spiritual places

The 5 Best Ashrams In The United States

If you search Google maps for ashrams in the US, you’ll likely encounter a lot of low quality spiritual or retreat centers that cost thousands of dollars to attend. True ashrams will cost very little and are welcoming to all seekers looking for spiritual awakening and divine union. Today we’ll be listing our favorite ashrams around the United States that are of the highest quality and integrity. Many of these ashrams you will be allowed extended stays and will work with experienced gurus. So here are Nurture Your Spirit’s best true ashrams to attend in the United States. #1 Truth Consciousness Sacred Mountain Ashram (Boulder, Co) The sacred mountain ashram is situated amongst the most beautiful aspens and pines of Colorado at 9000 feet elevation. This ashram is one of two ashrams under Truth Consciousness. The sacred mountain ashram is set in the middle of silent woodland making it a perfect retreat for inner growth. Swami Amar Jyoti founded this ashram in 1974 for spiritual seekers to find union with the divine in the mountains. Location: Boulder, CO Extended stays: Yes, extended stays can be organized by reaching out with the leadership directly Cost of attending: No cost but donations are welcomed (unknown cost of overnight stays) check it out here. #2 Haidakhandi Universal Ashram (Crestone, CO) Established in 1986 the Haidakhandi Ashram was inspired by the teachings of Haidakhan Babaji and dedicated to the Divine Mother. Daily work and Karma practice is required to stay at the ashram, as well as daily devotional temple services that take place morning and evening. The ashram is situated at the foot of a large mountain in the midst of Colorado’s natural beauty. Location: Crestone, CO Extended stays: Yes, they offer long term extended stays. Cost of attending: Day visits are free but over night stays will cost $36.00/night per person, $180.00/week or $450.00/month. Check it out here. #3 Mount Soma Ashram (Clyde, NC) Mount Soma ashram is a 448-acre Vedic community in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina 45 minutes out from Asheville, North Carolina. Mount Soma is designed to help people awaken to their innate divinity and integrate ancient spiritual wisdom with modern life. Michael Mamas based Mount Soma in the Vedic teachings from his guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Location: Clyde, NC Extended stays: For acceptance into the long term program you are required a commitment of a 6 month stay at the ashram. Cost of attending: inquiry needed. It appears attendance is of no cost with a request of donations. Check it out here. #4 Truth Consciousness Desert Ashram (Tucson, AZ) The second Truth Consciousness ashram on this list is their Desert Ashram situated outside of Tucson, AZ. Situated in the Sonoran Desert foothills, the Desert Ashram is located on 26 acres of palms, eucalyptus, native shrubs, cacti, an orchard, and gardens. This ashram has a women’s monastery and limited retreat stays can be schedule by reaching out to the leadership. Location: Tucson, AZ Extended stays: Yes, extended stays can be organized by reaching out with the leadership directly Cost of attending: No cost but donations are welcomed (unknown cost of overnight stays) Check it out here. #5 Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham Ashram (Lodi, CA) The ashram includes a Meditation Hall, Relics Room, Library, and residential facilities. The property includes flower gardens, fruit trees, a vegetable garden, a swimming pool, a yurt, a play area, and a tennis and basketball court. This is a sustainable and self sufficient ashram. Location: Lodi, CA Extended stays: Trial membership lasts 3 months before a possibility of up an additional year stay. After 1 year you have the option of staying for life. Short term retreats are also offered. Cost of attending: unknown, direct inquiries are required. Check it out here. See my list of the 11 Most Spiritual Locations in the United States.

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11 Most Spiritual Locations In The US

