Yasodhara Ashram

The second half of our trip was spent preparing for the musical journey “Ripple Effect”, in the breathtaking Yasodhara Ashram. We lived there for a couple of days, and I believe it is safe to say that it now resides in many of us.

Making music “in the elements” of nature, as described by a course participant, and also inside the astonishing Temple of Light, was a learning experience of a lifetime. We sang between trees, on the shore, up mountain slopes, and at the entrance of the exquisite Temple, before entering it in song.

There was natural majesty engulfing us, and yet, the real wonder of the place is in its people. The Ashram’s community members invited us with such open arms, and provided us with constant support, helping us to swiftly adapt to their lifestyle. They also generously chose to welcome our lifestyles through some rule-bending, like having a morning coffee station, designating talking meals in between the routine silent ones, and lighting a bonfire. These, along with countless simple actions, like preparing with us for shows, and cheering us on day by day during our rehearsals, boosted us throughout this experience.

It is the Ashram workers’ daily intentional community-building and global citizenship that formed part of the foundation for an enriching choral journey.  Through their example, we learned to situate ourselves and our sounds in our surrounding, and strengthen natural and human bonds. By the end, we had all formed a special community, through choral art.

Deep gratitude roams our community for having lived “Ripple Effect” at the Ashram!