Ashram

The dictionary definition of ashram is "1.a. a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage; b. the group of disciples instructed there 2. a religious retreat". This is a fairly large and relatively well-known ashram. Michael and I stayed at the guest house for a night. He had been there before, and it cost 200 rupees. This time it was 600. He asked why, but didn't want to argue, because it is an Ashram after all. He was told it was the location of the room. The first time he was there, he was on the ground floor. We were on the second floor, which is the third floor in the States. We had two beds, a real treat! The bathroom was big...western toilet, shower without a bucket. Toilet still had a bucket, of course. We had a balcony overlooking the Bay of Bengal. We just spent the night, but a person could go and used it for the real purpose. There are gurus available for guidance, and a cafeteria for healthy food. No motor vehicles are allowed past the parking area at the main gate. The floors are labeled Silence Humility Love Patience, etc. There is a garden for use in meditation or yoga. The top three pictures are of the garden by the office. The bottom two are the meditation gardens. I would like to live there. It is very peaceful and calming. Oh, and 600 rupees is equal to $12.00!