International Haidakhandi Journal

Incorporating the Indian Haidakhandi Samaj News

Are we really going to lose our beloved Haidakhan ?

(See Petition details on Page 6-7)

2nd Edition – Summer 2010

CONTENTS Teachings of Shri Babaji 3

Editorial 4

Haidakhandi Samaj - News from India From the Indian Desk - Alok Banerjee 5 URGENT- HAIDAKHAN DAM PROJECT – Raghuvir 6-7 News from Chilianaula 7-11 Haidakhan Ashram News 12-15

News from Around the World Sweden 16 USA 17 Bali 18 Latvia 19 Slovenia & Holland 20 Italy 21-22 Sardinia & Australia 23 Germany & Poland 24 Russia 25-30 Croatia 31 Bulgaria 32-34

Feature: Follow the Religion of your Heart 35-39

Photo of Shri Munirajji (courtesy of www.haidakhan.info) 39 Editorial Information 40

Teachings of Shri Babaji

“If you are happy, I am happy. If you are troubled, I am troubled. If you are in peace, I am in peace. Be happy and peaceful and give out these qualities to the world. You are the world….” Shri Babaji

Babaji – The Unfathomable “I was in Haidakhan on my second visit when it suddenly struck me how crazy it was to be here; far from home, separated from family, job and ordinary daily life; to be here in the midst of snake-infested, rugged forests, suffering the discomfort of worms in the faeces and nagging insects and, to top it all, the unbearable heat. Had I really gone mad? I made up my mind to go and question Babaji in detail as to what He could, in fact teach me. If He would actually show me how to do teleportation, then it might be worthwhile putting up with these vexations. With the courage of determination, I approached Him…Now I had been forewarned not to ask Babaji anything because He already knew what I needed and would provide it at the right time. So mustering extra bravado, I asked Him: “ What can you teach me and may I learn teleportation?” He answered: “I can teach you to maintain silence, to follow my instructions … you talk too much … I don‟t like chatterboxes … you can leave tomorrow !”

So the next morning I prepared to depart. Part of me was relieved and another part sad. I packed my bag and went down and sat on the steps by the river, waiting for my horse to arrive and take me to the damsite. I closed my eyes and wondered what I had done wrong. Inwardly I asked Babaji to reveal my mistake. What was wrong with the question about teleportation? I heard His voice inside saying, “You have too many desires.” So that was it ! If that‟s the case, then I wanted to be rid of them all. I tested to see if I were truly prepared to be without wishes … no, there were still some there seeking fulfilment. But suppose it were nevertheless possible? Then I found myself silently repeating the statement “I am now truly ready to renounce all my desires.” Gradually I became aware of a space within me which felt genuinely free from desire. A little while later I opened my eyes and saw Babaji standing before me…”You may stay,” He said and smiled. “Babaji – The Unfathomable” by Gertraud Reichel (Om Shanti) Bhole Baba Ki Jai Editorial

We are delighted to welcome you to the second edition of this Journal for the whole Babaji family. Our only regret is that we cannot translate this into all languages for the many Babaji people who find it difficult to read English. We are honoured to amalgamate the International Haidakhandi Journal with the Haidakhandi Samaj Newsletter, and Alok writes opposite as to how this came about. We hope that we can edit in such a way as to fully include all our Indian friends and family, and therefore make this really a journal of unity in a world that is going through so much stress and transformation at this time in history.

Not only is this a serious time in the world for everyone both economically and climate-wise, but in our own Babaji family we now find an immense threat to the long term continuity of our spiritual home in Haidakhan. The large Jamrani Dam Project would create a lake so large that it would submerge the whole of our Haidakhan Ashram. So we urge everyone to read Raghuvir‟s important letter on this topic on Pages 6 and 7 and to complete the petition to lobby the Indian Government against the creation of such a large dam.

The content, scope, frequency and format of the Journal The content includes both articles on a theme, plus international samaj and ashram information as well as satsang discussion. The theme of this edition is Babaji‟s words: „Follow the religion of your heart‟. The Journal is to be published at least twice a year at midsummer and midwinter.

For the Winter 2010 Edition we kindly request contributions from each country. Please send us national news reports, local stories and local photos, letters, comments, articles and finally your stories about What Navaratri means to you. This is your Journal to disseminate your stories and news ! Meanwhile we wish a big thank you to all those who have sent us such a fascinating and colourful mix of news and articles for this second edition. We hope you will enjoy the read as much as we have. Babaji always stressed the importance of unity, for all of us to work together as one big family. Our hope is therefore that the International Haidakhandi Journal will bring a little bit of that family feeling into your home, wherever you may be.

The Editors: Rob & Gaby in Oxford, (U.K.) [email protected] Supported by the Editorial Board of Alok Banerjee (India), Raghuvir (Holland), and Gayatri Devi and Lok Nath (USA).

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Haidakhandi Samaj - News from India

From the Indian Desk - by Alok Banerjee Dear Friends, This second issue of the International Haidakhandi Journal (IHJ) is in your hands. It is an amalgamation with the Haidakhandi Samaj Newsletter (HSN) which was previously published from India. This signifies the beginning of a new chapter of working together within the international Haidakhandi Family in the true spirit of Unity which Shree Babaji constantly reminded us so openly and loudly.

Last year during the Gurupurnima celebrations in Schweibenalp, in one of the brain storming sessions of the Elders, many ideas were thrown up on the future possibilities of collaboration and or amalgamation of HSN with IHJ. With the blessings of Shree Munirajji it has been agreed to merge the two publications and bring out two issues per year of the International Haidakhandi Journal which will serve as the mouth piece of the Haidakhandi Samaj. It was also decided that a hard copy of the journal will be printed in India and circulated to all the members of the Samaj…so the result is in front of you to decide and comment….Bhole Baba Ki Jai!!

I‟m delighted with this new publication as it contains more news of our overseas ashrams and centres and it is based on a new discussion theme each edition, that is why it is called a journal rather than simply a newsletter. For this edition the theme is Shri Babaji‟s words: “Follow the religion of your heart”. Our next publication Winter 2010 theme will be „What does Navaratri mean to you.‟ Please support this enterprise by sending in your Ashram/Centre news and personal comments, whether general comments or particularly on the theme. If you are able to look on http://www.haidakhandisamaj.org/ website you will be able to access the first edition of the IHJ on the theme of „Shakti‟ which was published last Autumn.

I can tell you with much happiness, that the Babaji Family is really growing every day, if the number of devotees who attended the Chaitra (Spring) Navratras in Haidakhan, is any indication. I am happy to report that 460 devotees from 46 countries attended the last N‟ratras along with an equal numbers from India who had to be accommodated, in addition to the ashram rooms, in many tents and even the kitchen floors had to be used as sleeping areas...Jai Mahamaya Ki Jai!! I hope that from the next issue you will get more detailed news from here also.

In Truth, Simplicity & Love, Alok Banerjee.

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URGENT – HAIDAKHAN DAM PROJECT - from Raghuvir

May I draw your attention to an important event happening in the area of Haidakhan. Since many years the government of India is working on a plan to build a large dam about 8 Km down the river from Haidakhan. This project would benefit Haldwani and the whole area with electricity and a steady supply of water. With the ever increasing population a this is a very necessary project. During the 90's the project was dropped but recently the government has given this project a lot of new attention and funds to make it a reality. In surveys and studies made in the last years warnings have been expressed that the geological structure of these mountains would not be able to stand the pressure of such a large mass of water. The advice from some of these studies have been to build several smaller dams as a solution to the need.

Our personal interest is also that the large dam would create a lake so large that it would submerge the whole of our Haidakhan Ashram ! Recently government officials have visited the Ashram to measure every structure and piece of land in the whole area. Talks of compensation and relocation have started. In discussions with our Samaj, new locations for an ashram have been offered to us some 20 kilometres up the river. For us devotees of Shri Babaji it is impossible to imagine that the temple built and founded by the hands of Shri Munindra Maharaj over a 100 years ago and our beloved Herakhan Ashram would go under water. To relocate the Ashram and Temples to a new sight, will be a sad day for the thousands of devotees of Shree Babaji spread all over the world, as Haidakhan will loose its charm and sanctity.

