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Ashram Mission Statement
We aspire to live the Teachings of Haidakhan Baba, to share the Love
of Babaji
and the Divine Mother with others, to hold this Ashram as Their Home,
to serve humanity, and to be stewards and caretakers of the land.
April, 2010
Dear Friends of the Ashram
Spring has certainly erupted here at the Ashram in all of Her beauty
and fullness. The unusually early Spring Navratri was actually one of
the warmest, weather wise, that I can remember, as well as one of the
fullest in blessings, love, and harmony. With
the mild weather, we also were able to begin construction of Shri Babaji's
kutir (room), an additional boon to an already special Navratri. You
can see photos and read more further on in the newsletter.
We have also been blessed with an abundance of karma yogis offering
their skills, love, and energy to the Ashram. Normally there is a big
drop in numbers of people at the Ashram when everyone leaves after Navratri,
this year this is not the case. More people just keep coming.
I have also been touched by the generosity of people donating items
to and being sponsors of the Ashram Annual Online Auction. This begins
on Sunday, April 11 and runs through Sunday, April 25. Please take a
look at all the items, bid on them as you are able, and let your friends
know too.(www.biddingforgood.com/babajiashram)
It is a huge support to the Ashram and lots of fun as well. May Baba
and Mother's blessings be abundant in all of your lives this Spring
and beyond.
In truth and love, Ramloti
April Fire Ceremonies and Schedule
Our fire ceremonies in April are on Wednesday, April 14 (new-moon)
and Wednesday, April 28 (full-moon). The fire ceremonies begin at 10:08am
and are followed by a meal. Our evening aarati is at 6pm and morning
aarati is at 7am. Lunch is served at about 1pm. The Maha Lakshmi Shop
is open every day from 9am until 5pm.
If you would like to participate by sponsoring a fire ceremony, we
would like to send you a blessed item from the fire ceremony. They are:
$27 sponsorship - Copper, brass, nickel Om Namah Shivaya
bracelet
$54 sponsorship - Rose Quartz, Rosewood, Sandalwood, or Tulsi Mala
$108 sponsorship - Rudraksha/Crystal Mala or Crystal Mala
You can make the donation online by just clicking
here or call 719-256-4108 or e-mail the Ashram at info@BabajiAshram.org
or send us a check to: P.O. Box 9, Crestone, CO 81131. We are continually
grateful for all of your support.
Annual Spring On-line Auction
April 11 - 25
The fun is just around the corner! The bidding will begin
on Sunday, April 11 at 10:08am and will continue until Sunday, April
25 at 1:08am. To view the more than 175 wonderful items to be auctioned
go to www.biddingforgood.com/babajiashram
and make your shopping list now. And yes, there is still time to donate
an item or service. There is a place on the site that you can upload
your donation or you can just email us at ccleary@roperugs.com
or call Cindy at 719-256-5007 with the information. Besides donating
items or services, you also may consider being a Lakshmi, Saraswati,
or Durga Sponsor for the auction. Another big help will be spreading
the word about the auction to your friends and family.
Last year, through everyone's help, we were able to raise $12,000 resulting
in a totally paid off kirtan hall loan. This year the funds raised will
go to maintain and enhance this beautiful home of Shri Babaji and the
Divine Mother. Our goal for 2010 is $15,111.
Some of the items are pictured here like this adult black wool vest
and ornately embroidered black children's jacket with draw string pants
modeled by Rasalia and his grandpa.
We
have a rudraksha bead from the mala that Babaji wore, probably one shown
in Babaji's photo above.
Also
pictured are little travel-size pillows (children's size too) made from
the nightgown worn by the Divine Mother as well as a set of Her jewelry.
We have many special items that were blessed in Haidakhan in bags that
are made from Shri Babaji's kurtas (shirts), a stole made from the same
kurta, and an amulet filled with sacred ash from Shri Babaji's own fire
ceremonies. We also have a week vacation in the fabulous health resort
in Thailand, a week in beautiful Treasure Island, Florida, and a Los
Angeles Laker signed basketball and jersey. Go to www.biddingforgood.com/babajiashram
to see these and more. Please join in this fun way to support the Ashram.
Karma Yoga Morning and Bal Gokulam
Saturday, May 8
So
many people enjoy the Ashram and many like to help with its maintenance.
