Dr. David Frawley, director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, writes in the foreword to this book that "the basic idea behind any ashram is that of satsanga, or the power of spiritual association. When we gather together for a common purpose we greatly augment the power of that purpose within each one of us. When we come together with spiritual intentions, the spiritual side of our nature is able to manifest in a much stronger way than if we were just attempting practices on our own." This volume in the Skylight Paths "A Week Inside" series is by John Ittner, a freelance journalist who teaches at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York City.
Many spiritual seekers are attracted to Western ashrams given the widespread popularity of yoga and the growing interest in Ayurvedic medicine. Ittner salutes the ways in which the ancient Hindu path makes a place for the interweaving of mind, body and spirit. There are chapters on worship services; asana practice (referring to the different body postures in yoga); vegetarian meals; free time; meditation; work in the kitchen, garden or elsewhere; and excerpts from the author's retreat journal.
Ittner defines many terms associated with yoga and Hinduism. For instance, about mantra chanting, he writes: "The purpose of chanting is to create a pure vibration that can open the heart. The chanting works best when the chanter pronounces the Sanskrit words correctly with devotion and awareness of the meaning. The sound of the mantra is said to be the embodiment of God."
Ittner sums up the holistic dimensions of a retreat at an ashram by listing how just the morning practices have a cumulative effect upon the retreatant: "When noon rolls around, your spirit will be elevated and light from meditation. Your heart will be open and free from chanting. Your mind will be focused and engaged by Vedanta. Your body will be realized and energized by asana practice. Your digestive system will be happily assimilating the vegetarian brunch. And your conscience will be clear from helping with the chores that make the ashram work by doing an hour of selfless service, Karma Yoga." The book concludes with a glossary of terms, a list of resources for further reading, and a directory of yoga ashrams in North America.
