UK Haidakhandi Journal

01

Truth – Simplicity – Love

Shri Babaji Teachings Page 3 A Birthday Tribute to Shri Muniraji 4 Welcome by the Editor 5

Main Feature: Who is Babaji? 14 people’s contributions 6

Working for Babaji in the UK:

The Healing Tent 16

Goma 18

Spring Renewal & Transformation 2006 – By Sangita

A Tribute to Martin (by Stephen Slater) 22

Kalika - The new co-chair 23

2006 AGM of UK Samaj 24

Babaji Pilgrimage Summer 2006 25

Letters

Invitation from Poland 27

Babaji’s Painting arrives at Ashram

News from Australia

What is our real work?

Contact List of International Babaji Centres 34 Haidakhandi Samaj (UK) Contact List 34 Editorial Information 35

BABAJI’s Teaching

“Of great importance is that the repetition of God’s Name increases daily. In this way our heart and mind will be purified, only then you will find God in yourself.

The mind can be purified only by japa. This is the only medicine for the disease of the mind … Japa does not take the place of karma yoga, japa and work go together… I do not want japa to be a pretext for idleness. Do japa with your work and be liberated.

I do not want God’s name to be like stagnant, muddy water, but like sparkling, running water.

“By watching Shri Munirajji in the last few years, I suddenly understand why Babaji made him a guru and a spiritual leader, because he is the only one who doesn’t claim to be one, who doesn’t play the boss, who doesn’t like to give orders, at the cost of being considered weak at times. He doesn’t gossip, he speaks little and quietly, he doesn’t criticise us, but forgives our mistakes all the time and keeps pushing us towards positive actions and constructive work.” Gaura Devi

Moti Prasad reminds us that when the Tibetans come together, they always pray for long life for their lamas. It has been suggested by others and confirmed by Muniraji himself, that this would be helpful to him. The recommended day for praying to the guru is Thursday (Om Triambakam Mantra).

We pray that divine grace may grant Shri Munirajji good health,

with affectionate love and gratitude from your UK friends.

UWelcome to the first edition of the UK Haidakhandi Journal

We hope that you will enjoy it’s rich content. Rob, Kalika and I will publish two journals a year in this format, mid-summer and mid-winter, and mail them by post. This year we are including it with our colourful Fundraising Brochure to save on postage and to inspire ! We are also producing four Newssheets a year of local diary dates and information which is mainly sent out by email. This change of type of publication has been introduced partly to take advantage of the electronic revolution in being able to so rapidly send information to each other, but also because we want to start a journal for more in depth study of Babaji’s teachings, stories and leelas (divine play) and also to stimulate debate into where we are going as communities and ashrams into the future. As you can see from our Fundraising Brochure the Samaj is questing into new areas: we have called the ashram a Retreat Centre as well, and we are also focussing on making it not just a sustainable development but also a teaching resource both about Babaji and about environmental issues.

So, If you want to receive the Journal and/or Newssheets either by snail mail or by email please either become a member of the Haidakhandi Samaj (UK) (details on inside back cover), or subscribe to the publications by sending £12 for a year’s editions.

As you will read we had a lot of thought-provoking replies to our mid-summer theme: WHO IS BABAJI ? 14 people have written or been interviewed for their answers to this question. In addition, because of its timeless nature and joy to read, we’ve reprinted some of Dio Urmilla Neff’s 1980 article. We include some amazing words and a very recent experience of Babaji appearing to one of our UK members. There’s a story of how an original painting by Babaji has arrived at the ashram via Malti and Kushuma. We have letters from Poland, Australia together with news and letters from UK and international devotees of Babaji. Have a look at some of Babaji’s work in the UK.

It was winter 1985 when Rob and I first published the Herakhan Baba Prachar Sangh (UK) Newsletter (cutting and pasting with the help of an old Amstrad word processor with a daisy wheel print head !). Now 20 years later it seems to have made a big circle and come back to us oldies, like an old friend in new clothes. Martin & Kushuma Holyoak & Stuart Wilson took over in 1992 and since the turn of the millennium Stephen Slater, Rangnath and Jai Hill have given their free time to be the editors of the organ of Babaji’s charity in the UK. We take this opportunity to thank each of them for their care, fun, and depth of spirit which was apparent in each of the past Newsletters.

With love from Gaby, Rob & Kalika – The EDITORIAL TEAM

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Who is Babaji ?

When recently asked this question most people looked either bewildered, roared with laughter or were simply dumbfounded for words. However, real gems have emerged and we give a selection here on until Page 15.

“Babaji is everything, everything is everything … it depends on your faith. One time Babaji said: ‘I came to give everything, but nobody is able to receive .…”

UBabaji as Friend - Ben Goodman wrote from France to say:

“This was the question uppermost in my mind as I began a five day course of ‘Spiritual Purification’ in the autumn of 1982. How I came to be there was also a mystery. I was an agnostic who had sleepwalked well outside his familiar territory due to a sequence of unlikely events, strange experiences and simple misunderstandings.

What was this devotion to Babaji that everyone present seemed happy to express? Was I getting myself involved in some cult organisation ? My response was to look carefully at everything that happened. Even during the twice daily singing of aarati I kept my eyes firmly on the English translation and

Thou alone art kin and friend to

As we reached the word ‘friend’ it leapt off the page and writ large, hit me between the eyes. Babaji had introduced Himself in a manner so right for that moment and with a word I have been happy to hang

Babaji is One - Moti Bhagvan - Babaji’s barber (and your ‘mundan’ barber ?) said:

“Babaji was clairvoyant. He knew what any person was in their previous birth. Who is Babaji? I cannot describe him. He was simply Lord Shiva. Although we can visualise various pictures of Babaji, in fact he is only the ONE.”

Babaji as Lord Shiva - Indian devotee, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us the following:

“I met Babaji when I studied in the 1980’s at St. Mary’s Convent in Nainital which was filled with many Irish and German nuns. I had visions of Lord Shiva, but not understanding, more in a sleep-like state. Years later I went to Herakhan on encouragement from Mrs.Vimla Lal, who I felt deeply moved by. I kept having visions. In 1976 I had darshan from Babaji at Dr. Lal’s house in Delhi and the contact was established. After that he came to me mainly in visions”. How do you know he wasn’t just a very clever magician?

