Monastic Life

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      Temples, Monasteries, Peace

      A temple helps you be a more peaceful person, live more deeply inside and into our soul nature. Harmony in the home leads to greater tolerance in the community. The ...

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      July 2016 Monthly News Video

      Our July 2016 news video covers events in June 2016, including Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami's recent travels to the UK, our visiting guests Swami Ramana Swaroopananda and Brahmachari Vrajvihari Sharan, and ...

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      State of the Church Address 2011

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives the traditional State of the Church Address on his first talk after the Tamil New Year. It is a summary of the multi-faceted activities of Kauai's ...

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      The Impact of R-1 Religious Worker Visa Changes Part 2

      Part 2 of 2: A presentation by Sannyasin Arumugaswami, Managing Editor of Hinduism Today, about the negative effects the proposed changes of the R-1 Visa would bring on America's Hindu ...

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      The Impact of R-1 Religious Worker Visa Changes Part 1

      Part 1 of 2: A presentation by Sannyasin Arumugaswami, Managing Editor of Hinduism Today, about the negative effects the proposed changes of the R-1 Visa would bring on America's Hindu ...

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      How the Monks' 24-hour Vigil Affects the Gardens

      Landscape architect Martin Mosco, visiting from Boulder, Colorado, speaks about his impressions of the monks' 24-hour vigil in Kadavul Temple and its effect on the surrounding space. ...

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      Introduction to the Monastery

      Tropical rainforests, soaring cliffs, cerulean seas, cascading waterfalls. This remote island is home to Kauai's Hindu Monastery, a center of global outreach for Hinduism and intense spiritual practice leading to ...

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      August 2014 News Video

      Our August 2014 news video covers events in July 2014, including: our 2014 Innersearch travel-study program, held on the island nation of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean; and the initiation ...

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      2014 November News Video

      Our November 2014 news video covers events in October 2014, including: Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami's 72nd Jayanti,(HELICOPTOR RIDE) our 2014 Gurudeva Mahasamadhi celebrations, Skanda Shashthi, Iraivan temple stone delivery, recent temple ...

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      February 2014 News Video

      Our February 2014 news video covers events in January 2014, including: The monastery's Tai Pusam celebration, Brahmachari Girish taking his vows as a supplicant, progress on the Media Studio renovation ...

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      July 2014 News Video

      Our July 2014 news video covers events in June 2014, including: The initiation of our newest sannyasin, Kaivalyanathaswami; the shipping of completed stones from Bangaluru to Kauai; and our Hinduism ...

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      December 2015 News Video

      The December 2015 news video from Kauai's Hindu Monastery features our Mahasamadhi celebrations for Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, class from Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, Skanda Shashti abhishekam in Kadavul Temple, Kritikka Dipam ...

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      August 2016 Monthly News Video

      Our August 2016 news video covers events in July 2016, including our recent shipment of stones for Iraivan Temple, an update to the progress in California's History-Social Science framework, the ...

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      March 2017 Monastery News Video

      Kauai's Hindu Monastery brings you news from February, 2017, including: Two monks don the yellow robes of tapas and take their next step in monastic life-that of the Yogi Tapasvin; ...

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      July 2017 Monthly News Video

      Kauai's Hindu Monastery brings you news from June, 2017, including: Vaikasi Visakam On June 7th the aadheenam's swamis, yogis and sadhaka celebrated Vaikasi Visakam with an abhishekam to Lord Murugan ...

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      Deeper Perspectives and Monastic's Realization of the Self

      The more you can detach yourself from life the more you can avoid the ups and downs of life, but you don't want to detach too much, or you will ...

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      Finding Affectionate Detachment

      Bodhinatha describes the various kinds of negative attachment and methods by which to free ourselves from attachments to negative experiences in the past. Moving from negative attachment to "unaffectionate detachment" to ...

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      Jayanthi Address

      Gurudeva's Shakti is so strong here at Kauai Aadheenam, stronger than any other place. Initiations are an important part of Saivism. It starts an inner process. The Paramachaya initiations of ...

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      Parents are the First Guru

      Parents are the first gurus. This will be my message to parents in Mauritius, Malaysia and Singapore when I visit them this September. Everything starts in the home. To change ...

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      Karma Management Part 3

      Seventh principleaccelerate karma. Saivite Shastras talk about this in terms of monastic 36-year pattern for training. Within his life he goes through four lifetimes of karma. One in first 12, ...

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      Valentine's Day to Lord Siva

      We received an invitation to give a blessing at the County Council meeting tomorrow. It'll be Valentine's Day. But what is Valentine's Day to a Hindu monk? We can turn ...

