Retreats were an integral part of spiritual growth in ancient times.
Today, Ashram has come to be known as a place different from fast-paced urban life where spiritual and yogic disciplines can be pursued. It is what a modern-day spiritual or yoga retreat is all about.
But did you know that the modern-day spiritual and yoga retreats find their roots in the ancient Indian concept of ‘Asharama’?
The Sanskrit word is derived from the verb root “श्रम्” (shram) which means to do hard work and effort and Ashramas are stages where you have to discipline the body and mind through the effort to lead a balanced life and move closer to the ultimate goal, which is one’s own spiritual upliftment.
Ancient Indian Gurus (teachers) had divided these stages of life into four, namely: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sanyasa (renunciate).
Though the classical system mentioned in Upanishad and Dharmashastra recommends ages for entry to each stage, the original system presented in the early Dharmasutras the Ashramas were four alternative available ways of life, neither presented as sequential nor with age recommendations (http://sanskrit.du.ac.in/) .
These stages were considered as an integral part of one’s life as it helps in the fulfilment and development of the individual as they provide them with the right tools to find a balance between morality, duty, wealth, relationships, emotions, health and was considered the ideal way of life which leads one towards the ultimate goal of Moksha or self-realisation.
Today’s spiritual retreats are more or less playing the role of providing us with a ‘spiritual shelter’ or Ashram. It offers an opportunity to detox, take a break from the demands of a fast-paced world, connect with the body, mind and soul, learn to find a balance between personal and professional life and practice self-reflection.
At JURU Yoga we have designed an exclusive retreat that will not just give you the much-needed break but will help you understand the mind-body-soul connection and roots of the Yogic lifestyle, i.e. simple practices such as eating and breathing right, being mindful and being aware. We want you to explore the ultimate bliss and happiness that lies in each of us, in your Inner Self. And that’s precisely what our Retreat is all about, your journey inward to blissfulness!
To know more, please visit: https://juruyoga.com/retreatn/
JURU YOGA RETREAT
Puja Sharma 