday, all the pilgrims met at Khatib MRT Station the pick up point, at 0600hrs. Upon arrival all the pilgrims were given a bottle of mineral water and a set of souvenir prepared for the pilgrimage. The souvenir consisting of a Bajan Book, Nine Beliefs of Hinduism, The One All Pervasive Supreme Being, San Marga Iraivan Temple leaflets and a little bookmark with our beloved Gurudeva and Bodhinatha.
The bus arrived and all the pilgrims boarded the bus safely with their personal belongings. We headed towards the Woodlands Checkpoint and after clearing Singapore custom, we headed on to Johor Bahru custom. All of us alighted here, as we need to change the bus at Johor Bahru. After clearing the custom, we were greeted by the SSC, Malaysian Counterpart, Mr Mohanadas and Mr Rajan who were eagerly waiting for us. Once the Malaysian bus arrived, all the pilgrims boarded the bus and we were ready for our pilgrimage.
Our Pilgrimage started off with the chanting of TRIYAMBAGAM MANTRA, which was lead by Sudha. All of us felt the high vibration of the mantra, which was very peaceful and uplifting. All the pilgrims were given their breakfast in the bus which was freshly cooked by Mrs Umamaheaswaran.
Along our way, we sang Natchintanais and Bajans. We also had some games, organised by Sornavanita. All participated anxiously and cheerfully.
Our 1st stop was at Malacca, SRI POYYATHA VINAYAGAR MOORTHY TEMPLE.
It’s one of the first Hindu temples built at the turn of the century. It was built in 1781 on the plot given by the Dutch.
Upon entering the temple, we could see Lord Ganesha majestically sitted at the main peedam. After the darshan, all pilgrims were given about 45 mins to go for sightseeing around the Malacca town.
* picture 1 � The unique Gopuram of SRI POYYATHA VINAYAGAR MOORTHY TEMPLE, in Malacca
Our 2nd stop was at ARULMIGU SANNASIMALAI ANDAVAR TEMPLE, commonly known as Cheng Murugan Temple. The narration given by the priest goes � that a Saint named Sannasi worshipped Lord Shiva and attained mahasamadhi there. When the Chettiars came, they saw Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga as one. Thus, the inner sanctum of the temple has a Shiva Lingam followed by a Vel. Peacocks are kept in a cage displaying their beautiful feathers.
All of us had a delicious Chetty Nadu lunch at the temple, which was prepared by a famous local cook.
Pilgrims attending the mid-day puja at ARULMIGU SANNASIMALAI ANDAVAR TEMPLE in Malacca
Our young ladies of Singapore Saiva Siddhantha Mission
After lunch, all of us boarded the bus for a long journey to Klang. Along the way we played a devotional movie, “Thiruvillaiyadal”. Some of the pilgrims had their nap while others watch the movie.
At Klang, Bramacharini Gowri and Bramacharini Chudika greeted us.
KUIL SRI SIVAN TEMPLE was the 3rd temple we visited for the evening puja. In this temple, Lord Ganesha is in the form of Panchamuga Ganapathi and was beautifully decorated. The main sanctum has a huge Shiva Lingam with the Naga Peedam and Lord Muruga was charming as ever. Surrounding the temple on the right were the 64 Nayanmars statues with their names engraved on it. The unique feature of this temple is that the Temple Bell, is electrically controlled.
KUIL SRI SIVAN TEMPLE with Panchamuga Ganapathi on the right, Shiva Lingam at the main sanctum and Lord Muruga on the left.
Panchamuga Ganapathy
All our pilgrims with our Malaysia counterpart, at KUIL SRI SIVAN TEMPLE.
At RRI, Kulapati Silvarajoo welcomed us. All of us were surprised and impressed with the arrangements Kulapati Silvarajoo had arranged. The lodging area and room facilities were beyond our expectation and were very comfortable, which ensures all the pilgrims will have a GOOD sleep when they retire to bed. Once all the pilgrims were allocated with their rooms, they checked in all belongings and gathered for dinner. The dinner was superb and all of us had our stomach full and headed for a good rest and sleep.