On Saturday, May 8 everyone will have a chance to serve in a wide variety
of ways on all skill levels. Beginning at 9am we will be repairing paths,
digging ditches, helping in the garden, and cooking lunch. This will
continue until noon and then be followed with a wonderful Ashram meal.
We
hope you can attend. If that date is not possible for you, please know
that your service is always welcomed at the Ashram. Give us a call or
just show up and we can find a job for you. This is what keeps this
place so beautiful!
To facilitate families with children, we will have our monthly Bal
Gokulam program that same morning from 10am until noon. Cindy Cleary
and Vesper Gers will have an exciting program on one of the Gods or
Goddesses planned complete with stories, coloring, chants, puja, and
yoga. This will allow the whole family to be part of this fun and very
helpful Ashram morning. For more information please call the Ashram
at 719-256-4108.
"Shakti" Workshop & Family Week
July 26 - 30
We
frequently hear and use the word "shakti" but what does it
really mean in our own personal lives and how do we cultivate it? In
the Yoga Vedanta Dictionary, shakit (also spelled sakti) is defined
as: Power, energy, force, the Divine Power of becoming, the apparent
dynamic aspect of the Eternal Being, the Absolute Power or cosmic energy.
Shakti
as energy is as big as the universe and as small as dialing the phone.
The same energy that enlivens us also creates electricity. This energy
is what causes us to want to grow and is known as shakti. This same
energy that removes the obstacles also creates the circumstances to
grow the most by creating obstacles. This is the job associated with
the son of Shiva and Shakti, Ganesh. The huge geometry of our lives
is the immense energy of waking up, which can seem like obstacles if
we stand in the way. The sweetness of shakti is indivisible from the
Guru's presence. The supreme shakti is reigning around the guru in the
sweetest form of grace.
We
are once again blessed to have Sofia Diaz leading our workshop this
year. Sofia conducts workshops and retreats around the world combining
her extensive 28 years of study in yoga philosophy, all the major modalities
of hatha yoga, classical Indian dance, and life experiences with her
keen intuition and insight. We will meet each morning from 10am until
1pm from Monday, July 26 through Thursday, July 29 with an optional
field trip to the Sand Dunes on Friday. The workshop, entitled "Shakti"
will include chanting, readings, discussions, inner exploration and
exercises, and movement. The suggested donation for the workshop is
$135 for non Samaj members and $108 for Samaj members. Some partial
scholarships are available.
Running concurrently with the workshop is our children's program from
10am until 1pm. There will be several age groups beginning with 3-years-old
and up. We are so grateful to have the support of a donor from New York
this year which will enable us to expand our groups and activities.
We are also able to help fund a family in need that would like to attend
this wonderful week.
For
those that stay at the Ashram for the Family Week, the day begins with
aarati from 7-8am, followed by breakfast. From 9-9:45am each day we
have a family meeting together to discuss how everything is going and
make the day's activities clear to all. The children then break into
their groups and the adults will go to the workshop (or karma yoga,
if they chose not to attend). We all eat together and clean up from
1-2pm. The families then take off for an afternoon field trip of swimming,
hiking, horseback riding, or other activity. We all gather back in the
temple at 6pm for aarati, chanting, and hearing the children's chant
that they learned that day. Dinner is served at about 7:30 followed
by cleanup, and then quiet time descends around 9pm. The suggested donation
for the week for adults is $135 per person and children are free.
We have already heard from families and individuals that want to attend
this special week. Since we have a limited amount of rooms in the dormitory,
please call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 or email us at info@babajiashram.org
to reserve a place as soon as possible.
Shri Babaji's Kutir
On the auspicious fifth day of Spring Navratri, the foundation for
Babaji's kutir was blessed with a puja in the presence of Shri Babaji's
Padukas and photograph. As we performed the ceremony, all of the deities
seemed to be present as the wind suddenly began to blow and big snowflakes
also fell. It is a very exciting time for the Ashram.
The next day the weather cleared allowing more work to be done on the
foundation and many of the visitors pitched in to help. With the warm
weather, the cement was able to be poured and now the framing is beginning.
