the Samadhi Hermitage Cave and surroundings...

Our service is to inspire and assist people for this "crowning glory" of their spiritual life; and to provide a facility for those who wish to pursue it. The Samadhi Meditation Cave serves this essential aspect of our spiritual journey by providing opportunity and space to go  deep within. If we wish to know God, we must go within.  The world abounds in workshops, training programs, activity based retreat centers and other such opportunities to further one's spiritual quest.  However, there comes a time when we wish to find a place of solitude, and be as a monk for some period of time, whereby we can withdraw into our own self and sadhana, free of the distractions, movement, activity and socializing of group activity.  Now, it is time for the proverbial meditation cave.

The Samadhi Meditation Cave is a 12 foot diameter octagon, 7 feet below ground level.  It is constructed of stone collected from the hillside and a nearby canyon; the ceiling is beautiful old weathered barnwood, and the roof is under 4-6 inches of soil, with cactus and grasses growing atop.  In the center, stained glass panels line a perfectly proportioned pyramid skylight; small altars are in the walls of the four cardinal directions; a sound system has speakers hidden in the ceiling; and there is running water, small sink, etc. recessed into one wall.  Outside the door is a place to sit for meditation under a peach tree; and the flagstone yoga deck (see below) is just nearby. There is a heating system for winter months.  Truly, the cave IS awesome!   Please see this letter from one visitor to get a "taste" of cave time... A Month in Samadhi Cave, by Lynn B.

If one has not had any meditation training, it is usually suggested to do so, especially via a Vipassana Meditation course.  Cave sadhana is not easy for beginners. Ananda also provides spiritual counsel and assistance with various forms of yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices upon request. He is a spiritual counselor, guide, and teacher; and he has engaged in many weeks, months and years of cave sadhana, in India and USA. This article by Ananda, resulting from one winter cave sadhana, gives insight on what can be done during cave time: A Cave Yogi's Prescription for Instant Liberation.
 

A flagstone Yoga Deck, and other outdoor sitting places, are nicely secluded amongst the gardens and fruit orchard near the meditation cave. A second cave, the Arunachala Cave, is now under construction. The expected completion is year 2011 as time and funds permit. The Arunachala Cave is intended for long term use, for individuals intending a one month or longer retreat.  It will have its own kitchen area contained in the entry area.  This photo is of the 1st stage of construction .. the back 5 walls of the octagon, to retain the hillside, which has been cut and waiting for the stonework since 2002.  On this Arunachala Cave page, new photos will  time-to-time be placed, as the work  progresses to completion.

In today's fast-pace society, one does not easily find: (a) the idea to go within; (b) the idea to go to a cave or other solitary place; (c) the opportunity in one's busy life to do so; (d) the place to do so (such as a meditation cave); (e) the will to do so; and, finally...(f) the person who does so!  May you be blessed to be among those  who are so fortunate.

Thus, here is an opportunity for you to use the Samadhi Cave for a fulfilling period of time, with no telephone calls, bank statements, bills to pay, email, fax machines, grocery shopping, or other "outside" concerns. Just you, the cave, God, nature, and your own sadhana (meditation). Vegetarian and/or fruitarian meals only, prepared by yourself, on your own schedule ... there are no meal-time gongs to provide distraction ... craving or aversion.  The hermitage kitchen is available for use; and also, there is a tiny "kitchen" area recessed in the wall of the cave. No alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco or non-vegetarian type food; and please, the least amount of leather as possible. Meditators receive grocery shopping & laundry services as necessary, thus allowing them to remain in solitude free of those worldly distractions.  Here's a photo collage of some Hermitage  delights...Photo Collage.

ASSOCIATED HEALING OPPORTUNITIES: Massage therapy and Acupuncture are often available with local friends of the Hermitage for very reasonable rates.

LOCATION: In the foothills of the Ortiz Mountains, south Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

EXPENSES: By Donation. Samadhi Hermitage is a non-profit organization. All donations are welcome and tax-deductable, and function not only for the maintainance of the Hermitage, but also for the social works we do in India and elsewhere.  Donation means donation ... so please do not ask for a "suggested donation", for if you do I will say "1/2 million dollars" .. we can do a lot of social work with that money, yes?

USE: The cave is available to people of all castes, creeds, and religions whom the resident monk, Francis Ananda Love, feels fit for such a retreat. Truth IS one! By appointment only. Please send an email to introduce yourself and comment a bit on your meditation practice.

Thanks for your interest, may your life and sadhana be uplifting and fruitful.
 Jai Ma,
Ananda

ADDRESS: Email: ananda@samadhihermitage.org
Telephone (505) 473-3560.

ananda@samadhihermitage.org

telephone: (505-473-3560)

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