rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryashramSpiritual retreat
noun

ashram

ASH-rum/ˈæʃrəm/

A spiritual retreat or community, especially in Indian religious traditions.

Residents meditate in the ashram’s courtyard.

A small Indian spiritual retreat shown as a communal place: residents meditate together in the courtyard of a modest residential hermitage, with a resident tending the shared garden nearby.
Etymology
aSanskritadnomial prefix
+shramSanskriteffort, toil, fatigue

The Sanskrit base means “effort” or “toil,” while the compound names a religious hermitage. English uses that name for a spiritual retreat or community, rather than for effort itself.

In context

Yogic Chronicles3:06
This traditional ashram focuses on classical yoga, vant and spiritual living. Run by the divine life society. It offers an authentic and disciplined routine, ideal for serious practitioners
Top 10 Ashrams in India 2025 | Yoga Retreats, Meditation Courses & Affordable Stays

More examples

  • The ashram offered a quiet place for meditation.
  • Residents gathered in the ashram’s courtyard.
  • Visitors followed the ashram’s daily routine.

Forms

ashram · ashrams

Similar words

monastery
A monastery houses a religious community under a particular rule; an ashram is associated especially with Indian spiritual traditions.
retreat
A retreat can be any place or period of withdrawal; an ashram is a spiritual community or residence.