As stated in the last newsletter, the first $18,000 of this $25,000
project had been donated by Shashi and Bipin Agarwal in memory of their
beautiful daughter, Yamini. During the Navratri, Shashi (who was here
for the complete nine days with her husband) had such a strong experience
of their daughter being with Babaji she decided to fund the whole project.
We are deeply grateful for their support, service, and love for the
Ashram. Bhole Baba Ki Jai!
Ongoing Support of the Ashram
With
Spring also comes the time to check all of the infrastructure of the
Ashram and make repairs and upgrades. Baba's and Mother's home keeps
expanding to serve the ever increasing number of devotees coming here
to seek spiritual nourishment. Your continual support is so deeply appreciated
so that there are always funds in place to keep this magnificent place
in excellent repair. Some of the areas that we have on our list for
upgrade and repair are the water system, battery system in the dormitory,
and roof on the greenhouse.
Please donate as you are able. You may go to our website and donate
a certain amount through Pay Pal (you can even set up a monthly tithe).
Click
Here. You can also send a check to the Ashram at P.O. Box 9, Crestone,
CO 81131 or you can call us at 719-256-4108 with a credit card number.
We want to thank you in advance for you support, love, and prayers.
We
Say Good-by to Annelou
It was very, very difficult to say good-by to our dear friend and loyal
karma yogi and Board member, Annelou. We had been weened of her constant
presence at the Ashram since she suffered a heart attack this summer
but still we will miss her so. Here is a short article written by her
shortly after her departure. To the right is a few of the folks that
attended one of the two going away lunches for her. We love you so,
Annelou, and wish you Baba's and Mother's biggest blessings on your
new life.
Leaving the Ashram and Crestone by Annelou
The
minute I discovered the Divine Mother temple twenty years ago, I began
feeling the pull to come here and be of service. It took years to actually
make the move, but I kept coming down, and each time the longing grew
stronger. I never joined the Ashram as a resident, preferring to have
my own home. There was plenty for me to to do on a part-time basis,
and karma yoga became my practice. Babaji's presence is so strong here,
one simply has to help.
Baba's lifestyle is not an easy one, however, and there was much I
had to learn. Ramloti, Jonathan and Premanand became important models
and mentors. Their dedication and devotion are extraordinary and their
support was much appreciated.
My duties varied, but I mostly enjoyed keeping the beautiful buildings
clean and inviting, especially the temple. It was such an honor to be
working there; it's the task I miss the most. Although I did not interact
with visitors much, it was rewarding to see them come for Mother's darshan
and enjoying everything the Ashram had to offer. Something very special
is created and nurtured in that temple, something we all take with us
when we return to our normal lives.
The Ashram is truly a blessed place, but after seven years, my body
is no longer able to serve. It is time for me to move to a milder climate
and lower altitude. I know where I'll be living (Portland, OR, near
one of my sons), but I have no idea what Babaji has in mind for me.
I have to trust that there is a plan. I take with me an abundance of
wonderful memories and a heart full of gratitude. Thanks everybody!
Bhole Baba Ki Jai!
Recent Events
Spring Navratri
Such a blessed and loving time our Spring Navratri was at the Ashram.
Mother, as usual, was resplendent each day in Her nine new saris. Here
are the photos from the nine days.
All of the ceremonies and festivals were harmonious and glorious with
primarily sunny, nice days. Watching the children help with the special
devi puja is so sweet.
It is wonderful to share these special nine days with so many people.
Here are short articles of the experiences from some of the folks that
spent all nine days here.
Experience
from Shashi
This was my first time to live in the Ashram for nine days for the
Navratri festival. I was blessed to be pujari for nine days. I
experienced so much love and devotion and harmony each moment. All the
rituals dedicated to Mother were the perfect picture of Hindu tradition.
The fire ceremony was so beautiful in serene nature, with many children
and adults from all colors and races. Everybody had complete surrenderedness
to God. Little children know why we offer ahuti at the fire ceremony.
The people who live at the Ashram are amazing, and inspiring to me and
to many others who come. I am blessed to have you in my life and the
world is a better place because of you. Jonathan, you are a true karma
yogi and your simplicity shows, how closely you are representing Babaji's
Love, Truth, Simplicity.