“He gave me direct visions of Lord Shiva. It made me experience that there is something outside of this world we live in and into which we are born. He gave me insight of some past lives of mine. If he was a magician he would have made magic in front of us; but he never did so, it was all direct contact and inner experience. His teachings were so subtle, sometimes it wasn’t until years later that you really

Once he came to Delhi I wanted to make something for him – I asked my cook to do it – some sweet. I got very impatient to see Babaji and got very upset with the cook who took so long to prepare the sweet.

When I finally stood in the line for darshan and to present Babaji with the sweet rice pudding he said very softly like a mother: ‘Bus hogia’ or

‘I’m full’. It struck me there and then he was full with the amount of torment I gave to my cook. This has taught me that if food, prasad is being prepared for the lord – there should be calmness, quietness and an attitude of love, not stress or anger or irritation. A life lesson.

Every day when prasad is being prepared, I make sure the atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

I had umpteen experiences like this, once he showed me the beginning of creation from the bottom of the sea until the end of creation in a split second. One thing I can say if people keep their mind, heart and soul open to receive him, and he comes in and guides us. We have to learn to surrender and let go of

Once when I climbed a very steep hill with loads of boulders and scrubs in the way, I was crying with pain and He said to me: ‘You think it’s easy coming to the Lord ?’

When I arrived on top I came into the most amazing paradise. A magician will only show you the positive. But Babaji showed us that you have to go through darkness and difficulty, you have to be burnt and scratched and so burn your karmas. Difficulties such as these help us purify ourselves and make us understand how we create new karmas. We are learning from all our wrong doings.

Experiences of Babaji are so strong and intense you can’t really speak about it. Today he permitted me to speak, but normally I don’t talk about it. Babaji just guides you, you just listen to him, open to him and he’ll show you your work – you are just a vehicle he guides and directs”.

Babaji as Mahavatar - Kalika wrote:

“It would be impossible for any of us to describe Babaji in the same way, just as it is impossible to describe Brahman. It is beyond mind and therefore beyond words. When attempting to describe or define Babaji we can only refer to that which he chooses to show us. Many people report how Babaji appeared differently to members of a group according to their own preconceptions. In this way, He perfectly demonstrates the nature of the Divine by revealing himself gradually according to the individual consciousness.

We sing to Babaji in the form of

Sambasadashiva Shiva, the primal form of Shiva forever united with the Divine Mother, Amba. By studying this archetype, we may begin to understand the range of vibrations that He wished to demonstrate in His particular leela at Haidakhan between 1970 and

1984. The ‘flavour’ remains the same regardless of cultural vehicle and many folk report seeing Babaji in any number of different forms that suit the personality of the individual. We have certainly been taught that the Divine manifests as our Istha Devata or chosen form of the Divine. This Truth is also

Babaji has described to me three manifestations during the

Mahakranti period. The first, as we have just mentioned, being the vibration of Sambasadashiva Shiva.

The second, and imminent manifestation, has the vibration of

Kalbhairav always comes before

Lord Shiva to perform the cleansing.

Simple. The third and final manifestation of this period is in the vibration of Lord Shiva Mahadev himself and will come after the kranti has completed and the vibrational shift has occurred that will allow people to benefit from

Babaji is not a person as we understand this term, He is

Mahavatar and manifests according to the needs of the time. Aum

A Story about Babaji

Excerpts from the 1980 article by Dio Urmilla Neff

“Babaji,” I whispered intently, as though daring him to appear. I glanced around the lobby of my parents’ condominium. It was 1966, and I was curled in a chair, glued to Paramhansa Yogananda’s classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. I was fascinated by the phenomena it so matter-of-factly presented. I’d just come to a quote by the renowned master Lahiri Mahasaya: ‘Whenever anyone utters with reverence the name of Babaji, that devotee attracts an instant blessing.’

“Babaji, I intoned again, trying to feel reverent. Nothing seemed to have happened in the lobby; I saw no lights, heard no ethereal voices. How silly, I thought. What did I expect? I would have been astounded to learn, however, that Babaji had heard me, and twelve years later would tell me so!

Babaji was Yogananda’s guru’s guru’s guru, who lived in the Himalayas and reportedly teleported from peak to peak with his small band of devotees. Yogananda described him as the originator of Kriya Yoga, a system of meditation techniques. Supposedly hundreds of years old, Babaji was said not to be a human at all, but an “avatar”, a divine being, descended into flesh to help humanity.

I read another time where it was said Babaji ordered an aspiring disciple to jump off a cliff to prove his devotion. The man jumped.

Babaji reportedly brought him back to life and accepted him as his

My husband and I first learned of

Babaji’s location from a young woman in San Francisco who’d spent eight months with him. We were filled with a longing to see him, and with the conviction he was indeed the Babaji of legend.

Although we didn’t at first know how we could finance such a trip, some family money that had been tied up in legal squabbles was suddenly released to us. Three

At Babaji’s hilltop ashram in

Herakhan we found a delightful compound of white and peach- coloured buildings, banana groves and flower gardens on terraced levels overlooking the clear streams of the Gautama Ganga. The tiny octagonal temple, with its narrow red, white and green dome, nestled among the banana leaves; a faded

red flag hung from its steeple. All was clean, well swept and peaceful.

On either side of the ashram were terraced fields of corn and rice, dry green-brown hills, several stone farmhouses. To the right was the village of Herakhan, with it’s tumbling stream and miniature bridge. Directly across the wide riverbed was a cave and the towering Mt. Kailash, traditionally sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. In the distance, more hills shouldered the river’s white stony bed. A few villagers worked in the hot fields, others herded black-skinned water buffalo along the narrow trails.

The afternoon we arrived, I was hurrying down the ashram steps to retrieve my bags when I almost bumped into a group of Indians led by a tall, plump person in a violet silk shirt and dhoti. The leader had a youthful round golden face and black shoulder length hair, combed back and oiled, Indian style. I was momentarily confused – I couldn’t identify the person as a man or woman; he or she seemed to combine the best of both. The face was so appealing … so splendid.

