What is an ashram
according to ancient Indian tradition

The word 'ashrama' means "a place of striving" from the word 'shram' "to exert energy". It is essentially a sacred sanctuary which is the residence and centre of teaching of a saint.

Ashram life finds its roots in a very ancient Indian tradition known as Gurukul. Two thousand five hundred years ago, the rishis (the "seers", saints and sages) were educators who used to live in the forest with their families and those who wanted to learn spirituality. In Ashrams of the ancient days, the rishis trained young people in the principles of vedic culture and right living. Master and student ("guru" and "chela" or disciple) lived and worked together for years.

In these Ashrams, learning meant that a person was empowered to manifest his or her inner potential. Education was, primarily a way of life. The rishis were men of spiritual knowledge who had realized the spiritual truths. In this sense they were called gurus, or teachers. The students lived in the Gurukul for a period of 12 years and after the completion of their studies they returned to their families and married or they could remain celibate and live a life of renunciation.