Lotus Flower Inspiration

Lotus Flower Inspiration

All of us, children and adults, are beautiful flowers. Our eyelids are exactly like rose petals, especially when our eyes are closed. Our ears are like morning glories listening to the sound of birds. Our lips form a beautiful flower every time we smile. And our two hands are a lotus flower with five petals….

Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya

I was curious about the Sanskrit Translation for Hara Hara Mahadev, as it was commonly used around Shivaratri and in literature about the event. Hara Hara Hara Mahadev Om Namah Shivaya Namah Shivaya An approximate translation would be: Two of the names of Lord Shiva, which invoke His energy as the great God and destroyer of darkness….

Maha Shivaratri
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Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivratri (Sanskrit: महाशिवरात्रि),is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in reverence of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva who represents the Pure Conscious Principle. Shivaratri literally means the great night of Shiva or the night of Shiva; Shiva literally means “auspicious” and as Shankara, he is the giver of happiness and the god who destroys evil. This year, Shivaratri will…

Breaking the Cleanse
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Breaking the Cleanse

Up until today, working in the kitchen and eating meals within the community has been a valuable test of my will and austerity. For example, witnessing and smelling the decadence of a creamy chocolate cake being prepared and decorated was the ultimate in divine temptation. But I have remained true to my cleanse, only consuming…

Leaving the Bubble
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Leaving the Bubble

For the first time in 3 weeks, we left the Mount Madonna retreat to go in to town. What a revelation! Life all of a sudden became hectic, and the beauty of nature discovered in the Redwoods felt extremely distant. However, acclimatizing myself to life off the mountain is good thing. I thoroughly enjoyed our…

Day 3: Ayurvedic Cleanse
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Day 3: Ayurvedic Cleanse

So far, it has been pretty easy for me to just eat gentle foods that complement my dosha constitution. Rice, potatoes, vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruit. For the past three days, there have been so many choices without feeling like I’m lacking or doing without. Tomorrow however begins 5 days of pure kitchari consumption. No sugars, no enhancements,…

An Ayurvedic Cleanse
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An Ayurvedic Cleanse

Last night at the Kirtan in Santa Cruz, I was invited to participate in a 9 day cleanse along with three other fellow Mount Madonna lady friends. Without really discussing much about the details, I jumped at the chance of having the support group for such a ritual. I’ve done cleanses before, but always on my own….

Kirtan at the PCC

Kirtan at the PCC

Last night an incredible evening of joyous kirtan music (spiritual songs) took place at the Pacific Cultural Center (PCC) in Santa Cruz. The PCC is affiliated with Mount Madonna in that both non-profit organizations belong under the Hanuman Fellowship. The students of Baba Hari Dass established the Fellowship as a vehicle for the teachings of…