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      What Are the Two Paths?

      Bodhinatha addresses the misconception that householders should be detached from their family and professional life. Using the Tirukural as a reference he highlights that detachment for the householder means to ...

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      Austerity Part 3

      Bodhinatha elaborates on the four-fold concept of austerity, which Gurudeva defined as sadhana, penance, tapas and sacrifice. So, why bother performing austerities? It increases our speed on the spiritual path. ...

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      The Self is like Waking Up

      The Realization of Parasiva is like waking up from a dream during which you were dreaming that you weren't the Self. But you were all along. Claim it. Tamil word ...

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      Foundation of Bhakti

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha reads from and gives bhashya on today's Master Course lesson of the Day from Gurudeva's trilogy, Dancing with Siva, Living with Siva and Merging with Siva. Lord Ganesha ...

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      Mahasivaratri Talk Part 3 Realizing the Self

      In Part 3 of his Mahasivaratri talk for 2002, Bodhinatha quotes from Living with Siva on "the mission of the mission." A dynamic band of devas in the inner worlds guides and assists our ...

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      Parental Closeness

      Parents are your first guru. Parental closeness, meaning children's closeness with their parents, needs to be developed through hugging and verbalizing "I love you." Distance develops from a threatening atmosphere where the ...

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      Do I Now Have Two Gurus?

      A question came in by e-mail"Do I have two gurus now? Are both you and Gurudeva my guru?" Each guru works inwardly from the inner worlds with his initiated successor, ...

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      The Power of Consensualocracy

      Consensualocracy was conceived by Gurudeva as a system of government or management by intelligent cooperation based on a shared vision and adherence to dharma. It is the preferred way of ...

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      Master Course on Moksha

      Today's Dancing with Siva lesson is on moksha, which is appropriate considering it is the moksha ritau, the third and final, inwardly drawn time of the year. It is important ...

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      Passing Your Knowledge On

      The Master Course lesson of the day and the sutra are on the senior monastics accepting new monastics for training. We have a duty to pass the wisdom of our ...

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      Kauai Aadheenam's Vibration

      We have had some recent visitors to the monastery who have been praising us for the experience they have when they come here. Gurudeva's wonderful technique of passing on the ...

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      California Trip April 2002

      Bodhinatha begins by talking about his recent visit to our Church mission in Northern California and the Palaniswami Siva-Murugan Temple in Concord. At the mission satsang, he introduced a new ...

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      Nartana Ritau

      Saiva Dharma Shastras talks about the Nartana Ritau and says it is a period of creation. It's key word is planning, it's teaching is Dancing with Siva. We should update ...

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      Satya, or Truthfulness

      Bodhinatha talks about the second yama, truthfulness, satya, with regard to lying and betraying promises. Lying builds a layer of darkness in the subconscious that covers up the soul nature. ...

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      Noninjury and Brahmacharya

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha speaks on vasudhaiva kutumbakam, "The whole world is one family," in reference to the current problem in India. He discusses the problem of the "my people" concept, that of exclusion, and the division it ...

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      Creating a Family Plan Part 1

      Nartana ritau, the season from mid-April to mid-August, is the season for planning. Gurudeva put emphasis on the three seasons, as he liked variety, and Bodhinatha tells us all about ...

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      A Creed of Monasticism

      There was a time, not too long ago, when children and young men in India were taught that to renounce the world in the quest for God realization, in service ...

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      Family Life & Monastic Life

      In Hinduism there has always been a choice of paths to followgrihastha or sannyasa, family or monk. Unfortunately, in modern Hinduism the distinction between the two has become muddled, both ...

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      Holy Orders of Sannyas

      A religious covenant between a sannyasin—one who has renounced the world in service to God Siva—and the divine beings of all three worlds. In the fulfillment of these holy orders ...

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      The Importance of Obeying One's Guru

      Bodhinatha talks about the Swami Narayan Fellowship, their new center in Delhi and his preparation of a talk he will be giving at the opening, there on the subject of ...

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      Karma Management Day 4, Part 1

      2002 Kauai Innersearch Day 4, Part 1 Bodhinatha gives several examples of how we can work through our karma by helping others through their karma. He also talks about Drug ...

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      Karma Management Day 4, Part 3

      2002 Kauai Innersearch Day 4, Part 3 Bodhinatha explains the last three principles of Karma Management. Number 8 is "accelerate karma," which is done through performing daily sadhana (religious practices). Number ...

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      Origin of Karma Management

      Bodhinatha tells the story of the origin of the Karma Management seminar idea. Additionally he talks about enlightenment and dispels the common misconception that it happens instantaneously. He elaborates on ...

