Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Newsletter
 
 



                                                                                                                                                         www.babajiashram.org





Dear Friends,


It is often challenging writing this message because there are so many moments in the course of the month that I want to share the deep feelings and events that move me to my core.  This will be somewhat alleviated soon as we are working on a new website that will have a blog on it that I can write on and post pictures on more often.  We will send out an announcement with the new web address when that is ready, probably later this month.


In the meantime let me speak about some of my moments if I can capture the energy again.  For sure the weekend that I was in the Denver area and Ft. Collins was momentous.  Each place I visited the people were so excited to receive Shri Babaji’s padukas and the preparations were all done to perfection.  This reminded me of when Shri Babaji would visit homes in India and the immense detail taken on every aspect of His Divine visit.  During this time we would make aarati to His person as shown in this photo from 1982.


Many people that attended the events told me how much they look forward to the visit of Shri Babaji’s padukas to their area so that they could have His darshan.  Most, of course have either been to the temple here in Crestone or for sure come after the high energy chanting that we do together.  It is such a blessing that my life has turned into being an emissary of Shri Babaji and the Divine Mother.  I do not know what I did in my past to deserve this great honor but I am deeply grateful. 


I next headed to San Diego to see my five grandchildren and my great niece.  Here I am saturated in love and joy to be with my beloved family, once again I feel so blessed to have them all in my life.  What I wanted to share here is that I do a fire ceremony everyday that I am in California knowing the great need there is for rain there and that Shri Babaji said specifically that is the havan that brings rain.  I love that my grandchildren have grown up with this ceremony and the joy of watching them offer the samagri to the fire is beyond words.  Of course, as Baba would have it, the day before I flew, Ajay and Sabina’s friends gave a large box of gently used children’s dresses to me.  Well I found the perfect ones for Avery Rose and Avalon, and they could not wait each morning for the firemomy, as they call it, so they could put on their dresses.  What bliss!  (P.S. it did rain most of the days I was in San Diego.)


Finally I want to speak about our young adults that come to the Ashram.  First of all there is our 16-year old Kailou Cleary who moved back to Colorado from Mumbai, India where his parents are teaching at an American School.  The teaching style there was just not matching his more experiential style of learning and so he wanting to attend a boarding school in either Durango or Estes Park.  The semesters did not line up well, so he decided to spend a month or two at the Ashram here until his family comes back for the summer and he begins school in fall.  Each day he has been here (about a month) I am impressed.  Today, as he prepared the lunch, since Jessica has already left for her wedding, he was so pleased that he now knew how to cook so well.  He told me he thought he had learned more this month, particularly practical skills, than he had learned all year at school.  A few days ago when we had a group of Colorado College students (who were also exceptional, read about them under the Spiritual Alliance Report) here for aarti, fire ceremony, breakfast, and discussion; Kailou spoke with so much depth and poise about his time at the Ashram and his beliefs, I was touched.


I must also say that having Kailou here really speaks of the advantage of being raised in a great family that shares responsibility, adventure, and kindness with one another.  He is punctual and never misses paduka puja and morning and evening aarati. He often asks, “What else would you like me to do for karma yoga?”  Today he suggested that he vacuum the temple because he felt it needed it.  Each morning he does his list of chores like emptying the trash and compost, checking for clean glasses in the temple, putting around flowers for morning puja, opening the shades in the dormitory, keeping on top of the laundry and cleaning of the dorm, and several other things.  When I see all of this I think to myself, “Great job Thomas and Cindy, you have raised a very wonderful son.”  Here is a photo of the family from many years ago at an Ashram fire ceremony.
   


In Truth, Simplicity, and Love,

Ramloti




Ceremonies and Schedule


The full-moon fire ceremony this month is on Sunday, May 3 and the new-moon fire ceremony is on Sunday, May 17.  The fire ceremonies begin at 10am and are followed by a meal. Please arrive ten minutes early, 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 hearty before our meal at 11:30 or so, please partake.                                                    


Our evening aarati is at 6pm and morning aarati is at 7am, with a paduka puja in Shri Babaji’s kutir at 6:30am.  Lunch is served at about 12:30pm, and we invite you to join us. (Call if you are a group or have special dietary needs.) The Maha Lakshmi Shop is open every day from 10am until 5pm.


