Dear Friends,

I heard from many of you after I wrote the mid-month letter and am so grateful for all of your love and care.  Well, shortly after arriving home from my two week refresher trip to California, Rita who is our pujari four days a week, decides it is the right time for her to go to Haidakhan, India for two months!  It is interesting though, instead of falling into fear about how we would manage at the Ashram with the busyness of summer and visitors, I just laughed inside.  It was all too obvious a lila (divine orchestration) from Babaji.  First Elizabeth (who worked here three days a week) gives us notice that she will be quitting in the middle of April as she plans to move away from Crestone, then Tribhuvan suddenly leaves for four and a half months at the end of April, and then Rita leaves for two months!  That leaves Jonathan, Premanand, and I here with Deborah taking care of the kitchen three days a week. 

So what is Babaji peeling from my ego (like in this photo) and what am I gleaning from this Baba lila?  First and foremost, I believe it is a tap on my shoulder to remind me how much I both love and am nourished by being pujari in the wee hours of the morning.  Since my surgeries I have only been pujari about once a week as I regained my strength.  Now with Rita gone, I am pujari at least four times a week and really loving and appreciating it.  This quiet time with Mother and Baba and the other Gods always teaches me something new. I am even thinking of posting some of these “aha” experiences on facebook or somewhere on a regular basis.

Second, I am appreciating Jonathan and Premanand even more for the extremely loyal, hardworking, and good men that they are and have always been.  Third, I am seeing miracles happen around here more and more.  As I open to total trust in Babaji and Mother, there seems to be no limit of wonderful surprises.

Finally, I have been reading one of my favorite books, the Untethered Soul, quite often.  The night before Memorial Day weekend, I opened to the chapter called The Path ofUnconditional Happiness.  The timing was perfect since the gist of it is that life is going to happen, some easy some not so easy.  But we always have a choice whether to shut our hearts down in fear, anger, jealousy or overwhelm or to let life flow through us and stay open and happy.  Being my choice, I decided to choose happiness all weekend and it was wonderful.  Even after washing the 100th dish and speaking with the 100th guest I felt light, free and very happy.

I am so grateful to my beloved Babaji for these great lessons.

With deep love,

Ramloti

Ceremonies and Schedule

The new-moon fire ceremony this month is on Saturday, June 8 and the full-moon fire ceremony is on Sunday, June 23.  The fire ceremonies begin at 10am and are followed by a meal.  Please arrive freshly bathed, in a long skirt or pants with shoulders covered, and having fasted from grains, cereals, meat, eggs, garlic and onions.  (Fruit, yogurt, nuts, veggies and tea or coffee are fine to eat before.  Also if you have a dietary need for something more hardy before our meal at 11:30 or so, please partake.)

If you would like to participate by sponsoring a fire ceremony or a bhandara (feast), 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 - Rudraksha, Rosewood, or Tulsi Mala

$108 sponsorship - Rose Quartz Mala or a copper, silver, brass bracelet

You can make the donation online by just clicking here or by calling 719-256-4108, or by emailing the Ashram at info@BabajiAshram.org. You may also send us a check made to HUA to: P.O. Box 9, Crestone, CO 81131.

We are continually grateful for all of your support of the Ashram.

The Ashram Annual On-Line Auction Coming Soon - June 14 - 23

The Ashram annual Maha Lakshmi On-Line Auction begins in only twelve days!  It will begin on Friday, June 14 and complete on Sunday June 23.  Please look at and bid on the over 110 incredible items and tell your friends as well.  The front-end work has been done to get the items, sponsors, and website all up.  Now it is in all of your hands to make the auction a success.  Remember all of the funds go to maintain Shri Babaji’s and the Divine Mother’s home here in Crestone.

This delightful On-line auction only lasts for ten days so do not miss your opportunity to bid on items that will enhance your soul, your life, your body, and your psyche.  There are so many wonderful items this year ranging from items from Shri Babaji to magical getaways to Thailand, Brazil, India, Holland, and Florida.  There is some amazing artwork that has been donated as well as some lovely jewelry. There is an array of on-line services that can be tapped into no matter where you live as well as hot springs, massages, dining, health care, accommodations, and other wonderful things that are more around the Crestone area.

