Spirituality refers to the ultimate reality, an inner path enabling a person to discover his/her inner self. All through the ages man has struggled to find the answers to who am I ? What is the purpose of my existence on earth?
Traditionally, many religions have regarded spirituality as an integral aspect of religious experience. Secular spirituality emphasizes humanistic ideas on qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, responsibility, harmony, and a concern for others, aspects of life and human experience which go beyond a purely materialist view of the world, without necessarily accepting belief in a supernatural reality or divine being
Spiritual practices include meditation, contemplation, prayer, etc. It is with the help of such practices that one can discover oneself. These turn out to be beneficial or necessary for the human fulfillment at every stage of life.
Ashrams were traditionally thought of as austere places of worship and renunciation of world. However now the modern ashrams are the rejuvenation centers where one gets connected to the inner self. They focus on healing and personal growth. My favorite way of describing them is service stations for the body and soul.
Two of my favorite Ashram Retreats are :-
Osho Ashram, Pune
Shree Rajneesh Ashram – Pune, India
Located in Koregaon Park area of Pune, this 32 acre beautiful campus is the ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh. It is a prime attraction for tourists who are followers of Bhagwan Rajneesh ideologies and preaching. It is a resort for meditation and yoga. Regular training programs on spiritual uplift and meditation are conducted in this place. Osho Kundalini meditation, Osho Nadabrahma meditation, Osho dynamic meditation and Osho Nataraj mediation are some of the techniques taught here. The training offers the practice of meditation to get rid of stress and strain from daily life.
Maroon robes are necessary for day time activities and white robes are used for evening meditations. The ashram is open all days throughout the year and does not provide any residential accommodation. There are many accommodations nearby which are in different ranges from budget to luxury.
There is Nulla Park located nearby the Commune. It is an elegant Japanese Zen garden style architecture and offers facilities like swimming pool, rock gardens, decorated wooden pathways and magnificent artificial waterfalls.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
Sri Aurobindo, 1950
This Ashram is located in Pondicherry, a small coastal town 160 km south of Chennai. It is something more than just an ashram. It is a community focused on revolutionary teachings of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo on the 24 November 1926 (Siddhi Day). At that time there were few disciples staying with Sri Aurobindo.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
Thousands of visitors come across the world to visit the ashram. The ashram is open 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. There are no specific disciplines recommended, but rather the practice of internal yoga means that every person should follow whatever spiritual techniques they feel guided to from within.
Ashramites must contribute in some way by working in one or more of the numerous departments in the community. Happiness and oneness are practiced rather than religion. Some of the recommendedaccommodations nearby are…………..
I always feel coming back to life whenever I visit these ashrams and strongly recommend them for distressing.
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