Empowered Places and Things > Sanctuaries > The Mountain Of Attention

The Hermitages and Sanctuaries of Adidam:
The Mountain Of Attention


Adi Da Blessing Prasad in front of Seventh Gate


This article is organized as follows:
  1. Introduction
  2. History of Names for the Sanctuary
  3. Special Periods of Adi Da's Work
  4. Holy Sites and Other Locations
  5. Books
  6. Stories From the Mountain Of Attention
  7. Miscellaneous


1. Introduction


The Mountain Of Attention is the primary Ruchira Sannyasin Sanctuary in the United States. Located in Northern California, it was the first Sanctuary Empowered by Adi Da (in 1974), and the principal site of His Teaching Work from 1974 to the early 1980's.


All Eyes Gate: the front gate of the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary
All Eyes Gate: the front gate of the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary

All Eyes Gate: the front gate of the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary
(click to enlarge)

Sign next to All Eyes Gate
Sign next to All Eyes Gate

All Eyes Gate Sign
Sign next to All Eyes Gate

Sign next to All Eyes Gate
(click to enlarge)

All Eyes Gate from inside the Sanctuary
All Eyes Gate from inside the Sanctuary

The Mountain Of Attention
Wide-angle lens view of The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary, from Huge Helper (left) to Darshan Adytum (middle) to Seventh Gate (right).
(click to enlarge)

Letting Go Mountain
Letting Go Mountain

Letting Go Mountain [1]
(click to enlarge)


The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary below Letting Go Mountain
The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary
below Letting Go Mountain [1]

Seigler Springs Road, the Mountain Of Attention
Seigler Springs Road, the Mountain Of Attention

Seigler Springs Road, the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

Seigler Springs Road, the Mountain Of Attention
Seigler Springs Road, the Mountain Of Attention

Seigler Springs Road, the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

Beautiful gardens at the Mountain Of Attention
Beautiful gardens at the Mountain Of Attention

Beautiful gardens at the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

Beautiful pools at the Mountain Of Attention
Beautiful pools at the Mountain Of Attention

Beautiful pools at the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

Devotees serving the Mountain Of Attention
Devotees serving the Mountain Of Attention

Devotees serving the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

A devotee serving the Mountain Of Attention
A devotee serving the Mountain Of Attention

A devotee serving the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

Banner at the Mountain Of Attention
Banner at the Mountain Of Attention

Banner at the Mountain Of Attention:
"Notice this: You are not the one
who wakes or dreams or sleeps."
(click to enlarge)


2. History of Names for the Sanctuary

  • The Mountain Of Attention (late 1980? - present)

  • Vision Mound (October, 1976 - late 1980?) — On December 12, 1976, Adi Da discussed the significance of the name "Vision Mound":

    Traditionally, spiritual cultures would often build a mound as a holy place. People went to a prominent place on the earth, a rise, a hill, or a mountain. Pyramids are mounds, a prominence from which to approach what was considered to be something transcendent to the earth. It was the custom to go off alone to such a place, to prepare oneself for the Divine by fasting, entering a holy mood and right approach. Then one would stand on the mound and call for a vision or insight or deliverance and wait until satisfaction came. It required giving up the whole life, throwing everything away until you were given the Divine impulse. Then you would leave the mound and return to your normal course of life, but periodically you would return to the mound for Divine refreshment. It is a kind of ceremony that everyone performs. A ceremony introduces you, initiates you into a condition of existence that you must otherwise realize directly. So ceremonies change in content, but in principle they are the same eternally. The body, as the mound, is turned over to the Infinite that pervades it until the body is surrendered perfectly.

    Avatar Adi Da Samraj


  • Right Whale (July 1976 - October, 1976) — This name for the Sanctuary coincided with the "Indoor Summer" period. (During this time, a large sign with a picture of a whale hung at All Eyes Gate.) "Right Whale" was a phrase Adi Da had used in referring to a place in Hawaii that He had been considering for a potential Sanctuary. He gave the name to the Northern California Sanctuary instead with the intent that it serve as that traditional Sanctuary that He was envisioning (a sacred, "set apart" space enabling Him to do His Work with fully prepared devotees).

    The "Indoor Summer" period (and use of the "Right Whale" name for the Sanctuary) ended with Adi Da moving to Hawaii with several devotees in October, 1976.

  • Persimmon (January, 1974 - July 1976)


Logo for the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary
Sanctuary logo


3. Special Periods of Adi Da's Work

Below is a partial list of special periods of Adi Da's Work, that took place at the Mountain Of Attention.

  • Garbage and the GoddessGarbage and the Goddess (1974) — A period of lessons during the first half of 1974 at The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary (then known as Persimmon). The focus of those lessons was the search for self-fulfillment through both sexuality and mystical experience. Garbage and the Goddess was one of Avatar Adi Da's great Teaching Demonstrations, in which He generated a most extraordinary and sustained display of yogic, mystical, magical, psychic, and intuitive phenomena in the lives and environments of His ordinary Western devotees, who otherwise had no capacity to attain such marvels. At the same time, He drew people to a "radical understanding": He constantly drew their attention to and criticized the illusions and suffering inherent in mere experience of any kind, ordinary or sublime. Through these means, He humorously and compassionately taught them the lesson that all experience high or low is but a temporary manifestation of "the Goddess," the Shakti, or great Manifesting Power of the worlds, and should therefore be treated as "garbage" and thrown away or transcended through devotional turning to Adi Da Samraj and "radical understanding". It was a time when the principle of attraction to the Guru as the God-Man, and "Divine Distraction" by Him from self, was demonstrated as the foundation of Spiritual Life.

    For more, click here.

  • The "Divine Ignorance" ConsiderationIndoor Summer (1976) — In July 1976, another major teaching demonstration began, later named the “Indoor Summer”, since many of the group instructions and activities (known as “gatherings”) occurred indoors. Here Adi Da began a fundamental group consideration about the limits of knowledge. His fundamental address (called "the Divine Ignorance" consideration) was “Do you know what anything is?”, and full participation in this consideration yielded glimpses of the Enlightened state of "Divine Ignorance".

4. Holy Sites and Other Locations

In this subsection, we list (and provide pictures of) the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary's many Holy Sites. We also include other significant buildings and areas on the Sanctuary.


My Avatarically Self-Transmitted Divine Spiritual Body Resides in the (Holy Sites) just as directly as I might do so physically, but you associate with My Divine Transmission there through the cycle of sacramental worship.

Avatar Adi Da Samraj

All Eyes Gate — The front gate of the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is located in the Cobb Mountain area of Northern California, one of the highest elevations in California (apart from the Sierra Nevadas). The Sanctuary is above the snow line, and snow makes frequent appearances throughout the winter months here.

