A spiritual retreat or monastery in Hindu or yogic tradition where people go to study meditation, yoga, and spiritual teachings under a teacher or guru.
From Sanskrit 'aśrama' meaning 'hermitage' or 'stage of life,' derived from roots meaning 'to exert oneself'; in Hindu philosophy, it refers to the four stages of a person's life.
Ashrams represent a fascinating concept in Eastern philosophy—they're not just buildings but represent a entire life stage where people temporarily withdraw from society to focus on spiritual growth, something that influenced Western ideas about retreats and meditation centers.
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