Contribute to the Seeker's India

Author Muz Murray—Ashram investigator and mystic Master in his own right—is something of a spiritual Ombudsman, helping to upkeep ashram standards by constant review and dissemination of information to sincere seekers. He asks spiritual Networkers for assistance via the Web.

At the request of many spiritual seekers travelling to India, I am presently engaged in updating and rewriting my Guide to the Ashrams and Gurus of India and Nepal. Although I have been back to India many times since my long pilgrimage, often taking groups of my students with me, I have obviously been unable to revisit all the innumerable ashrams which exist on the sub-continent. That could be a labour of love for us all. I therefore appeal to all users of the first edition—or to any other spiritual travellers—to assist me in gathering new information. If anyone has recently been to India or Nepal, or is going there in the near future, I would be most grateful for any up-to-date information on any of the ashrams you may have visited, which will be included in the next edition.

We need such basic details as: a) the NAME and exact ADDRESS of the Ashram; b) the NAME of the GURU or Ashram-in-Charge (and any Ashram literature if possible); c) What are the TEACHINGS available at the Ashram? (Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Meditation, Mantra, Scriptural Study, Remedial Yoga, etc. Any details or comments will be much appreciated); d) The BASIC DAILY PROGRAMME (if known); e) The TYPE of ASHRAM (Large or small, well-off or poor, modern and citified, or a single hut or cave, etc.): f) ACCOMMODATION: of what kind, dormitory, sleeping on the floor, or rooms with cots-beds; able to accept large parties or not? And are both men and women accepted? g) FACILITIES: Library. Meditation Hall, Toilets: Western or Eastern), showers (or tap and bucket style); h) FOOD: quality and style, hot and chillied or nutrition-conscious? i) RATES: do they have fixed prices for stay, or is it by donation? j) WORK: is there ashram work to participate in-printing, gardening, kitchen, cowshed, etc. Is there an obligatory group study regimen, or are you left to follow your own sadhana? k) ASHRAM PUBLICATIONS: have they published books, records or cassettes? I) LOCATION: in the city, village, country, mountain or seaside, etc.; m) COMMENTS: most importantly, your own comments and impressions of the place, the teacher, the atmosphere, etc. And if possible-precise instructions on HOW TO FIND THE ASHRAM, from the nearest town or city landmark. Whilst we are mainly interested in the spiritual teachings available and the quality of the Guru, information on the practical side of things is also important for the many elders ‘on the road’ who may have difficulty in coping with rough conditions, hot food, squat latrines, etc.

Please send us reports of your favourite Ashram—or even your least favourite Ashram—in order to caution others against a bad experience. Even if you are unable to send any practical details, we would welcome just your comments and impressions of any ashrams you have visited. All contributions received will be credited in the next edition. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who filled in my questionnaires and those who wrote their appreciation, poems and tributes for the first edition. It is a joy to know how valuable the book has been for so many over the last twenty years.

Otherwise—if you would simply like to be informed when the new edition is published, just send Muz your name and address and/or E-mail.

Audio Cassettes & Compact Disks, Books & Audio Books

Chanting

The Sound of Silence (CD-R)*
The Sound of Silence (Cass)*
Songs of Silence (CD-R)*
Songs of Silence (Cass)*
Agni Hotra (Cass)*
Chanting the Chakras (CD)*
Mantras of Empowerment (CD-R)*
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Cass)

Kirtan

Cosmic Moments (CD-R)*
Cosmic Moments (Cass)*

Nada Yoga

Nada (Cass)
Soft Strings (Cass)
Awakening (Cass)
Salutations (Cass)

T-Shirts & Xmas Cards

T-Shirts
Christmas Cards

Relaxation

Yoga Nidra (CD-R)*
Yoga Nidra (Cass)*

Explanatory Talks

The Sound of Silence (CD-R)*
The Sound of Silence (Cass)*
Never Mind the Mind (Cass)

Explanatory Books

Sharing the Quest
Seeking the Master
Agni Hotra
Cosmic Moments
Mantra Yoga Alphabet Chart
The Complete Gandalf's Garden
Words on the Way (eBook)

Miscellaneous Music

Willow in the Wind (Cass)

Spoken Faerystories

Ifflepinn Island: Volume 1 (CD-R)*
Ifflepinn Island: Volume 2 (CD-R)*

* Sample audio clips available on these item's webpage

Important Information about CD-R Discs - Please read before ordering

In order to keep the cost of these specialist items affordable to as many 'seekers' as possible, CD-R format is used. CD-R format is the same audio format as CD. The main difference being the reflectivity of the disc. Most modern CD players and computer CD-ROM drives will happily play CD, CD-R and CD-RW. Occasionally, some computer CD-ROM drives and CD audio players (especially older ones) may have difficulty reading CD-R and CD-RW, if they were only calibrated to read factory-pressed (silver) discs. This is a limitation of the player or drive and not a fault with the disc. We recommend the use of CD players for playback; use of older laptop or desktop computers is best avoided.