Author: Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila

Aloha Ke 'Ākua! Māhālo nūi lōa for visiting Nā Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila! We established our Sanctuary for the exploration and awakening of consciousness, the unfolding of our collective creative and healing potential and realisation of our essential Unity. Our teachings arise out of direct experience of awakened awareness and emanates the untamable fragrance of freedom whilst radically embracing the mystery and mess of human existence. Our invitation is for you to open to the fullness of life, to say YES to the totality of your experience and to meet reality with radical compassion. Our doors are an open invitation to all who seek authentic freedom and are willing to meet heart to heart in honest and open inquiry. We were taught that the goal of life is to move through life walking up the mountain of experiences with your Aloha, your Bowl of Light. Life is filled with lessons to learn and teaching moments along the way. When you become angry or jealous, you drop those stones into your bowl of light and those rocks cause leaks in your Mana-sacred power. When your bowl becomes filled with stones, you become a stone that cannot grow. No Aloha! The solution is that at any moment, you can turn your bowl upside down emptying these stones out of your bowl to naturally refill it with YOUR golden light -- your natural Aware and Awakened state of Aloha, your natural state of Divinity. This is the power of Pure Aloha: an Awakened Heart Awakens the Mind. Awakening hinges on your genuine desire for the discovery of your true nature. If it is to flower in you, you must truly want liberation from everything that is false in you, you must want to give yourself totally to the inquiry into what is true beyond all inherited concepts, ideas and beliefs. The purpose of our teachings is to ignite this wanting in you. When the flame of this desire becomes an untamable fire, it flips a switch inside of you and the direction of your destiny is irrevocably altered. It’s like turning on the light only to discover that you are this light. This in itself is extra-ordinary: even though you may have heard the words a thousand times, nothing can prepare you for the naked reality that is revealed. And yet the living experience of this revelation is very ordinary: you have simply re-discovered the innocent wholeness of your essential nature. It’s the you that never was and never will be separate from anything at all. This discovery is the end of suffering and the beginning of freedom. But awakening is just the beginning. The adventure begins, not in the rarified atmosphere of transcendence, but in the midst of the chaos of life. And living the truth of awakening has perhaps never been more of an imperative than in today’s rapidly changing world. The invitation is for you to awaken to the pristine perfection of your inner light and then to fully embody and express this light amidst the mystery and mess of human existence. Come join us!

Astrology | TONIGHT: Major Energy Shift: Venus in Libra / Mercury not Retrograde

August 29, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

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4 Zodiac Signs are about to get much luckier: August 29 – September 22 2024

Venus in Libra: August 29 – September 22 2024

In few words: Venus in Libra brings harmonious relationships and a focus on beauty and peace.

EXPECT: new romantic encounters, negotiations and partnerships
AVOID: feeling reckless

Who’s favored by Venus Libra?

ALL will receive a gift this month. But some signs will be extra favored.
Staring with Libra, Venus – your governor – brings all kinds of blessings to you. Love, friends, peace, money and possible lovers are all attracted to you. However, this attraction can also become a magnet for people who may try to drain your energy.
Gemini and Aquarius also receive powerful blessings during this transit. At the same time, this is still a favorable shift for Taurus, because your governor is exalted in a sign considered as secret friend.

Who needs to be more careful by Venus in Virgo?

During this transition of Venus into Libra, Aries may need to prioritize nurturing their relationships with heightened sensitivity, Cancer should pay closer attention to matters related to their home and family life for emotional stability, and Capricorn may find themselves needing to navigate emotional dynamics in their professional relationships with greater care.

Goddess’s Gift to Each Zodiac Sign for this month!

Now let’s proceed with the predictions to each zodiac sign. How will Venus bless the Signs?

Aries:

During this period, there is a focus on partnerships and relationships for Aries, especially in the areas of love and harmony. Venus in Libra highlights the need for compromise and communication in their 7th solar house, potentially bringing new opportunities for balance and connection with others.

Taurus:

During this time, Taurus may find a strong focus on their work environment and overall well-being as Venus transits through their 6th solar house. This period could bring opportunities for creative solutions and harmonious interactions with colleagues or employees.

Gemini:

As Venus enters Gemini’s 5th solar house, there is a strong emphasis on creativity, self-expression, and romance. This period could bring opportunities for Gemini to engage in artistic pursuits, explore new hobbies, or express themselves more freely.

Cancer:

With Venus gracing Cancer’s 4th solar house, there is a focus on family relationships, home life, and emotional security. This period may bring opportunities for Cancer to create a more harmonious and nurturing environment at home.

Leo:

Virgo

With Venus gracing Virgo’s 2nd solar house, the focus is on values, finances, and self-worth. This period may bring opportunities for Virgo to reassess their relationship with money and material possessions, leading to a desire for balance and harmony in these areas.

