“Like austere sages, these trees stand in one place for hundreds of years enduring the sun, rain, and storms. Their austerity is great. In such places Divine Inspiration enters your being.”

~ Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram

This is an information page. The main Upasana page can be found here.

Upasana Hilltop Sanctuary is Sonoma Ashram’s personal retreat location in Mendocino County. Upasana was established on the principles of simplicity, sacredness and service. Silence and a spirit of conservation are encouraged.

Contact

[email protected]

Stuart:  707-775-5083

Driving Directions (PLEASE READ even if you will use GPS!):

• If you are coming from the south via Rte 101, we recommend taking Rte. 128 from Cloverdale via Boonville to get to Fort Bragg.  Most GPS will suggest taking Rte. 20 but it is very curvy in comparison.
  • When exiting Rte 101 to Rte 128, you will first need to take a left turn to go under the freeway.  You will pass a large lumber area on the left side.  The turn to Rte. 128 is a sharp right after you have passed the lumber company and is only about 4-5 minutes from the freeway. 
• Bruhel Point Road is located off of Rte. 1, approximately 13 miles north of the town of Fort Bragg. Mile marker #7474. 
• About 12 miles from Fort Bragg, look for the sign for “Vista Point” on your right. After the parking area for the vista point on the left side of the road, you will go over two hills. Bruhel Point Road is a dirt road to the right at the bottom of the second hill. A set of mailboxes are visible to your right. You will also see a sign with the Sonoma Ashram logo at the start of the road.
• Upasana is located about 1.5 miles uphill (you will see a sign after 1.5 miles). 
• Proceed slowly to help maintain our road!
• Caution: It’s easy to miss Bruhel Point Road as you come around the curve from the second hill on Rte. 1, so be watchful. You will know you have gone too far if you end up in the small town of Westport (about 2 miles north of Bruhel Point).

Daily Schedule**

7:00 am: Meditation & Morning Reading
8 am: Yoga or Morning Walk
10 am: Breakfast
11-1 pm: Seva
1 pm: Self-served Lunch
2 – 5pm: Personal Practice/Darshan Time/Rest
5 pm: Evening meal
7 pm: Meditation & Reading

**Changes seasonally**

How to be here

Speak softly

• Be mindful of when, how, what and why you are speaking.
• Setting a personal goal to maintain silence for part or all of your visit is a wonderful way to experience the surrounding nature.

Be gentle

• Please remove shoes before entering all buildings.
• Our plumbing and septic are sensitive. Resources like water, electricity and gas are precious. Trash disposal is limited. Please conserve the use of all utilities and carry out any garbage or debris at the end of your visit.

Food/drink

• Water from our well is delicious & drinkable
• Simple breakfast items (oatmeal, fruit) are available and can be self-served.
• A healthy vegetarian dinner is offered each evening (Guest participation in preparing the meal is welcomed and appreciated!)
• Fruit, nuts and tea are available throughout the day.
• Bring food/drink to cover any special dietary needs, including coffee.

Live simply

• Phone signals around the property are weak. We recommend that you plan to be “off the grid” during your visit as much as possible and let family and friends know in advance of your stay.
• Engagement in seva (selfless service) is encouraged. We also encourage you to take time to just “be” – enjoy the grounds with no agenda, meditate in the grove, take long walks, sit in silence.

Be mindful

• The sanctuary is surrounded by hundreds of acres of pristine forest.  As with any natural preserve, wild animals such as bears, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, and mountain lions are known to live in the area. Larger wildlife are rarely seen, and no dangerous wild animal has ever attacked anyone in the area. Rest assured that Upasana is as safe as any wilderness park, but nevertheless, please be mindful.
• While we encourage you to enjoy the exquisite nature in the area, be proactive about your own safety and capabilities while on the property or on the surrounding trails.  It is easy to get lost in the vast wilderness.  Read and adhere to all onsite instructions and recommendations before you head out for a walk or hike.
• Rani and Lila are two large but sweet dogs that live at the Ashram.  They are big puppies in training, but sometimes can be unaware of their own size.  It’s best to say hello quietly.  They do love to chase one another and play fight, sometimes vigorously.  They both love a friendly ear scratch, back scratch, or ball toss and are very gentle despite the occasional “spirited” play.
• All beds have electric heating pads which do a great job of keeping you warm at night. Each room also has an electric heater.  Please do not keep either electric heater on continuously throughout the day or overnight.
• At the end of your stay, please be sure to tidy your room and bathroom to help prepare it for the next guest.

What to bring

• Bedding:
  • Local visitors:  Its helpful for us if you bring sheets (twin-size or queen-size for couples), pillow cases and bath towels (Pillows and blankets are available on-site.)
  • Out of town visitors:  There is bedding on site for your use.
• Easy on-off shoes
• Water bottle, flashlight, alarm clock and umbrella
• Shawl
• Warm clothing: Evening temperatures go down to 50 degrees in summer months and 30 degrees in winter. 
• Walking/hiking shoes

How you can help

• Please follow any specific “closing” rules for the room or house where you are staying.
• Carry any garbage or debris with you at the end of your visit.
• Check with the Ashram if there is any garbage or recycling that you can carry out.

We look forward to seeing you!