| Molena Ashram |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
Click on the picture to expand
An ashram is a spiritual retreat center. We all occasionally
need to retreat to a spiritually conducive place to recuperate,
re-energize and rededicate ourselves to our spiritual upliftment.
This can be done both individually and collectively. A retreat
can reinforce the day-to-day discipline that we need to
have to integrate spirituality in our lives. Spirituality
is a way of life and not just a means of relief.
|
|
Click on the picture to expand
The Sahaj Marg North American ashram is located in Molena,
GA, about 60 miles south of Atlanta. The facility at this
serene, 32-acre wooded spot located on a hill, can accommodate
about 200 people. When we have larger gatherings, such
as when Chariji, our spiritual teacher comes, extra accommodation
for sleeping and for meditation is provided in large tents.
The atmosphere at the ashram is always spiritually charged,
and the calm and peace that prevails there is conducive for
spiritual pursuit.
|
|
We go to the ashram for spiritual recuperation. As we deal with
the demands of everyday life, which we are sometimes unable to
absorb or come to terms with, a retreat at the ashram gives us
the time and space we need for introspection, reflection, contemplation
and meditation. During our stay we try to attend to our spiritual
activities in a disciplined way so that we can come back strengthened
in our practice and richer in experience. Since what we think,
say and do affect the atmosphere wherever we are, it is important
to cherish such a place as the ashram with right thoughts and
actions.
There are some basic rules of ashram living during a retreat.
These include no smoking, a simple vegetarian diet eaten in constant
remembrance of the divine, etc. Living in this way while at the
ashram reinforces our inner discipline in a natural way.
|
|
Click on the picture to expand
Some individuals and families come and stay
at the ashram regularly on weekends. Children
have a good time at the ashram playing in a safe and natural
environment. There is a playground and walking
trails to explore.
|
Click on the picture to expand
The ashram also has a library and a bookstore. The library
has a modest collection of books by noted philosophers and thinkers, while the bookstore
is mainly meant for Sahaj Marg books, CDs, DVDs, videotapes
and photographs.
|
The ashram has ongoing construction and maintenance projects for
which volunteers are welcome. Such volunteer work adds value to
one's stay at the ashram, as we feel a sense of fulfillment in
giving of ourselves and in working with others in a spirit of
community and co-operation.
As Chariji says, Come let's make our holidays holy days.
|
|
Directions
|
|
Shri Ram Chandra Mission
5611 GA Hwy 109
Molena Georgia 30258
USA
(Some GPS may not recognize the above address, in that case, please use the old address:
1030 GA Hwy 109;Molena Georgia 30258)
Telephone: (1) (770) 884 0888
Fax: (1) (866) 777-7920
Email: molena@srcm.org
|
|
Br Peter Romano at peterromano8@hotmail.com or (603) 759 6187 (8 am to 8 pm EST)
|
| |
|
saicsubramanian@gmail.com |
404-663-9042 |
|
peterromano8@hotmail.com |
603-759-6187 |
|
tmvalentine@bellsouth.net |
770-422-8531 |
|
khepi@zebra.net |
251-401-1753 |
|
 |
| |
|
| |
| |
Sunday - 10.30 am.
Click here to see Satsangh schedule in Atlanta area
|
| |
|
Sunday - 10.30 am - 4 pm.
Click here to view and download the Extended Sunday Material covered on earlier sundays.
|
| |
| |
The Molena Ashram is a facility located in a serene 32-acre wooded
location that can accommodate about 200 people. When many more
people are expected, such as when Chariji personally hosts a gathering
at the site, extra space for sleeping and meditation is provided
in large tents. Permanent facilities at the ashram include: -
- Family rooms, men's and women's dormitories,
- A well-equipped kitchen that can provide for a large number
of people,
- A meditation room,
- A bookstore and a library,
- A playground for children,
- A computer center equipped with satellite-based Internet connection,
- Camping spots,
- Parking facilities etc
Click here to
view a virtual tour of the ashram.
|
| |
| |
In many of his lectures and talks, Master has emphasized the need
to have libraries in our Mission ashrams with books of various
topics and authors. Accordingly, the Molena Ashram has a library
which features both Mission literature and non-Mission publications.
These books cover a wide range of topics including science, the
arts, history, religion, philosophy and the teachings and works
of the great saints of the past. Also included is a collection
of classic fiction by prominent authors. A video collection includes
videos of talks given by Master, as well as children's movies
and programs on science.
|
| |
| |
There are always special projects as well as regular, on-going
maintenance at the ashram. Volunteer abhyasis are encouraged to
visit the Molena Ashram and participate in voluntary service.
To find out about these opportunities to help out, please contact
the ashram at (770) 884 0888 or a member of the Molena
Ashram Management Committee.
