International Haidakhandi Journal. Number 5 - winter 2011-2012

International Haidakhandi Journal - No

- Winter 2011-2012

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Incorporating the Indian Haidakhandi Samaj News

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CONTENTS - Journal 5 Babaji Quotes

Page No.

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Al-Khidr, The Green Man Muniraj

4-5

- devotees experiences of his recent hospitalisation and recovery

6-7

Ganga Ram – tributes from friends

8-12

Gurupurnima Moscow 2011 Munirajji talks to the Russian devotees

14-17

Theme: Devotion as the highest form of knowledge? and other stories

18-27

Haidakhandi Samaj - News from India

28-31

News from Around the World Holland Australia Italy France Croatia Spain

32 33 34-36 37 38-39 40

Letters to the Journal Malti Gopal Hari

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Editorial Information

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Change in dates of Navratri : Chaitra (Spring) Navratri will start from March 23 and end on March 31, 2012 (not on April 1 as printed in the new calendar) Ashwin (Autumn) Navratri will start from Oct 16 and end on Oct 24, 2012 (not on Oct 23 as printed in the new calendar).

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“ Devotion (Bhakti) and faith are the basis of everything.

Through devotion alone one can achieve everything.” “ Have faith, everything depends on faith ”

Haidakhan Babaji

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Al-Khidr, The Green Man

Khidr literally means 'The Green One', representing freshness of spirit and eternal liveliness, green symbolizing the freshness of knowledge “drawn out of the living sources of life.� Whatever the source for this green may be, it has come to symbolize the benign presence of the divine wisdom as imparted by the Divine Himself to Khidr and to Prophet Muhammad.

Khidr is associated with the Water of Life. Since al-Khidr drank the water of immortality He is described as the one who has found the source of life, 'the Eternal Youth.' He is the mysterious guide and immortal saint in popular Islamic lore and the hidden initiator of those who walk the mystical path.

In the Muslim tradition, Khidr is alive and well and continues to guide the perplexed and those who invoke his name.

Here follows a story Naveen Johsi told 28 years ago: Shri Babaji was visiting Bombay every year and mostly staying in the Vallabh apartments. There were several devotees living and I am not sure if Babaji was staying with Dr Clerck, Suresh Bhai or Sardharji in that year.

It was around 3 o'clock in the afternoon and Babaji was resting.

There was a ring at the door and a shabby, tired, bearded man was at the door and politely requested to see Babaji. He was told to come for evening darshan down in the tent. He insisted and said that he had just come from Mecca Medina in Saudi Arabia were Babaji had told him to come and meet Him in Bombay. Naveen who was sitting on the couch in the living room heard the conversation, jumped up and asked this man to come in.

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He did not want to speak a lot and looked very tired. After water and tea he only said that he had met Babaji not long before in Saudi Arabia and Babaji had told him to meet Him in Bombay.

Everybody in the room knew well that Shri Babaji had never left India in His physical form and listened with scepticism to this man. However it seemed sincere and when it was time Babaji was woken up with a tea and the news of this man was relayed to Him. He immediately requested to have him called in the room. After a greeting in Arabian language everyone was requested to leave the room so they could have privacy.

After half an hour or so this man came out happy, energised, greeted everyone in the room and left. Shri Muniraj who was also present in Bombay when this happened confirmed the truth of this story 2 weeks ago.

Nobody knows who that man was, what this was all about. Through the years Babaji spoke well of Pir's which are Sufi saints but no details were ever recorded.

In 1986 Sheik Nazim came to Babaji's Ashram in Switzerland. He said, on his arrival that Babaji had sent him there and mentioned later on a few occasions that Shri Babaji was heading a counsel of great masters and sheiks in the Sufi world. This sheds a whole other light on certain Islamic issues that we are most confronted with nowadays.

Let us bow to the ONE who has no beginning and no end, who has many names and forms but is truly formless, who has called us to His Holy Lotus Feet, and humbly request Him to adorn His Assan once again with His enchanting form of Herakhan Baba. To ask Him to guide us with His Divine Light through these dark times with our hearts yearning for Him how can He refuse such sincere requests from His children ? If we yearn from our heart He will come..................

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Munirajji Extracts from devotees experiences of his recent hospitalisation and recovery

December 26, 2011 – Kharku wrote: As of this moment, Munirajji is waiting to go for an angiogram, which is a test to see what is happening with the blood vessels that bring blood and take blood from his heart. Sri Munirajji has asked repeatedly that we go on with our work, stay focused on our sadhana. Babaji is doing everything and Babaji will decide what happens. We are all worried and want to help and right now the best help you can give to Sri Munirajji is to pray and go on with our lives. He has the best care possible and he is resting calmly.

I spoke to Sri Munirajji yesterday as he was boarding the Helicopter, he was calm and said we should not worry that Babaji was doing everything.

Dec 27th Munirajji appears out of danger and is getting the best care possible.

He slept well and woke up wanting a bath and incense and flowers for his PUJA !!! Of course he cannot burn incense in the ICU, but this means he is well and has his mood back...! Last night He was asking for his wallet so he could go and buy his own food ...complaining he does not like the hospital fare.....so we know he is recovering because nobody likes hospital food! We can all breathe a sigh of relief, your prayers are working.

27th Dec - Sandeep wrote: I have just come back from the hospital and our beloved Guruji is looking fine. To my astonishment the moment I saw his radiant face, he inquired about my ailing mother, I was totally enveloped in his ever giving love. I would like to thank Brigadier Vijay Chopra for his endless efforts in coordinating with us and Guruji's family right from the time Munirajji was admitted in Haldwani and further for airlifting him and getting him admitted into the best possible hospital of the country. His wife Dr Savita Chopra has been very helpful too. I firmly believe and know for a fact

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that heart problems are caused due to stress and heartaches, and many times we have given our Guru anxious moments. I want to take a pledge today I will above all respect him and thank him for every little thing he has been doing for me, I love him immensely. (Our Chairman Shri Alok Banerjee and his team have announced that all the medical expense of our beloved Guruji will be taken care of by the Samaj).

28th Dec - Arvind wrote: An hour back or so, the angioplasty procedure was completed by Munirajji‟s cardiologist Dr. Balbir Singh who very graciously allowed me and Brig. Vijay Chopra to witness the entire procedure. I cannot describe the relief and joy when we saw the blood gushing again through the „ballooned and stented‟ right coronary artery. The medical treatment part of his current medical problems is now over. He will require henceforth rest and recuperation and of course blood sugar control. We all wish Munirajji a speedy recovery.

6th Jan - Kharku wrote: Sri Muniraj arrived home (from hospital) after a 7 hour drive from Delhi.

The whole family was there to meet him. He was very lively in the car telling stories and smiling.

29 January 2012 - Kamalaya After two wonderful weddings Sri Munirajji walked up to the temple today to pay his respects to Sri Babaji, and just now when he woke up from his afternoon rest I took a picture. Am very happy to report that Sri Munirajji is doing very well, his recovery is better than expected. He has good appetite, spends many hours each day in prayer, has time for all the devotees etc. He has been so loving with Raghu and Annapurna and Romi and Oil... Many family members are here as well as Alok and Vijay Gupta. Kamalaya is thrilled and blessed to have the opportunity to serve Guruji as best we can.

Shri Munirajji - 17th Jan 2012

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Ganga Ram tributes from friends

MOTI MA “I just came back from Milano. These last 6 days were so intense and it was so good to be with my beloved Gangaji and all the devotees who gave to each other, and especially also to me, so much love and support.

On Monday 9th, the day of her passing away we met in the evening: nine of us at Lalla‟s house to sing Bhajans for her. It helped to smooth the pain a bit as Ganga‟s spirit was so present.

Bhawani, Patrizia and Bernadet dressed her the next morning with a white Sari and put a lot of perfume on her body. Phull Singh gave her Chandan and put Vibhuti on her forehead. She looked so peaceful like a goddess and a real saint. We are all convinced that Shri Muni Raj ji came to receive her to bring her directly to Babaji. She is in peace for sure.

It is we who are suffering. I miss her soooooo much - I can't tell !!!

