Sonoma Ashram was established in 1990 by Baba Harihar Ramji while he was living at Sky Farm in Sonoma, California. It was blessed by Aghoreshwar Baba Bhagwan Ram during his visit to Sonoma on the auspicious day of September 21, 1990, which is also the Founding Day of Sri Sarveshwari Samooh in India.

Baba Hariji resides at the Ashram and spends the better part of the year there, continuing the teachings of Aghoreshwar of simple living and being a good human being. Living a lifestyle of yoga and meditation at the Ashram, offer support and teaching to the community and visitors.

Observances of special holidays and festivals take place throughout the year.

An Invitation

People from many walks of life come to SonoMa Ashram to be in the company of those who are practicing living a virtuous life. Some come to practice yoga and meditation, some come for prayers, and others visit to be in a peaceful environment. Many come just to sit with Babaji and those living at the Ashram.

A Day at SonoMa Ashram

Those living in the Ashram grounds have a daily routine. Any visitors or guests from the community are always welcome to join.

Arati: Morning and evening meditation.

Yoga and Meditation: Meditation and gentle yoga are practiced daily.

Satsang: Every Sunday after morning meditation, Babaji gives an inspirational talk, and those present are invited to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Seva (Selfless Service): Seva is an integral part of any spiritual practice. At the Ashram there are many opportunities to lend a helping hand. Guests and residents are encouraged to practice seva through office work, kitchen work, gardening, house keeping, landscaping, construction, errands, fund raising, etc. This is an ideal opportunity to practice mindfulness.

Personal Retreats: The Ashram provides modest space for individuals to spend a few days in retreat. Please make prior arrangements.

Baba Harihar Ramji

Hailing from the ancient lineage of Avadhut Siddhas of Kashi, Baba Harihar Ramji is the perfect bridge between the ancient and modern world. His teachings are deeply rooted in ancient wisdom yet practical for this day and age. He speaks a language that a person facing today’s challenges can comprehend and assimilate in his or her life. Baba says, “Spirituality is not a mystery.” It is the inherent nature of each individual to live a spiritual life.

Avadhuta’s teachings are self exploratory through “shiksha,” principles of the right way to live, and “diksha,” Guru initiation. The teachings of this ancient lineage have never been so accessible to the common man before.

While living in the company of his Guru, Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram, Baba Harihar Ramji experienced the emergence of the Divine within. After receiving the Guru’s grace, he was given the task of bringing the teachings of Aghoreshwar to the West

What is an Ashram

Ashram is a place of shelter from the heat of life. An Ashram is also a place in the community where living our highest ideals is encouraged with emphasis on love, kindness, tolerance, acceptance, forgiveness and maintaining our inner peace. The company of those practicing such ideals provides a nurturing environment where a person is able to find clarity and peace. Such a company is helpful in forming healthy habits, and bringing a steady practice into one’s life. An Ashram provides the foundation for self growth.

The best way to learn is by being in the presence of a Master. Babaji embodies love and respect with grace. One experiences peace and is reminded of his or her divinity just by being in his presence. Held in the safety of the Guru’s love, students are challenged to move beyond their comfort zones and become established in the Self. Integrating their inner and outer lives, they achieve access to their True Self.

It has been said from time immemorial that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. As a lens produces fire by focusing sunlight, the Guru’s guidance can spark and awaken your awareness of the Divine within you. This allows you to realize that you are identical to that which you worship. The Guru is the manifestation of that great unknown Divine power. A spiritual path is easier to follow with the guidance of the Guru. With the Guru’s grace, we get a glimpse of that Higher Self which lies dormant within us. Obstacles that lie on the path of Self Awakening are gradually removed.