Ashram Residency
There are currently three long term residents at the Ashram; Ramloti, Premand, and Jonathan. To read each of their experiences about coming to the Ashram or meeting Shri Babaji, click on their names; Ramloti, Premanand, and Jonathan. Those that have visited the Ashram would remember them since they have been here for many years. Why do they live and serve here? Shri Babaji's strongly urged us to practice karma yoga which is selfless service offered to the Divine. To practice this at Shri Babaji's and the Divine Mother's home here in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado is extremely meaningful. Each one of them plays a part in creating and maintaining this special place that has served thousands of people who are seeking spiritual growth and refuge. What good fortune to be able to live and serve this way.
Would You Like to Serve?
With the Ashram continuing to grow, it seems to be time to have one or two more full-time residents living here. Jonathan, Premanand, and Ramloti wear several hats here and they are all willing to share some with the right person or persons. Some of these hats would be maintenance person, pujari, shop manager, administrative assistant, and web master. Before giving the job description of each of the positions, let us first consider the basic qualifications for a long-term resident at the Ashram.
First of all the person needs to have established a relationship with the Ashram. This can be accomplished by a few visits of a week or so. This gives everyone time to consider how living together would be. The qualities that make a good fit is a sincere desire to serve, a generosity of spirit, a sense of humor, a willingness to take on any task at any time that is needed, a willingness to share your feelings and take advise, and a deep faith and commitment to Shri Babaji and His teachings of truth, simplicity, love, and service to all of humankind. Excellent health and a strong body are also important here since we live in a rugged climate, work hard and the Ashram is located at an altitude of 8,500 feet. The nearest hospital is an hour away in Alamosa, as are most medical doctors.
Financial arrangements are as follows: One should expect to make the suggested donation of $324 for the first month at the Ashram. If all goes well, board and room are provided with no donation expected for the next two months. After three months, the new resident is eligible to receive a small monthly stipend along with board and room. The food served at the Ashram is all organic, vegetarian, and a raw diet is also possible if one desires. The accommodations vary with the time of the year from a private room in the beautiful straw-bale adobe dorm to shared space with other residents, perhaps even on the floor in the yurt. A married couple could also be considered.
Everyone at the Ashram does just about everything from cooking, cleaning, weeding, tending the Shop, sweeping and shoveling snow, taking care of visitors, and helping in the temple, however there is also some specialization. Job descriptions are as follows:
Maintenance Person - Handy at repairs of all kind, a general knowledge of solar, plumbing, electricity, and construction.
Pujari - A willingness to rise early and learn to awaken, bathe, dress, and decorate the Divine Mother and other murtis in the temple. Must be very sincere, devoted, and focused on the duty and have a good eye for color and balance.
Shop Manager - Some experience in running a retail store. Duties would include ordering products, pricing, display, organization, and keeping the on-line shop up to date. Basic computer knowledge (preferably Macintosh) would be helpful.
Administrative Assistant - Help with the management of the Ashram. Skills needed would be good telephone presence, organizational and management skills, typing and computer knowledge.
Web Master - Maintain and enhance the Ashram website. Must have solid computer skills (preferably Macintosh), must be careful and methodical and a good speller.
Living at the Ashram is both a great blessing with many joys and also a challenging life of service. As most of you know, the Ashram is located in one of the most beautiful places in the world on 101 acres of pristine land with a creek running through it providing our delicious water supply. If you feel you can be of service to the Ashram, please call or email us for more information at 719-256-4108 orinfo@BabajiAshram.org. The following are some excerpts from people who have stayed at the Ashram for periods of time or who visit frequently.
Haidakhani Ashram Experience, Colorado Style by Madhuri |
| Posted by Ramloti (ramloti) on Feb 22 2010 |
Usually I spend some winter months at Haidakhan Headquarters in Northern India. This year Babaji put me here. I was planning to spend the winter in Costa Rica, but somehow I am doing my usual Ashram stint here. First, I must say, I so appreciate the hard work, faith and courage that the devotees put into this place, surely they started in the mid-1980s with just a piece of mountainside. Now there are beautiful and simple buildings to make everyone’s stay comfortable. Certainly, easier on the body then staying the winter in Haidakhan Vishva Mahadham in India.
Being a die-hard Shiva/Kali worshipper, and remembering old, old temples from a past life, it often comes as a surprise to find myself in this new, clean, beautiful temple with the wonderful Murti of Haidakhandeswari. The Mother here is visited by many Indian people who worship her as Maha Lakshmi. It is a novelty to me to worship in a Lakshmi temple. Sure, I am hoping the blessings will stick to me a little, if She pleases! It has been a highlight of my experience to live here on the mountain overlooking the desert below. My soggy (after 30 years in Ireland) old bones like to soak up the dryness and the daily bright sunlight. Before morning aarati I read some books on yoga and some Sanskrit, which is still sacred “diplococcoid” for me. However, I still persist. I love it so much! (I need translations, of course!) Then, I sit outside to witness the first sunlight lighting up the distant and snow capped mountains. Sometimes, the sunrise has the added bonus of the moon setting. Spectacular! I bundle up in warm clothing because of the snow that is always on the ground here!
Then, off to the temple for some japa before aarati. Aarati two times a day charges and purifies my energy body. The twice monthly fire ceremony is also a major highlight, bringing Babaji’s padhuka’s to the Dhuni and back with blowing of conch shells, ringing of bells, and sounding the damaru. Everyone joins in whole heartedly. How blessed are the local people and even the small school children, to be able to participate! Then there is karma yoga, an inspiring concept. This is the kind of yoga that will save the planet and your soul, so I suggest that everyone please join in where ever you may be!
If you have never been here before, I recommend you come and experience the spiritual practice and the blessings of walking the path of yoga. If you have visited before, I imagine you would like to come back some time soon. I am grateful to Bhole Babaji and all the people who have been inspired by Him to establish this beautiful ashram and to all the devotees doing this work elsewhere. Bhole Baba hi Jai! Love to all!
Last changed: Feb 22 2010 at 11:48 PM
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