Yesterday we had the celebration in the church of Gavirate, her hometown. The church was completely crowded. There were at least 300 people who gave her the last honour. Family and friends and many, many devotees. Even Gabriella came with her daughter. We all hugged each other, cried a lot and supported each other. Even Kanta came from Germany and laid down a huge bunch of red and white roses next to Ganga‟s coffin, also in the name of the Dutch and German Samaj. Filippo brought a very big heart of roses, bought by the French Samaj for Ganga.

In the name of the Italian Samaj, Shivani, Phull Singh, Patrizia and I had ordered a huge wreath for her with Om Namah Shivay written on it. I was allowed to write it in Hindi, on the bow.

At the end of the ceremony the priest allowed us to sing "Shri Ram, jai Ram, Sitaram Jai Ram" in the church and while the coffin was carried out to the car which was to bring her body to the cremation-place. Madhuri

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had prepared the Halva that Ganga always loved so much. She offered it first to Ganga and then distributed it amongst all of us.

We started to sing "Om Namah Shivay namah Om Om Heiriakhandi".

While we were singing they slowly closed the car. With BHOLE BABA KI JAI, SHRI MAHA MUNI RAJ JI MAHARAJ KI JAI, GANGA MATA KI JAI she left for her last journey.

Bhawani was able to put a flower mala around Ganga‟s neck before they closed the coffin in Milano. And Shivani put a beautiful flower mala for Ganga on the coffin in the church. It all had much dignity and the atmosphere was full of love, and sadness for us and happiness for her peace. Please give my love and gratitude to Guruji. He did such a great work for my beloved little big sister. I am so afraid to come to Haldwani without Ganga. I still can‟t imagine it. Sometimes it just does not seem to be true to me. I do not want it to be true and still......”

KHARKU “Munirajji has been mostly silent and deep in prayer for the last two weeks since his operations. He has been focused on Ganga, her family, friends and all of us who have been touched by her. I don't feel at liberty to say too much now but know that He has been alongside her every step of the way, through her illness and her passing and since her passing.

He and all of us have lost a Dear Sister, a dedicated devotee full of love, devotion and strength with the will and the savvy to serve Munirajji and all of us, as her offering to the Divine Babaji.

Today Ganga Ram attends her own puja; her mortal remains become ash to be brought to the Gautam Ganga later in the year, to be immersed in the sacred river which is her name sake, and to flow back to the sea of consciousness. Jai Ganga Mata Ki Jai! She is surrounded by family and friends. Throughout the world Babaji's devotees are praying for her onward journey and remembering the time

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they spent with her and how she touched their personal lives, the lives of our friends, how she served Munirajji always at the right place, always ready, and she could sing.....!

Once when Sri Munirajji, Shastriji, Raghuvir, Pujari, Ganga and I travelled to Australia, we met a gifted psychic called Kanta who drew images of each of us, the image of Ganga was a roaring lion who was hiding a little girl seeking love behind its fierce exterior. I could never forget this image and I know both of these Ganga's. She has been my friend, my confidant, my lover, my Guru Sister; she shared the service to Munirajji and then, answering the call, became his ideal Dass (devotee). Always, and I mean always, she was there, ready - even until the moment she slipped out of consciousness was she calling me and others, checking advising and praying for her beloved Sri Munirajji.

Even after Passing she came to me, soft and gentle to check on her beloved Guruji. Ganga has cared for Munirajji in ways most of us would never be able to do, displaying a love and devotion that we should all be inspired by. She has been his pujari, his gatekeeper and his nurse. She could welcome us close to the Guru and at times keep us at a distance.

She served us by serving Him, she prepared our puja's, sang the aarati's the bhajan's and has been a part of many of our lives and the lives of our children. She is beloved by Munirajji's family especially his grand and great grand children.

Being close to Munirajji she knew our aspirations and our secrets. She gave up her self interest for the interest of all of us. She was loving but could be tough when she needed to be, fierce when called for. Those who knew her well know deep inside she was but a little girl longing for love. She has served with all of her energy, all her heart, all her will, longing for Love, longing to merge with the Divine within her, seeking a deeper understanding, and freedom from the mundane.

Please keep her in your prayers, let her devotion inspire you. Babaji used to say you cannot escape death, that you earn immortality by entering the hearts and memories of others. Ganga Ram lives on in our hearts and memories, she is eternal.

There is much more to say and I will try in future messages ... and a Special Thanks to all those who attended to her.�

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KANTA “During full moon on the 9th January 2012, our beloved Ganga was accompanied by her natural family, her Babaji family and long term friends, with respect and immense love, on her way out of this earthly life.

She spent her last days in a coma in a hospital in Milano. Someone was always by her side. It is said that people when they are in the process of dying can find it difficult to let go while in the company of close friends or family members and maybe this was the case with Ganga: Moti Ma, her soul sister who walked with her in life, was with her on Sunday evening, as well as Monday morning until the afternoon. Only when Moti Ma was replaced by friends during a short break, did Ganga release her body.

I arrived from Germany on Wednesday evening for a last goodbye. Ganga lay in total peace in a white sari, which our women had dressed her in.

She appeared to be sleeping, as if she was taking her time to rest. Over many years during Navaratri I have experienced Ganga only in action. To see her now so calm and peaceful enabled me to access and feel my deep love for her. The desire grew in me that once I arrive „upstairs‟ I would be able to simply sit with her.

The funeral in the church of her home town was on Thursday 12th January. When Ganga was a child she lived in this wonderful little place, surrounded by forested hills, with a lake nearby. The church was filled with people right to the last pew and they were even standing behind this all the way back to the entrance. I realised at that moment that Ganga‟s family has lived in this village for nearly 50 years (Ganga was 52 when she died) and they are a fully integral part of the village. Thus I was given an insight into a life which also belonged to Ganga which completed the circle: she was received here with joy and with love and it was here that she was released with love and compassion.

The church where the funeral took place is beautiful. Like many catholic churches in Italy it has a baroque flavour with paintings on the wall and in this case three large oval paintings on the ceiling depicting different scenes.

One in particular drew my attention: it illustrated a dying child. The child was surrounded by women who looked towards heaven and in between the women and the child were angels, ready to carry the child to heaven.

At the very moment I saw the picture, the choir started to sing like a choir of angels. This brought two contrasting realities aside each other:

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the deep knowledge that Ganga was now in the arms of God but also the unspeakable pain that remained as a result of losing her.

There were many beautiful symbols on Ganga‟s journey back to Babaji. She left her body on Monday 9th January, the first full moon in the year 2012.

Monday in the Indian calendar is dedicated to Shiva and nine is the number of the Divine Mother. During the last days of her life Settimo read the nine chapters of the Bhagavad Gita to her. On the evening of her death, nine Herakhandis appeared to sing bhajans for Ganga.

Thursday was her funeral church service. Thursday is the day of the guru.

After the priest had given his blessings, we were allowed to come to the altar and sing. This we had agreed with the priest beforehand. Moti Ma lead the bhajan „Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Sitaram, Jai Ram“, which is the bhajan that Babaji always asked to be sung shortly before his Mahasamadhi. Some of us began to support the rhythm with clapping hands and the entire community stood up to show their respect. Our bhajan turned into a gospel song with which we accompanied Ganga to the hearse that was going to take her to the crematorium.

The driver realised how difficult it was for us to let her go and allowed for her to remain a little longer amongst us, when one of our women stepped towards the coffin with some homemade halva. Ganga loved halva. Our friend offered the halva to Ganga, the way we offer prasad to the Gods.

And then she distributed the prasad to everyone, also to those who stretched out their hand outside our little circle. It was a wonderful connecting moment. Then we were ready and the driver came to shut the door. At that moment I knew that the little hearts that I had brought with me were meant to be „der letzte Gruss‟, the final farewell from all of us to our beloved Ganga and I threw two hands filled with satin hearts over her coffin.

Once when I was in India, Ganga told me that she had been to Gangotri, the source of the holy river Ganga, high up in the Himalayas. I asked her what her experience was and she said that the only thing she wished for in the presence of those overpoweringly beautiful glaciers was: “God I want to be near you” For a lovely tribute to Ganga - click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=2P-4Uyi4Ul8

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RAGHUVIR (just before Ganga‟s passing): “It was quite a wave of shock going around the world as Shri Muniraj became unwell. We are all grateful to Shri Babaji that he is now recuperating, but it brought up questions in many.

