Bhoomas Ashram

Bhooma began studying to become a monk at the age of 17. I think he is in his 40s now. He has such a powerful yet gentle presence. He is also the best, most grounded and competent yoga instructor whom I have ever met. Ashrams are an interesting concept. The founder of Bhoomas ashram Sri Narayana Gurudev, was born in the late 1800s. He was a social reformer along the lines of Ghandi. Gurudev was born into a weathy family, which observed the rules of India's social structure and caste system. From a young age, Gurudev disagreed with the caste system. He would spend his days among the lower class or untouchables and then, return home with the clear intent of "corrupting" his family. Gurudev's fearful family members were oblivious that all their efforts to remain untainted were, on a daily basis, be thwarted. The ashram was built as a place where all religons, christians, muslims, hindus, jews, etc, could worship together. Ashrams are places where an individual can go and work, uninterupted, on his or her spirituality. Staying at an ashram is typically inexpensive, the stays often cost around $10 U.S. dollars per night and include simple food and spiritual study/programs. There isn't really an equivelent offering in western culture, at least not an organized respite from the world. For me, camping and backpacking have served this purpose.