Many people who are interested in a yoga trip to India assume that their personal experience will be something like Eat, Pray, Love. It is important to remember, however, that each ashram is different – they have their own rules and codes of conduct that visitors must abide by. In this article, we have covered 10 things that we feel you should know about staying in an ashram:
1. It’s compulsory to follow the schedule
Remember that staying in an ashram is not a holiday – it’s a retreat into deeper yoga practice and focused discipline. Whilst you may not care for everything in the schedule, it is important that you follow it for the duration of your stay to receive the whole experience.
2. You’re engaging in a ‘spiritual’ practice
You don’t have to be religious to stay in an ashram, but you do have to accept that it is synonymous with spirituality. Whether or not you’re a religious/spiritual person, you will be expected to have an open-mind and respect their key spiritual beliefs.
3. You will have to go barefoot at times
Some people will find their comfort levels tested. In Indian temples, you must remove your shoes before entering; in an ashram, you must remove them when entering buildings. Many places will post signs on the walls to remind you of the practice.
4. Observe silence and eat with your hands
All ashrams will enforce a ‘hush’ rule during mealtimes, which requires you to stay quiet. Whilst eating with your hands is not compulsory (you can bring your own utensils if you like), this is the local practice and we recommend trying it before you knock it!
5. You are unlikely to have internet
Remember that an ashram’s focus is your spiritual development. As such, ensuring that you can update your Facebook profile is not high on their list of priorities. If they do provide internet access, it might be spotty and your time will be limited.
6. The only food provided is vegetarian
Those who enjoy meat may struggle whilst on yoga trips to India, but the food truly is delicious. Each meal is Ayurvedic, healthy and safe for western stomachs to consume. You won’t have to worry about picking up a bug due to unsafe food handling practices.
7. You will be expected to perform chores
Most ashrams support the idea that visitors help to maintain the buildings and grounds. You will spend an hour of each day performing ‘karma yoga’, which is a good deed that you are allocated. It is actually pretty fair, as you aren’t charged much for the course.
8. You will have basic dorm facilities
Some ashrams may have double and even single rooms available, but most have opted for dorm-style facilities. Some will offer lockers in which you can store your valuables, but this is not always the practice (in these cases, valuables can be stored at the front desk).
9. Make friends with other visitors
We definitely recommend making friends with other visitors to the ashram and even the locals. You will be able to bond over your love of yoga. Engaging in the activities offered and sharing downtime will help you to get to know these people better.
10. Participate in ceremonies and rituals
Many people described yoga trips to India as being a bit like a home stay – you can experience the local customs and spiritual practices as if you’re an insider. If you have the chance to participate in a ceremony or spiritual ritual, we definitely recommend you do it.
1. It’s compulsory to follow the schedule
Remember that staying in an ashram is not a holiday – it’s a retreat into deeper yoga practice and focused discipline. Whilst you may not care for everything in the schedule, it is important that you follow it for the duration of your stay to receive the whole experience.
2. You’re engaging in a ‘spiritual’ practice
 |
| Solo Yoga [Image Source] |
3. You will have to go barefoot at times
Some people will find their comfort levels tested. In Indian temples, you must remove your shoes before entering; in an ashram, you must remove them when entering buildings. Many places will post signs on the walls to remind you of the practice.
4. Observe silence and eat with your hands
All ashrams will enforce a ‘hush’ rule during mealtimes, which requires you to stay quiet. Whilst eating with your hands is not compulsory (you can bring your own utensils if you like), this is the local practice and we recommend trying it before you knock it!
5. You are unlikely to have internet
Remember that an ashram’s focus is your spiritual development. As such, ensuring that you can update your Facebook profile is not high on their list of priorities. If they do provide internet access, it might be spotty and your time will be limited.
6. The only food provided is vegetarian
 |
| Vegetarian Healthy Food [Image Source] |
7. You will be expected to perform chores
Most ashrams support the idea that visitors help to maintain the buildings and grounds. You will spend an hour of each day performing ‘karma yoga’, which is a good deed that you are allocated. It is actually pretty fair, as you aren’t charged much for the course.
8. You will have basic dorm facilities
Some ashrams may have double and even single rooms available, but most have opted for dorm-style facilities. Some will offer lockers in which you can store your valuables, but this is not always the practice (in these cases, valuables can be stored at the front desk).
9. Make friends with other visitors
We definitely recommend making friends with other visitors to the ashram and even the locals. You will be able to bond over your love of yoga. Engaging in the activities offered and sharing downtime will help you to get to know these people better.
10. Participate in ceremonies and rituals
Many people described yoga trips to India as being a bit like a home stay – you can experience the local customs and spiritual practices as if you’re an insider. If you have the chance to participate in a ceremony or spiritual ritual, we definitely recommend you do it.
0 comments:
Post a Comment