Within Babaji's family we have Gaura Devi, who served Shri Babaji for 12 years by His side, suffering for a long time from a relentless disease, Ganga Ram serving by Shri Muniraj's side for over 20 years, hovering between life and death at this moment, Ramsevi who is running Hanuman centre in Italy having 2 major physical setbacks last year and still not recovered, Gopal Hari, The troubadour from Babaji, travelling throughout Europe with his lovely family singing and talking of the Divine, suffering with an inoperable tumour....... and the list continues......... all this seems so much in this realm where suffering excludes no one.......

Many of us who have spent high quality time with them where hearts are wide open during special festivals, are now having their compassionate heart bleeding and questions in their minds......... Physical manifestations of pain and suffering especially to such people, is sometimes very perplexing.

But we must remember that Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Vivekananda, Mother of Aurobindo Ashram, Sathya Sai Baba and Yogi Milarepa, among many other saints, have suffered physically. One of the basic fundamentals of Indian spirituality is to identify ourselves with the soul which is eternal and not with the body which is impermanent. This veil of Agyana and ignorance is lifted with the grace of one‟s Guru. (Gu-Darkness & Ru-one who brings light which removes darkness). Often I have read that physical suffering in a high spiritual body is a divine manifestation to end all Karmic scores so the soul can achieve a final liberation or Moksha from the cycle of births and death.

So let‟s rejoice that we have the love of Babaji with us and we have such selflessly devoted souls like Shree Munirajji, Gaura Devi, Ganga, Gopal Hari etc. amongst us to see and be inspired. We are Blessed for Shri Babaji is the Lord of Karma. We are asking for liberation and Divine miracles and in our devotion deeply surrender to This Lord of Karma.”

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Gurupurnima Moscow

17th July 2011

Sri Maha Munirajji talks to the Russian devotees: “Today, for the work we are about to begin it is most important to be united, to become one. For this reason I am asking all of you to put your egos to rest. In this world no one is important. If anyone thinks he is more important or bigger than another, this person is thinking wrongly, it is a mistake. God (Bhagwan) has given the same attributes to everyone, take, for example, the 10 senses he has given to everybody. When we are born we have not brought any religion with us, at that moment we are all the same, neutral.

At the very beginning on earth nature created one cell, and from that one cell everything has come to be. From the one we have become many. Babaji has told us the main religion (or Dharma) is Humanity.

For what we are now going to achieve it is important that we see each other as brothers and sisters and work together. For this work each one of you must feel it is my work, I must do this work. We must forget our differences and come together for this work. Now please begin, start the discussions, give your ideas. If we are divided by our own small things then how will we create something big ? Munirajji is asking you; Are you ready to do this work together or not?

This work will be done only by you. I can only advise you but the work must be done by you. This is my advice to help all of you - get started. Please give your own suggestions on how to move ahead. Who would like to start ?

Pujari: I can make a start from experience in Holland: there we first organized into a group as a charitable trust, as a Samaj or church in Holland. From the trust we had a meeting of devotees and set up a board of 7 to 9 people who were responsible for the Trust. From that we opened a bank account and all members and non members were assured this was Babaji‟s account, not private but part of this Trust.

Then we appointed 3 to 4 people to look for the right property. With the whole group we made a list of requirements that we thought we needed for this property. Then in our monthly meetings we issued reports of what we had found. When we felt we had the right property that satisfied the board and the people, then we sent a letter to Sri Munirajji. Munirajji sent a telex from Haldwani: “Buy the property immediately !”

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Munirajji: A trust or organization is the first thing to do, a charitable trust or society according to laws of your country.

Whatever name you choose you can register in that name. When you do good work then money will come, everybody will take part in donating to it and the Trust or society should be in a democratic form. First the organization, what name, what type, and then form a committee.

It is only thru Babaji‟s inspiration and His energy that I was able to come here as I was really not in good enough condition to come. Now we can make decisions.......Whatever will happen will happen because of the blessings of Sri Babaji, I am only in service to Sri Babaji.

Grigory: ...I know how the Russian mind works: the more democracy we have, the less work and fewer results are achieved.

Russian people, because of our mentality, need a Tsar, someone who tells us what to do and only in this case will people actually do something. We need a strong leader.

Several people proposed Pujari to be the head of the Russian Samaj as he is neutral, has experience, a Russian wife, knows the problems, the lands being offered and most of all because he is close to Munirajji and outside of Russian internal politics.

Munirajji: This is what I am saying, stand up and say who you want for your leader......... Yes, if you desire Pujari, but if anyone has opposition please stand up and speak...........Pujari please speak.

Pujari; By Munirajji‟s grace I have been able to travel a lot to Russia and if it shows some fruits than I can serve. It is only by His Grace, if he tells me to do this job…next to all my work in Holland. I am also busy in Holland, but perhaps I can assist in the beginning to create an organization and find land and deal with the dynamics of the differences.

Munirajji: This is all Babaji blessings; it is not for me to say. I am asking if everyone is ready to have Pujari to be the leader or the chairman of the Russian Samaj ?

This is my opinion: if Babaji is not in the heart of the person that is leading and organizing, then the egos in these people will build and then destroy the ashram that they build.

He must inspire !

Phuro ……!

Pujari: is there a Russian person willing to stand up?

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Munirajji: If no one else wants to come forward and you all agree then you can declare Pujari as your chairman.

Atma Ram: We have a lot of experience inviting leaders from outside the country, why not we invite Pujari to be our leader.

Munirajji:

Okay then it is Pujari !

(Loud clapping again !).

A Russian gentleman stands up: “Grisha asked us to stand up and say what we each can do, well, when you find the land, and you will eventually, I can manage all the construction !” (Loud clapping !!!)

Paramahansa asks: “What about our interests and how do we fit in”.

Munirajji says that if your group from Prem wants to be within the Samaj then you can be under the Samaj, and they (the organisation) will take the responsibility and care for you. “This is for the whole country, for the whole world, think of yourselves as a universal organization. Shall it be called the „Haidakhandi Samaj Russia‟ or what do you desire ?”

Ashutosh: Please keep this name Haidakhan Samaj Russia Pujari: I want to meet here tomorrow after the Havan to choose the committee.

Munirajji: “Choose now and have those people sit at the Havan.”

Haidakhan Samaj Russia Ki Jai !

Thank you to Shri Alok Banerjee for the beautiful translation of Munirajji‟s words during Gurupurnima.

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“Keep your egos cool” Later during Gurupurnima Sri Munirajji Spoke about Ashrams: “This is not a new concept, making ashrams has been going on for hundreds and thousands of years. In all ages (yugas) there have been ashram communities. To give an example: If you want to earn a degree you begin with primary school and pass all the way through to university, it is only at university that you can earn a degree. When you study by yourself, you may not earn a degree.

It is good to be on the spiritual path, to take teachings, do practice, Jappa and meditation and study scriptures and holy books. You can do all this at home also but it is only in an ashram where you can be recognized for the achievement through service of the public by the public. Something more happens in an ashram. Do you understand something of what I am saying?

Now about the differences between peoples: when we are born we do not think and feel the same, we each have different thoughts, different beliefs, understandings and points of view. For that reason it is necessary that we follow the ashram way of life: because when we live in an ashram the main focus is on the Divine, but also you meet and have to work, eat, love and pray together.

It is not possible that all people would have the same thoughts and ideas.

In government also there is an opposition leader. When you are doing something and have opposition, it is not bad as you can learn and this makes you better. Good and Bad go hand in hand - they travel together.

This kind of opposition is not new; it has been present in all ages.

The most important thing is to keep your egos cool. When the ego is hot the differences increase - only for this ego reason. In the past most wars have been fought over ego. In this way atomic wars will also come; because of ego......... At the very moment whenever you have anger or a judgment on another, look first at yourself and see how many mistakes you yourself have made. Just to see another‟s mistakes or weaknesses is the simplest thing and yet it‟s so difficult to look at your own mistakes. It is so easy to talk and so difficult to actually do something. You might have hundreds of thoughts in your mind, but it will not help you. You have to do something, achieve something ! It is very easy to criticise anybody (doing something good) but if you try yourself then you will realize how difficult it is to actually achieve something.

