This morning, while in Rishi Valley (just 100 feet East of Iraivan Temple for those unfamiliar) inspecting some minor pig damage from their nighttime foraging, we were struck by the beauty of the pond and the surrounding landscape. You know the experience: we see something day after day and then, suddenly, it reveals itself in a fresh and completely different way.
That happened today, and our minds drifted back through the many years of clearing land, making paths, creating waterfalls and ponds, reshaping the terrain, planting, planting and planting some more. We have come a long way.
Back at our computers, we found an old photograph taken during the valley’s early development. It looked so raw and rugged. We thought it would be fun to share a glimpse of what the valley looked like then and how it appears today.
Use the slider to move back and forth between past and present.
Join us at 3:00pm today, Kauai time, for Kauai Aadheenam’s 2026 observance of Vaikasi Vishakam, honoring Lord Murugan, God of Kundalini Yoga. Click the below link to join the live stream
Sadhaka Sabānatha and Sadhaka Shankaranatha perform today’s puja
Monks and local members attend
“Even harsh karma, when faced in wisdom, can be the greatest catalyst for spiritual unfoldment.” – Gurudeva
Arinien helps to chant Sri Rudram with the monks. Did you notice Gurudeva sitting on his shoulder?
“Flow with the river of life and merge in Siva’s ocean of oneness.” – Gurudeva
“To know yourself is why you are on Earth. You were born to realize the Self. You are not here to make money, to clothe yourself or to entertain yourself. These are incidentals.” – Gurudeva
Jai Gurudeva!
Today is the Chitra nakshatra, meaning today we observed our monthly padapuja to Gurudeva’s tiruvadi in Kadavul Temple. At 6am the monks and island members arrived to place flowers at Gurudeva’s shrine, chant Sri Rudram and offer milk, honey, sandalwood, incense and more. This day is always a good time to inwardly connect with Gurudeva for blessings and insights.
Aum Namah Śivaya
“Intuition travels through a purified subconscious. Before we can utilize the superconscious or intuitive realms of the mind, we must be able to resolve those past experiences which may still vibrate in our subconscious.” – Gurudeva
Traveling monks shared an update from their travels. Yoginathaswami gave a speech at Quest International University in Ipoh. The workshop covered topics such as Hinduism as a complete way of life, the current state of Hinduism, who the monks are, and the importance of maintaining a minimum daily sadhana. Yoginathaswami also showed a video about the monks, which the students enjoyed very much. More than 70 students attended the event.
Photos from today’s walk through the monastery sacred garden on Kauai
Today’s amble through the monastery’s sacred gardens became a meditation on water — among the most common substances on Earth, yet also one of its rarest treasures. Without it, no garden could flourish, no forest could endure and no human life could continue. On our island of Kauai, water appears in many forms at once: rushing rivers, quiet pools, misting rain, waterfalls tumbling over volcanic stone and delicate droplets resting silently on lotus leaves. It is an essential offering to Siva in the temple sanctum during abhishekam. Clear water appears empty, but contains 5-6 million forms of life in a single drop. Patiently, persistently, unceasingly, water moves toward its source, the sea, just as the soul moves toward God.
Water is endlessly adaptable. It accepts every shape without losing its own essence. It yields to obstacles and moves around them effortlessly. It can appear gentle enough to cradle a lotus leaf, yet powerful enough to carve valleys through stone over thousands of years.
Scientifically, water is astonishing. A simple molecule made from two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom forms the basis of nearly all life on Earth. Its unusual properties allow plants to draw moisture upward against gravity, help living cells regulate temperature and enable oceans to store immense amounts of heat that stabilize the planet’s climate.
In Hindu thought, water has always carried sacred meaning. It purifies, renews and restores. Temples are traditionally built beside rivers, tanks or oceans, recognizing water as both a physical necessity and a spiritual symbol. Watching the streams move through the monastery gardens today, one is reminded that water teaches by example. It yields, adapts, nourishes and continues moving forward without resistance.
We have much to learn from water’s ways.
A drinking fountain stream arcs gracefully through the air, suspended for an instant before returning to earth. The river waterfall observes from the distance.
The Wailua River winds through dense greenery, carrying fresh mountain waters to the ocean.
Lotus leaves float peacefully atop a small pond, collecting drops of fresh Kauai rain.
Knowing He would be outdoors in the tropical rains, we provided Ganesha with an umbrella.
A tiny pond of water rests perfectly upon a lotus leaf, unattached, as we should be.
Four drops of water gather on the small bell attached to the umbrella.
One of many falls, this one emptying into Rishi Valley Pond.
Getting the water under the paths and roads. Not pretty, but oh-so-necessary.
Water lilies looked after by Yogaswami in the distance.
Raindrops on the lotus leaf.
Narmada Stream connects two ponds.
Wailua River moves toward the sea, 3 miles away.
The monks log any rainfall over .5 inche. We get about 100 inches a year!
Saint Sambandar dances in his fountain.
A seldom traveled path in the garden.
Cascading down a steep slope.
Pilgrims love the solitude of the river rocks.
Black rock and water, what a combination.
Bali Hai waterfall, just 15 feet away from falling into the river.
A carefully set exposure.
Small fall near Yogaswami’s murti.
Looking straight down as water enters the Narmada pond.
A shallow rain puddle captures fleeting reflections of sky, leaves and passing clouds.
The Siddhidata Kulam has been steadily crafting a beautiful wood edge to wrap around the top of their fish tank for providing a balance to the base and cabinets underneath. Nityashankaran Mogan from Malaysia helped when he was here in March/April. Well, it’s finally been completed and is now installed on top of the tank, looking stately.