Libra:

When Venus graces its own sign of Libra, it brings a powerful emphasis on love, beauty, and harmony for those born under this sign. This period may enhance Libra’s natural charm and grace, making them even more appealing in their interactions with others.

Scorpio:

As Venus enters Scorpio’s 12th solar house, there is a focus on introspection, spirituality, and emotional healing. This period may bring opportunities for Scorpio to delve deep into their subconscious mind, exploring hidden desires, fears, and emotions.

Sagittarius:

As Venus travels through Sagittarius’ 11th solar house, the focus is on friendships, social connections, and humanitarian endeavors. This period may bring opportunities for Sagittarius to expand their social circle, forge new alliances.

Capricorn:

As Venus enters Capricorn’s 10th solar house, there is a focus on career, ambition, and public image. This period may bring opportunities for Capricorn to cultivate harmonious relationships with authority figures, colleagues, and professional contacts.

Aquarius:

When Venus transits through Aquarius’ 9th solar house, the focus is on higher learning, expansion, and philosophical exploration. This period may bring opportunities for Aquarius to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Pisces:

As Venus moves through Pisces’ 8th solar house, the focus is on transformation, intimacy, and shared resources. This period may bring opportunities for Pisces to deepen their connections with others on a profound emotional level.

Matt Kahn | All For Love

August 28, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

You cannot rely on the success of your dream to validate your existence. If so, you will more than likely pause your evolution, while waiting for opportunities to come your way. A dream worth living is not determined by skill or achievement, but how much will, drive, and enthusiasm you feel when venturing in the direction of a chosen path.

Far before anyone knows your name or seeks you out to be interviewed, you must dare to fall in love with the exhausting grind that is required to invite an entire world to know you and the gifts you were born to share. Even at the brink of despair, you must fall madly in love with the path you’ve chosen, even if feeling crazy for the amount of leaps and sacrifices life requires you to make.

Beyond the unwavering dedication needed to master your craft and propel your dream into motion, and even throughout the uncertainty of what will be, in the end, you will have discovered the nature of joy as the freedom to explore reality on your terms and conditions. Of course, the reality you’ve explored on your terms and conditions is always one with the highest path the Universe guides you along. From this depth of awareness, being in the flow doesn’t mean things are always easy or void of setbacks. Instead, flow state is a fearless pursuit to embrace the glory of your own inherent greatness, whether showcased in sold out arenas or captivating an inner audience of one.

Failure is not a sign to find a new direction, just as success is not the aftermath of everything working out. With inspiration as your guide, success is the will to always move forward — no matter the frustrations in sight. No matter the feedback your reality reflects, you are always worth moving forward in the precise direction you are guided to follow.

Loving your heart more, not less, every step of the way.

All for Love,

Theosophy | DHYANA MARGA – III

August 7, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

One must be willing to become fearless in the spirit of virya, the dauntless energy and unwavering courage to enter into the realm of unconditional Truth — SAT. The root teaching of voidness has to do with the emptiness of the notion of self-sufficiency and independence, the falsity of the notion that there is anything that is disconnected from the entire chain. All of this has got to be negated. It is a delusion that arises from linguistic tricks and convention, lax mental habits, refusal to confront the fact of death, unwillingness to confront the life process as it works in Nature. Ultimately, it is a refusal to recognize that conscious immortality means entering the light beyond all forms and conditions. It is, as The Secret Doctrine shows, a fundamental abrogation of one’s destiny as an evolving human being:

. . . as long as we enjoy our five senses and no more, and do not know how to divorce our all-perceiving Ego (the Higher Self) from the thraldom of these senses — so long will it be impossible for the personal Ego to break through the barrier which separates it from a knowledge of things in themselves (or Substance). That Ego, progressing in an arc of ascending subjectivity, must exhaust the experience of every plane. But not till the Unit is merged in the ALL, whether on this or any other plane, and Subject and Object alike vanish in the absolute negation of the Nirvanic State (negation, again, only from our plane), is scaled that peak of Omniscience — the Knowledge of things-in-themselves; and the solution of the yet more awful riddle approached, before which even the highest Dhyan Chohan must bow in silence and ignorance — the unspeakable mystery of that which is called by the Vedantins, the PARABRAHMAM.

The Secret Doctrine, i 329-330

Only when one can prepare oneself through degrees of dhyana rooted in supreme detachment — vairagya — can one enter the light of unconditioned Truth or SAT and remain there in ceaseless contemplation. Wherever there is conditionality, there is the inevitability of discontinuity. Conditionality and discontinuity go together. Instead of becoming disturbed by them, however, one should rejoice in the lesson. The more one becomes unconditional, the more one can confront latent conditionality. Thus, one may begin to discern the persistent origins and causes of distortion, discontinuity and tension. The neophyte should understand at the outset that even when one attains to dhyana in its true sense, as a confirmed chela on the Path, there are still seven lives of the most vigorous self-training yet ahead. Once one understands this, one can let go of all the tension that comes from taking on false burdens. Instead of cluttering the mind with mere words and shadows, the undigested cuds of unchewed ideas, one should learn how to take a phrase, a sentence, an idea from the teaching, and chew on it as thoroughly as possible. In every ancient tradition of dhyana, it is impossible to dispense with higher analysis. Skill lies in striking the right balance — neither too much nor too little. As one engages in the process of dhyana, various hard knots will emerge. It is necessary to stand back and subject them to analysis. One must see the components, the causes, the combinations that form the knot. Along Dhyana Marga there will be a periodic need for such analysis — a kind of self-administered open mind and open heart surgery. It can be done when the need arises if one has prepared adequately and honestly and if one is surcharged by a tremendous love of one’s fellow beings and an ardent desire to become a meditator.