All Eyes Gate, January, 2016
All Eyes Gate, January, 2016

All Eyes Gate, January, 2016
(click to enlarge)

All Eyes Gate, March, 2018
All Eyes Gate, March, 2018

All Eyes Gate, March, 2018
(click to enlarge)

All Eyes Gate, with Seventh Gate in the distance
All Eyes Gate, with Seventh Gate in the distance

All Eyes Gate, with Seventh Gate in the distance
(click to enlarge)

All Eyes Gate, December 2011
All Eyes Gate, February, 2011 (photo by Douglas Short)

All Eyes Gate, February, 2011 (photo by Douglas Short)
(click to enlarge)


The Manner Of Flowers — Adi Da's residence at the Mountain Of Attention.

The Gate to the Manner Of Flowers
the gate to the Manner Of Flowers

devotees waiting outside the Manner Of Flowers to receive Adi Da's Darshan: July 5, 2005
devotees waiting outside the Manner Of Flowers
to receive Adi Da's Darshan (July 5, 2005)

outside the Manner Of Flowers
outside the Manner Of Flowers

outside the Manner Of Flowers
(click to enlarge)

outside the Manner Of Flowers
outside the Manner Of Flowers

outside the Manner Of Flowers
(click to enlarge)

Sukra Kendra — Out of all the holy places and temples He has established at each of His Hermitage Sanctuaries, the Sukra Kendra is the most sacred of all the temples, set apart for Adi Da's (often daily) use in His Work of World-Blessing, during His human lifetime. As Adi Da described it, "I Am eternally seated in each and every one of My directly-by-Me Transcendentally-Spiritually-Empowered Sapta-Na Sannyasin Hermitages and Ruchira Sannyasin Sanctuaries — and most potently in each and every one of the Sukra Kendras I have established in those Hermitages and Sanctuaries."

Sukra Kendra at the Mountain Of Attention
the Sukra Kendra at the Mountain Of Attention

Temple Eleutherios — Earlier names: Laughing God Hall, the Master's Temple, the Location of Happiness, and Amrita Nadi Chakra Temple. Originally used as a small movie-viewing room (seating about 50) in the earlier Seigler Springs Resort, Temple Eleutherios was the first place on the Mountain Of Attention where Adi Da gathered with devotees.

Temple Eleutherios


It was in Temple Eleutherios that Ruchiradama Nadikanta first met Bhagavan in 1974. Temple Eleutherios was, for many years, one of the most potent Communion Halls at the Mountain Of Attention. It is now part of Adi Da’s Sukra Kendra.

Temple Eleutherios (1974)
Temple Eleutherios (1974)

Temple Eleutherios (1974)
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate

Seventh Gate
Seventh Gate

Seventh Gate
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate
Seventh Gate at sunrise

Seventh Gate at sunrise
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate
Seventh Gate — Bright Behind Me is to the right

Seventh Gate — Bright Behind Me is to the right
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate
Seventh Gate in the center, Bright Behind Me is to the right — December, 2015

Seventh Gate in the center, Bright Behind Me is to the right — December, 2015
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate
Seventh Gate — Darshan Adytum and Temple Eleutherios are to the left

Seventh Gate — Darshan Adytum and Temple Eleutherios are to the left
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate (with lotus pond to the right)
Seventh Gate, with lotus pond to the right

Seventh Gate, with lotus pond to the right
(click to enlarge)

Pre-blooming lotuses at the Mountain Of Attention
Pre-blooming lotuses at the Mountain Of Attention

Pre-blooming lotuses at the Mountain Of Attention (photo by Hal Okun)
(click to enlarge)

Seventh Gate: February, 2011
Seventh Gate (February, 2011)

Seventh Gate at night, December, 2012.
Seventh Gate at night, December, 2012

Seventh Gate at night, December, 2012
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da giving Darshan in front of Seventh
Adi Da giving Darshan in front of Seventh Gate

Adi Da walking toward Seventh Gate
Adi Da walking toward Seventh Gate

Adi Da walking toward Seventh Gate
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da Blessing Prasad in front of Seventh Gate
Adi Da Blessing Prasad in front of Seventh Gate

Adi Da Blessing Prasad in front of Seventh Gate
(click to enlarge)

Puja being done on Seventh Gate Shrine in front of Seventh Gate
Puja being done on Seventh Gate Shrine
in front of Seventh Gate

Adi Da Blessing Seventh Gate Shrine
Adi Da Blessing Seventh Gate Shrine

Seventh Gate Shrine
Seventh Gate Shrine

Seventh Gate Shrine
Seventh Gate Shrine

devotee prostrating at Seventh Gate Shrine
devotee prostrating at Seventh Gate Shrine

All True Things Park [2] — All True Things Park is a park-like area of the Sanctuary that contains a forest of oaks (with the Tree of Life at its center) which Adi Da has instructed should be regarded and served as a sacred grove, in perpetuity. The Park also contains several of the holy sites mentioned elsewhere on this page. Thus, it is a single great Holy Site comprised of various "internal" Holy Sites, all of them interconnected and interdependent on the development and preservation of the others.

All True Things Park in the background, Paduka Mandir on the left
All True Things Park in the background, Paduka Mandir on the left

All True Things Park in the background,
Paduka Mandir on the left
(click to enlarge)

All True Things Park
All True Things Park

All True Things Park
(click to enlarge)

The major aspects of the conditional universe ("All True Things") are represented in All True Things Park. In this sense, the Park is a great representative Mandala of the conditional universe in its relationship of submission to the Unconditional Divine Being. Adi Da created All True Things Park over a number of years during the 1970's, conforming these universal aspects of nature to Himself through the various Holy Sites. He has remarked at different times that our right relationship and full devotional service to these Holy Sites (and all the Holy Sites He has Empowered) has a benignly transformative effect upon the entire world.

Earth-Fire Temple
is dedicated to the feminine aspect of the universe. The masculine aspect of the universe is represented in the temple and great tree of Skyway Temple. The temple of Pita Mata Mantapa honors parents and children, birth and death. Fear-No-More Zoo represents the vast realms of non-human existence, our human and sacred relationship to them, and Adi Da's intention to liberate all beings (not just human beings). The blessing seat of the Divine in this world is also represented by the beautiful temple of Paduka Mandir. And seemingly out beyond the Park itself, but still intimately connected to it, is the Love of the God-Man holy site, which honors the Divine's extension and emergence into the lives of all beings, with the purpose of touching and awakening them.

All True Things Park can also be viewed as a living, bodily, non-human form of Adi Da. Here is one way to look at it: Adi Da's Seat, Paduka Mandir, is the Heart. The Love of the God-Man site is the Head, looking out and "speaking" to the world. Skyway Temple is the entire central nervous system. Earth-Fire Temple is the procreative, generative, active force of the universe. Pita Mata Mantapa and the animal graves at the Zoo entrance represent the cycle of death and rebirth (equal for human and non-human). And Fear-No-More Zoo represents the broad foundation of the "pyramid" of the conditional realms and planes, the naturally contemplative non-human resource of all life and evolution, without which nothing else conditional would exist.