“Oh!” I cried, realizing whom it was. Babaji asked my name, then passed by and walked quickly into the garden, where his followers had gathered for afternoon singing.

I sat in the back of the garden, staring in wonder at the figure in violet silk. He looked almost like an American Indian, with his high, domed forehead and deep-set, dark eyes. His nostrils flared slightly; his lips were beautifully carved. His cheeks were full and rosy and he glowed with health. There was something compelling, wonderful about his face. He was the most

Babaji sat on a low wall at the end of the garden, receiving the devotees who lined up to greet him. Women in saris knelt down and touched their foreheads to his feet, then rose, and, beaming, said a few words to him. Men in dhotis and men in business suits came, many laying fully prostrate on the ground, the Indian gesture of respect to one’s Guru.

They obviously all adored Him. ۞

Babaji is Being - Les Dreamwalker wrote:

“I first met Babaji in a temple in Ireland. I had decided to take my 4-day-old daughter and me to the ashram temple to meditate and reflect. After a short time Babaji appeared to me at my request. It all happened naturally. We then (me, my daughter and Babaji) made a promise to each other. I then handed her spiritual development to Babaji. At the moment of that decision Babaji left us. I was left with a feeling of safety. There was no question of who is Babaji: just Being. The idea (according to my experience) is in a similar way as how we learn a song. Once we have put the effort and discipline into learning the song then it just flows like life. Babaji says practice just four things: truth, simplicity, love and service. That’s all, just practice, and like the song, it eventually it comes from the heart”.

Babaji is Aliveness and Presence Gargi (who mistakenly thought she was Gangi for 15 years !)

“After this years Spring Navaratri, I was invited to watch an unpublished video of Babaji in Delhi from 1982. It reminded me of my time with Him in 1983. The following is a description of my perception and understanding of who Babaji is.

His eyes are everywhere as if he is constantly working with everyone who is in the room – infinitely alive and conscious. His heart/mind are in his eyes, a mix of incredible compassion, pain and consciousness, intensely engaged in the present moment without taking even a second’s rest – continuously, relentlessly aware and alive. Always in motion are his eyes, and so is his supple body, his hands, calling those who watch Him into that same level

He seems to show himself in different forms, according to peoples’ level of understanding. He is so many things at once: not human but phenomenal, at the same time more ordinary than any other person I have ever met; not above, not below, but right there in the centre of his extraordinary humanity; extraordinarily ordinary.

If one has any issues or questions when in His presence, it is as if they are immediately picked up through the ether and not long after replied to either through a gesture, a movement or a glance or through a meeting with another person, even a dog or a sudden gust of wind. Such events were called divine leelas.

Thus my experience of Babaji was not limited to his human form. It was as if He could be anywhere and everywhere and in any form at any time, and amazingly, he still is.”

Babaji is: ‘To Surrender’ - Lalita says:

Who is Babaji ? I feel excited at an opportunity to express myself in this way. First a little introduction:

I visited the wonderful ashram in Wales last summer and my experience of this is documented in the last newsletter. So after spending six months in the Irish centre for Baba as pujarini I felt strong guidance to come back to Wales to be pujarini permanently as a commitment to Baba, and also a commitment to the devotees over here who are really striving towards a truly wonderful ashram. So who is Babaji? I don’t think you ever stop to ask this question and it isn’t something that can be answered in its entirety without a vast expansion of consciousness! It is only something that is felt or experienced. In the fullness of time and devotion to Baba little pieces of the puzzle are revealed. You can no more describe who Baba is, than

I think my main experience of Baba up to this point is one of surrender.

The more I surrender to Baba the more my own processing comes to the surface. After the processing is complete I find I have taken a step closer towards Him. So surrendering and processing come hand in hand. I’d say things like: ‘I surrender my whole being to Baba. I surrender my whole life to Baba.’

But after this it seems I have to be more specific. I’ll give you examples of things I’ve surrendered and these have most often happened whilst sitting in front of a picture of Baba while I’m doing japa. This has a lot stronger focus for me than just saying it in my head all the time (and

I cannot emphasize that enough).

The process of surrendering isn’t easy, it’s extremely uncomfortable because the ego and what you understand your life to be, is challenged, but ultimately it’s a really big relief. I surrender my heart to

Baba, my love to Baba, my body (go through the whole body), words, speech, my home, possessions, money, security, my breath, sleep, wakefulness, thoughts, emotions, relationships, family, communic- ations to and from all people at all times, my protection. I surrender all my judgements and projections, my ego (not easy and on going!), my dog, my driving, my car, my day, my dreams, my experiences, my past my present and future, my grief, my

happiness, trust, fears, soul, sexuality, pain, weaknesses, strengths, perceptions, all resistance, my beliefs in enlightenment and happiness, my worries, my connection to the earth (let Baba be your feet), my connection to heaven, my walk, posture, karmas. I surrender the dynamics of a group within which I'm sitting or the conversation I'm having. I could go on but I think you get the idea: it’s endless. Basically you let go of everything so Baba can do his work. It is extremely important to verbalize the surrender. It becomes easier and the surrendering is always at the perfect moment. It doesn’t mean that things are immediately eradicated it means things can be worked on, realized and then released. Surrendering greatly increases your development and actually you realize that all is Baba's anyway!

We are only here a short time and there is so much work to do. The time is now. The return of the light is coming. The Sanatan Dharma is being reinstated. Once surrendered stay surrendered. Find out what role Baba wants you to play in the healing of humanity.

Om Namah Shivay ! Bole Baba ki jai ! Jai mahamaya ki jai !

Much love, Lalita.

On Friday after aarati in Devon I popped the question Who is Babaji?

The general response was that this cannot be answered in words and then David Makar said that for him

Jaggedish told us a story that had been relayed to him about an

Australian woman asking Muniraji -

"Who is Babaji"? Muniraji first said

"I don't know", but when pressed he said "Param, Param, Param" (beyond,

After this we came up with a few more between us to try to sum up

"Neti Neti" (Not this not that).

