About the Shanti Niketan Ashram
Shanti Niketan Ashram
about • mission • aims and ideals
About the Ashram
Shanti Niketan Ashram, (a sister organization of the North Carolina School of Yoga) was founded in 2011 by Chandra Om. We are a non-sectarian spiritual center dedicated to all world religions, where followers of diverse faiths may come together to worship the One who is called by many names. Our philosophy is based on the universal teachings of Vedanta as expounded by India's great teacher, Sri Shankaracharya.
Since its inception 12 years ago, the school and its alumni have fostered the growth of thousands of sincere seekers. As the school’s work and service evolved, the need became apparent for a spiritual home for study, research and service where students may study and live the principles of yoga in a peaceful atmosphere charged with devotional vibrations.
Inspired by the ideals of renunciation and service, the monastic and lay devotees of the Shanti Niketan Ashram work to serve humanity through educational work, health services, food and clothing relief, counseling and publications. The ashram is a true sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. The setting is so alluring and captivating that all physical and mental ailments are forgotten for a moment, and there appears to be a standing invitation by the natural surroundings for periodical visits by people from all walks of life for recoupment and conditioning of both body and mind. Added to this is the healing balm of a place for retreat from daily life to study and practice yoga and meditation in its many aspects. The secluded landscape consists of tranquil gardens, woodland paths, 2 streams and a rich variety of birds and animals. The natural beauty makes the perfect setting for yoga studies, inviting us to pause for a moment and turn inward.
The ashram, a 501c3 nonprofit, is dedicated to working for harmony and fellowship among all religions, faiths and traditions, upholding unflinching ideals of truth and non-violence, and providing and promoting authentic yoga training. A haven of peace for students seeking a temporary retreat from the world, we also offer extensive training for women who are called to the monastic path. Shanti Niketan Ashram offers spiritual instruction through correspondence, and provides humanitarian services through numerous community outreach programs.
Our Mission
The mission of Shanti Niketan Ashram is to preserve and promote the classical teachings of yoga, without alteration or dilution. As a spiritual home for uninterrupted sadhana, sincere students are trained in yoga to carry forth the message of peace, unity, goodwill, spiritual sisterhood and the realization of the oneness of Spirit. The basis of this institution is adherence to the triple ideal of truth, non violence and purity.
An ideal center of perennial peace, bliss and joy, Shanti Niketan Ashram offers a unique experience to those who want to find peace and wish to expand their consciousness. The services and activities of the ashram form a vehicle for the expression of the spiritual aspirations of seekers and become a venue for manifesting in practical life the broad based inclusive ideal of the Oneness of God, the sisterhood of creation and the immortality of the soul. Shanti is the Sanskrit word for peace. Niketan means abode or dwelling. An Ashram is a spiritual home. Shanti Niketan Ashram therefore, is a home dedicated to peace.
We disseminate spiritual knowledge through yoga courses and training programs designed for attaining Self-realization. These universal teachings embody a complete philosophy and way of life for achieving health and well being. The natural beauty and devotional vibrations of the ashram create the perfect setting for yoga, encouraging students to work for the attainment of spiritual evolution through service and Sadhana and enthusiastically utilize one's life for attaining worthier ends--public service with a selfless spirit.
Sincere seekers of all backgrounds are welcome at the ashram. Under the guidance of Chandra Om, students cultivate the knowledge and qualities fundamental for a life of service to humanity, and work to realize the One eternal truth which underlies all faiths. These trainings prepare students to carry forth the authentic teachings of classical yoga.
Our Aims and Ideals
The objectives, aims and ideals of the ashram are broad and universal. An all embracing, all inclusive institution, truth, love and purity are its basis.
- To operate a residential ashram in a wholly humanitarian and non-sectarian manner, upholding the classical teachings of vedanta.
- To provide and promote authentic yoga training.
- To offer a haven for those who seek a temporary retreat from the world.
- To teach that each soul is Divine and that the purpose of life is to realize this Divinity.
- To work for harmony and fellowship among all religions, faiths and traditions.
- To uphold unflinching ideals of truth and non-violence.
- To provide selfless service to humanity.
- To provide monastic training of women.
- To give spiritual instruction through correspondence.
- To give every possible aid to all sincere seekers.
Visitors to the ashram may participate in the daily program of the ashram.
Visits must be arranged in advance and are subject to approval by the Director.