Ananda House is officially open!
Gyandevi arrived on a lovely NW spring day, the kind where the weather changes every 15 minutes. It was mostly sunny, though, and really lit up the solarium with a beautiful sunset. We had an amazing welcome dinner: Ramprashad concocted up a Lasagna Alfredo, which had everyone saying, “WOW!” after the first bite. I think it instantly became a “command performance” item on our menu. We had a lively dinner, with everyone telling stories of how they came to ananda–we lingered over the table for nearly 2 hours, enjoying the satsang.
A big storm blew in over night–the windiest weather we’ve experienced since moving to the Valley. Today it is rainy and blustery–and fun to watch from up here on our hilltop. Our red tailed hawk (we have a pair here in the Valley) has been out soaring in the wind all morning.
Here, as promised, is our photo for the start of Ananda House, week 2.
blessings and love from all of us,
Ramprashad, Kara, Aimee and Hanuman, Joe, Gyandevi, & Mari (Our family is growing!)
Dear Friends,
I’d like to share a dream with you, that I had over 30 years ago. I dreamed that I was living in a large home with people of all ages. There was a feeling of deep joy and harmony. When I moved to Ananda Village in California, I thought that it was the answer to my dream. Then, just two weeks ago something happened to clarify my dream. Mari and I visited an “assisted living” home just across the street from the Ananda Center at Laurelwood. Immediately the dream came back, just as clear as the first time I had experienced it.
This 3900 square foot home is on .8 acre of land in the rolling hills of Laurelwood. It
was used as an Adult Foster Care home up until March of this year. It has a total of 6 bedrooms, and the capability to house five residents and 3 staff. It is a beautiful home with brightly lit and cozy common rooms, surrounded by lovely gardens, with expansive views of the surrounding area.
We’d like to call it Ananda House at Laurelwood. This will be a new definition of ‘Progressive Assisted Living’. We will focus on the nurturing feeling of living as a family, along with spiritual support, using Swami’s precepts. We shared this idea with Swami, Jyotish, Devi, Daiva and Gangamata. All were in support of this project as something that needs, and perhaps now, is trying to happen. There are so many people who can use some level of assistance throughout the Ananda colonies and meditation groups. My guess is that Ananda House at Laurelwood will be full in a very short period of time.
Our hope is that Ananda House at Laurelwood will be the prototype for many more Ananda Houses. Places of high thinking and simple living. Places where spiritually minded people who need more assistance than they can find living alone, can live in harmony with one another. Places where each person’s spiritual practices will be supported, to the highest degree possible, for each individual.
If you have an interest in this project or have questions please call us at 503-477-7815. If you, or someone you know might benefit by living in this environment. Your prayer support is also appreciated.
Blessings,
Hanuman and Mari Baughman
Congratulations, Hanuman and Mari. This is wonderful and will serve many people in the years to come. Blessings to you on the future of Ananda House. In Joy, Mantradevi and Krishnadas
Dear Mantradevi and Krishnadas,
Thank you for your well wishes! we Kara and Ramprashad have moved in and Amy will be joining us soon We are busy taking our class for certification as an adult foster home. All are enthusiastic!
Blessings to you both,
Hanuman
Dear Hanuman and Mari,
We are so happy to hear that you are able to manifest this dream of yours. And what a great blessing it will be for many souls. It seems such a perfect way of service for both of you.
With love in God and Guru,
anandi and bharat
Dear Anandi and Bharat,Thank you for your well wishes! Kara and Ramprashad have moved in and Amy will be joining us soon We are busy taking our class for certification as an adult foster home. All are enthusiastic!
Blessings to you both,
Hanuman
Congratulations Hanuman and Mari! What a wonderful opportunity you are creating for yourselves and for all who will be living in or serving in your facility. What a find! Right across the street from all the rest that is happening at Laurelwood. “Ananda House” has a nice ring to it. I can imagine many contented souls enjoying your loving care. We are very happy for you! And we hope to get up there one day soon to see all that is going on. Many blessings!
Dear Janakidevi
Thank you for your well wishes! we Kara and Ramprashad have moved in and Amy will be joining us soon We are busy taking our class for certification as an adult foster home. All are enthusiastic!
Blessings to you both,
Hanuman
Congratulations!!
We are so happy for you both in your new direction of service.
May the joy, love and grace of our Master flow through you!
In Master’s love,
Lalita and Trimurti
Dear Lalita and Trimurti,
Thank you for your well wishes! we Kara and Ramprashad have moved in and Amy will be joining us soon We are busy taking our class for certification as an adult foster home. All are enthusiastic!
Blessings to you both,
Hanuman
Dear Hanuman and Mari,
What a beautiful vision! My mother will be 90 in November. I would love to come for a visit with her when the snow starts to fly here in Truckee. I’m so interested in the Laurelwood vision and that it is touching so many dimensions of community and education. Looking forward to talking with you.
Blessings,
Priya
Dear Priya,
just keep us posted! we are working hard toward getting open for business, last weekend we had 40 great souls here helping to manifest the house on the physical plane.
blessings,
mari
Congratulations on the grand opening of Ananda House! I love seeing all the photos and feeling the love and joy that has been poured into this endeavor. What a blessing for the present and future residents. Hope to visit someday soon!