"Gate Gate Param Gate, Param sam

Gate, Bhodhi swaha" (Gone, Gone,

Gone beyond, Gone beyond the beyond, Blessings to the awakening)

The first verse of the Tao Te Ching

"The Way that can be spoken of

When Babaji first came into my life I realised that I wasn't taking on a guru but was being shown a reflection of my own true essence.

There were no teachings to have to try to adopt, but a mirror of the

Babaji as Le Compte ? By the old fool Ramachandra

I started praying to Babaji in 1974 after reading Autobiography of a Yogi in India. In 1982 I joined a western mystery school run by Peter Dawkins, and our master, according to Peter, was both the Master R and the master of all masters, the Christ, the teacher of all teachers. In 1983 Peter said to me: “Our Master is now in incarnation in the Himalayas and His name is Babaji.” I nearly fell off my stool ! My friend and I wrote to Herakhan Babaji to ask him: “Were you Le Compte de St. Germain, and did you write Shakespeare’s plays ?!” – We must have been nuts !

We received a reply saying: “Babaji invites you to visit His ashram in Haidakhan !” In 1984 I visited. Lok Nath told me that once, when he was reading a Shakespeare play, Babaji leant over his shoulder and announced: “I helped write that !”

I have yet to determine the answer to the first question. Maybe you could have a go ?! Here’s a picture of that great Yogi of Yogis and tireless worker for humanity.

experience I want you to feel it, to feel me, and know that what I’m saying is the truth. Please give what you can and also what you cant in the service of Baba, because really Baba is here.

So, who is Babaji ? .... He is Bhagwan

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Babaji about himself

“ I am Bhole Baba (the simple father). I am nobody and nothing. I am only like a mirror in which you can see yourself. I am like fire. Don’t keep too far away or you will not get the warmth. But don’t get too near or you may burn yourself. Learn the right distance. My name is Prabhuji (the Great Lord). “

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Working for Babaji in the UK

T HE HEALING TEMPLET

The Babaji Healing Temple is a group of Babaji devotees making the teachings of Truth, Simplicity and Love available to the world through the experience of Vedic practices and devotional chanting. We travel to various gatherings and festivals throughout the year offering the following:

Vedic Fire Ceremony Offerings to the fire giving thanks to the Divine Mother Aarati Devotional hymn & Puja (Offerings of the five elements) Bhajans Devotional singing & chanting Satsang A space for sharing. Satsang means company of Truth

Atmaram says: "For me the experience of coming together at these gatherings is immensely uplifting and energising and is a wonderful opportunity to work together in real community. It is always many things rolled into one. We experience great joy and companionship as well as moments of frustration and discomfort, but Babaji is always with us. I am always moved by the many people who have been touched, inspired and sometimes transformed by the energy of this small canvas temple, including myself. It has shown me how enjoyable living, working and praying together can be; not only for these gatherings but as a possibility for a future spiritual community. I would love to share this experience with as many devotees (or non-devotees) as possible, so if you are able to come,

We have a website:

www.babajihealingtemple.net which is quite minimal at the moment but will grow slowly and include some pictures. It does have all the dates of this years gatherings and there may be concessionary tickets available for devotees for some events.

Please telephone Kanchan on 01363

Crediton, Devon on Sunday June

25th. Telephone 01363 773096 for

Aarati every Tuesday evening in

Crediton, Devon at 7.30pm.

GOMA

Gopal Hari writes:

In 1982 Babaji attracted me into his physical presence by appearing to me in a dream. Then during my stay in Herakhan in 1982/83 I received initiation as pujari and Babaji's blessings to spread his message through the singing of mantras, bhajans and kirtan. In fact his first words to me were : " You kirtan !" He also told me that I would marry and have two children. When asking him how I could possibly support a family by being a pujari he answered : " You sing bhajans and I will take care !" Returning to the West I met my wife Ambika within a year, and as Babaji foretold, we have two sons - Shambo and Veda.

For 12 years from 1983 to 1995 I mainly served as pujari in various temples and as father to our young children. Even though Ambika and I recorded our first bhajan album under the name "GOMA" in 1986 - we rarely stepped out into the world. We both had agreed that we would do so on invitation only !

When my 12 year cycle approached completion, I sensed change. Promptly Babaji threw us in at the deep end. We were invited to the "Earth Alignment Day" festival and found ourselves in front of thousands of people in Wembley Arena. In spite of GOMA being completely unknown, the audience erupted into ecstasy during our half hour slot. Babaji's love and energy moved everybody. After this event we received hundreds of enthusiastic letters and gradually invitations to do concerts and satsangs started to come in.

Over the last ten years we have responded to this ever growing call and find ourselves singing bhajans and giving satsangs in ashrams, spiritual centres,

churches, schools, festivals, town and village halls etc. - here in the UK and the rest of Europe. Ambika and I are very happy and grateful that our sons have become an active part of our mission to spread Babaji's message and to inspire, encourage, uplift and heal through divine grace. Tabla Tom has also become a much loved and appreciated member of the family.

Together - we have just returned from our European spring tour - visiting a church in Brugge (Belgium), a church in Aachen, the Vidya Yoga Centre in Bad Meinberg, a centre in Bochum, the Bhole Baba Ashram in Rieferath, the Waldorf School in Düsseldorf, a centre in Viersen (Germany) and Sada Shiva Dham Ashram in Loenen (Holland). It is always a great blessing to spend time with old and young brothers and sisters. And through Babaji's grace we met, touched and inspired well over a thousand people and enjoyed a sense of unity and connectedness. We also received several new invitations. " We feel honoured, priveleged, and most grateful to serve in this way! "

Bhole Baba ki Jai - Jai Maha Maya ki Jai

Spring Renewal & Transformation 2006 – with Sanatan Dharma Ashram and the New Dhuni By Sangita

Though I was unable to be at the Blaengors Navaratri celebrations, because I was completing my ‘Journey’ accreditation course, I was involved in the prior preparations. Inspired by Pete’s intentions and fired by his devotion for the Mother to transform the whole Yagna fire pit space, we tuned into the whole area where his creative vision might unfold.

