0

Comments

There is no doubt that we often need to take a break from the hectic pace of our lives to restore some balance in our lives and give ourselves much needed relaxation. There are many resorts and vacation destinations that cater to this demand and you can easily chose one that suits your requirements perfectly. However, if you want to not only take a break and enjoy yourself, but also want to tend to your body, mind and spirit in a more holistic way, then a yoga ashram is the right place for you.

A yoga ashram is typically a community of yogis headed by a single or a group of enlightened yoga masters. At these ashrams, there are resident yogis who lead their lives in the ashram, having accepted yoga as a way of life rather than fitness or an exercise regimen. A fair share of guests are also allowed to visit and reside at the ashram temporarily to get a glimpse of the yoga life and to avail of the many practices of the ashram that help in restoring their mind, body and spirit equilibrium.

A yoga ashram is typically set in a place surrounded by nature and is usually filled with scenic beauty. Most ashrams have their own gardens, herb gardens and farms and food for the ashram resident and guests is usually cooked from their own homegrown grains, fruits and vegetables. The food cooked generally adheres to the rules laid down by Ayurveda and tends to be vegetarian. A number of open spaces are available for yoga practice where the yoga master can hold yoga lessons for the benefit of students and residents alike. Also, a large number of secluded and quiet places are available for yoga meditation. Many other forms of yoga therapy may also be available at different ashrams. You may be able to get yoga massages at some facilities, while at some you may find yoga chanting as part of the activities.

It is important to know that a yoga ashram in the west is vastly different from the yoga ashrams found in India, which is where Yoga originated over 5000 years ago. The yoga ashrams in India are steeped in tradition and culture of the land of the origin of yoga and its people. Most yogis in Indian ashrams have devoted their life to yoga life and have been a part of the ashram from a very young age and will remain there until they die. Indian ashrams also have their focus on spirituality more than their western counterparts. Western countries have woken up to the benefits of yoga only in the last few decades and are still exploring the physical and psychological benefits of yoga. Whereas, in India, Yoga began as a quest for spiritual oneness with the universe and the quest continues to the modern day. Indian yoga ashrams are also likely to be far more spare and less comfort oriented than western yoga ashrams.