I’m going to be moving cities within the next 2 years and I was curious to find out where the most spiritual cities in the US are. After all, I want to be surrounded by like minded spiritual seekers and of course beautiful nature and wildlife. I came to find out that there are dozens of spiritual communities all over the United States. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual vacation spot or a city to move to with a large spiritual community, this is the resource that can help you find it. Here’s the list I came up with using my specialized rating system: The spirituality score was determined by evaluating the number of spiritual locations and businesses in the area. For example: meditation centers, Hindu temples, Ram Dass gatherings, & retreat centers were all accounted for. The nature score was determined by the diversity and amount of nature around the area. Things like parks, nature reserves, and type of climate were taken into account. The community score was determined by population size and friendliness. Cities with more spiritual community oriented spaces and centers received a higher score. 1. Maui, Hawaii The second largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui, is a spiritual oasis in the Pacific. Home to the late Ram Dass for 15 years before his death, Maui hosts one of the largest spiritual communities in the world. A large spiritual community was established in Maui when Ram Dass retired on the island in 2004 bringing spiritual seekers flocking there years after. Today you can find dozens of retreat centers, yoga studios, meditation centers, and more that are well established on Maui. Apart from the large spiritual community there is an abundance and diversity of wildlife on the island to explore and bask in. With perfectly warm weather all year round, Maui is truly a peaceful oasis. Notable locations: Temple of Peace Healing Sanctuary, Maui Dharma Center, & Hanuman Maui 2. Sedona, Arizona Sedona, Arizona has long been held as a deeply spiritual location in the US. This location is known as one of the most powerful spiritual energy vortexes in the world. Visitors say you can feel the difference in the energy of Sedona. The powerful energy flowing through Sedona is said to be deeply healing, making this location a prime place for spiritual cleansing and healing. There is an abundance of healers, retreat centers, and spiritual businesses in the area. Sedona is particularly well known for the number of psychics and mediums located there as well. Apart from the incredible spiritual energy and community in Sedona, this location is in the heart of Coconino National Forest. The weather is warm to hot all year round and hosts beautiful subtropical and semi-arid wildlife. Notable locations: The Global Center for Christ Consciousness 3. Island of Hawai’i The largest Hawaiian island finds its way to #3 on the list as a spiritual and natural hub. Though there are less spiritual centers than Maui, the big island has a deep spiritual community and is much more affordable than Maui. The Hawaiian islands are believed to be infused with an abundance of prana or spiritual energy, specifically on the western Kohala Coast. The idea that the Island of Hawai’i is an energetically healing place is rooted in the ancient Hawaiian culture even before Westerners settled the island. There are several ecolodges that connect spirituality with the beautiful nature of the big island. The islands also hosts several spiritual, meditation, and retreat centers. Notable locations: Center for Spiritual Living & Konalani Yoga Ashram 4. Ojai, California The first California location to make the list is the small town of Ojai. This town is known for its deep spiritual traditions and is believed to be another great energy vortex. Thousands of years ago Native American tribes believed Ojai to be a spiritual energy hub and to this day psychics, healers, and spiritual seekers find it to be powerfully spiritual place as well. One location is thought to be a particularly powerful place to meditate: Meditation Mount. Ojai as a whole is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forest as well as being home to several spiritual centers. Notable locations: Meditation Mount & The Krishnamurti Center 5. Gainesville, Florida Gainesville, Florida gained it’s spiritual reputation in the 70s as a haven for new agers and hippies. Since then it’s grown into a matured spiritual hub surrounded by palm trees and several state parks. There are plenty of meditation, spiritual, and retreat centers around the area to explore and get your spirit filled for the day. Gainesville also hosts many spiritual groups such as the “Philosophical Self Inquiry Group”. Though there are many spiritual hubs scattered around Florida, Gainesville appears to be the largest in the state. Gainesville, FL is also home to beautiful wildlife, warm weather, and an affordable cost of living. Notable locations: Temple of The Universe & Tu Viện A Nan Buddhist Temple and Statue Park 6. Joshua Tree, California Joshua Tree is thought to be one of the most powerful spiritual locations in the US. This town is thought to be able to balance your spiritual energies and was considered sacred land by the native inhabitants. With this powerful spiritual energy inhabiting Joshua Tree, many spiritual seekers and healers have opened up centers and businesses in the area. Joshua Tree, CA is home to a few spiritual centers, though significantly less than other locations on the list. On top of all that, Joshua tree is located in one of the most beautiful national state parks with 3 different ecosystems & 57 mammalian species. This town is also one of the most affordable towns in a state known for a high cost of living. Notable locations: Institute of Mental Psychics 7. Missoula, Montana Missoula, MT is was a surprise location to me during my research. This medium sized town in Montana is a spiritual oasis in the mostly barren upper middle states of the United States. Missoula is home to many meditation and

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