Ashram 2

[Tammara Freimark]

TheSanskrit noun āśrama- is a thematic nominal derivative from the root śrami 'toil' (ḱremh2, cf. śramaṇa) with the prefix ā 'towards.'[4] An ashram is a place where one strives towards a goal in a disciplined manner. Such a goal could be ascetic, spiritual, yogic or any other.[5]

An ashram would traditionally, but not necessarily in contemporary times, be located far from human habitation, in forests or mountainous regions, amidst refreshing natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and meditation. The residents of an ashram regularly performed spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of yoga. Other sacrifices and penances, such as yajnas, were also performed.[6] Many ashrams also served as gurukulas, residential schools for children under the guru-shishya tradition.

Sometimes, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Ramayana, the princes of ancient Ayodhya, Rama, and Lakshmana, go to Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of Ravana. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of divine weapons. In the Mahabharata, Krishna, in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sandipani to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.[citation needed]

Boarding schools, especially in the tribal areas of Maharashtra and elsewhere in India, are called ashram shala or ashram schools. One such school is the Lok Biradari Prakalp Ashram Shala.[7][8]

A number of ashrams have been established outside India. Typically, these ashrams are connected to Indian lineages,[9] focus on imparting Yoga-related teachings, often in residential retreats, and are headed by spiritual teachers (Indians or Western).

An ashram is the name traditionally given to a spiritual hermitage or a Hindu monastery. It can be used to describe the place where a spiritual or religious guru and their disciples live. The term may also be used to describe the community of people who reside in such a place.

Ashrams have existed in India for thousands of years. They are mostly associated with Hinduism, although other religions, including Christianity, have also adopted the model of the ashram as a spiritual retreat or residence. Historically, ashrams were located in remote places, well away from the rest of the community. They would often be in beautiful rural locations, such as forests or mountain ranges, with the natural surroundings to enhance the spiritual practices taking place there.

Although ashrams are generally considered as places to find spiritual peace and tranquility, they were also sometimes used as places for instruction in other disciplines such as martial arts. They also sometimes functioned as schools for the children of gurus.

These days, ashrams are not necessarily in such remote places, and a religious or spiritual guru and his/her disciples may choose any location to live. Usually representing a return to a simpler way of living with a focus on awakening and finding meaning in life, modern day ashrams have been established in the West in places such as Virginia, New York and Canada. They also are often still within the Indian lineage and they tend to focus on yoga. There, yogis who wish to deepen their practice and knowledge, may study the scriptures, meditate, practice yoga and perform karma yoga duties.

Ashram first appeared in English in the early 1900s and gained traction after Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi founded his famous ashrams at Sabarmati near Ahmadabad and at Sevagram near Wardha. The word ashram derives from a Sanskrit word, "srama," which means "religious exertion." Later in the 20th century, English speakers broadened the term "ashram" to encompass any sort of religious retreat, regardless of denomination. In addition to practicing yoga and meditation, attendees may also receive instruction from a religious teacher and do some type of manual or mental work during their stay at the ashram.

My best friend Beatrice and I arrived at the lush palm-tree filled campus of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram late on a Saturday night. We could have reached there hours earlier, but we'd heard about the ashram's dietary restrictions so we stopped at roadside stands to carbo-load with hot naan--Indian style bread-- en route.Although I've lived in India for nearly three years, I haven't explored the \"spiritual\" side of the country. Our yoga teacher in Delhi recommended this spot because he had trained there and respected its commitment to yoga and meditation, and raved about its beautiful location in India's southern state of Kerala.Two signs greeted Beatrice and me, after we walked up the steep cement steps to the entrance.The first which said, \"Be Good, Do Good, Be Kind, Be Compassionate\" inspired me to be a better person.The second warned of shoe theft throughout the center. \"If you must wear shoes consider wearing shoes you are NOT attached to,\" it read. This inspired me to question what types of characters frequented the ashramWe waited at the check-in counter for several minutes before a slightly grouchy man greeted us. We tried to win him over with our enthusiasm and bright smiles. He was seemingly unimpressedAn ashram can be an intimidating place for the uninitiated. Do I need to be quiet? Serious? Is my yoga practice strong enough? Will I survive on just two vegetarian meals a dayWe were told that evening prayers had already begun so we should go to our rooms until morning. After paying the off-season rate of about $20 per night for a two-person shared room with twin beds and bathroom, we were handed our two \"sheets\" (more like sarongs), a pillow about the size and softness of a hard-cover coffee table book, and a mosquito net. Guests are asked to leave their mobile phones at check-in. Internet can be used at designated times.We carried our bags up the short hedge-lined sidewalk to our room. We unpacked our luggage - including our essential supplies of Skoal and a two-foot-long bar of dark chocolate - undeterred by the sign indicating food could attract bugs and critters. Unfortunately, we had forgotten toilet paper and yoga mats which we couldn't purchase until the store opened in the morning.

I learned how to make bread, can tomatoes and peaches, and do some simple gardening in those ashram days (as well as how to do dishes). I also learned a lot about communicating and relating to my ashram brothers and sisters. As well as commitment, discipline, and group consciousness, we learned about communication, patience, and grace.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is derived from ancient yogic wisdom and is intended solely for information and education. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace proper medical care. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any significant modification to your diet or lifestyle.

Sadhguru: What is the purpose of living in an ashram? There are various types of ashrams. People who have not been able to take care of themselves in the outside society, their food or their wellbeing or their housing, they move into certain types of ashrams. Isha Yoga Center is not one of those ashrams. This is an ashram created for a spiritual purpose. Why does one move into an ashram space like this, which is essentially for the spiritual process? What is the ingredient which makes it into that kind of a space? What is the significance and why be in such a space?

The ashram grounds are so large that I become hopelessly lost on the way to my room, but I run into a 24-year-old Canadian named Mike with a decidedly vacant look in his eyes who offers to help me. On the way, he tells me that he has been living in the ashram for a year, which seems, to me, like a very long time to live in an ashram.

I returned to California last week from my 6 month stay at Amritapuri and LOVE what Hank Leukart has written about his experience there. He forgot to mention that at the juice stall a glass of freshly squeezed pineapple juice costs 20 rupies (45 rupies per $).

For some it comes quickly, for others it takes time. 3 years ago I met Amma and just last week in Barcelona my heart opened fully to unconditional love. She is delightful, funny and she helps an awful lot of people who need it. Can't wait to be with her again. Thanks for a great article.

Nice article! Honest and open.

I just had a darshan of Amma earlier this week in San Ramon, CA. I did not channel any earth shattering message, except that just the act of hugging people non-stop without a break is itself an act of love and giving. If that inspires people to be more giving and loving, more power to Amma. Interestingly, my first impression of the San Ramon ashram was that I had wandered into one of the Indian temples with the usual chaotic stalls and people milling around. The cows, fresh flowers etc. were missing, but the food was great. The volunteers were all sweet and helpful.

What to Wear: Some ashrams have a suggested color or clothing type. Most that I have visited or stayed at recommend Sattvik clothing which are light weight, light colors, and modest. Depending on the time of year, layers are a must! Indian style tunics with a scarf, partnered with cotton or yoga pants, transition easily from asana class to meditation, lectures, meals, and even a trip into town. They are easily found on Amazon and in some local stores (in Duluth, I favor Global Village). From my observation, one will want to avoid shorts, capris, tank tops, and very short-sleeve shirts.

Shoes: Bringing 3 pairs worked best for me; a strong sturdy pair for long walks and hikes, a lighter weight pair for tours, visits, or shopping (I brought Merrells, that can easily blend with a dressier outfit) and, of course, a pair of flip flops.

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