50 Years of Spiritual Community
Kashi takes its name from the ancient city of Varanasi - also known as ‘The City of Light.’
What is an Ashram? Ashram comes from the Sanskrit āśrama, which is rooted in the verb śram, meaning "to exert oneself". We are a place for intentional living, dedicated to spiritual and personal growth. An Ashram is home of the Guru.
At the heart of the ashram flows our symbolic Ganga, a tranquil pond encircled by sacred temples, shrines and mandir honoring many of the world’s spiritual traditions (Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist). Kashi’s temple grounds serve as a sanctuary, where the divine feminine is revered, and the land itself holds a palpable energy. All are welcome here—to rest, to renew, to nourish mind, body and spirit.
Sacred Grounds
Kashi Ashram is a living spiritual community where seekers come to learn, practice, and connect with themselves and the world around them. Whether for a brief visit or a longer stay, all who come share in mindfulness, service, and inner awakening. Guided by a board of directors and a spiritual order of Swamis and monks, Kashi has been a home of learning and love for generations. We are part of a global movement of intentional communities fostering spiritual, social, and environmental consciousness—and everyone is welcome.
Community
At Kashi, we envision a world illuminated by unconditional love -where the heart leads, compassion flourishes, and service connects us. Our mission is simple yet profound: to embrace one heart at a time, offering pathways to an awakened life, as inspired by our Guru. In every gesture, in every moment, we seek to embody the love that awakens the soul.
Lineage
Spiritual Vows
The spiritual vows of our lineage at Kashi includes Acharya Swamis, Swamis, and Monks who are dedicated to guiding and supporting our community in its spiritual journey. They embody the teachings of our tradition through practice, service, and wisdom, serving as living examples of devotion and compassionate leadership. Together, they nurture the spiritual growth of all who come to Kashi with an open heart.
Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at Kashi provides leadership, oversight, and strategic guidance to support the mission and vision of our community. They bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and care, ensuring that our programs, operations, and resources serve the spiritual and communal growth of all who come to Kashi. Working alongside the spiritual body and staff, the board helps sustain and strengthen the foundation of our lineage for generations to come.
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Board President
As an organizational strategist, Ruth supports small nonprofits and small businesses in optimizing operations and building sustainable systems. She retired after 33 years of federal public service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she led national projects in information systems, enterprise operations, and web management, and was recognized with various national awards for innovation and leadership. Today, she applies her expertise in mentoring new leaders, leadership development, organizational development and strategic planning to strengthen community-focused initiatives.
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Vice President
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Treasurer
Joanne Butcher has shaped the careers of more than a hundred independent filmmakers as a Consulting Producer, helping them navigate the business realities that define success in the industry. Her deep experience in fundraising and distribution has supported the completion and release of dozens of feature films, and she has been directly involved in bringing over 27 features to screens around the world.
What sets her apart is the way she empowers artists to evolve into savvy industry professionals - storytellers who not only understand craft, but who can confidently communicate with investors, funders, and distributors. She has supported creators at every stage of their journey, from first-time short film directors to teams building multimillion-dollar productions that attract top-tier talent.
Joanne is a relentless champion for diverse and emerging voices, pushing open doors and dismantling long-standing barriers within the filmmaking ecosystem. Through her leadership, guidance, and industry advocacy, she continues to help filmmakers transform their passion into sustainable careers - ensuring that the stories that need to be told find their audiences, globally.
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Anna Woodman (Supriya Devi Jaya) is a professional commercial interior designer by trade, with twenty-nine years’ experience in her field. She owns and operates her design firm which she started in 2003. Over time she has won national accolades and awards for her work and creativity, and for many years worked with Habitat for Humanity to assist in their model home development for new residents. Known as a leader in her field for her negotiation and project management skills, repeat clients have become a staple over time as they know that devotion and accountability is key to her successful projects. She continues to be a mentor not only in her field, but to many through yoga and practiced meditation groups.
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Swami Laxman Das, John Shinavier, has been ordained since 2007 and brings expertise in clinical psychology, life coaching, and holistic wellness to the Kashi Board. Swami Laxman is the founder and Executive Director of Under the Bridges and On the Street, nonprofits serving Los Angeles County’s homeless population. He has served on numerous boards for over 27 years. He holds an MA in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Communications and has over 1,000 hours of coaching experience helping individuals navigate career and life transitions, including as a death doula. His background in arts, social services, and mind-body modalities equips him to provide thoughtful spiritual guidance and strategic insight to the Board. Swami Laxman is a Registered Yoga Teacher and Kashi Acharya (master teacher in Kali Natha Yoga lineage).
Our Executive Administrative Team
The Executive Admin Team at Kashi ensures the smooth and effective day-to-day operations of our community. They manage programs, events, and communications with dedication and care, supporting both the spiritual body and the wider community. Their work helps create a welcoming and well-organized environment where everyone can engage, learn, and grow.
501c3 Religious Non Profit
Officially incorporated in 1978 under the name Kashi Church Foundation, Inc., our spiritually centered intentional community was created in 1976 by Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati (1941-2012) who sought to embody the words of her guru, Neem Karoli Baba, to “ serve everyone, feed everyone, and love everyone.”
With some organization restructuring since 2020, Kashi continues its spiritual programs, food pantry and welcoming those seeking respit on its temple grounds. As a nonprofit the organization is overseen by a board of directors and an executive management team, with spiritual program & stewardship guided by its council of spiritual elders. The organization regularly participates with numerous interfaith, charitable, and community building associations: Holistic Centers Network, Association for Spiritual Integrity, Indian River Cares Association, and Indian River Chamber of Commerce. Kashi Church is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.