Be Here Friday
Satsang with the Teachings of Ram Dass
A Just Love Forest Ashram Event • Donation-Based Meditation Overnight
Friday Arrival at 4:30 PM
Be Here Fridays are an invitation to slow down and arrive.
As the week releases its grip, we gather in the forest to sit together as satsang (spiritual community) in shared presence, discussion, prayer, song and quiet companionship. These evenings are not about doing more, but about remembering what it feels like to simply be here now together.
Just Love Forest Ashram gatherings are open to all compassionate people and spiritual paths. Our roots are in the lineage of Neem Karoli Baba and the Bhakti Yoga tradition, the yoga of love and devotion. You don’t need any familiarity with these traditions to attend. An open heart and gentle curiosity are enough.
This gathering is entirely donation-based. Please offer what you can to help care for the land, share food, and sustain the space. Everyone is welcome.
The evening includes:
• Guided meditation, accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike
• Guided satsang discussions and readings to share our perspectives
• Pooja and Aarti, a simple ceremonial offering honoring the elements and directions through light, song, and prayer
This is a multi-faith, inclusive space. If you feel called, you’re welcome to bring a compassionate sacred object from your own tradition: spiritualist, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, earth-based, or otherwise to place on the altar and receive blessings.
If meditation or ceremony feels unfamiliar or intimidating, please know that nothing is required of you. You’re welcome to sit, observe, breathe, and let yourself be held by the space. Respectful curiosity is more than enough.
We’ll share a nourishing Indian-themed dinner together before meditation.
You’re welcome to join us for the evening and depart around 8:00 PM, or stay overnight in one of our canvas bell tents. Both options are donation-based.
Saturday morning unfolds gently with:
• Meditation from 7:00–8:00 AM
• Pooja and Aarti from 8:00–8:30 AM
• Breakfast afterward
Join us in the forest.
Breathe. Sit. Pray. Listen.
Be here, together.
Everything for this gathering is donation-based. We’re grateful for your support in caring for this land and community.
Bala and Mitch are all certified Mindfulness Meditation Teachers, graduated from Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach's 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certificate Program through the Awareness Training Institute and the University of Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. As part of this 2-year program, they completed a 6-month DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Accountability) training.