The best part is that all proceeds go to support the Ashram.  What a fun way to donate!  We are still open to receiving donations for the auction.  If you go to the website biddingforgood.com/babajiashram you can see what has already been donated and get some ideas for yourself.  You can actually make your donation right on line there or you can call Ramloti at the Ashram at 719-256-4108.  We would also love to have a few more sponsors for the auction.  Your name, business, website, and photo will appear on the website as well as the email reminders that go out to our mailing list.  You can read more about this on the auction site as well.

We have a goal to raise $12,500, please help us meet that goal.  Thank you to all who have donated so far, to our sponsors, and to all who tell others about this fun event.  Here are a few new very special items! 

Or what about this Rudraksha Mala of Shri Babaji’s from His room in Haidakhan given to the Ashram this last trip to India.  It comes with the trident from India which has received daily puja in Baba’s kutir here in Crestone.  We also have this very large and heavy Shiva Lingam which stands 11 inches high.

And look at this amazing triptych of Nataraj painted by local artist and devotee Rita Berault.

These monogramed towels were purchased for and used by Shri Muniraji during his trip to the Ashram here in 1997.  They have been kept safely since that time, hoping that he would return.  Now that he has passed on, we are offering them to some fortunate devotee.  And finally, these beautiful hand-crafted sterling sliver earrings.

There are over 110 amazing items to choose from!   This auction has become such a fun way to support the Ashram.  We are so deeply appreciative of all those that have participated in the past years.  The revenue from the auction has gone a long way to improve and maintain Baba’s and Mother’s beautiful home in the Rockies.  Remember the auction site is at:  http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/babajiashram

Shri Babaji gave us several profound practices such as: karma yoga, japa yoga, puja, and the sacred fire ceremony.  A perfect place to learn more about these practices and to perform them is at the Ashram.  Summer time here is very special and often has lovely weather and it may be a good time to come for a week or two to delve into and learn these treasures that Baba gave us.

This invitation is only for those who seriously wish to practice Shri Babaji’s teachings of daily spiritual practice; singing aarati twice a day, serving the Ashram in whatever is needed a minimum of six hours a day, and keeping a spirit of silence except for mealtime.  This would be a tremendous opportunity for learning more about the fire ceremony as well as puja.  If you feel a call to this, please read the Ashram website thoroughly at www.babajiashram.org and then you may call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 and speak to us about it.  Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

Guru Purnima Celebrations in Germany and in Crestone

Guru Purnima, the day you honor your teacher, falls on Monday, July 22.  There will be an international celebration in Rieferath, Germany from July 19 - 22.  For more information about this event go to their website at www.babajiashram.de and click on Guru Purnima on the upper right, which gives you an option for English.

At the Ashram here, we will have a paduka puja at 9am followed by the full-moon fire ceremony at 10am on Monday, July 22.  There will then be a meal served at 11am.  Call us for more information or to make a reservation at 719-256-4108 or info@babajiashram.org.

Annual American Haidakhan Samaj Meeting Weekend - July 27 - 28

The Annual American Haidakhan Samaj weekend will be held here at the Ashram on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.  There will be daily small fire ceremonies, aarati, chanting, satsang and a meeting to share ideas and inspiration on spreading Babaji’s message throughout America.  Gathering with other devotees is so full and inspiring.  Many people are already planning to come from around the world.  So mark you calendar for this weekend and call us for more information or to make a reservation at 719-256-4108 or info@babajiashram.org.

Family Week at the Ashram - July 30 - August 2

Some of you may remember Susie as an early orchestrator of our family weeks here at the Ashram.  For those that do not, she is the recipient of the San Diego Parent Educator of the Year Award and a leading expert in the fields of Communication and Relationships, with an emphasis on Family Dynamics.  Susie is a pioneer in parent education and has been leading seminars, parenting classes, instructor trainings, and teacher in-service for the past 23 years.  Susie is the founder of Indigo Village, co-founder of Peace in Your Home, and the author of, Key to Personal Freedom: How Myths Affect Our Family Lives.  She also has three grandchildren, two of whom are pictured here with her.