Adi Da gives the landmark “Day Of the Heart” talk<BR>to over 800 devotees in All True Things Park on September 16, 1979
Adi Da gives the landmark “Day Of the Heart” talk
to over 800 devotees in All True Things Park
on September 16, 1979

Devotees waiting to receive Adi Da's Darshan in All True Things Park, 2005
Devotees waiting to receive Adi Da's Darshan in All True Things Park, 2005

Devotees waiting to receive Adi Da's Darshan
in All True Things Park, 2005
(click to enlarge)

Earth-Fire Temple — A holy site at the Mountain Of Attention, the first Empowered there by Adi Da, during the Garbage and the Goddess period in 1974, as a result of a miraculous event. It particularly expresses the nurturing-female dynamic of energies, and so is served principally by women devotees. It is now also associated with Skyway Temple (see below), a nearby site associated with characteristically male energy. For more about this Temple, read The Miracle in the Garden and The Guardian Squirrels.

Earth-Fire Temple
Earth-Fire Temple

Earth-Fire Temple
(click to enlarge)

Earth-Fire Temple
another view of Earth-Fire Temple

another view of Earth-Fire Temple
(click to enlarge)

a puja at Earth-Fire Temple
a puja at Earth-Fire Temple

Skyway Temple — A holy site at the Mountain Of Attention, originally Empowered by Adi Da in 1979. The center of this site is a large oak tree, the "Tree of Life". Those who serve and attend sacred events at this holy site, as well as devotees who simply glimpse it for a few moments, testify that Bhagavan Adi Da's Murti-Form is Spiritually Manifested as this great column of living Light. The site is associated with characteristically male energy, and so is served principally by male devotees. It is associated with the nearby Earth-Fire Temple, which particularly expresses the nurturing-female dynamic of energies. Skyway Temple is also the site of regular Prosperity Pujas.

the Tree of Life
the Tree of Life


Adi Da at Skyway Temple
Adi Da at Skyway Temple

Adi Da at Skyway Temple
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da blessing the "Tree of Life" at Skyway Temple, 1998
Adi Da blessing the "Tree of Life" at Skyway Temple, 1998
(Paduka Mandir is in the background)

Adi Da blessing the lingam at Skyway Temple
Adi Da blessing the lingam at Skyway Temple
(the "Tree of Life" is in the background)

Devotees participating in a prosperity puja  at Skyway Temple (2011)
Devotees participating in a prosperity puja
at Skyway Temple (2011)

Devotees participating in a prosperity puja  at Skyway Temple (2013)
Devotees participating in a prosperity puja
at Skyway Temple (2013)

Between Skyway Temple and Earth-Fire Temple — Between Skyway Temple and Earth-Fire Temple is a connecting pathway. This path is reserved exclusively for Adi Da's own use and for use by priests on special occasions of puja at these sites.[2]

Skyway Temple and Earth-Fire Temple
Skyway Temple (left) and Earth-Fire Temple (right)

Skyway Temple (left) and Earth-Fire Temple (right)
(click to enlarge)

Red Sitting Man — A sacred fire site at the Mountain Of Attention, Empowered by Adi Da on November 3, 1979. It is an area of the Sanctuary that is made of ash-white volcanic rock, shaped in the form of a massive natural fire-pit. Originally designated by Adi Da as His Mahasamadhi Site, it is now considered the most potent Fire Site on the Mountain Of Attention. In July of 1979, Adi Da Initiated devotees there in the sacramental worship of Him in the form of fire. Fire is one of the most powerful elemental symbols of the Divine — a sign of Spirit, Light, and purification. For more about this holy site, read The Hole in the Universe: The Sacred Empowerment of Red Sitting Man. Red Sitting Man is also mentioned in Look the Fire in the Eye.

Adi Da Samraj at Red Sitting Man, 2002
Adi Da Samraj at Red Sitting Man, 2002

Paduka Mandir

Paduka Mandir, December 26, 2021
Paduka Mandir - November, 2021

Paduka Mandir - December 26, 2021
(click to enlarge)

Paduka Mandir, November, 2021
Paduka Mandir - November, 2021

Paduka Mandir - November, 2021
(click to enlarge)

Paduka Mandir
Paduka Mandir

Paduka Mandir
Paduka Mandir

Paduka Mandir
(click to enlarge)

Paduka Mandir
Paduka Mandir

Paduka Mandir
(click to enlarge)

<span style="font-size=9px;font-weight=bold;">Paduka
Paduka Mandir

Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir in 1995
Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir in 1995

Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir in 1995
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir in  2005
Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir in 2005

Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir in 2005
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir: July 17, 2005
Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir: July 17, 2005

Adi Da in front of Paduka Mandir: July 17, 2005
(click to enlarge)

The bell in winter
Humpbacked Flute (aka "The Bell") in winter
(with Paduka Mandir in the distance)

Adi Da gave "The Bell" the name, "Humpbacked Flute", inspired by
the iconic images of "the humpbacked flute plater" (Hopi: "kokopelli")
in the Native American traditions of the Southwest.


Ordeal Bath Lodge — the Mountain Of Attention was originally a hot springs resort. Ordeal Bath Lodge was the hot springs bath facility. It is considered one of the main Holy Sites on the Mountain Of Attention because of the profound, intimate occasions that occurred there with Adi Da. Along with Bright Behind Me, Ordeal Bath Lodge is the Temple that has been Blessed with Adi Da's Physical Presence most often.

Ordeal Bath Lodge is now used as a healing Temple. For more, read: A Touch of the Divine: A Miraculous Healing at Ordeal Bath Lodge and "An Immense Burden Had Been Lifted from Me" (which features "the plunge", a large pool in Ordeal Bath Lodge).

Ordeal Bath Lodge
Ordeal Bath Lodge

Ordeal Bath Lodge
(click to enlarge)

Ordeal Bath Lodge
Ordeal Bath Lodge

Ordeal Bath Lodge
(click to enlarge)

Ordeal Bath Lodge
Ordeal Bath Lodge

Ordeal Bath Lodge
(click to enlarge)

Ordeal Bath Lodge
Ordeal Bath Lodge

Ordeal Bath Lodge
(click to enlarge)

Ordeal Bath Lodge in the snow
Ordeal Bath Lodge (December, 2010)

Chair for Adi Da to sit in in front of Ordeal Bath Lodge: July 10, 2005
Chair for Adi Da to sit in
in front of Ordeal Bath Lodge (July 10, 2005)

Ordeal Bath Lodge, with "the plunge" on right (November, 2011)
Ordeal Bath Lodge, with "the plunge" on right (November, 2011)

Ordeal Bath Lodge, with "the plunge" on right (November, 2011)
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da in front of Ordeal Bath Lodge: July 10, 2005
Adi Da in front of Ordeal Bath Lodge: July 10, 2005

Adi Da in front of Ordeal Bath Lodge: July 10, 2005
(click to enlarge)



full page link
If video won't play in place, refresh the page and try again. Or you can click "full page link" (above).
length: 03:01
event date: July 10, 2005
Darshan of Adi Da, as He sits at three locations at The Mountain Of Attention (the second is in front of Ordeal Bath Lodge; the third is at The Manner Of Flowers).

Give the ego gone to Me.
Find out My Self-of-Radiance,
Which Is All-Love-As-Bliss.
Let the ego be Un-Happened—
now.