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The theme for this Journal No. 5

Devotion as the highest form of knowledge ?

A conversation with Shaunaka Rishi Das - Director of the

Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Hindu Chaplain to Oxford University

“We already have knowledge. It is part of who we are, but it is layered with false identities, false egos: I am a man, I am Irish, a teacher etc. But who am I really? The false identities keep me from pure transcendental knowledge of my real identity, from Raj vidya – the king of knowledge. Raj vidya is spiritual knowledge; it is not about material, mundane things.

The nature of pure knowledge is bliss, ananda. Bliss is eternal and ever increasing and cannot be lost, although it can be ignored through ignorance of our true nature. Pure, transcendental knowledge is full of bliss. Bliss is ever increasing happiness. It is not dependent on stress or misery in the way it is commonly understood that you can only know happiness by knowing misery and unhappiness. We justify suffering by saying it is a way to appreciate happiness. That stress and that happiness are material and relative because they have a beginning and an end. But bliss, ananda is eternal– it is transcendental happiness, based on transcendental knowledge. The qualities that we‟ve discussed about transcendental knowledge are the same quality we find in bhakti, devotion.

The unique feature of bhakti is that it focuses on devotion which is a loving relationship with the supreme. In the same way Christians talk about love of God. Jesus is a pure bhakta. What is the highest commandment in the bible? To know, love and serve God. By going through the heart, you acquire transcendental knowledge as a by-product. So transcendental knowledge and bhakti run on parallel tracks. Both of them go to the same place, and we need to be on both tracks to be balanced. In the 12th chapter of the Gita, Arjuna asks Krishna which is more important bhakti (devotion) or gyana (knowledge) and Krishna validates both as important and effective but he says the bhakti path is easier and quicker. This is the difference

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between the Gita and the other texts like the Vedanta Sutras and the Upanishads. The latter two profound texts are very enigmatic and lead to a lot of speculation, whereas in the Gita, by emphasising bhakti, Krishna gives tools that are easy to use. You don‟t need to be an intellectual, but you need to develop love and compassion in your heart. Having said that we should remember that the Gita is itself Upanishadic, and the challenge to the bhakta is a real challenge, as profound as any other spiritual challenge. But Krishna says by going through the heart you acquire transcendental knowledge as a by product. Some Indian traditions and gurus seem to create opposites of gyana and bhakta, as is also seen in fraught science and religion debates, whereas Krishna validates both by seeing them as interdependent.

How do we develop devotion in our hearts ? Primarily through stories, stories about the different avatars and devotees, like Rama, Devi or Hanuman. We like the stories because the characters are so attractive, and we find ourselves in their story. Consider how humble and compassionate Hanuman is. He is the perfect servant. If you get attracted to these qualities, as one would, then you want to know who he is serving.

From there we are in the world of Ram and thus we see one story leading you into the world of another story. By reading the stories or hearing them recited we become attached to that character. It then becomes easy to offer them a flower. Embedded in these stories are the feelings of devotion to God and the lived knowledge of the Vedas and the Upanishads. We identify with the characters who enliven, inspire, invigorate and enthuse us. The natural outcomes are feelings of gratitude, affection, and a desire to reciprocate – worship. Through that grows trust and love, a relationship of love and service. It has been said that we may flirt with many deities, but we have to marry one – and that one is the deity who inspires our journey in Truth.

I personally have great attachment to Krishna. He is my Ishta Dev. I love Shiva and Ganesha but Krishna hits it for me. Krishna is all about love.

Ram is about duty and religion, and is consequently approached with reverence. But Krishna is a baby, a child. We approach a child with love. A pure selfless love is the most difficult to achieve because we have to give completely of ourselves. And that challenge draws me to Krishna. Another thing I find attractive about Krishna is the fact that he is so naughty.

Because he is the Supreme Being he has no religion. God does not need religion, as we do. He is the only manifestation of God who is beyond religion and who seems to act outside the norms of religion, paths made for and by man.

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We work for retirement. We work for a time when we don‟t have to work, a time when there is no duty, and no obligation. This is Krishna‟s starting point. He does not create, destroy, or maintain, he just enjoys.

Sometimes we work so hard to attain enlightenment, or a sense of being good, that we miss the opportunity of being spiritual. Our enlightenment and goodness are often to be found in the future. Krishna is not worried about the future. He just plays on his flute enjoying in the way that we desire, inviting us to join him, now. My challenge is that at least to some extent I want to be like him, the coolest, the enjoyer, the one who is loved and served. I want to be the most popular, the most beautiful, the wealthiest, and the most intelligent – but the position is filled. To reestablish my identity, my spiritual identity I am re-learning what it means to serve and to love Krishna, and thus learning humility, patience, and compassion.

Transcendental knowledge, the highest knowledge begins when we admit the simplest truth; that our deepest desire is to be happy, spiritually happy, and to be loved, eternally loved, by an eternal someone. While many of us settle for a cup of tea and a biscuit, having successfully eluded happiness, the highest knowledge is available to all of us willing to learn how to love.”

“Awake my little flute player, my love The night is over, day breaks.

Doors have opened everywhere.

Women are churning cream; you can hear their ringing bracelets Awake my love, morning has arrived.

Gods and devotees wait at the door.

Cowherds and children raise their voice to proclaim your name.”

From the Songs of Meerabai

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Devotion

by Raghuvir

Devotion is deeply imbedded in the Indian culture and an important part of the old Vedic scriptures. Devotion towards the divine but also to parents, spouses, kings is reflected up to today in the Indian culture.

Of course the influences of modern times, from other cultures and Kali Yuga have left their mark in this wonderful virtue. It is much less in the western culture however the black Christian community really know how to celebrate their saviour with abundant joy. Also in the catholic branch of Christianity devotion was not uncommon but now rarely seen.

Devotion is a language of the heart and whatever our background and who experiences it, it must have been a spark of the Divine which has reawakened this feeling in us.

There are beautiful examples of devotion in India like Meerabhai or RamaKrishna. Meerabhai who composed the most beautiful bhajans to Lord Krishna still sung all over India today. Through time she estranged herself from surroundings and other people, totally absorbed in Lord Krishna, forgetting to eat and take care of herself until she physically merged with the Lord as the story goes. Also Rama Krishna who was devoted to Mother Kali and lived most his life in the Kali Temple in Calcutta on the banks of the Ganges. He was also not best in his social skills and completely lost in devotion for his Kali Ma. To most regular people they appeared to be mad but a true devotee can recognise such extreme devotion.

Studying the Ramayana & Maha Bharata we can also get a good feel of deep devotion towards the Divine and to Dharma. For a western mind such devotion is hard to grasp. It takes years of practise and overcoming the Me and Mine in ourselves and offering everything, everything at the Lotus feet of the Divine. I suppose there must be a good dose of Divine Grace involved as one person seems to experience it so different then the other.

The saying, „one has to give to receiveâ€&#x; is surely a great tool in practicing devotion. The Aarti we sing is an act of devotion and it is amazing how ever often we sing it, it is never boring to us. Karma yoga in His ashrams and/or spreading His messages another way to express your devotion and get closer to our Beloved Lord. I am personally still wondering if sending beautiful pictures and inspiring quotes of Babaji to each other over the internet & Facebook is having an effect on our heart level ? It certainly

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feels nice and inspiring for a moment when something comes in while wading thru work or the dry facts which are mostly on our screen. Babaji did not like computers as He expressed on some occasions but with life at this pace it is difficult to live without unless we put on some robes and sit in a cave or so.

Let us anyway remember that it is by singing Divine praises, repeating the Holy Name's and practicing karma yoga we build a strong foundation within ourselves, probably much deeper then the fleeting and fast changing world on the internet can offer.

But whatever and however you celebrate your devotion dear brothers and sisters, leave no stone unturned and put your heart & soul, your hands and resources in it with vim and vigour and your connection to the Divine will surely blossom.

“When you will forget yourself, you will meet Me. These were your words to me, the task of your difficult love.

To love you is to love the truth, to open to reality and light.

To love you is to renounce illusions, to die in you and be reborn again.

To love you is the silent prayer to merge in the great heart.

Not even is there service in this love, one with the totality and emptiness of your being, no separation is there, no demand.

