Ashram Life: A Journey Inward

Have you ever craved silence? The real kind of silence where you take a break from everything you do – your household chores, family, job, and just focus on your inner self. That’s what a life in an ashram is about: a world far from the noise, where days are slower, simpler, and surprisingly transformative.

What Exactly Is an Ashram?

An ashram is not a vacation spot. It’s a spiritual retreat, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, where people go to reflect, meditate, and reconnect with themselves. No distractions, no fancy amenities, and certainly no scrolling. Just mindfulness, intention, and living with a like-minded community.

A Day in the Ashram

Life in an ashram is structured, but not rigid. The day starts early, around 4:30 AM, a bell rings softly through the dormitories. The morning begins with a little prayer, meditation, followed by yoga as the sun rises. There’s no rush, no rat race. Everyone moves at their own pace focusing on their breath and the present moment.

Breakfast is simple: warm porridge, fresh fruit, herbal tea. It’s eaten in silence, and surprisingly, that silence makes the food taste richer. Without distraction, every bite feels like a prayer.

Afternoons are devoted to seva – selfless service. It could be sweeping the courtyard, tending to the garden, feeding animals, or helping in the kitchen. These acts, though small, feel grounding. You become mindful of everything around you and you are meditative in motion.

Evenings bring satsang — a spiritual talk, chanting, or a discourse from a guru. The sound of a harmonium makes the background very serene. Afterward, dinner is served – light and nourishing, maybe a simple khichdi or warm lentils with rice. You eat slowly, in silence, sometimes under the open sky. No screens, no notifications. Just food, stars, and shared presence.

By 9:30 pm or 10 pm, the ashram is asleep. No nightlife, no distractions. Just the sound of crickets and the occasional breeze. You crawl into your bed with a still mind, perhaps with a Sanskrit verse still echoing gently in your thoughts.

What Ashram Life Teaches You

At first, the silence is loud. Your thoughts chatter like a radio in the background. But slowly, something begins to shift. The inner noise fades. The breath slows. You begin to notice the birds, the rustling trees, even your own heartbeat.

Ashram life teaches you that peace isn’t something you find – it’s something you uncover, once everything else is peeled away.

The Challenges

Letting go is not easy. The first few days without your phone or without talking much can feel like withdrawal. You miss your playlists, your lattes, your memes. But once the itch fades, what remains is a raw, unfiltered presence. And it’s beautiful. It’s the beginning of something authentic.

Is It Recommended? Yes..

Even imagining it feels like a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re seeking clarity, a digital detox, or just a getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, ashram life has something to offer.

You won’t come back with a tan or Instagram stories. But you might return with something far deeper – a quieter mind, a happier heart, and a deep sense of connection to life itself.

If you’re seeking an authentic ashram experience in the USA, consider visiting the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences (www.ishausa.org), located in the spectacular Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. Founded by Sadhguru, this is one of his two ashrams. The other is located in India, Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, nestled in the breathtaking foothills of Velliangiri mountains in South India. Both these centers are established as powerful spaces dedicated to raising human consciousness.