Haidakhandi Universal Ashram Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Life is so full of miracles! Earlier this month, I went to see Dilgo Khyetse Yangsi Rinpoche who is the reincarnation of the celebrated Tibetan meditation master Kyabe Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (author of The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones and The Wish Fulfilling Jewel). Dilgo Khyetse Rinpoche was a great Buddhist teacher who was one of teachers of the Dalai Lama and is said to have saved many of the sacred teachings when the Chinese took over Tibet. This young 17-year-old reincarnation of him was recognized at the age of two and has lived in a Buddhist monastery since that time. This was his first visit to America and many of the Buddhist centers in Crestone had asked him to grace their centers with his presence. Feeling love in my heart for this young incarnation but not knowing anything about who he is, I gathered flowers in our prolific garden to bring to him. I was introduced to him at the Crestone Mountain Zen Center during his short visit there and presented him the flowers. As I looked into his young eyes I felt the depth of eternity similar to looking into Shri Babaji’s eyes. I then lowered my eyes, not knowing if it was disrespectful to gaze into the eyes in the Buddhist tradition.

Well that was a very full experience and I was quite glad that I had come to meet the young Rinpoche. But then as we were leaving someone comes running to me to tell me that Rinpoche wanted to see me. I was surprised and went to him and I was told through the translator that he wanted to come and visit the temple.

I asked when and was told right now! So I hurried and jumped in a car and guided the very large party to the Ashram and ushered them into the temple which, as unprepared as we were for a visit, was magnificently beautiful as always. The next five or ten minutes where like a slow motion film as I brought the Rinpoche and his translator and guide Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche into the Divine Mother’s mandir. Rinpoche carefully placed a white silk stole on Mother’s out-stretched hands. I then handed him a stick of incense, which I had seen them do at the Zen Center. He held it a moment and then passed on to Kongtrul Rinpoche who offered it to Mother with a short chant to Maha Saraswati. I felt that where the young Rinpoche was very comfortable leading a short chant and waving the incense at the Buddhist temple, he was not familiar with our tradition and out of respect did not want to do anything inappropriate. We then all bowed to Mother and then I showed him Shri Babaji’s assan and Kongtrul Rinpoche told me he had already told him about Babaji.

They then all entered their cars to continue the procession to the next Buddhist center. I was walking next to the car that Rinpoche was in as they were leaving and all of a sudden it stopped and he rolled down the window and as I bowed with my hands folded, he put out his hand to shake mine.

With tears welling up in my eyes I told him how thankful I was that he had come to visit the temple. He, in turn in English said, “thank you so much.” Our eyes met deeply again and I said please come back next time you are here and he nodded his head. They then drove off. Most of the day I was quaking inside with energy. I felt almost as if Shri Babaji had been visiting in physical form that day. The next morning I woke up and looked at my altar and saw a wonderful photo of Shri Babaji leaning out a window similar to how Rinpoche was leaning out of his the day before. I said to Baba that I felt like Rinpoche’s visit was a practice run for when He came in physical form to the temple and I said that we were ready for His return; then I added, but please stay longer then ten minutes! Bhole Baba Ki Jai!

In truth and love,

Ramloti

This Month’s Fire Ceremonies and Schedule

The new-moon fire ceremony this month is on Wednesday, September 8 and the full-moon fire ceremony is on Thursday, September 23. The fire ceremonies begin at 10:08 am and are followed by a meal. Our evening aarati is at 6pm and morning aarati is at 7am. Lunch is served at about 1pm. The Maha Lakshmi Shop is open every day from 9am until 5pm.

If you would like to participate by sponsoring a fire ceremony, 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 - Rose Quartz, Rosewood, Garnet or Tulsi Mala

$108 sponsorship - Rudraksha Mala or Crystal Mala or Copper, silver, brass bracelet

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

We are continually grateful for all of your support.

Fall Navratri (Divine Mother Festival) - October 7 - 15

Each day of Navratri we read some of The Srimad Devi Bhagavatam and hear an inspiring discourse from it. Here is a sample form Chapter XIX when Lord Vishnu is addressing the other gods.

“Today you all remember that Prime Force, the Highest Self, that all beneficent Mother that yields all good and auspicious things; That Very Force will fulfill now all your desires. No sooner then Vishnu addressed them thus, Brahma and the other Devas at once mentally began to meditate on that Eternal Yoga Maya; the Goddess of the Universe. Being thus meditated upon, at once appeared before their eyesight the Devi, the Goddess of the Universe, whose colors were like the blood red Java flower, holding in two of Her hands noose, hook, or goad, while the third hand indicated favor and the fourth hand bade all discard every sort of fear. As the web comes out of a spider and sparks come out of fire, so this whole Universe comes out of that Goddess. We all bow down before Her with our humble hearts, full of devotion.”

During Navratri we also have daily fire ceremonies, pujas, sapta sati readings, aaratis and chanting. It is a most remarkable thing to be able to spend nine days thanking and honoring the Divine Mother. We hope you can join us. We are almost totally booked so call the Ashram at 719-256-4108 or email us at info@BabajiAshram.org for more information or to make reservations.

The Hermitages for Jonathan, Ramloti and Premanand

What excitement there is around building hermitages for the long-time Ashramites. It seems like everyone wants to contribute in some way to the project. We plan to begin the infrastructure (bringing the water line down to the bluff and putting in the septic system) by the end of September. If the funds are available we would also like to at least pour the foundations as well.

Here are sketches of an individual hermitage as well as the cluster of three that will be on the beautiful bluff to the west of the parking lot. 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 designated for the hermitages to the Ashram at 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 in advance for you support, love and prayers. Together, with Baba’s grace, we can make this happen!

