As I write this in the early hours of the New Years Day I am still very taken by the dream I had last night about the fire ceremony. I had been asking for guidance from Shri Babaji for writing this newsletter message as not much inspiration about it yet. Actually, it has been a somewhat trying month at the Ashram with unusual long spells of gray weather and now below freezing temperatures. The lack of sun is the most difficult since we are totally off the grid and the photovoltaic systems in all of the buildings are having a difficult time. Meanwhile amidst other reports from around the world of unusual weather (mostly freezing) reeking havoc on countries, we receive the following New Year’s messages from Shri Muniraji and Raghuvir.
“Dear Bothers and Sister, 2010 has passed, and it did not go unnoticed. There is no need to spell out the turmoil in the world or the personal burden time has presented us. Let it be clear to us to create more Divine harmony in our lives as this will lighten the weight and soften the edges of the suffering that samsara is showering us with at this point in time.
“The Divine is here and it takes just some effort, a true invitation on our side, to make this happen. It is by surrendering to the Divine, ‘Thy will be done’, by accepting that which is given to us without wishing for more or for it to be different, then the Divine miracle takes place. Shri Babaji will be with us all the way and has given us the tools. With such great fortune we can but just sing His praise. Bhole Baba Ki Jai! May all find Divine harmony in 2011, Raghuvir”
So the world reality is still needing a lot of courage and faith to work through and this is also reflected in the many talks that Baba gave about these coming times, trusting in our spiritual path to bring us through this time of darkness. And how long will this take. Well on a personal level, I believe it has a lot to do with us, and our commitment to our spiritual practice. I am working on an old laptop and the time and date often go haywire when not in use. As I moved the years from 1969 to 2011, I thought how quickly time flies, our very shortened life spans in this Kali Yuga are not even a blink of the eye in the cosmic time. In the Shri Devi Bhagavatam and all the scriptures of India, there are stories after stories of people meditating and doing other spiritual practice for thousands of years. Our reality is generally very narrowly focused on this world of Maha Maya (illusion) and we fail to see the larger picture or put this into perspective.
So now back to my dream. I had just completed a fire ceremony workshop and one of the students wanted to do a small fire ceremony on his own. I helped him set everything up and as it was about to begin, I noticed many long-time devotees, who themselves had been performing the fire ceremony for years, arriving for the ceremony. I was surprised and wondering if he would remember the rituals and mantras with so many others attending. Then Shri Ganesh, Hanuman and other Gods and Goddesses were also arriving and then finally I felt that even Shri Babaji would be there! I think the excitement of all of that woke me up. I then spent time in a meditative state making sense of this very strong experience and here is what is coming to me.
Our prayers, rituals and most of all our faith allows us to live in the world of the Divine at the same time as we are dwelling in the world of Maha Maya. The dream showed me that even the most simple act of faith and devotion is so powerful that even the Gods and rishis (Baba said many of the old time devotees were rishis in their last lives) attend these. I truly believe that we can feel and even see these things when we really focus on our faith and love. I am so looking forward to exploring this dream and all of the many dreams I have been hearing about Babaji at the workshop in Florida on Makar Sankrant weekend. That coupled with all of the other Baba activities, is plenty of momentum to propel us into altered states of consciousness (or shall I say our true reality) for an extended period of time. My prayer is that we can then continue to touch into this space and see the Divine at play around us at all times. See you soon.
A blessed New Year to all,
Ramloti
This Month’s Fire Ceremonies and Schedule
The new-moon fire ceremony this month is on Tuesday, January 4 and the full-moon fire ceremony is on Wednesday, January 19. The fire ceremonies begin at 10:08 am and are followed by a meal. Our evening aarati is at 6pm and morning aarati is at 8am for the winter with a paduka puja in Shri Babaji’s kutir each morning at 7:40am. Lunch is served at about 1pm. The Maha Lakshmi Shop is open every day from 10am until 5pm.
$27 sponsorship - Copper, brass, nickel Om Namah Shivaya bracelet
$54 sponsorship - Rose Quartz, Rosewood, Garnet or Tulsi Mala
$108 sponsorship - Rudraksha Mala or Crystal Mala or Copper, silver, brass bracelet
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 of the Ashram.
Atlanta & Florida Hermitage Fundraisers Jan 7, 9 & 16
It will be great to be together and look forward to seeing those that live in the areas at these events of chanting and fire ceremonies. There will be images of the hermitage project and its progress will be discussed and all money raised will go to the hermitage building fund. The programs will be at the following locations. When we come together at these gatherings, Baba is so with us.
Sunday, January 9 at 7pm - Dr. Bob Walsh’s at 1501 S.W. 52nd Terrace, Plantation, FL 33317. Call 954-873-8083 for more information.
