Ashram Newsletter - October, 2022

October 22, 2022  |  by Ramloti

Dear Friends,

It was an extremely deep, joyful, beautiful and peaceful Fall Navratri. It seems that all of the elements were in favor of blessing us with lovely weather, loving friends, plenty of help, and the supreme Presence of Shri Babaji and the Divine Mother. We are so grateful. You can see from the many photos that follow the beauty and joy that we experienced.

For many many years, each day of Navratri in India, Vishnu Datt Shastriji would give a discourse on the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, which he would be reading throughout the nine days. He told me back in 1996 that I should also read it through Navratri. I remember taking his instructions very literally and sitting in the temple all day reading it out loud in English. By the end, since I was also reciting the mantras at the fire ceremony and leading aarati on the harmonium, my voice was gone but it was a grand experience.
When I went to see Shastrij in India some months later, he laughed and said I could read it silently and that others could help by reading parts of the 1300 page sacred book. After that we began a study group on the book and had several people reading it during the Navratris.

I actually read the whole book during the pandemic chapter by chapter and recorded it on YouTube. Here is the link to the whole collection of all the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam YouTube videos. If you click on oldest added, which is August 4, 2020, it continues until Januray 22, 2022 when it was completed. I just listened to the last recording of the Devi Bhagavatam and was deeply inspired. Here is the link https://youtu.be/EF9oLajGLgY.

Reading and listening to the sacred scriptures is a very good way to stay balanced particularly in this time of great uncertainty. During the 6th day of this Fall Navratri, I told a story about an Asura, Durgama. Durgama saw that the Devas received their power by being nourished by the fire ceremonies and other rituals. He deduced, correctly, that if he could steal the Vedas, which contain all of the sacred mantras and ceremonies, he could reign supreme over the Devas. If you would like to hear this story (abbreviated for and somewhat distracted by our children that were being honored that day) you can go to https://youtu.be/FkEBb5PddZU.

So Durgama undertook an intense tapasya (deep meditation) for thousands of years until Lord Brahma finally appeared to him and granted Durgama the boon to possess all of the Vedas. Suddenly everyone forgot the mantras and prayers. Fire Ceremonies no longer were performed and other daily rituals. The result was havoc on the earth and in the heavens. There was no longer any rain, no food, nor any offerings to the Gods through the fire ceremony. The land lay barren, parched, and people and animals lay dead everywhere. The Gods in heaven lost all of their luster and strength and fled to caves in the wilderness to hide from Durgama who now ruled heaven and earth.

After many years years, the wise ones gathered together and went to the Himalayas to propitiate the Divine Mother. They chanted Her sacred names ceaselessly and begged Her to save the world. She appeared to them and She was effulgent. When the wise ones prostrated before Her and told the pitiful story, She was so saddened to see Her children so forlorn that She suddenly began to cry, but not just from two eyes, She suddenly had 1,000 eyes. This is how She became known as “Sataski”, “Mother with a Thousand Eyes”. Her tears filled the rivers, the lakes, brought moisture to the land and vapor to the sky so that rain began to fall again. In Her one hand Mother had seeds that She spread all over the earth and fruits and vegetables grew again. In Her other hand She had every fruit and vegetable known to feed Her children, from which She became known as “Shakambari” which means "Mother who nourished mankind with fruits and vegetables".

Now that all were nourished again, the wise ones knew if they did not have the Vedas returned this would happen again. They prayed to the Divine Mother to get them from Durgama so they could perform the fire ceremony and other rituals again. Meanwhile, Durgama saw and heard the storm clouds and knew something was up. As he approached the wise ones, they cowered at the feet of the Divine Mother and begged Her to protect them. She drew a protective circle around them and She with all of Her Shaktis battled and destroyed Durgama and his forces of darkness. She returned the Vedas to the wise ones and the fire ceremony began again and order was restored to the universe.

I have read so many of these stories from the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, but this one struck me so deeply. The awe and gratitude that Shri Babaji demonstrated to us on a daily basis this sacred ceremony and that we at this Ashram are able to do it daily, overwhelmed me. A friend from India, whom I have quoted from before had this to say about the sacred havan or fire ceremony.

The havan is one of the oldest ceremonies in the world--certainly in India. The mantras of the Vedas were all meant to be chanted in sync with or around the havan ceremony. So it is the most primordial religious act, creating the harmonious and poetic coming together of the earth, human beings, and the gods. It is the most primal source of religious and spiritual metaphor. The human being brings all the best products of her/his manual, spiritual and mental labor back to their source and origin, to Agni.
We must remember here that the mass noun designating fire/agni in the Vedas is Jataveda--the knower and possessor of all riches and wisdom signified by the Vedas. So it is to this Jataveda--the knower and possessor of all beings and creations, the one known to all beings and creations, the one who possesses all riches and knowledge--that we bring all the best products of our labor, our prayers and our poetry, in the manifest form of the havan fire. This seems to me to be the philosophical and poetic significance of this most holy and spiritual of human acts, the act of deep thankfulness, the act of acknowledging the source and origin of all that we are and wish to be, the act of giving back. It is in this sense the root metaphor for all prayer and religious effort. The Upanishads and the Bhagawad Gita especially are full of rich elaborations of this primal metaphor. Verse 24 of the fourth chapter of the Bhagawad Gita gives a pithy and succinct statement of this metaphor of metaphors. I think it's very significant that Babaji gave life back to this metaphor and ritual.

