Sevagram Ashram

An Ashram is a collection of small simple houses with the common purpose of living together sucessfully in self reliance, positive relationship with one another, spirituality that crosses all faiths, and sustainability. Gandhi espoused these principles and founded such Ashrams all across India. We visited the Wharda Ashram in Sevegram and particpated in their evening interfaith meditation and prayer and were introduced to the simple yet profound pleasures of harmonious living. Ghandhi lived here for many years developing rural technologies that support independence and, he would say, freedom. The current director is 79 years old and fulfilling the last year of his tenure when he turns 80. ( He wants to be able to cut back to only three days a week after that!)Rising at 4:30 each morning and working until late in the evening, his devotion and commitment to the work of the Ashram is incredible but not unusual among the Gandhians we have met. He began life as a young boy scavenging latrines (you'll have to Google that for further explanation) and credits that experience with teaching him the valuable lesson of humility. He always knew that he wanted to serve others and tried Social Work and the Law, eventually serving on the Supreme Court for his state. He found the law less satisfying and too cumbersome as a vehicle for change so joined the Ashram at the age of 60. Gandhi infamously said, "My life is my message" and this amazing individual now feels that he can look back on his life "with satisfaction. I have lived a life of meaning and what more can one desire?"