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 if you request. 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 Om Haidakhandi 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.




Do You have Contacts in Delhi, India that Could Help Soon with Organizing Cargo of Tarps and Other Needed Items for Nepal?


The Ashram just received a phone call asking for support in connecting with a person or persons in Delhi that would be willing to help organize cargo for a delivery to Nepal soon.  If you can help please contact Nayla Tawa on Facebook or email her at Naylanator@gmail.com.  Thank you in advance for your help and we are constantly praying for the people there. 


We have received news that both of the Babaji Ashrams, Haidakhan and Chilanaula, that are near the Nepal border are safe and have not had any damage.  Bhole Baba Ki Jai!




The Last Few Days of the 7th Annual On-Line Auction - It Ends at 10:08pm ET on Sunday, May 3!


The 7th Annual on-Line Auction is doing pretty well, but we still have a good ways to go in these last two full days. Our goal  is to reach last year’s amount of $12,000.  As of this moment we have raised $8,377 and we are grateful for all who have placed their bids so far and spread the word about the auction to others.  But we still have about 59% of our items with no bids.  There are many incredible items that are still waiting to be won by those that would like to support the Ashram in this fun way.  I will display some of those items but along with that are still massages, hot springs passes, bed and breakfast, counseling, and yummy food items to be gotten at half of their normal values. 


For the last six years the Ashram has raised a large amount of its yearly operating budget through this amazing on-line auction.  We are tremendously grateful for all who have donated items, became sponsors, and bid on the items.  Each person has been a part of the great success.  It is such a fun way to support the Ashram.


The bidding will end this Sunday at 10:08pm ET, so check out the 122 items remaining ranging from the wonderful to the sublime at www.BiddingforGood.com/babajiashram to see all the amazing and new items.  This year we have put a buy now price on many items for those of you who do not want to play the bidding game.  That is why the amount of available items goes down but we have also been putting new items up as well. 


When we work together, magical things happen.  By Baba and Mother’s grace and all of your support we have consistently raised about $12,000 each year.  Let’s see if we can work together again and perhaps we can even do better this year.



Here are some items that have no bids on them yet. Just go to www.BiddingforGood.com/babajiashram to find out more or place your bid.


This beautiful Tibetian Thangka of "1,000 armed Avelokateshvara".  These represent the arms of compassion.  The opening bid on this beautiful and in perfect shape 36”x46” silk thangka is only $195 and you will find it under the home section.




Rita Bearult’s lovely artitst proof with hand ornamentation of our own Divine Mother here in the temple, Haidkahandeswari.  This 14”x11’ beauty has an opening bid of only $108.





This set of sparkling rhinestone jewelry from the Divine Mother would be lovely for your murti or your own wearing knowing that you were carrying the blessings of Ma.  This item’s opening bid is only $36.






J.D. Marston’s original archival fine prints which are matted and mounted to archival museum standards have become collector’s items as this darkroom process of developing fine prints no longer exists for JD..  These fine prints, which are mounted and matted to 16” x 20” and beautifully framed, are masterpieces from the Ansel Adams Award winning photographer and have opening bids of only $350.


Finally we have this exquisite emerald green velvet wall hanging with Shri Babaji’s Om Namah Shivaya embroidered on it in gold.  Bought in Haidakhan this 44” x 34” rich piece that would look amazing behind you altar or on any wall and has a beginning bid at only $72 and you can find it under devotional items.



Summer Programs


The weather is warm and preparations are beginning for our summer programs.  The first is the Annual Samaj Weekend which will be on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19.  This is a great time of inspiration and idea sharing for how our Samaj can touch the lives of more people.  We invite you to come for a special weekend.  The annual meeting will be at 3pm on Saturday.  For more information about the American Haidakhan Samaj go to www.babajisamaj.us




Two days after that weekend we will begin our annual Family Camp from Tuesday, July 21 through Friday, July 25. 


