Annual Fruit Tree Fertilizing
Fruit trees are to be given extra nutrients right when new fruits start forming, a boost for vigorous growth. A lot of mulch from local tree trimming projects is delivered to us regularly, so after it breaks down for a while, the Siddhidata Kulam applies a pile of this dark, nearly-soil material around the base of each tree. They are running several weeks late due to soggy ground, but now it's dry enough for the tractor to drive through the orchards without creating ruts (which would then make things difficult for the lawn mower).
Outside the New Siddhidata Kulam Building
Power Generation Shed
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Books Unboxing and Latest Monk Candidate Arrives
Small, Big and Bigger Pumpkin Growth Cycle
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Celebrating our First Tomatoes!
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Jai Ganesha!
Recently we've harvested our first tomatoes from our new hydroponic greenhouse. A great achievement after a lot of care and hard work to create an advanced system for growing our fresh vegetables. In celebration, the first tomato to ripen was given to Satguru on his Jayanti day. It was cut up and each monk had a slice. Aum.
Our Cedar Room Table, Part Two: On the Home Stretch
This is the second of two posts about the creation of the conference table for the Media Studio. It is a table made of Formosan Koa in an unusual style. Here is a look, over many months, into the building of the table base, the completion of the top, and the adding of the copper end plates to the top cross members. Enjoy.
Glories of the Greenhouse
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Jai Ganesha!
Today we take time to appreciate the monasteries greenhouse, from which so much of our fresh produce is sourced. As some may know, tomato plants can only go do long before they must be replanted in order to continue their usual production. This month we are just beginning to see the fruits from our newest tomato plants. Also our lettuce and other greens are being produced continuously.
Ladies Working for Siva
While the monastery has no female residents, and non-monastic members (both men and women) leave the property by 6PM, the ladies are actively involved in Sivathondu in the public areas. They are in immense help to the monastery. Being clerks at the MiniMela and being temple hosts. They also help the Pilliyar Kulam with tags for items and other chores related to the Minimela.
The members take take turns dealing with the tide of visitors, which has grown to over more than 3,000 month every day from 9-12 noon. They have to answer questions of the wide-eyed tourists who know nothing about Hinduism, "What is that Dancing God?" Answer serious queries about the monastery from Hindu pilgrims, "What sampradaya does this temple follow?"
And act as polite policewomen. "No photos allowed the temple... Can you please put on a sarong? Don't put your feet out while sitting. No, you can't do go Iraivan, to do that come on a tour day...." This list of questions go on and on. They have become quite the diplomats.
All the monks really thank you all for this service. You have no idea how much it is appreciated! Thank you!
Abundance Galore
The end of the summer and beginning of fall is a incredible time if abundance in tropical fruits, as we have shown you before. Here is more!
From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
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