The Art Of Living–Rishikesh Ashram (AOL–Rishikesh Ashram)

The location is undoubtedly the highlight. Nestled right next to the Ganga, the ashram offers an unmatched setting for silence and introspection. The sound of the river, the gentle rustle of trees, and the calm surroundings beautifully support the stillness the program aims to cultivate. Being in silence while having such close access to nature adds a unique depth to the experience. Every morning and evening, I could easily walk down for a dip in the Ganga—a spiritually uplifting way to begin and end the day. The Ganga Aarti, held on the banks is an experience in itself, allowing you to truly absorb the vibrations and divinity of the moment. Whether you want a slow meditative walk or a casual stroll, the entire stretch is beautifully maintained and opens up to stunning views. During the silence phase of the program, this path became a sacred space for reflection and grounding. The accommodation is clean and simple, in line with ashram living, and the food is satvik, nourishing, and fulfilling. The volunteers and teachers were warm, helpful, and deeply aligned with the practice. Whether you’re looking to deepen your spiritual practice, reconnect with yourself, or simply spend a few days in peace by the Ganga, this ashram offers the perfect space. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Rishikesh—not just for the program but even for a mindful getaway.

Hello, doston! I just returned from the Advance Meditation Program at Sheesham Ashram in Rishikesh, and I have to say, it was truly a life-changing experience. Wanted to share a bit of this with all of you! Our day would start early, around 6:00 AM, with yoga. Imagine stretching and breathing deeply with the sound of mighty Ganga flowing in the background—absolutely peaceful! It was the perfect way to get the body ready for the deep meditation that followed. We also learned the secret to applying the bands! 😆 Every time our mam instructs in weekly follow ups, "Jinhone advance kiya hai wo band laga lein”, ab hum bhi kar lenge 😊 , I feel like I’m secretly part of the inner circle. Maybe I’m not a pro yet, but at least I’m no longer clueless about it! But the best part was when Sukhi Bhaiya took us on a morning walk to an ashram where it all started in Rishikesh around 30 years back ( Vanprasth Ashram). that was a special moment! He pointed to the very rooms where Sri Sri used to stay and where he would personally take courses for the learners during those early days. Just being there felt like I was walking through a piece of history. It was a humbling experience to think about how far this movement has come. One of the most impactful things I learned during the program were the 4 pillars of knowledge. The two principles of Vivek and Vairagya were real eye-openers for me. Vivek is about making wise, thoughtful choices, especially when faced with challenges. Sri Sri used a beautiful analogy of climbing steps to explain it. He said, In life, we often want to skip steps, looking for shortcuts to reach our goals quickly. But just like you can’t skip a step while climbing stairs without risking a fall, in life, you can’t skip the necessary efforts and patience. Each step has its purpose . Vairagya, on the other hand, taught me about detachment. It’s about not getting too attached to things—whether it’s material stuff or emotional baggage. Seva was another beautiful part of this program. It was not just about sitting and meditating; it was also about being of service. Whether it was helping with small tasks like serving food , cleaning the floors or tidying up the hall, these simple acts of giving brought so much joy. I remember brooming and mopping the meditation hall, setting up the room and our teachers chair , lighting the diya after breakfast one day and feeling so content—it made me realize how much happiness lies in small, selfless acts. Evenings came alive with soulful satsangs led by Sukhi Bhaiya. The mesmerizing shabads filled the air with positivity and devotion, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. His deep knowledge, mixed with his calm demeanour, made his teachings so powerful. He kept reminding us that we tend to overthink, either by dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. A personal takeaway from Sukhi Bhaiya’s sessions was when he said, “There is no greater power than taking the right action right in the present moment, without overthinking.” I will try to apply this in my work and life—staying in the present, taking action, and not overthinking the consequences. Mujhe lagta hai, yeh ek aisa mantra hai jo sabko apnana chahiye! Honestly, this program was much more than just meditation and yoga. It's the start of a transformation of the mind, body, and soul. I feel more present, more aware, and most importantly, I feel lighter. The experience has left me feeling refreshed and spiritually awakened. Jai Guru Dev 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Amazing experience with the view of the river Ganga flowing beside a mountain. The wind will fill your heart with contentment. Be it the early morning walk or shower in the Ganga or the amazing food nearby, this place in Rishikesh will provide you all.

Such a beautiful vibes this ashram has..... specially youth young minds must visit n enjoy meditation programs here..

A blissful place on the bank of River Ganga. Come here to have a divine experience through any of the various workshops conductor by The Art of Living.