At peace

Kashi Ashram remains a sacred retreat filled with love

Sebastian, a town of riverside eateries, golf carts and flip flops, seems an unexpected location for an ashram. Nevertheless, perhaps a town that brands itself as a place of “friendly people and six old grouches” is indeed perfect for an interfaith spiritual sanctuary. Maybe those “six old grouches” could even learn a thing or two about actually loving their neighbors from Kashi Ashram, a unique retreat tucked away on the St. Sebastian River side of Roseland Road. 

For those not familiar with the concept of an ashram, the term denotes a spiritual retreat, a center for reflection, meditation and spiritual learning. Though the concept is often associated with Hinduism, variations can be found in other religions. Kashi Ashram, however, is unique because it pays tribute to not one but many religious traditions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism.

This “oasis for every heart” has been welcoming everyone with love and open arms for almost half a century at its Sebastian location. Secluded and ultra laid-back, it remains easy to miss — its unassuming signage is visible only briefly through a stand of mature trees and vegetation. The sign denotes both Kashi Ashram as well as the Village of Kashi, a small residential community neighboring the spiritual center. Those seeking more time in this tranquil spot can live next door by buying or renting one of several homes set amid wooded acreage in the nearby gated community. 

The complex once included a larger swath of 80 acres and hosted retreats by many spiritual/wellness practitioners. At its largest, there were hundreds of local member-participants and a full education campus for River School, which welcomed students from pre-kindergarten through senior year in high school. Times change, however. The school closed after graduating the class of 2005 and the facility eventually shrank to its current seven acres, as Kashi pivoted through major challenges, including the pandemic. 

Yet, it remains part of an international movement of intentional communities striving to cultivate socially and environmentally conscious practices, and spiritual mindfulness. Everyone, regardless of faith, race, color, age, abilities or sexual orientation remains welcome here — including Sebastian’s “six old grouches,” one can assume.

HOLY SPACES

The name Kashi is a nod to India’s sacred city of Varanasi, also known as “the city of light.” At the heart of the property is the Ganga, the symbol of the goddess of purification and forgiveness. In India, the famous river Ganges represents this form of the Hindu goddess Ganga. For this spiritual community in Sebastian, that personification is a large and pretty lake, that, although much smaller than the mighty Ganges, still distills tranquility and nurtures mindfulness. Around the Ganga, a path shaded by oaks, cypress and fruit trees meanders through temples and shrines devoted to Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Buddhist faiths. Anyone seeking spiritual growth — or just in need of respite from the chatter of daily life — can take the Interfaith Temple Tour. Circling the Ganga is an opportunity to honor all traditions in form or spirit. Guests are encouraged to focus on the intention of peace, both for themselves and for humanity.

“This is a place of welcoming, where we strive to honor the beauty and diversity of different spiritual paths and for people seeking to feel community,” said Executive Director Krishna Hathaway.

On the northwest corner of the Kashi property, which borders the St. Sebastian River, are two boardwalks, including one that features a Native American Medicine Wheel, a humble replica of the symbol that Native American tribes believed possessed healing powers. A stone labyrinth encircled by lush mature bamboo is also popular for walking meditation. 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Kashi also offers a slate of workshops, yoga and meditation, both in person and online. Weekly in-person practices include community yoga and guided morning meditations. At 8 a.m. on Saturdays, for example, Swami Krishnabai Belli guides participants to quiet the mind in order to refresh body and spirit. Community kirtan, a form of devotional singing and chanting, is offered at 7 p.m. on the second Friday of the month. 

Individuals interested in teaching yoga can join the 200- and 300-hour Kali Natha Yoga teacher training courses, offered both in-person and online. 

The fact that this place represents almost all major world religions is what first attracted temple caretaker Saraswati Rose, who has been living within the ashram community for more than two decades. In her view, “Kashi serves the community and the world, I would say. In essence, it’s a place where everyone is accepted just as they are.” 

Rose adds that “Ma, the founder of Kashi, her way of being and modeling what it means to love God and fully embrace being oneself, is something that inspires me to this day.”

Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, or Ma Jaya, grew up in a community not typically known for contemplation: Brooklyn. The guru, born as Joyce Green, lived a traditional life with her family of three until she had mystical visions that involved Jesus Christ and Indian saints Neem Karoli Baba, Bhagawan Nityananda and Shirdi Sai Baba. According to Ma Jaya, Christ appeared to her and instructed her to “teach all ways, for all ways are mine.” She began meditating and practicing yoga regularly, while finding guidance from other spiritual teachers. 

“Like many in the 1960s and 1970s, she was drawn to Eastern traditions,” said Hathaway.

Hathaway grew up at Kashi, and his parents built their home in the Village of Kashi. He attended the ashram school, went off to college, worked abroad, and returned to be reconnected with his hometown community. He’s now assumed the role of executive director, to share his life and work experience and help the organization in its next chapter. 

“I consider Kashi my extended family, and I am glad to give back to this community,” he said. 

DIVINE CONNECTION 

Ma Jaya’s core teachings were to be kind, compassionate and serve those in need, or in the words of her guru, Neem Karoli Baba, “to love everyone, serve everyone and feed everyone.” 

Although Ma Jaya died of pancreatic cancer in 2012, her teachings continue through her written publications, Kali Natha Yoga curriculum, spiritual art works and community gatherings led by swamis and monks.

Swami Bhagavati Das Hausman, considered Kashi’s head pujari, or senior priest, is responsible for ceremonial temple events and for maintaining the sanctity of the estate’s spiritual shrines. Hausman also serves Kashi as a member of the board of directors. 

An important part of his role as a swami is to walk the walk when it comes to spirituality, and to be present and available for anyone who may need support or counsel. He came to Kashi because of Ma Jaya, whom he considers his guru.

In his words, “Each person has only one guru, though they may have many teachers. The guru is tasked with guiding their student to experience the divine. I came to Kashi to be Ma Jaya’s student and learn the tools for transformation from someone who realized the divine connection herself.”

The ashram is about living life with a forgiving heart. Everyone is welcome to come and feel peace, relieve stress and feel more in touch with themselves. 

“Kashi is similar to other ancient places of worship where prayers and intentions to connect to the divine have been practiced for years,” said Hausman. “It’s a place where you can feel peace.”

Rose adds that “There is no need to subscribe to a certain ideology, other than being kind to one another.”

Kashi Ashram

Address: 11155 Roseland Rd., Sebastian, FL 32958

Phone: 772-589-1403

Website: kashi.org

Of note: Guided tours are available upon email request.

See the original article in print publication