Susie’s most recent creation is The Joy of Parenting, which she will be sharing with us each morning during the family meeting.  She will actually be giving us different recipes each day for joyful parenting.  Here is what she says about The Joy of Parenting.  “People always ask me, ‘What's the secret to a joyful family?’ Well, it's really no secret, but think about what it takes to cook your favorite dish. Too much of one ingredient can overpower and ultimately ruin it. Too little of another can leave the dish flavorless and unfulfilling. But when you get the right balance of ingredients and you know when to use them, the result is a delicious, satisfying meal. When it comes to creating joyful families, each family will have its own recipe and distinct flavor.   But the one key ingredient that is absolutely essential to a joyful family is love. Love is where joy comes from. It's where caring, respect, and even responsibility come from. When you learn to infuse love into everything you do, including discipline, you'll be cooking up the family of your dreams.  My daily mini-talks on ‘The Joy of Parenting’ will discuss how to do just that.”

We have just had a cancellation opening up a much sought after room in the dormitory, so call soon if you wish to attend.  The days are Tuesday, July 30 through Friday, August 2.  Each day is full of wonderful events including a workshop by Sofia Diaz for the adults while the children are doing kid-friendly projects in the Kids’ workshop.  Read below for more information about her workshop.

We also have a generous donor who is willing to help a family to attend that may not be able to due to financial shortages.  Please call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 or email us at info@babajiashram.org to make reservations, ask questions or discuss some financial help. 

The Divine Mother as Fullness of Witness & Luminous Emptiness

Workshop with Sofia Diaz - July 30 - August 2

Can we sit in the stillness of grace in order to find our next action?  The Mother’s beauty is such a freely given gift.  Can we receive it at the core to shine it to others even as we worry about life’s details?  The yoga of receiving love has a very soft center.  Wordlessness is our greatest replenishment.  May we dance the feeling of Her reflection to us.

What would happen if we left our mind at the door and only saw and felt from the eyes of our heart?  Sometimes to fall into stillness is perfection and sometimes to dance wildly is the only way.  Make every comma, period, and exclamation point of our workshop be a vow to Her!

This workshop will explore these areas and give simple techniques for coming into the space of luminous emptiness.  It will be from 10am until 1pm in the kirtan hall of the Ashram and an experience that you will treasure always.  Your children can attend the concurrent children’s program so that you will be free to take the workshop.  We ask a donation of $108 and some partial scholarships are available.  (The children’s program is a gift from the Ashram for our children).  Call 719-256-4108 or email us at info@babajiashram.org for more information or to make a reservation.  

Much focus has been on the preparation and planting of the garden and greenhouse.  It is wonderful to be harvesting carrots, lettuce, collard greens, kale, parsley, cilantro, radishes, basil, spinach, and lots of flowers for the temple from the greenhouse.

We look forward to the harvest in the garden. 

With all of the warm-weather crowds, cooking and clean up has also been another big activity at the Ashram.

Two families visiting on the weekend stayed all morning helping us.  In just a few hours we had a lovely meal prepared, a new pillow and covers for Babaji’s Padukas in the temple, rice sorted for the puja, and even a beautiful walk up to the creek to see Maha Laksmi.  It is amazing what some dedicated helpers can accomplish in a short time. 

We have some projects ahead of us, such as replacing a window in the northeast dorm room, building new covers for the small havan, repairs and additions to the pujari room, some repainting, and sealing all the skylights.  We have some great karma yogis coming at the beginning of this month so we hope to get a lot accomplished.

We are so grateful to all of the those who can come and help at the Ashram and to all of you that help make these projects possible by your financial donations.  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) to 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 for your support, love and prayers.

The Camino de Crestone

 

William Howell, founder of Sanctuary House, has been inspired to create a wonderful experience in Crestone for spiritual pilgrims.  Here is what he says about it.  “I am speaking of the world's first authentic interfaith pilgrimage.  It happens in Crestone, Colorado.  The Camino de Crestone begins this summer (June through September) in the international village in which I live at the foot of sacred mountains.  Crestone is unique: Nearby are stupas and zendos, ashrams, a Carmelite monastery, a Suft tekke, Buddhist retreats, centers for sacred dance and voice, not to mention medicine wheels and sweat lodges, plus the labyrinth of Chartres in its exact dimensions.  The holiest mountains in the world—Crestone Peak (14294') for the Hopi and Mt. Blanca (14,345') for the Navajo—overlook the Camino de Crestone, a true place of power.  One Native elder sighted as proof the heaven (wind) and earth (sand) merging in the Great Sand Dunes visible to the south.  

