Ashram Newsletter - May 2024

May 5, 2024  |  by Ramloti

Dear Friends,

Shri Muniraji named this Ashram, “Haidkahandi Universal Ashram” in 1986 when we first voted to build it here in Crestone. When I asked him why he named it this, he said because he knew people from all over the world would gather here, and so it is. People from around the world are often gathered at the “Ashram Table” sharing deep satsang, their stories of service, wisdom, new vision of a just and kind world, and universal love. We are so often graced to sit in such a company of “down-to-earth saints” as I would call them, at the “Ashram Table”.

Last week we had the privilege to have lunch in the company of three “down-to-earth saints” at the “Ashram Table”, James O’Dea and his sisters, Pauline O’Dea Knutsson, and Philomena O’Dea. These three souls have served more people than I can imagine over their lifetimes. Many of you know that James O’Dea lives near the Ashram and before his Parkinson Disease got more severe (he was struck with it 12 years ago), was a regular visitor to the Ashram. James is a former President of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Washington office director of Amnesty International and CEO of the Seva Foundation (founded by Ram Dass). He worked with the Middle East Council of Churches in Beirut during a time of war and massacre and lived in Turkey for five years during civil upheaval and coup d’état.

He has taught peace building to over a thousand students in 30 countries. He has also conducted frontline social healing dialogues around the world. He is a member of The Evolutionary Leaders group and on the Advisory Board of The Peace Alliance and Kosmos Journal. James is both an activist and mystic and is author of The Conscious Activist, Cultivating Peace, Soul Awakening Practice, and other acclaimed works.

To listen to his stories of his work around the world saving lives and uncovering inhumane treatment of people are heart-rending. Then to sit with his two sisters who have both been equally inspired to share their talents and lives bringing more peace and healing to the world was breath taking! His sister Philomena, a renowned nature photographer from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, has an MPH in International Health and her eclectic work experience has taken her around the world serving as a health project manager in The Sudan, a refugee camp coordinator on the Thai-Cambodian border, and as a nurse-midwife in the Peruvian Amazon and in East Africa. James’ other sister, Pauline, lives in Sweden but much of her life she has worked around the world with UNICEF bringing support and survival to many children and families in India, Nepal, South Africa, and other countries. She has recently been working in Jerusalem and Gaza with women and children.

What an inspiring lunchtime to sit in such a company of down-to-earth “saints” at the “Ashram Table”. Since James has such love and reverence for Shri Babaji, he was asked to write the introduction to the beautiful book, BABAJI - I AM YOU by Maria-Gabriele Wosien. I include the inspiring piece here and the book is highlighted in the Maha Lakshmi Shop section below.

BABAJI - I AM YOU by Maria-Gabriele Wosien - Introduction by James O'Dea

Imagine, for a moment, that a being of divine perfection was to suddenly manifest in this here and now reality. Visualize this being entering into the state of the world as it is with all its beauty and horror, with all its promise and wasteful ruin. What would you expect of such an emissary of divinity? What kind of message? What kind of miracles? How could such a one help us transform the world from its precipitous decline into greed and ecological disaster?

Would billions of people rush to be followers? Would this great spiritual Master be breaking headline news, hit all the talk shows, be the subject of bestsellers, be listened to by the power brokers, have all the answers to our most pressing questions and fill people with peace and ecstasy? Just how would such a one address all our needs?

Let us say, also for a moment, whatever your religion or spiritual orientation, that the Babaji whose life and words are the subject of this book was such a perfect being who manifested in a cave in the foothills of the Himalayas and lived for a short span of years as a spiritual teacher who attracted the attention of hundreds of thousands of devoted followers from many parts of the world. How would his brief time on Earth match your expectations of a truly great being capable of igniting world transformation?

For a start Babaji did not do the media circuit...or should I say circus? He didn't fly around the world. He didn't establish a new religion. He didn't write a new scripture. He didn't ask people to change their religion. He did not ask them to believe in him, his powers or any of the accounts of his extraordinary self-manifestation. He did not impart a lot of esoteric teachings with complex levels of initiation that require specially inducted teachers and programs of study. So, what at all could qualify him as an important agent of spiritual mastery and world transformation? Let's take a look. At the heart of Babaji's transmission to humanity at this critical phase of its evolution is a sense of deep urgency about the catastrophic disruption of the natural order and the devastating consequences that ensue from such conditions. It's as if we have collectively fallen asleep at the wheel and as a result we are careening over the edge and need to wake up. In a powerfully non-dual way, He sees a revolution emerging out of Nature itself that will sweep away 'in fire and water' human civilization caught in a trance of materialist distraction and indolence.

