TTC March 2009, Madurai

We are very happy to display the graduates of the TTC this March/April 2009. A late addition to the ashram calendar, our eighth so far at Madurai, had more than it’s fair share of auspiciousness, those that found their way here started the course very much with Gurudev’s blessings and a group trip to the birthplace of Swami Sivananda. In one week we had the good fortune to enjoy a Mrityunjaya Homa, an eggciting easter egg hunt around the ashram and climaxing in Vishu, local New Year celebration, where all the residents were woken individually at dawn and led blindfolded to the temple for their first sight of the New Year to be one of divinity, auspiciousness, beauty and abundance. We were very blessed to share the ashram with these Yogis. A small group, we got the opportunity to share some great experience and learn more from them than they can imagine.

HAPPY VISHU TO ALL,

Vishu is the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated when the Sun transits into the first sign of the Indian astrological zodiac. Vishu generally falls around the 12th, 13th or 14th of April in the Gregorian calendar. An altar of a Krishna statue or picture is decorated with auspicious articles, like fresh fruits and vegetables, flower garlands, yellow Kani Konna flowers (Cassia Fistula), nine different grains, Coconut, legumes, betel leaves, betel nuts, bananas, fresh linen, coins, lamps and a mirror. The eldest in the family prepares the altar the previous night and leads the family members blindfolded to the Vishukkani altar so that the very first thing they see on Vishu morning is one of divinity, auspiciousness, beauty and abundance. A day of family reunion, family members receive a gift in the form of coins and new clothes, and share a big traditional feast made by the female members of the family. Praying that this vision of spiritual and material abundance remains with us throughout the year and is reflected in our thoughts, words and actions, we hope to share this wealth of love and happiness with all around us.