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Ashram first appeared in English in the early 1900s and gained traction after Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi founded his famous ashrams at Sabarmati near Ahmadabad and at Sevagram near Wardha. The word ashram derives from a Sanskrit word, "srama," which means "religious exertion." Later in the 20th century, English speakers broadened the term "ashram" to encompass any sort of religious retreat, regardless of denomination. In addition to practicing yoga and meditation, attendees may also receive instruction from a religious teacher and do some type of manual or mental work during their stay at the ashram.
Examples of ashram in a Sentence
Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
And yet, even when the Beatles retreated to an ashram in the late ’60s seeking transcendence, most Americans still saw yoga as something for hippies and Eastern mystics.
—Danielle Friedman, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Policeman turned preacher Reportedly born Narayan Sakar to a low-caste family, Bhole Baba used to be a constable with the Uttar Pradesh Police before becoming a preacher and establishing an ashram – or place of worship – in the state.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN, 12 July 2024
His group has ashrams across 10 states and union territories in India and claims to have 60 million followers worldwide.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN, 12 July 2024
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“Ashram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ashram. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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