ashrams
|ash-ram|
/ˈæʃrəm/
(ashram)
spiritual retreat / hermitage
Etymology
'ashram' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'āśrama', where the root 'śram' meant 'to exert oneself' or 'to toil'.
'ashram' entered English in the 19th century via colonial-era writings and transliteration from Hindi/Sanskrit (Hindi/Devanagari: आश्रम 'ashram'/'āśrama'), and it became the modern English word 'ashram'.
Initially, it meant 'a place of spiritual exertion or retirement for practicing ascetics', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a Hindu hermitage, spiritual retreat, or communal spiritual center'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
hindu hermitages or monastic communities where a spiritual teacher (guru) lives and disciples come to study, practice, and live a spiritual life.
Many people visit ashrams to study yoga, chant, and live simply with others.
Synonyms
Noun 2
more generally, a spiritual retreat or center (not always strictly religious) offering classes, meditation, and communal living focused on spiritual practice.
Westerners sometimes travel to India to stay at ashrams for a month-long meditation retreat.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 15:56