In time, one will begin to generate a continuous rhythm of meditation, broken occasionally bypassing thoughts, but fundamentally flowing as ceaselessly as a current in the heart. When it is interrupted in a more serious way, one will immediately strive to repair one’s foundations through some detailed analysis of the problem so that one may be purged and freed of a particular impediment. Once a momentum of meditation is established, these interruptions become a much rarer occurrence than expected. Depending upon one’s earnestness in meditation, which can only be understood in relation to love of the whole human race, one’s own so-called pain and difficulties will become trifling in relation to the world’s pain. Unless one gets these balances right early on, one will have a distorted importance of the preparatory phase of one’s own quest. That could stall the whole voyage. But once one is truly moved by that fire of universal feeling that exists in everyone, one will find the courage needed to maintain the quest. Taking advantage of the rhythms of the seasons, of Nature, of the teachings of the Cycle, one will become more assured and so more able to stay, for longer periods, in an uninterrupted state of meditation.

One will probably not attain the higher stages of dhyana in waking meditation for quite a while, perhaps a lifetime. Nonetheless, one is invited to think about these stages, to visualize and resonate to them. This is extremely important and has to do with the release of the powers of the soul. One should completely forget about whether one can or cannot do some particular thing right now. One should not be afraid to contemplate any of the glorious possibilities of the very greatest human beings and Masters of meditation. One should take every opportunity to adore perfected human beings; in adoring them one will give life to the seeds and germs of dhyana in oneself. This does not amount to some mechanical and harsh doctrine of pseudo-equality. Rather, it depends upon recognizing that every human being has an exact karmic degree in relation to dhyana and prajna. Paradoxically, it is only by recognizing this that one can truly understand what it means to say that all human beings stand in the same sacred unmanifest ground of the unmodified, impartite Divine Spirit. Thus, as one grows in understanding of these soul powers, one may enjoy reflecting upon higher states of meditation, as represented by the portraits of perfected beings in the sacred texts and scriptures of all traditions. It is irrelevant and counterproductive to be bothered by the inevitable fact that one will not immediately experience these high states of consciousness.

One may, for example, reflect upon that state of dhyana likened to the calm depths of the ocean, recognizing in the metaphor the freedom of the universal Self. To abide in that is like remaining in the Egg of Brahmā. Though this high state of true self-government may seem very distant, one may nevertheless deeply reflect upon it. One may ask what it would be like to have a mind that is so oceanic and so cosmic, so profoundly expansive and inclusive of all things in all minds, that it is capable of reverberating to everything in the mind of Nature. Certainly one should include such lofty thoughts in one’s horizon. In this way, one will come to recognize that what at first seemed a burdensome and laborious task is in fact a joyous working out, stage by stage, of clusters of karma. It is also a lightening and a loosening, in each context, so that there may be a flow from the subtler ethereal vestures into the grosser vestures. How this will actually affect the visible vesture in this life will vary from one individual to the next. Many meditators become wizened, but they have no regrets because they have no attachment to the external skin and shell. Instead, they rejoice in the inner purification that has taken place. Even one’s perspective changes in regard to what is truly helpful to the immortal soul and what is harmful. Once one touches the current of this supreme detachment and begins to enter the light of the void through efforts at dhyana, one may begin to make one’s own honest and yet heroic, courageous and cheerful way towards gaining greater continuity, control and proficiency in meditation. Blending the mind and heart, one may enter the way that leads to the dhyana haven:

The Dhyana gate is like an alabaster vase, white and transparent; within there burns a steady golden fire, the flame of Prajna that radiates from Atma.

Thou art that vase.

The Voice of the Silence

What is it the aspirant of Yoga Vidya strives after if not to gain Mukti by transferring himself gradually from the grosser to the next more ethereal body, until all the veils of Maya being successively removed his Atma becomes one with Paramatma? Does he suppose that this grand result can be achieved by a two or four hours’ contemplation? For the remaining twenty or twenty-two hours that the devotee does not shut himself up in his room for meditation — is the process of the emission of atoms and their replacement by others stopped? If not, then how does he mean to attract all this time — only those suited to his end? From the above remarks it is evident that just as the physical body requires incessant attention to prevent the entrance of a disease, so also the inner man requires an unremitting watch, so that no conscious or unconscious thought may attract atoms unsuited to its progress. This is the real meaning of contemplation. The prime factor in the guidance of the thought is WILL.

