Baba Hari Dass, affectionately known as Babaji, was a revered silent monk, master yogi, and influential teacher whose life and teachings have inspired countless individuals worldwide. Born on March 26, 1923, near Almora in the Himalayan foothills of Northern India, he exhibited an early inclination towards spirituality. At the age of eight he left home to pursue a life dedicated to yoga and self-discipline.
Babaji immersed himself in rigorous study and practice, traveling across Northern India and learning from various sadhus and saints. In 1952, at the age of 29, he undertook a vow of perpetual silence (mauna), a discipline he maintained for the remaining 66 years of his life. This commitment to silence was a testament to his dedication to inner peace and self-mastery.
In 1971, Babaji moved to the United States at the invitation of American students seeking authentic yoga instruction. Settling in Northern California, he began teaching and quickly attracted a devoted following. His teachings encompassed various aspects of yoga, including Ashtanga Yoga, Ayurveda, and the philosophies of the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
In 1978, inspired by Babaji's vision, his students established the Mount Madonna Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This center has become a renowned spiritual retreat and seminar facility, hosting a diverse range of programs in yoga and personal development. The center also houses the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, completed in 2003, serving as a place of devotion and peace.
In 1984, extending his humanitarian efforts, Babaji founded the Sri Ram Ashram near Haridwar in Northern India. This orphanage and school provide a loving home and education to abandoned children, reflecting his deep compassion.
On September 25, 2018, Baba Hari Dass passed away peacefully at his home in Bonny Doon, California, at the age of 95. selfless service.
