Ashram

in English means hermitage. Being the dwelling place of the rishi it exuded an aura of spiritual attainments, intellectual brilliance, profound thinking, pious pursuits and austere living. Temporal authority or wealth had no place here. Ashrams were a source of guidance and inspiration to people from all spheres in their quest for self-development. It was also a welcoming refuge for the suffering and the fallen. Life in the ashram emphasised self-reliance and simplicity. Of central importance was the practice of Yajnya.