D.K. Mavalankar

Raghavan Iyer
The Gupta Vidya II

Good Eats | Mexican Tamales

August 7, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

No photo description available.

Ingredients:

For the Masa:
4 cups masa harina (corn flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening or lard
3-4 cups chicken broth or warm water

For the Filling:
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken or pork
2 cups red or green chili sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
1 cup cooked black beans (optional)
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

For Assembling:
24-30 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes
Kitchen string or strips of corn husks

Instructions:
Prepare the Masa: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the shortening or lard until fluffy.

Gradually add the masa harina mixture to the shortening, alternating with chicken broth or warm water, until the dough is soft and pliable but not sticky. It should have the consistency of peanut butter.

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken or pork with the chili sauce. If using potatoes, beans, or cheese, mix them in as well.

Assemble the Tamales:
Drain and pat dry the soaked corn husks. Lay a corn husk flat, with the wide end at the top. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of masa dough in the center of the husk, leaving a border of about 1-2 inches at the bottom. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the masa. Fold the sides of the husk inward to enclose the filling, then fold the bottom up. Tie the tamale with kitchen string or a strip of corn husk if necessary.

Cook the Tamales:
Place the tamales upright in a large steamer basket, ensuring they are packed tightly enough to stay upright. Add water to the steamer, making sure it doesn’t touch the tamales, and cover with a lid. Steam the tamales over medium heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the masa is firm and pulls away from the husk easily. Check the water level periodically and add more if necessary.

Serve:
Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra chili sauce, salsa, or your favorite toppings.

Tips:
Tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Reheat by steaming or microwaving.

Enjoy your homemade tamales, just like a Mexican grandmother would make!

La’au Lapa’au | Reviving Ancestral Wisdom: The Orange Peel and Clove Elixir

August 6, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

Ingredients:

The peels of 2 oranges
5 whole cloves
1 cup (approximately 250ml) of water

Instructions:

Begin by thoroughly washing the orange peels to remove any pesticides or impurities. Gently pat them dry.
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a rolling boil.
Carefully add the cleaned orange peels and cloves to the boiling water, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer.
Allow the mixture to gently infuse over low heat for about 15 minutes, unlocking the full spectrum of flavors and benefits.
Once the infusion has reached the desired strength, strain the tea into a cup, discarding the peels and cloves.

The Multitude of Benefits

This infusion is not just a delight to the senses but a boon to health, offering:

Enhanced immune function due to the high vitamin C content in orange peels.
Protection against oxidative stress and cellular damage, thanks to the abundance of antioxidants in both orange peels and cloves.
Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory support, making it a great choice for combating infections and soothing inflammation.
Digestive health benefits, with cloves helping to stimulate digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort.

Personalizing Your Infusion

While the basic recipe offers a wealth of benefits, there’s ample room for customization to cater to personal tastes and health needs:

Add a cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger for an extra warming effect.
A slice of apple or a few lemon rounds can introduce a new layer of fruity complexity.
Sweeten the brew naturally with a spoonful of honey or maple syrup, or choose a sugar substitute for a calorie-free option.
This ancient concoction not only connects us to the wisdom of our grandmothers but also offers a simple, effective way to incorporate natural health boosters into our daily routine

Enjoy!

Divine Feeminine Oracle | Mother Mary for August 5, 2024

August 5, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

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Mother Mary’s message for you

You are both my child and also a heavenly regal creation. As you dive deeper into the eternal heavenly heart and see all the love that’s in there, I’m always by your side. Holy ecstasy greets you when the truths unveil themselves to you today. Even as I assist you into euphoric contact with your divine nature, I will keep you anchored and real. You are to be consistently fruitful in a world that requires your light now more than ever!

There is always someplace and something greater to explore, despite where we believe we are on our personal journey. I see that you’re ready to embark on a new faith journey. This new realm will be suitable and therapeutic for you, allowing you to evolve spiritually in a comfortable way. What is appropriate for someone else is unlikely to be appropriate for you. So, with all-encompassing affection and ferocious guardianship, I am watching over you. Have faith that what you require will be sent to you!

What you need to know

You’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, probably without realising it. To be ready for the next stage of spiritual awareness, it may often take many years of hard work. You may need to be tested in a partnership that truly stretches or fractures your heart in order to be ready. Going through this helps you to love more selflessly, to let go or to continue in the relationship, depending on what is best for you.

Remember that everything in life happens for a reason. You may not yet be truly aware of why things have happened as they have as yet, but given time, you will have the answers you seek. Whatever the past problem or obstacle, the way you learnt to react and evolve through it gave you the maturation you needed to advance onto the next degree of heavenly awareness. There are so many good experiences ahead of you!