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      Responsiveness

      Responsiveness is important on the spiritual path, both in the monastery and in the family home. Bodhinatha talks about feelings of rebellion when approached with a suggestion and the importance ...

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      Be Firm but Kind with Children

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha gives a wonderful upadesha based on the Living with Siva lesson of the day (178) called "Be Firm but Kind." This is one of the Positive Discipline principles. Children today must ...

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      Choose Realistic Goals in Meditation

      Bodhinatha talks about the problematic attitude of getting sad when our spiritual experiences aren't as deep as we want them to be or think they should be. He reminds us ...

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      The Mission of Our Mission

      Bodhinatha pulls from Gurudeva's writings in his Trilogy extracts in explaining the nature of our order and its mission. Much of this publicly defines our order and outlines the duties ...

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      Honoring the Mayor of Kauai

      Bodhinatha gives news of a dinner at the Marriott Hotel which he and another monk attended in honor of our island's mayor who is about to leave office after eight ...

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      Gurudeva's Mahavakya Part 2

      Bodhiantha continues in Part 2 of his talk on the mahavakya, or great sayings, of our guru parampara. This part is on Gurudeva's mahavakya, split into five groups, with a ...

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      The role of the sannyasin in world stabilization.

      The monastery's internal approach to improving the world by achieving and sustaining spiritual consciousness. Readings from Saiva Dharma Shastras and Saivite Shastras. Monastics compensate for world unrest and keep the ...

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      The Aftermath of Self Realization

      Bodhinatha talks about what the experience of Parasiva causes to happen within us. He describes 3 ways our consciousness is impacted in the aftermath of Parasiva, based on Gurudeva's statements ...

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      How Does Moksha Ritau Apply to Family Life?

      Part 1 of 4 - Bodhinatha talks about the moksha ritau, the cool season and one-third of the year when we focus on the inside of ourselves and making improvements ...

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      Kundalini and Self Realization for the Monastic

      Bodhinatha discusses today's lesson from Dancing with Siva as it relates to Moksha Ritau and Self Realization. The lesson answers the question "What is the Sannyasin's Kundalini Path?" Bodhinatha summarizes this lesson, explaining that when ...

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      Strengthening Hinduism in Your Community

      Bodhinatha delivers a wonderful talk which he will be giving at the Hindu Renaissance 2, the second rally on Hindu Rennaisance organized by the Malaysian Hindu Sangam. Gurudeva encouraged Hindus ...

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      Don't Get Stuck in the Mud

      One reaction many face in life is the feeling of being unworthy and wanting to give up in our spiritual efforts. This feeling of despair can make a person feel ...

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      Yama 5 - Kshama, Patience

      Yama number 5 - kshama, patience. The youth group in Malaysia is focusing on the yamas and niyamas as the basics for successful temple worship. There are many opportunities to ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru - Part 3

      Part 3 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru, Bodhinatha says that worship and meditation are important in spiritual life, but a ...

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      Becoming a More Spiritual Person Part 1

      Part 1 of 3 - Bodhinatha gives a second class during Guru Purnima on the role of the guru. Beginning with a glorious quote from Gurudeva about the spirit of ...

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      Yama 4 - Brahmacharya

      Bodhinatha spoke on the yama of brahmacharya, purity and chastity, today. He described it as the harnessing of the instincts, including sexual desire, stressing the value of remaining celibate until ...

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      The Two Paths of Hinduism

      Blue in the outer aura. Pure devotion does not contain the grey of fear. See dharma properly: duty and obligation first, then meditation. The family path we can't renounce. The ...

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      Who Are the Devas?

      Religion is the working together of the beings in the three worlds. The first way we actually experience something of a divine nature, the power and energy in a temple, ...

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      God is Love; Putting This Into Practice

      The deepest perception of Love: Love is the ultimate Truth. Our Affirmation of Faith: "God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality." You are also that Love, you are also God Siva. There's only one Being and ...

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      Harnessing Reaction; Live in the Box of Dharma

      Responding and handling karma when feeling mistreated. The goal: insight into our self, get into a more refined cycle of life. Harness instinctive and intellectual reaction and forgive, karma's totally ...

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      Sadhana Path of Change

      Follow Gurudeva's teachings in a serious way; take up a daily vigil, sandhya vandana, worshiping at the change of days (sunrise and sunset). It takes time to change and master ...

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      Uphold Behavior Twenty-Four Hours a Day

      Don't let down. Success comes with consistency of conduct. Improve and control our mind and behavior standards twenty-four hours a day. Monistic Theism, our tradition, is a dual approach. Worshiping ...

