In
Adidam, Danavira Mela, or "The Season of Light-In-Everybody",
lasts from early November (soon after the Celebration of Adi Da's Birthday on November 3) to the January 11th Celebration of Avatar
Adi Da's Divine Self-"Emergence".
It is a season that is (as Adi Da describes it), “essentially about
Light, and about that Light in everybody. It is about acknowledging
the characteristic of Light in everybody you know and meet, rather
than darkness. It is about love rather than its opposite."
This Danavira Mela Logo [above] is the last logo Avatar Adi Da approved in 2008. It's a two-dimensional representation of something that in essence is three-dimensional. The four gates represent His Divine Blessing Power flowing in all directions. The four sides represent the four faculties, the three outer lines represent the three hearts. His hand reaches down through the Prism of Reality, as Perpetual Divine Presence, and the folks in His Hand, He said, He always saw them representing Community.
Judith Parkinson
Principal Artist and Designer for Adidam
It is also a time when devotees celebrate their relationship with
Avatar Adi Da Samraj and their intimacy with one another in special
ways such as gift making, gift giving, preparation of special foods
(including cookie-making), and special occasions of sacred offerings
from the various guilds in Adidam.
It is a time for telling many
stories of Avatar Adi Da's life and devotees' interaction with Him.
(A "Green Tea Ceremony" is one of
the ways devotees do this.) Danavira Mela means literally "the Celebration
(Mela) of the Hero (Vira) of Giving (Da)". Previous names for
this celebration include "the Feast of Acception" and "the Feast
of God in Every Body".
Above are some of the logos that have been associated with the Celebration of Danavira Mela or Light-In-Everybody. Click on each image to enlarge.
A
Danavira Mela logo on a decorative banner:
The Mountain Of Attention, December, 2014
A Danavira Mela
logo on a decorative banner:
The Mountain Of Attention, December, 2014
(click to enlarge)
A
Danavira Mela logo on a decorative banner:
First Sight Temple, Auckland, New Zealand, December, 2015
A Danavira Mela
logo on a decorative banner:
First Sight Temple, Auckland, New Zealand, December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
ADI DA: I love this season of celebration. In human
terms, it is really the best season of the whole year. Rightly
engaged, this season should be the most splendid, loving time
of every year.
Every year, I am concentrated in this celebration. I have
been since My childhood. When I was a child, the holidays
were a major event. I always received many gifts, but the
occasion was not interesting to Me because I received gifts.
It was interesting to Me because of the spirit of giving
gifts — the beauty of it, the joy, the happiness of it, the
whole spirit, the whole orientation of this time of year when
people give gifts to one another and happily receive gifts.
Adi Da and his sister on the family greeting
card
(click to enlarge)
Adi Da next to the Christmas tree
(click to enlarge)
Adi Da and his sister with Santa Claus
at Macy's (1949)
(click to enlarge)
The giving is the meaning of this season, you see. I love
the disposition expressed through giving. Every year, when
you participate in this ceremony of gift-giving, it should
be a ceremonial expression, enacted during this season, of
how you live all the time.
On special occasions during this season, you celebrate ceremonially
the fundamental act with which you are involved all the time.
Gift-giving is delightful, but your giving of gifts should
be a celebration of how you live every day, a confirmation
of your life with Me, and with everyone you know and meet,
even with all humankind.
This basic expression should continue through the New Year,
and it should confirm your disposition all year.
This is the secret of the ego-transcending process. I am
always Giving the great Gift of My Divine Love and Blessing.
When My devotees love Me and practice the Way that I have
Given them, that is their gift.
When My devotees love Me and practice, and when I Love them
and Bless them, there is this exchange with one another.
Then, every year during this season, I express ceremoniously
what I have done with My devotees, and what they have done
with Me, all year long. This is the secret of My participation
in this celebration.
Know that I Bless you through and beyond time and space.
Live a life of celebration. True life, ego-transcending life,
is a celebration, a joyous occasion of meeting with others
in the universal circumstance of prior unity and in the joy
of Communion with the Indivisible Divine Reality.
That is why I look forward to this season every year. It
is the greatest season of the year. It is a marvelous season.
I hope it is a happy time for you and for all of your friends.
Avatar Adi Da Samraj, “The Feast of God in
Every Body”, December 25, 1982
excerpt from
The
Danavira Mela Book
The tree at Danavira Mela time is a symbol.
It represents something in the human scale. The Danavira Mela
tree represents the human nervous system and the esoteric
psycho-physical structures that have been associated with
the Spiritual process in all traditions, including the Light
that shines from above. The Danavira Mela tree is a representation
of that. It is a symbolic tree-like form, a 'Tree of Life'
kind of form.
