08/28/2026
Opportunity to Realize a Long-held Aspiration of the SASP Community
Residents and guests at Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham (SASP) have long looked at the 30 acres of adjacent land to the east and north (2283 Larson Rd, Lodi, CA) with the hope that it would some day be an integral part of SASP. This was an aspiration that many of us discussed with Dakshina for almost 30 years since the ashram relocated from Southern California. Securing this land would represent a ten-fold increase in the physical footprint of SASP and would help open the way for the long-term fulfillment of SASP’s spiritual mission in furthering the work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in Northern California.
This land was recently put up for sale after the passing of the owner. While the cost is substantial, we believe that now is the right time to take advantage of this opportunity. After due deliberation, the SASP Board of Directors has agreed to enter into negotiations with the seller to purchase the property.
The Land
This land is 30.19 acres of bare farm land, with AG-40 zoning designation. There is a half-finished 4-bedroom home with a septic system and an old trailer on the southeast corner. Included is a domestic and agricultural well. Most importantly, there is direct access to the property from Larson Rd, which would solve many of the access issues that the current property of SASP now has.
The primary intention of purchasing the land is securing the surrounding land
around the main property to provide a buffer to the main ashram compound and relics. Securing the road access is also very important to developing both properties in future. The 4-bedroom home, when finished, could provide accommodation for a resident family, separate from the main ashram compound. The remaining acreage has many different possibilities, including a fruit or nut orchard and/or a naturally restored park with trees. Thinking in the long-term, a conditional use permit for “Religious Assembly” would allow SASP to construct much larger facilities in future including a new, larger hall and kitchen for events and conferences and more substantial guest facilities for both short-term and long-term guests.
The Cost
SASP is currently in the negotiation phase with the sellers, who are the direct heirs of the owner who has passed away. The listing price is 1.3 million dollars and our starting offer was 1 million. We expect a counter offer very soon. We are hopeful that the other party will agree to seller financing.
Financial Support Needed
SASP and Auromere are in strong financial position and according to our projections, would be able to meet monthly obligations on a seller-financed loan. However, financial support would go a very long way in helping to meet a 20-25% requirement for a down payment or even help us to increase the size of the down payment and reduce the long-term liability. Additionally, there will be costs associated with maintaining and cleaning up the property such as the purchase of a tractor and related equipment, and then whatever comes next as far as developing some portion of the property as farm or orchard land, finishing the home, and extending an additional access road to the main ashram compound.
We are grateful for the financial support we have received so far for this purchase but there is still a great need in further financial support to make the deal happen and for developing and maintaining the property after the deal is concluded.
Please note that all charitable donations to the ashram are tax-deductible (for those able to utilize charitable contributions on their tax returns).