Love is prayer and prayer is love, the longing for the perfect one.�

From Flowers of Devotion by Gaura Devi

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Brahmanand (Benjamin Thiele): I have no clue if the following lines about devotion meet the requirements of being relevant to anybody but myself, but they happened to me today so I share them with you.

“Initially, when spirituality suddenly enters one's life, we are told that there is a need for devotion. The more the better. "Bow to God, bow to the Guru. Touch his feet.

Surrender everything." For a westerner, this means a new mindset that is quite a change to what one believed and practiced before.

Total devotion is indeed necessary but devotion is not to cultivate the difference between me and the source.

And when you study Advaita Vedanta, it is emphasized that everything is one and the same source is acting and experiencing through every being. The world that we live in becomes a dreamed world without any absolute value. It is even called 'nothingness' by some saints. And within this nothingness, there is only the source and nothing else exists.

And although this seems to be the reality beyond illusion, spirituality faces us with the idea of devotion, i.e. a dreamed character - me - has to surrender everything to God (whatever that is) in a dreamed shape - be it Guru, Ganesha, Shiva or whatever. If not, I do not get released from bondage. And to make it more complicated: This bondage that we suffer from during many lifetimes is, by the way, also an illusion.

So what seems to have happened is that the one indescribable source of everything has spontaneously dreamed up a huge time-space-container full of individuals that experience themselves as subjects although they are created objects. The whole circle of suffering, desire, fear etc. gets initiated and keeps annoying these individuals.

And although all this dreamed up scenario is purposely created by the one source, this source asks the created individuals to surrender to 'him' in order to get back to the source and to get quite some interesting benefits in terms of selfrealization, peace, happiness, truth, etc.

An offer you cannot possibly refuse! But it reminds me of hitting a teddy-bear in the face and telling him: "If you behave from now on, I will forgive you!".

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By looking at devotion in such a way, devotion seems to be a wrong concept. It can even increase the ego by making a huge difference between the 'me' and the source. There seems to be a huge gap between both of them. But how can you ever dissolve the ego by cultivating such a difference between the me and the source? I think, you can't.

How to get out of this misery? I found the work of the saint Ramesh Balsekar very inspiring. He is a Vedanta master and argues that total devotion is indeed necessary but devotion is not to cultivate the difference between me and the source but to accept totally at every moment that whatever happens is whatever is supposed to happen according to the source. The ego is only a thought that claims all actions and thoughts to be 'his'. In fact, all these actions and thoughts just come up within us as a consequence of our DNA, conditioning (childhood, school, ...) and the will of the source. Devotion means, that 'I' am not the doer of my actions but that these actions happen because they are supposed to happen. There cannot be more devotion because the ego totally denies that it has any existence of its own. There is not even a reason to feel bad or guilty about having an ego. Why? Because the ego is also a creation of God. It is meant to be. From our perspective, we cannot see why, but it has its meaning in this gigantic play.

According to this concept, what are we supposed to do now? Stop the spiritual path? Or increase efforts? No, we will anyway do what we are supposed to do. But there is no reason to feel small, big, guilty, ashamed or anything else. And the so called self-realization is the moment where the ego (the spiritual seeker) realizes that there is nothing to seek and that the seeker itself does not even exist. In that moment, the ego is so much devoted that it dissolves completely. benjamin.thiele@eurocontrol.int

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Are you doing the Inner Yagna ?

Jigme Khentse Rimpoche

Kharku wrote: “Recently I met Jigme Khentse Rimpoche in an airport and he asked to have a few words with me, so we went and sat alone.

Although he is Buddhist it was as if he was channelling with words a teaching that both Babaji and Munirajji are constantly showing us. He asked me about Kamalaya and asked if I was doing Yagna there. I answered in the affirmative and he began to ask about the mantras I used, the Gods and Goddesses that are invoked and other questions about the form of the ritual.

After some discussion Rimpoche went silent for awhile and said: Performing the Yagna is important and transformative but John are you doing the inner Yagna ? The outer yagna has profound meaning only when you are totally connected, surrendered, at one with the Divinity within, (as Sri Munirajji is constantly).

He went on; First the inner yagna, connect, forgive, inspire compassion, transform, inner first always the inner yagna first. He had drawn us into that expanded place of spacious awareness where one hears silence, and spoke as Babaji had done that you must invite the divine into your being, into your heart, breathe the divinity into you, experience Babaji entering your being, merging with you, and with each exhale merge your being with the divine expanding into His Being riding the breath. Be connected, merged, forgive yourself and forgive the other, love yourself and love the other... in this place your thoughts are one with the divine thought. You are incapable of harmful thoughts when merged with the Presence.

He quoted Buddha saying there are more sentient beings than grains of sand in the Ganges and that we must forgive them all and pray for their liberation..

We sat for awhile and then he got up and hugged me and said: “Let's stay connected in the Inner Yagna................�

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Notes from Narayana Magical, quite literally, is the only way I can describe my experience of being around Babaji in Haidakhan. If you thought of Him, He‟d appear. If you had questions they‟d be answered instantaneously. He‟d say something to a small group of people and not only would each person hear something different but each would hear it in their native tongue! I exaggerate not.

In the two months I was with Him I only managed to ask Him three things directly, even though I had several opportunities daily. This story is about one of those. Let me explain. At least twice a day, at morning and evening darshan, and at other times, when He‟d inspect the various karma yoga projects and direct the work I was involved in, I would have His total attention and be able to ask anything I wanted; and yet somehow all need to ask anything simply evaporated in His presence. I would go through the same internal ritual every darshan. I would realize that I was coming into His presence and a small voice in the back of my mind would chirp up: “You‟ll soon be with your Master. You should ask Him some important question. Don‟t waste this opportunity,” or something similar.

So, I‟d rack my brain for a suitable question, one that seemed to ask about the meaning of life and death, the universe and everything, with some particular bearing on my current hang-ups, mental constructs and contemplations. When I found it I‟d join the darshan line, but when I got to be about two or three people away from Him, He‟d act out something which would somehow answer my question. Yet again I‟d find myself at his feet with a completely blank mind, devoid of any thought, just swimming in the infinite ocean of His being. It was quite disconcerting, and also totally blissful.

And then it happened ! I awoke one morning with the realization that Christina and Joy, my wife and daughter, together with her mother and two children, would be returning to England from Spain, and I wouldn‟t be with them. I suddenly felt very protective and a part of me wanted to travel with them to see that they were safe. Since I was in India, half the planet away, there was little I could do. Hence I resolved to ask Babaji to bless my family; not only would they travel safely but the rest of their lives would be wonderful as well. I did everything by the book that morning.

Washed in the river early, put on clean clothes, had chandan, attended aarati punctually etc., and then there we were, in His garden for morning

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darshan – my favourite time with Him. Evening darshan was often crowded and sometimes got a little wild, but morning darshan was always sweet.

When I approached Him, He was sitting with His right hand resting palm down over His knee, and when I told Him of my concern and asked Him to bless my family He lifted His hand and made a gesture, which I experienced as a sort of dismissive one you‟d use to shoo away a bothersome fly from your dinner-plate, and he said, “SITA RAM, SITA RAM BOLO PYARE. YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS.” From the kneeling position at His feet I fair stumbled backwards, and wobbling a little, started to return to where I had previously been sitting with the other devotees present, feeling rather strange and a little stupid. Just at this moment everyone burst out singing,” Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Bhole Pyare, Sita Ram, sita Ram Bholo Pyare,” in unison, as if conducted by some unseen hand!

As I sat down another English devotee said: “What did you ask Him?” “To bless my family,” I replied, still somewhat dazed. “Why do you ask?”

“Well I saw Him lift His hand and this huge wave of energy hit you, knocking you over. I‟m going to ask Him to bless my family too,” and so saying up he went. I didn‟t see what happened to him, but a few minutes later he was back with a sort of stunned, sheepish and somewhat startled look on his face. “What happened?” I asked. “He answered the question behind the one I asked,” he said. “What?” “Well I was sitting deep in thought, wondering what I was doing here, and thinking that maybe I was in the wrong place and should be back with my family. You came back from your darshan and I decided there and then to ask Babaji to bless my family as well. But when I asked Him, He said, „You are here because I am here!”

