Coming on Pilgrimage§
“Our family returned home with such clarity of faith in Hindu Dharma. Our children can’t stop talking about the visit. Now they are proud to be Hindus.” “I finally understood so many things, renewed my spirit and uncovered a new vision for my future.” “It is such a place of peace and beauty—no one could believe it without seeing for themselves.” “All the troubles in my mind just dissolved.” “It is amazing to see Hindu monks in the middle of the Pacific uplifting global Hinduism through information technology and publications.” These are testimonies from families who have made prearranged special pilgrimages to the monastery, a practice that many perform yearly for worship, sadhana (spiritual disciplines) and retreat from day-to-day concerns. Hindus may email iraivan@hindu.org in advance to arrange their visit and receive a Pilgrim’s Sadhana Guide. Such serious seekers prepare well in advance to reap the life-changing benefits of this sanctuary. In the weeks before their journey they perform additional study and disciplines, and on the flight to Hawaii they remain focused on the lofty intent of their journey. Many choose a special occasion for their pilgrimage, such as a wedding anniversary, birthday or new beginning in life, and seek blessings at our weekly 6am fire ceremony. ¶Pilgrims can perform many sadhanas at the monastery, including meditating on the banks of the Wailua River, walking the Straight Path to God, attending the morning puja at the Swayambhu Lingam, performing abhishekam to the Narmada Lingam on the Path of the Saiva Satgurus, meditating atop Muruga Hill, wandering through the sanctuary, studying The Master Course and attending puja in Kadavul Temple. Young people love mornings at the temple and afternoons at the beach. Pilgrims wishing to have darshan with Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami should request this in advance when arranging a pilgrimage.§