Prayer for healing

Our universe’s most important power is love. It can be found in all things and manifests itself in an infinite number of ways. It takes a lot of preparation to embrace this love, to be receptive to it, to be able to absorb it. However, you are well on your way!

To help things along, say the following prayer, “Our Lady of the Rose Crown, please bless me now and always. I know and see the power of the divine more and more in every moment. I am a royal heavenly being of light and am spiritually successful beyond my expectations!”

Theosophy | DHYANA MARGA – II

August 5, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

The present period is one of those watersheds in human evolution that represent the end of a complex series of events in recorded history. It involves the end of the old monastic orders, including the Hindu, Tibetan, Chaldean, Egyptian, Jewish and Christian. All of these will disappear in their older forms. If one is attached to these forms, this will seem to be a great loss, a sort of spiritual discontinuity in human affairs. If, on the other hand, one is detached and therefore able to penetrate to the core of the cycle, one will understand the continuity of the transition and sense that which will tap the quintessence of these old orders and yet transcend them. At the end of every long epoch of human evolution, at the dawning of a new epoch, there is inevitably a night of disintegration. Even if one is able to overcome one’s doubts, fears and anxieties in the face of the necessary dissolution of forms, it is still difficult to envisage in advance which of the inexhaustible possibilities of Divine Wisdom will be realized in a subsequent period of development. The wisest of beings are truly agnostic about the future. All neophytes would be wise in their turn not to attempt to extrapolate on the basis of what they think they know about recorded history and the tragedies of the twentieth century. Most human beings are so self-absorbed in their petty personal concerns that they know almost nothing even of the little story called recorded history over three thousand years, much less the broader global developments that have taken place in the first five thousand years of the Kali Yuga.

So long as one is worried about what has happened, is happening and will happen — so long as one is caught up in the illusions of the past, present and future — one cannot hope to understand or assimilate the perspective of meta-history. It is possible, nonetheless, in golden moments to glimpse the presence of the powerful vibration that was predominant in the golden age of humanity a million years ago at the dawn of the Fifth Root Race, an epoch hearkening back to that which existed eighteen and three-quarters million years ago in the Third Root Race. Manifestation itself is a complex-seeming superimposition of derivative vibrations upon the primal Soundless Sound. Moments in history such as the present should not be understood in terms of the seemingly static, though exceedingly ephemeral, images that waver on the surface of space but rather in terms of the vibrant impulsions behind these transitory forms. Thus, at present, the vibration of the Third Root Race may be felt as superimposed upon the process in which there is an inevitable end of all that has become degraded in recorded history. Everything in historical time eventually becomes unusable to the spirit, becomes warped and distorted, attracts lower elementals — forces bound up with human failure, greed, exploitation, self-righteousness, moralism and also universal human ignorance. Buddha put this simply in saying that existence is suffering. Put in another way, most human beings would agree that whatever specific form of happiness they might envisage, they will find it a torment to be condemned to the eternal experience of this form of happiness. Bondage to form is inconsistent with the freedom and immortality of the spirit; it is not in the order of Nature.

The vibration of the Logos associated with Hermes-Mercury-Budha which rejoices in the void anticipates, encompasses and transcends all historical parameters. This vibration represents the reverberation of Brahma Vach, unaffected and unmodified by the great vicissitudes of the historical process and the cycles of manifestation. It is archetypally and magnificently summed up in the figure of Sage Bhusunda in Valmiki’s Yoga Vasishtha. When asked by Sage Vasishtha how he had remained untouched by the dissolution of worlds, Bhusunda replied:

When at the end of a kalpa age the order of the world and the laws of Nature are broken and dissolved, we are compelled to forsake our abode, like a man departing from his best friend.

We then remain in the air, freed from all mundane conceptions, the members of our bodies becoming devoid of their natural functions, and our minds released from all volitions.

When the zodiacal suns blaze forth in their full vigour, melting down the mountains by their intense heat, I remain with intellect fixed in the Varuna mantram.

When the diluvian winds burst with full force, shattering and scattering the huge mountains all around, it is by attending to the Parvati mantram that I remain as stable as a rock.

When the earth with its mountains is dissolved into the waters, presenting the face of a universal ocean, it is by the volatile power of the Vayu mantram that I bear myself aloft.

I then convey myself beyond this perceptible world and rest in the holy ground of Pure Spirit. I remain as if in profound sleep, unagitated in body or mind.

I abide in this quiescence until the lotus-born Brahmā is again employed in his work of creation, and then I re-enter the confine of the re-created world.