This is always such a special time together and it includes a concurrent workshop for adults with Sofia Diaz (the theme this year is “Puja, Touching Love”) from 10am until 1pm each day while the children are doing the Kids’ Program.


We still have a couple of rooms available but they fill up quick so call us to confirm at 719-256-4108 or email us at info@babajiashram.org.









Even though it is not really a summer event, it is never too early to have you mark your calendars for the amazing extravaganza weekend gathering at the Movie Manor in Monte Vista, CO on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25.  Those that attended last year were thrilled with the shakti, love, and beauty of the whole setting.  They even built a havan kund, which still remains on the grounds for a huge fire ceremony on the Sunday morning.  For more information email us at info@babajiashram.org.




Meet our Board Member, Sastry Jayanti


“I moved to the San Luis valley from Michigan to work at Colorado State University Research Center. I do research on the most favorite American vegetable and the world’s largest consumed vegetable “potato”. My research is on nutritional improvement and long term storage of potato.


“I along with my lovely wife Bhargavi and two boys Chinmay and Adhvay live in Alamosa. I never expected that a spiritual place practicing Sanatan Dharma will be so close to the valley or in the valley. I am fascinated with Ramloti, Jonathan and Premanand for their dedication to the Ashram and living the life of a karma yogi.


“We feel blessed to be part of the Haidahand Ashram community. Whenever we visit the Ashram, we are mesmerized by the beauty of the Ma and find peace and solace in the temple. Each and every time we visit the ashram my boys love to trek to the creek and offer Jal (water) to the Goddess Maha Lakshmi who over looks and blesses the land and water system.


“I first visited the Ashram in May 2006 and ever since I got attached to this place. It is an honor to serve on the Ashram board for last 5 years. In a way I sense this is my karma yoga and feel blessed to serve in that role.


“Even though I never had chance to visit Baba’s Ashram in India, but Baba's teachings on truth, simplicity and love are the core principles of Sanatan Dharma.”


Nameste!!!


Gurumurty Sastry Jayanty






Karma Yoga at the Ashram


Much of our karma yoga this month has been preparing and administering the Ashram On-Line Auction Fundraiser.  It continues as the Auction comes to an end on Sunday with all of the packaging of winning items to send to the bidders. 


Jessica and Kailou have been big helpers in this area, taking photos, putting up the items on the site, and even modeling the clothes for us.  We are fortunate to have such good looking models right here on campus!






Another big project this month was researching the hydroelectric system at Valley View Hot Springs.  Jonathan, Premanand, Paul, and Ramloti spent the morning there.  Mark, Doug, and Scott were very gracious to give us so much time and knowledge.  They have a very large system but we were still able to glean quite a bit of information to apply to our situation here at the Ashram.  We have had a conditional water right for hydroelectric for many years and we would like to put it to use one day and make it an absolute water right for this purpose.  We just have to get all the measurements of water flow, drop, and electrical use to begin the process and see if it is viable for our situation with a creek that fluctuates in flow greatly throughout the year.





Yet another big karma yoga that keeps the Ashram on track is the monthly Board of Director meetings that we have.  We have such a loyal board with many of the members traveling between an hour to four hours to make the meetings.  Of course not everyone can make it to all of the meetings but we sure have a great turnout each month with lots of inspiring ideas and projects getting presented.  We are so grateful to our wonderful Board of Directors. 


Finally there is the usual cooking and clean up after big events at the Ashram.  Seems like little Arthur is  one of our chief helpers!

We want to thank 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.




Recent Events


Hanuman’s Birthday


Each year we celebrate Hanuman’s birthday with the full-moon fire ceremony followed by pujas to all of the Hanuman murtis, followed by an Indian feast.  This year was as sweet as always.  The little children love to take the lead in the pujas, they have all become great little pujaris.




Jessica’s Bridal Shower


Jessica has been working at the Ashram for several years now and many of you know her from visiting here or talking to her on the phone.  She helps run the Shop, does all the bookkeeping, helps with the website, and makes delicious meals.  We are so excited that she and her fiancee, Chris, are getting married on May 9 in Cincinnati, Ohio. 


