Gurumaa Ashram personifies a serene place away from the city. It is a retreat from the hustle bustle of daily mundane life and gives us an opportunity to be calm, peaceful, and discover our inner bliss. We are so engrossed in our material pursuits, that instead of living life beautifully we are missing out on it. In the wake of earning livelihood and luxuries, we forego the serenity of our mind and continue doing so until comes the saturation point of breakdown. And then begins the quest for a place where one could relax, rejuvenate, and experience the ever flowing blissful ness of life. The mystical surroundings of the Ashram offer an exquisite ambience where one can learn the art of living life as a celebration, and explore the deeper aspects of life.
Ashram as beautifully explained by Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa - is an amalgamation of two words of Hindi language- ‘A’ means ‘Come’ and ‘Shram’ means ‘labour’. The term ‘labour’ is not associated with its usual interpretation of putting one’s efforts in physical sense. It is rather an effort to be in communion with the Divine. And the uniqueness of the concept lies in negating the existing standards of attaining divinity through mere following the rituals. On the contrary, the methodology propounded by Gurumaa states not to be a mere believer in the dogmas and orthodoxy established by the societal agencies; it is to understand the meaning of the ‘truth’ which is omnipresent, and to remain in synonymy with the divine. Thus it means ‘Come and be Divine’, notwithstanding the existing flawed socialized patterns.
It is the presence of a Guru that makes the place divine. The guidance of a Guru helps an individual to discover the pulsating happiness in every moment. Gurumaa Ashram is one such place, brimming with the presence of a living enlightened master. Surrounded by serene natural environment leading to a hub of an immense positive energy, it is a panacea for the modern world. It is a cosmic field of energy; energy that acts as a catalyst for self emancipation.
Gurumaa Ashram is a spiritual place of retreat where one can live life to the fullest, in its true form i.e. in sheer delight. The natural beauty of the Ashram is captivating. Beautiful vivid flowers in the golden garden of the Ashram enchant the beholder. The serenity of the Ashram provides a unique ambience that helps foster the seed of creativity, which lies dormant within all of us. One also gets a rare opportunity to learn and practice various Meditation techniques under the guidance of Gurumaa, which is necessary to gain inner wisdom & reach peace within. The eloquent discourses delivered by Gurumaa help not only to realize our weaknesses, but also pave the way towards gradually overcoming them.
Come and be Divine
Various events and programs are organized under the guidance of Gurumaa, in the premises of Ashram from time to time, offering bountiful opportunities for all to be a participant in the celebration called life.
Visitors are welcomed to be part of the ever-pervasive harmonious environment of Gurumaa Ashram. They are offered a way of life, which is simple, uncomplicated and peaceful, away from regular hustle bustle. The Sattwik meals, regular meditation sittings, the presence of a living master, and the environment help in developing harmony within an individual.
Gurumaa Ashram is open for visit, for fixed hours during the day: In the morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, and in the evening from 4:00 p.m to 5:00 pm.
However, visitors can spend a day in Ashram by availing ‘Day Pass’ from the welcome desk, and rejoice by participating in the following activities during the day:
Ashram Activities
- Darshan: The words of a master are a beacon light on the journey to truth, and so is the profound silence. The experience of sitting aware fully in silence with the Guru is ecstatic. The timings for Gurumaa Darshan: Between 9:30 am and 10:30 am, contingent upon the availability of Gurumaa in the Ashram. But one must reach Ashram by 9:30 am, in any case.
- Meditation: Meditation takes place every day from 10:45 am to 11:45 am at Patanjali, a place brimming with profound vibrations.
- Food: Lunch is available at Annapurna between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm.
- Rest: One can relax or dose off at Madhushala from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
- Seva: One may wish to undertake some seva between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
- Discourse: Audio or Video discourse of Gurumaa is played between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm at Patanjali.
- Departure: The time of departure is fixed at 5:00 pm. One must leave for the day at this time, but remember to carry the essence of all the activities undertaken throughout the day.
One can explore the treasure of wisdom of Anandmurti Gurumaa, in Mandala. It offers an extensive range of audio & video collection of discourses delivered by Gurumaa at different times and places, devotional bhajans in the mellifluous voice of Gurumaa, and different meditation techniques developed by Gurumaa. It also showcases the rare collection of the books of Gurumaa.
While basking in the spiritual sojourn, visitors can enjoy nibbling their favourite chocolate at Bismillah Café, situated in the cozy confines of the Ashram. It offers a wider menu to satiate the varied choices of visitors. The best care is taken to store and offer the items of day to day utilities as well.
Ashram also offers accommodation facilities for the seekers who wish to stay longer, but they are requested to inform the Ashram by phone or e-mail before coming for the stay.
For seekers who stay at the Ashram, the day begins with Aarti at ‘Guru Mandir’ followed by a meditation sitting rendering a unique freshness to the mind and body. The timings of the darshan are made known to all, depending upon the availability of Gurumaa in the Ashram. During the day, one may volunteer for some ‘Seva’- Service without any expectation of rewards. The impact of such activities is inexplicable; ‘one ought to experience it to know it’. And if done with awareness, it further enhances the personality from all the aspects. Meditation sitting in the evening at ‘Patanjali’ followed by Aarti at Guru Mandir, intensifies the tranquility within. The timings of all these activities including the meals differ for summers & winters.
Gurumaa Ashram is centered on the practice of discipline necessary for the self-transformation. And visitors are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ashram in order to enjoy the eternal bliss!
Divine Holiday
While all this does convert the peaceful stay in Ashram into a Divine holiday, a retreat, but one must not forget that the essence of the visit lies in introspection and learning the art of living consciously. As it is only by conscious living one can imbibe the spirit of Ashram and experience the inner transformation it brings.
Today, Gurumaa Ashram is a throbbing centre of seekers from every part of the globe. To be in Ashram is to be in communion with the divine. The Ashram has no religion, caste, and creed and is not gripped in the clutches of regional affiliations. It is open to each one of those who are on the path of seeking happiness, fulfillment, contentment, joyousness, and divinity. Welcome to Gurumaa Ashram ... Rejoice and be Divine!
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