Taking into account the advice of several experts from all over the world that this large dam might burst, for whatever reason, it would create large loss of life and property in Haldwani and surroundings. Considering our vested interest in preserving our Haidakhan Vishwa Mahadham we are asking your support in launching a worldwide petition to convince the government of India to change their plans for the option of constructing few smaller dams. These petitions coming from all over the world will surely have it's effect if we all cooperate and ask our devotees, family members and friends to sign up. Please translate this page and down load the PDF file from http://www.haidakhandisamaj.org/ , translate and print it out and bring these signed pages by next Navaratri to India. Those of you running an Ashram, Babaji centre, newsletter or web page please do cooperate so we get a maximum number of signatures. Be creative and

6 see how you can obtain some signatures in your area to offer a solid petition later this year. Now, an alternative, electronic, way of collecting signatures is available via the internet – we need to add to the number signing which currently stands at only 1271 signatures ! We need 10‟s of thousands to sign ! Please click on the website below for the online petition service:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Ramjani/petition.html

News from Chilianaula

Shri Baba Haidakhan Charitable and Research Hospital, Chilianaula – by Dr. Vijay Sheel

It gives us pleasure in making it known to the Haidakhan Samaj‟s all over the world that the Charitable Hospital in Chilianaula has grown over the past two years by leaps and bounds. Most of the credit for this growth goes to our Eye Department which is now in tandem with any of the best eye clinics throughout the country. More than 3,000 eye cataract surgeries and over 500 other minor surgeries have been performed in the department during this two year period. Here mention must be made of the wonderful support for these surgeries that has come in through the foreign Samaj devotees and other sympathizers with the charitable cause. On board also is one of the best eye surgeons that we have been able to hand pick this last year. It should be understood that all, repeat all, the lower priced surgeries are carried out free with patients being brought in from far flung villages by our staffers and then being returned to their homes after completion of the operations. Many of these patients are too impoverished to manage to even reach the hospital on their own.

Apart from the eye, the two other major departments of the Hospital – the dental unit and the general medicine unit – are also flourishing. Two new dental doctors are now on board and one can see the immediate increase of the patient inflow. The general medicine department caters to almost everyone, be it an eye or a dental patient, since once they are

7 inside the hospital, all of the other ailments besides eyes and teeth get instant attention from our lady Physician.

In short, more than 20,000 cases have been registered and attended to this past year by our combined team of doctors. This is no mean achievement since not too long ago there used to be only two or three patients throughout the day.

Bhole Baba Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Center. Credit is due to the Indian Haidakhan Trust that it has not only seen fit to open a charitable hospital in this socio-economically backward region, but also a holistically oriented fully equipped Ayurveda Hospital. This proves that medical support has been sought not only through modern science, but also through the classical ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. It is now a well known fact that India is considered the original land of Ayurveda. The establishment of this Hospital has made this little remote village of Chilianaula in the hilly region of the Himalayas a name to reckon with. It attracts clients not only from India but from all over the world where people can come for a pure and unsullied detoxification of both the body and mind. The main thrust of the Hospital, of course, is its Panchkarma treatment which deals with the subtlest aspects of both body and mind.

Hospital Requirements: We no longer need spectacles for the hospital, we now need books and research papers for a library on spiritual, philosophical and health matters.

The Haidakhan Charitable Hospital, Haidakhan, Dist Nainital. The Haidakhan Charitable Hospital is the original of all the three major medical establishments of the Indian Haidakhan Samaj. This hospital is located in the main Haidakhan Ashram premises founded by our Param Guru Shri Baba Haidakhan Bhagwan Himself. For those who may not have much idea of this remote place, the village of Haidakhan is located in a picturesque valley with the river Gautami Ganga running through the centre of the ashram and surrounded by old mountains on which Baba Himself did penance for long periods. However, given its location, there were absolutely no medical facilities available to local residents for a long period of time. This Hospital has helped in drastically reducing the mortality and morbidity rates by providing round-the-clock medical care. The Hospital has attracted more than 10,000 patients over the last one year. Apart from the general medical facilities, full dental care is also offered.

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About Chilianaula Ashram by Lakshmi

“Every day we do morning and evening puja in Babaji‟s kutir (which is a fabulous new building above Babaji‟s old kutir, created by Sri Muniraj). On Mondays, being Shiva day, we sing bhajans in the kutir. It is a very special experience attended by many families and children. There is an atmosphere of great happiness everytime we do this. In addition every Monday, Dr Vijay does a fire ceremony in the havan kund outside the Panchkarma clinic.

There are many new buildings in the ashram. There are four new rooms in construction as a third floor on top of the ashram accommodation. Muniraji‟s house has been rebuilt with two new floors on top of his old family house. Prem Dass is doing a great job in charge of the building works. He left his own job in Italy to do this and his knowledge is very good and he has great devotion. There is a new and much bigger water tank for the ashram and there is even an ATM machine installed ! The garden has been created in a new style around the temple with a new dhuni in the garden. There are now better conditions for Muniraji to stay here during the monsoon time. We hope our Guru will stay long in good health. When Muniraji is resident there is every day chandan at 5pm and fire ceremonies in his little dhuni. There is a strong expectation here that Babaji will return soon.

Lakshmi goes on to say: “If my heart is not in peace, I am not in peace. The nature and the mountains bring me peace. Sometimes the murti looks as if it is smiling, and at other times, more critical.” Lakshmi comes from Catalonia from a village north of Barcelona in Spain. Her father was a wood craftsmen and ran a business with many employees. Her karma yoga is doing the flowers and gardens, maintaining puja in Babaji‟s kutir and preparing the fire when Muniraji comes.

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Om Gung Ganapatye Namaha

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Recommendations for Chilianaula Ashram In addition to the Panchkarma program we need to give our customers and visitors a sense of spiritual upliftment and peace. The program should include an increase in spiritual activities at the ashram. For example, everyone should get up at 4 am, have chandan and do japa mala, read the Gita, attend a daily fire ceremony and perform karma yoga.

In addition we should formally visit and reinvigorate Babaji temples and centres in this Himalayan region, for instance we could take Padukas for puja to Katgharia temple near Haldwani, or Chhedu ashram (Old Haidakhan Baba lived there for 45 years and it is a 6 km walk through the forest, 2-3 hours drive from Chilianaula). We could give seminars on Babaji‟s philosophy at Haidakhan and Chilianaula. We need better information and modernised brochures for visitors in the temples about who is Babaji and the history of Mahendra Maharaj.

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Haidakhan Ashram News

From Mary: The ashram needs helpers, particularly in the office for a week to two weeks before and after each Navaratri. Please consider whether you can commit to helping in the office in this way.

Christmas 2009 in Haidakhan - by Sandeep Tandon Christmas was celebrated with a surprisingly low attendance of Indian and Western devotees this time, due to the economic recession in this materialistic world. Munnirajji came on 23rd and all preparations were done by Kali Shani and Mary's team of dedicated devotees. Man Singh had to manage the allocating of the rooms, take care of all the blankets mattresses and other belongings, in spite of his shoulder and foot injury. It has been really amazing to see him do all kinds of jobs without any complaining, especially the work left over after the functions. Mahaveer from Germany had done an astounding job at Fakirabad, the dhuni was painted, Prem Baba's samadhi was being well taken care of. The company bagh was divine, and a feast to the eyes, the flowers and the garden were so well cared for, and a new bridge had been put across the river after the monsoon, so that all of us could cross well. The gufa side speaks volume of hard work put in by Gaurhari, this man who has been given immense energy by our Babaji to put in all his efforts in the fields and the crops he cultivates year after year.