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Haidakhandi Samaj - News from India Performance report of 5 months of Hospitals as compared to 5 months of previous year (report to AGM by Mr M. Shukla).

SHREE BABA HAIDAKHAN CHARITABLE AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 11-12 APRIL TO AUGUST(5 MONTHS) STATISTICAL REPORT 5 Months of 2011 2010 (April /August) 12 Months Prev Year Avg/pm TOTAL Avg/pm PATIENTS RECEIPTS Rs lacs EXPENSES Rs lacs Loss/Surplus Rs lacs

25122 66.76 102.01

2093 5.56 8.05 -2.49

10746 35.7 36.3 -0.6

2149 7.1 7.21 -0.11

BHOLE BABA AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTE

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 11-12 APRIL TO AUGUST(5 MONTHS) STATISTICAL REPORT 5 Months of 2011 2010 (April /August) Prev Year Avg/pm TOTAL Avg/pm PATIENTS P'KARMA OPD

418 6876

35 573

179 1026

35 205

RECEIPTS Rs lacs EXPENSES Rs lacs Loss/Surplus Rs lacs

71.89 63.6 8.29

5.99 5.3 0.69

33.7 24 9.7

6.75 4.8 1.94

The above figures show that on a monthly averaging basis both hospitals are running more economically & efficiently than the previous year.

However there were fewer outpatients in the ayurvedic hospital in the equivalent 5 months – April to August - of 2011 than in 2010.

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After Autumn Navaratri 2011 – extracts By Hiraman Mike Reynolds After Navaratri this year, Munirajji took us to a temple in the forest called Bhimsa. We had a wonderful morning sharing Munirajji‟s quiet joyfulness, and the exuberant happiness of the surrounding people. We toured the incredibly beautiful grounds and temple complex. Everything had been done with such love, the temples and buildings seemed such a natural part of the forest. It was as if they had grown there from the seeds of love, devotion, and karma yoga. As we were getting into the car Muniji asked me if I had seen all of the grounds. I said that I had and that it was very beautiful. Then he told me that it had all started in 1955 with a single Shiva lingam and dhuni built by the sadhu who had spent his life there. It affected me deeply: the thought of one man coming there with simple joy and determination in his heart and working day after day. Slowly others coming to help and then out of that.... a place that sings to the spirit and shines with light. It is amazing what we can do when we work together and it only takes that first step to begin with perseverance.

That is why Babaji has given us Om Namaha Shivaya. For perseverance and to fine tune our ability to hear and sense and feel. Ganga told me the other day when she first met Babaji he told her she could stay three more days. She was filled with such joy. What if we could be completely joyful with three more days? Three more hours? Three more minutes? Three more seconds? What if we could be complete for one moment? What could we accomplish together?

Lal Baba on 8th Feb 2012 from Rajgarh, Rajasthan “Today is the reopening of the Haidakhandi Vidyashram class rooms here in Rajgarh. And yesterday there was the final cleaning, the last little things to be done and the new coloured rooms are waiting in the darkness of the early Rajasthani morning. It is 6 o'clock in the morning and behind the school is a wonderful little orange shining fullmoon ball. Lord Shiva shows us the beauty of His world. And soon around 135 Kids will enter the area in a loud and wild way, running around and checking out their new schoolrooms.

Many people gave little and much and very much money ... The teachers, the director, the kids and their parents like more and more this leela, and the workers were happy....

On the last day somebody sent a very big donation ... the bills can be paid, and Lal Baba is very happy.....

See http://planetbabaji.com/Blog/Eintrage/2012/2/8_Final_cut.html

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Prabhat Joshi from Sandeep.

Informing you of the sad demise of our brother Prabhat Joshi, a member of the Joshi family of Almora, who have been devotees of Babaji for the last four generations. Prabhat had lost his wife Manju five years back and is survived by his daughter Bhuvneshwari and son Parijat. It is a tragic loss to his family. He was cremated 9th February and a condolence meeting was held on the 13th day. On the personal front I have lost my very old special friend as he was the one who brought me to Babaji, I will always carry a special place in my heart for him.

In addition Sanju Joshi (48), son of late Shri Naveen Joshi and nephew of Prabhat, passed away yesterday - 27th February 2012. Please do keep this extended family in your prayers.

2012 GURUPURNIMA IN EUROPE Sada Shiva Dham in The Netherlands - Holland Thursday 28th June – Tuesday 3rd July 2012

There is a light that shines beyond all things on earth beyond us all, beyond the heavens, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This is the Light that shines in our heart.

Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7

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DONATIONS – To Hospitals or the Haidakhandi Samaj To avoid further confusion or errors in making donations to the above, we give below full details for sending donations to India.

Hospital Donations (From Indians)

Hospital Donations (From Foreigners)

Bank Account Detail for Indians

Bank Account Detail for foreigners

Name of A/c - SHREE BABA HAIDAKHAN CHARITABLE AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL

Name of A/c - SHREE BABA HAIDAKHAN CHARITABLE AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL

Name of Bank - STATE BANK OF INDIA, Chilianaula, Ranikhet Distt. Almora, Uttrakhand.

Name of Bank BANK OF BARODA NAVIN MANDI, HALDWANI, DIST.NAINITAL UTTRAKHAND, INDIA.

ACCOUNT NO. 11528392032 I.F.S CODE - SBIN0009073

ACCOUNT NO – 18490200000096 (ZERO)

Samaj Donation (From Indians)

I.F.S. CODE – BARB 0 HALNAV SWIFT CODE – BARBINBBMOR

Bank Account Detail for Indians Name of A/c HAIDAKHANDI SAMAJ

Samaj Donation (From Foreigners)

Bank Account Detail for foreigners

Name of bank STATE BANK OF INDIA, MAIN BRANCH HALDWANI, DISTT. NAINITAL UTTRAKHAND, INDIA.

Name of A/c - HAIDAKHANDI SAMAJ Name of bank - STATE BANK OF INDIA, MAIN BRANCH – HALDWANI, DIST. NAINITAL UTTRAKHAND, INDIA.

ACCOUNT NO. - 11178415310 I.F.S CODE - SBIN0000646

ACCOUNT NO. 11178415321 I.F.S CODESBIN0000646 SWIFT CODESBININBB506

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News from Around the World Mandir and Kirtan Hall building in Holland.

The construction of the temple in Holland is doing well. After a call for support last October there was a nice response from the international family of Babaji. India, Russia, US, Thailand it came from all over the world and we have been continuing nicely because of it. We may not be able to finish it with the present funds but we are confident that Babaji will inspire those who can to participate financially. One thing is clear to us here, He is doing it and we may be His instruments. From mid December to 1 February a building stop hung in the air but a few diehards continued anyway. It was very cold and a break for some, who have been non-stop at it, was very welcome. We hope now when spring is knocking on the door in March, April and May some who have time to dedicate will come to join us in expressing our devotion in finalising Shri Babaji's temple in Holland.

All are welcome then as we need gardeners, cleaners, builders, cooks, organisers (for G.P) in short everybody willing to do - to create a wonderful opening ceremony at Guru Purnima in Holland. Pictures of the present progress can be seen at www.babaji.nl

10th Feb

16th Feb 2012

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Babaji’s New Ashram in Australia The Australian Samaj has bought a beautiful property for Babaji's Ashram in Australia. The first AGM was held there in late January, the weekend after the settlement. Today 26th February 2012 the first Havan was held at the Ashram with 17 people in attendance.

Just as the Havan was commencing it started to rain for two or three minutes, a beautiful blessing.

Recently, as Secretary, I was looking through the archives and I came across a Haidakhan Newsletter from 2002, when Kanta Dwyer wrote that Muniraji had advised the Australian Samaj to buy land near the riverside Dhuni on Tiger Singh and Deepa's land in the Bega Valley, south-coast New South Wales. Now, ten years on, through the grace of Babaji, the Samaj has found this special place, not far from Tiger and Deepa's place.

The forty acre property is located on Mumbulla Mountain, in a tranquil place surrounded by forest, private and yet accessible from the main town of Bega. There's a hand crafted mud brick house and a large building suitable for a Kirtan Hall. The landscaping has been done with great love for the environment, with detailed stonework. There's a symphony of birds and a creek running through the property below the house.

