Many spiritual practitioners dream of visiting the ashram. What is it and why do you need to go here? What are the types of ashrams, what is their history? You will learn about all this by reading the article. We will also talk about the five major ashrams of India.
"Ashram" is a word that has several Sanskrit translations. One of the most popular is “a place without pain” (“scar” means “pain” and “a” means “denial”). Indeed, the essence of these communes is getting rid of bad emotions, calming. According to another version, this word in translation means "labor". This is also true, because labor is the basis of life in the commune. Another popular option is the "Hermitage", "solitude."
So, ashrams are training centers of meditation and yoga, educational schools. It gathers sannyasins, practitioners, people who are looking for answers to questions about enlightenment and the meaning of life. For everyone, the Indian ashram is ready to open its doors. What it is, you can better understand by studying the history of these communes.
Ashram History
Ashrams originally appeared around the guru, an enlightened teacher. Over time, the fame of such places began to spread, and pilgrims began to come here. The infrastructure of the camp was created by the students themselves: water production, cooking, construction - all on the shoulders of those who inhabit the ashram.
India is a country that is not without reason associated with spiritual development. They are interested not only in tourists, but also in local residents. Many Indian families still have a tradition of sending children to the ashram. What is this, every child knows. Children are sent here for a while, at least for a couple of months. Here they learn to help others, to work, to improve spiritually.
The Beatles group paved the way to the ashrams for Americans and Europeans, whose members visited the guru Maharashi Mahesh Yogi in 1968. The popularity of travel from this time has steadily increased. In 2005, 15,000 people visited the Indian ashrams, and last year this number more than tripled. India ranked fifth in the world among tourist destinations.
Why do people go to ashrams
Among the pilgrims during the period of economic instability, there were many businessmen. Having earned enough money, they went to the ashram to work on themselves. Ashrams became a real salvation during the global crisis. They accepted many lost their jobs and bewildered residents of various countries of the world. Housing and food are almost free here, so why not go here for the compensation paid upon dismissal, so that we can enjoy some time in nature for the benefit of our body and soul? Of course, the main goal pursued by those who go to the ashrams is spiritual development.
Composition of pilgrims and karma yoga
Ashrams are very diverse in composition. Both international bohemia and ordinary students come here. Any ashram, however, is a place where you can engage in self-improvement and self-knowledge, completely renouncing the worldly fuss. You can take care of animals, work in the greenhouse or in the garden. Some ashrams have schools where you can try yourself as a teacher. The socially useful work that is done here is called karma yoga.
Types of Ashrams
There are thousands of ashrams in India. They are both strictly classical, entirely devoted to spiritual practices and yoga, and democratic, oriented to tourists. Briefly tell about those, and about others.
Classical Ashrams
Classical Indian ashrams are a great place for those who are seriously engaged in spiritual practices and yoga and who find it very important to constantly be among like-minded people, communicate with gurus and meditate. As a rule, living conditions in such places are Spartan, one might even say ascetic. The bedrooms are arranged for 6-10 people, and you have to sleep on the floor on the mattress. Of course, in any hostel, even the most modest, there are always bathrooms and toilets. In some ashrams, those who decide to practice complete silence are given a special badge expressing a desire to renounce.
Ashrams for tourists
Ashrams for tourists are less strict and more comfortable. There are a lot of them, and the most famous are more likely to resemble large cultural centers that have hotels. For example, the center of Osho, known throughout the world, was founded as a classic ashram, but at present it has the status of a meditation resort, where people from all over the world flock. There is a university, a library, Internet lounges, conference rooms and even non-alcoholic bars and discos. But even in such institutions, there is always something that makes them ashrams: a famous guru. Several times a day he appears in public to chat with the pilgrims.
How to get into the ashram
Many of the classic ashrams in India can be visited without prior arrangement. Anyone who knocks on the gate will find a place in the commune. However, if you do not consider yourself a strict ascetic, you are better off calling or chatting with your chosen institution in advance. Large ashrams have sites, and many others have telephones.
If you decide to go to the commune to do yoga, remember that in some centers you need to register for the course in advance. Courses are for both advanced and orientation. By paying for classes, you automatically get a place in a hotel or hostel. Not all establishments have prices for services. However, this does not mean that you do not need to pay for them. Usually you are asked to make a donation, the approximate amount of which you will learn from the ashram resident who will accompany you on the first day. It is usually a small amount.
We invite you to get acquainted with the five main ashrams of India.
Osho Ashram
It is located in Pune (Maharashtra state). This is a very popular Indian ashram (photo of it is presented above). To get here, you need to pay a pass. It will cost you about $ 10 (550 rupees). For this money you can participate in all the meditations of the day. A month of living in an ashram with spending on housing, food, training courses and purchases will cost you between $ 600 and $ 2,000.
This place is a real Mecca for followers of the teachings of Osho (Bhagavan Rajneesh) and esoteric practices. Everyone can sign up for one or more courses - from yoga and meditation to the development of sexual techniques. To get access to the ashram, you need to have a medical certificate with you confirming that you are not sick with AIDS.
Currently, the Karegaon Park district, where this commune is located, is no longer a sparsely populated green area, as it was recently, several decades ago. Banking offices, expensive hotels and various businesses are growing rapidly around the ashram. That is why the prices in this area are so high. If your primary goal is privacy, then the Osho Ashram may disappoint you. A lot of tourists come here. In addition, more than 10 million people live in Pune today. It has long become a major industrial center. However, many people who are interested in the teachings of Osho come to the ashram and stay here for a long time. In the commune you can meet interesting people, meet with gurus, participate in various practices. Of course, the followers of Osho should visit this ashram. Reviews about him are the most positive.
Sai Baba Ashram
It is located in Andhra Pradesh (Puttaparthi). A hotel type room, designed for 2-4 people, can be rented here for $ 2 per day. The Sai Baba Ashram is the most popular among foreigners. A lot of people come here hoping to see the miracles that the gurus seem to be doing. The Sai Baba Ashram is actively involved in charity work. You can come here for a maximum of 60 days.
Aurobindo Ashram
This commune is located in Tamil Nadu (Pondicherry). Staying here will cost you from 2 to 12 dollars a day. According to the founder, this ashram is a real spiritual city. Currently, about 2 thousand people live in it. There is no separate practice or program for visitors in the ashram. The rules that apply to all are the search for harmony and freedom of religion. The main attraction of the ashram is Matrimandir. This is a huge area in which the hall for meditation is located.
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram
In the state of Tamil Nadu (Madras) there is another interesting ashram. Accommodation in it is by agreement. The ashram provides lessons in pranayama, asanas, singing Vedic hymns, as well as individual consultations. You can also get instructions on the philosophy of yoga, meditation and yoga therapy. The ashram does not accept visitors who have not warned of their visit.
The Art of Living Foundation
It is located in the state of Karnataka (Bangalore). Staying here will cost you from 4 to 12 dollars a day. Tuition must be paid separately. An introductory course costs $ 10 (2 pm and 1 day), for $ 20 you can take a course for those who continue. The founder of this ashram is the guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The municipality is actively involved in charitable activities, provides training in meditation and yoga. In the ashram, one can study the system of liberation from toxins and saturate the body with oxygen, as well as take Sudarshan Kriya courses.
Finally
Each person interested in spiritual development, of course, should visit the ashram. What is it, you now know. The ashrams in India are varied and numerous, so everyone will find a place for their liking.
By the way, such communes are not only in India. You can also visit ashrams in Russia. There are not many, but some are worthy of attention. One of the most famous is the Omkar Shiva Dham ashram. It is located in the Omsk region (Okunevo village of the Muromtsevo region).