Ashram movements
are a prominent feature of spiritual and religious life in India. They are
typically led by a guru or spiritual leader and offer a community for
individuals to come together to practice spiritual disciplines, such as yoga or
meditation, and to study spiritual texts. There are many different ashrams in
India, each with their own unique teachings and practices. In this essay, we
will explore two notable ashram movements: the Santal ashrams of North India
and the Mnaganam Christava Ashram in Kottayam, Kerala.
The Santal ashrams of North India are a
unique blend of traditional Santali culture and Hindu spiritual practices. The
Santals are an indigenous people of India who have traditionally lived in the
eastern states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. They have a rich cultural
heritage and their own distinct religious beliefs and practices. However, in
recent years, many Santals have been drawn to the ashrams of North India where
they can practice Hindu spiritual disciplines such as yoga and meditation. The
ashrams also provide a space for Santals to preserve and promote their culture
through traditional music and dance performances.
One of the most well-known Santal ashrams
is the Santal Yoga Ashram in Jharkhand, which is led by Guru Santal Baba. The
ashram offers yoga and meditation classes as well as workshops on traditional
Santali culture. The ashram also runs a school for children from the local
Santal community, where they can learn about their culture and heritage in
addition to traditional subjects such as math and science. The ashram is also
involved in various social and community development activities, such as
building toilets and providing clean drinking water to the local villagers.
The Mnaganam Christava Ashram in Kottayam,
Kerala, is a different kind of ashram movement. It is a Christian ashram
founded by Fr. Thomas Palackal, a Catholic priest. The ashram is based on the
teachings of Jesus Christ and aims to promote a deeper understanding of
Christian spirituality. The ashram offers daily mass, confession, and rosary,
and also provides an opportunity for its members to participate in retreats,
meditation, and other spiritual practices.
The ashram is a place where people from
all walks of life, regardless of their religion or caste, can come together to
seek a deeper spiritual connection with Christ. The ashram also runs a school
for children, where they can learn about Christianity, as well as traditional
subjects such as math and science. The ashram is also involved in various
social and community development activities, such as building toilets and
providing clean drinking water to the local villagers.
In conclusion, ashram movements in India
offer a unique blend of spiritual practices and cultural preservation. The
Santal ashrams in North India and the Mnaganam Christava Ashram in Kottayam,
Kerala, are two examples of these diverse and vibrant communities. These
ashrams provide a space for individuals to come together to practice their
spiritual beliefs, preserve their cultural heritage, and also contribute to the
development of their communities. The ashrams offer a unique blend of
traditional spiritual practices with modern educational and social development
activities. It is a reflection of how the spiritual and the secular can coexist
and thrive in harmony in India.
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