Topanga author Rina Tham and her family, along with honored guest Baza Guru Rinpoche, and film and television composer, Russ Landau, hosted a book-signing of Tham’s inspiring and motivational memoir, “Lucky Number 9: Journey of a Rubber Tapper’s Daughter” with 100% of the proceeds going to Yoga Gives Back to support programs for mothers and children in India.
The open house featured music by world renowned Sitar and Tabla Maestro, Rajib Karmakar Ji, and Vineet Vyas Ji on Tabla.
“Lucky Number 9” is the compelling story of Rina Tham’s impoverished childhood in the jungle of Malaysia.
Her philosophy is that if you live with your heart open, fear becomes an adventure. “In many ways, I had less than most, living on the rubber plantation, saving pennies for food, fighting for floor space by the window, never seeing Father, tapping trees at dawn with Mother. Then there was my arm, it brought panic….” Read how Rina overcame poverty, debilitating health issues, many other dramatic challenges and how her ultimate triumph over such adversity has resulted in a deep desire to give back to the world.
“My intention and goal today is to put this book in the hands of a girl, boy, woman, man, anywhere and especially in the isolated communities deep in the jungles of our God-given world. That would be a start,” Tham said. “This is my gift to share because I care for and love you all. It is my passion to give back.”
Rina will soon be traveling to India, Bhutan and The Pacific Rim to promote her book. If you would like Rina to be part of any special motivational programs—especially for children—you are encouraged to contact her directly at rina@rinatham.com
Rina would like to thank her husband Dr. Marshall Bernes, best friend, Chief Janitor, and supporter. Mr. Lance Roberts, owner of Froggy’s Fish Market. Ken Atchity, Lisa Cerasoli, Chelsea Mongird of The Story Merchant and Youth Ambassador, Autumn Porter of Yoga Gives Back.
Paramahansa Yogananda — Indian guru, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, and founder of the worldwide spiritual organization, Self-Realization Fellowship — established Lake Shrine Temple in 1950. A ten-acre gem located just east of the Pacific Ocean on Sunset Boulevard in the Pacific Palisades, Lake Shrine is home to astounding natural beauty: a spring-fed lake and waterfalls, countless species of trees, dazzling flowers and abundant animals, including swans, koi, turtles and dragonflies. The lush grounds also feature the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial where some of the famed leader’s ashes are consecrated in a 1,000-year-old Chinese sarcophagus.