Experience
from Bipin
I got an opportunity to spend nine days at the Ashram during the Navratri
celebration. I was truly amazed to experience how well this Ashram is
integrated with the Crestone community. People with so many different
faiths walk into the Ashram and become part of it. A couple visiting
Crestone walked in, enjoyed dinner with 20 other people and loved it
so much that they came back to spend the entire next day at the Ashram
and enjoyed all the activities. It was great for me to interact with
kids, young people, and older people all at one place. I met with several
young people 20+ looking to get some meaning out of life, they all told
me that they had fulfilling experiences.
My life defining experience was to give discourse on the Srimad Devi
Bhagavatam. This is the first time I had the opportunity to speak, other
than on business, in front of so many people. I will always cherish
the experience, as well as the beautiful mountains, wild life, and meeting
amazing people at Ashram.
Experience
from Darrell Laird ~ "Wildflower"
I am Darrell Laird and I have been coming to this Babaji-Divine Mother
Ashram off and on since June, 1992 to be immersed in the beautiful Divine
energy here. Every spring and fall, Navratri (Divine Mother Festival)
is celebrated for nine days with aarati,chanting and fire ceremony,
along with other Divine readings. Also on Sunday, many, many children
attend and the Ashram distributes beautiful sacred gifts to the children.
My own experiences have been wonderful as I find the love and energy
of the three Divine people who live here full time, Ramloti, Premanand,
and Jonathan very wonderful..Also many people come for this Divine time.
Babaji was always sharing that karma yoga (selfless service to the
Divine) is essential for humanity to evolve to a higher path. That is
a wonderful part of one's time here at the Ashram, being involved in
the many projects that keep the Ashram in tip top order. I have been
involved in the building of the earthship and now the Kutir (Babaji's
room) and it is one of the highlights of my wonderful experiences coming
here.
Children's Festival Day
On
the Sunday of Navratri, we had our festival honoring the children. Over
thirty-five children were honored for the divinity they carry within
themselves so innocently.
It begins with the Navratri fire and then is followed with some chanting
and a short story about the Divine Mother. The children are then asked
a few questions about the Divine Mother, then given gifts, dressed,
and finally fed lunch.
It is always such a joy to see these children and watch the happiness
on their faces with the little gifts they receive. It is such a touching
day and very impressive how many of the children personally come and
thank us before they leave. Here are several photos of all the children
from that special day.
Hanuman's Birthday
Since
Hanuman's birthday occurs on the full-moon following Navratri (6 days
after its completion) and often on a weekday, it is never the big celebration
that it is at the Hanuman Temple in Taos. It is still a very sweet event
and we had over 35 people at the fire ceremony where we gave Hanuaman
a special bath of panchamrit (yogurt, ghee, milk, sugar, and honey).
We then proceeded to the temple with Babaji's padukas and photo and
Hanuman and sang chants to Him. The children then gathered around Hanuman
to decorate Him with flowers and to sing "Happy Birthday"
to Him.
We
all then joined in the earthship for a sumptuous Indian feast prepared
by a family from Fort Collins and some other helping hands.
In the evening more children arrived with their parents from Denver.
It was a very lovely day.
Bowling
Another fun bowling day was shared by the Ashramites and many friends.
It was a nice break after a very full Navratri and Spring busyness.
Over twenty brave souls showed up to test their skills, the youngest
was only four years-old. The scores, as usual, are not to be divulged
but some of us had to go to the Hot Springs for a soak after bowling
so poorly!
Our next bowling outing will be on Tuesday, April 20 from 1pm until
3pm at the SLV Superbowl on 1020 2nd Ave. in Monte Vista. Please join
us and remember, they offer a special deal to the more mature folks
of only $4 for shoes and all the games you can bowl. Call the Ashram
at 719-256-4108 for more information or carpooling.
Groups at the Ashram
Once
again we had several groups at the Ashram this last month.
Premanand gave a tour of the greenhouse and garden to the Shumei's
agricultural workshop. Here he is pictured leading a discussion in the
greenhouse.
The
first grade class from the Crestone Charter School came for the second
day of Navratri. After attending the fire ceremony, they joined in the
chanting in the temple, heard a story about the Divine Mother and then
had lunch in the earthship. They are always so receptive and respectful
when they come. Their teacher, Clancy, says he and the students are
so grateful to be able to participate.
