Man in the Ashram!!!

It was cold and beautiful day when we started to drive for Crestone. We were fully equipped with food and tea and took a break in the midst of the mountains. Took some pictures of the nature embracing us with love and beauty.The majestic mountains showed its magnanimity and yet a feeling of warmth,giving shelter to all the species residing on it. We couldn't take our eyes off the nature and the journey went in a jiffy. That makes me ponder how insignificant we are in front of this vast nature and still we refuse we admire and appreciate what God has given us. After 4 hours of this beautiful ride going on the bumpy road we finally reached the 'Haidakhan Baba Ashram'. It is located on the mountain with few other spiritual centers in Crestone, CO. The moment we got out, I breathed the fresh mountain air and felt the mountain valley welcoming us. Whichever direction my eyes lead me, there were huge mountains. We were three families all excited to spend our free time with each other, nature and God. We went to the temple first which was a beautiful hall, whose door had a stained glass picture of a person with open arms. The hall has a beautiful life size statue of Lakshmi Devi. We sat there and felt the beautiful Silence, That which reflects God. It was so peaceful, calm and magnetic environment. Then we went to the kitchen where we were greeted by Jonathan, who works there. Jonathan has been a caretaker of the Ashram since last 7 yrs. He is a medium built person, slow walker, white hair. he wears Indian clothes. His serene face was full of thick wrinkles. His smiling,twinkling eyes made us feel at home. His personality posed only one question 'What on earth is making him lead this life...away from the maddening crowd?' We kept observing him, he made himself his breakfast which was a kind of juice of spinach, honey and what not. It did not look very appetizing to me. Since we were so curious, we asked all kinds of questions to him and he happily enjoyed answering them. He had difficulty in remembering our names. We then left for the Ashram which had a huge room having 8 single beds. It started snowing too outside and Jonathan lit up the fireplace which was at the entrance of the Ashram. We all cuddled up near the fireplace, feeling the heat coming out of the crackling woods. Time stood still, we didn't even feel like sleeping on our beds in the room. We got pillows and a blanket and started sharing our experiences, mostly spiritual ones. Jonathan came out of his room since our voices were getting louder. Later he too joined with us in sharing and listening. His story was so strange, how he got into this. We didn't want this moment to end but the clock was ticking fast and the next day was waiting for us. So finally with disheartened heart we left for bed. Next day we got ready for morning Aarti and found Jonathan with dholak. He was performing the prayers and knew them by heart. I was struggling reading from book. His eyes were just on Devi maa and it was full of devotion. Then we left for kitchen where we had a sumptuous meal. Jonathan enjoyed it even though it was a little spicy for him. I later came to know that while relating his experiences, he kept getting choked. And thanked at the Devi Maa's Grace on him. After meeting him, I totally understand why he was chosen to do the role of a caretaker of the Ashram. He is one lucky man!!!