Hacienda de Guru Ram Das is the home of Yogi Bhajan, the 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization), and Sikh Dharma International. The center in Espanola, New Mexico, is a community of approximately 300 devotees to the Mother Ashram for Sikh Dharma in the Western Hemisphere. The Guru Ram Das is a 16th-Century saint known as the Guru of Miracles. Although most of the members are practicing Sikhs, the center welcomes spiritual seekers of all faiths to visit. Sikh is an Indian religion that began 530 years ago and means “seekers of truth.” Their goal is to create abundance, peace, and prosperity throughout all of humanity. The Espanola ashram was founded by Yogi Bhajan in 1970. He named it the Mother Ashram and called it Hacienda de Guru Ram Das, which means “home of the wisdom of service to all.” The center is located in Northern New Mexico amidst the beauty of the Southwest.

The Grounds and Temples

The stunning golden-domed temple that graces the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das was created by faithful volunteers in the community. It is called Siri Singhasan e Khalsa Gurdwara and is fashioned after the Golden Temple of Amritsar in India. This captivating place of worship is open to all who enter. Beside the temple complex is the Langar Hall where people come together for community meals at no charge. The entire Ashram spans 20 acres of land and in addition to the temple and Langar Hall, the grounds also feature administrative buildings, some living accommodations, and buildings that house community-based businesses devoted to healing.

Daily Activities, Workshops, and Retreats

The practice of Sadhana happens daily each morning at 3:45 until 6:15am. Sadhana is the personal practice of Kundalini Yoga and meditation. Thursdays at noon is the free community meal, although the center is working to make this a daily happening. Every Wednesday at 6am, is the Akhand Path (a continuous reading from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, Holy Word) in the alcove of the temple. A half hour later is the Ishnaan, or cleansing of the temple. Sundays, temple prayer (or Gurdwara) begins at 10am and is then repeated at 5:45 pm, with a meal at approximately 1pm. There are often meditations and evening gatherings throughout the center.

The summers are filled with special events starting with a 10-day Summer Solstice gathering in the mountains just above Espanola at the Ram Das Puri campsite. Kundalini Yoga teacher training courses and other events follow. At their yoga center, Yoga Southwest, there are daily Kundalini Yoga classes. Near the center is the Kundalini Research Institute which offers teacher trainings and workshops, such as the upcoming, “Healing the Wounds of Love.”

The Hacienda de Guru Ram Das does not have guest accommodations within the Ashram, but some people in the Ashram community provide short term rentals within easy walking distance.

Our Comments

If you’re looking for a spiritual place of service where you feel a strong sense of community, you will like being at the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das. Most of the members wear Sikh turbans which serve as a sign of their devotion to the faith, but this is certainly not a requirement. The daily activities begin very early in the morning so early risers will fit right in. If you want to, or already do practice Kundalini Yoga and meditation, you will feel at home here. Espanola is about thirty minutes north of Santa Fe and an hour south of Taos, and boasts gorgeous mountain views. The climate can change in an instant, though, so be prepared with layers of clothing, even in summer. The altitude is 5,600 feet above sea level.

Visiting the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das

For those unfamiliar with the practices of the 3HO Foundation, their website is a great introduction, at www.3HO.org. The Espanola center is at www.espanolaashram.com. The center can be easily accessed from Highway 84/285. The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport, approximately 90 minutes south. They have a Welcome Committee to answer visitor’s questions. They can be reached at 505-747-7944.

Hacienda de Guru Ram Das
1A Ram Das Guru Place
Espanola, New Mexico 87532
www.EspanolaAshram.com

Ashram Secretary:
Gurumeher Kaur - (505) 753-6341
GuruMeherK@sikhdharma.org

photo by Gurumustuk Singh and Guru Meher Khalsa