Ashram
/ˈɑːʃ.rəm/noun
A spiritual retreat or communal residence devoted to religious study, meditation, or disciplined living.
Did you know?In classical Hindu thought, āśrama also referred to one of the four stages of life, linking the word to a ritual map of human existence rather than merely a physical retreat.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱrem-
“To become tired or exert oneself; a proposed ancestral root connected with Sanskrit śram.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śram
“To exert oneself, toil, or practice strenuous religious discipline.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
āśrama
“A stage of life, religious discipline, or place devoted to spiritual exertion.”
Ancient India
Prakrit/Pali
samaṇa / śramaṇa
“A wandering religious ascetic who undertakes disciplined spiritual practice.”
19th Century
English
ashram
“A Hindu religious retreat or residence; adopted into English from Indian usage.”
Modern English
English
ashram
“A spiritual community or retreat, often associated with meditation, yoga, and a teacher.”