Yoginathaswami and Sadhaka Tejadevanatha completed the first Path to Siva workshop, visited with SSC sishyas at the hotel and in their homes, and also the offices of Kauai Aadheenam supporter Dato Vijay Eswaran. Here are some notes Sadhaka made about it–
Today was Swami’s first workshop, hosted at a Brahma Kumaris meeting hall. Between 90 and 100 students age 16 to 22 were in attendance. We first checked out the hall, then had a meeting with the manager. Our Mc, Aravindraj, opened the event with a short explanation about the monastery, then gave a few words about Yoginathaswami, and his experience on taskforce. We honored two of the Brahma Kumaris with a small gift.
A short video was played, ” All about Kauai’s Hindu Monastery”. Next Swami dove into Path to Siva. The subjects began with the Four main Hindu denominations, three types of Karma, Reincarnation, God is everywhere and in everything, the importance of being a vegetarian, Temple worship, Bhakti/devotion will soften Karma, daily 5-minute sadhana, attending the temple once a week, pilgrimage to a far off temple once a year and the importance of a Satguru to go deeper into spiritual life.
We played a video about our monastery life. All the students and teachers really enjoyed it. Swami opened up for Q&A.
A few of the questions:
Where did the name Siva come from?
Why are there so many Gods?
How does one qualify to be a monk?
Is God real?
What made you believe in Siva?
Swami then discussed Vasana Daha Tantra at great length and the students were provided with paper to perform this very powerful tool. Positive affirmations were discussed and how exactly to utilize the power of affirmation to create change in one’s life. Three phase of the mind, 5 states of mind and How to meditate were discussed.
We had one more Q and A. Swami Gave out Vibhuti to all in attendance and I gave a Kauai rudraksha to each student and a few of the teachers.
Swami asked if any young men were interested in monastic life, one young man raised his hand and during one of the breaks another two young men spoke to swami about monastic life.
Another subject that Swami discussed was the importance of celibacy and transmutation. He spoke of how many youth fall into the trap of being sexually active because of peer pressure.
Swami touched on the subject of suicide and how it is not the answer to solve one’s difficult life. Suicide will complicate your evolution, creating more karma. It is best to ask for help and work through your challenges in life.
My impression was the students really appreciated the workshop. Swami explained the high philosophy in a way that all the students could comprehend. He weaved stories into the talk in both English/Tamil and he threw in a few Malay words which everyone loved. Swami’s understanding of the local culture really captivated the audience.