When I next met him, I’d just completed the most trans-formational week of my life, or so it felt. I then went straight to the Navaratri fires at North Aston to be with Gopal Hari, Ambika, and the boys, and also Sam, Pete, Parvati, Tom, and other friends, arriving on different days. Pete had just received Mundan and I was guided to ask him to be the one to shave most of my hair off too. I was feeling reborn, so what a wonderful supportive space to land in. For those days, I was bathing in a sea of grace, no longer escaping into past and future, into books, and other avoidance strategies. I felt totally surrendered to the present moment, totally trusting of ‘God,’ and of being led by this Grace. I’d seen through and let go of a core pattern: the illusion I’d been labouring under that in order to prove my worth, I first would have to endure trial and tribulation, endlessly in fact, because no matter how much I endured, it would never be enough. Also, I mistrusted any help that might be offered. It was unlikely to be supportive of my real needs, because I would never have endured enough to be worthy of being truly held in any embrace of love and support. Fear, lack and guilt, are born from this belief in separation. This choice of falling into trust and oneness, or letting the ego-based mind create my reality, is here in my every moment. Will I trust and surrender to whatever is showing up in my life right now, without judgement, or fear, or attachment? A lot of the time, not!

How can I know, the reality of who

Babaji is, what God is, except in those moments where I feel and know the bliss of this that is most real to me. Even then, knowing the limitations of the senses, the distortions of the mind and the falseness of ego-triggered perception, what do I know? In the drama of my life I have a sense of purpose and bow to God in whichever guise I sense this presence. I talk to ‘Babaji’ as conceived in my reality, and ‘know’ I am graced, by being held in his/her embrace, when I don’t lose sight of

I returned with Sam, to Blaengors, for the Easter weekend, in honour of Jesus Christ, or Yeshua, to join

Pete and Peter. Peter had been

Pete’s main helper in bringing his vision into visible structure, of creating, for Mother and all, a beautiful space and shelter for fire

ceremonies. Pete continued with that dedicated focus, helped by all of us. It had been exactly a year ago on Easter Sunday, when we ritually planted the Yew tree which overlooks the area. This time we so much enjoyed working together as a team that we returned two weeks later with Parvati too, for the Beltane weekend. We carried on creating gardens, moving trees, transforming other areas. Sam and Peter were very involved in the ponds and drainage and water flow. Much inspiration and creativity happened in both outside and inside space. The Rayburn chimney, needed urgent attention and was cleaned. All the surrounds were freshly painted and the kitchen too.

The Temple altar cloths are washed and the floors cleaned etc. That’s how it is when people gather together inspired with a common vision. The energy gets very charged and full on, and it’s fun. Sam and I were the only two left on the actual Beltane festival. We continued in the flow of karma yoga and focus. Before Aarati we completed the day with a bonfire which we jumped through together, to renew our marriage: a Spring Beltane ritual. Back soon, for more fun ?

“Do It ... Do It !” A Tribute to Martin by Stephen Slater

“Do it, do it.” This was what Shri Muniraji said repeatedly in his meeting with Martin at spring Navaratri 1996, as Martin described to him the creation of the Haidakhandi Samaj (UK), replacing the Haidakhan Baba Prachar Sangh, in a revitalised effort for the creation of a Babaji ashram in the UK. And it has been with great dedication, unwavering enthusiasm and much love that Martin has lead the UK Samaj over the ten years since.

Martin took up leadership of the Haidakhandi Samaj (UK) a few months after it began, at a time when no one else was willing to do so, and indeed has often been the only one willing to accept this challenging role when the committee has stood for re-election. Under Martin’s leadership, the Samaj has moved from the cheque for £10,418 passed on from the Prachar Sangh to having the money and regular donations to buy a property for £124,000 and pay for its daily operation. Finding the ashram property was the result of endless amounts of time and energy given by committee members in searching through newspapers, web sites and estate agents followed by travelling across the country to look at different properties until finally Blaengors was discovered and its purchase completed on

February 2002. Martin and Neil then spent many months of careful and diligent planning with the architect, documenting and presenting how the ashram will be renovated and developed once we raise further funds, only to have the local council turn down the planning application. Then after still more of their time they finally got the plans approved at appeal, putting us in the position now of being ready to get going with many new and exciting

Martin has always chaired the Samaj so as to try to incorporate the opinions and participation of everyone who was willing to be involved, sometimes through periods of considerable dispute and disharmony. He has maintained a consistent commitment to consensus decision making. He is very thoughtful and has put much care into his role. His tireless work has been the momentum that has kept us going. Further he has been an invaluable source of support and advice to those of us who sought his guidance during our endeavours.

We offer Martin our heartfelt thanks. It should also be noted that

Martin’s wife Kushuma has been actively involved in the organisation of the Samaj, supporting Martin in

At the HSUK AGM in May, Martin shared with us his deliberations over whether to stand again as

Chairman. He decided not to stand, and Kalika and Sangita were elected by meeting as the new co-chairs.

Martin is remaining a part of the committee, without a specific role, so the Samaj will continue to have the benefit of his presence and

Who is Kalika? The new co-chair My first duty must be to recognize the work of all those that have served The Samaj before I came here and especially Martin, who served as Chair for 10 years. All the work done by them makes further steps closer to our dream realizable, on every level. Many people have offered me support in big and small ways and I am deeply thankful.

The first year of serving Babaji and the “Haidakhandis” has made me feel part of a diverse family, sometimes challenged, often amused, always loved. I have been deeply moved by everyone’s commitment to the process of healing on every level and feel inspired by a vision of the future which holds this principle at its core.

This year brings a strong new energy as Muniraji described. With the exciting opportunities come many challenges and obstacles to overcome …I feel sure that with the Grace and Mercy of Babaji we can turn this energy of change to our advantage and make the most of everything that arises for us. As we all know well, everything is a vehicle for growth and apparent failures are the best teachers of all …all that is required is a commitment to the principles that Babaji has taught us and the determination to continue.

The ashram work steps up a pace this year, some would feel as a result of the creation of the new Yagna site, it certainly affects the energy very strongly. Pete is spearheading a team to build the temple and Shyam has started the creation of the pond, polytunnels are also due in the near future, so this work in addition to the regular karma yoga of clearing and gardening mean plenty of extended karma yoga opportunities for everyone! We have been lucky in managing to capture a Pujarini in the form of Lalita who has recently served at the Irish ashram, she is planning to move to Blaengors some time this month. She brings with her a strong commitment to Babaji and good gardening skills! Welcome.

