Introduction

. . . a place for tapasya

In Sanskrit, a peetham is described as a sacred place or seat for tapasya (spiritual discipline). In 1993 this name was given to us by a revered elder of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram after our center reincorporated with the aspiration to become a true place for the practice of Sri Aurobindo's yoga in a collective ashram environment. The aim of this small ashram is to provide a place for those who, in the Mother's words, "wish to serve the Divine" and offer themselves in all their parts and activities in a collective sadhana (practice of yoga), in a place where food, shelter, simple basic necessities, and a field of work are provided for this purpose.

In November 1995, we moved to Lodi, northern California, to a three-acre homestead property with a 100-year-old house surrounded by towering elms, a few oaks, and one majestic old pine tree. There are flower gardens and fruit trees, a swimming pool, and a tennis and basketball court. The immediate outlying areas are mainly vineyards and agricultural plots. The city of Lodi, with a population of 50,000, is located four miles to the east, Sacramento is located about 35 miles to the north, and San Francisco is about 90 miles to the west.

At present we are four full-time residential members, though a growing number of friends come on a regular basis. Every evening there is a collective meditation at 8:30, with a study group being held on Saturday evenings. There is an extensive library which is open to both members and visitors. A vegetarian diet is observed in the Ashram, though members are free to eat non-vegetarian food outside occasionally if they need to. On the third Saturday of each month, there is a collective yoga retreat attended by friends from the surrounding Sacramento and Bay areas of northern California. During the retreats, we have group meditation, bhajans, study circles, or poetry and play readings, but one of the main and most appreciated activities is the collective karma yoga where we have the chance to put the teachings into practice by working together.

No member plays the role of the spiritual leader of the Ashram. The cultivation of the inner Guru, and reliance on the Divine force of Mother's and Sri Aurobindo's Presence and teachings, provide the guiding principles. The practical direction of the day-to-day operations is overseen by a board of directors.

As a registered nonprofit religious organization, we receive donations that help considerably, however, the main financial support of the Ashram is provided through the Ashram-owned and operated business, Auromere. Auromere imports and distributes Sri Aurobindo books, classical spiritual texts and children's books from India, incense, and ayurvedic products. Members of the Ashram work in the Auromere business as part of the collective work.

For those interested in visiting, membership, retreats, or work-exchange programs, more information is available. We also publish a descriptive catalog of Sri Aurobindo books that is free on request. Write or call:

Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham
2621 W. Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95242 USA;
(209) 339-1342, ext. 5; e-mail: sasp@lodinet.com