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
This will be my first gathering at the ashram.
May I contact someone if I have questions when I arrive?
During any gathering, there are several prefects, AMC members and the ashram caretaker present. You may
contact one of these people and they will be able to guide you
through the facilities and give you a clear idea of how the gathering
is structured, the location of important areas and other relevant
information. We look forward to making this a meaningful and fulfilling
visit for you.
|
| |
|
How do I register for the gatherings? Is it
necessary to register at all?
On-line registration is set up on the web site www.srcm.org
under the gatherings/seminar section. This process is usually
available three to four weeks before the gathering. An accurate
count of people who plan to attend is necessary to ensure adequate
preparation of all meals and other facility requirements. Registering
in advance is very helpful in this planning.
|
| |
|
Do I need to bring beds, linen, pillows and towels?
Yes. A limited supply of foam pads, pillows, linen and towels
is always available at the ashram for those staying within the
ashram premises, but for large gatherings, abhyasis are advised
to bring their own bed and bath supplies.
|
| |
|
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or any other
special clothing etc? Will the tents be heated or cooled?
Though the weather in Atlanta is expected to be quite hot during
the seminar, it can also be unpredictable. Abhyasis are requested
to bring suitable sleeping bags, etc to be prepared. www.weather.com
can provide a 5-day weather forecast for the ashram's Zip code,
30258. The tents will not be heated or cooled. All abhyasis are
advised to bring insect spray, a flash light, shoes and rain gear.
|
| |
|
What about room and board charges during the
gatherings or during regular stay outside the gatherings ?
The Molena AMC encourages all abhyasis to stay at the ashram
to receive the spiritual benefit of the place and its charged
atmosphere. There are no charges for staying at the ashram at
any time. We only suggest a voluntary donation to cover some expenses
such as food etc.
|
| |
|
Where can I sleep overnight?
There are dormitories available. Each room is designated for
men, women or families. Family rooms can be occupied by families
with young children (under 12 years of age), pregnant women, people
with handicaps and the elderly. Its mandatory that any abhyasi
who does not come under the above mentioned 'family room' criteria
should sleep in respective men/women room, without any exception.
|
| |
|
May I bring a pet?
Due to health regulations, pets are not allowed at the ashram. |
| |
|
What type of volunteer work is required during
the gatherings/work weekends?
A multitude of tasks are performed
by those attending the gatherings. Abhyasis are requested to choose
a volunteer activity during pre-registration for the gatherings.
If you cannot chose an area for helping ahead of time, then you
may contact the information desk upon arrival at the ashram. Volunteer
activities typically include washing and drying dishes, cleaning
the kitchen and dining areas, security, car parking, meal preparation,
child care, bathroom cleaning etc. It is vital that everyone pitches
in with the work, keeping in mind Master's instructions about
the value of such work. In addition to these chores, we also have
a list of active projects underway at the ashram. Please see one
of the ashram management committee members if you would like to
help.
|
| |
|
How can I get to the Ashram from the Atlanta
airport?
Will I be provided with transportation? Except for large gatherings
(during Rev. Master's visits), there is no official transportation
arrangement. Please contact Br. Bharath
Madhavan (madhavan.bharath@gmail.com) for help with transportation. |
| |
|
If I come to Ashram by car, where can I find
directions to the Ashram?
Click here
to get the directions to the Ashram. For further assistance, please
call the ashram at (770) 884-0888, and leave your fax number or
your phone number on the voice mail. |
| |
|
If I bring my car to the Ashram, where will
I park?
Limited parking space will be available at the ashram. All parking
at the ashram will be the responsibility of the car owner/driver.
Please follow the signs that direct traffic and facilitate parking
on site. |
| |
|
What kind of medical facilities/help will be
available at the Ashram?
Medical services at the Ashram will be limited to first aid as
required in emergencies. For all other medical requirements, you
will need to contact local emergency medical services and the
nearest medical facility listed in the telephone book at the ashram.
Please bring all necessary prescription medications. Additionally,
please bring insect repellent, bug spray and sun block lotion
to protect yourself from insect bites and sunburn. It may rain
so rain gear is also recommended.
|
| |
|
Will I be able to contact anyone outside the
ashram or get messages from outside?
There is telephone and Internet access available at the ashram.
You will be able to make outgoing local and long-distance phone
calls using your calling card and volunteers regularly attend
to the phones to receive incoming calls and take messages. |
| |
|
Will guests be allowed to visit the ashram?
Yes. Guests are encouraged to visit the ashram. It is best to
arrange a time before arriving, so that the caretaker or another
abhyasi can meet with them. Please contact either the Caretaker
or any Ashram Management Committee member
to make an appointment. Guests are invited to visit and have meals
during the day. However, guests may not stay overnight at the
ashram.
|
