Custom Made Crafts » Religion & Spirituality

Gods Stay in Honolulu

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:10:00 +0000

The suburbs of Honolulu, Hawaii, are filled with sacred places visited by the ancient gods. Like most ancient gods, these gods had certain plants and herbs that were sacred to them. The ancient gods of Hawaii would drink awa mixed with water. Awa is a plant that has many uses. The gods would use it as an intoxicating drink. Ancient Polynesians would use it as a ceremonial drug to open communication with the elements. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were also given the plant as a remedy. All parts of the plant were used, leaves, stems and even the roots. The Ancient gods were said to have prepared the roots of the plant and then mix the prepared root with water.

It is said that water on the island of Honolulu, near Manoa Valley, home of the rainbow princess, was discovered by gods in need of fresh water to mix with their prepared awa. The Honolulu gods Kanaloa and Ka-ne, had found some very good awa. When they realized that there was no water around, ka-ne struck the ground with his spear and water came forth. This pool of water is referred to today as the door of Kalihi. Once they moved along a little further, getting closer to the valley, they found some more awa. Since the gods were very fond of the awa, and this awa was very good, they prepared som more, but were once again missing fresh water. Ka-ne put his spear in the side of the cliff this time and a fountain of water began to stream out from the place where he had removed the rocks. This place is now called Ka-Wai-a-ke-Akua, translated, the water provided by a god. The two gods found a place to stay in Honolulu. They made their home in a temple for several years, and were revered as the mighty gods of Honolulu.

Gods Stay in Honolulu is a post from: The Art of Business

Dalai Lama Flip Flops

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:06:26 +0000

I was on vacation and staying in a Mauritius Luxury Hotel and having breakfast at a local cafe’ when a little boy came running in through and around the round cafe’ tables all excited about something. He stopped at a table clear in the back and yelled, ‘The Dalai Lama’s’ in town!’, he shouts. ‘Mom, The Dalai Lama’s in town!’, he repeats. His mother shushed him and made him sit down next to her. Wow, I thought, The Dalai Lama’s here. I don’t know much about him, except that he did win the Noble Peace Prize back in the 80′s and that he’s the head guy of the Buddhism. But, the information this little boy spewed has caused a good amount of excitement throughout this little cafe’. Everyone was a buzz and calling for their check so they can go find out where the Dalai Lama could possibly be. One patron approached the table where the little boy was sitting and asked if he had more information as to the location of the Dalai Lama.

The whole cafe’ went silent. And the little boy’s mother gave her son a look that said not to speak and she apologized to the man for her little boy’s disruption. The little boy ignored his mother’s wishes and said he’s walking down the street right now and that a whole bunch of people were gathering all around him and that all he could see of the Dalai Lama was his feet and that all the Dalai Lama wore on his feet were flip-flops. I could tell the little boy found this funny. The mother shushed her son to silence. The man thanked them and urgently proceed out the cafe’. Then, in droves, the cafe’ patrons hastily left. I was the only one still there. I could tell the wait staff also wanted to leave, but the owner wouldn’t have it, looking over at me and them back to them. Not even finished with my meal, I asked for the check, paid my bill and was almost run over as I exited the cafe’ by the wait staff running out go see this holly man with the flip-flop for shoes.

Dalai Lama Flip Flops is a post from: The Art of Business

Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku

admin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:43:39 +0000

Kerala is preparing for one of the world’s most unique festivals. Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku takes place at the Kottankulangara temple. The festival, which occurs over 19 days in March-April every year, features men dressing as women and making an offering to Bhagavathy, the temple’s goddess.

The ritual itself is known as “Chamaya Vilakku” which translates to “make-up lamp.” Men offer prayers and carry lighted lamps. The intent is to offer thanks for favors received from Bhagavathy and to fulfill vows. The men dress in a variety of female attire, including traditional Kerala settu mundu and wear cosmetics and jewelry to complete their costume. The idea is to be as attractive as possible as women.

Participants do not need to be members of the temple or even believers in Bhagavathy. Men of various faiths come from all over India and surrounding countries to participate in this festival of thanksgiving. Supporters and respectful spectators also fill the best hotels Kerala to observe the ritual.

There are several theories as to the festival’s origins. The most popular relates the story of a group of boys who would jokingly dress as girls while herding cows and offer kottan (a coconut dish) to a stone as part of their play. Bhagavathy supposedly appeared to one of the boys and the ritual became real, with a temple being built on the site.

The temple is located in Chavara, which is near the district of Kollum.

Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku is a post from: The Art of Business