in this wheel of the Universe all things live and rest

Greetings:

My name is Local Wannabe and I love yoga. I've loved yoga since the first time I tried it about one year and 3 months ago in a university gymnasium. For that one hour of stretching and relaxation and breathing all my troubles worries and preoccupations just seemed to melt away. As I walked away from that class it almost felt as if I were lighter than air, as if a heavy vest had just been lifted from my shoulders and I could fly. Needless to say I was intrigued. The classes were only once a week but I purchased a small introductory book on yoga conveniently titled "The Complete Yoga Book" by James Hewitt. The book opened my eyes to the elementary practices and different paths that could be taken to ultimately unite with the everlasting and nameless. I began molding a practice of my own, one which I followed almost religiously for many months. No matter what would happen during the days I would always make time for my practice. Then it started getting serious. As if I was building a humble relationship with myself and 'something else', like there was always a presence in the room with me. I decided to explore this new found friendship even more. While researching on the web I came across the person whom I would come to call my guru, Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Though I have never met the man, nor know for certain if he's alive, I feel as though he is a companion guiding me from the distance in this epic journey towards self realization. I have purchased a couple of his writings and am currently working on the practices in his book "A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya." The book is broken down into monthly lessons that span the length of three years. It is molded to introduce a beginner to the many different branches of yoga and help him gain first hand experience in each. I try and practice every single day. The impact this "science" has had on my life is immeasurable.

Despite my thirst for learning about yoga my experiences with it have mostly been practical, not theoretical. Though the book I have is excellent it is still a book and it cannot answer ALL the questions I ask it. Moreover I am beginning to gain an interest in the Hindu religion and its interpretations of the divine. In between my school work, religious practice and recreational reading and writing I try to read spiritual texts to get a better understanding of different people's relationship with god. Though I am not a scholar on the subject and my knowledge is elemental at best my thirst to learn knew things keeps me going. I have read the Bagavad Gita several times and will soon begin reading some of the Upanishads. The entire spiritual culture of the east mystifies me and I would like to learn more first hand.

This summer, after my first year of law school I will be backpacking in Kauai for two weeks. I have never been so far away from home before (especially by myself) and am really hoping that the experience starts opening up doors in my odyssey for self understanding. While researching the island of Kauai to try and get an idea of the places I'd like to visit I came across the web site for the Iravian Temple. Though I know very little about Shaivism I am interested in learning about its beliefs and its interpretations of this so called reality. I was wondering if during my trip I could spend a couple of days near the temple meditating, learning, doing some practices and just helping out with whatever I can. I feel there is a lot we can learn from each other and this opportunity would be priceless in learning the rich history and cultural context behind my current spiritual practices. My plane to Kauai leaves the day right after my last final exam, on May 13. I will be hopping around the island until May 28. Please let me know what time will be best for me to come around, even if just for a while. I am excited to hear from you. Write back soon.

Peace Health and Love

Local