On Sunday morning, January 16 at 9am, we will perform a a fire ceremony at Harmony House in Delray Beach, FL followed by aarati, chanting and a potluck vegetarian brunch. Call 561-274-0883 for more information and directions.
Sunday evening, January 16 at 7pm we will gather at Transformational Studies Institute at 108 Intracoastal Point Dr. Jupiter, FL. For more information and directions call 561-744-9123 ex. 2.
Fire Ceremony Workshop in Hollywood, FL - Thursday, Jan. 13
This is already very full. Call (954-924-0408) and we can see if we can make more room for you.
Makar Sankrant Bath & Aarati Study in Hollywood, FL - Fri., Jan. 14
Shashi and Bipin Agarwal, who were born and raised in Northern India and have a deep connection to Babaji (they even built this temple to Him in Shashi’s village) will be joining Ramloti for this special few hours in the afternoon. It will complete in plenty of time to get ready for the dream workshop (read below). For directions or any questions, please call Ros at 954-924-0408.
Dreaming and Embodying the Divine Dance
with Sofia Diaz & Elaine Heroux - Jan. 14 - 16
Seems as if many people are dreaming about Shri Babaji and this will be a great opportunity to discover more of the significance. The workshop will be from 6pm until 9pm on Friday and from 9am until 9pm (with lunch and dinner breaks) on Saturday in Ft Lauderdale, FL. The workshop attendees will join in the Fire Ceremony and chanting in Delray Beach on Sunday morning for the culmination of the workshop. The suggested donation for the workshop is $108 for Samaj members and $135 for non-Samaj members, if you register ahead of time. For those who register that evening, it will be $150 if there is still space available. Reasonable priced lodging is available in the area. All proceeds will go to support the work of spreading Shri Babaji’s message through the American Haidakhan Samaj. For more information call Elaine at 561-277-8326 and leave a message.
Bringing Baba and Mother’s energy to the West coast, we will have a chanting evening at Indigo Village in Encinitas on Sunday evening, January 30 at 6pm.
Indigo Village, which is dedicated to bringing word peace through supporting families, is located at 1054 2nd St., Suite B, Encinitas, CA 92024. For more information call 719-480-5514.
Mahasamadhi Fire Ceremony in El Sobrante, CA - Sunday, Feb. 13
Ramloti will be joining Saradambe and Dharma Devi for a fire ceremony, aarati and potluck commemorating the Maha Samadhi of Shri Babaji, who left His physical body on February 14, 1984.
This will take place on Sunday, February 13 at 10am. The address is 4669 Elmwood Road, El Sobrante, CA. 94803. Please RSVP at 510-758-7725 if you plan to attend and to get directions.
It is always a joyful gathering so we hope you can attend on this very special day honoring Shri Babaji.
Chanting and Fundraisers with Ramloti in Thornton, CO (February 26) and in Colorado Springs (February 27)
It is a pleasure to announce two more fundraising and chanting gatherings. This time they are in Thornton and Colorado Springs.
Monika and Sumit Celly will host a similar gathering in their home on Sunday, February 27 at 12 noon followed by a meal. Their address is 2840 Helnsdale Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920. You may call them at 719-533-1579 for more information and directions.
It is such a joy to join with both of these families again. The last gatherings were so full of devotion, love and shakti that they left lasting memories in the heart and soul. All are welcome.
That special night that many look forward to all year round is just around the corner. The good news is that it falls on a weekend this year. We will begin our all-night chanting on Friday night at 10pm and continue until 4am. We will then take a break until aarati at 7am, fire ceremony at 10am and a feast at about 11am.
Shivaratri is said to be the night that Lord Shiva’s energy is most present on the earth. If the last many, many years is any indication of this, His energy has certainly been strongly felt on this night with non-stop music, pujas, drumming, dancing and chants to Him.
For more information or to make a reservation email us at info@babajiashram.org. Om Namah Shivaya!
The Hermitages for Jonathan, Ramloti and Premanand
We ask each of you to look into your hearts and see what this Ashram means to you and to please donate as you are able. You may go to our website and donate through PayPal (you can even set up a monthly tithe). You can also send a check made out to HUA but designated for the hermitages 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 your support, love and prayers. Together, with Baba’s grace, we can make this happen!