Decorating
the Divine Spirit-Tree of Light at The
Manner Of Flowers
The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary
Decorating the
Divine Spirit-Tree of Light
at The
Manner Of Flowers The Mountain
Of Attention Sanctuary
(click to enlarge)
2. Adi Da at Danavira Mela
Darshan
of Adi Da in front of the window of His bedroom,
with decorated tree inside, Adi
Da Samrajashram, Fiji, December 23, 2006
Darshan
of Adi Da in front of the window of His bedroom,
with decorated tree inside, Adi
Da Samrajashram, Fiji, December 23, 2006
click to enlarge
Adi
Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen, Adi
Da Samrajashram, Fiji
Adi Da decorating
the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen, Adi Da Samrajashram,
Fiji, November,
2007
(click to enlarge)
Adi
Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji, November,
2007
Adi Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji, November,
2007
click to enlarge
Adi
Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji, November,
2007
Adi Da decorating
the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji,
November,
2007
click to enlarge
Adi
Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji, November,
2007
Adi Da decorating
the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji,
November,
2007
click to enlarge
Adi
Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji, November,
2007
Adi
Da decorating the Spirit-Tree of Light in Is-Da-Happen,
Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji,
November, 2007
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
VANESSA KENOYER (December 25, 2007):
These cookies have Adi Da's Image-Art, Geome 3, printed on sugar with edible ink and then placed on the cookie. I made all of these cookies and was in Is-Da-Happen serving this occasion. Adi Da intentionally Blessed each one
with edible ink.
(click to enlarge)
click to enlarge
Children
inspired by Adi Da as they decorate cookies in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015.
Children inspired by Adi Da as they decorate
cookies in Auckland, New Zealand,
December, 2015.
(click to enlarge)
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
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Adi Da dressed for winter
Adi Da in a Danavira Mela outfit
Adi Da at Da Love-Ananda Mahal Sanctuary
in Kauai, Hawaii, December,
1982
click to enlarge
Adi Da at the Mountain Of Attention
Sanctuary in Northern California
click to enlarge
"The Christmas Talk", the Mountain Of Attention,
Northern California,
December 23, 1978
"The Christmas Talk", the Mountain Of Attention,
Northern California,
December 23, 1978
"The Christmas Talk", the Mountain Of Attention, Northern California, December 23, 1978
click to enlarge
On Christmas Eve, 1978, dressed in holiday red ("I just happened to pick this out for tonight"), Adi Da Samraj gathered with devotees in Land Bridge
Pavilion at the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary, and gave what became known as "the Christmas Talk". (The following video clip is an excerpt from that talk.)
He discussed devotees' childhood religious beliefs about Jesus and and sang, with devotees, holiday songs and carols from the various religious traditions
represented by devotees from around the world.
The Divine Spirit-Being is in charge of the body-mind, and
it also flies, goes everywhere, and brings Gifts to everyone.
My Blessing Presence brings all the Happiness of the Divine
to everyone, as a Free Gift.
Adi Da and Holiday Music (article)
Q: What holiday music did Beloved Adi Da listen to at Danavira Mela? A: All of it! But He especially enjoyed open-hearted performances.
Play all the songs while you are reading this page. Press the first track to start playing the playlist. (It can take a little while to load, on a slow internet connection.) Pressing any track while it is playing will pause the track. (A paused track turns gray.) You can switch to any other track by pressing that track.
music by John
Mackay
performed by John Mackay and the Sacred Music Guild
Rejoice!
Rejoice in Love-Ananda.
Da, "Bright" Hridayam.
Avabhasa Da (Blessed Guru Divine),
Ishta Sri Love-Ananda Da (Avadhoota Mahan),
Da, "Bright" Hridayam,
Rejoice in Love-Ananda.
Vocals: Megan Anderson, Pamela Gray, Elaine Dixon, Antonina Randazzo, Lorraine Barnes, Kerith Edwards, John Mackay, Steve Brown, Jonah Strauss, Mel McMurrin
Synthesizers and Drum Programming: John Mackay
LORD
OF THE DANCE
arranged by Colin
Decio
vocals: Ingrid Prosser and Colin Decio
To every person, everywhere,
this time of year and ever,
let's bring peace and joy to all
and celebrate together.
We may seem to be different
We may seem to be many
But at the core of all our hearts
is a single human family.
Let us embrace this time of year
And let us make much beauty
Let us celebrate each other
and the light that guides us truly
No matter what our country
No matter what our creed
Cooperation is our freedom
Indivisibility our need.
Though many peoples of the world
see differences everywhere,
The heart of beings is unfurled
when unity's declared.
Even in the darkness of the night,
All of humankind is bright
Oh when we celebrate
the Light-in-Everybody,
Light-in-Everybody.
music by John
Mackay
performed by John Mackay and the Sacred Music Guild
"There is Only Light" is by devotee John Mackay. It draws on the Qawwali tradition of Sufi devotional music (exemplified by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan). Read Adi Da's appreciation of the Qawwali musical tradition here.
There Is Only Light.
Light Is All There Is.
The Nature Of Light Is Consciousness Itself.
All That Is Is Light.
The Nature Of Light Is God.
Light, or God, Pervades all worlds, forms, and beings.
Lead vocal: John Mackay
Synthesizers: John Mackay
Drum: Sheldon Appel
Violin: Gary McLaughlin
In this brief medley of excerpts from Katya's
CD, she draws on many different classical modalities: from
Bach to Chopin to Rachmaninoff. You'll recognize snippets
of familar melodies like "My Favorite Things", "Sleigh
Ride", "Ave Maria", and "I'll Be Home
for Christmas". The CD contains much more. Devotee and
master cellist Byron Duckwall is the producer and arranger.
More
here.
Album dedication:
"In deep appreciation to Adi Da for all His gifts."
In the video clip below, Katya talks (on a New York TV show)
about her December 2015 concert, "A Classical Holiday", at
Carnegie Hall (she has set a record as the only solo female panist to play Carnegie Hall 20 times!), where she plays pieces from her CD (and more).