Yoga Vasishtha Maharamayana
Nirvana Prakarana XXI

Surveying vast worlds, epochs, civilizations and historical eras, Bhusunda stood apart, rooted in dharana and dhyana. He represents the eternal spectator, unaffected and unmodified by the vicissitudes of the process of history. It is this supreme detachment rooted in meditation that may be called the Hermes current. When that Logoic current is self-consciously sounded at the level of SAT —Truth-Wisdom — it becomes the mirroring in time, on the lower planes of manifested existence, of the eternal vibration of Brahma Vach. To understand this is to see that everything emerging from that Hermes current is a preparation for dhyana — irreversible and boundless meditation. Thus there is already in the rich resources of the 1975 Cycle nourishment available for earnest souls eager to learn how to engage in deep, strong and firm meditation, so as to become lenses for the light of Divine Wisdom.

If this is the nature of the great undertaking of dhyana, and if some individuals confront many difficulties in rising to meet the opportunities of the Cycle, it ultimately must be due to a lack of sufficient motivation. No explanation of deficiency in meditation owing to this or that circumstance can ever be adequate. It is illogical to attempt to explain an inability to maintain continuity of consciousness in the formless realm by pointing to any collection of circumstances in the derivative regions of form. Hence there is strong emphasis in every authentic spiritual tradition upon the purification and cleansing of the heart. Before one can really master the mind, one must cleanse the heart. It is necessary to see all the distorted, complex and awkward elements in one’s feeling nature. And yet there is hardly a human being alive who does not know what it is to care for another, who does not know what it is to suffer, and who does not want to relieve the suffering of others. In fact, the very sense of the hideousness of the deformities of one’s feeling nature is nothing but a reflection of the soul’s awareness of its intrinsic beauty and purity. Like a craftsman with the highest standard of excellence, the soul surveys its self-evolved vestures with an objective eye.

Rather than becoming fascinated with that in oneself, much less in others, which must be let go because it does not measure up to the best in oneself, one must learn to hold fast to those authentic elements that represent, in every human heart, the vibration of a minute point of universal life, light and love. This dharma-energy can be used to purify the heart so that one can bring not just part of oneself but the whole of one’s being into line with a single strong motivation so as to be of help to all living beings. One may release the will to be of service in the relief of human ignorance and the alleviation of the deeper cause of all human pain that is the false notion of the self. One may begin to learn the positive joy of bringing down the light of wisdom and letting that light diffuse into as many beings as it possibly can. When such motivation begins to pervade one’s being, becoming strong and firm, it gives a buoyancy and lightness, an incentive and resolve to keep going.

Once this current is established, one sees that one’s past failures stemmed from either the inability to commit oneself completely and irrevocably to the quest, or a neglect of the detailed and difficult task of burning out every impure element in the heart. In any event, through the release of heart energy, one is prepared to begin burning out all the corrosive motivations that arise from fear, self-protection, body identification, identification with the astral form, with tanha — the clinging to forms in general. Clinging to the realm of sensations is at the root of the hardness and impermeability of the lower mind. Once one begins to understand how much pain obscurity of the mind produces within and without, one can bring a greater honesty and maturity, a greater intensity, to the task of self-purification. One will find it easier if one lets go of the notions of personal salvation, progress and enlightenment, discarding all elements of fascination with the ups and downs of the personal nature. All these represent only the outer rind of human life; they are of little consequence at the moment of death.

Raghavan Iyer
The Gupta Vidya II

Preparing for Fall Harvest | Traditional Viking Mead Recipe (in time for Fall Equinox)

August 1, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

Ingredients:
1 gallon of water
2-3 pounds of honey (depending on desired sweetness)
1 packet of mead yeast (or ale yeast)
1 teaspoon of yeast nutrient (optional but recommended)
Spices (optional, such as cinnamon, cloves, or ginger)

Instructions:
Sanitize equipment. Ensure all your equipment (fermenter, stirring spoon, airlock, etc.) is thoroughly sanitized to prevent contamination.

Prepare the Must:

In a large pot, heat about half of the water (not boiling, just warm enough to dissolve the honey).
Add the honey to the warm water and stir until fully dissolved. This mixture is called the must.
Pour the must into a fermenter and add the remaining water to make up one gallon.
Add Flavorings:

If using spices, add them now. A small amount of cinnamon or a few cloves can add nice flavors.

Pitch the Yeast:

Once the must is at room temperature, sprinkle the yeast into the fermenter.
Add the yeast nutrient if you’re using it. This helps the yeast grow and ferment more effectively.

Fermentation:

Seal the fermenter with an airlock to let gases escape while preventing contaminants from entering.
Place the fermenter in a dark, cool place (around 65-75°F or 18-24°C).
Allow the mead to ferment for about 4-6 weeks. The airlock will bubble as the yeast ferments the sugars into alcohol. When the bubbling slows down significantly, fermentation is nearing completion.

Racking:

Once fermentation is complete, siphon the mead into a clean secondary fermenter to leave behind the sediment (called lees). This process is known as racking.
Allow the mead to age in the secondary fermenter for an additional 1-3 months. This helps to clarify and mature the flavors.

Bottling:

After aging, carefully siphon the mead into sanitized bottles.
Seal the bottles with corks or caps.
It’s best to let the bottled mead age for another few months to a year to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Enjoy:

Once aged to your preference, chill the mead and enjoy a taste of Viking history!