Kameshwar, the Samaj treasurer, has devoted enormous time and energy in negotiations to bring this purchase about and all thanks go to him for his tireless work. There are now many opportunities for Karma Yogis and there is accommodation for those who are able to come.

Our thanks must also go to those who have made significant financial donations to enable this purchase to go ahead, however we need funds to make necessary changes and alterations and building works. Any donation you are able to make will be greatly appreciated.

Nan Singh

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News from Italy The story of Croce Mandir, which is near Salerno and south of Naples It is open on one side to a view of the Gulf of Salerno, and on the other to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The energy here is crystal clear It was many years ago that Kali Shani first brought Shri Babaji‟s message of Light to our area. Our group started to get together to celebrate araati, with Kalu Singh as our pioneer pujari, at Kali Annamaria‟s home in Albori.

This is a tiny village on top of a hill facing the Amalfi coast and the beautiful blue sea.

When Kali Annamaria moved to Cisternino, the group continued to get together at different devotees‟ home, facing lots of joys and trouble.

Then in 1994, during Shri Muniraj‟s tour to Cisternino, Kalu Singh and I went to Guruji with a list of devotees with whom we would like to make a Centre in our area. He looked at us, „thought‟ for a second and replied: “Later”. Kalu and I accepted this and felt that a good opportunity would then come at the right time. So it happened like this two years later when, in Croce di Cava de‟ Tirreni, near Salerno, we were able to rent the flat where Prem Singh first and later Kalu Singh had lived. So Croce Mandir was born in February 1996.

Croce is on top of a hill marking the border between Cava De‟ Tirreni and Salerno. In October 1999, during Autumn Navratri, a devotee from our group went to India, carrying a booklet of pictures of our Croce Mandir to show to Shri Shastriji and Shri Muniraj.

On viewing the Pictures Shastriji said: “Accha, very good place. It is an outstanding place and the energy is very good. You must stay there, don‟t change. There have been many wars there ? (referring to wars at Roman times). Much negative karma was sown.

Was there a Church here before it became a Babaji temple? And who built this house? The energy of the place is good, very good! How many people are there praying to Babaji ? (It’s a group of 20-25 people). Yes, you must go on. This is your place. It is very beautiful! Go on! Take care of your Temple, this is a very good place! And also the surroundings, good energy!”

Our friend who took the photos to India didn‟t know that in the very room where the Mandir is now, there was a consecrated Church about

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two hundred years ago (as our landlord has told us recently) and the house, an eighteenth century villa, was built by two Catholic priests.

This says a lot about Shri Shastriji, and about this place, chosen by Shri Babaji for this area. Shri Muniraj, on seeing the photos simply nodded and said “Good, very good.”

In 2011 we celebrated the 15th year at Croce Mandir and the second year of its association to the Italian Haidakhandi Samaj.

Our greatest joy is to see so many people bent by life and its trials quench their thirst at the pure source which is Bhole Baba Maha Raj. They come back again and again, find their smile and trust returning and they might even see a Light in their inner path. On Sunday nights there are always 20 – 25 people attending with new people each time. We‟ve been celebrating a special festival since the Mandir existed, Ganesh Chaturthi. Year after year, it has become a regular tradition of Croce Mandir. It is much appreciated by many devotees who make efforts to come from all over Italy. Shri Ganesh, with His primeval Joy, has always protected us in our path. All this pays back all the sacrifices and efforts we face to keep this place going; it gives us so much and helps us to overcome all the conflicts inevitably coming out, and which are part of our personal growth, so that we can work on our ego in Bhagavan‟s love.

Croce Mandir via Michele di Florio 47 Croce di Cava de‟ Tirreni (SA) www.crocemandir.net.

Hairakhandi Love Centre, near Perugia, central Italy

by Aliana- Anuli

“It was March 1983 when I arrived at Herakhan inspired by Yogananda's book 'Autobiography of a Yogi'. Babaji had a huge impact on me, it seemed as if we were living outside of time and space, everyone had their own story and He was above everybody. He knew everything, our present past and future; we couldn't hide anything in front of Him. During the 40 days Babaji let me stay there, many different things happened, especially

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internal changes which were like overwhelming waves which bring you to the other shore. When He asked me to leave, the 40 days there felt like 12 years. An Avatar can wash your soul inside Him and remove your karma. Maybe this happened although I was really unaware at that time.

Among His many lilas I will recount the one that gave a new impulse to my life: Once during darshan Babaji stared at me and asked: “You doctor?”. I answered “Yes”, I was aware that it was a lila. I was a physiotherapist but I didn't want to practice because I had had a big shock when in a car accident everyone, including my best friend, had died. I had been the sole survivor.

So Babaji asked me to treat an Indian person next to Him. Trembling, I asked him what his problem was and Babaji answered “gastroenteritis”. Really frightened I told him not to eat fat or fried food, but Babaji was already doing something else. Although it was a simple event it had a great impact on me, He knew how to touch me to bring my soul to its rightful path.

In the following 10 years after Babaji‟s mahasamadhi my partner and I opened a centre in Umbria, it has been a great job and a hard work but Babaji has always been with us tracking the path and opening unknown doors, our faith was total and the karma yoga was absolute. Our days have been full of experiences and emotions, our three children have shared everything, growing up in the ashram. Babaji has always been here doing His job with all the visitors. In our ashram we take care of body, mind and spirit, all together as Babaji had guided me. In 1997 Muniraji came to inaugurate the dhuni. During his satsang in the evening aarti he really moved us by saying: “This ashram is Hairakandi love in name and fact !”. He was telling us we were on the right path: Babaji's teachings unified in our heart. „The most important thing is to be human‟ said Babaji. We are trying to practise this every second in our life, accepting our imperfections and limits. We are sure that He is always here to lead and love us. Without His presence nothing could have been done. His energy, always present within and without me, brings me beyond the barriers that my mind likes to imagine, and towards that inconceivable freedom that He talked about and embodied.”

HERAKANDI LOVE CENTER (Ashram) Villarosa – Loc.Corniole 06026 Pietralunga (PG) Tel/Fax (0039) 075-933074 E-mail: evan.aliana@libero.it – babaji@babajicenter.net

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News from France In October, a concert of Turkantam took place in a church of Cantal, in central France. On this occasion, the villagers discovered kirtan and bhajans and really appreciated them. It was organized by Michel, a devotee who has proposed that his house could be used, partly, as an ashram by the Samaj. A small group of devotees came to attend the concert and the next day we visited the house and performed aarti there.

The house cannot be used yet as it needs big building works: itâ€&#x;ll be ready next summer. We feel that, at the beginning, it could be used for gathering for a longer time together; for example for a week at the end of August this coming summer.

A free kirtan-meeting which was lead by devotees, for the benefit of a future Babaji ashram in France, was organized by Yashvir on 23th of December in Montauban (south west).

In addition there was also a concert by Turkantam in Paris on Saturday the 28th of January 2012 also to benefit a future French ashram. This was followed the next day by ceremonies and the annual meeting of the French Samaj.

Weekly aartis take place in Provence (south) and Brittany (west).

Added to this, a monthly kirtan took place from September to January in Paris, hosted by several devotees.

All information is or will be soon on www.babaji.fr and in the next French newsletter.

by Mukundi for the Samaj

Om Namah Shivay

Emilio/Ashok from Cisternino ashram maybe needs our prayers: He is currently under artificial coma in Paris after a heart attack he suffered there. He was awake yesterday but his brain is suffering and he had to be put again under artificial coma until next week.

Information received 25 th February

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News from Croatia In the course of the past fifteen years there have been several attempts to find a more permanent home for Babaji and the growing number of His devotees in Zagreb, as well as in several other cities in Croatia (Osijek, Split, and Pula). With Munirajji‟s blessing Haidakhandi Love Center in Osijek was founded in 2002: www.babaji.hr and Haidakhandi Spiritual Center in Zagreb in 2007: www.haidakhan.net These two centres are the foundation of Haidakhan Samaj in Croatia which is organizing regular meetings and Navaratri celebrations in Osijek.

The two centres are cooperating well, especially since we started organising common events such as taking Babaji‟s Padukas to various places throughout the country for worship. There are also other groups of Babaji devotees who are practicing their devotion independently of these two centres. In this article however we focus on the activities of a group of devotees concentrated around the Haidakhandi Spiritual Center in Zagreb.