Katya Grineva playing "A Classical Holiday",
December, 2016 - her 16th appearance at Carnegie Hall, New
York City
Katya Grineva playing "A Classical Holiday",
December, 2016 - her 16th appearance at Carnegie Hall, New
York City
(click to enlarge)
ADI DA BELOVED
a devotional version of
the traditional Christmas carol,
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
words, musical arrangement, and performance
by Chris Tong
(click to enlarge)
All the world awaited Him,
Praying for the Promised Lord.
Then He found a Way to here. . .
Now He's here forever more.
Da, Adi Da, Adi Da Beloved.
Da, Adi Da, Adi Da Beloved.
He is Consciousness Itself,
All-Pervading,
not apart,
freeing us from separate self,
Shining "Bright" in every heart.
Da, Adi Da, Adi Da Beloved.
Da, Adi Da, Adi Da Beloved.
All will feel His Presence here
make this world a Sacred Place.
Praise Him for His Sacrifice!
Praise Him for His Blessing Grace!
Da, Adi Da, Adi Da Beloved.
Da, Adi Da, Adi Da Beloved.
On November 2, 2013, the eve of the seventy-fourth anniversary of Avatar Adi Da's Birth, a live concert was held to celebrate His Eternal Blessing of all.
Adi
Da Jayanthi Celebration in Land Bridge Pavilion at The Mountain
Of Attention, 2013
Adi Da Jayanthi Celebration in Land Bridge
Pavilion at the Mountain Of Attention,
2013
(click to enlarge)
The rendition of the Ode to Divine Joy performed during that occasion at the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary (in Northern California) is a unique fusion of two performances: the live performance and a 1990 studio recording played as accompaniment. This unique amalgam of both studio and live performances of Ode to Divine Joy, as well as all of the other pieces of the live concert included on this CD, are offered in the spirit of celebration and gratitude.
The following CD sampler medley includes excerpts from: Made By Your Hand (by Salle Howe), The Great Gift (by Ray Lynch), Mary Don't You Weep (by the Swan Silvertones), and Ode To Divine Joy adapted from Ode to Joy in Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Here's to Love, absolutely. That is the spirit of this season
of celebration. That spirit should inform your entire year.
It takes months to move out of the shine of that celebration,
at which point the same obligation rests on you. The same thing
obliges you all year long - receiving My Divine Grace absolutely,
and letting It flow freely through you such that you can freely
give the Prasad of My Divine Blessing to others. What a delightful
life!
Avatar Adi Da Samraj
In the next section, we have many
photos of Danavira Mela being celebrated by Adi Da's devotees around
the world. There are a few recurring themes you'll notice in these
pictures, that distinguish the Danavira Mela tradition from the
Christmas tradition.
4.1. Three
persimmons. Many of the trees display three persimmons, representing
the three stations of the heart.[2]
Stylized
depiction of the three stations of the heart, decorating
a Giving Tree — by Ruy Carpenter, December, 2015
Stylized depiction
of the three stations of the heart, decorating a Giving
Tree — by Ruy Carpenter, December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
4.2. Tree finial.
Many of the trees have as their finial (tree-topper) a five-pointed
star, which is the central element of the Cosmic Mandala. Some devotees use a representation
of the entire Cosmic Mandala (with the five-pointed star in the middle),
or the Dawn
Horse pointing upward to the five-pointed star.
4.3.
Ancestral sock.Some
of the trees have an "ancestral sock".
Hanging the "ancestral sock" on the Tree of Light is a well-loved
and important tradition stemming from Avatar Adi Da’s childhood. The
actual "ancestral sock" has been hanging on Avatar Adi Da’s
family tree for close to a century. The sock was first put on the
family tree for Adi Da’s mother's very first Christmas, in 1915. From
the time He was an infant, the sock was always on the tree at His
Grandpa and Aunt Minnie's house where He went every Christmas Eve.
His grandfather eventually passed it on to His mother, and she then
passed it on to Adi Da in 1975. It has been the first ornament to
go on His tree each year ever since! In the late 1990's, when He suggested
that replicas be made of "the sock" for others to hang on
their trees,[1] this tradition became a special
sign of the direct and personal relationship everyone can enter into
with Him; in a profound sense, all of Adi Da's devotees are part of
His "Gurukula": the family of the Divine Guru.
4.4. Tree decorations.
Many of the trees have decorations that remind devotees of their
Beloved Spiritual Master: photographs or artistic renderings of
Him; photographs from events in His life; miniatures of His Image-Art
(perhaps we could call them "minumental fabrications"); etc.
Closeup of tree decorations in Is-Da Happen Adi Da Samrajashram, Fiji,
November 18, 2007.
On this tree, each year of Adi Da's life is represented by
an ornament with a photograph from that year.
Some devotees' tree decorations also include what Adi Da refers
to as "icons of happiness". These include specific Disney
images, like that of Mickey Mouse:
"Icons
of happiness" covering a devotee's tree in British
Columbia, Canada - December, 2015
"Icons of happiness" covering a devotee's
tree
in British Columbia, Canada
- December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
4.5.
White trees. Some of the trees are white, not green. These
are formal sacred trees, most often found on one of the Empowered
Sanctuaries or in one of the regional centers of Adidam.
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
4.6.
Tree shawl. Orange is the color of renunciation. The orange
shawl or ribbon is added to the tree in January, at the time of
the Ashvamedha Celebration.
Magdalena's tree in Napa,
California, December, 2012.
4.7.
