Ashram — The Abode of the Wise
This place is beloved by all sadhus,
Here, everyone follows Rita —
The eternal, divine Dharma.
Here is silence, peace, serenity,
Love, beauty, and strength of spirit,
As ordained by the ancient rishis.
Here, for guests and rare travelers,
Joy, faith, and wisdom
Fill them like living waves,
Here is the majesty of God and happiness,
Infinite purity.
In the green silence and seclusion
Dwell in harmony the seekers of the spirit:
Sannyasis and brahmacharis,
Lay grihasthas and karma-sannyasis.
Here, secret plays are revealed to all —
The luminous lilas of the gods.
Here, the eternal mystery of theurgy —
Of celestial mysteries — is performed.
Here, souls ardently strive for freedom,
Toward the knowledge of the mysteries of Being.
Here, yogis seek the path to samadhi
And the wisdom of the boundless Brahman.
Here, prayers are offered for the fates of nations,
For the world that lies beyond the threshold.
Here, they love to greet in reverence
The radiant sunrise.
Waking up early, they sing
Sacred hymns and mantras.
Here are yoga, mudra, tantra, and yantra —
In every word, dance, and sound.
The sound of bhajans enchants the soul at eventide,
Here, even the walls breathe with meditation.
Here, laypeople are transformed into sadhus,
Karma and kleshas melt into wisdom.
Here dwell seekers — humans,
And sometimes, gods come too.
Here, everyone is welcome and everyone is met,
Fed with the sacred nectar — prasada.
Here is neither criticism nor idle talk,
Nor pride, enmity, or ambition.
Here, they simply live, enjoying
The exalted luxury of the spirit.
Here, they grasp the secrets of holy teachings,
Faith, sadhana, seva, and tapas —
Become a common endeavor.
Here, gods and gurus are revered,
Saints and wise sadhus,
Here, every guest is respected like Indra.
Here, Shiva rules over all,
And sometimes — Dattatreya.
Here, Vishnu and Lakshmi are welcome guests,
Magical guests...
Because here — is the Ashram.