Due to a death in Sri Munirajji‟s family we were given Christmas chandan by raja Man Singh and then Babaji's padukas were taken to the main kirtan hall, a small aarti was performed and the procession proceeded towards the gufa for the majestic havan. The havan was initiated by Sri Laxmiji as Munnirajji was abstaining himself from all religious ceremonies. There was a massive bhandara and I was mesmerized by the huge inflow of village devotees, we had to cook food again and again and yet again as the crowds kept pouring till five in the evening. I was so exhausted that I could not carry another bucket so I just left and allowed Babaji to take care of the final rounds of service ! This year we had only the ashram devotees performing on stage which was very well done and very well applauded by the village and ashram devotees. Sweets and gifts were distributed to all the children in the kirtan hall which went to the magical figure of 1000. Finally a lavish breakfast was organized on the morning of 26th, which concluding this year‟s Christmas celebrations. Thank you Babaji for letting us enjoy our Christmas at the most holy place in the world.

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Spring Navaratri 2010 – by Raghuvir The Cetra Navaratri of 2010 was lovely. We set a new record once again as there were over 460 foreigners present during Navaratri. All rooms were over full but with the Divine vibrations all went very well. Shri Muniraj was in top shape, better then we have seen him for a long time, May Babaji bless him always. Just before Navaratri, our sister Ganga, who takes care of Shri Muniraj and a lot of other things, fell seriously ill. It took some changing gears and improvisation to get reorganized. Meanwhile Ganga is recuperating in Italy. For some photos of this event go to our Haidakhandi website: http://www.haidakhandisamaj.org .

You can also visit the heARTful website of Lal Baba where many pictures and a daily report were sent out every day of Navaratri onto the internet. From Vladivostok to Costa Rica, and from Canada to Australia people were looking in every day. http://www.haidakhan.info/welcome.html Have patience, downloading takes time but it‟s worth the wait !

On the 10th day of Navaratri two marriages took place to seal off a great 10 days. Our Anandi, who has been serving in the office for years, was very joyous and we wish them and the other couple, lots of love and prosperity.

Bandara for Haidakhan children during Chetra Navaratri 2010

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A Powerful Message to Everyone

This writing came together after a discussion with Shri Muniraj. Shri Muniraj is inviting you to take full advantage of Shri Babaji's gifts - do some practice and spend some time in our Ashrams in India. - written by Raghuvir

“We are very fortunate to have these beautiful ashrams in India: Herakhan and Anand Puri dam in Chilianaula where we can just go and stay. Over time it has happened that the majority of devotees staying there all revolves around the Navaratris. The number of people who come on these occasions is still growing every year. We had close to 500 foreigners this last Navaratri passing through ! This is really wonderful as there is always a good number of new comers amongst them. On the contrary at the Christmas celebrations this year, there were only twelve people present in Herakhan last December. In the monsoon the people can be counted on one hand and you'll have some fingers left over most of the time. The spiritual power of these places is however the same throughout the year. This is Shri Babaji's gift to us which holds a great largely unused potential !

Hardly anybody comes to Herakhan to do sadhana (spiritual practice) or seva (selfless service) for an extended period of time. It is a pity that the meaning of sadhana by experience is unknown to most of us. Why not try to take out some months in your life to discover the power of these places, and by taking your Jappa further then a few mala's a day, and get to know the enormous power and benefit in repeating your mantra continuously in these wonderful places of power and blessing (and so get closer to the Divine we carry in our heart). In the quiet periods there is much less distraction and a period of not speaking, eating little and full concentration will be such an enrichment of your life, which nobody could ever take away from you again. Besides Japa, one can study deeply the Saptasathi, learn to serve the sacred fire or a murti, by practicing as a Pujari. Discover the meaning of Seva and meet the power of these gifts and open the wonderful space we carry in our heart.

If Sadhana does not resonate with you consider Seva. We are reaching a point where in the quiet periods it becomes difficult to maintain these big ashrams. With big numbers of people only being present a few weeks of the year there is so much to do for those who are doing Seva throughout the year to make all this possible. With a few more hands and minds, offices can work better, cleaners can clean, handy-men can do maintenance, and pujari's can keep the temples and dhuni's in great shape. 14

In the process one can learn Hindi language, learn to play harmonium, pronounce the Aarti & bhajans etc., and the whole place will be more lively by your presence. This seva is highly praised by Babaji and revered as the great yoga of our times - Karmayoga. Also in the vedas it is regarded as highly beneficial for spiritual progress. During this process in Herakhan Vishwa Mahadham your bond with the Divine will be so strong and your spiritual path will be like a spiritual highway.

Time is flying and the world is pulling us, but what does it really bring us ? Remember we are human beings, not human doings, and what we fill our days with shapes our future.

Shri Babaji spoke about the Haidakhandi University. We have never been able to set this up until now but our Siddhi Peeths ( power places ) hold a great potential. It takes a whole hearted student, a one pointed, focussed devotee who wants to go beyond, to discover the wonders of the inner world and establish a conscious bond with the Divine.

(Please translate this information for your newsletters, ashram info boards and web pages).

New Films and Music

The Haidakhandi Samaj has started to bring out Music and Films. Last Navaratri 3 products where launched in Herakhan and will soon be available in the Ashram stores worldwide. We hope this is the beginning of a wonderful collection of Herakhan Music & Films. If you are a producer of music or movies and have ideas please feel free to contact us. All proceeds are directed for the benefit of the Hospital in Chilianaula.

1.) Herakhan Films: Shastriji, the voice of Babaji. A 30 minute documentary on Vishnu Datt Acharya which will stir the soul. 2.) Herakhan Bhajans; Teri Sharana me Aya. A double CD with Hargovind, Alok & others with our older and more complex bhajans. It contains a booklet with the text. 3.) Herakhan Bhajans; Alive @ Siddhashram. Recorded last Guru Purnima at Schweibenalp, with Hargovind, Pujari, Ganga and Moti ma.

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News from Around the World

Sweden

BoWahlström:

Sambasadashiva was registered in 1991 in Stockholm, Sweden, as a non- profit foundation with the purpose to work for the spiritual and social uplifting of humanity and to participate in the co-creation of a unity beyond races, nations and religions. The purpose of the foundation was also to create a body that could purchase and run an ashram with much land as a growing potential. Haidakhan Baba Center was founded already in 1982 and is a non-profit organisation that since those days have spread Shri Babaji´s teachings, organised spiritual programs and sold books, pictures, CD´s, malas, etc.

Our Swedish ashram, Sambasadashiva Dham was purchased in 1992 and is beautifully located in the countryside about 120 km north of Stockholm. It consists of 9 hectare of forest, with a Dhuni inside. In 1994 it was inaugurated by a Alok Banerjee, Hargovind Baba and a group of other Haidakhandis. In the year of 2000 the land was ecologically investigated as a part of a devotee‟s examination in Geobiology at the University of Uppsala. The result was encouraging. The forest is pure and free from acid due to a soil with much calcium. That allows a great biodiversity of plants, flowers and herbs which is unusual. As a part of the investigation, a plan how to tend the forest enable to keep the diversity and to improve it was also laid down.

On the property is also a big barn. In 2003, as a preparation for the visit of Shri Mahamandaleshwar, a Mandir was erected inside. The first Puja was then performed during the three day program here. Many people came from several countries to attend. A two day program was also arranged for him in co-operation with Hindu Mandir society in Stockholm, which is serving hundreds of Hindus living in Sweden. Our connection with them has continued and we have visited each others programs at several occasion.

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In summer of 2007 a 450 kg Shivling, with the energy of Jyotirling Mahakaleshwar, arrived from India for serving the Hindu community during their performance of funeral rites in Sweden. Awaiting its permanent placement it was placed in our Mandir. Later in the fall we participated in it the program when Mahakaleshwar was installed at it‟s place south of Stockholm.

Under the blessings of Shri Babaji and His message of unity, we have seen visitors from all faiths coming to the ashram. Some people have stayed here more permanently for some year or more, but so far it is mostly me and my family here. Bigger programs are arranged about ten times a year, mainly Navaratri, Christmas and Solstice, but people come here for shorter or longer retreats all year. The land here is a great, untapped potential for expanding the ashram but also for building your own place. And there are always need for Karma Yoga and other donations.