Giving Coat. Some pictures show a Giving Coat accompanying
the tree. The Giving Coat is a large, flattened coat or robe that
is hung with arms stretched out horizontally. The Coat contains
many pockets, which are decorated with scenes from Adi Da's life
and work and are filled with gifts.
4.8.
Green Tree Ceremony. We mentioned how Danavira Mela is a time
for telling stories of Avatar Adi Da's life and devotees' interaction
with Him. The Green Tea Ceremony is an occasion especially created
for this purpose. More pictures further
down the page.
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
4.9. Devotee
creativity / ornaments from The Dawn Horse Press. There's
no end to devotee creativity! We've been showing a few of the recurring
elements in the Danavira Mela tradition. But devotees are always coming
up with new contributions to that tradition.
Danavira
Mela creativity:
She Layne's tree in Auckland, New
Zealand, December, 2013.
Danavira Mela creativity:
She Layne's tree in Auckland, New
Zealand, December, 2013.
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela creativity:
She Layne's tree in Auckland, New
Zealand, December, 2013.
Danavira Mela creativity:
She Layne's tree in Auckland, New
Zealand, December, 2013.
(click to enlarge)
Sculpture of Adi Da by Eleanor S., Trinidad, California,
December, 2015
Sculpture of Adi Da by Eleanor S., Trinidad,
California, December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee tree topped by an origami star in Los Angeles, California,
2011
A devotee tree
topped by an origami star in Los Angeles,
California, 2011
(click to enlarge)
Becoming
part of the decorations in Lake County, California, 2009
Becoming part
of the decorations in Lake County, California,
2009
Mei-Ling's
vegetable Santa in New York, New York, December 2016
Mei-Ling's vegetable
Santa in New York, New York,
December, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Michelle's
and Bob's unique, sandblasted manzanita tree in Eureka,
California, December, 2018
Michelle's and
Bob's unique, sandblasted manzanita tree in Eureka,
California, December, 2018
A
Sanskrit Da ornament on a devotee tree in Ashland,
Oregon, December, 2018
A Sanskrit Da
ornament on a devotee tree
in Ashland, Oregon, December,
2018
(click to enlarge)
Virtual ornaments with a Naitauba theme
from artist and devotee, Nara Wood, December,
2021
Virtual ornaments with a Naitauba theme
from artist and devotee, Nara Wood, December,
2021
(click to enlarge)
Drawing on more devotee creativity, The Dawn Horse Press makes available some special Danavira Mela ornaments for your Divine Spirit-Tree of Light (click on the picture or text to go to the corresponding Dawn Horse Press page):
Cookie
decorating at The Mountain Of Attention,
Northern California, December, 2018.
Cookie decorating at The Mountain
Of Attention, Northern California, December, 2018.
(click to enlarge)
Cookie
decorating at The Mountain Of Attention,
Northern California, December, 2018.
Cookie decorating at The Mountain
Of Attention, Northern California, December, 2018.
(click to enlarge)
Cookie decorating at The Mountain
Of Attention,
Northern California, December, 2018.
Cookie
decorating at The Mountain Of Attention,
Northern California, December, 2012.
Cookie decorating at The Mountain
Of Attention, Northern California, December, 2012.
Cookie
decorating at The Mountain Of Attention,
Northern California, December, 2012.
Cookie decorating at The Mountain
Of Attention, Northern California, December, 2012.
Antonina
Randazzo
making pancakes for everyone (45 people)
at the Mountain Of Attention, Northern
California, morning of December 25, 2018.
Antonina Randazzo
making pancakes for everyone (45 people),
at the Mountain Of Attention, Northern
California, morning of December 25, 2018.
(click to enlarge)
Brian
O'Mahony
making pancakes for everyone (45 people)
at the Mountain Of Attention, Northern
California, morning of December 25, 2018.
Brian O'Mahony
making pancakes for everyone (45 people)
at the Mountain Of Attention, Northern
California, morning of December 25, 2018.
(click to enlarge)
5.3. Danavira Mela at The European Danda
(The Netherlands)
Tree trimming completed at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Outdoor Danavira Mela lighting, the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming completed at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Tree trimming completed at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
(click to enlarge)
Gifts beneath the tree at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Gifts beneath the tree at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Gifts beneath the tree at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Gifts beneath the tree at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, 2013
Devotee tree in Maria Hoop, The Netherlands, December,
2015
Devotee tree in Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
The
craftsmanship of cookie decorating:
the European Danda, Maria Hoop, The
Netherlands, December, 2014
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
It's the 21st century, so a virtual fireplace
glows in the background. . .
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
Cookie
decorating at the European Danda, Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, December, 2013
before being decorated
click to enlarge
Bringing the best cookies
to the Divine Domain for Beloved Adi Da
Bringing the best cookies to the
Divine Domain for Beloved Adi Da
Danavira
Mela dinner and gifting at the European Danda Maria Hoop, The Netherlands,
December, 2012
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
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Green
Tea Ceremony (and associated sacred story telling) at the
European Danda Maria Hoop, The Netherlands,
December, 2012
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
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click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
At the Where Is Happiness? Retreat at the European
Danda
in Maria
Hoop, The Netherlands, November,
2018
click to enlarge
5.4. Danavira Mela in Australia
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2023.
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2023
(click to enlarge)
The Giving Coat,
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2023.
The Giving Coat, Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2023
(click to enlarge)
Trays of ornaments for Tree trimming,
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2023.
Trays of ornaments for Tree trimming,
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2023
(click to enlarge)
A devotee tree,
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2023.
