Hoping to experience the best wellness and spiritual growth? Visit a yoga ashram. This place offers a dedicated space where people come from all backgrounds and age groups to seek physical and mental wellbeing. Not just this, it is more than just a retreat that allows you to connect with yourselves and others on a deeper level.
What is an ashram?
An ashram is a spiritual center where people come for spiritual discipline and growth. This imparts a structured environment to escape from distractions and immerse in spiritual pursuits and self-improvement. Yoga ashrams are focused on yoga teachings to help people live a mindful life. Gurus led these ashrams to offer long-rooted wisdom and yoga practices for mental clarity and inner peace.
Visiting a yoga ashram: What should you know?
A yoga ashram provides an environment where everyone can focus on their inner journey freely. From self-introspection and meditation to learning from experienced teachers, you will feel spiritual awakening.
Practicing yoga at the ashram
Yoga ashrams are dedicated to the practice and teaching of yoga. These ashrams provide a space for individuals to immerse themselves in the ancient practice of yoga, both physically and spiritually. In a yoga ashram, you can expect to find daily yoga classes, workshops and retreats led by experienced yoga teachers. The focus is on developing a deep understanding of yoga philosophy, as well as mastering the physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) techniques. Yoga at the ashram often follows a strict daily schedule, which includes early morning meditation, yoga sessions and spiritual techniques.
Eating in the ashram
In an ashram, the diet is an essential aspect of daily life, reflecting the values of compassion, health and spiritual well-being. Most ashrams adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it aligns with the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and respects the interconnectedness of all beings.
A vegetarian diet in an ashram typically includes a wide variety of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. These foods provide rich sources of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Meals are often prepared with love and mindfulness, considering the nutritional needs of individuals and catering to different dietary preferences or restrictions.
Ashram living: Etiquette
As the ashram is a spiritual community and place of spiritual practice, all the guests and visitors must be respectful and modest. Clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is best. Guests are invited to dress in loose, comfortable clothes suitable for warm days and cool evenings. Yoga ashrams discourage promiscuity, harassment and violence. So, you must abide by these ethical guidelines of yoga.
Noise in the yoga ashram
Not all ashrams deem that you take a vow of silence, but some do and there’s no doubt that ashram life is far more peaceful than the householder one. You might chant mantras, but you certainly won’t be listening to loud music. The beauty of visiting an ashram is that you get to take a break from all the external noise so that you can bring your attention to your own internal noise.
Why is it important for every person to visit a yoga ashram at least once?
The yoga ashram serves as sacred container where seekers can embark on a transformative journey of spiritual growth, find support and community, and retreat from the demands of the external world to reconnect with their inner selves. Whether seeking enlightenment, community or solace, an ashram offers a haven for those who are ready to embark on a path of self-discovery and inner transformation.
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