Vastu, the study of space, is the study of consciousness.
One side of a coin births the other.
Consciousness births space.
Space births separation.
Separation births duality.
Duality births multiplicity.
And so the universe is born.
It has been a very busy summer here at Mount Soma. Immediately after the Surya Ram Class and Summer Retreat we focused on organization and planning for future construction.
Our Vedic Architect (Sthapati), SK, left Mount Soma just this morning. Having him here for the planning was wonderful. His knowledge is really great and extensive. In upcoming classes, I plan to go into more detail regarding Vastu, Enlightened City and Temple design. It is incredibly profound and exciting.
The deep friendship and camaraderie I feel with SK is exquisite. We both thrill over sharing knowledge with one and other. He so clearly delights in my discussions comparing the precision of Vastu with that of a computer. It must be done precisely right or the power is greatly diminished. In fact, in the case of temple construction, a lack of precision could even cause undesirable influences. SK said, and I whole-heartedly agree, that to be part of what we are creating here at Mount Soma is a life extremely well spent.
Now, with Shravan Maas, August 15 to September 12, we will be enjoying a most auspicious time here at Mount Soma.
Your life purpose is in accord with the nature of your nervous system, your Being, the nature of your physiology, your true nature, your inherent and spontaneous nature. It is natural for you.
There are four basic types of nervous systems. As with each type, the Kshatriya nervous system is a profoundly honorable, noble, dignified, and laudable type. The Kshatriya upholds harmony with nature and cultural integrity in accord with natural law. Lord Krishna was a Kshatriya. The purity of Vedic Knowledge is entrusted to the Kshatriya, who protects and upholds it.
In this age of humanity, as with all four types of nervous systems, the role of the Kshatriya has been misunderstood and distorted. But the heart and soul, the spirit, of the true Kshatriya remains eternally pure. On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember and honor the purity of those warriors who gave their lives in the spirit of the Kshatriya.
It is said that those Kshatriya, giving their life in battle, attain immediate enlightenment. They are among those who uphold and protect dharma… righteousness, purity of heart, and the Divine within us all.
Wednesday, May 13, was Hanuman’s birthday. It is one of my favorite days of the year. Everyone congregated in the shade of canopies beneath the warm sun at Hanuman Park to witness the ceremony. It is the only day of the year that we do abishekam for Hanuman. The feeling is so very sweet. It reminds me of my Sundays as a child when all the relatives would get together for a big pot luck, sit, talk, and enjoy the deep feeling of family.
At Hanuman Park, the ladies chanted as Panditji and Lakshmi poured milk and water over Hanuman, with all of us taking our turns to do the same. The fruits and flowers were offered as the exquisite feeling grew and grew.
I left feeling so full, so happy, so blessed.
Jai Hanuman!
Pictures are posted HERE.
Recently, a number of people have been inquiring about how things should be handled when someone passes, particularly with respect to Mount Soma. This is something I have discussed extensively in the past with our Panditji and other Vedic authorities. From time to time in classes this has all be explained.
That information follows here:
Generally, bodies are cremated. This helps to release the soul from the earth plane, so the individual can most rapidly move forward with their evolution. The ashes are not to be taken home. They should instead be quickly placed in a large river, ideally a holy river in India. Currently, there is a movement in India to clean the Ganges, so people are no longer allowed to put the ashes in that river.
In the West, it is a common practice to construct a little shrine or garden area to honor the deceased. That practice too can hold the soul back from moving forward with their evolution as they let go of their worldly life.
Along those same lines, mourning is something that is best to be limited. There is, of course, a natural mourning period which is not to be suppressed or judged, but is also not to be prolonged. The mourning process is another way the soul is held back.
In short, after a person passes, the best thing to do is what is best for that soul. Though it is understandable, if we are not careful, we end up doing what makes us feel better which may not be the best thing for the departed.
We, at many times, have received requests for ashes of the deceased and shrines or garden areas to be placed at Mount Soma. According to the Vedic tradition, that cannot be permitted. Mount Soma is a place that moves souls forward. So, we certainly take great care in not doing anything that would hold them back.
I certainly understand and am most sympathetic with the more traditional approaches. I understand traditions like the spiritual teacher not being around the sick, mourning, or dead is difficult for many to understand. In these most delicate and tender times, it is extremely difficult to handle all of this seamlessly. Please know, however, that we are all doing our very best. In so doing, we often find ourselves in an awkward position. Please understand that.
Please also keep in mind that in the best situations, change is difficult. In these challenging times of a life in passing, may we all do our very best to do what is best for the soul of the deceased.
