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"Great Souls have a sympathetic heart as magnanimous and
forgiving as that of a Mother giving shelter and love to all
regardless of race, religion, or financial stature." The sacred
land of India is the mother of the world’s oldest and most
profound philosophy - Vedanta. She has given birth to
innumerable great souls like Swami Vivekananda who have had a
deep and lasting impact on all of humanity. In this era, Mother
India has yet again given the world a Divine Soul bearing
unconditional love and liberating Self Knowledge to lead the
masses on the path to ultimate peace! Pujya Sant Shri Asaramji
Bapu is that ideal role model of wisdom, compassion, razor sharp
intellect and wit. The following passage tries to introduce Sant
Shri Asaramji Bapu (endearingly called 'Bapu') and the
associated Ashrams; as well as Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti, an
organization founded by Pujya Bapuji.
The Ashrams
The establishment of the first Ashram occurred in 1971 on the
banks of the river Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This main
Ashram heads the various activities as well as the numerous
subsidiaries run by the many organizations formed by Pujya
Bapuji (endearingly called 'Bapu'). As of April 2000, there were over 111 Ashrams all over
India and 1200 meditation centers operating throughout the
world. The Yoga Vedanta Ashram in Matawan, NJ, USA is also
rapidly growing. Each Ashram is a secular center that serves as
a lighthouse with Pujya Bapuji’s enlightening presence and peace
giving words serving as a beacon to all souls lost in the
turbulent ocean of the world. There is also a special women’s
Ashram in Ahmedabad. The philosophy here is that every woman is
a goddess in human form, who needs to awaken her potential
strength. The world needs women with great character to build a
great future for the next generation. These wise, hardworking
women residing in this 'Mahila-Ashram' (Women’s Center) devote
their time to ‘Sadhna’ (spiritual practices) and 'Seva' (service
to Ashram) under the guidance of the honorable mother Laxmidevi.
One example of their seva is to prepare invaluable Ayurvedic
medicines such as 'Sant Kripa Churna' (taken for a healthy mind
and body) which the Ashrams distribute by the millions all over
the world.
Main Ashram (View
Main Ashram Link)
Ashram Activities
The aim of all Ashrams and Yoga Vedanta Samitis is to show the
path of real peace and happiness to the masses. Their
involvement in various activities are targeted towards the
spiritual, moral, educational, and health related uplifting of
the society. These organizations provide financial aid to the
poverty-stricken as well as engage in many humanitarian relief
efforts. All the Ashram and Samiti efforts are carefully
scrutinized and diligently managed with Pujya Bapuji at the
helm.
Meditation Intensives for Aspirants and Students (Shaktipata and
Vidyhyarthi Shibirs)
'Shaktipata Shibirs' are organized in different Ashrams
throughout the year. For a schedule, click here or inquire at
any of the Ashrams. During these 'shibirs' or intensives, an
aspirant gets the benefit of Pujya Bapuji's 'Satsangs'
(spiritual discourses) and rare proximity. Pujya Bapuji bestows
divine love through the Shaktipata (Transmittal of Divine
Energy), enabling the aspirant to enter the mysterious world of
Kundalini Yoga through meditation.
Aspirants gain knowledge on how to deal with obstacles that they
may encounter on their Yogic Spiritual Journey. Pujya Bapuji
conveys the highest spiritual truth in the simplest, easy to
assimilate language. After attending these shibirs many people
have experienced a change in their attitude towards life and
have gained a new self-confidence, inner peace, equanimity and
freedom from stress.
Pujya Bapuji asserts that the future of a society depends upon
the younger generation. That is why, 'Vidhyarthi Shibirs'
(Student Intensive Camps) are often held to instill moral,
ethical and spiritual values in today's youth. Children learn
yogic stretching and breathing exercises (Yogasanas and
Pranayamas). Pujya Bapuji delivers very appealing and pertinent
Satsangs on various topics such as health, hygiene, Vedic
Philosophy and realizing ones own divine potential. Pujya Bapuji
bestows upon students the 'Saraswatya Mantra', an acclaimed
'mantra' to enhance their mental efficiency, productivity,
creativity and intellect.
Participating parents have widely welcomed these special
intensives organized by the Ashram. Therefore, other parents are
strongly encouraged to send their children to these camps at
least once.
Temple for Spiritual Practices (Maun Mandir)
Some of the Ashrams have Maun Mandirs (a Temple for Silent
Spiritual Practice) which provide serious aspirants an
opportunity to stay in complete seclusion and peace for seven or
more days. This facility is highly recommended for those
aspirants who want to experience rapid spiritual progress. These
Pyramid-shaped Maun Mandirs in the Ahmedabad, Indore and Agra
Ashrams have rendered fantastic results in the seekers’
spiritual journey. Due to increasing demand, aspirants who wish
to use this facility should register well in advance to avoid
inconvenience. For further information please contact Ahmedabad
or the nearest Ashram.