Tips:
Mead improves with age, so patience is key.
Experiment with different spices and fruit additions to create unique flavors.
Ensure all equipment is sanitized to avoid contamination, which can spoil the mead.

Enjoy your homemade Viking mead!
Skål!

Theosophy | DHYANA MARGA – I

July 23, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

The Astounding Benefits of 'Atma-Dhyana' | Atmayoga

DHYANA MARGA – I

Ere thou canst settle in Dhyana-Marga and call it thine, thy Soul has to become as the ripe mango fruit: as soft and sweet as its bright golden pulp for others’ woes, as hard as that fruit’s stone for thine own throes and sorrows, O Conqueror of Weal and Woe.

Make hard thy Soul against the snares of Self; deserve for it the name of ‘Diamond Soul’. For, as the diamond buried deep within the throbbing heart of earth can never mirror back the earthly lights, so are thy mind and Soul; plunged in Dhyana-Marga, these must mirror nought of Maya’s realm illusive.

The Voice of the Silence

Every authentic system of spiritual discipline indicates different stages upon the path of progressive mastery over the mind. The path of progressive awakening to supreme unconditional universal Truth is an arduous course of intensified practice leading to serene contemplation. Dhyana Marga — the Path of Meditation — is an inward fusion of mentality and morality that releases the mystical energies of enlightenment. Transcending ratiocinative analysis and ethical endeavour, though yielding to the full fruition of both, dhyana is the mysterious catalyst spoken of by Jesus which “leavens the whole”. It is the living presence of the Dhyani energies vital to any lasting nucleus of universal brotherhood formed by sincere aspirants and neophytes on the Path. Like the fabulous wish-fulfilling gem or the pearl of great price, dhyana is one of the priceless treasures of the Path which must, at a certain stage of development, be earned by the disciple before there can be any further advance. If this is true of the cyclic process of individual growth, it is even more true of the evolutionary stream of humanity.

From the beginning of the 1975 Cycle emphasis has been laid upon reaching beyond discursive reasoning and analytic study. Though skilful analysis can be helpful, it is no more efficacious than one wing of a bird in flight. The other wing is ethical practice, purification of motive and steadfastness in reference to one’s deepest integrity and fidelity of commitment. The balance between these two aspects of development has been stressed from the start, but as in the life of a bird a definite stage comes at which further development of the wings is neither possible nor desirable, so too in the growth of a committed group of sincere individuals, many of whom have bound themselves by commitments to the spirit of the Pledge of Kwan-Yin. Touched by the potent vibration of the Cycle, a strong nucleus of seekers has persisted, despite ups and downs, in creating a distinct current of direction in their lives. In ways known and unknown to themselves, they have resonated to the current Seventh Cycle of the Theosophical Movement, the last of the series initiated by Tsong-Kha-Pa in the fifteenth century in Tibet. It is deeply fitting that all aspirants upon the path of The Voice of the Silence should now seek to become more firm and steadfast with regard to dhyana or meditation.

True meditation begins with intense concentration or dharana — bringing the mind to a clear focus, which then gives way to the uninterrupted contemplation that is the beginning of dhyana. In its full unfoldment it can lead to true wisdom — prajna — complete absorption in one’s higher consciousness with universal self-consciousness, a state of being marked by the attunement of Atma-Buddhi-Manas to the Cosmic Triad. The actual level of attainment reached by anyone attempting this meditation and the pace of his or her development are relatively unimportant. Whatever doubts, anxieties or ambitions some may bring to such attempts are largely irrelevant. What is significant is that a definite and increasing number of human beings should make an attempt, at whatever pace, to learn the practice of true meditation. The simple fact that a number of human beings recognize this common undertaking and obligation, sensing the common joy in the quest for gaining greater proficiency in dhyana, is propitious and encouraging to the alchemical work of the Theosophical Movement. It is a positive contribution to the profound impact of the 1975 Cycle, to the elevation of human consciousness in the world as a whole, and to the careful preparation of the ground for the Mystery Temples of the future.

The apprentice on the path of Dhyana Marga must learn that the senses are liars; it is precisely at that moment when one seems outwardly to be most alone and engaged in the difficult task of acquiring mental concentration that one is in fact most directly related to humanity. Once one sees this clearly, it becomes possible to insert one’s honest and humble efforts in the practice of dhyana into a larger effort by a number of people. If they bind themselves together by invisible threads spun through firmness and contemplation and by a continuous current of meditation, they can leaven up the world, in the metaphor of Jesus. This has nothing to do with any individualistic accomplishment. Rather, through their meditation, they can create a magnetic field into which can be focused the wisdom of Avalokiteshvara, the wisdom of the collective Hosts of Dhyani Buddhas, Mahatmas and Bodhisattvas. Metaphysically, it is the totality of actual and invisible wisdom behind the whole of this system of worlds, which is itself a partial emanation of the primal Adi-Buddha. The aggregate sum-total of actual and potential wisdom forming the radiant core of the system of worlds is nothing but a spark of that absolute and infinite ocean of purely transcendental Wisdom from which arises the possibility of all worlds and all periods of manifestation.