Our Shastriji, Vishnu Dutt Shastri, who we spoke about above and who recited the mantras at Shri Babaji’s fire ceremonies, had this to say about the Sacred Fire Ceremony.
Sri Mahaprabhuji renewed the fire ceremony, which prevailed in ancient times. He demonstrated how to perform it and gave it to us in a very simple form, since it had disappeared with the passage of time.

Before the creation of this universe, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (that is Shiva) used to perform yagnas or fire ceremonies to the Divine Mother. The Divine Mother was pleased by this and gave them each a boon: Brahma was to create the universe, Vishnu was to preserve It, and Shiva to destroy it. That is why it is said that the fire ceremony is like the support of the earth.

How could Sri Mahaprabhuji give a boon to the world without performing yagnas? This is why He showed us how to do it.

The fire-ceremony, or yagna, is based on scientific principles. In the fire-ceremony, when you give an offering to a particular deity, it reaches that particular deity in its totality. In the Vedas it is written that the mouth of the gods is fire -- Agni. To whichever god you are giving the offering, by saying the mantra and adding the name of that god plus the word swaha, it makes the offering complete. That is, you reach that particular god. The wife of Agni, the lord of fire, is swaha..

And it would be indeed very selfish of us, that, when the Divine gives us so much food, so much grain to pacify our hunger, gives us water to quench our thirst, we just keep on eating and drinking. But it is absolutely justified that when the Divine is giving us so much, we should in return offer something back to the Divine and not just keep on eating it for our selfish pleasure. That's why we offer to the fire. Also give food or offering to those people who are hungry, to pacify the fire of their hunger. And that's why it is said that a person who doesn't offer anything to the fire in a yagna or to the hungry people, and just keeps eating for himself, he is eating in a very sinful way because he is only concerned with his own selfish hunger, with his own self.

Sri Mahaprabhuji showed this to us as long as He was with us in His physical body. He never took leave from the fire ceremony. Everyday he performed a fire ceremony. Besides His daily yagnas, Sri Mahaprabhuji performed 171 very big yagnas in which hundreds of thousands of people came.
Sri Mahaprabhuji gave us the practical example. When He Himself, the Divine, performed the yagna and gave food to the poor people, this meant that you, common man, should follow His example. Sri Mahapbhuji knew therefore the root-cause to give happiness to mankind and that's why he started pleasing the gods first for the benefit of mankind, by doing yagnas.

Once again I am beyond deeply touched, grateful, and often speechless at the miracle of Shri Babaji and His gift of the Sacred Fire Ceremony in my life. If you have also been touched by these stories and words, you may want to consider doing a small one on a regular basis at your home. There are complete instructions, printouts, a teaching video, and information on where to get the needed items on our website at https://www.babajiashram.org/fire-ceremony. There is also an inspiring Zoom Satsang on the sacred fire ceremony that we recorded last year at https://youtu.be/XjW80ax2UX0. We also live-stream a daily fire ceremony here at the Ashram at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page.

In truth and love,
Ramloti for the Ashram

The Passing of Alok Banerjee

One part of the Navratri time that was not easy was the news that our dear friend, Alok Banerjee died of a heart attack on October 29. It was a huge shock to all as he had just posted lovely images of his temple and murtis at the beginning of Navratri. Alok was the successor of Shri Muniraji as chairman of the Haidakhan Samaj and served diligently for many years before his retirement. He was also a dear friend to many devotees, including those of us at this Ashram in Crestone. He came to Crestone many times and helped bless the land in 1986, bless our beautiful murti of the Divine Mother in 1990, and inaugurate the kirtan hall here in 2004.

His willingness to serve all people can be conveyed by this short anecdote. Some years after Shashi and Bipin Agarwal built their lovely temple on Shashi’s ancestral land outside of Etawah, they invited me to come to perform a fire ceremony there. I asked Alok Banarjee to come as well and he made the long drive there. It was a lovely day of fire ceremony, chanting in the lovely temple, and sharing with Shashi’s loving family. Here are some photos from that special time together.

The Ashram wishes to convey our deepest condolences to the family of Alok at this time and our deepest love and gratitude to a great soul and a wonderful friend. Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

An Account of of Sangeeta’s Navratri Experience at the Ashram

Our dear Sangeeta has been coming to the Ashram now for several years but with the pandemic she missed many Navratris. She is the granddaughter of Shri Muniraji and for me she carries much of his peace, devotion, and example of selfless service. It was a great blessing for the Ashram to have her here for two weeks over this last Navratri. Here is her experience.
Hi Ramloti maa,
Hope you are doing well. I tried to write down a few lines. However, I can write a whole book, no words can express how grateful I am to be there.

