Hacienda de Guru Ram Das
Hacienda de Guru Ram Das (HGRD) is a vibrant spiritual community of 350 people living in Northern New Mexico, just outside the City of Española. While many of the members of our community practice Sikh and 3HO lifestyles, our ashram welcomes all faiths in the philosophy that an ashram is a place where spiritual seekers join together to study, grow and excel.
This location is also the home of the 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization), Sikh Dharma International and KRI (Kundalini Research Institute). The community provides many services to visitors and residents, including morning sadhana, gurdwara services, langars, akhand paths, Kundalini yoga classes, and many other activities.
Background
The ashram was founded by Yogi Bhajan in 1970, when Yogi ji told the devotees from the earliest days that people are called to live here because they have a mission to serve humanity. He named the holy shrine, the "Mother Ashram" with the vision of it being a place where people could come to experience spiritual growth and individual, community, and planetary healing.
The name "Hacienda de Guru Ram Das" means home of the wisdom of service to all, and it merges the local Hispanic culture with the name of a 16th century saint from India, known as Guru Ram Das, the Guru of Miracles, whose teachings of service with humility emanate throughout the community. Seva (selfless service) is a high priority in the lifestyle of the residents and every aspect of the community revolves around the selfless service of its sangat (congregation) members.
Mission statement
The mission and vision of our community resounds in the words of Yogi Bhajan:
"Guru Gaddee Day“ This place is the fountain place of 5,000 years of humanity to follow. You are the few – those fortunate souls who have been persuaded to receive the gift to serve this house. Life alone is not important – the value in life lies in what it can give. In times to come, whosoever will touch the dust of this place, it will cure people; it will heal people; it will give people prosperity. Joy and happiness will come to them in abundance, who will just do a little seva – a little service – and fortunately you are fortunate enough that your destiny has brought you to live here, and we are in a position that our entire family around the world feels that they belong to you. Do you understand that privilege? It is the fountain of spirit from which the saints and the soldiers who are the future of this earth shall live." - Yogi Bhajan
Other spiritual practises
Some of the spiritual practices:
- A morning Sadhana (daily early morning yoga and meditation practice)
- A weekly Siri Akhand Path (reading of the entire Sikh sacred scriptures by the sangat members in turn)
- A Sunday Gurdwara (worship service singing hymns), and Langar (free community meal served each Thursday and Sunday that is open to all).
For more information
To learn more about our lifestyle at HGRD, please visit 3HO Foundation [1] and Sikh Dharma [2].
Everyone is invited to visit the HGRD community for Gurdwara and Langar, or at other times by calling the community office at (505) 367-1315.
The Estate of Hacienda de Guru Ram Das
The main estate of Hacienda de Guru Ram Das (HGRD) consists of about 20 acres of land with the entrance gates on Sombrillo Road. The land is owned by the SSS Corporation, a non-profit corporation that will hold and protect these lands for generations to come. Within the estate complex is housed the Gurdwara, Langar Hall, administrative offices, some housing providing living accommodations, and buildings housing many of the various community-based businesses dedicated to healing people and the planet, which are run by members of the community.
All of the estate of HGRD is dedicated to serving the inspiration and upliftment of all those who visit here and those who live here. The grounds are tended and beautified by the love and devotion of the grounds keepers and each sangat member. Visitor are reminded that there is a condition that dogs are not allowed loose on the Ashram property.
Ram Das Puri
Ram Das Puri, 160 acres of land in the high desert wilderness of the Jemez Mountains, is also owned by the SSS Corporation and is the site where the annual Peace Prayer Day and Summer Solstice Sadhana celebrations are held. You can learn more about Peace Prayer Day and Summer Solstice Sadhana, by visiting www.3ho.org and clicking on 3HO events.
The Ranch, including Guru Ram Das Estate, which is located on the Yogi Bhajan Memorial Highway, is owned privately as the home of the Siri Singh Sahib’s wife, Bibiji, his family, and staff. Obiviouly, for reasons of privacy and security, this property is not available for public use or viewing as it is a private residential property.
Property management
The lands and administrative services of HGRD are all supported and paid for by contributions to the Community Growth Fund (CFG) — which pays for the areas and services that are enjoyed by all of our visitors and members and of the community and some rental income of those who live in ashram housing. HGRD has an ongoing Community Vision Project, dedicated to continuing to serve the mission of Yogi Bhajan and fulfilling his vision for these lands to serve the needs of humanity in the future.
That is why Yogi ji designated HGRD as the Mother Center because there will come a time when many thousands will come here for solace and healing. He said that in the future, “First people will fly here, then they will drive here, and finally they will crawl here.” So the community is preparing themselves for that future now.
If you would like to contribute to the Community Vision Project, please contact the Ashram Secretary at [email protected] or by telephone at (505) 367-1315.