This revolution is to be understood as coming from consciousness itself, not as something merely physical or weather related. This is critically important to understand because we can align our human consciousness with this revolution whose function is to bring about the emergence of a consciousness that will lift humanity — and life on Earth — into an era of great harmony and peace. What can we do to align with this revolution? For Babaji the answer is work! Not empire building work. Not the work of constructing more elaborate forms of consumption. Not work that is self-centered but work that takes the form of selfless service. Karma yoga, service for others, service for a higher principle than self-gain, gives us access to a divine dispensation which pulls us out of cycles of cause and effect stemming from ignorance. Conscious service executed with spiritual concentration breaks down the separation created by ego and builds an indestructible force of unity. Through karma yoga and emphasis on intentional action, Babaji wanted to set in motion a template for harmonizing human unity and peace. The entire human enterprise must move from competition to collaboration across cultures, ethnicities, and religions. This is central work in birthing the new humanity...and demanding work it is.

As Babaji constantly reminds us, this work of collective harmonization takes commitment to constant inner focus on divine attunement but also great courage to face down intolerance and oppression. As a Master of wisdom, He radiated the authentic embodiment of His teaching, which requires much more than busy action plans in the world. His work requires a synthesis of inner contemplation and outer action. Rather than attempting to transform the world by becoming a spiritual superstar He put all those who came to be in His presence to work and although the work could be intense and even physically demanding it was always conducted with lightness of heart. This expression of karma yoga was an expression of joy, not duty or drudgery. But it did — and does — require perseverance and courage.

Babaji refused to create a new kind of spiritual hierarchy, rather His guiding principles were Truth, Simplicity and Love. Indeed, in a world where truth is constantly imperiled, where simplicity is mocked and real unconditional love is scarce, these principles are sorely needed to guide us through the chaos of our times. As you will discover in the pages ahead, Babaji frequently exhorted people with the word Phuro — which he said meant, `Be inspired.' `Have courage and be inspired.' Truly that is what is needed in these times of gathering strife and chaos: we need deep inspiration to do and to be what is urgently needed for new life on Earth. We cannot do this work alone. We must become a new creation together. Babaji's words and His brief life in His body provide us with great inspiration. This kind of embodied spiritual inspiration will be the very heart of the evolution-revolution that is presently unfolding. Phuro!

James O'Dea, Crestone, Colorado, April 2018

May we all find our ways to serve humanity as Shri Babaji spoke to us about. It is a time of great need and every step we can take to help others is so important.

To read more about James go to his website at www.jamesodea.com.

In truth and love,
Ramloti for the Ashram

The Support Haidakhandi Ashram’s Insurance Needs GoFundMe

This GoFundMe will come to an end after Sunday, May 5. We want to thank everyone that sent prayers, messages, donations, and spread the word. We are so grateful to have raised over $8,500 so far. This is a huge help in meeting the large insurance premiums that we now face.

GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/d42ce611

15th Annual Spring Online Fundraiser Auction is around the corner - May 17 thru May 27

On Friday, May 17, the bidding will begin on many treasured items and services, all in support of the Ashram. This year we have beautiful wall hangings, altar clothes, pillows, book covers, and eye pillows made from the drapes and backdrop from the Divine Mother’s and Babaj’s Mandir. There are items from Shri Babaji, the Divine Mother, and Maha Lakshmi Murtis blessed at Spring Navratri. We have malas that were blessed in Haidakhan and washed in the holy Gautama Ganga river. We have many services and get-aways that could bring more enrichment to your life, and don't forget Bill's delicious chai and banana bread. We also have great books about Babaji as well as some books written and signed by James O’Dea.

The Auction will go for only 11 days and will end at 8:01pm on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. You can go now to fundraiser.bid/babajiashram to see some of the items available. We will be putting up new items throughout the auction as well as sending out updates. This has been a big support to the Ashram and also a lot of fun for people. If you have an item or service you would like to donate just call or email the Ashram at 719-256-4108 or info@babajiashram.org. Thank you for your support.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 7 – New Moon Fire Ceremony - 10am MT

New Moon Fire Ceremony and Pitru Puja followed by Chanting and Lunch.
Live-streamed at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page and posted on YouTube at the Ramloti Wood Channel later in the day.

Thursday, May 23 - Full Moon Fire Ceremony - 10am MT

Full Moon Fire Ceremony followed by Chanting and Lunch.
Live-streamed at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page and posted on YouTube at the Ramloti Wood Channel later in the day.

Saturday, June 8 - Sacred Fire Ceremony in Parker, CO - 11am MT

Sacred Fire Ceremony (11am) at the home of Surendra and Seema Deora in Parker near Mainstreet and Jordan. Please call 631-418-6367 to confirm and directions.

