A group of devotees along with Srila Govinda Maharaj made
a visit to the Kulamanu Medicinal Herb Garden Farm, owned by Anne Carter
and her brother, Rob. This is where Sunanda Didi has worked for many years.
The generosity of her employers has made it possible for her to do much
service to the Math. With their backing, she was able to take time off during
Srila Gurudev's recent visit. Srila Gurudeva was given a tour of the farm
in a golf cart, driven in turn by each of the two owners as well as Sunanda
Devi Dasi. Srila Gurudeva was able to view the beautiful terraced gardens
which are growing, among other things, feverfew, evening primrose, echinacea,
lemon balm, lemongrass, fifteen varieties of taro, mamaki (a Hawaiian herbal
tea), Indian gotu kola, 500 French and English lavender plants, arnica,
tarragon, and flowers such as sunflowers, marigolds, calendula and gladiola.
After the garden tour, Srila Maharaj was driven to Rob's house and then to the main house, which is over 100 years old. In its classic size and grandeur, yet simplicity, this historical home seems to epitomise the lifestyle of the ruling class in Hawaii at the time it was built. There Anne greeted Srila Govinda Maharaj with a rare Hawaiian shell lei (garland) which she had removed from her own neck according to Hawaiian custom, and everyone enjoyed lemongrass tea and sweetballs.
On Sunday,
a public programme organised under the auspices of the Govinda Mission was
held at the Eddie Tam Hall. Srila Govinda Maharaj gave a beautiful lecture
to the satisfaction of the many devotees and guests. Many resident and visiting
devotees gave their time and energy to make this programme, which included
a multi-course feast of Prasadam. All was a great success.
-Pushpanjali Devi Dasi
25 November 2000
For further reports from Srila Govinda Maharaj's current World Tour, including further articles from Hawaii, please see the 17th Tour Index.
URL:
http://www.scsmath.com/worldtour/17/hawi_herb.html