Bo Wahlström Ortalalund 7457, 760 40 Väddö, Sweden +46-(0)176-50448 +46-(0)70-2184838 [email protected]

USA

Ramloti from the Haidakhandi Universal Ashram in Crestone:

“The biggest news is that Shri Babaji's kutir is complete and ready for Him to move in! As many of you are gathering in Italy and other ashrams around the world on Guru Purnima Day, we will be inaugurating His room and doing our first paduka puja and chandan in it. Many devotees that were with Babaji in physical form will gather in Crestone to share stories of Him as we celebrate the opening of His room and conduct a large havan and bhandara. This is followed with our Annual Family Week at the Ashram. If you are able to attend, you are all welcome.

Other then that, all is well here and extremely busy at the Ashram with copious blessings from Babaji and the Divine Mother. We conduct all the various ceremonies and full Spring and Fall Navaratri here and invite you to come for a visit and stay in our lovely solar, straw bale, adobe 5 bedroom dormitory. For more information about the Ashram go to www.babajiashram.org (you can subscribe there for our monthly email newsletter). Or email us at mailto:[email protected] or call at 719-256-4108. Many blessings to you all !

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Bali, Indonesia

Beginning in 1992 and for the next two years Bheru Baba (I Gede Gatot Binawa Rata) visited Haidakhan Navaratri. He had travelled around India, and finally met Saraswati in Chilianaula in 1992 and so visited and liked Herakhan. Muniraji came to Bali in 1995 and established Anandapuri Haidakhandi Ashram. They also have a Haidakhandi Peace Centre. The Website is : http://www.babajiindonesia.org./

Bheru Baba Havan Anandpuri Ashram, Bali Waxan Sudhana preparing fire

Bheru Baba says: “My wife (Ni Nyoman Parvati) is Catholic. She supports our pujas from the back, but she is not allowed to divide God, divide Jesus. But she can see Babaji appear in the fire ceremony. I‟ve translated Babaji‟s Teachings into the Indonesian language. We sell copies in many centres and shops in Bali. Many Westerners left Bali after the bombs. But a lot now come to our mountain ashram. We are always on TV and magazines in Bali. I don‟t believe there are any other Babaji Centres in Indonesia”.

Waxan Sudhana is their Samaj Chairman: “I came first to Babaji about five years ago. There are eleven of us here this Navaratri with three children. In Bali we do fire ceremonies every week, puja every day and five times full nine day navaratris. We have a centre in town Denpasar City which we attend every week. We have a bigger ashram in the country where 30- 50 people come regularly from the Hindu religion and follow Shiva.

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Latvia

Vasudev

“My home has a dhuni and a building for 20 people. But in the winter it can drop to –20º, so not many people come! We can do puja very fast, in 20 minutes, the ghee freezes immediately. I do fire ceremonies every week. Every day I do jappa and Sapti Sati. My place is 2km from Riga. It is actually my parent‟s home. My mother came to Haidakhan and attended Pancha Karma in Chilianaula. I set up this Centre 2 years ago after having got Permission from Shri Muniraji four years ago. The name of the dhuni is Gurudhuni. I think Muniraji came to Latvia in 1995.

People are attracted to the fire ceremony in Latvia, and then they are asking about Babaji. There are fires burning all over Latvia, as it is part of the traditional and ancient roots of our country. We sing ancient folk songs and dance. This old tradition saw the fire as a sacred fire, however the folklore today is not so alive as there are no gurus or spiritual leaders. Our culture has lost working with the fire as a spiritual practice. This is why our Haidakhandi fire ceremony attracts many Latvians. Traditionally the solar festivals are celebrated in my country. There are four different seasons in Latvia and the ancient ceremonies marked the beginning and ending of each season. They even used to put a fire like a havan on the top of an oak tree and danced around it at these festivals. It was a very cosmological way of thinking. The tradition is alive today but it‟s not a spiritual tradition.

Stemming from these old cultural traditions we now have a special song and dance festival in Latvia called Dziesmu Svetki. This is a UNESCO programme which occurs every four years in the Summer. We have 40,000 singers in the choir and 100,000 spectators attending. Last year the director was a close devotee of Babaji and was inspired by the Haidakhandi fire ceremony to introduce a fire ritual as part of the festival. This was a major national event, which was broadcast on Latvian TV.

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Slovenia Mayaram and Nandani: There is currently no centre in Slovenia. We have done aarati for two years in our Company, where we have five full time employees. It is important to combine daily work with spirituality and that‟s my idea for my company. We had a dhuni for 5 years on open land, but now the land that has been donated by the city Mayor for Slovenia‟s first mosque ! Many devotees were upset about this, but I supported it: to search for and know God is the most important thing in life.

In 1987 Sakua brought Rebirthing seminars to Slovenia. She and her assistant Nima initiated 30 – 40 people in aarati puja. We had plans for an ashram soon after that but generally then there were many local groups meeting for aarati. Mayaram studied the fire ceremony in Cisternino. There is a centre in Smolnik near Maribor but there were too few participants for an ashram 20years ago. We had murtis initiated, but the owner was unwilling to keep it solely as a Babaji centre, and other spiritual practices happened there. Nowadays we meet annually at Guru Purnima for fire ceremony with about 15 people. Coming together in Slovenia didn‟t work, even though we had a lot of support from Muniraji and others. Either people had time and no money or had money and no time.

There is a small Babaji group in Koper-Capodistria by the Italian border and they relate with the Trieste group for Babaji pujas. This year we‟ve bought our own property in the centre of Lubliana. Jason and the Argonauts journeyed through our city which is now called Lubliana. This is part of our mythology. Back in Schweibenalp Guru Purnima 2009 we had prayed to find a place. We found it one week later at half the price expected. We both know this was a gift from Babaji. We will use this property for business and have a dhuni and temple for aarati. Our construction will hopefully finish in Autumn 2010 and all devotees will be invited.

Holland Maheshanand News to report from Holland this time: we 're still waiting for the building permit for the temple. We finalized now the construction plans and we selected a contractor who will together with Karma Yogis build the Babaji temple. Finally, next week (June 2010) an earth warmth system will be installed for heating and warm water supply for all existing and future buildings in the ashram. With this installation we save a lot of money and fossil energy. Finally we expect to start with the construction of the first (of six) meditation kutirs in July.

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Italy

Cisternino Satsang 2006 Janki Rani

Ramananda & Filippo: We now make unity in Italy. The Italian Samaj decided to donate Asti ashram to the Foundation of Cisternino as this was already set up and it‟s very difficult to get charitable foundations going in Italy. The Foundation is now getting strong. We‟ve worked a lot with Bhole Baba city (residences around Cisternino), where there were problems. Asti and Milan were always about friendships, enjoyable meetings, aarati and good human relationships. But Cisternino is about growth through fighting.

We have 350 –500 devotees in Italy. We have now begun to make all donations to the Foundation. We are continuously reminding ourselves that the goal of everything is to do things together. It takes years in Italy to do things! Three weeks takes three years. Our projects are to build solar panels in both ashrams and one bank loan for both ashrams. The Italian Samaj met every Saturday in the North. Now it is affiliated to many centres and ashrams in Italy: Cisternino, Asti, Love Centre Umbria, Croce Mandir Napoli, Sardinia Centre (see article below) , a new Torino Centre and another one in Como.

Our goal is unity in Samaji Italiano. Unity also has tax and legal advantages. Ram Lota is in charge in Cisternino and he manages it very well: he is accepted by everybody. Janki Rani (Lisetta), who founded Cisternino and was the first President of the Foundation, supports our Gurupurnima celebrations in Cisternino this July 2010. She needs to be heard and we need to involve her. She is like our mother, so she is special. She appoints one person to the Committee of the Foundation, the rest we elect.