Saturday, July 13 - Sacred Fire Ceremony in Rockaway Beach, NY - 11am ET

Every day we have tons of experiences and interactions but some stick more than others and such was the case when we visited the Ashram in Crestone almost exactly a year ago today! We felt so much love, and a sense of welcome during our visit, and having read about the Ashram’s other travels, my family and I were hoping to recreate and reciprocate by inviting them to New York. We are so happy and grateful that they will be coming and to have a Havan in one of our favorite places - Rockaway Beach! The Havan will be on the beach at 11am on July 13th on Beach 125th St. We will meet prior at 10am at my home in Rockaway Beach. Of course all are welcome. We will have food, refreshments, and fun conversations after the Havan. Feel free to text or email me for address and with any questions: 917-624-7878 or nealjdesai@gmail.com. With Love, Neal

Daily Events at the Ashram

We, of course, have daily Aarati and Chanting at 7am and 6pm. Both last about an hour. We also have a daily Small Fire Ceremonies when we do not have the larger one. Please call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 for exact timing and the fire ceremonies are live-streamed at Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Facebook Page.

Ashram Needs a New Car

We have had a 2003 Honda Pilot for many years, and it has served us well. However, now that the miles on it are over 250,000, it feels prudent to get a newer vehicle. Weare thinking another Honda Pilot would be good or a 4-cylinder, medium size SUV, that gets good gas mileage that is 2017 or higher. If you have one that you would like to either donate or sale to the Ashram, please call us at 719-256-4108. Thank you for your support.

Recent Events

A Glorious Spring Navratri

Words fall short to describe the wonder of this year’s Spring Navratri. Folks from around the world began showing up days in advance to help with all the preparations for the nine days. The service never ended, and more people came to add in their helping hands. Many of the helpers’ photos are in the karma yoga section as well. The weather was the most consistently lovely for the nine days then I can ever remember. The Paduka Pujas, Devi Pujas, Fire Ceremonies, Discourses, Chanting, Feast were all wonderful. At the end of the final Discourse from the Devi, the Devi Bhagavatam Retold by Ramesh Menon, there is a line that says, “They felt as if they were feathers afloat on the great wind of the Devi’s Love.” This is certainly how we felt after these blessed nine days of Navratri. Jai Ma!

Puja to our Maha Lakshmi at the Creek was exhilarating, adventurous, and sweet. Not only do people go up on the special puja days of Navratri but any day that they travel to the Ashram. It is a beautiful walk into nature, particularly for the folks who have driven four hours from Denver and will return later in the day.

Children’s Day Celebration was fun and sweet. It is wonderful to see our children grow up through the years. Hanne Strong, who has come throughout the years, now is bringing her great grandchildren.

The Nine Days of our Resplendent Divine Mother
Yet, nothing could surpass the beauty, majesty, and love of our Beautiful Divine Mother.

Hanuman’s Birthday

This is always a special day to bathe, dress, feed, and honor our dear Hanuman Murtis that preside at the Ashram and several from people’s homes as well. We were happy that several folks from our local Shumei Center attended as well. We love sharing with our other spiritual centers.

Karma Yoga

Besides the massive amount of work that goes on to prepare and conduct the nine days of the wonderful Navratri, life goes on at the Ashram with repairs, cleaning, cooking, serving, preparing for the on-line auction, and all the daily ceremonies. We so appreciate everyone that helps. You all make a huge difference and quite frankly, we could not do it without you. Thank you.

Visitors

It is not necessary to say we had lots and lots of visitors this last month. It was wonderful and sometimes even a bit overwhelming. Each brings his or her own special gift and we love it. We also love hosting the groups that come here. This last month we had a Colorado College group, an Adams State University group, a group from Shumei International, and a yoga group from Iowa. Thank you to all who come here and bring your love and devotion.

Ways to Support the Ashram

First and foremost is to pray, pray, pray for all the disturbances 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
• Venmo (@babajiashram)
• Donate Page (this page has links to Paypal and GoFundMe)
• Amazon Wishlist

Calendar of Events

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

Maha Lakshmi Shop

“Babaji - I am You” by Maria-Gabriele Wosien - $27

https://mahalakshmishop.wazala.com/products/i-am-you-a-book-of-babaji-s-teachings-and-paintings-by-malti/

A collection of the teachings of Babaji the 'nobody from nowhere' who reappeared in the foothills of the Himalayas in 1970 to create an ashram at Haidakhan and guide humanity through a chaotic transition to a New Age of Peace.

The Maha Lakshmi Shop makes up a large part of the Ashram budget, and is open daily from 10am until 4pm. Thank you for your support.

Bhole Baba Ki Jai! Jai Ma!