Pilgrims on the Camino will visit 15 spiritual centers in a week's time, and be beneficiaries of numerous programs and participations that will help add a fine measure of unity to the obvious diversity of our spiritual/religious traditions.  The Camino de Crestone will draw pilgrims from around the globe and be a significant step for world harmony and peace.” 

For more information go to www.caminodecrestone.com, where all the details reside.

While in India in March I met a man, Peter Levie who was inspired by Babaji to set up a network of spiritually inspired schools. This is some information that I took from his website at: www.babajisschools.com.

“Theses schools will offer a holistic education that provide the necessary space and experience to equip children for their outer and inner life.  The day will begin with a period of meditation or silent reflection and will then turn to academic learning.  Through self-discipline and loving understanding children are encouraged to seek academic excellence.  Children are provided with a range of subjects.

The comprehensive pastoral care system ensures each child’s development is overseen with care and diligence.  These formative years of development affect the rest of our adult life and are seen as vital to our success and happiness.  We encourage the expression of love in all that we do, believing this to be the foundation and life from which everything springs.”

For more information about the schools go to :www.babajisschools.com

Recent Events

Annie Reiter accompanied us to India this last year and she loved the whole experience.  She asked us to come and do a blessing of her home in Cardiff, CA.  Her husband, Thomas and children, Landen and Ava were all very happy to have a fire ceremony at their new home.  It was a lovely day and about 18 people attended.  We pray that Babaji and the Divine Mother bless their lives and their home.

Nirmal and Indira Sharma’s New Home

It was lovely to visit Nirmal and Indira while I was in the Bay area with my family.  They have purchased a lovely top-story condo in Freemont, CA overlooking the rolling hills and trees. Somehow going up to their place reminded me of being at devotees’ homes in Bombay where Shri Babaji would visit.  So often they were in tall buildings and once you arrived, you forgot the hustle and bustle of the city below.

It is a wonderful space they have created with altars in every corner.   We had a powerful fire ceremony on their balcony and some kirtan inside.   They have been such strong supporters and loyal friends of the Ashram over the years that it is always a joy to see them.  We pray that Mother’s and Baba’s blessings be abundant in their lives.

Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

Chanting Evening, Potluck & Fundraiser in Colorado Springs

Friday, May 17 at 6:30pm

Memorial Day Weekend and more Visitors

Memorial Day weekend is always huge and true to form, the rooms were booked weeks in advance for this first three-day weekend of the warm season.  There must have been two hundred folks that came to the Ashram on the weekend.  It was wild and wonderful too.

We have also had many other visitors this month who came for our fire ceremonies, overnights, and temple visit.  We are enriched by the love and devotion of all of you.  Thank you for coming.

Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

Shumei International Institute’s Eleventh Anniversary

Each year we attend the wonderful ceremonies held at our very friendly and loving neighbors, the Shumeis.  Originally from Japan, many of the members and employees are Japanese, which gives us a lots of opportunities to share a different culture.  Their mission is promoting spiritual growth through interfaith activities, the practice of natural agriculture, and the sponsorship of cultural events.  For more information about these special folks go to:  www.shumeicrestone.org/‎

Calendar for 2013

June 14 - 23 - Annual On-Line fund raiser Auction.  Go to http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=babajiashram to view items so far.

July 22 - Guru Purnima

July 27 - 28 - Annual American Haidakhan Samaj Weekend and Meeting.

July 30 - August 2 -  Annual Family Week w/ concurrent Sofia Diaz Workshop.

October - 4 - 12 - Fall Navratri - Divine Mother Festival with daily fire ceremonies, pujas, discourses, reading, chanting and other  ceremonies.

November 3 - Diwali, Festival of Lights.

Maha Lakshmi Shop Report

We have also recently added a digital copy of our aarati CD as sung here in Crestone now available for digital download.

Go to htt://mahalakshmishop.wazala.com to order all of these on line, or call the Ashram at 719-256-4108. We also can take orders over the phone, so just call us at 719-256-4108 (every day from 10am until 5pm Mountain Time) with your order, any questions and a credit card number (Visa, Mastercard or Discover).  It is really nice to connect in this way. We love to talk to you.  

The Shop is a major supporter of the Ashram, so we deeply appreciate your patronage.

Maha Lakshmi Mata Ki Jai!