5 Things You Didn’t Know About Living In An Ashram!
What’s the image that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Ashram’? An antiquated place filled with old-aged people? Well, that’s how an ashram is in most people’s understanding nowadays. There’s an old belief that people who have nothing else to do in their life, have retired or avoiding the world, go and live in such a place.
But this is a far cry from reality, especially at the Isha Yoga Centre. With a shift towards spirituality and understanding life beyond the daily rut, there are millions of people around the world, of all ages and cultures, who are looking forward to spending time here.
Situated at the foothills of Velliangiri hills, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, it is conducive space for self-transformation, where one can dedicate time towards their inner growth.
While thousands from across the world have come here to spend a few days, months, or even their entire lives, it has also become utterly important to bust some myths about the general idea of an ‘ashram’, that may be preventing people taking a step towards their inner well-being.
1. Boring Food!
Food has been the most debated topic amongst people when it comes to Ashram life. It is easy to imagine that people eat no-salt, no-spice, boring food. But not at Isha! Wholesome and yummy, is how we would describe food at Isha yoga center. Volunteers and experienced isha meditators cook and serve food with gratitude. It is a very balanced combination of raw and cooked food. The meals are healthy and easy to digest for the body, which does not leave one feeling sleepy and lethargic after food. Not to mention tasty!
2. Too young for an ashram
This is a misconception from ages that ashrams are designed for retired folks. But one visit to the Isha Yoga centre is enough to completely shatter that image (and how!). While you will find people in their teenage years to their eighties, this place is now teeming with youngsters who have taken some time away from their work to explore life.
Surrounded by beautiful ginormous mountains, the ashram resides a pleasant nature view and many different flowers species. Millions of people from around the world are welcomed here every year. The majority of them youngsters!
3. What do people do?
Isha foundation offers powerful spiritual practices which helps enhance one’s inner well-being to grow inwardly as well as in outer world successfully. Yoga, games, walks and impactful work are part of daily life here, not to mention the warm and jovial community.
Besides yoga, several cultural fest events are celebrated in the presence of prominent personalities around the world. Millions of people globally come in Ashram to celebrated festivals like Mahashivaratri, Guru pournima, Navratri and other festivities.
4. Accommodation
When it comes to stay in Ashram, people think it is uncomfortable and old-fashioned. The resistance to explore the Ashram due to inconvenient accommodation is also the concern that cannot be ignored. Exuding a serene ambience, the accommodation at the Isha Yoga Center welcomes you into a relaxing space that blends rich, earth-tone hues within a simple yet elegant setting. Ranging from dormitory style to individual private rooms, the place is kept spic and span, with plenty of open spaces.
5. It is only meant for religious folks
An ashram is considered a place for only those who are religious. This misconception is becoming a barrier for people to explore different possibilities in life. Isha Yoga Center constitutes with consecrated places like the Dhyanalinga, which does not ascribe to any religion, or rituals. But purely for the evolution of human consciousness, beyond any ideas of religion. It is a unique place where one can achieve health, inner transformation, balance, clarity and much more in a holistic manner.
Its unique energy, structure, and location make the Isha Yoga Center a tremendously powerful space for self-transformation. – Sadhguru