A couple of weeks ago we pulled off quite a feat by having a surprise bridal shower for her.  We had a shortened Board meeting that day and called her up to the dorm living room to bring us a document we had supposedly forgotten.  Little did she know that Chris, other friends, and the board were waiting there in a fully decorated space to surprise her.  She was shocked and touched.  Here she is the day before she left for her wedding bringing flowers to our Mother Lakshmi by the creek asking for blessings for her new life.  We all send our love, prayers, and best wishes for them to have a long and happy life together.  Bhole Baba Ki Jai!




Paduka Pujas in Denver Area and Ft. Collins


It was another amazing weekend with all of our friends in Denver area and Ft. Collins.  The energy at each place was uniquely special and all of the living rooms were mostly filled to capacity.  Thank you to our hosts and hostesses who made this such an inspiring and successful weekend.


At the home of Smita and Prabohd Telang’s



At he home of Sabina and Ajay Pradham’s and Mohan’s






Crestone Spiritual Alliance


Oh how fortunate we are to live in such a rich community.  it is definitely what Shri Babaji spoke about when He said that there would be people form all of the different religions on the world flag.  Each time we meet together, I am so touched by the wisdom, generosity, and willingness to share of all of the spiritual groups.  This time we must have had at least 15 of the Spiritual groups of Crestone represented.  We also had a group of students from Colorado College who led us in a dialogue at the end of the meeting on Spirituality and the Environment.  It was so Inspiring to see these young people speak deeply from their hearts about this topic.  They had visited the Ashram the day before and their depth of questions for us was impressive.  



Visitors to the Ashram


So many groups of students coming to the Ashram this month and more scheduled for next month as well.  With each group comes new learning for us as they ask us questions that we may have never thought of.  We also know that from each of these groups there will normally be a few that come back for a night or two or more to have a deeper experience of the Ashram.  We also have a large number of families that come for visits.  As summer rolls in, we will continue to be so busy, we love seeing each of you.








Calendar for Events at the Ashram in 2015


May 1, 2, 3 - Last three days of the Annual On-line Auction Fundraiser which ends at 10:08pm EST.  Go to www.BiddingforGood.com/babajiashram


July 18 & 19, 2015 - Annual American Haidakhan Samaj Weekend and Meeting.  Their new web address is www.babajisamaj.us


July 21 - 24, 2015 -  Annual Family Week w/ concurrent Workshop.


July 31, 2015 - Guru Purnima Day with fire ceremony at 10am followed by a meal as well as an international celebration at the Cisternino Ashram in Italy.


October 13 - 21, 2015 - Fall Navratri - Divine Mother Festival with daily fire ceremonies, pujas, discourses, reading, chanting and other  ceremonies.


October 24 and 25 - Annual Ashram Extravaganza at Movie Manor Hotel in Monte Vista, CO


November 11, 2015 - Diwali, Festival of Lights.




Maha Lakshmi Shop Report


We are pleased to announce that we have a new inspiring book in the Maha Lakshmi Shop.  It is the condensed version of the “Shri Mad Devi Bhagavatam.”   It is simply entitled “Devi” and it is written by Ramesh Menon.  Some of you may have read his retelling of the “Ramayana” which beautifully captured this epic in modern prose but not sacrificing any of the spiritual nuances that abound in this age old classic.  He has done the same with the rather intricate and obtusely translated “Shri Mad Devi Bhagavatam.”  It is easy to follow and a deep and inspiring read of about 700 pages.  It is now on our Shop site and sells for $20.  You can find both of these treasures at http://mahalakshmishop.wazala.com/category/books/?page=3


The Maha Lakshmi Shop is open every day.  We can bless an item at Mother’s feet for you if you ask.  We are also happy to drop ship items for you to your loved ones.  You may call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 and place your orders over the phone (every day from 10am until 5pm Mountain Time).  We are happy to answer any questions.  It is really nice to connect in this way. We take Visa, Mastercard or Discover.  


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


Maha Lakshmi Mata Ki Jai!

 

May, 2015


Message from the President