A devotee tree,
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2023
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2022.
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2022
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2022.
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2022
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2022.
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2022
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2022.
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2022
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2022.
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2022
(click to enlarge)
Tree Trimming in
Melbourne, Australia, November, 2021.
Tree Trimming in
Melbourne, Australia,
November, 2021.
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2021.
Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2021
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012.
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012. Giving
Coat (with pockets filled with gifts) hanging in the background.
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
Giving Coat (with pockets filled with gifts) hanging in the
background.
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012. Elves at
work!
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
Elves at work!
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012. Green tea
ceremony.
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
Green tea ceremony.
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012.
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012.
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012. "For
you!"
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
"For you!"
(click to enlarge)
Danavira
Mela celebration in the regional centre,
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012.
Danavira Mela celebration in the regional
centre, Melbourne, Australia,
December, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
A devotee tree in Melbourne, Australia
December, 2012
A devotee tree in Melbourne, Australia
December, 2012
A devotee tree in Melbourne, Australia
December, 2012
Danavira Mela decorations in Melbourne,
Australia
December, 2012
A devotee tree in Melbourne, Australia
December, 2012
The Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012
The Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012
The Adidam Regional Centre's main tree
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012
The Adidam Regional Centre's main tree
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012
The Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2012
A Giving Coat in the Adidam Regional Centre Melbourne, Australia, December,
2012
The
Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2015.
The Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2015.
The
Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2015.
The Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2015.
(click to enlarge)
The
Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2015.
The Adidam Regional Centre in
Melbourne, Australia, December, 2015.
(click to enlarge)
Devotee
home decorated with Adi Da's Image-Art and festive lights
in
Australia, December, 2018.
Devotee home decorated with Adi Da's Image-Art
and festive lights in
Australia, December, 2018.
(click to enlarge)
5.5. Danavira Mela in Canada
A
devotee home in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada,
2016
A devotee
home in
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada, 2016
A
devotee tree in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada,
2016
A devotee
tree in
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada, 2016
A
devotee home in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada,
2016
A devotee
home in
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada, 2016
"Icons
of happiness" covering a devotee's tree in British
Columbia, Canada - December, 2015
"Icons of happiness" covering a devotee's tree
in British Columbia, Canada
- December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
5.6. Danavira Mela in Finland
Jasmine's tree in Helsinki,
Finland, December, 2018.
Jasmine
celebrating Danavaria Mela and wearing a "Da"
pendant
in Helsinki, Finland,
December, 2018.
Jasmine celebrating Danavaria Mela and
wearing a "Da" pendant
in Helsinki, Finland, December,
2018.
(click to enlarge)
Jasmine's
tree in Helsinki, Finland,
December, 2016.
Jasmine's tree in Helsinki,
Finland, December, 2016.
(click to enlarge)
Jasmine's
tree in Helsinki, Finland,
December, 2016.
Jasmine's tree in Helsinki,
Finland, December, 2016.
(click to enlarge)
Jasmine's
tree in Helsinki, Finland,
December, 2015.
Jasmine's tree in Helsinki,
Finland, December, 2015.
(click to enlarge)
5.7. Danavira Mela in The Netherlands
A devotee tree in Eindhoven, Netherlands,
December, 2023.
A devotee tree in Eindhoven, Netherlands, December, 2023.
(click to enlarge)
A devotee tree in Eindhoven, Netherlands,
December, 2021.
A devotee tree in Eindhoven, Netherlands, December, 2021.
(click to enlarge)
5.8. Danavira Mela in New Zealand
Devotees in Auckland,
New Zealand made raffle prizes and delicious
treats, raising thousands of dollars for their friends in
Lake County, California, who had lost their homes in the
Valley Fire — December, 2015.
Devotees in Auckland,
New Zealand made raffle prizes and delicious
treats, raising thousands of dollars for their friends in
Lake County, California, who had lost their homes in the Valley
Fire — December, 2015.
Devotees in Auckland,
New Zealand made raffle prizes and delicious
treats, raising thousands of dollars for their friends in
Lake County, California, who had lost their homes in the
Valley Fire — December, 2015.
Devotees in Auckland,
New Zealand made raffle prizes and delicious
treats, raising thousands of dollars for their friends in
Lake County, California, who had lost their homes in the Valley
Fire — December, 2015.
Devotees in Auckland,
New Zealand made raffle prizes and delicious
treats, raising thousands of dollars for their friends in
Lake County, California, who had lost their homes in the
Valley Fire — December, 2015.
Devotees in Auckland,
New Zealand made raffle prizes and delicious
treats, raising thousands of dollars for their friends in
Lake County, California, who had lost their homes in the Valley
Fire — December, 2015.
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
Danavira Mela in Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2015
In Adidam New Zealand Centre, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2013.
In Adidam New Zealand Centre, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2013.
Devotees circumambulate First Sight with the Giving Coat,
showing that the back is also filled with pockets. Everyone
has put a gift into the pockets, and everyone receives a gift.
(click to enlarge)
In Adidam New Zealand Centre, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2013.
In Adidam New Zealand Centre, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2013.
Close-up of the Giving Coat.
(click to enlarge)
In Adidam New Zealand Centre, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2013.
In Adidam New Zealand Centre, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2013.
A young devotee receives a gift from Adi Da's Giving Coat.
(click to enlarge)
In First Sight Temple, Adidam New Zealand Centre Auckland, New Zealand,
December, 2013.