The entrance of Sree Selva Vinayagar Temple
RRI dinner mmmmm yummy !!! Good delicious food, Kulapati Dohadeva Samugam, Mr Umamaheswaran, Kulamata Nagavathy Samugam and Mrs Umamaheswaran.
On the 24th February 02, Sunday, all the pilgrims meet at the lobby at 0715hrs for breakfast. The morning dew was something new for some of us. The mist was beautiful to look at and all of them enjoyed the stroll to the Recreation Club for breakfast. After breakfast, we checked out and our pilgrimage continue.
The morning dew across the field, opposite our lodging.
Pilgrims enjoying their morning walk from the Recreation Club, after their breakfast.
Kulapati Silvarajoo brought us to SRI SIVAN TEMPLE, commonly known as GASING SIVAN TEMPLE. This was our 1st stop for the day. Located up on a hillside, the ride up was fascinating. Along our way up to the temple, we were welcomed by lots of monkeys. In this temple Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga and Goddess Shakti resides on the left hand side of the temple, while Lord Shiva, in the form of Shiva Lingam resides at the main sanctum. Being built up on the hill, the temple was very windy and has a very beautiful view.
The beautiful view from the hillside of SRI SIVAN TEMPLE, here are my 2 pillars Sudha and Sornavanita, who stood all the way with me, shouldering and sharing my responsibilities for this Iraivan Temple Fund Raising Project 2. The banner was specially made for the pilgrimage and the Nandi is the official logo for Nandinatha Sangam.
Our 2nd stop was at SRI KANDASWAMY KOVIL. The temple is big and has a majestic look. The carving on the temple is smooth and beautifully painted. The interior of the temple was dim, cool and quite. There is a cave-like structure next to the temple with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Arumugam and Lord Ganesha. There were also beautiful peacocks showing off their colourful feathers.
Posing here are our pilgrims with the cave-like structure with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Murugam in the form of Arumugam ~ Six face Muruga, Lord Ganesha and our Saivite Saints.
Our 3rd stop (not pictured) was at SRI GANESAR TEMPLE, fondly known as PUDU, KOTH PILLAYAR TEMPLE situated near a corner of the road. In this town Pudu, there’s a court and all those who went to the court – the lawyers and the clients, usually visit Lord Ganesha to get His blessings before attending their case. Many, who won their case, donated to the temple and as time passed, the temple was called Koth (Court) Pillaiyar Temple.
Our 5th stop and our last stop for our pilgrimage was at SRI SUBRAMANIASWAMY TEMPLE, which is also known as BATU CAVES TEMPLE. Discovered over a hundred years ago, the cave consists of three caves naturally formed by the massive limestone. The most impressive and largest of the three caves is the Temple Cave, which has 272 steps to climb to reach the top. Some of our pilgrims climbed to the top and experience the inner beauty, which is beyond explanation. The ceiling is 100 m above ground and this huge chamber is lighted by daylight from several holes in the ceiling. As the name tells, this cave contains several shrines and the Subramaniam Swamy Temple. The Gallery Cave contains an art gallery. There are statues and wall paintings showing scenes from Hindu mythology. Dark Cave is not a show cave. Some of our pilgrims made our way up. Upon reaching the 272nd step, and to see Lord Muruga just at the entrance, was a great feeling of achievement and joy. The cave was dim and cooling inside. We went right to the top, and was very impressed with the beauty of the temple’s natural forms.
The top of the cave, the place is lighted up by the sunlight which passes through a huge opening of the cave.
An opening of the cave, which looks like the map of Australia.
At the foot of Batu Caves, there are lots of shop houses and foodstalls. We had a sumptuous lunch in one of the Restaurant. After lunch, all our pilgrims boarded the bus back to Singapore. Along the way, Kulapati Silvarajoo bid us a safe journey home. Sornavanita, thanked Kulapati Silvarajoo and Kulamata Amutha, for arranging our lodging, our meals and guiding us on the second day of our pilgrimage.