Activities of Babaji devotees in Zagreb In Zagreb there is a small but very reliable and active group of devotees who are celebrating aarati at Visnu Datt and Mahima‟s home for over ten years. Five years ago Visnu Datt initiated building a dhuni on a piece of land at the foot of the mountain Medvednica, some 15 kilometres away from the centre of Zagreb, in (almost) untouched nature. Maha Devi (from Belgium), who was our guest during the first visit to Croatia of the Padukas from the German ashram, said that this area and its dhuni remind her of the landscape and the energy of Herakhan in its early days: everything is still very simple and pure, impregnated with high energy of great devotion.

Since our first Paduka journey Kishor joined Vishu Datt in building a new dhuni house. The large new dhuni, which can seat twenty + people, is almost finished. Most weekends we celebrate a havan there.

Paduka Journeys - cooperation between German Ashram and Croatian Centres.

Satyanand and Asha from Cologne, who are connected with Rieferath, have been visiting Ashas‟s homeland Croatia for over ten years with their harmonium. They have been playing aarati and bhajans with various groups of spiritual aspirants in Croatia who are meeting in private houses.

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Croatian devotees expressed their wish to have Darshan of Babajiâ€&#x;s Padukas in Croatia. Whereupon Rieferath ashram magnanimously offered to „lendâ€&#x; their silver Padukas for several days a year. These Padukas had been blessed by Babaji and have been lovingly cared for in Reiferath for over thirty years. The first visit took place in Zagreb and Osijek in September 2010. It proved to be a great inspiration for all the devotees who attended numerous pujas, aaratis and havans. We were especially happy that Maha Devi joined and supported us during this first visit.

The second Paduka visit took place in Zagreb in August 2011, in temperatures of over 40 Degrees ! Devotees rented a concert hall in the centre of Zagreb and performed puja and aarati, with films about Babaji.

Networking and Plans for Croatia in 2012 Our meetings are becoming more and more international. Two devotees from Slovenia invited us to organize kirtan in their country in June 2012.

Some Polish and Italian devotees are also expected to come to the beautiful river Soca valley. In addition to regular pujas and Navaratri celebrations in Croatia we are organizing Autumn Navaratri 2012 on the island of Krk in north Adria, where Asha and Satyanand have a house which is becoming more of a meeting place for devotees. We would like to invite devotees from many countries to join us for autumn Navaratra this year to Punat on the island of Krk. (Those of you interested in joining us please contact: kontakt@anita-kontrec.de and visnudatt@gmail.com).

Contacts: Haidakhandi Spiritual Center, Zagreb: www.haidakhan.net visnudatt@gmail.com kreso_kailash@yahoo.com Haidakhandi Love Center, Osijek: www.babaji.hr kontakt@babaji.hr

Trilochan, Mahadevi, Lakshmi, Parwati, Vishnu Datt, Narmade

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News from Spain Mahaveer Pandit writes: “In 2006 Shri Muniraji asked me to go to Spain to help Amba create a new ashram in a town close to San Sebastian, called Azkoitia. After three months of hard work the „Hairakhandi Karma Yoga Center‟ was born, with a temple dedicated to Haidakhandeswari Mata, a sacred Dhuni and a 9 room guest house to accommodate 25 to 30 people. In the last five years we have organized many different spiritual gatherings to celebrate the Babaji festivals.

With the permission of Shree Muniraji, two years ago, The „Haidakhandi Samaj of Spain‟ was founded with Amba president, Kem Chand secretary and three members: Suati, Juan Carlos and Soraya. At present the Samaj is going through a silent moment to clarify some important things. I will be travelling this March to Spain to celebrate the Spring Navaratri and in April there will be a meeting of the Samaj to plan the future. After this meeting the Samaj will send to the IHJ a report to clarify the situation in Spain.

The ashram near San Sebastian called Hairakhandi Karma Yoga Centre is open and enquirers can contact Amba if you wish to visit: House Phone: 0034-943500043 Mobile: 0034-615008040 Email: izaskun_garmendia@euskalnet.net The ashram address is: Azkoitia, C/ Izarraitz Auzoa-Baserri Ariatzaga, s/n, localidad de Azkoitia, provincia Guipúzcoa DP. 20720

Ashram in Valencia Spain – Correction ! from Lakshmi The editors apologise for unknowingly publishing incorrect information in the Summer 2011 edition of this Journal regarding the Spanish ashram: The Spanish Babaji ashram has not closed down but is alive and kicking !

Visitors, devotees and karma yogis are heartily welcome. Please contact Maria and let her know when you wish to arrive !

Purnima at renacer108@1964.telefonica.net

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Letters to the Journal MaltĂŽ as I experienced you,

by Dieter Jahnke Malti and I had known each other for some years and kept regular contact. Whenever we met there was joy and enthusiasm in her face and her engaged interest in the world made her always a loveable companion.

She knew how to present her views with a sense of humour and kept Muniraji always as a model in her mind. She was a freedom loving person.

She cultivated close relationships in order to shower love onto others.

Her love for life was expressed through music and dance. This she always kept up, even during difficult times. This is how I have experienced Malti.

The following verse was one that she was especially fond of and how she most likely wishes to be remembered.

"Death is nothing at all.

I have only slipped away into the next room.

I am I, and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.

Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no difference into your tone.

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.

Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.

There is absolute and unbroken continuity.

What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am just waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner.

All is well."

Canon Henry Scott Holland

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Gopal Hari

Letter from Jagadish on 21st December 2011

I'm with Gopal Hari, Ambika, Shambo, Veda and Hari Sudha now at the house and will tell of Gopal‟s progress. I haven't been here for three weeks or so but his progress is quite astounding. Yesterday evening I was sitting in the kitchen not long after my arrival, and Gopal came up the stairs on his own and greeted me.

The change from my last visit is quite amazing.

Gopal is moving around and making trips on his own to the bathroom and kitchen. His presence is very strong to be around. The doctor apparently phoned a few days ago and was amazed when Ambika told him Gopal was dusting his room.

The doctor‟s reply was: WHAT! Gopal is being seen to by people from all over. He is being treated with Chinese medicine and all other manner of medicinal treats. He is being very well looked after. Recently he spoke to Shri Munirajji on the phone. He told me that Munirajji sounded like an 18 year old. Munirajji's only words were "Bhole Baba, Bhole Baba" when Gopal gave him his profound thanks for all His help.

There isn't much more than that. Gopal is forever dumbfounded with all the love that flows his way. Ammaji gave him sweets to eat once a day after her London visit. Tears flow from his cheeks every time He thinks of Munirajji....

LATEST NEWS FROM GOMA FAMILY - January 2012 Gopal Hari is in good spirits and much improved. He is talking and walking and grateful for quality time with friends and family. “Thank you for all your beautiful messages. We can‟t reply to each person but we are reading messages to Gopal Hari and feel blessed to be part of a big extended family. We feel comforted by your love, kindness and support. We feel held in your prayers and Babaji‟s love. Please keep praying ! We are all one family.” http://gomaretreat.wordpress.com/

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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. Please consider printing and distributing it in your own country.

Contact: info@oxford-transpersonal.co.uk The responsibility for the content of the IHJ lies with the Editors, with the support of their Editorial Board, however the Editors do not take responsibility for individual‟s stories or country information. 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. Finally, we would like to heartily thank all contributors and interviewees for their invaluable help in creating this edition, and we would like to apologise for the delayed publication of this edition.

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

International Haidakhandi Journal - No. 6 will be published in Summer 2012.  

Please send in:

Your news from your ashrams, centres and national samaj Your letters, book reviews, stories and comments

Before May 31st 2012 please to info@oxford-transpersonal.co.uk We would like some new blood to help us in compilation and publishing of the Journal. Particularly needed is someone who is more computer skilled re- publishing the Journal in a new layout – more 21st Century style. If you feel inspired to offer yourself to help in this way the Editors would be delighted ! We also need more reader participation: please send in your ideas and contributions for the Summer 2012 edition. Many thanks from the editorial team. Bhole Baba Ki Jai.

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Have courage ! Yoga, the way of union with God, is to be courageous. So become like lions.

Babaji.

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