Annual On-Line Auction Hermitage Fundraiser - April 8 - 17
We have decided to begin the annual on-line auction this year on the 6th day of Spring Navratri (which honors Maha Lakshmi) and complete it on Hanuman’s birthday. That puts the beginning date at Friday, April 8 and it will end on Sunday, April 17. We deeply appreciate all those who have already responded with auction items and sponsor support. If you have not done so yet, you can view the auction at http://www.biddingforgood.com/babajiashram and maybe get some ideas of what you might donate or other ways to participate in the fun. You can call Ramloti at 719-480-5514 or email her at info@babajiashram.org and she can help you upload your item. Thank you for all your support. All money raised will support the hermitage building. Here are a few of the 130 items already donated:
International News
A very full quarterly publication of the centers and Ashrams around the world is organized by Rob and Gaby in Oxford, England. Go to the page below and scroll down to click on the link. (Sorry, by mistake, our article was not included this time.)
We have also received word that the International Guru Purnima celebration will be in Moscow, Russia from July 14 - 18. The latest news will probably soon appear on the website above.
Spring Navratri - Sunday, April 3 - Monday, April 11
It is not too early to begin planning to honor the Mother for Her nine special days in Spring. Here is part of some our daily readings which seem very appropriate for these time. Email soon if you would like us to reserve you a room at info@babajiashram.org.
“High waves of fear fill this ocean of life, the night of illusion has left me bewildered.
I pray to you Mother Durga, be pleased, save me, O Mother Queen of the World.
In the midst of this sea of transient existence, O Mother, no-one but you can protect me.
O Queen of this World, I pray to you save me! O help me, O help me to cross this great sea.
You are my dear Mother, full of compassion.
I am your child in distress, O Mother bless me with ardent devotion.
O Queen of Queens, raising the kingdoms, All-present protectress of the Three Worlds.
To your tender lotus-feet let me surrender, be pleased, I bow to you, Mother of All.
Sovereign Supreme, reigning victorious over the foe, by all spheres you are worshipped, Consort of Shiva. You shower nectar of Grace, O world Mother, be pleased, obeisance to you.
Your graceful beauty has no comparison, you bring across the endless ocean of change.
You live in the heart-lotus cave of Munindra, we greet you, O Durga Destroyer of Sins.
Your Form is bliss, the Force of light of awareness, the knowledge of silence, of the Absolute Brahman. Your Form is the Guru, full of compassion, we bow to you Devi, Queen of the World.
Forever protect me, Support of the World, you are the True Source of all life.
You heal the disease of birth in samsara, praise to you, Mother of Haidakakhand.
Karma Yoga and Maintenance at the Ashram
Here is a paragraph from one of the college students, Melinda from California.
Recent Events
A Beautiful Christmas
Bowling!
Our Children, Families and Visitors
Calendar for 2011
January 7 - Hermitage Construction Fundraiser in Atlanta, GA. Call - 404-320-1038.
January 9 - Hermitage Construction Fundraiser in Plantation, FL. Call - 954-873-8083.
January 13 - Fire Ceremony Workshop w/ Ramloti in Hollywood, FL. Call - 954-924-0408.
January 14 - Makar Sankrant Bath and aarati at noon in Hollywood, FL. Call - 954-924-0408.
January 14 - 16 - Workshop with Sofia Diaz & Elaine Heroux in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. (Ends with fire ceremony and chanting in Delray Beach Jan. 16th morning.) Call - 561-277-8326.
January 16 - Fire Ceremony, aarati, chanting and satsang followed by a potluck brunch at 9am. Located at Harmony House, in Delray Beach, FL. Call - 561-274-0883.
January 16 - Chanting, puja and presentation at Transformational Studies Institute in Jupiter, FL. at 7pm. Call - 561-744-9123.
January 30 - Chanting with Ramloti at Indigo Village in Encinitas, CA. Call 719-480-5514.
February 13 - Maha Samadhi Fire Ceremony at 4669 Elmwood Road, El Sobrante, CA.94803. Please RSVP at 510-758-7725.
February 26 - Chanting with Ramloti in Thornton (Brighton), CO. Call 720-250-6325.
February 27 - Chanting with Ramloti in Colorado Springs. Call 719-533-1579.
March 4 - Maha Shivaratri with all-night chanting.
April 3 - 11 - Spring Navratri, the Divine Mother Festival.
July 14 - Guru Purnima Day
July 23 - 24 - Annual American Samaj Weekend.
July 26 - 29 - Annual Family Week and Concurrent Workshop.
September 27 - October 5 - Fall Navratri, the Divine Mother Festival.
October 26 - Diwali, Festival of Lights. Fire ceremony at 10am. Chanting at 7pm.
Maha Lakshmi Shop Report
You may view the book and most of our other items at www.shop.babajiashram.org/ You may also call us at 719-256-4108 with questions or to place an order. We love to talk with you. We accept visa, mastercard or discover. The Maha Lakshmi Shop is open everyday from 10am until 5pm.
The Shop is a major support of the Ashram, so we deeply appreciate your patronage.
Maha Lakshmi Mata Ki Jai!