Wisdom is neither created nor destroyed, neither increased nor decreased, but is universal, inexhaustible and vast. It is already self-existent on a primordial plane and is in fact the very ground of the possibility of existence. It may be represented in thought and in collective manifestation as a Host of beings called the Army of the Voice. This is merely a metaphor to intimate something of the virtually inconceivable grandeur and precision of the array of divine elements and beings that constitute the living cosmos. It is possible to focus that light of universal wisdom, continual contemplation and eternal ideation within a matrix created by the love, unity and joint heroic efforts of a nucleus of human beings formed over a period of time. Thus, it is possible to bring down onto the plane of mundane human existence glimpses and rays, sparks and flashes, of that divine light of wisdom that is all-potent on its own plane but is otherwise latent and unavailable. Collectively, a group of human beings can become like a great lens for the drawing down of the light of unmanifest wisdom into our globe to meet the cries of pain, the hungers and the longings of myriads of minds and hearts.

To begin to become an apprentice of eternal wisdom in time, one must gain some minimal understanding of cycles. There can be no practice of concentration and meditation and dhyana unless one can rise above the sequence of alternating states of consciousness involved in the breath, the pulse, sleeping and waking, the passage of seasons, septenates of years, life and death and rebirth. Whilst it would be a false and self-imposed burden to expect to comprehend complex evolutionary cycles, one may, nonetheless, bring a minimal sense of the marriage of continuity and detachment to one’s understanding of the collective human pilgrimage. The 1975 Cycle of the Theosophical Movement, its Seventh Impulsion, marks its anniversary on November 17, a date that is significant not only in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries of the Christian era, but in relation to human consciousness on this earth in general. According to Clement of Alexandria, it was the true birthday of Jesus. Historically, it was the birthday of Pico della Mirandola, the light of the Renaissance. It is also the anniversary of many extraordinary events in history, both recorded and unrecorded. It is one of a series of occult points in the year that may be thought of as birthdays of the Dhyanis, points of intersection in cyclic time of aspects of Avalokiteshvara with manifested humanity. Thus, whilst the Seventh Impulsion of the Theosophical Movement is directly linked to this particular aspect of the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, it cannot be separated from the other manifestations of the Logos present at other cyclic intervals.

Raghavan Iyer
The Gupta Vidya II

Good Eats | Blueberry Buckle

July 20, 2024 Hālau ʻĀha Hūi LanakilaLeave a comment

Blueberry Buckle with Brown Sugar Topping is a classic and indulgent dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. This delectable treat typically features a moist and tender cake base generously studded with plump, juicy blueberries. The berries burst with flavor, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the buckle.

What sets this dessert apart is the delightful brown sugar topping that crowns the cake. A heavenly mixture of brown sugar, butter, and sometimes cinnamon or nutmeg is sprinkled generously over the batter before baking. As the buckle bakes, this topping caramelizes, forming a luscious and slightly crunchy layer that adds depth and richness to every bite.

The cake itself is a comforting combination of pantry staples – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and leavening agents – but it’s the addition of buttermilk or sour cream that imparts a subtle tanginess and ensures a moist crumb. The batter is carefully folded with the blueberries to ensure an even distribution of the fruit throughout the cake.

Once baked to golden perfection, the Blueberry Buckle is often allowed to cool slightly before being sliced into generous portions. The aroma of sweet blueberries and warm spices wafts through the air, inviting anyone nearby to indulge in this delightful dessert.

This timeless treat is not only a favorite for dessert but also doubles as a delightful addition to brunch or afternoon tea. The burst of blueberries, the tender cake, and the irresistible brown sugar topping make Blueberry Buckle a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of homemade comfort with every heavenly bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dessert embodies the simple joys of baking and is sure to become a cherished recipe in any culinary repertoire.

Servings: 8

Ingredients

– For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 cups fresh blueberries

– For the topping:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.

2. For the cake, in a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another large bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix just until incorporated. Gently fold in the blueberries and spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.

5. For the topping, combine the brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the dish.

6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.

7. Allow the buckle to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Variations & Tips:

– If blueberries aren’t your berry of choice, feel free to substitute them with blackberries or a mix of berries for a Summer Berry Buckle.
– For those with dietary restrictions, swap the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend and use a plant-based milk and butter to keep it dairy-free.
– Sprinkle chopped nuts into the topping for an added crunch.
– To ensure the cake remains moist, do not overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour.
– Remember, the buckle can be quite hot coming out of the oven, so let it sit for a moment before serving – especially to the little ones. Enjoy this buckle with love, and watch it become a new tradition in your home as it has in mine.