Molena Ashram Expansion Project An ashram is a

Molena Ashram Expansion Project “An ashram is a place where we go for 'Shreyas' [spiritual well-being and spiritual growth]. An ashram is essentially a place where one goes to be with his Master and to grow spiritually. ” -Rev. Master. © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Birth of Molena Ashram Molena is the place where our base in USA started… Rev. Master’s informal talk in Vrads Dec 2007 Click below to hear Master’s Voice © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Birth of Molena Ashram Ø In July 1987 Rev. Master expressed His wish to have an ashram in the USA. – A 32 acres property in Molena was purchased in December 1987 Ø During His first visit to Atlanta in 1988, He said “He feels at Home here in Atlanta” several times. Ø Ashram land was dedicated by our Master on September 18, 1988. Ø This is the first ashram property the Mission purchased outside India. Ø During the next 4 years, Ashram was built with the dedicated service and contribution from many abhyasis Ø Rev. Master inaugurated the building on October 2, 1992. © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Master’s Visits to Molena has always been close to my heart… Rev. Master’s informal talk in Vrads 2007 Ø Rev. Master has visited Molena Ashram on every US visit since 1988 (except in 1997). Ø Rev. Master has hosted National, North American as well as Americas seminar for abhyasis from US, Canada and South America, in Molena Ashram. Ø Attendance in these seminars ranged from about 200 in the first one to over 1500 in the last seminar held in 2003. Ø Molena Ashram has a nice and cozy cottage for Rev. Master where He has spent several days during every visit. © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Molena Ashram - Now Molena is National Ashram for USA… Rev. Master’s informal talk in Vrads Dec 2007 Click below to hear Master’s Voice © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Molena Ashram - Now Ø Infrastructure – 32 acre property on top of Buzzard mountain in South of Georgia. – Ashram currently has meditation facility for 60 abhyasis in Master’s lounge and for 150 abhyasis in dining hall. – Ashram can accommodate 200 abhyasis in the building including children for overnight stay. – There is a large kitchen and necessary infrastructure to cook for around 1000 abhyasis. – An exclusive bookstore which distributes Mission books all over the country. – Tent sites and camping areas for larger gatherings.

Molena Ashram - Now Ø Activities – Satsanghs are held every Saturday evening 7: 30 pm and Sunday 10: 30 am. – Extended programs on 1 st Sunday of every month. – Children’s programs with value based education during satsangh hours. – About 6 regional gatherings per year with participation of over 250 -400 abhyasis from southeast. – Prefect and coordinators seminars with around 300 participants once a year. – Recently, the Ashram hosted its 15 th anniversary celebrations with participation from all over North America of over 400 abhyasis.

Why Molena Expansion? So, what we have we should go on developing till it is ok for us and for, you know, foreseeably the next generation. …. . Rev. Master’s informal talk in Vrads Dec 2007 Click below to hear Master’s Voice © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Why Molena Expansion? Ø This is the only ashram where abhyasis can meditate, stay overnight, cook, eat and grow spiritually together. Ø There has been a steady growth of abhyasis attending satsanghs on Sundays and regional gatherings Ø With expanded facility, SMRTI workshops, abhyasi training seminars, prefect and coordinator meetings may be held with more ease and better frequency. Ø The expansion offers a permanent meditation hall for 500 abhyasis and additional dorm space of approx 3500 sq ft in the proposed South Wing Ø This south wing will complete the current ashram building per original plan of 1988 © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Plans for Molena Expansion So my opinion is we should go ahead with the expansion and complete it according to the original city approvals…… Rev. Master’s informal talk in Vrads Dec 2007 Click below to hear Master’s Voice © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Plans for Molena Expansion Ø Complete the L shaped building to originally approved H shaped. Ø A new two storey building called “south wing” will be constructed with following specifications – Meditation hall for 500 abhyasis. • New meditation hall of 1800 sq ft and new dining hall of 1500 sq ft both of which could be used together as one big meditation hall. – Additional dormitories to accommodate another 100 abhyasis • Seven additional dormitories similar to the North Wing – Additional bathrooms and toilets similar to the North Wing. Ø Amphitheatre style seating for area between the north wing and south wing to provide additional meditation capacity of over 500 abhyasis Ø Additional Deck space to provide space for additional 200 abhyasis to meditate. , totally accommodating 1200 abhyasis to meditate © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

How can we participate? We do what we can; we do things as best as we can, you know…. . Rev. Master’s informal talk in Vrads 2007 Ø Participation of all the abhyasis is the most vital thing in this expansion, like any other project. Ø Abhyasis can participate in the following way: – Your thoughts, prayers and your love – Volunteering your time to help with construction. – Donate generously • Sending check alongwith donation form or by clicking on the link below: • https: //www. srcm. org/onlinebookstore//subscription. Form. do? reset= true&country=US • You could also sign up for a monthly deduction program for a six month time period. Please send email to us. treasurer@srcm. org • If you are already participating in the monthly deduction program you may also increase your current monthly deduction amounts temporarily for 6 months. Please send email to us. treasurer@srcm. org © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Plans approved by Rev. Master © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Plans approved by Rev. Master © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission

Plans approved by Rev. Master © 2008 Copyright Shri Ram Chandra Mission