In First Sight Temple, Adidam New Zealand
Centre Auckland, New Zealand,
December, 2013.
The Divine Spirit-Tree of Light is one of Adi Da's Forms.
Here, a devotee waves a candle to the Tree (as Adi Da's Form).
(click to enlarge)
Devotee S.K. in Auckland, New
Zealand shares her Danavira Mela decoration
process with us. . . December, 2012.
BEFORE:
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
AFTER:
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
click to enlarge
S.K.'s tree in December, 2013. . .
click
to enlarge
close-up
click to enlarge
close-up
click to enlarge
One
of S.K.'s interior decorations, Auckland,
New Zealand, December, 2014.
One of S.K.'s interior decorations,
Auckland, New Zealand,
December, 2014.
(click to enlarge)
5.9. Danavira Mela in Portugal
Devotee tree using ash packets from Celebrations
for decorations
inMonchique,
Portugal, December, 2014
5.10. Danavira Mela in Spain
Daniela wishing everyone a Happy Danavira
Mela
in Tenerife,
Canary Islands, Spain, December, 2018
5.11. Danavira Mela in the United Kingdom
Devotee
tree covered with ornaments made from pictures of Adi Da,
Bassingbourn, United Kingdom,
December, 2018
Devotee tree covered with ornaments made
from pictures of Adi Da, Bassingbourn,
United Kingdom, December, 2018
Devotee
tree covered with ornaments made from pictures of Adi Da,
Bassingbourn, United Kingdom,
December, 2018
Devotee tree covered with ornaments made
from pictures of Adi Da, Bassingbourn,
United Kingdom, December, 2018
(click to enlarge)
Adi
Da's Image-Art (upper left) and white tree blesses a very
festive holiday gathering, Wokingham,
United Kingdom, December, 2015
Adi Da's Image-Art (upper left) and white
tree blesses a very festive holiday gathering, Wokingham,
United Kingdom, December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
5.12. Danavira Mela in the United States
5.12.1. Danavira Mela in Arizona
A
devotee tree in Arizona, 2011
A devotee tree
in Arizona, 2011
5.12.2. Danavira Mela in California
Tamarind
Free Jones, California, December, 2016
Tamarind Free Jones, California,
December, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Tamarind
tree decorating, Northern California, November, 2013
Tamarind tree decorating, Northern California,
November, 2013
(click to enlarge)
Tamarind
and Naamleela Free Jones baking cookies, Northern California,
December 24, 2014
Tamarind and
Naamleela Free Jones baking cookies, Northern
California,
December 24, 2014
(click to enlarge)
Persimmons and photos of Adi Da on a devotee tree in Los Angeles, California,
2021
Persimmons and photos of Adi Da on a devotee tree in Los
Angeles, California
December, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Three
persimmons on a devotee tree in Los Angeles, California,
2011
Three persimmons on a devotee tree in Los
Angeles, California, 2011
(click to enlarge)
Three
persimmons and the word "DA" on a devotee tree
in Los Angeles, California, December, 2018
Three persimmons and the word "DA" on a devotee
tree in Los Angeles, California,
December, 2018
(click to enlarge)
Devotees
in Trinidad, California, December, 2016
Devotees in
Trinidad, California, December
2016
(click to enlarge)
Aura
Bakker decorating tree in California, December, 2014
Aura Bakker
decorating tree in California,
December, 2014
(click to enlarge)
Coo6ie
making in Alameda, California, 2016
Cookie making
in Alameda, California, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Cookie
making in Alameda, California, 2016
Cookie making
in Alameda, California, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Roger Briggs celebrating Danavira Mela in Middletown, California, 2021
Roger Briggs celebrating Danavira Mela in Middletown, California, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Roger Briggs celebrating Danavira Mela in Middletown, California, 2021
Roger Briggs celebrating Danavira Mela in Middletown, California, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Tree Trimming by Malcolm Dunshee and Rachel Key in Middletown, California, 2021
Tree Trimming by Malcolm Dunshee and Rachel Key in Middletown, California, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Tree Trimming by Malcolm Dunshee and Rachel Key in Middletown, California, 2021
Tree Trimming by Malcolm Dunshee and Rachel Key in Middletown, California, 2021
(click to enlarge)
Devotee
tree in Middletown, California, 2016
Devotee tree
in Middletown, California,
2016
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee tree in Oakland, California, 2011
A devotee tree
in Oakland, California, 2011
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee tree in Middletown, California, December, 2015
A devotee tree
in Middletown, California,
December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
Food
for belly and heart in Oakland, California, December, 2015
Food for belly
and heart in Oakland, California,
December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee tree in Middletown, California,
December, 2018
A devotee tree
in Middletown, California,
December, 2018
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee tree in Lake County, California, 2011
A devotee tree
in Lake County, California,
2011
(click to enlarge)
Adidam Bookstore,
West Hollywood, California, 2009
Adidam Bookstore,
West Hollywood, California, 2009
A devotee studying Adi Da's Teaching next
to the tree,
Los Angeles, California, 2011
Tennessee's
tree, Santa Cruz, California,
December, 2013.
Tennessee's tree, Santa
Cruz, California, December, 2013.
(click to enlarge)
Devotees
decorating a tree in their home in Los
Angeles, California, November, 2012.
Devotees decorating a tree in their home
in Los Angeles, California,
November, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
An
"icon of happiness" in the home of devotees in
Los Angeles, California,
November, 2012.