In Milano we do aarati once a month in a yoga centre called Kailash with a big picture of Babaji. When we first met the man who set up Kailash. He said “I have been waiting for you for 20 years”. He had met Babaji years

21 ago. In Asti we do a yagya once a month and have teachings about yoga, chakras and Filippo‟s re-birthing. Three regular courses at Asti. People come for one week but whatever the group, whether Babaji devotees or not, we do daily pujas. Asti was founded in 1991. We‟ve now built another floor on and increased the size to 700 m. The temple is so beautiful. It is all glass and you can see all around at the beautiful landscape. We have no permanent pujari there, but there are two people who live near the ashram. When people lived in the ashram, pujari or not, we often had difficulties - attachment problems and the place did not feel clear. Now nobody lives there and the energy feels much clearer. We have a gentleman‟s agreement that nobody smokes in Asti. You don‟t arrive with tobacco or drugs and you don‟t smoke down the road even. Ramananda finished by saying that Fillipo was the first to trust in buying the ashram in Asti.

View from Asti

Working Lunch in Asti Ashram !

Hairakhandi Love Centre Central Italy, near Florence

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Sardinia, Italy

Lalla Ramsevi: Centro Hanuman is located in the silence of a beautiful hilly area in the northern part of Sardinia. Situated 15 minutes from the sea and a few kilometres from Olbia Costa Smeralda airport, Hanuman Centre offers a spot dedicated to seminars and meetings with Masters and therapists of different cultures and philosophies It is also possible to spend periods of time restoring mind, body and spirit in nature, eating organic food, practising meditation and experimenting transpersonal rebirthing sessions with Lalla Meregaglia Ramsevi, rebirther and spiritual researcher, long time Babaji devotee. Built of bio- architecture techniques and materials, the building sits well in its local farming countryside. Address and Contact details: Associazione Centro Hanuman, Telti, Sardegna. Sardinia. www.centrohanuman.com [email protected] skype: "ramsevi" - fb "centro Hanuman" tel. +39-078943599 - cell +39-3396786669

Australia

Narayan, 11th June 2010: “Early this morning, I stood outside under the stars and my thoughts turned to Babaji and the Australian Ashram and a secret desire of mine surfaced: to be the pujari at our ashram. I had this romantic vision of a Narayan full of bliss and light, I threw my arms up and said to Baba: "See I am such a fool, how could I ever be called a devotee, but on the other hand, you are stuck with me, and history will show, I at least turned up and continue to do so, so please have compassion on me”.

Babaji's answer was swift and clear, underneath the ego stuff was a great desire to have a place to go to, similar to Haidakhan where the energy is pure and sweet for body and spirit. It didn't matter 'who' created this, it just mattered that it be done. I guess one has to follow one‟s heart and be content being who we are and perhaps hold our aims high and expect more from ourselves than we think we can give.

Om Haidakhandi - Bhole Baba Ki jai - Jai Vishnu - Jai Muniraji Maharaj KI Jai

I am like the wind ... no one can hold me ... no one can own me ... I belong to everyone ... the whole world is my home... all are my family ... I live in every heart .... I will never leave thee……………A beautiful promise.

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Germany - Messages from Ganga Singh: Today is the 70th birthday of Malti (Maria Gabriele Wosien), Om Shanti and I will go there. www.baba-haidakhan.de is a website for books and literature, it will guide you to the Babaji books of www.reichel- verlag.de. Nila is publishing a new book about her experiences with Babaji: Renata Caddy, Segen von Babaji, Begenung mit dem Meister vom Himalaya, www.schirner.com. This book will be out by October 2010.

Some of the books are reprinted this year: Botschaft vom Himalaya and Babaji Von Herz zu Herz. The book Babaji - Von Herz zu Herz has one new story and all the pictures are now in colour print. There is another new German book from Christa Falk Verlag: Babajis Anleitungen für die Neue Zeit, März 2010 http://www.chfalk-verlag.de/books/215-5.htm and further Christa Falks own book: "Komm..." Begebnung mit Babaji; see here: http://www.ongnamo-versand.de/buecher/spiritualitaet/christa-falk- komm-buch.html. I very much hope to have a comprehensive list of Babaji literature ready for the next news, including internet links and pictures.

Poland Paramanand: Bhole Baba Seva Dham Ashram, Lanckorona. May 2010 Since opening in 2005 one person was taking care of the monthly payment of the bank loan to start this ashram. Unluckily this person passed away last year and now the ashram is in a difficult financial situation. New plans have been generated and Muniraj has been consulted. Munirajji showed his disappointment that the ashram might have to close but at the same time he agreed that selling the building would be an option in case there would be not enough money anymore to pay the monthly bank loan (in that case the bank itself is expected to take the opportunity to sell the building). Later Muniraj gave his OK for a new plan for the ashram building also facilities for Ayurveda and yoga as a service and income for the ashram.

The first ayurvedic massage workshop took place in May. On 9th May a Laksmi Ganesh puja was performed, under the able guidance of Maarten Baba, for progress and prosperity for Poland. It felt as a real blessing of the Divine Mother. To help solve the financial problems, three devotees took the initiative to donate 125 euro each month. If 10 people would do the same, the payment of the bank loan would be secured and even some small renovations for the building could also be done. In Germany and Holland there are initiatives to donate to our ashram. (Editor Editorial Information: This story is of the second ashram in Poland http://www.babaji.pl/. The other ashram is Sri Haidakhandi Seva Dham, in Makolno, where Mohan & Megha live. http://www.babaji.org.pl/ ). 24

Russia

Annapurna: “We have four centres in Russia: one Moscow centre is in Durga Dass‟s house, then there‟s Okunevo ashram near Omsk, Zaluchnoe ashram near Moscow, and finally two groups in the City of Surgut which is 700km north-east of Omsk in Siberia in the tiger forest land. Our Russian website is www.babaji.ru

Annapurna Durga Dass Lajvanty Puran

Zaluchnoe Ashram – 120km South West of Moscow We now have started to build the ashram. We have a Babaji kutir and dhuni, but as yet we have no house for living in, so we attend the place in summertime only. There are only a few of us involved. In 2005 in an interview with Muniraji we asked him: “Can we build an ashram near Moscow, as we think Moscow city has an unclean energy which is not suitable for an ashram”.

Muniraji replied: “Find one old destroyed Orthodox church and start to perform havan there and the government will then give you land”. We were in shock and started to explain that this is not possible because the orthodox church is very strong and afraid of sects. Muniraji listened and nodded as if he understood. Then he said again: “Find a place with an old destroyed church and do havan there!”

We returned to Moscow and tried to find such a place. But everyone had their own problems and little by little we forgot about it. Then in 2006 we were doing havan in Ram Piyari‟s house and we understood it is not possible to continue doing this in private houses where there could be problems with neighbours. I found a computer programme that specialised in searching for land. The programme gave us three alternatives for an ashram site, and we subsequently visited each place. The third one

25 was 100 meters from a river, but only five of us wanted to start an ashram there. We five came together and decided to buy it and find a place to make havan on the land. We went into the forest to find the havan place and it happened that we lost each other for about 45 minutes. Later we all arrived independently at this beautiful hill with an old destroyed church on top, but it was 2km from the land we were buying. Even so, we realised this must be the place that Muniraji told us about a year ago. We were very happy and started to prepare for havan 20m from the church.

Around the hill is a river with silver in it, it‟s like mineral water. It‟s called the Rud river (red ochre - kum kum). We took a bath in it and then made the yagya. When we finished the yagya it started to rain and the sky became a very unusual colour of pink. We phoned Muniraji and he said “yes, yes – you are right – make ashram there.” We invited everyone from Moscow to join us and build ashram but some people objected: „There is not enough land and it‟s too far from Moscow‟. Two months later Muniraji gave it the name Shiva Hill and said it was a very old and holy place and he said: “Step by step, first a small ashram on small land.” At the same time we tried to buy Shiva Hill but until now this has not been possible. In the summertime we do havans on Shiva Hill.

