Baba Hari Dass
Baba Hari Dass
is a silent monk who has not spoken since 1952 and communicates by writing on a small chalkboard. This verbal silence is a process which gradually quiets the mind and eliminates unwanted thoughts. While this concept may be initially difficult for most of us to understand, the example of Baba Hari Dass is ample expression of the potential for peace that lies within each of us as the result of spiritual discipline and devotion to helping others.
Babaji is first and foremost a master yogi, having practiced the disciplines of yoga from childhood. In addition he is an accomplished author, builder, philosopher, sculptor, and proponent of Ayurveda (the ancient Indian system of health and healing). He is also conversant in several languages. Babaji gives his time unstintingly in service to others and has been the inspiration for a variety of service projects. The California based Hanuman Fellowship was formed in 1974. Two other fellowships, Dharmasara Satsang Society/Salt Spring Centre near Vancouver, and Ashtanga Yoga Fellowship in Toronto, also take their inspiration from Babaji. For over 20 years Babaji came up to Toronto as an honored guest at the yoga retreats in Ontario hosted by the AYF. Babaji doesn’t come to the Ontario retreat anymore, but many AYF members go to retreats in California or Salt Spring to keep in touch with his teachings.
Baba Hari Dass presides at weekly sessions in the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, yoga practices and other related subjects at various yoga retreats. He also writes on many yoga topics and spiritual stories, creates theatrical props and masks for the Ramayana, and always has a special welcome for children. He is present every Sunday at gatherings called Satsang, open to all without charge at the Pacific Cultural Center in Santa Cruz. Satsang means keeping the company of truth and provides an opportunity for spiritual singing, meditation and questions for Babaji. In his presence it is evident that he has found a way to be at peace despite the pain and confusion of the world. His writings, his actions and more importantly his example, communicate the realization that this peace is available to each of us, if only we make the effort. Click here to read some of Babaji’s teachings.
Books written by Baba Hari Dass
Child’s Garden of Yoga
Silence Speaks
Ashtanga Yoga Primer
Fire Without Fuel
The Path to Enlightenment is not a Highway
The Mystic Monkey
Sweeper to Saint Stories of Holy India
Yogastock 