Love of the God-Man — An "outreach Holy Site", speaking and looking out into the world, as well as receiving devotees. The site played a major role in Adi Da's ten-day visit to the Mountain Of Attention in 1984 to meet with devotees — which came to be known as the "Love of the God Man" celebration. A large tent was erected on the site, which held 700 people. (Tom Williams describes being in that tent, as a major part of his story about finding Adi Da.)

Adi Da giving Darshan in the Love of the God-Man tent
Adi Da giving Darshan in the Love of the God-Man tent

Holy Cat Grotto — Holy Cat Grotto is an outdoor Temple at The Mountain Of Attention whose name honors Robert the Cat and his relationship with Adi Da Samraj. The Grotto also holds Robert's ashes:

I recognized that Robert had been my teacher in the wilderness. He had filled my eye and owned a thread of attention in my heart. I Knew him and he Knew me. Nothing could replace that state of life or console its absence. I treated him in death like a saint. I had him cremated, and I kept his ashes.

Avatar Adi Da Samraj, The Knee Of Listening


Holy Cat Grotto is a wild and profound place of healing and meditation.

Holy Cat Grotto
Holy Cat Grotto

Empowerment of Holy Cat Grotto: September 17, 1979
Empowerment of Holy Cat Grotto: September 17, 1979

Empowerment of Holy Cat Grotto: September 17, 1979
Empowerment of Holy Cat Grotto: September 17, 1979

Empowerment of Holy Cat Grotto: September 17, 1979
(click to enlarge)

Installation of Robert the Cat Statue Murti at Holy Cat Grotto: November 3, 1995
Installation of Robert the Cat Statue Murti at Holy Cat Grotto: November 3, 1995

Installation of Robert the Cat Statue Murti
at Holy Cat Grotto: November 3, 1995
(click to enlarge)

devotees at Holy Cat Grotto celebrating  the anniversary of Robert the Cat's death: July 4, 2005
devotees at Holy Cat Grotto celebrating
the anniversary of Robert the Cat's death
July 4, 2005

Initiation at Holy Cat Grotto: August, 2011
Initiation at Holy Cat Grotto: August, 2011

Initiation at Holy Cat Grotto: August, 2011
(click to enlarge)

Ceremony at Holy Cat Grotto: 2013
Ceremony at Holy Cat Grotto: 2013

Ceremony at Holy Cat Grotto: 2013
(click to enlarge)

Children enjoying the koi pond  outside the Manner Of Flowers (around 1993)
Children enjoying the koi in the old swimming pool at Holy Cat Grotto (~1993)

Children enjoying the koi in the old swimming pool at Holy Cat Grotto (~1993)
(click to enlarge)


Huge Helper — Also known as "the hotel", after its original purpose when the Mountain Of Attention was still a hot springs resort called "Seigler Hot Springs".

Huge Helper
Huge Helper

Huge Helper
(click to enlarge)

Huge Helper: February, 2011
Huge Helper (February, 2011)

Huge Helper (October, 2011)
Huge Helper (October, 2011)

Huge Helper (October, 2011)
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da sitting with devotees at Here I Am holy site in front of Huge Helper, 1982
Adi Da sitting with devotees at "Here I Am" holy site
in front of Huge Helper, 1982

Adi Da sitting with devotees at Here I Am holy site in front of Huge Helper, 1982
Adi Da sitting with devotees at "Here I Am" holy site
in front of Huge Helper, 1982

"Here I Am" holy site
"Here I Am" holy site

"Here I Am" holy site
(click to enlarge)


 
Adi Da Samraj at the Mountain Of Attention in April, 1982

Adi Da Samraj at the Mountain Of Attention in April, 1982 — Devotee Charles Syrett describes Adi Da giving Darshan to His devotees at the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary in the month of April, 1982, including a special Darshan occasion on the steps of Huge Helper.

   


The Well on the Mall in front of Huge Helper
The Well on the Mall in front of Huge Helper

the Well surrounded by greenery
the Well surrounded by greenery

the Well surrounded by greenery
(Huge Helper: rear left, Darshan Adytum: rear right)
(click to enlarge)

Huge Helper beneath a full moon: January, 2011
Huge Helper and the Well beneath a full moon
January, 2011

Huge Helper in the early morning light: December, 2011
Huge Helper in the early morning light: December, 2011

Huge Helper in the early morning light
December, 2011
(click to enlarge)

Huge Helper in the winter snow: December, 2012
Huge Helper in the winter snow: December, 2012

Huge Helper in the winter snow
December, 2012
(click to enlarge)

Huge Helper
Huge Helper from the back

Huge Helper from the back
(click to enlarge)

The path between Ordeal Bath Lodge and Seventh Gate with the back of Huge Helper on the right
The path between Ordeal Bath Lodge and Seventh Gate
with the back of Huge Helper on the right

The path between Ordeal Bath Lodge and Seventh Gate
with the back of Huge Helper on the right

(click to enlarge)


Sri Adi Da Pitamata Asthi Mantapa — Translation: "Father-Mother Temple". Shorter name: Pita Mata Mantapa. The ashes of Adi Da's mother and father are in this Temple.

Pitamata Ashti Mantapa
Pitamata Asthi Mantapa

Pitamata Asthi Mantapa
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da installs the ashes of His mother, Dorothy Jones, in Sri Adi Da Pitamata Asthi Mantapa, October 1, 1995
Adi Da installs the ashes of His mother, Dorothy Jones,
in Sri Adi Da Pitamata Asthi Mantapa
October 1, 1995

Adi Da installs the ashes of His mother, Dorothy Jones,
in Sri Adi Da Pitamata Asthi Mantapa
October 1, 1995

(click to enlarge)


Dan Jones is Adi Da's first cousin. (Adi Da's father and Dan's father were brothers.)

Dan Jones: In 1996, I went to the Mountain Of Attention — a very powerful and magical place! I started to actually "feel" the sanctuary when I was about fifty miles away. As I got closer, I was overcome with emotion and could feel the energy to the point that I thought I was going to be sick.

Hal Okun took me to where my aunt and uncle's ashes are [Pitamata Asthi Mantapa], and I knew without a doubt that my own blood was there. I remember Hal picked a leaf from a tree as an offering for me to give. I approached the shrine with leaf in hand, but I didn't make it to the door before I was on my knees.

Hal told me that Beloved Adi Da called it the most powerful spot in the universe . . . I have to agree.


Adi Da playing with Dan Jones
Adi Da as a young man, playing with Dan Jones
Adi Da as a young man, playing with Dan Jones
(click to enlarge)

Darshan Adytum — Formerly called "Great Food Dish", because it used to serve as the central dining facility for the Mountain Of Attention.

Darshan Adytum
Darshan Adytum

Darshan Adytum
(click to enlarge)

View of eventh Gate Shrine and Bright Behind Me from Darshan Adytum
View of Seventh Gate Shrine and Bright Behind Me
from Darshan Adytum

Darshan Adytum
Adi Da with devotees, in front of Darshan Adytum, 1975. Land Bridge Pavilion is in the background.

