Ashram
...at anyone who wants to seek God, even the poorest people, can do so without question. “The common language that was spoken in the ashrams was Hindi and Gujrati” (Sant Shri). “Some ashrams consisted but of a tiny small hut or cave of a few square meters, usually marked with a red flag to be recognized by God-seekers” (Neukomm). “The first actual Ashram of India was established in 1971 in Ahmedabad, Gujrat. This Ashram has many branches today and is the heart of various activities carried on by the organization. Currently there are about 111 Ashrams all over India and 450 meditation centers operating throughout the world. The most common Ashrams in India were Ahmedabad Ashram, Sant Shree Asaramji Ashram, Delhi Sant Shri Asaramji Ashram, Sant Shri Asaramji Gurukul and Shri Yoga Vedanta Ashram. The aim of all Ashrams and Yoga Vedanta Samitis is to show the path of real peace and happiness to a common man. They are involved in various activities targeted to the spiritual, moral, educational and health related upliftment of the society. The organization is also involved in providing financial-aid to the poor and needy” (Sant Shri). Gandhi’s ashram (shown below), is located on the bank of the Sabarmati river. “A range of low, white cottages are situated near the prayer meeting-place, with Gandhi’s own Kurti (hut) closest to the water” (Oberg). “The ashram did not enforce on its inmates any theology or ritual but only a few simple rules of personal conduct. Some of the vows administered in the ashram, such as those to truth, non-violence and chastity (abstinence) were of universal application” (Nanda). The ashram is open to all people of any religion who are drawn together with the same belief that Jesus is Lord. According to Shri Nanda, Gandhi’s ashram mainly featured Bible study groups, manual work, share groups and singing God's praises which are all designed to open the lives of the residents’ Holy Spirit. Everyone had to put in some manual work. There was a spinning and weaving department, which Gandhi thinks is a very important part of Indian tradition, a cowshed and a ...