There are currently three long term residents at the Ashram; Ramloti, Premanand, 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 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 garden manager. 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 and then a longer visit of at least a month. This gives everyone time to consider how living together would be. The next step would be serving as a Karma Yogi for six months to one year. Please read the Karma Yogi Policy document and fill out the Karma Yogi Application document, if interested. The qualities that make a good Karma Yogi 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 advice, 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 $450 for the first month at the Ashram. If all goes well, board and room are provided on a donation basis (if one is able) for the next several months. After 3 months, a karma yogi may apply to receive a small monthly stipend to facilitate his or her ability to stay at the Ashram. The food served at the Ashram is organic, vegetarian, and pretty healthy. The accommodations vary with the time of the year from a private room in the beautiful straw-bale adobe dorm to a 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 kinds, 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 online 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.
Garden Manager - Either has some experience with organic gardening or is willing to learn. Willing to put up with challenging conditions as there are days in the garden that are not pleasant due to mosquitos, hot or cold weather, and high winds.
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 ensure that you understand our Karma Yogi Policy and Resident Policy. Becoming a Karma Yogi is the first step towards becoming a Resident. Please fill out the Karma Yogi Application and mail it to P.O. Box 9, Crestone, CO 81131 or email to info@babajiashram.org. Please call us at 719-256-4108 for questions or more information.