In 2006 the Haidakhandi Samaj of Russia was set up as a charitable legal foundation. http://www.haidakhandisamaj.ru/ At present we have only 14 members in the Samaj. Many Babaji people in Russia think it‟s not necessary to make a community organisation: Russian people look for freedom. Yes, it might well be a reaction to the old communist system.

Moscow Centre Annapurna: Durga Dass made havans, padukha pujas and aarati in his house and when we met him in Haidakhan we invited him to our ashram. But we found difficulties: many people come to Durga Dass‟s house, including Dutch Pujari, and its only 20km from Moscow, but most who come to his centre are not interested in supporting an ashram so far away (120 km from Moscow), as Durga Dass does fire ceremonies every Sunday. But now unfortunately the group around Durga Dass does not have a good connection with our group. They want to find an ashram, but somewhere else and Muniraji supports both sides. It‟s a big leela. Durga Dass is looking for a piece of land.

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Durga Dass: At first we were together two years ago, after they‟d bought the piece of land and after they‟d already decided to build the ashram there. I refused to support them because the size of the land was too small. Muniraji said to me that 1000 square meters is not enough land for an ashram and we should find a big piece of land. In addition Annapurna‟s ashram land is in the middle of a village. There is no place to sleep, no water or electricity supplies. We have to sit four hours in traffic jams to get there. But Muniraji supports both of us. It‟s a big leela.

Annapurna speaks about the other centres: I used to live in Okunevo 250 km north of Omsk. It was the first ashram in Russia, set up by Rajani in 1992. She first came to Moscow and did havan in an esoteric school there. She talked about Babaji and disciples from the school visited Okunevo. They were shocked when the realised there was lots of Karma Yoga, but Anjani stayed there as pujari from 1992 to 1996 living with Rajani. It was then that she met Pujari. Later Muniraji said that Rajani should leave to help the Russians to do it themselves. This left three devotees in Okunevo. Others joined in 1995. The place is 1400 square meters.

Surgut is a city on the western Siberian plains which is also a tiger forest land. It is 700km north-east of Omsk and 800 km east of the Urals. There are two Babaji groups in this same city, one group does havans every day and the other group does regular aaratis. They have come together now and bought land for mutual cooperation but as yet there is no building on it.

Okunevo Lunch

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The Founding of Okunevo Ashram

A Siberian tale by Rajani

“The main inspiration for Siberia was Babaji‟s speech on 6 April 1982:

„Russia will survive. In times of Pandavas, a Rajsuya Yagna was performed and Russia was not affected then. In the time of Lord Rama, an Ashwamedh (similar to a Rajsuya Yagna) was conducted and Russia was not challenged. Somehow, due to the grace of God, Russia is always protected. In Siberia, there is a temple community devoted to Hanuman, where Hanuman can be seen serving Ram and Sita. Somehow there will be peace in Russia.‟

I had spent five years in Chilianaula, where in 1990, a letter came from Haidakhan from Shri Muniraji: ….

„Shri Muniraji has asked me (Kharku) to write to you and say to get ready as soon as possible…you should go to all newly liberated countries of USSR and Eastern Europe – to spread the message – and to organise to bring people to Shri Muni Raji in Europe when he comes in June. He wants you to go now. He says it is time to go to these countries now. He himself cannot come, while the situation is so fluid, so he is sending you to prepare his way. These people cannot come to India so easily, but perhaps they can come to Berlin or Austria or Holland, or anywhere in Europe‟.

I was not happy at all, being quite attached to Chilianaula and believing that I cannot do all this. I cried and then started to move – with only $20.

After visiting about 13 previous Soviet republics doing havan, aarti and sharing some of Babaji teachings, I was looking forward to visit Siberia. Lalita and her son accompanied me, because I did not speak any Russian. We had to go to Omsk (because of OM…. !). Surprising we found there the rivers TARA and OM. The night before our flight to Omsk, a very excited man came to us in Latvia: he said that he has to tell us about our expedition. Later everything happened just as he had foretold.

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In Omsk we tried to find some information about Hanuman sites, asking archaeologists in museums. There was nothing. But everybody was telling us that the area has many UFO sightings, and that a long time ago there lived a very wise people (Rishis) together with the tribe known as the HANTUMANSI, who later moved to the north. They still are there. (see Google: possibly connected to the Khanty-Mansi tribes - Ed)

So we ended up 200 km north in the village Okunevo, where we did a havan, together with members of the local authorities and archaeologists. It was on a sacred little hill, which had been used before only for rituals, according to the archaeologists.

Later I spent five days alone in the wide open space, far away from the village. It was there that the most exciting meeting in my life happened during one whole night. Our old Shastriji told me later, that the first light was Babaji. Then came the Gods, half Gods and the guardians of four knowledge‟s. There were all these lights, sound and energies.

So I started an ashram in the village. Simple and slow. It caused a big sensation on Russian TV, radio, newspapers. People started to come and help. Since then it has become a very popular place in Russia. Village houses are sold out, Krishna people have built a temple. Our nice little ashram is an attraction to many tourists. By Babaji‟s grace, it has been running for 16 years. Only He could make this miracle.

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Okunevo (near Omsk) today Lajvanty - pujari: Okunevo means the perch fish. The ashram is called Om Kar Shiva Dham. It means „the place where creation started‟. I stayed already six years in this blissful place. For four years I‟ve been pujari and ashram care taker. We have maybe 15 to 20 guests visiting for navaratri. Our Summer navaratri is the most important event. It runs from 11th to 20th August. Usually 100 people come. But there are periods when there are only two or three people there. It can sleep 70 people on the floor and in the roof space, and some people stay in private houses in the village. When I left there just now the temperature was –30º night time and –15º day time. Now it is probable that the snow is melting and the Spring weather is breaking through. They had two pujaris in four years. Two years ago the male pujari fell in love, left and married. He used to do havan every day. Now I‟ve been two years by myself as pujari. We‟re looking for another pujari, a strong man for our Siberian ashram !

Omkar is a very special place 2 km from the ashram. We did havan there every week-end in the original fire place that Rajani set up. When I first visited here in Winter I found it amazing doing the fire in deep snow at Omkar. We pull everything 2 km by sledge and make the dhuni clay when it is so cold that the clay and cow dung freezes immediately at –30º. Rajani found a big black stone in the forest which was a few feet high and had a profile of Hanuman. The stone was not normal for this area as the land is sand and clay. She had it carried by horse and cart to the ashram.

We‟ve had 15 years here already doing our Russian navaratris. There is a community of locals from nearby towns who have been coming regularly. People seeking a spiritual path from all over Russia come to this area. People from10 villages in this area attend the ashram regularly. The ashram has a council and people make monthly donations. People also pay 200 rubels a day to stay here (which is US $7). Om Namaha Shivaya. 30

Croatia

Trilochan, Lakshmi, Mahadevi, Parwati, Vishnu Datt, Narmade - Madhumati, Ram Narayane, Parwati

Parvati, Nirmala and Madhumati: We have a Haidakhandi Samaj in Croatia. There is the Haidakhandi Love Centre in Osijek in the East near the Serbian border. In the far South is Split where Sarasvati does aarati with a group of others. Also on the Adriatic coast but in the far West is Pula where Kamala does aarati at home. But there is another split in Croatia: there is the Haidakhandi Spiritual Centre in Zagreb which is not in the Samaj. In Zagreb they do weekly aarati at somebody‟s home and they have a dhuni outside the city. Vishnu Datt is part of our Samaj, but his two colleagues do not wish to be members: they think it is not necessary for their sadhana to be connected to Babaji. Maybe they do not want to be „under‟ another authority body. Every centre does it for itself. We had a big meeting of the Haidakhandi Samaj altogether and drew up a big plan finding out who does what. But the Samaj is an umbrella organisation which gets negative authority projections.