An "icon of happiness" in the
home of devotees in Los Angeles, California,
November, 2012.
A
decorated tree in the home of devotees in Los
Angeles, California, November, 2012.
A decorated tree in the home of devotees
in Los Angeles, California,
November, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee tree in Cobb, California,
December, 2013.
A devotee tree in Cobb,
California, December, 2013.
(click to enlarge)
A
Danavira Mela party in Loch Lomond,
California, December, 2015.
A Danavira Mela party in Loch
Lomond, California, December, 2015.
(click to enlarge)
Making
a gingerbread house in Loch Lomond,
California, December, 2012.
Making a gingerbread house in Loch
Lomond, California, December, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
Tree decoration tip from Magdalena
[whose tree is below]: Our family
likes to save the special tags on bottles of tirtha (the
water prasad from the Celebrations)
and use them for our Spirit-Tree of Light [the flat, square
decorations in the picture].
Magdalena's
tree in Napa, California,
December, 2012.
Magdalena's tree in Napa,
California, December, 2012.
(click to enlarge)
Carmen's tree in Northern
California, December, 2014
Memphis's
tree in Sebastopol, California
- December, 2012
Memphis's tree in Sebastopol,
California - December, 2012
(click to enlarge)
Vegan
feast for Danavira Mela in Loch
Lomond, California - December, 2015
Vegan feast for Danavira Mela in Loch
Lomond, California - December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
Stanley's
and Marchelle's tree in Loch Lomond,
California - December, 2016
Stanley's and Marchelle's tree in Loch
Lomond, California - December, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Stanley's
and Marchelle's tree in Loch Lomond,
California - December, 2014
Stanley's and Marchelle's tree in Loch
Lomond, California - December, 2014
(click to enlarge)
The
Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar in Middletown,
California - December, 2018
The Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar
in Middletown, California
- December, 2018
to benefit the Naitauba children's school and
a Danavira Mela residents dinner
(click to enlarge)
The
Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar in Middletown,
California - December, 2018
The Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar
in Middletown, California
- December, 2018
to benefit the Naitauba children's school and
a Danavira Mela residents dinner
(click to enlarge)
The
Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar in Middletown,
California - December, 2018
The Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar
in Middletown, California
- December, 2018
to benefit the Naitauba children's school and
a Danavira Mela residents dinner
(click to enlarge)
The
Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar in Middletown,
California - December, 2018
The Fourth Annual Holiday Charity Bazaar
in Middletown, California
- December, 2018
to benefit the Naitauba children's school and
a Danavira Mela residents dinner
(click to enlarge)
5.12.3. Danavira Mela in Colorado
Devotee
tree in Westminster, Colorado, November, 2017
Devotee tree
in Westminster, Colorado,
November, 2017
(click to enlarge)
A
devotee's home in Natick, Massachusetts, December, 2021
A devotee's
home in Natick, Massachusetts,
December, 2021
A
devotee's home in Easthampton, Massachusetts, December,
2018
A devotee's
home in Easthampton, Massachusetts,
December, 2018
(click to enlarge)
Adidam
New England Center,Natick,
Massachusetts, 2013
Adidam New England
Center, Natick, Massachusetts,
2013
(click to enlarge)
Mary
S. in Clinton, Massachusetts
experiments with her camera setting: December, 2012
Mary S. in Clinton, Massachusetts
experiments with her camera settings
December, 2012
(click to enlarge)
5.12.8. Danavira Mela in Michigan
Devotee's
home in Vanderbilt, Michigan
- December, 2014
Devotees' home in Vanderbilt,
Michigan - December, 2014
5.12.9. Danavira Mela in Nevada
A
devotee tree in North Las Vegas, Nevada, 2016
A devotee tree
in North Las Vegas, Nevada,
2016
(click to enlarge)
5.12.10. Danavira Mela in New Jersey / New York
Dennis
Coccaro decorating the tree in the Ashram House,
Saddle River, New Jersey, December, 2018
Dennis Coccaro
decorating the tree in the Ashram House,
Saddle River, New Jersey, December, 2018
(click to enlarge)
Dennis
Coccaro next to the tree in the Ashram House (it's also
his birthday),
Saddle River, New Jersey, December 25, 2018
Dennis Coccaro
next to the tree in the Ashram House (it's also his birthday),
Saddle River, New Jersey, December 25, 2018
(click to enlarge)
Dennis
Coccaro in the Ashram House,
Saddle River, New Jersey, December 25, 2018
Dennis Coccaro
in the Ashram House,
Saddle River, New Jersey, December 25, 2018
(click to enlarge)
Dennis
Coccaro in Ashram House, Saddle River, New Jersey, 2016
Dennis Coccaro
in Ashram House,
Saddle River, New Jersey, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Community
House, Brooklyn, New York, 2009
Community House,
Brooklyn, New York, 2009
(click to enlarge)
Community
House, Brooklyn, New York, December, 2015
Community House,
Brooklyn, New York, December, 2015
(click to enlarge)
Avatar
Adi Da Samraj and "It's A Wonderful Life", Community House,
Brooklyn, New York, 2011
Avatar Adi Da
Samraj and "It's A Wonderful Life", Community House,
Brooklyn, New York, 2011
(click to enlarge)
A
gingerbread Taj Mahal (and one of its chief designers),
Community House, Brooklyn, New York, 2011
A gingerbread
Taj Mahal (and one of its chief designers), Community House,
Brooklyn, New York, 2011
(click to enlarge)
Gingerbread Taj Mahal (Close-up), Community
House, Brooklyn, New York, 2011
Gingerbread
Taj Mahal with Adi Da's Image-Art, Community House, Brooklyn,
New York, 2011
Gingerbread
Taj Mahal with Adi Da's Image-Art, Community House,
Brooklyn, New York, 2011
(click to enlarge)
Art
Gallery / Dining Room, Community House, Brooklyn, New York,
2011
Art Gallery
/ Dining Room, Community House, Brooklyn,
New York, 2011
(click to enlarge)
Cookie
decorating,Community House, Brooklyn, New York, 2011
Cookie decorating,
Community House, Brooklyn, New York,
2011
(click to enlarge)
front
of Community House, Brooklyn, New York, 2011
front of Community
House, Brooklyn, New York,
2011
(click to enlarge)
Devotee
tree, Smithtown, New York,
December, 2014.