Along our way back home, some of the pilgrims caught up with their rest and nap, while others watched movies on the bus. Throughout our pilgrimage, the bus journey was very comfortable. Before arriving Singapore, we thanked Mr Mohanadas and Mr Rajan, who were with us throughout the journey.
On behalf of Nandinatha Sangam, Sornavanita and Sudha presented all the Malaysia members with a token of appreciation for their assistance for this successful pilgrimage to Malaysia.
At about 2030hrs, all of us reached our pick up points feeling very energised. After bidding goodbye all of us headed back to our homes with lots of happy and memorable memories.
Home Sweet Home!
On behalf of Nandinatha Sangam I would like to express my heartiest thanks to Sornavanita and Sudha, who were beside me throughout the entire preparation for this pilgrimage, Mrs Umamaheswaran for preparing the wonderful breakfast, Mdm Santadevi who helped out in preparing the Bajan book, Sudha for sponsoring the tokens and Sornavanita for preparing the banner.Special thanks to our Malaysia members who spent their precious time assisting and guiding us through this pilgrimage – Mr Ravichandran and Bramacharini Chudika for advising on the Temples and coordinating all the bus and meals arrangement, Mr Mohanadas and Mr Rajan for guiding us all the way, Bramacharini Gowri for guiding us in the Temple visits in Klang and Kulapathi Silvarajoo and Kulamata Amutha for making arrangements for our lodging and our meals. Last but not least, to all those who have helped out in this fund raising project in one way or the other.
A BIG THANK YOU and HUGS my dear wonderful souls.
Those who would like to share ideas or have more ideas about fund raising please drop your ideas and views to me via e-mail: visakan64@hotmail.com. You can also drop your views at Nandinatha Sangam via e-mail: nandinatha@yahoo.com and also visit our website at: www.nandinatha.com
As for our future pilgrimage, we have plans to go to other parts of Malaysia, India, Mauritius and Kauai.”
–Thamilmani Visakan, organiser
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transcription begins
Date: March_09_2002
Title: The Need for Religion – Part 2
Category: God and Lords of Dharma
Duration: 10 min., 24 seconds
Date Given: February 10, 2002
Given by: Bodhinatha
There is another reason and it also happens to be one of Chellappaswami’s Mahavakyam. “Naam ariyom. We do not know.”
That sounds strange, “We do not know.” Usually you say, “We know.” The goal is to know something. But he is saying, “We do not know”, giving us an opposite statement.
I was thinking about that, trying to figure out what kind of illustration to give. It would be like asking one of our Acharyas, “Acharya, you have been studying with Gurudeva now for thirty or thirty-five years. What have you learned?” The Acharya says, “I have learned that I do not know.”
What does that mean? It means the deepest spiritual experiences transcend the intellect. Intellect deals in memory and reason. Memory and reason are very useful. But they are not useful when it comes to deeper experiences. To go beyond memory and reason, we have to give them up. We have to have the feeling we do not know, which is also called deep humility. The feeling that we know a lot is also called ego. “I am the smartest person here”, that is the ego speaking.
Chellappaswami says that we have to go beyond that. We have to reduce the sense of ego, reduce the sense of intellectual knowledge so that we really feel we don’t know, meaning the external mind does not know. We have to go deep enough to experience it.
That is also one of the beauties of the foundation of devotion. It helps us end up in that state of mind. People with a very strong ego sense who don’t have devotion go into the temple and you can tell by their body language that something is wrong. They are standing in the back. They are not participating in the worship at all, not really understanding what is going
on, because they are in their intellect, their ego sense. It doesn’t make sense to them. It doesn’t feel like something they want to participate in. It seems beneath them, whatever. They don’t relate to it and you can tell by how they stand and how they move.
There is a wonderful chapter in ‘Living with Siva’ on surrender, prapatti which catches the essence of what we are talking about here. That we have to, through devotion, learn to surrender. We have to learn to acknowledge the Mahadeva who is greater than we are and strive to experience His blessings. We start first with Ganesha. We have all done that. We have all experienced Ganesha’s blessings by surrendering the ego to something greater by saying, “Ganesha, you are great. Please let me experience Your blessings, Your shakti.” We open ourselves up to that. It is prapatti and it softens the ego.
