The Ashram: Residential Meditation Centre
Established in 1996, The Ashram is a place of spirituality and inner healing. People live in or visit The Ashram to practice meditation and yoga and to study spiritual philosophies like Kashmir Shaivism, Vedanta, and Self-inquiry, as taught by the great masters. Seekers hear spiritual discourse and experience the Divine. It is a place where one realises the highest potential of human life. The Ashram is a school of inner education: meditation and self-inquiry. It is one of the few ashrams in the world to be established by Westerners. MM Swami Shankarananda (Swamiji), a self-realised guru of the Siddha tradition guides the Ashram and residents on their spiritual journey. Ma Devi Saraswati, an accomplished spiritual teacher and ‘mother’ of the Ashram, assists him. Transformation takes place here by means of Shaktipat, the awakening of the divine inner energy. Swamiji calls the Ashram a school of ‘Second Education’. First education is conventional, university-based education, and ‘Second Education’ is inner or spiritual education, the science of human happiness. In this dynamic environment seekers learn to meditate and practice Self-inquiry, study spiritual philosophy, learn about the emotions and how the mind works, and gain an understanding of the inner Self, one’s essential nature. A guru is a spiritual teacher. Just as you have teachers in the arts, in science and in sport, so in spirituality there are spiritual teachers or gurus. A guru is someone who as attained the goal of spiritual life. He or she is established in the inner Self, understands the mystery of the mind and knows how to awaken knowledge in others. Swamiji practices a universal spirituality and draws from the teachings of the great masters of all religions. He holds that God, as the inner Self, dwells within every person. The Self, whose nature is Consciousness, has a dynamic aspect called the Kundalini energy, a potential that can be awakened in a seeker. Swamiji teaches that the highest duty of a human being is to welcome another person with love. To do that one has to first welcome oneself with love, that is practice self-acceptance. The Ashram is a resource for those seeking spiritual wisdom and inner solutions to life problems. The practice of meditation and Self-inquiry give new insight in the areas of career, relationship, health and spirituality. The teaching and practice of meditation is available through all of the courses offered including Satsang, Retreats, and Self-inquiry groups. We welcome everyone with love regardless of race, religion, gender or philosophical leanings, to join us for our regular weekly online programs. Though The Ashram belongs to a Hindu lineage you do not have to consider yourself a Hindu to participate. Everyone can take a course or come to the programs. Where do I start? Join us for our weekly meditation program on Saturday evenings called 'satsang'. It streams live from 7:15pm every week, with on-demand replay. Learn more at www.theashram.com.au