Adi Da with devotees, in front of Darshan Adytum, 1975.
Land Bridge Pavilion is in the background.
(click to enlarge)

Land Bridge Pavilion — A large Communion Hall and one of the most used meeting places at the Mountain Of Attention. Adi Da offered devotees hundreds of Darshan and Discourse occasions here.

Adi Da sitting with devotees in Land Bridge  Pavilion in 1986
Adi Da sitting with devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion in 1986

Adi Da sitting with devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion in 1986
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da talking to devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion, 2005
Adi Da talking to devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion, 2005

Adi Da in Land Bridge Pavilion: November 4, 2005
Adi Da in Land Bridge Pavilion
November 4, 2005

musical performance, Land Bridge Pavilion: August, 2005
musical performance by concert pianist Katya Grineva
Land Bridge Pavilion, August, 2005

Adi Da's entrance to Land Bridge Pavilion
Adi Da's entrance to Land Bridge Pavilion

Adi Da's entrance to Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da's entrance to Land Bridge Pavilion
Adi Da's entrance to Land Bridge Pavilion

Adi Da's entrance to Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

Presentation for devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion
Presentation for devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion

Presentation for devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

Presentation for devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion
Presentation for devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion

Presentation for devotees in Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

New 25 foot screen (showing Adi Da's Geome One) at Land Bridge Pavilion
New 25 foot screen (showing Adi Da's Geome One) at Land Bridge Pavilion

New 25 foot screen (showing Adi Da's Geome One) at Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

Devotees watching a sacred fire puja on the new 25 foot screen
Devotees watching a sacred fire puja on the new 25 foot screen

Devotees watching a sacred fire puja on the new 25 foot screen
(click to enlarge)

The Murti of Adi Da at the front of Land Bridge Pavilion
The Murti of Adi Da at the front of Land Bridge Pavilion

The Murti of Adi Da at the front of Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

Land Bridge Pavilion
Oak tree on the hill above Land Bridge Pavilion

Oak tree on the hill above Land Bridge Pavilion
(click to enlarge)

Chanting Springs

Chanting Springs
Chanting Springs

Chanting Springs (center)
Chanting Springs (center)

Chanting Springs (center)
(click to enlarge)

Temple Adi Da — Formerly known as "Western Face Cathedral".

Temple Adi Da: Adi Da's Entrance at the rear of the Temple
Adi Da's Entrance at the rear of the Temple

Temple Adi Da:
Adi Da's Entrance at the rear of the Temple
(click to enlarge)

Temple Adi Da: "Meditation and Puja Always in Progress. Silence Please. Om Ma Da."
Temple Adi Da (front):
"Meditation and Puja Always in Progress. Silence Please. Om Ma Da."

Temple Adi Da (front)
Temple Adi Da (front)

Temple Adi Da in the snow
Temple Adi Da (side view) in the snow

Temple Adi Da and Plain Talk Chapel
Temple Adi Da and Plain Talk Chapel

Temple Adi Da and Plain Talk Chapel
(click to enlarge)

Plain Talk Chapel — While most devotees meditate in Temple Adi Da, Adi Da set aside the neighboring Plain Talk Chapel for those devotees who, in meditation, tend to have noisy kriyas (bodily movements, vocalizations, etc. that arise when the natural bodily energies are stimulated by Adi Da's Spiritual Transmission), which might disturb other meditators if they weren't in a separate hall.

Plain Talk Chapel in winter
Plain Talk Chapel in winter

Adi Da's Art on Plain Talk Chapel, Da Purnima Celebration (July 27, 2013)
Adi Da's Art on Plain Talk Chapel
Da Purnima Celebration (July 27, 2013)

Adi Da's Art on Plain Talk Chapel
Da Purnima Celebration (July 27, 2013)

(click to enlarge)

Adi Da's Art on Plain Talk Chapel, Da Purnima Celebration (July 27, 2013)
Adi Da's Art on Plain Talk Chapel

Adi Da's Art on Plain Talk Chapel
(click to enlarge)

Fear-No-More Zoo / Sacred Camel Gardens — For more, visit the Fear-No-More Zoo website. Sacred Camel Gardens offers occasional "Retreats Among Camels"; check our Special Events section.



full page link
If video won't play in place, refresh the page and try again. Or you can click "full page link" (above).
length: 08:24
views: 7084
A "Fear-No-More Zoo" historical compilation that includes pictures of Fear-No-More Zoo (at The Mountain Of Attention), audio clips of Adi Da speaking about the "non-humans", and pictures and video footage of Adi Da Blessing and interacting with the non-humans.

video production, camera work, and editing: David Baumbach
narrator: Wes Vaught
music:
John Wubbenhorst, Transcendental Veranda
Ray Lynch, Ralph's Rhapsody
Thomas Newman, Star Machine

Thanks to the many photographers, videographers, and audio recorders who created the archival photographs, video clips, and audio clips over the years.

Additional video footage: Robert Wessel

Special thanks to Matt Barna.

For more about Fear-No-More Zoo, visit the Fear-No-More Zoo site.

Sacred Camel Gardens
Sacred Camel Gardens

Sacred Camel Gardens
(click to enlarge)

Sacred Camel Gardens
Sacred Camel Gardens

Sacred Camel Gardens
(click to enlarge)

Sacred Camel Gardens
Sacred Camel Gardens

Sacred Camel Gardens
(click to enlarge)

Sacred Camel Shrine
Sacred Camel Shrine

Sacred Camel Shrine
(click to enlarge)

Peaceful Baba (who has always shown a spiritual sensitivity to Adi Da)
Peaceful Baba (who has always shown a spiritual sensitivity to Adi Da)

Peaceful Baba (who has always shown
a spiritual sensitivity to Adi Da: more here)
(click to enlarge)

A baby camel at the Lake of Radical Understanding
A baby camel at the Lake of Radical Understanding

A baby camel at the Lake of Radical Understanding
(click to enlarge)

Sanctuary turkeys
Sanctuary turkeys

Sanctuary turkeys
(click to enlarge)

Sanctuary turkeys
Sanctuary turkeys

Sanctuary turkeys
(click to enlarge)


full page link
If video won't play in place, refresh the page and try again. Or you can click "full page link" (above).
length: 23:12
This documentary shows the development of the cooperative process between camels and people that fosters the spiritual growth of both cultures.

We welcome you to find out more at sacredcamelgardens.com.


 
Daji Megan Fear-No-More

Daji Megan Fear-No-More — Until the early 1980's, a German Shepherd named Megan lived with Adi Da at The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary. Adi Da loved him dearly, and it soon became obvious that Megan wished only to serve his Spiritual Master as devoted friend and protector. He did so for nearly eight years. Daji Megan's burial site is at the entrance to Fear-No-More Zoo, a tangible sign of his guardianship.

   


Tall Animals Land — A beautiful, forested area of the Sanctuary. The first puja was performed here on March 25, 1980.