After a long wait of almost 4 years, I finally got to visit Divine Crestone, my second Home in the USA. It was really an incredible experience as always. I love Navratri celebrations and HUA is always a special place for me. Dressing the Divine Mother to painting hawan kund, I love to do every bit of it. Babaji said: "you are engaged in doing good deeds and go on doing good acts, you will have good sleep, good appetite and bad thoughts will not cross your mind. Otherwise, you will always be criticizing others” This is so true. This is the place, I feel that even if you’re not by nature a spiritual person, one can always appreciate different cultures and celebrations and you are going to find a certain sense of holiness within you. I feel a calmness and peace that I can’t quite articulate in words. I feel extremely grateful and full of love and abundance. Ramloti Maa's dedication towards her Guru and Maa is beyond explanations, even if she is tired, she attends each and every one visiting with a sweet smile on her face. Jonathan and Prem are examples of Great Karma yogi's, so much to learn from each of them. Bill and Deborah, who feed Maa and all the devotees with devotion and Love are also great examples. I learn so much from every person who visits there.
The Fire Ceremony is my favorite part under the open sky, which cleanses your soul and brings spiritual calmness. I admire you all so much and appreciate what you all are doing. Thank you for bringing smiles to thousands of faces. Bhole Baba Ki Jai! Jai MAHA MAYA KI!
Love and Regards,
Sangeeta

Mother's Navratri Pictures

She looks beautiful, as always.

Upcoming Events

Diwali – The Festival of Lights – Tuesday, October 25

The Celebration of Light over Darkness is always a special time at the Ashram. We begin with the New-Moon Fire Ceremony and then process to the temple where we each light a candle with a special prayer. This is all accompanied by chanting and followed by a bhandara. Since this is the day in many parts of India that they begin their new accounting books, you may bring you checkbook or other accounts to be blessed at the fire ceremony. The sacred fire begins at 11am and you may call 719-256-4108 to reserve a place. It will also be live-streamed at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page and posted later in the day on YouTube at the Ramloti Wood Channel.

Holiday Online Auction

As we approach the holiday season, we traditionally have a Holiday Online Auction. This is a great and fun way to find sacred treasures for you and your loved ones. We will begin it on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 25 and it will continue through Sunday, December 4. This will give us plenty of time to get the winning items to you so that you can send them out for the holy season.

Over the years our on-line auction has been a big support of the Ashram. This year we will be using a new auction site that should be more user-friendly for all of you. So if you have not tried it before, perhaps this is the time. It is a fun way to support the Ashram and there are many excellent prices on special items. Here are a few of the new malas and bracelets made with Beads from Shri Babaji that will be on the auction. We will be sending an email to you as we get closer to the date. Thank you for all of your loyal support of the Ashram.

First is a White Jade Bead 108 hand-knotted mala with Rudraksha Guru Bead from Shri Babaji.
Next is a Golden Yellow Jade Bead 108 hand-knotted mala with Rudraksha Guru Bead from Shri Babaji.
This is a Blue Sponge Coral wrist bracelet with a sacred Tulsi Bead from Shri Babaji.
This is a Pink Agate wrist bracelet with a sacred Tulsi Bead from Shri Babaji.

Karma Yoga

So much karma yoga with all the ceremonies, guests, the end of the year garden putting to sleep, and just running a bustling Ashram. The good news is that we have so many generous helpers. Here are a few photos of the many things that have gotten done. Thank you all for you support and help. Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

Visitors

Each day seems to bring more people seeking peace and inspiration from Shri Babaji and the Divine Mother. Many are families, groups from retreats, or just single seekers. All are welcomed and deeply appreciated for the love and devotion you fill the Ashram with. Thank you, Jai Ma!

Ways to Support the Ashram

First and foremost is to pray, pray, pray for all the disturbances in the weather, amongst people and life all over the earth. This is a time of great challenge, and Babaji spoke over and over again about the power of prayer, the mantra, havan, puja, and seeing all as children of one Divine Mother Earth.

You may also support financially by going to …

• GoFundMe Campaign
• Donate Page (this page has links to Paypal, Amazon Smile, and GoFundMe)

Calendar of Events

Please go to our Calendar of Events page for all events.

Maha Lakshmi Shop

We are excited to announce the arrival of our beautiful 2023 Calendar. “Visions of the Divine Mother of Crestone 2023” is now available on our Shop website under the “Books” category and sales for only $10. This 11x11 inch glossy edition has all the ceremonial dates for the Ashram and also has quotes from the Haidakhandi Sapta Sati by Vishnu Dutt Shstriji. The thirteen lovely images of Mother will fill your home or office with Her love and radiance. Here are a couple of the images. To order, go to:
https://mahalakshmishop.wazala.com/products/visions-of-the-divine-mother-of-crestone-2023-calendar/.
We are also happy to announce that we received pure silver Om Namah Shivaya bracelets in the Shop again. To find these, go to:
https://mahalakshmishop.wazala.com/category/bracelets-om-namah-shivaya/.
Bhole Baba Ki Jai! Jai Ma!