On
the fifth day of Navratri the Crestone Playschool came to the fire ceremony.
They also joined in the chanting, heard a story about the Divine Mother,
and had lunch in the earthship. Even though they are only between ages
two and four, they know the ritual of the fire ceremony, love to make
the offerings, and are very respectful at the ceremony. We saw many
of the children on the seventh day of Navratri as well, for the children's
celebration.
Jonathan's and Premanand's Birthdays
March 22 and March 24 are Jonathan and Premanand's birthdays. This
year Jonathan's was on the eighth day of Spring Navratri, so we had
a big celebration. Premanand's was on the day after Navratri and he
is not one for much fanfare, so it was a quiet affair with some of his
favorite food; pizza, ice cream, and chocolate brownies! Happy birthday
to both of these loyal and steadfast karma yogis of the Ashram.
Karma Yogis at the Ashram
All of the celebrations and day-to-day Ashram maintenance would not
be possible without all of the generous people who volunteer here. No
matter how long they stay, they are always an asset, even the children
learn to help from an early age.
The last night of Navratri, we distribute gifts to all
the helpers at the Ashram. Thank you!
Ashram Children and Families
Lots of children and families this month and here are some photos of
those that graced us with their presence.
Last Month's Visitors
Last month we had several visitors. One visitor, who stayed for a month,
was Clare from England. Here is her story.
I had all sorts of preconceived ideas about ashrams before coming here,
and in the weeks leading up to my departure all my fears seemed to keep
rising up in me like waves. This resulted in me yo-yoing back and forth
between pure panic and firmly deciding not to go, to a calmness and
excitement that descended with a feeling in my heart that I must go.
Fortunately by the time I was due to leave I was mostly calm. On arriving,
any residue of concern that I had, dissolved completely in the first
few days. The place instantly felt like home.
Aside
from the peace and beauty of the landscape, one of the biggest joys
for me was the down to earth nature of the place, I had thought it might
all be a bit ‘la la’ but it was very much grounded in reality.
An important factor in this was the focus on day to day chores and getting
done what needed to be done, whilst repeating the mantra of course!
However, just by doing the simple practise of karma yoga it seemed to
me there was a transformative magic at work.
Finally what really made my month at the ashram special were the people
(residents, locals and other visitors) and the adorable children - I’ll
particularly cherish a sweet connection with Sage. The strong sense
of community and the resulting love and laughter made it a hard place
to leave. Om Namah Shivaya!
Other visitors graced us with shorter stays. We love and appreciate
them all.
Calendar for 2010
April 11 - 25 - Annual Spring Online Auction
(www.biddingforgood.com/babajiashram)
April 14 - New-moon fire ceremony at 10am
followed by a meal
April 28 - Full-moon fire ceremony at 10am
followed by a meal
May 8 - Karma Yoga Morning 9 - noon and Bal
Gokulam followed by lunch
July 24 - 25 - Annual American Samaj Weekend
July 25 - Guru Purnima Day
July 26 - 30 - Annual Family Week and Concurrent
Workshop on "Shakti" by Sofia Diaz
October 7 - 15 - Fall Navratri, the Divine
Mother Festival.
November 5 - Diwali, Festival of Lights. Fire
ceremony at 10am. Chanting at 7pm.
Maha Lakshmi Shop Report
Our
shelves are very well stocked at the Maha Lakshmi Shop. Here are a
few more new additions to the Shop. This beautiful brass murti of
Tara in a copper brass finish stands 29 inches and sells for $270.
We also have a smaller version of her (17 inches) for only $81.
These
lovely gold plated bracelets fit on every wrist because they open
in the middle. These come in pairs for $18 or individually for $9.
Finally the neclaces are 18 inch and come in a variety of semi-precious
stones. The rose quartz sells for $27 and the southwest turquoise
sells for $50.
You can check our website for many of the new items at BabajiAshram.org
and order
on line through pay pal or e-mail us at shop@babajiashram.org.
You can also always call us on our toll-free number at 866-686-4185
to order or for more information. We love to talk with you. We thank
you for all of your shop purchases as the revenue from the shop is
a huge support for the Ashram. We are open daily from 9am until 5pm.
We take Mastercard, Discover, and Visa.
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