Charitable and Educational Activities
Bapuji's concern and compassion for the poor, needy and less
fortunate, has found expression through numerous charitable and
welfare activities which include the following: Ayurvedic
Clinics (Nature Cure and Herbal Clinical Treatments):
Dhanvantari Arogya Kendra, Ahmedabad: Qualified and experienced
doctors provide Ayurvedic treatment and medicines to patients in
the main Ashrams. Patients are treated for common and chronic
diseases like allergies, cancer, diabetes, rheumatism, heart
ailments and any other malady. The medicines are manufactured at
the production unit in the Surat Ashram. At this Ashram, the
farming of the herbs for Ayurvedic medicines is also a part of
its activities. Sai Lilashahji Upchar Kendra (clinic) Sai
Lilashahji Aushadh Nirmana (pharmaceuticals):The Ashram’s
Ayurvedic pharmacy manufactures high quality Ayurvedic
medicines. Many herbal products like shampoo, tooth powder, hair
tonics, massage oil and general health supplements are also
produced. The doctors also recommend naturopathy treatment
through Yoga-asana, Pranayamas and meditation.
Mobile Ayurvedic Dispensary
It provides medical services to underprivileged people living in
remote villages and interior tribal areas in India.
Tribal Welfare Program: The Ashram regularly organizes tribal
upliftment programs for nomadic Indians also known as Advasi
living in remote areas. They are given meals, groceries,
clothes, and financial aid in the form of cash. Also, they are
provided with medical treatment via the mobile Ayurvedic
dispensaries. Pujya Bapuji personally visits tribal areas to
help them understand their rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Hundreds of Ashram volunteers assist in the distribution of
meals and other necessities. Pujya Bapuji educates them in their
own dialect - sometimes by chanting a kirtan and other times
through Satsangs which benefit them profoundly. Several tribal
welfare programs are ongoing in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Orissa in India.
Relief Work for Natural Disasters: Relief work is conducted by
the Ashram at times of flood, famine, epidemics or any other
calamity. Ashram’s free housing scheme provides shelter for the
underprivileged and homeless in various part of India. In 1999,
the ashram carried out relief work in cyclone-hit Orissa under
Pujya Bapuji’s supervision. It had 80 relief camps in the places
where the impact of the cyclone was highest. R K Jain, former
president of the Supreme Court Bar Association who has launched
the each-one-feed-one movement, spoke highly of that relief
activity, noting, "Pujya Bapuji's ashram saved several lives.
The team reached the worst hit interiors and in many places it
was the first to come to the rescue of the dying." In 1977, the
ashram built houses at the village of Tevar in Jabalpur for the
destitute who had lost everything in the earthquake. Be it
poverty-ridden and flood-hit Bihar, earthquake-hit Maharashtra,
Gujarat, the list of places where relief work carries on, is
long.
Spiritually Advanced Disciples Impart Morality and Health
Living: Some of Pujya Bapuji's select spiritually advanced
disciples give spiritual discourses in many villages, cities and
countries worldwide. Some travel to rural areas teaching the
basics of health and hygiene along with building a moral and
spiritual base within the people. They educate students on how
to increase their mental capacity through Yogic practices, such
as Asana, Pranayamas, meditation and other techniques. Regular
Satsang Program: The local sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) group
organizes various weekly/monthly satsang (spiritual discourses)
programs, kirtan sessions and student camps in India and foreign
countries like USA, Canada and European nations. You may contact
the Yoga Vedanta Samiti near you for more information.
Subsidized Stationery:
Note books with inspirational messages are provided at a reduced
rate so that basic school supplies are provided to less
fortunate students.
Addiction Free Drive: Very effective drives are arranged, where
thousands of people vouch to quit their addiction to alcohol,
tobacco/smoking, Gutka (nicotine mix), drugs and even
coffee/tea!
Youth Development Seminars are conducted. Home for the Elderly:
Recently, Pujya Bapuji laid the foundation stone of a Nursing
Home for the elderly (Vruddha Ashram). Here, the elderly can
receive the love, respect and food/shelter they deserve.
Ashram's Publications
Audio/Video Cassettes and CDs
Ayurvedic Clinics and Mobile Hospitals- Nature Cure and Herbal
Clinical Treatments.
Mobile Ayurvedic Dispensary: It provides medical services to
poor people living in remote villages and interior tribal areas
in India.
Qualified and experienced doctors provide Ayurvedic treatment
and medicines to patients in the main Ashrams. Patients are
treated for common and chronic diseases like allergies, cancer,
diabetes, rheumatism, heart ailments and any other malady. The
medicines are manufactured at the production unit in the Surat
Ashram. At this Ashram, the farming of the herbs for Ayurvedic
medicines is also a part of its activities. Sai Lilashahji
Upchar Kendra (clinic) Sai Lilashahji Aushadh Nirmana
(pharmaceuticals):
The Ashram’s Ayurvedic pharmacy manufactures high quality
Ayurvedic medicines. Many herbal products like shampoo, tooth
powder, hair tonics, massage oil and general health supplements
are also produced. The doctors also recommend naturopathy
treatment through Yoga-asana, Pranayamas and meditation.