A Challenge from Darrell, in front of Baba’s Kutir he helped Build

Aloha, I am Darrell Laid and have been coming to Baba and the Divine Mother’s Ashram here in Crestone since 1992. I have great respect for Ramloti, Premanand, and Jonathan as they give so much of themselves to keep the Ashram in perfect order and also so welcoming to all who come. As you know, a hermitage for each one is in the “Lehaline” to be built. I have donated $500 from a social security income to get started, so I am putting out a challenge to all who have these divine beings at heart to match my donation or something better. So please open your hearts so they can be housed before winter. That will be a divine blessing.

Much love and many blessings, Darrell.

Water System and Other Ashram Maintenance

The Ashram repairs continue with the main focus on the water system, driveway maintenance and garden.

We were able to install a frost-free hydrant above the sand filter allowing us to divert the water directly to the cistern so that all the repairs to the water system did not cause the Ashram to be without water.

After being resurfaced, the sand filter and measuring wares are drying waiting for the final steps in the repairs.

We also had a visit from the state water inspectors regarding extending our conditional water rights for agricultural, commercial, hydroelectric and educational purposes. We are hoping that some of those may even be decreed absolute rights so that we do not have to reapply every six years. The two inspectors seemed to be pleased with what was being done with the water. We will let you know when we have the final decision from the water court. Please keep us in your prayers.

Recent Events

Softball Games

The Ashram has finally gotten in some Sunday afternoon softball games this last month after a busier then ever summer. We will have, perhaps our last one this Sunday, September 5 at 2pm, so please join us if you are able. It is always lots of fun and all skill levels are welcomed. The Ashram has plenty of mitts and bats and will have a watermelon too.

Hannah Departs from the Ashram

Hannah was at the Ashram for seven weeks this summer and was a huge help and joy. We miss her so much. Here are some words from her about her time here.

“The past seven weeks here at the Ashram have been teeming with life experiences. I have learned so much about people, especially myself, and relationship dynamics. But rather than share the various realizations I have had, I would just like to say thank you. It was so wonderful to chant the Hanuman Chalisa in the temple every morning, and then to walk outside and feel the warmth of the sun peeking over the mountains. The karma yoga that followed was, yes at times incredibly tedious or tiring, but always a great way to calm my mind; I wouldn’t have to think about my life back home or the various issues around here (the Ashram does not lack in chaos or drama) because I could just chant Om Namah Shivaya, or sing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. I walked most everywhere barefoot, and all the pine needles and rocks that jabbed my feet made the dew speckled grass and warm sand feel all the more amazing. And at the end of everyday, I could chant away any doubt or anxiety

I was holding, and then go for a run and watch the sun fall in brilliant color over the whole valley.

“Although no newcomer to the “Shram”, I nevertheless held the expectation of having a rather peaceful summer retreat. Instead, I experienced life: sometimes harsh, confusing, frustrating, painful, but always overwhelmingly beautiful. And I am so grateful for this. Maybe this article was over-the-top cheesy, but after spending seven weeks chanting twice a day, I can’t help but feel warm and cheesy inside. Thank you so much Ramloti and Jonathan and Prem, Deborah, Rita, Jai Shankar, Darrell, Paul and especially Sage, just to name a few, for being such incredible teachers and human beings.”

Ashram Karma Yogis

So many folks help at the Ashram, it is really what makes this place viable.

Rita is not only our pujari several mornings a week but is also responsible for much of the artwork on the walls and buildings. Melody from Iowa was here for three weeks helping with the Shop, cooking and sewing.

Ram Kumar from Holland was also a huge help for the two weeks he was here doing everything from heavy work outside to helping in the kitchen. Actually, just about everyone helps in the kitchen, particularly washing and drying dishes!

Everyone who visits the Ashram contributes to cleaning, cooking, repairs and everything else that needs to be done.

Our Children, Families and Visitors

It seems like many folks traveled to the Ashram this month for special occasions such as birthdays, blessing their new babies, performing their dance before Mother, leading kirtan, cooking for the Ashram, and bringing family and parents visiting from India to the Ashram. We love to see everyone. Thank you for all of your love and devotion.

Calendar for 2010 and 2011

September 8, 2010 - New-moon fire ceremony at 10am followed by a meal.

September 23, 2010 - Full-moon fire ceremony at 10am followed by a meal.

October 7 - 15, 2010 - Fall Navratri, the Divine Mother Festival.

November 5, 2010 - Diwali, Festival of Lights. Fire ceremony at 10am. Chanting at 7pm.

March 4, 2011 - Maha Shivaratri with all-night chanting.

April 3 - 11, 2011 - Spring Navratri, the Divine Mother Festival.

July 14, 2011 - Guru Purnima Day

July 23 - 24, 2011 - Annual American Samaj Weekend.

July 26 - 29, 2011 - Annual Family Week and Concurrent Workshop.

September 27, 2011 - October 5 - Fall Navratri, the Divine Mother Festival.

October 26, 2011 - Diwali, Festival of Lights. Fire ceremony at 10am. Chanting at 7pm.

Maha Lakshmi Shop Report

Many of the lovely murtis that we received from India are on our website. Here is a new statue of Maha Lakshmi in the namaste pose. She is available in four sizes: The 5” one sells for $27, the 10” is $81, the 32” is $540 and the 40” is $720. You may call or email us with questions or to order these beautiful Mothers. We can even bless them and do a puja to them for you at Navratri.

The Maha Lakshmi Shop is open everyday from 9am until 5pm. You may view and order the majority of the items online at www.shop.babajiashram.org/ You may also call us at 719-256-4108 with questions or to place an order. We love to talk with you. We accept visa, mastercard or discover.

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

Maha Lakshmi Mata Ki Jai!

September, 2010