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      How Mathavasis Spend this Time

      Gurudeva explains retreat days and how the 25-30 residents of Kauai Aadenam spend this time. ...

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      Guha Day

      Gurudeva talks about the monastic retreat day called "Guha Day," what the monks do on such retreat days and the meaning of "Guha" the cave within the heart; tking to rest ...

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      Karma, No Escape

      The first part of the talk provides an overview of the four schools or "kulams" of the Ashram as it serves young men of the Church community who come to ...

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      Discussion of AUM

      Gurudeva answers questions about "AUM", about the third eye, and about desire. Gurudeva advises: pray for direction, do puja for manifestation, exercise willpower and push . Questions about women ...

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      Monastic Order - Religion of the Now

      Bodhinatha shared with visitors in the temple an overview by Gurudeva of the monastic order and its mission. He also spoke of how Hinduism is more centered in the now ...

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      2019 Thai Pusam Abhishekam

      Kauai Aadheenam's 2019 Thai Pusam abhishekam held in Kadavul Temple. ...

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      The Nature and Worship of Lord Murugan

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami presents a Keynote Video about the worship of Lord Murugan. ...

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      March 2019 News Video

      Our March 2019 news video covers events in February and early March 2019, including: Recent progress on Iraivan Temple's perimeter wall, our celebration of Mahasivaratri, and the vows of our ...

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      The Two Paths

      Master Course Recording. Chapter 11. Odic and actinic forces. Move awareness into simshumbisi, sushumna. Difference and similarities between man and woman. Ida and pingala. Sannyasin ideals. Attitude toward family life. ...

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      Sacrifice and Renunciation, the First Step to Religion

      Gurudeva explains how someone can know that they are a Hindu. Sacrifice is the first step to becoming religious. Hindus are finding new things dont work. It is heartening to ...

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      Women Monks; Understanding Desire

      We present Gurudeva's answers to two questions today. The first is about whether or not Gurudeva has women monks. The second is about the nature of desire. Gurudeva explains that ...

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      2001, 75th Jayanthi Talk, Part 3

      A beautiful telling of Gurudeva's life accomplishments: "I am seventy-five years of age now and when I was twenty-two years of age, Satguru Yogaswami gave me some whispers in the ear, very confidential. But he said, 'Go back to America and build bridges, feed thousands. You will build palaces.' I was very young then, I didn't know. I didn't know that a palace is a kovil, meaning a temple!" ...

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      Gurudeva Interviewed by Loni Petranek, Part 1

      This is a radio interview conducted by Loni Petranek with Gurudeva. The interview gives an overview of Gurudeva's worldwide mission. In the first part today Loni introduces Gurudeva to her ...

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      The Kauai Kadavul Temple

      When Chennai artist A. Manivelu was visiting Kauai Aadheenam, he was impressed with the disciplines of worship and sadhana at the monastery's Kadavul Temple. He asked Gurudeva to tell the ...

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      The Vedas and Seeking the Self

      Today we answer two questions, one from someone seeking the Vedas and the second from someone seeking the Self. Gurudeva reveals that the Vedas in English are now available to ...

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      Gurudeva Interviewed by Loni Petranek Part VII

      This is part seven of a radio interview conducted by Loni Petranek with Gurudeva. The interview gives an overview of Gurudeva's worldwide mission. Today Gurudeva talks with Loni about the ...

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      Gurudeva Interviewed by Loni Petranek Part IX

      This is the ninth part of a radio interview conducted by Loni Petranek with Gurudeva. The interview gives an overview of Gurudeva's worldwide mission. Today Gurudeva shares more about the ...

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      Conduct of the Brahmacharinis and Brahmacharis

      Today's inspired talk by Gurudeva is about brahmacharinis and brahmacharinis Gurudeva talks about the brahmacharinis role in the family community and the protocols the brahmacharinis strive to live by. " For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here. ...

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      Let Go of Attachments, Part 1

      The sacredness of rivers. "The River of Life." as inspired by Niagara Falls. Attachment comes in many forms and hinders us from moving forward. Past unresolved experiences are attachments holding us back from ...

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      Find Your Divinity Within, Do Sadhana and Service

      We don't have to do anything to become God. Religion gives us an age-old, well proven structure to move forward. Daily vigil is the discipline, practice and the maturing of ...

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      January 2020 News Video

      Our January 2020 news video covers recent events at Kauai Aadheenam including our observance of Ardra Darshanam and the recent progress on the construction of Iraivan Temple. ...