The medicines are manufactured at the production unit in the
Ashram. Farming of the herbs for Ayurvedic medicines is also a
part of Ashram activities. Ayurvedic pharmacy under the Ashram
manufactures high quality Ayurvedic medicines. Many herbal
products like shampoo, tooth powder, hair tonics, massage oil
and general health supplements are also manufactured.
Satsang and Shibirs (Meditation Intensives)
Satsang Programs are regularly organized in various cities and
towns of India where Pujya Bapuji gives spiritual discourses to
enlighten the minds of house-holders as well as Sanyasis. Some
of Pujya Bapuji's spiritually advanced disciples are trained to
give spiritual discourses in several villages, cities and
countries worldwide.
These discourses are interspersed with bhajan (chanting), kirtan
(hymns), stories based on scriptures like Srimad Bhagvad Geeta,
Bhagvat, Upanishads, instances taken from day to day life,
Vedanta explained in simple words, tips on natural healthy
living, Yogasana and other jewels of wisdom.
Thousands of Spiritual Aspirants taking advantage of a Dhyan Yog
Shibir (Meditation Intensive)
'Shaktipata Shibirs' and Satsang Programs are organized in
different places throughout the year. During these 'shibirs' or
intensives, the aspirants get the benefit of Pujya Bapuji's
'Satsangs' (spiritual discourses). Pujya Bapuji bestows divine
love through the Shaktipata (Transmission of Divine Energy),
enabling the sadhak (aspirant) to enter the mysterious world of
Kundalini Yoga through meditation. The aspirants are also taught
how to deal with the obstacles that they may encounter on the
path of Spiritual Journey. Pujya Bapuji conveys the highest
spiritual truth in the simplest language, using easy to
assimilate words.
Special Programs for Youth and Students
Bapuji firmly asserts that the future of a society depends upon
the younger generation. That is why, 'Vidhyarthi Shibirs'
(Student Intensive Camps) are held every year to inculcate
moral, ethical and spiritual values in the youth. Children are
also taught Yog-Asana, Pranayamas and discourses are given
regarding various topics such as health, hygiene, Vedic culture
etc. Bapuji bestows upon the students 'Saraswatya Mantra', an
acclaimed 'mantra' to enhance their mental efficiency,
productivity, creativity and intellect.
The aim of Vidyarthi Tejasvi Taleem Shibir (Student Intensive
Camps) conducted under the guidance of Pujya Bapuji:
1) Personal Development: To build a brilliant and intelligent
foundation of students by awakening their dormant strength.
Helping in their all round physical-mental-intellectual
development with the help of Yogasana, Pranayam, meditation and
the wonderful psychological techniques discovered by saints and
great personalities.
2) Societal Development: To prepare the students for serving
their society, country and the world by generating bravery and
enthusiasm in them. Teaching children to respect their parents
and making them understand their responsibilities. To build a
happier society by saving the students from blindly imitating
the west. Helping students develop self-control, moral
character, good behavior and freedom from addictions.
3) National Development: To make their mental and spiritual
determination strong so that they realize the importance of
Indian Culture and make India a Vishwa-Guru (Master of the
World) again. To protect the invaluable virtues of youth and
make them more alert, persevering, temperamental and patriotic.
Satsang For Prisoners
Shibirs and Satsang programs are also organized in several
prisons in India. Bapuji's compassionate & divine words inspire
the prisoners to transform prison into a place of worship.
After attending these shibirs many people have experienced a
change in their attitude towards life & have gained a new
self-confidence, inner peace, equanimity & freedom from stress.
The women prisoners of Raipur (M.P.) and Pune (Maharashtra)
being shown Video Satsang of Bapuji & spiritual books being
distributed to them for their spiritual & moral upliftment by
Ashram Sadhaks
Anti-Addiction Drive "Thanks to Ashram's anti-addiction
campaigns, thousands are free from chronic addiction."
Anti-Addiction drives are arranged in various places in India by
the Ashram, where thousands of people vouch to quit addiction of
alcohol, smoking, Gutka (nicotine mix), drugs and even coffee
and tea.
Spreading Universal Brotherhood
Pujya Bapuji preaches the existence of One Supreme Conscious in
every human being - Be Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh or anyone
else. Pujya Bapuji's spiritual discourses are interspersed with
inspirational quotations & stories from all religions. Pujya
Bapuji's phenomenal popularity cuts across the barriers of
class, caste, religion and all geographical boundaries.
Many foreigners have also joined the Ashram. Morris and Ursula
of Switzerland left everything behind in pursuit of the truth.
Morris says, "Bapu is not a saint of Hindus only. Pujya Bapuji
is a saint of the entire world." Ursula echoes similar
sentiments. "I was not happy with my materialistic way of life.
I wanted a more meaningful life. I found what was missing in my
life when I saw this great saint. After meeting Guruji, I have
been able to understand the Bible better. For me, Swamiji (Pujya
Bapuji) is the living Christ."
At a programme in Ajmer, Bapuji was felicitated by the
khidmatgar of the world famous dargah of the Sufi saint, Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti.
Pujya Bapuji is revered as the living Guru Nanak by thousands of
Sikh followers. Pujya Bapuji is a Lok Sant or the saint of the
masses.
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