During his first visit to the West, Swami Vivekananda had often spoken of the need for a Vedantic ashrama or retreat in America. Deeper intent was to have a place where seekers could meditate intensely. Student Miss Minnie C. Boock, offered in Santa Clara County, California 159 odd acres of land. Swamiji dream too shape around 1900. U see an overview of Shanti Ashrama from Dhuni hill.
Shanti Ashrama is open to visitors on 25th April every year when they have Memorial Function. I was lucky to be around San Francisco that time. A devotee was kind enough to take me there. It is about a 2 hour drive from San Jose. A direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Turiyananda was asked to establish the centre there.
Swami Trigunatita was responsible for the Ashrama from 1903 to 1912. He held month-long retreats in the study and practice of Vedanta.
Left is the renovated Meditation cabin where respected Swamis meditated since the time Ashrama started. Right was temporary tent where talks were given by the respected Monks of the Ramakrishna Order.
View of Shanti Ashrama. Quiet, serene, peaceful, perfect place to meditate. None stay here full time. There is no electricity and cell phone connectivity here.
After a sattvic lunch, organised by lady devotees, Swami Vedananda took us for a short conducted tour of Shanti Ashrama.
Swami Vedananda speaking to devotees who are listening intently to pearls of wisdom.
Boards like these have pictures of original cabins. Right of pic is the renovated meditation cabin. Must meditate there, very powerful. Read Education in the vision of Swami Vivekananda Click here
Another board. A fire in 1952 burned thousands of acres of neighbouring grassland/forests including most of the ashrama''s trees and buildings. The third great period was from 1915 to 1927 during Swami Prakashananda’s time. Swamiji helped build up the ashrama traditions such as singing and chanting programs, the dhuni fire ceremony etc. His death put an end to the retreat programs at the Ashrama.
Swami Turiyananda. See pics of RKM Hospital, Itanagar Click here
U walk through the hedges to the top of Dhuni hill. Centre of pic u can see the path. To see pics of Mayavati Ashram Kumaon Click here
Devotees walking up, backdrop is Shanti Ashrama. Looks so nice. In the rains must be even better. See pics of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Bastar Click here
Buring fire, chanting and meditating happened on top of the hill. The rope round the small tree is made since part remains of Swami Prakashanandaji were buried here. See pics of RKM School Agartala Click here
Swami Tattwamayananda talking to devotees about the Message of Shanti Ashrama. In centre of pic and end of tent is the meditation cabin. To know about History of Shanti AshramaClick here
Two great atmas, left Swami Trigunatita and right Swami Turiyananda. Read Vivekananda''s Vision for Women
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