Devotee tree, Smithtown,
New York, December, 2014.
(click to enlarge)
5.12.11. Danavira Mela in Oregon
Adidam Portland,
Portland, Oregon, 2009
Adidam Portland,
Portland, Oregon, 2009
Devotee
hall decorated for Danavira Mela,
Medford, Oregon,
2019.
Devotee hall decorated for Danavira Mela,
Medford,
Oregon, 2019.
(click to enlarge)
Devotee
hall decorated for Danavira Mela,
Medford, Oregon,
2019.
Devotee hall decorated for Danavira Mela,
Medford,
Oregon, 2019.
(click to enlarge)
5.12.12. Danavira Mela in Texas
Celebrating
Danavira Mela in Dallas, Texas,
November, 2017.
Celebrating Danavira Mela in Dallas,
Texas, November, 2017.
(click to enlarge)
5.12.13. Danavira Mela in Virginia
A
devotee tree in Vienna, Virginia, 2016
A devotee tree
in Vienna, Virginia, 2016
(click to enlarge)
Devotee
tree in Fairfax, Virginia,
December, 2015.
Devotee tree in Fairfax,
Virginia, December, 2015.
(click to enlarge)
5.12.14. Danavira Mela in Washington
Patreecia's Danavira Mela arrangement
in Seattle, Washington, December, 2018
Patreecia's tree in Seattle,
Washington, December, 2015
A fundraising raffle attended by devotee elves,
in Seattle, Washington, 2011
5.12.15. Danavira Mela in Wisconsin
Devotees'
home in Madison, Wisconsin
- December, 2012
Devotees' home in Madison, Wisconsin
- December, 2012
(click to enlarge)
Devotees'
home in Madison, Wisconsin
- December, 2012
Devotees' home in Madison, Wisconsin
- December, 2012
(click to enlarge)
6. Closing Words
Adi Da's favorite movie version of Dicken's story, "A Christmas Carol"
(click to enlarge)
I Am the Light That you must Find, the Opportunity That Is
Continuous, and it is up to you to make much of It in your
personal life and in your collective life with one another.
The times in which you will be doing this are dark, by universal
agreement. You will have more and more to overcome in your
disposition of devotion to Me.
Do not expect the "world" to congratulate you for it, or
to give you permission to do it. Who knows how long the Earth
will be a survivable place for human beings? This is not the
only "world", in any case, and you were always going to die.
Death is guaranteed, anyway. As the "world" takes on the color
of death, you must more and more take on the color of the
Heart.
Danavira Mela is a time for true rejoicing.
So is every day, and all the time and years from now, for
My devotees.
We are not celebrating the conditions of the "world" on this
Danavira Mela. We are celebrating your Happiness in whole
bodily response to My Revelation to you.
The "world" does not give you reasons to do this celebration
in love — I do.
Therefore, be grateful for it, and be serious about it, and
do your part of right life. If you look to the "world" instead
of to Me, you will have more and more reasons to be depressed
and dark yourself, more and more reasons to be ego-possessed.
Do the life, and celebrate My Company all year long, and
never submit to the "world", never submit to separate "self".
Turn to Me, Commune with Me, and forget about the "world".
That is the life of Joy.
And it is the Law that must be manifested in every moment
of your life, for all the years you live.
Understand, then, and do this, for real. Danavira Mela will
be a wonderful day that epitomizes all of your lives.
Be like the converted Scrooge on that day, and right now.
Make your life out of Joy, and make this celebration out
of it.
And forget the "world".
And forget yourself.
And love Me.
Love one another.
Be full of love.
Be full of the Happiness That Transcends the "world".
Avatar Adi Da Samraj, December 24, 1993
"The Happiness That Transcends the "world", Ishta
Some
of the trees have an "ancestral sock".
Hanging the "ancestral sock" on the Tree of Light is a well-loved
and important tradition stemming from Avatar Adi Da’s childhood. The
actual "ancestral sock" has been hanging on Avatar Adi Da’s
family tree for close to a century. The sock was first put on the
family tree for Adi Da’s mother's very first Christmas, in 1915. From
the time He was an infant, the sock was always on the tree at His
Grandpa and Aunt Minnie's house where He went every Christmas Eve.
His grandfather eventually passed it on to His mother, and she then
passed it on to Adi Da in 1975. It has been the first ornament to
go on His tree each year ever since! In the late 1990's, when He suggested
that replicas be made of "the sock" for others to hang on
their trees,[