Haidakhandi Love Centre, Osijek http://www.babaji.hr/ Parvati: It was founded in 1997 and has 15 to 20 members doing a lot of Karma Yoga. There are five murtis and we now have padukhas coming from Muniraji. We‟ve moved the Love Centre five times! A dhuni, a kirtan hall, vegetables - much karma yoga. It‟s now in the middle of a small town, a rented house and garden. We don‟t have a membership. Whoever can donate does so. But we always seem to have some money. We do havan four days a week and weekly aarati.

Haidakhandi Spiritual Centre Zagreb Vishnu Datt: We set up the centre on instructions from Muniraji in 2003. It‟s now in my apartment. There is no separate building. We do once a week aarati. People are interested in this sadhana, so we gather and talk about Babaji and his teachings. At present we only have five registered members, but a 100 plus have come along to visit us. (see

31 http://www.haidakhan.net/). Muniraji authorised us to perform havan once a week in our dhuni which is on private property 25 km North-East of Zagreb. We do this usually on Sundays even in the Winter. It‟s very cold. We have no electricity but it is in nature – it‟s a long term project.

Haidakhandi Samaj Croatia http://www.babaji.hr/haidakhandi-samaj/ Parvati is president of the Croatian Samaj. We‟ve produced three CDs and have created concerts in Osijek and Zagreb. We‟ve translated the Goraknat book and have produced badges of Ganesh and Om signs, etc. We do social work quietly in the community because the Catholic culture reacts against our Babaji/Indian ways. Every town where there are Babaji people we have tree planting schemes. We produce a newsletter twice a year, which goes out to 50 people and we all meet all together once a year. Bhole Baba Ki Jai !

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Bulgaria By Diksha

It‟s one small country but it has a lot. God gave the territory to the Bulgarians. The Lord asked them: “Are you Bulgarian and do you have no country? Take one little piece of paradise and give it to your Bulgarian people.” There are old mountains and beautiful rivers with much heart energy in the land. There are 150 places of power and sanctity like Musala in the Rila Mountains (beloved of Peter Duenov, the 20th century Bulgarian spiritual Master), the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon, Tatul initiation temple of Orpheus, and the famous Rila Monastery. Musala has 3 places similar to Stonehenge. There is Rose Essence, a pure rose oil production in our country. There has been a lot of academic and anthropological research into the ancient Thracian cultures, which are similar to the Inca, Aztec and Mayan cultures. With beautiful artefacts made from gold.

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On the 15th of August this year we are holding a nine day navaratri at Sinemorets, close to the Turkish border, on the Black Sea. Three years ago Rai Dass brought a lingam to this place. In Sofia there is a Babaji centre in Rai Dass‟ apartment. We have now bought land 30 km north of Sofia for an ashram (30 minutes drive from the capital). The architectural plans are being drawn up. It‟s at the village of Svoge and it‟s by a river. There are 20-30 devotees in Bulgaria and three or four times a week there is a fire ceremony in Rai Dass‟ garden and aarati twice a day.

We are beginning to prepare a presentation for Bulgarian TV on Muniraji and yoga practice - karma yoga, kriya yoga, kundalini yoga. I filmed an interview with Muniraji and he emphasised that karma yoga is the most important yoga.

Report of Bulgaria visit by Dr. Vijay Sheel Upadhyay of Bhole Baba Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre, Chilianaula (BBAHRC)

The purpose of this visit was: to explore the possibilities of opening an Ayurvedic centre in Sofia, Bulgaria; to introduce the Ayurveda and generate interest amongst the Bulgarian people for Panchkarma and to propagate and disseminate the activities of BBAHRC

Mr. Vesselin Stoycheff, Managing Partner of VVM Engineering Ltd.Bulgaria, invited me to find out the possibilities for opening an ayurveda centre in Sofia and to assess the location for this centre. There are currently no Ayurveda facilities in all of Bulgaria. I delivered a three hour talk and presented a slide show regarding the concept of ayurveda and activities in BBAHRC Chilianaula. I also performed 54 patient consultations, most of whom were follow up cases from Chilianaula.

It was decided that nearly 10,000 sq meters of land will be purchased for this purpose and approximately 2 millions Euro will be required to open this Centre. I am informed that there are investors potentially willing to fund this project. On the last day of my visit on 28th May 2010 a meeting was held in the Indian Embassy in Sofia with the wise Bulgarian Minister of External affairs and Indian ambassador Mr. Divyam Manchanda. The minister expressed his keen interest to promote Ayurveda in Bulgaria and the Indian ambassador promised that he will help us to develop this project. Finally it was decided that during the next visit of Mr. Vesselin to

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India in September 2010 a formal and initial meeting will be organized in Delhi with the Trustees of Bhole Baba Ayurvedic Hospital & Research centre, Chilianaula for a detailed discussion on MOU between them. Mr. Vesselin will stay in Chilianaula for his 14 days treatment and will attend first 3 days of the Autumn Navaratri festival 2010 for further meetings with the Trustees.

If this project is successful there will be an increased inflow of foreigners for Panchkarma to Bhole Baba Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Center, Chilianaula, and hence an increase in revenue to our BBAHRC hospital. A need for a training centre will arise and thus, BBAH will be recognized as a Panchkarma training centre. International recognition can make it easier to obtain affiliation from any university/Ayus to run either certificate or diploma courses. By using the local herbal resources in Bulgaria through the Ayurvedic concept, this will revive the ancient wisdom of health in Bulgaria. It could also lead to further interest in the ancient system of healing for the whole of Europe. Some consultancy income will accrue to the BBAHRC for setting up the project, and BBAHRC can source the medicines and other supplies for Bulgaria wherever possible.

Extracts from the report by Vesselin Stoycheff I would like to thank you to Dr. Vijay and all board members of BBAH for this kind and very successful 7 day visit. We decided next meeting to take place in Delhi end of September 2010 together with BoD of Bhole Baba Ayurvedic Hospital & Research center, Chilianaula. During this meeting we can sign MoU for the further steps of creation of Ayurvedic clinic in Bulgaria with full Indian style. We will also try to engage the Bulgarian Embassy in Delhi.

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Main Theme: “Follow the Religion of your Heart”

Muniraji – Haldwani “Babaji‟s words: „Follow the religion of your heart‟, well, I feel the same. People make religions like political parties: when one party rules there are differences and another party breaks away. Religion is about how to live in the world. Everything depends on the way you live. Separate religions are like separate politics. All religions are actually the same. Initially it was all just one religion. Religion teaches you how to carry one‟s self, how to live in society, eat and respect each others sentiments. Religion is not about hurting or fighting. It is the splitting with others that causes problems. The body is made up of five elements and different religions are like the different elements all together in one body. Rituals are done the same in every religion, lighting incense, lighting a lamp or ringing bells. There are scientific reasons why this is so.

For me, following the religion of my heart is simple, nothing special. The biggest religion is mankind. I do not favour any particular sect or country. Just good human nature. Everybody can come to a temple unfortunately only some people can go to a mosque”.

Q: Did Buddhists or Muslims come to Babaji? Muniraji heartily affirmed this, and then said:” Some Buddhists think that Babaji was Lama Baba (Chang Shung Lama). Muslims have a different way of looking at the world but ultimately it‟s is the one. Every religion has adapted and learnt from India and then it spread to the West. This is where it began and from here it got diversified. Christ lived 11 years in India. Babaji is everybody‟s Guru”.

Editors quote from „I am Harmony - a book about Babaji‟ by Radhe Shyam : „In the same year (1972), when Sri Babaji was at Haidakhan, five or six lamas came there to have darshan of Prabhu. Sri Babaji conversed with them in their own language, telling them about His having been a lama in Tibet. This was the first time He had mentioned this to anyone. In reply, the lamas hailed Him with "Lama Baba ki JAI!"

