INO Mela 2024: A Recap of the Illumination of the Superfaculties Event

For a week in mid-July on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state, participants alighted on a private property near Sequim Bay to collectively activate the yoga and magick of the Nath Kula Kaula.

With the express purpose of illuminating the 3 super faculties of Insight, Intuition and Imagination, Sri Vijayanath led the kula into a carefully crafted container by which exalted states were achieved both collectively and individually. Through memory and intention, mystic rite and mantra, dhuni fire and dedication—the Immortal Line of Shiva’s Naths was made manifest and present. Such is our way.

In the long, 16-hour summer days of the Pacific Northwest, true twilight for morning meditation was pushed back upon and we began at 7am, discourse at noon, awareness exercises alternating with plant walks engaged at 4pm, with evening ritual observances beginning at 9pm to transit the 9:21pm twilight.

Participants were sustained by wonderfully tasty meals prepared by Atma Devi with help from Anya. Camp-cozy sleeping accommodations and transportation were seen to by the ever helpful and resourceful Soma Devi.

In the weeks prior to this event, Sri Vijayanath designed and began working on a Yoni base for the immense Shivalingam called Sri Bhuvit that resides in the care of Acharanath. Carved from solid wood and using bowls well-fitted to the lingam, both men worked in phases to complete this iconic and functional pedestal for the purpose of providing an appropriate support for Sri Bhuvit that would allow liquids to be poured over the stone and recollected as in the rite of “abishek”, which means ablution, or ritual bathing to inaugurate a king or deity. Perhaps the fantastic story of how Sri Bhuvit came to be in the care of Acharanath will be told elsewhere…

And so, sealed and painted in black background with red and white lotus petals and silver metals, such was the design and effort carried out to completion. A rare substance gifted from Sri Kapilnathji IMM to Sri Vijayanath some years ago was also mixed into the structure, adding to its power and all was made ready for Sri Bhuvit’s audience as a prime focal point during ritual.

Not to be ignored in the shadow of Sri Bhuvit, a new “mobile” dhuni was also inaugurated. Rudrani Dhuni is a round, copper colored kund (pit or bowl) that can be moved to different locations as desired. As the consort of Rudra, Rudrani is a ruddy and rich container perfect for holding the fire of Rudra—Om Rudrani Ki Jai Swaha! This ample vessel now resides with Sri Vijayanath and managed to hold two different dhuni rites during the week, on alternating days.

Sri Vijayanath also alternated days of sharing the trishul during morning meditation and held the usual daily private discussion time with individuals.

The mood often turned festive after the evening ritual energies had culminated, and while dinner was served late and enjoyed afterwards, dancing, joyful music and movement could often be found to spontaneously occur between the community fire pit area and the open-walled kitchen.

It also must be acknowledged that the growing membership of the Kula is beginning to exhibit signs of cohesion and familial expression. This is heartening and beautiful to behold and it appears that all are the better for it. The camaraderie, care and compassion between the participants here—all initiates and aspirants—is apparent and should continue organically.

As a reflection of this fact, later in the week just prior to the final ritual observances with Sri Bhuvit, participants were invited to add their own starry decorations to the yoni-base as evidence of their spiritual nature—each a star in the fabric of the cosmos.

May the cosmos ever receive our oblation—and may we in-turn receive our exalted portion of grace—Om Namah Shivaya!

Om Shanti,

Sri Vijayanath