Fundraising surges forward to facilitate the building programme, and publicity is revamped in the new style of newsletters and the creation of a Samaj website. The Healing

Temple continues its excellent work at Sunrise, Healing Fields and Gaunts and has created a lovely website.

Many people are still drawn to

Babaji through the work done by

Goma, especially here in North

London where I live. London aarati is back on every Thursday, Tiverton on Friday and Crediton on

Tuesdays, there is monthly Havan at

Kanchan and Atmaram’s house (see

Pg. 16 for dates and contact details).

The work of Babaji in UK continues unabated, if not unchallenged.

Energy and enthusiasm are high and this in turn creates more opportunity and attracts more positive energy – thank you everybody and keep up the good work! Karma Yoga is Infinite!

Officers: Co-Chair Kalika James and Sangita Squires Treasurer Enoch Rodriguez Secretary Stephen Slater

Committee Members: Site Manager Pete Dale (with the Magnificent 7 in support) Land Co-ordinator Sangita Squires (with Shyam in support) Membership Secretary Kalika James Newsletter/Journal Editor Gaby Hock (with Rob and Kalika in support) Fundraising Co-ordinator Rob Waygood Pujarini Lalita Committee Member Martin Holyoak Committee Member Neil Lamont

should hold one of the officerships of chair, secretary or treasurer for more than 3 years.

mittee should be mindful of consensus and use consensus in all its major decision-making.

Committee Meetings are open to any member of the Samaj to attend and also invited guests. The next Committee meeting will be held at the Ashram on Saturday 29Pth

P July at 2pm. If you are not a Member of the Samaj (current joining fee £15) and you wish to join us in the meeting, please could you let the Secretary know - Stephen Slater s.t.slater@virgin.net or 01494-464-362.

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05

Babaji Pilgrimage - Summer 2006

We have arranged a pilgrimage from Hammersmith London to Sanatan Dharma Ashram, Blaengors, near Lampeter to be covered

The distance to be covered is 350 miles (560 km) and will traverse the beautiful Thames towpath (184 miles) and the Wye Valley (approx 80 miles) and then over the magical Cambrian Mountains to Tregaron (34 miles). At last it traverses the final 16 miles into the Afon Aeron Valley and up again to Dihewyd and arriving at our Ashram on the hills for the first fire ceremony on the first day of Navaratri celebration. Two or more walkers will cover stretches of about 10 miles a day, and at the end of their day or more of walking they will hand on to the next team. If you are interested in taking part at some time between 1Pst

P July and the beginning of Navaratri on 22Pnd

A letter to all pilgrims: At the last pilgrimage meeting of the focalisers we all decided to drop the original idea of combining pilgrimage with fundraising. To all those folks who are interested hear this message: it is just a pilgrimage! No need to hassle for money and feel awkward - just do your mantra and walk. A lot more people have come on board from rather unexpected corners, such as old friends who love the idea of pilgrimage and want to join in. Also, as you can see, there is a new worked out mileage (not 290 but 350!), so we have given ourselves 3 months rather than 1 month (another sigh of relief) - with a reward at the end ! Please find out more from the enclosed pilgrimage flyer. We would appreciate if you could photocopy this flyer and, where appropriate, pass it on. To obtain more copies of the Babaji UK Pilgrimage flyer – please email gaby@oxford-transpersonal.co.uk Bhole Baba Ki Jai ! Love, Gaby

Pilgrimage Focalisers: London-Oxford: Kalika 020-7687-0772

Oxford-Stroud: Gaby 01865-247851

Stroud-Blaengors: Sangita 01453-765736

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06

Letters

Invitation from Poland

Paramanand & Radha from the Polish Ashram have kindly invited devotees of the English Babaji foundation to visit Poland on a pilgrimage/yatra. Have a look at the Polish website which has beautiful pictures of their ashram and it’s surroundings. If you are interested in this exciting venture planned for Summer 2006, please get in touch with Gaby now.

We could invoke the spirit of Babaji together and discuss and exchange the ashram experiences and sing bhajans. In addition we have several suggestions for seeing some nice things of the Polish culture so that everthing is not getting too serious:

o

o

o

If you think it is a good idea then I can make a nice invitiation for whoever would apreciate one. Om Namah Shivay ! Greetings from Radha and Paramanand. www.babaji.pl

Babaji’s painting arrives at

by Kushuma

Maria-Gabriele Wosien was my dance teacher for many years before

I realized her other name was Malti, and that she was among the first

Westerners to spend time with

Babaji in the mid-1970’s. During the late 1980’s and early 90’s she used to come over from her home in

Germany on a regular basis to teach dance in Britain, and as a friendship developed between us, as well as with Martin, she would tell us stories of what it was like with Baba

She told me that in the early days

Babaji hardly spoke at all, and that it was a very intense feeling just being near him – she spoke of him appearing like clear light and that sometimes it was almost uncomfortable to be too close to

Prior to the formation of the Samaj in Britain in 1995, Martin and I were producing the regular newsletter for

many years for the previous organization in this country, the Herakhan Baba Prachar Sangh. In our conversations with Gabriele we spoke of what was happening in the UK and she showed an interest in all of this. On one of her visits she told me that she had two pictures that had been painted by Baba, one of which she wanted to give as a gift to Martin and I and the other one was a gift to the ashram in Britain when it came into being. At that time the prospect of an ashram in this country seemed a long way off, but she felt certain that one day it would happen. A week or so later a parcel arrived from Germany at our home containing the two pictures painted by Babaji. The one remained in our house and the other we took to Jamuna, who at that time was the chair of the Herakhan Baba Prachar Sangh.

A few years later the Prachar Sang was dissolved and the Haidakhan Samaj (UK) came into being. Martin was chairperson and over the following few years much effort was being made in fundraising and searching for an ashram. Along with others I also served on the committee and it was arranged for Babaji’s picture to be moved to the home of Durga Dass and Hari Sudha, as Durga Dass was then a member of the committee, and this is where the picture has remained until recently.

