In memoriam - Dakshina Vanzetti

Dakshina Vanzetti, a ballet dancer, artist, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Lodi Ashram, California, passed away on February 17, 2022 at the age of 65. She had been suffering from cancer.

Dakshina was a dear friend and a spiritual sister to many. Her spiritual path first brought her to the Atmaniketan Ashram, but later to the Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham in Lodi, California, where all those who, in The Mother’s words, “wish to serve the Divine” could offer themselves in all their parts and activities in a collective sadhana. She started ‘Auromere’, a commercial undertaking which sold books, shampoo, incense, toothpaste and more and donated 10% of the proceeds to Auroville while the balance supported the Ashram. She also served on the Board of the Foundation for World Education and built Mother’s House for guests visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. “Her dedication and discipline and love of beauty was an inspiration to all who knew her,” wrote Julian Lines. “The last days of her life and her moment of departure were calm, graceful, and filled with the presence of the Divine,” recounts Govinda. “She lived out her final days in the beautiful atmosphere of her own room, and a profound peace enveloped the entire ashram.”

A short video about Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham can be seen at