This whole incident has also been confirmed by the present day, well-known saint, Gangotri Baba, also known as Swami Akhananda. When Gangotri Baba came to Vrindaban in February 1973, I had a satsang with him. During our conversation, he told me that Jaukushu Lama, he himself, and I had all been devotees of Bhagawan Haidakhan in Tibet during the time of His being Lama Baba, and that we all have been His disciples for many lifetimes..." 35

Mary – Haidakhan First we have to find the goodness in the heart. This morning my saying of the day is: „Freedom in action, not freedom from action‟, and in that detached action we find the freedom and goodness of the heart. However in Haidakhan some people say: “I‟m not following the program, but I‟m following my heart.” It‟s a process of elimination. Its not what you feel to do, and its not what you think you‟d like to do. It‟s what Baba tells you in the heart ! But Oh, how to find this simple message amongst the noise ?

Durga Dass - Russia I love our Russian Orthodox monasteries but their social structures are very tough and they are not positive toward other religions. I was not interested in religion originally, but all my life I‟ve tried to make decisions from my heart.

Trishna (Switzerland) If I follow my heart, there is no attachment to any specific religion. For me the religion of my heart is the way of my Guru Haidakhan Babaji. Out of this focus I can attend to any religious system and learn from it. I‟m born a Christian, so I see myself part of the Christian culture, even though my practice comes from Haidakhan Babaji. In this way I have found love, satisfaction, joy and happiness.

Ramachandra – UK I‟ve interviewed so many people from so many countries that are experiencing friction or splitting between their Babaji groups. It‟s an international phenomenon across the world ! Where there is hurt and past stories between different groups of Babaji people in one country, it comes over as a stuckness at the mind level, and yet there‟s also a heart that yearns to be healed. My experience is that it takes one more brave step forward from the heart, to spring the trap ! One extra gift or gesture of kindness will do it. My vulnerable self might feel betrayed or rejected if I take this small step forward, but just maybe that‟s how the true spiritual heart opens – by sacrifice. It feels like a crucifixion – the rose of the heart is on the cross – but when that small step of kindness to the others is taken, then there is a magic transformation of the whole field. Maybe it will be the leaders of the groups, centres or samajs that most need to take this daring step yet again: to follow the religion of their heart. Then, synchronistically, a ripple effect moves through the whole community. Bhole Baba Ki Jai.

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Yashoda (USA) We are here as human beings and our religion is humanity. Basically it means not to hurt anybody and extend our awareness to the point that we can be conscious of our thoughts, words and actions and bring them into harmony with one another. To be like a Brahmin (the caste that is educated and prays) means to be able to open the heart and see God in everybody and everything.

Annapurna (Russia) The path of love and discipline. Babaji came to me through Muniraji. Muniraji is someone who is a model of how to follow the religion of your heart. He walks the path of discipline.

Mahendri (Germany) Thinking about young people and how many of them are disenchanted with the world today, we need to remember that even for them the cosmic clock is turning. We are all part of it. Concerning this cosmic timing, at a certain point for all of us there is a click, and if we can be open to that heart call and feel and recognise it, and have the courage to turn the lock, then we will follow the true religion of our heart. This is the divine unfolding. Even if we are stubborn and caught in maya, our destiny is to unfold who we really are. This cannot be escaped. On a small level we can dance around it, avoid it, but eventually, we must unfold – according to the divine law.

Lal Baba (Germany) My heart is my heart and there is no religion around. Love is the only rule – not the sticky love, the clingy love, the “I love so that I get something”. It‟s not the business type of love I‟m talking about. Religion is maybe a system to find your heart. TAT VAM ASI – that is the heart. That Thou Art. Non-interference, a selfless way of being.

Rajani (Latvia) You ask me what does „follow the religion of your heart‟ mean to me. The answer is Nothing. I have never thought about it. And no, I almost don‟t think. I don‟t philosophise, I feel Him in my heart. I don‟t have to think about it.

Vasanti (Austria) The religion of my heart is – Om Namaha Shivay – Thy will be done. That‟s the root of Hinduism as well as Christianity. Dein Wille geschehe. That is the religion of my heart. It also means to see the Divine in every form, in everything and everyone. 37

Dr. Vora (India) Babaji‟s ardent devotee was Mahendra Baba. He was instrumental in bringing Babaji to us. It said that people worship Divinity or God with different intelligence – that‟s why there are so many different paths to reach God. But he said that the easiest path according to him was to follow your heart, meaning thereby have a devotional attitude. Love and devotion are different. I love my friends but I‟m devoted to my father. I love my father but I‟m devoted to Babaji. Devotion is basically related to the heart. That‟s it and that is religion. You can be a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim, it doesn‟t matter. As a devotee of Babaji I will say you have to decide with which Saint you find peace and happiness in your heart. I found peace and happiness with Babaji. The sadguru is the one who gives you maximum peace and happiness. He makes you feel peace and happiness in his presence. When you follow the heart, faith comes. If you follow the mind, it will not come, you question why this, why that, how come ? – you will not get peace.

Francis Kundert (UK) The religion of the heart is the Sanatan Dharma – meaning Eternal Truth. We all have different hearts, different habits (samskara, vasana) – determined by past lives. We are all different individuals and we can‟t all fit into the same box. So when we are born into a cultural heritage, family and ancestral lineage, which is a substantial amount of the karma we have to deal with, then the religion of the heart is to become free of those influences by one way or the other. So the religion of the heart is complete freedom to choose your way home.

Nandani (Slovenia) I was not raised in any religion. When I was 14 I began to look and to question who is God, what has religion to teach, what is our purpose. I felt something was missing and hoped I could find it in Christianity. I was disappointed with the priests. They gave a form but no openheartedness. I hoped for a higher spark that I could not find. I was searching for a spiritual teacher, a guide. My second experience was to go to the Hare Krishna Temple in Slovenia, but also there I saw more rules than heart. When I took my first re-birthing session, my husband showed me the picture of Babaji and it was a spark that instantaneously connected with me and opened my heart. I immediately knew this was my teacher. What I liked was the fact that there was no religious dogma that was put before the heart. What appealed was Babaji‟s message that all religions lead to God.

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Raghuvir (Holland) Even though Babaji came from India and had Hindu customs in his ashrams, he was not advocating this particularly. He never used Hinduism, but the idea of the Sanatan Dharma, which is the root of all religions. It is the religion of the heart. We can all clearly sense this when we practice together. The sensation becomes stronger and even though we are generally dulled in our experiences, we can feel this. It is so special because what we feel are the true vibrations of the heart. Once upon a time this was the normal way of being for many, not even that long ago. Unfortunately our senses have become overloaded. Our overactive minds have numbed us to our heart‟s vibration. In His speeches Babaji speaks about humanitarianism, to become true human beings. A true human being can only be one who comes from the heart.

Shri Munirajji

(photo courtesy of http://www.haidakhan.info/)

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Editorial Information

The International Haidakhandi Journal (IHJ) which incorporates the Indian Haidakhandi Samaj News, is published twice a year at mid- summer and mid-winter. It is edited and published by Rob and Gaby in Oxford supported by the Editorial Board of Alok Banerjee in India, Gayatri Devi and Lok Nath in USA, and Raghuvir in Holland. Primarily, publication is on the international website of the Haidakhandi Samaj: http://www.haidakhandisamaj.org/. See below for details of printing in India.

The responsibility of the content of the IHJ lies with the Editors, with the support of their Editorial Board, however the Editors do not take responsibility for the content of individual country‟s information which has been sent or told to us by the representatives of that country. The Editors reserve the right to edit information sent to us, for the purpose of shortening the length of articles or improving written English or presentation.

To All world wide Babaji Centres and Ashrams: This PDF Journal is 13MB size. Why not send a hard copy to your individual Samaj members ? You can obtain copy from [email protected] or from http://www.haidakhandisamaj.org/

Your Copy date for next edition Please send national news, stories and articles from anywhere in the world for the Winter 2010 Journal to info@oxford- transpersonal.co.uk

SEND BY October 31st 2010

This Journal is printed in India by The Haidakhandi Samaj, Regd Office: 54 Hanuman Road, New Delhi -110 001 Regd No. Delhi – S-14556

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