A short while ago it seemed right for the picture to make its final journey and on the weekend of the recent AGM it was brought to the ashram at Blaengors, the home which Gabriele had originally intended for it. It radiates light and beauty, an inspiration to all who see it, a physical part of Babaji’s creativity present in the ashram. I wonder if Baba knew that is where it would end up when he painted it?

Many thanks to Gabriele for such a wonderful gift and for all the inspiration she spreads in the work that she does. Kushuma

News from AUSTRALIA

Dear Gargi, and all those other

Babaji angels out there, greetings

At the end of last year some of the

Australian devotees gathered in central Australia. The gathering was such a blessing for Janaki and I and our two boys. It was a chance to catch up with some old friends:

Henk and Pujari from the

Netherlands. My life was suddenly filled with such beautiful people and we were all filled with the love and bliss that both Muniji and Baba shower on us. I forgot to add

Janaki and I live in Alice Springs and the photographs are taken at our

At this point I would like to offer a

The Guru comes, and bows down before the disciple; This is the greatest of wonders.

Twenty years ago I was able to sit with Muniji as often as I liked, and I remember one very early morning in the humble hut that existed where his new house is now, below the Temple. I had been sleeping by the Dhuni and I woke up to see Muniji go to the tap to wash, it was about four in the morning, we greeted each other and I had my bath and went to sit with Muniji while he did Japa. I remember the feel of Muniji’s feet in my hand as I massaged them with sweet oil, and the sound of the mantra, as if my heart would burst.

It is with this love and affection for Babaji and Muniji that I accepted the position as President of the Australian Babaji angels. So I greet you all and hope you enjoy the images. More than all else do I cherish at heart, that love which makes me live limitless in this world. It is like the Lotus, which lives in the water and blooms in the water; yet the water cannot touch its petals, they open beyond its reach. Love and blessings to you all

Aarati Shakti by Stephen Slater

On 23rd February 2006, the bi- weekly London aarati at

Hammersmith in London was held for the final time. Aarati has been performed at this location for over

11 years, and it seems like a thread that has run through most of my involvement with the Babaji community, so I wanted to write something to commemorate it.

In 1993 I was advised to go to my first aarati, which at that time was held every Monday at the LRT office in Victoria, London. The weekly aarati in Victoria continued for several more months, and then stopped. There were a few aaratis at different people's houses. Then we met for a few weeks at the

Bhavan centre, before being asked to stop because we made too much noise for the yoga class down the corridor. Then came aarati in the basement of the Sunra health centre in South London. I tried every route I could devise from my home in High Wycombe down to the

Sunra centre, but could never find one quick enough through the

London rush hour traffic to get there before it was already half way through. Eventually I gave up and

Finally on 15th December 1994

Amravati organised an aarati at

Friends Meeting House,

Hammersmith. After a couple of trial runs, this became a regular event every alternate Thursday night. This was shortly after my first

Uluru

trip to Haidakhan, so I was hooked again. My recollection is that we used to have about 8 - 10 people coming each week. These included Enoch and Alan, who sometimes did the puja, Joanna and her kids and Anthony.

Some of the people attending the aarati talked about a Babaji organisation in the UK, what is now the Haidakhandi Samaj (UK). There was a quarterly newsletter so I joined to get this and find out what else was going on.

In 1996, Rosie channelled a message from Babaji that there should be a Babaji camp. Four of the aarati group, Rosie, Neil, Amravati and myself piled into a car and went off scouting sites around Dartmoor, Devon. After each aarati we then refined the plans, and on 28th July that year we had the first "Babaji Summer Camp".

After this, I went to some gatherings of UK devotees organised by other people at Navaratris. I really enjoyed chanting the bhajans and in 1999 was inspired by these gatherings to learn how to play some myself on the harmonium. Amravati was our Indian music expert and my new post-aarati activity for a few weeks became a short lesson from her on the harmonium.

Abdul, who could also play the harmonium started coming, and we had a rota of him, Amravati and myself all wanting to play harmonium. Amravati had taught

Neil to do the puja so either he or

Somewhere around this point, Neil took ever the organisation of the aarati for a while. Neil, Amravati and some of the others coming to the aarati were also active with the

Samaj's efforts to create a Babaji ashram, so aarati became the place to catch up on the latest news.

For special occasions such as Hindu festivals, Amravati would sometimes bring along her havan pot and we would have a small havan before the aarati. On other special occasions such as Christmas we would bring along extra special snacks to eat

At this time, around 6 - 8 people came to each aarati. A few new regulars came for a while, including

Pete, our two Indian group members, Rashmi and Jayant, and our final long term regular Paul.

Paul took up the role of chai walla, a great blessing, as he happens to be

Recently there have only been three of us going regularly to the London aarati - myself, Amravati and (when not off on his extended trips to

India and Australia) Paul. A few others would drop in once or twice a year. From time to time devotees from other countries passing through London, or others who had just heard about Babaji would drop in on us. It became apparent that there was little interest from any other Babaji devotees in coming to the aarati and so we decided to call

On Thursday 9Pth

special aarati in celebration of Babaji's lunar Maha Samadhi the following day. Having given notice to Friends Meeting House of not using the room, the final aarati there was on February 23Prd

to everyone who has been a part of the aarati over these years. Thank you to Amravati and Neil for their energy in organising it.

Bhole Baba ki Jai! Stephen

MOVES TO ARCHWAY

Following the closure of the very long running aarati in Hammersmith recently – the position opened up

P May)

saw the first North London Aarati, with 7 of us drinking Paul’s chai and whooping it up. The venue has been described as Highgate, although those more familiar with the area will recognize the address as the

19B Fairbridge Road, London

Contact Kalika on any of the above to confirm you’re coming

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07

What is our real work? – from Raguvir

Wayne Dwyer says: “One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of optimism and a willingness to be non judgmental of others will counterbalance the negativity of 90,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of pure love and reverence for all of life will counterbalance the negativity of 750,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of illumination, bliss, and infinite peace will counterbalance the negativity of 10 million people who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (approximately 22 such sages are alive today).