Bright Behind Me — Houses the American Trickster Library (which contains Adi Da's summary comprehension of all traditions of human knowing and endeavor Revealed via His Seven Schools of God-Talk); and the Sacred Archives of Adidam. It was built on the site of the original Bright Behind Me Temple, which was lost to fire. Devotees still wear a bead (on their mala) that contains ash from the original Bright Behind Me (Adi Da's original residence at the Mountain Of Attention), as a reminder of their personal responsibility for Adi Da's Sanctuaries and every aspect of His work for the liberation of all beings.

Bright Behind Me
Bright Behind Me

Bright Behind Me
(click to enlarge)

Devotees on the lawn in front of Seventh Gate: Bright Behind Me is behind them, and Seventh Gate is to the left (not in picture)
Devotees on the lawn in front of Seventh Gate.
Bright Behind Me is behind them and Seventh Gate is to the left (not in picture).

Devotees on the lawn in front of Seventh Gate.
Bright Behind Me is behind them and Seventh Gate is to the left.
(click to enlarge)

Bright Behind Me
Bright Behind Me

Bright Behind Me
(click to enlarge)

Bright Behind Me
Bright Behind Me

Bright Behind Me
(click to enlarge)

Bright Behind Me at sunset in July, 2019
Bright Behind Me at sunset in July, 2019

Bright Behind Me at sunset in July, 2019
(Seventh Gate Shrine is on the left)
(click to enlarge)


The Geyser — One of the original springs from the Seigler Springs resort.

The Geyser
The Geyser

The Geyser: The original "Seigler Springs Resort" sign is still there!
The Geyser: the original "Seigler Springs Resort" sign is still there!

The Geyser: the original "Seigler Springs Resort" sign is still there!
(click to enlarge)

Goat's Wool BlanketQuarters for Sanctuary residents.

Spirit VaseQuarters for Sanctuary residents.

Earth Keeper — The Sanctuary carpentry shop.

Middle Phase Chief

Pile of PolesQuarters for devotee retreatants on the Sanctuary.

Pile of Poles
Pile of Poles Retreat Quarters

Pile of Poles Retreat Quarters
(click to enlarge)

[Being on retreat is an excellent circumstance for transcending the illusion of identification with the "pile of poles":] The cells of the body are like simple organisms, amoebas, little creeps in the swamp, perhaps more highly organized but basically the same guys. Your body is just a pile of those guys, the same guys that have only learned through the vast eons of evolutionary time how to organize themselves in relation to one another and to specialize their tasks. They are not conscious. They are a mechanical breed, a potential within this particular kind of gross manifestation

You are just a stack of these guys, a pile of poles, which are related to one another not as conscious entities but as mechanical entities, little computers, little robots, each one of which is nothing much more than a little bug, a little slimy character living in the medium of water, which is basically the body's composition.They permit the Transcendental Being, the Living Consciousness, the Divine Personality, to have a vehicle of manifestation, but if that Divine Personality forgets Its own Condition and no longer recognizes this pile of poles, this mound of creeps, then the mound of creeps becomes "I", begins to command the Living God and cause the Living One to conceive of Itself as the ego, as the individuated personality necessarily limited and bound by the mounds of individuated slime out of which manifest existence is composed.

Avatar Adi Da Samraj, Chapter 2, The Dreaded Gom-Boo



Home Dance — Home Dance was for many years the laundry facility of the Sanctuary (hence the name), until it was expanded and transformed into a retreat facility for devotees. It is now permanently heated with hydronic flooring. Hot water from Holy Cat Grotto is constantly flowing under the floor boards, providing radiant heat.

Home Dance Retreat Quarters
Home Dance Retreat Center

Quiet Dogs — In 1974, at Adi Da's request, Quiet Dogs was purchased to be part of the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary. "Quiet Dogs" derives its name from the fact that the previous owner of Quiet Dogs had noisy dogs that were disturbing the quiet of the Sanctuary, a principal reason why Adi Da asked that devotees purchase the property. For members of the First and Second Congregation, meditation and service retreats are open all year round at Quiet Dogs for any length of time. Service retreats for members of the Third Congregation are offered on a case by case basis depending on the devotee's skills and the services needed on the Mountain Of Attention.

Quiet Dogs Retreat Center
Quiet Dogs Retreat Center

Quiet Dogs burnt to the ground in the Valley Fire of 2015.

The Valley Fire at the Mountain Of Attention
Where Quiet Dogs once stood

Where Quiet Dogs once stood — September 12-14, 2015. (© ASA)



Mother's Bed — A beautiful lake where Adi Da liked to swim and gather with devotees.

Mother's Bed
Mother's Bed

Adi Da with devotees: Mother's Bed
Adi Da with devotees on the platform in the middle
of Mother's Bed: July 7, 1982

Adi Da with devotees on the platform
in the middle of Mother's Bed: July 7, 1982
(click to enlarge)

Adi Da in a kayak in Mother's Bed
Adi Da in a kayak in Mother's Bed

Sitting on the school steps
Children boating on Mother's Bed
at the Mountain Of Attention
(click to enlarge)

Mothers Bed
Mother's Bed
(click to enlarge)

The Man of "Radical" Understanding — The public retreat center for the Mountain Of Attention. On October 28, 1995, Adi Da visited the Man Of "Radical" Understanding Retreat Center with a few devotees. He Empowered the communion hall and sat in the retreat house.

The Man of 'Radical' Understanding Retreat Center
The Man of "Radical" Understanding Retreat Center

The Lake of 'Radical' Understanding
The Lake of "Radical" Understanding

First Room Theater Site at the Man of 'Radical' Understanding
First Room Theater Site
at The Man of "Radical" Understanding
(click to enlarge)

First Room Theater Site at the Man of 'Radical' Understanding
First Room Theater Site
at The Man of "Radical" Understanding
(click to enlarge)


Fresh Milk — The Adidam Bookstore at the Mountain Of Attention (open to the public).

Fresh Milk (outside)
Fresh Milk (outside)

Fresh Milk (outside)
Fresh Milk (outside)

Fresh Milk (inside)
Fresh Milk (inside)

Fresh Milk visitors
Fresh Milk visitors

Fresh Milk visitors
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk visitor
Fresh Milk visitor

Fresh Milk visitor
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk visitors
Fresh Milk visitors

Fresh Milk visitors
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk visitors
Fresh Milk visitors

Fresh Milk visitors
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk visitors
Fresh Milk visitors

Fresh Milk visitors
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk visitors
Fresh Milk visitors

Fresh Milk visitors
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk visitors
Fresh Milk visitors

Fresh Milk visitors
(click to enlarge)

Fresh Milk at night, December, 2012.
Fresh Milk at night, December, 2012

Fresh Milk at night, December, 2012
(click to enlarge)


Celebration Gate

another entrance to the Sanctuary
Celebration Gate
(an entrance to the Sanctuary near Fresh Milk)

the same entrance in winter
Celebration Gate in winter

A wild turkey on the path, heading up toward the gate
A wild turkey on the path, heading up toward the gate

A wild turkey on the path, heading up toward Celebration Gate
(click to enlarge)

The gate, looking outward
Celebration Gate, looking outward

Celebration Gate, looking outward
(click to enlarge)

Celebration Gate during the Celebration of Danavira Mela (202)
Celebration Gate during the Celebration of Danavira Mela (2020)

Celebration Gate during the Celebration of Danavira Mela (2020)
(click to enlarge)


Celebration Gate during a Celebration
Celebration Gate during a Celebration

Celebration Gate during a Celebration
(click to enlarge)


Great Food Dish — The primary kitchen and dining facility for The Mountain Of Attention. Formerly known as "First People".

