India has long been a prime destination for spiritual seekers. The ashrams here are known worldwide for their various spiritual and yogic practices. That’s why India is considered a Vishwaguru in the field of Yoga. Spirituality is deeply rooted in Indian culture based on the Rishi tradition. Whose glimpse you can see of Indian customs and traditions.
Today, in this special section of ‘Native Planet’, we are going to tell you about the selected ashrams of India which are famous not only in the country but all over the world for spiritual and mental peace.
Ramakrishna Mission
The Ramakrishna Mission was established on 1 May 1987 by Swami Vivekananda, the eldest disciple of ‘Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’. The purpose of establishing this mission was to spread the teachings of our Guru to the masses. Swami was very much influenced by the thoughts of Paramhans ji from the beginning.
Therefore, after his death, he established the first matha at Baranagar, Kolkata, after which he established the world famous ‘Belur Math’ in Kolkata itself. Today this mission is considered to be the main center of religion and faith, where people from India and abroad come here for mental and spiritual peace.
This mission is based on the teachings of Vedanta, which includes the qualities of both Hindu religion and philosophy. Here more emphasis is given on knowledge and spiritual thinking. The branches of this mission are spread all over India, whose headquarters is ‘Belur Math’ of Kolkata.
Art Of Living
The Art of Living Foundation is a non-profit organization created by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Which was established in 1982. Branches of Art of Living are present in 156 countries of the world, which has the status of the largest voluntary organization. Based on humanist ideas, this organization has been engaged in efforts to improve human beings for a long time.
Many sessions related to yoga, pranayama, stress relieving and meditation are organized here, so that a person can lead a healthy life. This institution also takes part in public works from time to time, so that common people can understand their responsibilities and become aware.
Under the direction of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this organization also organizes many international level conferences in which many big and small countries of the world participate. The headquarter of this organization is in Udaipura, Bangalore.
Isha Foundation
Isha Foundation is a non-profit spiritual organization based in Tamil Nadu, founded in 1992 by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. About 20 lakh volunteers of this institution are selflessly giving their participation in the field of spirituality. Many branches of this organization are present in many countries of the world. Like the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in the USA.
This foundation lays special emphasis on activities related to yoga and spiritual contemplation. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is also seen many times on television discussing special issues. Let us tell you that this foundation also conducts many programs to improve the lives of prisoners. From the point of view of social work, this institution is running with a good approach. Many types of courses are organized here, such as internal engineering, hatha yoga, meditation and Ayurveda medical methods etc.
Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar
All World Gayatri Pariwar, Shantikunj Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar is a non profit organization of India. It was established by Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. This organization has been engaged in efforts to improve human life for a long time. This institution, which operates considering Gayatri Mantra as the basis of life, is also associated with many countries of the world. This mission works to take yoga as well as spiritual teachings to the masses.
The main goal of this institution is thought revolution. The headquarters of the Gayatri family is Shantikunj located in Haridwar. Where thousands of devotees come from India and abroad.
The Gayatri family also has a university located in Haridwar, which is known as ‘Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya’. Along with yoga, professional courses are also run here.
Presently the director of this institution is ‘Dr. Pranav Pandya’. Who meets the students here every Thursday through special classes of Geeta-meditation. The volunteers of the mission are selflessly working to render their service in the country and abroad. You can book a Delhi to Haridwar taxi.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram was established in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo in Pondicherry. Which he later left to the responsibility of Mira Alfassa, a French colleague. This ashram is one of the old spiritual centers of India. Sri Aurobindo established this ashram at a time when he had completely given up public relations and politics.
After which he completely moved towards spirituality. Please tell me that this ashram does not have any branch, it is only one ashram which is located in Pondicherry at a distance of 160 km from Chennai. There are many organizations named after Sri Aurobindo in India, but they cannot be linked to Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
ISKCON
Oliveira International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as the ‘Hare Krishna Movement’. ISKCON was founded in New York City by Bhaktivedanta Swami Pramupad in 1966. There are many temples and ashrams of this organization in the country and abroad, which are dedicated to the teachings of Lord Krishna. ISKCON is one of the few spiritual organizations in world One, whose number of followers is on the rise.
The doors of this institution are open to people of every caste and religion. Anyone who wants to get absorbed in the devotion of Krishna can join ISKCON. At present, more than 800 temples of ISKCON have been established. Followers associated with ISKCON will be seen in every corner of the world wearing sandalwood tika and tulsi garland around their neck.
Mata Amritamayi Ashram
Audebaud Jean louis Mata Amritanandamayi Devi is a spiritual teacher from India, fondly called ‘Amma’ by her followers. Mata Amritamayi is highly respected all over the world for her humanitarian ideology. She is also called the ‘saint who is embraced with love’.
Mata Amritamayi aims to remove suffering from the lives of others, which she considers to be like wiping her own tears. Amma finds her peace only in the peace of others. Amma also has an ashram in Kollam, Kerala. Where Amrita meditation is done for 20 minutes. The routine of the ashram is completely spiritual, where yoga, prayer, meditation and other spiritual activities start from early morning itself.
Osho International Meditation Resort
‘Osho International Meditation Resort’ located in Pune, Maharashtra is the most controversial ashram in India. This ashram was established in 1974 by spiritual guru Rajneesh/Osho. Please tell me that Rajneesh has given a high place to sex in human desires, that is why sex is mentioned the most in his creations.
He even wrote a novel named ‘Sambhog Se Samadhi’. That’s why his ideas were not accepted much in India. People who misunderstand Osho’s views on sex, consider ‘Osho’s Ashram’ to be just a ‘sex place’. More foreigners like to come to this meditation resort in Osho. Where they have to wear maroon colored clothes.
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