My First Ashram Visit

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Hanuman Temple

Taos, New Mexico, USA

I took a recent trip out to New Mexico to FINALLY visit the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Hanuman Temple. I have been wanting to visit this temple since Hanuman was introduced to me a few years ago. I had heard the stories from Ram Dass and Krishna Das about their Guru Neem Karoli and how he was a reincarnation of Hanuman. Hanuman was monkey God that was devotee of Lord Rama. It is believed that Hanuman was an avatar of Shiva. Hanuman is known for his devoted service and strength.

It just so happened that my visit coincided with Guru Purnima. So not only was I there to sit with Hanuman but I was able to participate in a celebration. What absolute amazing timing. Thank you Hanuman!  Guru Purnima is day of appreciation to any teacher, guru that has impacted your life. A more detailed explanation can be found here Guru Purnima.

The festivities were already in full swing by the time I got there. Folks were already in the Hanuman Temple, in satsang (community) and singing devotional songs (Kirtan). The temple was beautiful. Much larger than I expected. I sat in the back. I was a little intimidated by the huge Hanuman statue. Hanuman was dressed in orange robes with layers of flowers around his neck. He wore a huge gold crown with jewels. Below him were prasad and other offerings. I think he was smiling in gratitude that so many of us were there to honor him and Maharaji. The story of Hanuman is he was a devotee of Rama. He never intended to be a Guru. Yet, here were all these people signing praise, bowing at his feet. AMAZING!!! 

Maharaji used to tell his followers, love and serve everyone. This motto still holds true at the ashram. As part of their seva (selfless service), the ashram cooks food every day and serves to anyone. I ate such delicious food. I do not recall the names of everything I ate but every item was well balanced and hit every palate. I was tempted to back for a second plate. In fact, there was another devotee who said, he went back for a second plate. 

The vibe at the ashram was peaceful. Lots of beings in joy, bliss. I especially enjoyed the rituals. I got to participate in my first aarti. At the time I did not know what aarti was. I had to ask. Aarti is a ritual of worship to a deity. In my case, I was able to participate in the evening ritual was an offer of thanks to the Guru for guiding us through our day. There were a series of songs that were song. We sang the Om Jaya Jagadesha Hare to all the gurus and then specific ones for Hanuman - the Chalisa and a few others. The ritual itself was done with ghee and offered to the each Guru as the song was receited. When the flame is brought to you, you take in the heat of the flames that have now been blessed by the Guru. The same goes when water is brought to you. 

Now this is my own material, but when it comes to ritual, I try my hardest not to offend. Based off what I learned in Tantra, ritual is so important and I felt a little unsure about what I was doing. I was taught that words don't have to sound right or that you even have to know what is said but as long as you have good intentions, the rituals, prayers, mantras will work the same. I had a bit of a hard time following what was being said. All of these prayers were sung in Hindi. I tried my best to not feel bad that I couldn't recite but my heart was in the right place. 

This will not be my last visit to an ashram. In fact, I want to visit others. This was a huge learning experience for me. I got to see firsthand the tradition and ritual that goes on inside a temple. The next time I visit, I will remember to use my right hand and not the left when touches statues.