Namaste Dear Friend!
In the village of Thirueengoimalai, Tamil Nadu state, on the banks of the sacred river Cauvery, there is a truly rare and remarkable place I’d love you to know about!
As with all the religions, Hinduism is patriarchal, yet there is a beautiful space held and honoured for the Divine Mother as well as many goddesses. This land is such a place. AND the contemporary expression of that makes my Heart sing with joy as I glimpse possibilities of what can be created in Divine Flow!
Sri Lalita Mahila Samajam is a society, service agency, orphanage, and school geared to change the life trajectories of women and girls. It is completely run by Hindu nuns (yoginis) with women functioning as poojaris (priests) in their temple! I was told this was a new and unique model… inspired by the great modern Swami Sivananda who teaches that women are the Shaktihs of the world!
In the village of Thirueengoimalai, Tamil Nadu state, on the banks of the sacred river Cauvery, there is a truly rare and remarkable place I’d love you to know about!
As with all the religions, Hinduism is patriarchal, yet there is a beautiful space held and honoured for the Divine Mother as well as many goddesses. This land is such a place. AND the contemporary expression of that makes my Heart sing with joy as I glimpse possibilities of what can be created in Divine Flow!
Sri Lalita Mahila Samajam is a society, service agency, orphanage, and school geared to change the life trajectories of women and girls. It is completely run by Hindu nuns (yoginis) with women functioning as poojaris (priests) in their temple! I was told this was a new and unique model… inspired by the great modern Swami Sivananda who teaches that women are the Shaktihs of the world!
I attended a beautiful Pooja ceremony in their colourful bright spacious temple space at the school… overflowing with flowers, lighted oil lamps, incense, bells ringing, chanting, and colourful kavi robes of the Poojaris (--orange representing the fire of purification).
The school for 150 children (orphans or from very poor families) is bright, colorful, tidy, and full of light and joyfulness. The high-school & college prep is for girls only -- to give them a break out of the sexism & poverty cycles. They learn yoga, spiritual practices, dance, and academics… all paid for by the samajam community and international private donations. I am truly inspired by this model and the beautiful way they are running it, based on deep spiritual teachings and practice! Here is their website if you are interested… (www.srilalitamahilasamajam.org)
For over two weeks in January I am staying in a breath-takingly beautiful natural environment in northern Kerala at Shanti Giri Ashram. Enjoy these images I captured of food plants and other beauty on this tropical land!
A quote from AMMA:
“ Nature is nothing but God’s visible form, which we can see and experience through our senses. Indeed, by loving and serving Nature, we are worshipping God directly.”
“ Nature is nothing but God’s visible form, which we can see and experience through our senses. Indeed, by loving and serving Nature, we are worshipping God directly.”
Here is a video I created exploring the land at this retreat-center-in-development, called ShantiGiri Ashram. Its focus is heart-centered Presence, living in harmony with Earth, with Gaia.
Hope you enjoy this January dive with me into the natural world in southern India!
I have many more adventures and delights ahead to share with you…
Much Love & Light to you in 2017!
I have many more adventures and delights ahead to share with you…
Much Love & Light to you in 2017!
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