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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.

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.

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. 

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.