I've visited the Guru Ram Das Ashram a few times: first because I did Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training, and felt it was an intrinsic (although not obvious or stated) part of my training experience. I came for Sunday group sadhana at Yoga West, which is across the street, and it ends at the Ashram with kirtan (devotional chanting). I found the people I met -- Sihks --- to be both informative and welcoming (and not proselytizing). After sadhana, I was allowed to doze in the langar hall, and catch 40 winks, before going back for more kirtan http://goo.gl/DQRri , Sunday Service (bare feet and a covered head required), and finally, langar lunch itself http://goo.gl/9G2ey . I felt great peace and joy at the whole experience. In spite of my lengthy stay there -- sadhana begins 3:45am, and I didn't leave until 2:30pm -- I drove away totally humming with energy inside. To end on a meal: the langar was, and always feels, completely healthy and deeply nourishing.
Treat this with respect: http://goo.gl/wHRp2
I've also volunteered for the Annual Peace Picnic http://www.peacepicnic.org , sponsored by this ashram. And performed seva (spiritual volunteering), prepping food for langar. My boyfriend and I even came for their vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast last year. Each experience leaves me with the same feeling of calm and peace...I feel spiritually and physically nourished. Thank you Guru Ram Das Ashram. Sat nam! read more