First People: June, 2017
Great Food Dish: June, 2017

Great Food Dish: June, 2017
(click to enlarge)

Great Food Dish (in the snow)
Great Food Dish (in the snow)

Adi Da making cookies in Great Food Dish
Adi Da making cookies in Great Food Dish (December 23, 1995)

Adi Da making cookies in Great Food Dish
Adi Da making cookies in Great Food Dish

Inside Great Food Dish
Inside Great Food Dish

Inside First People: a picture of Adi Da as a young man, <BR>working in a similar kitchen in the Catskills
On a wall of Great Food Dish: a picture of Adi Da as a young man,
working in a kitchen similar to Great Food Dish in the Catskills

On a wall of Great Food Dish: a picture of Adi Da as a young man,
working in a similar kitchen in the Catskills
(click to enlarge)

devotees eating outside Great Food Dish
devotees eating outside Great Food Dish

devotees eating outside Great Food Dish
(click to enlarge)

Cabins on the CircleCabins for some of the Sanctuary residents.

Cabins on the Circle
Cabins on the Circle

Cabins on the Circle: February, 2011
Cabins on the Circle (February, 2011)
with Huge Helper in the distance

Cabins on the Circle (February, 2014)
Cabins on the Circle (February, 2014)

Cabins on the Circle (February, 2014)
(click to enlarge)

Cabins on the Circle (February, 2014)
Cabins on the Circle (February, 2014)

Cabins on the Circle (February, 2014)
(click to enlarge)


5. Books

In this subsection, we provide a partial list of books compiled from Adi Da's Instruction to devotees, while He was living at the Mountain Of Attention.


6. Stories From The Mountain Of Attention

Below are stories from devotees about Adi Da's Work. Each story took place — either entirely or in part — at the Mountain Of Attention.

 
Earth-Fire Temple

The Miracle in the Garden: Adi Da's Empowerment of the First Holy Site — During her first weeks of coming to Avatar Adi Da in 1974, Ruchiradama Nadikanta broke many things, including a plaster statue of the Virgin Mary that belonged to Avatar Adi Da. At the same time, she was also in charge of the vegetable garden being planted at The Mountain Of Attention, and this too was problematic. Nothing would grow! For this reason, Avatar Adi Da decided (as He later put it) "to show her something".

   
 

The Hole in the Universe: The Sacred Empowerment of Red Sitting Man Fire Site — In 1979, Avatar Adi Da created and consecrated a holy site at the Mountain Of Attention called Red Sitting Man. It was there, in July of that year, that He Initiated devotees into sacramental worship of Him in the form of fire. Fire is one of the most powerful elemental symbols of the Divine — a sign of Spirit, Light, and purification. Ann Rogers recalls the potency of the occasion in initiating her recognition of Avatar Adi Da as the Divine Person.


Ann Rogers
 
Laura deBaun

The Guardian Owls: The Empowered Protection of Earth-Fire Temple — At Earth-Fire Temple, an elemental outdoor Holy Site at the Mountain Of Attention, the squirrels would messily eat the flower offerings every day. Laura deBaun tells how Adi Da worked via Empowered animal fetishes to protect this sacred Temple while also blessing the squirrels.
 
A Touch of the Divine: A Miraculous Healing at Ordeal Bath Lodge — Ann Walsh and Katinka van Dam tell the story of a miraculous healing that occurred spontaneously during a sacramental event at Ordeal Bath Lodge, a Holy Site/healing Temple at the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary.

Katinka van Dam and Ann Walsh
 
The Peach

The Peach — In July 1978, Avatar Adi Da Samraj invited the children of Mound Builder Free School to a devotional occasion at the Mountain Of Attention. This is the story of how Adi Da reads the mind and heart of one young devotee with a strong desire.
         
   
An Immense Burden Had Been Lifted from Me Toni Vidor tells a story (that took place in Ordeal Bath Lodge) of the impact of Adi Da's Spiritual Transmission on her: "When it was finally over, I felt as if an immense burden — eighty tons of whatever it was I had been carrying around all my life without even realizing it — had been lifted from me."

Toni Vidor
   
         
   
Fire near the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary

Look the Fire in the Eye — On September 17, 1979, a hot and dry day, fire threatened the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary. Ben Fugitt, a devotee caretaker of the Sanctuary, noticed the initial tuft of smoke, and sprang into action. He soon discovered that the fire was out of control, and heading on a direct line for the Sanctuary. He never anticipated the adventure Adi Da would involve him in that day.

   
         
   
Garbage and the Goddess — Newcomers to The Mountain Of Attention during the first half of 1974 found themselves entering a place of Divine Power. They became immersed in a sea of energy, visions, and other psychic experiences, awakened through contact with the Spirit-Force of Adi Da Samraj. But, as their stories show, what was fundamentally occurring was the utter and overwhelming Revelation of Real God — and, therefore, of the true Nature and Power of Avatar Adi Da.

   
         
   
Leroy Stilwell

"What Difference Does It Make How I Choose to Respond?" — Leroy Stilwell recounts a conversation with Adi Da about potential possession by a demon.
   
         
   
Saving a Life in Future Time — Adi Da teaches devotee Hellie Kalogeros the Heimlich maneuver so that she can save the life of her child a few days later.
Hellie Kalogeros
   
         
   
Leroy Stilwell

When There Is Surrender — An account of Leroy Stilwell's first direct, tangible experience of Avatar Adi Da's Spiritual Transmission.
   
         
   
The First Celibacy Consideration — In the summer of 1979, Adi Da began to talk about celibacy. He suggested that if we cut out our “middle class indulgence” in coupling, perhaps we would be able to really get down to the spiritual practice. James Steinberg describes where the consideration went from there.
James Steinberg
   
         
   
Remember the Mystery in Which You Live

Remember the Mystery in Which You Live — In Land Bridge Pavilion, Avatar Adi Da Samraj responds to a young boy who wants to know how he can stop being "righteous".

   
         
   
The Way That I Teach — Adi Da's 1975 essay.

The Way That I Teach
   
         
   
Kathleen Ewart

Reality as Happiness as Avatar Adi Da Samraj an account by Kathleen Ewart of recognizing Avatar Adi Da Samraj as all-pervading Happiness.

   
         
   
"And Who Is a Master?" — a conversation between Crane Kirkbride and Adi Da Samraj about the difference between the Divine Self-Realizer and God.

Crane Kirkbride
   
         
   

Tom Closser


Everything Bows To The Divine Lord — Tom Closser: "There were very full arrangements of flowers on both sides of His seat. The flowers literally bent toward Him, obviously acknowledging His Presence as were the other devotees in the room."
   
         
   
My 2017 Visit to the Manner of Flowers — Longtime devotee Aniello Panico describes his visit to the Manner of Flowers, Adi Da's Residence at the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary in Northern California, on Aniello's 82nd birthday.