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of grace, pure spirit beyond the body, in a world of non duality or complete oneness, will counterbalance the negativity of 70 million people who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (approximately 10 such sages are alive today).”

Major Indian Festival Dates: 11Pth

P July - Guru Purnima 27Pth

P August Shri Ganesh Chaturthi 23Prd

P September Navaratri start 20Pth

P October Choti Diwali 4Pth

P December Purnima & Shri Dattatreya Jayanti

GURU PURNIMA AT CISTERNINO (Italy) 8Pth

Following the highly successful international Babaji gathering in Schweibenalp in 2004, and subsequent ones in Poland and Russia, this year’s Guru Purnima will be held in Southern Italy. News will come to you by Newssheet in late August as our foreign correspondents Rosie and Rob will be attending ! If you havn’t done so already, you still might be able to book that last minute flight to Brindisi!

____________________________________________________

Books: BABAJI MAHAVATAR the descent of eternity into time – large format, photos of Babaji mainly in colour on virtually every page, plus short selected texts. £15 (£17.50 incl p&p)

FIRE OF TRANSFORMATION – my life with Babaji by Gaura Devi – diary of twelve years with Babaji, his teachings/historical information, 36 b/w photos £10.95 (£12.50 incl p&p)

HAIDAKHAN BHAJANS – words of bhajans and chants, Hanuman Chalisa and Mother Aarati, with English translation, some photographs, 84 pages. £5 (£6 incl p&p)

KIRTAN KARO – aarati, mantras, bhajans all with musical notation

✦

Selection of CDs – Aarti £8/£11, Lacchu Maharaj tabla £9.50, Mother Bhajans/ Om Namah Shivaya/ Ganesh all £11 incl p&p ‘Gloria’ DVD of Babaji £11 Altar cloths – various colours, embroidered with Om namah Shivaya – £6/£4.50 Malas - Rudraksha £10, Rudraksha wrist £4, Crystal £9, Sandalwood £5 Om Namah Shivaya bracelets (five metals) from Haidakhan £19 photos and postcards of Babaji, tape cassettes, and much more

All sales benefit the HS(UK) charity – for more details and orders please contact:

UK Samaj committee members contact list: Co chair & Membership Secretary:

Kalika James 0207-687 0772 E: satyasjames@hotmail.com Co chair & ashram Land Coordinator:

Sangita Squires 01453-765 736 E: bringtolight@clara.co.uk Secretary: Stephen Slater 01494-464-362 E: s.t.slater@virgin.net Treasurer: Enoch Rodriguez 07984 403834 E:

Fundraising: Rob Waygood 01865-247851 rob@oxford-transpersonal.co.uk Site Manager: Pete Dale 01766 530638 Pujarini: Lalita: 01570471486 Also: Martin Holyoak: 01837-82001 & Neil Lamont: 028 9869917 Journal/ Newssheet: Gaby and Rob: 01865-247851

Haidakhandi International – e-mail addresses and some websites Ireland: Haidakhan Bhole Baba Centre ambaireland@circom.net Germany: Bhole Baba Ashram Tbholebaba.ashram@t-online.deT Switzerland: Centre of Unity (Schweibenalp) Tinfo@schweibenalp.chT

Austria: Khagoti Tkhagoti@rediffmail.comT France: Munkundi and Purnananda purnananda@free.fr Croatia: Vanja (Vishnu Datt) Tvanjacigler@yahoo.comT

Belgium: Mother Colette Tashram-wel@ashram-wel.beT Holland: Martin Tmartin@babaji.nlT. Pujari Tpujari@babaji.nlT Italy: Bhole Baba Ashram, Cisternino www.bholebaba.org

THaidakhandi Love Center, Umbria www.babajicenter.netT

Latvia Testere@latnet.IvT Estonia: Ave oit Tave@loodusijoud.eeT Poland: Radha and Paramanand Tom@babaji.plT Russia: Andrei Maikapar (Mahaprabuji Ashram) Tkumali@vmail.ruT Sweden: Sambasadashiva Dham Tintuition.bw@swipnet.seT Bulgaria: vihris@yahoo.com Tmkoleva@astern.etT Slovenia: Tkriyacenter@SriBabaji.orgT USA: Ramloti info@babajiashram.org

Canada: Pritam (Piotr) Tprajski@telus.netT Thailand: Kharku (John Stewart) TJohn@kamalaya.comT Bali: Andi and Jane Fischer Tajf@indo.net.idT Australia: jayanti108@usa.net New Zealand: Nagini dreamsnake@xtra.co.nz South Africa: Tlaina@futurenet.co.zaT

EDITORIAL NOTE

With heartfelt thanks to each of you who either accepted us interviewing you, or who have sent in articles, especially for our main feature Who is Babaji. Also, thank you very much to each of you in the UK, Poland, Australia, Holland and France who sent letters to us. It is such a delight to hear from you all and to present your letters in this first edition of our UK Haidakhandi Journal. Especial thanks are due to Ganga Singh and the new editor Cornelia Uebscher of the German Haidakhan News for inspiring this new format of presentation.

The UK Haidakhandi Journal is published twice a year in printed form (mid-summer and mid-winter).

The UK Haidakhandi Newssheet is distributed 4 times a year available as an email (or letter to UK members).

SUBSCRIPTIONS: If you want to keep receiving these and support Babaji’s work through his charity you can do this in one of two ways:

•

subscription is still only £15 but may go up soon ! The Membership

Secretary of the Haidakhandi Samaj (UK) (Reg. Charity No 291590) is:

Kalika James on 0207-687 0772 or email: satyasjames@hotmail.com

•

Or Make an annual subscription of £12 (Euros18 or $ 25) to receive our Journals by post and Newssheets by email. Payment to HS(UK) via

SPONSORING AN EDITION. If you would like to be a sponsor for the Winter Journal, we would love to hear from you: Please e-mail gaby@oxford-transpersonal.co.uk NEXT

PUBLICATION DATES:The Winter Journal :

We welcome your thoughts and contributions!! and the many different ways Babaji’s central teaching on Karma Yoga is understood and experienced. In addition, please don’t hold back on your comments, letters, book reviews, adverts or other and send in by 15Pth

The next Newssheet deadline for your latest news is 15Pth

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