That is the beautiful phrase Gurudeva uses, “softens the ego”, makes us a less egoistic person. We are not so self centered, we don’t think ourselves so great. We also don’t want to think ourselves little. That is not the point. That is a negative ego. We just want to think of ourselves as a soul, that there are certainly greater Beings than we are spiritually. The Mahadevas are so much greater than we are. We have a sense of genuine humility because we are identifying with the soul nature.
That is the second benefit of a religious practice. In our tradition of charya, kriya, yoga and jnana, kriya being the intense awakening of devotion precedes yoga. Kriya precedes yoga. So devotion precedes deep meditation. We don’t try and encourage someone to meditate deeply until they are deeply devoted.
First you are deeply devoted. Secondly, you learn to meditate deeply. It is not that we discourage simple meditation. Meditation is good for anyone. It helps to center yourself, quiet your thoughts and so forth. But intense meditation or deep meditation isn’t encouraged or doesn’t bear fruit until it is proceeded by deep devotion.
There is a third reason that Gurudeva focused so much on the temple and religion. “Each religion has a hierarchy of Saints, angels and archangels which assist all of its followers for the inner planes, helping them through their difficult times, answering their prayers and supplications. When we leave the fold of religion, we remove ourselves from the benign influence of these great Beings and actually open ourselves to much lesser base influences which can disrupt our lives. Spiritual life, especially as one progresses in the stages of mystical experience, is a very delicate process. Powerful forces are awakened in us which we may or may not always be able to perfectly control.”
There is a lot of help available on the inner planes and it is very useful. But it is only there for those who are active members of the religion. That is why Gurudeva had those of us in the West formally enter Hinduism and why he encourages everyone to participate in traditional religion. He doesn’t favor New Age activity that is devoid of religion affiliation, for this reason. There is no inner plane hierarchy there to help you out. They are outside of it.
When non-Hindus participate in Hindu activities, they are not fully attuned to this inner world. They have not been accepted into the inner world It is like looking at the activity through a glass window. They are not fully able to participate in it. They can enjoy it to a certain extent. But they are not able to go into it as far as someone who is in the religion. So there is a difference. You don’t want to be on the outside of the window looking through into the room. You want to be in the room. That is more enjoyable.
For all of those reasons, Gurudeva focused on religious foundation and the importance of religion, placing the Vedantic truths in the Hindu religion. First, we are of the religion. Then, we develop deep devotion. Then, we can think about deep meditation, which of course eventually leads to Realization.
Some wonderful statements by Yogaswami which I will read in closing, on this idea of “We do not know”.
“When you have reduced yourself to nothing, when your small self has disappeared, when you have become nothing then you are your Self God. A man who is nothing knows God, for God is nothing. Nothing is everything. Because I am nothing you see, because I am a beggar, I am everything. So nothing means everything. Understand. It means you genuinely desire nothing. It means that you can honestly say that you know nothing. It also means you are not interested in doing anything about this state of nothingness. You think you know but in fact you are ignorant. When you see that you know nothing about yourself, then you are your Self God.”
Aum Namah Sivaya.
transcription ends
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Innersearch 2002 in Hawaii!
Our next Innersearch Travel-Study program will be held right here on the island of Kauai in the summer of 2002. It’s the first such program on the Garden Island since 1974! From July 17 to July 22 we will enjoy daily classes with the swamis, join in the annual Guru Purnima festival, be inspired by local culture, explore the lush tropical island in exciting and non-touristy ways, and more. Be prepared for a wonderful spiritual experience in paradise with meditations, seminars and sacred ceremonies at the Siva temple of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Many have applied already, and there is a limit of 50 participants, so we recommend everyone apply as soon as possible. Interested? Please request an application from pilgrim@searchbeyond.com |
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1. SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK and receive a FREE GIFT |
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3. Visiting KAUAI’S HINDU MONASTERY |
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From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