My 2017 Visit To the Manner Of Flowers
   

7. Miscellaneous


Seigler Hot Springs, 1947
Seigler Hot Springs, 1947
  Before It Was the Mountain Of Attention — Before it became the Mountain Of Attention, the land now associated with this Sanctuary had served as a popular hot springs resort called Seigler Hot Springs (Seigler Springs, for short). Here is a brief recount of that history, along with an album of historical photos.

Happy 40th Anniversary!January 23, 2014 was the 40th Anniversary of Adi Da setting foot at the Mountain Of Attention.
 

Happy 40th Anniversary!
the Mountain Of Attention, 1974


The Valley Fire at the Mountain Of Attention   The Valley Fire at the Mountain Of Attention — In September, 2015, a devastating fire (called the "Valley Fire") swept through a large area of Lake County, California, with extraordinary speed, burning virtually everything in its path, before 4,000+ firefighters finally succeeded in containing it. Miraculously, the core temples, archives, and residences of The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary were untouched. However, several outlying buildings and holy sites were destroyed; and the homes of many devotees living near the Sanctuary were also lost.

The Mountain Of Attention Coloring Book — A fun and educational activity-book for children ages 3–10. Features a full-color cover and 22 drawings of the Holy Sites of The Mountain Of Attention. Also includes stories about Adi Da Samraj's relationship to each of these special places. Available from The Dawn Horse Press.
 

The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary of Adidam Coloring Book



NEXT SANCTUARY: Da Love-Ananda Mahal

 

FOOTNOTES
 
[1]

"Letting Go Mountain" is Adi Da's name for Seigler Mountain.

 
[2]

Originally the path connecting the two holy sites (Skyway Temple and Earth-Fire Temple) was a rhythmic curve representing the kundalini and the conductivity between the male center and the female center. Adi Da has talked about the autonomic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system associated with the Tree of Life and the women’s site as the "muladhara" or bodily base. So esoterically, the two sites together represent the whole body. (Thanks to Judith Parkinson for this information.)

   


RETURN TO "SANCTUARIES"



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Incredibly Blessed By Adi Da’s Loving Grace 💝
I visited there in 1996. A very powerful and magical place!❤
This is a wonderful page, Chris. Thanks for keeping tabs on Bhagavan Adi Da’s history at the Mountain Of Attention.

My first Darshan was at Seventh Gate during the 25th Anniversary Jubilee in April, 1997. I was invited on a service retreat to landscape and build a pathway and install a lawn at Bright Behind Me upon Beloved Adi Da’s request. I was told that He wanted a lawn there. He wanted to see green instead of the lifeless brown appearance there.

It was truly a wonderful period of Grace showered upon devotees. I’m sure I’ve read your leelas of that occasion.

Through the subsequent years, I was invited to serve with Mo, Kate, Fred and Gardenia as we all participated in the design, fundraising and installation of the Flagstone pathway from All Eyes Gate on down into the Sanctuary, and the marble Temple at Seventh Gate.

I have been fully Graced to be allowed to serve Beloved Adi Da’s Holy Temples, House and grounds on the entire sanctuary. The Mountain Of Attention and the culture of Adidam devotees is my sole purpose for living in Lake County (California) and I am eternally grateful to Beloved Adi Da for having invited me in and allowing me to serve Him personally in His Divine Domain!! ❤️🙏🏽💫
Hi, Allister -- Certain parts of the Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary are open to the public (The Man Of Radical Understanding Retreat Center, The Adidam Bookstore, etc.) In general, though, access to the Sanctuaries is restricted to devotees, for a very good reason: these are Empowered Sanctuaries not merely tourist attractions; and their Spiritual Empowerment can be diluted or even lost altogether if those visiting the Sanctuaries are not devotees with a history of practicing devotion to Adi Da's Transmission — it is that practice, done throughout one's visit to the Sanctuary, that "fans the flame" and keeps the Sanctuary Empowered. For more about this, read out article, Visiting the Empowered Sanctuaries.
Beautiful photos - are we able to visit ? I think the same about Fiji - would be great if all could visit....
I was fortunate to be at the Mountain of Attention a few weeks ago for 12 days. It was very beautiful and powerful. Beloved Adi Da's presence is so tangible, sweet and magical. He is manifesting Divinity! I had lots of powerful devotional and psychic experiences there, really felt my practice was growing by leaps and bounds. I saw many devotee friends from the '90's when I was a student in Seattle, so that was awesome. I encourage any of you to go on retreat if you can. I am in the Third Congregation and it was a service retreat. I wasn't able to go to a lot of the events, meditations, etc. due to health issues, so I pretty much had total flexibility, which worked for me. I did some service (wish I could have done more) which is a privilege and a joy — to serve other devotees. In the Great Tradition, what I had learned as a Hare Krsna is that serving devotees of Krsna is the most pleasing, the most auspicious thing you can do, because Krsna may not be so concerned about having himself served, but if you serve His devotees, whom He loves with all His Heart, that is most pleasing. Just like if you do something for my child or dearest friend, I am more touched by that than if you do something for me. So I totally felt the beauty of the Adidam community and the Blessings of being with people who love Adi Da and who spent time in close proximity to Him, his lovers, friends and family. Thank you for this incredible Blessing and Opportunity.
Thank you Adi Da for All in All!
Such a remarkably Beautiful and Sacred Sanctuary. . . Many happy and profound hours spent there over the years. Check out (in the article, "Before It Was The Mountain Of Attention", in Section 7 above) the early history from resort to Yogaville West to the pristine space it is now through the work of Adi Da. . . amazing transformation in time and space.
I dream to go there.
What a fantastic place
Happy Anniversary Beloved. I love You!
So sweet to celebrate. . . I'm so grateful.
Each foot step you took
Across the sweet mountain land
Echoes in my heart.
The last time I was at The Mountain Of Attention, the entire foreground was a dirt and gravel road. It is easy to not realize the incredible work by many, many devoted people to make what you see possible.
All Praise to our Beloved Bhagavan Adi Da, and deepest, unending gratitude to Him for His Establishment of the unique and unprecedented Treasure of so many Empowered Sanctuaries and Holy Sites throughout the Globe, beginning 40 years ago today with The Mountain Of Attention Sanctuary - His Abode when first I laid my head at His Radiant Blessing Feet there, thirty-nine years, one month and twenty-one days ago today!
A Most Beautiful and BLESSED LOKA!
This is such a beautiful collage of photos, memories, videos, and Darshan... thank you!
Quotations from and/or photographs of Avatar Adi Da Samraj used by permission of the copyright owner:
© 2024 Copyrighted materials used with the permission of The Avataric Samrajya of Adidam Pty Ltd, as trustee for The Avataric Samrajya of Adidam. All rights reserved. None of these materials may be disseminated or otherwise used for any non-personal purpose without the prior agreement of the copyright owner. ADIDAM is a trademark of The Avataric Samrajya of Adidam Pty Ltd, as Trustee for the Avataric Samrajya of Adidam.

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