In Sanskrit “shram” means effort while “ashram” means a place where everything happens effortlessly. Built in the year 1986, the Art of Living International Centre is located 2km south of Bangalore in rural Karnataka. The centre, also known as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ‘ashram’ or the Art of Living ashram, spreads over 65 acres featuring the hills and a beautiful lake. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, it is a perfect place for a quiet and peaceful retreat. It is the best place to enjoy meditative walks and exploring various inbuilt attractions, one can also attend numerous residential courses at the Ashram each week; from a Basic Course that introduces one to the world renowned “Sudarshan Kriya”, a breathing technique taught in the course to an Advanced Course that gives one a chance to go deeper within oneself.
One can rest and rejuvenate the mind and body in the best way possible here. Its natural beauty, greenery, pure and clean environment leaves you spellbound. The campus is also the focal point of many AOL service projects such as rural development and education, organic farming initiatives, scientific research into the benefits of ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ and humanitarian relief projects. Here, people from all backgrounds, religions, and cultural traditions come together in knowledge, celebration, and service.
There are several exceptional creations one must not miss witnessing during the Ashram visit. Major ones are listed below:
The Vishalkshi Mandap:
The vishalkshi mandap, a lotus-shaped, marvellous structure is the heart of the Art of Living ashram. This magnificent structure of the thousand petal frame, which is entirely made of white marbles, is a wonderful blend of Vedic architecture and modern technology. It is the home of most of the meditative courses.
Sumeru Mandap:
The lotus shaped Sumeru Mandap, located at the highest point in the ashram campus. This open air auditorium has an upper balcony that yields a breathtaking view of the surrounding. It has a beautiful water pond at the centre and 12 pairs of pillars representing the 12 signs of the zodiac around it and encircled by ornate lotus petals.
Radha Kunj:
Radha Kunj is a beautiful garden consisting of a serene lake. The untouched beauty of this garden with all the flaura and fauna is worth the visit. You will find dears, rabbits, peacocks among other species of birds and animals residing in this peaceful environment.
Gaushala:
Gaushala is a place where the all the Ashram cows are taken care of. There are many ‘desi’ or local cows in the Gaushala. One can visit the place and indulge in various seva activities like milking, cleaning, feeding etc. This is the home for cows, bullocks, and buffalos where they are taken care with utmost love and affection.
Gurukul:
Veda Agama Samskrutha Maha Patashala is the Heritage school which is founded by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The school runs in two major sections: the Agama Pathshala and the Veda Pathshala.
The Amphitheatre:
The open-air amphitheater, with its lotus-shaped marble stage and, a 20,000 plus seating capacity is the venue for ashram’s cultural activities.
Yagya Shala:
The “Yagya Shala” a holy place where yagyas or prayers are performed. It is a large area with a stage where many of the activities and group events are held.
Panchakarma – The Ayurvedic Spa:
The Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma Center is beautifully located admits a pleasant garden. It is a natural cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body and the mind. The guests can benefit from the multiple offers the Ayurvedic spa offers to them.
There are many new buildings and structures that have come up to make one extremely comfortable. One should also visit the Wedding hall near the Sumeru Mandap. The Cafeterias, Vishala Canteen, and the Anapoorna dining area are the places where you find delicious food. The Anapoorna dining area is a place where the visitors get lunch and dinner free. For the book lovers, there is a beautiful Sumeru library featuring Vedic literature among other valuable books. There are many Divine Shops from where you can buy all the necessary things.
The serene and calm environment is just so extraordinarily amazing that it cannot be expressed in words. One must personally be there to experience the peace and bliss. There are all the things available here to make one feel comfortable. The residential buildings are constructed in such a way that they co-exist with the natural habitat on the Panchagiri Hills. The natural beauty and the positive environment render an experience for a lifetime. The campus is created to eradicate the stress out of you. So come here and have an experience that you would cherish for life because this place is nothing less than a heaven on earth!
For more information please visit www.artofliving.org
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