I heard about and came to Hiranyagarbha Yuga Ashram after finding it on WWOOF, and it has been such a wonderful place to ground myself and launch my mental and spiritual growth. Before coming to the Ashram, I had little exposure to spirituality and was suffering anxiety and depression following graduation from college. Since being here, I have gained a greater understanding of life and found purpose in selfless servitude to others. I know that all beings are intrinsically good and have the capability to love, and I have found in myself a great capacity to love and appreciate myself and others. The physical work I have been doing on the Ashram, while at times tedious or strenuous, has been fulfilling for I know that I work for the betterment of the community and for the positive change of my mentality. At times I have felt annoyed or frustrated with work or myself or others, but I am learning how to see through those perceptions to the love and fear which I or others embody. It is a truly refreshing perspective on life, similar to the ending of the movie Soul, and I am finding happiness within myself and all around me.

All of this I have learned from Jnanda’s starter course lessons, the practices of yoga which I have dedicated to, and from the Ashram residents who express such genuine kindness and empathy for others. I have formed intimate relationships here which are partially founded in our joint experience of spiritual growth but mostly in the love which is expressed from everyone to everyone. It has been beautiful to be a part of such an open and nurturing community, and I am so grateful for everyone’s interest in my growth and their dedication to their own.

When I first arrived at the Ashram, I came down with a GI infection that wrecked my digestive system for eight days. I may have been miserable, but I definitely could’ve been more miserable had the Ashram residents not been so interested in my recovery and wellbeing. These people whom I had met for less than a day were creating herbal remedies for me and accommodating my physical limitations in a way that I would only expect of close friends and family. It seemed unfounded! When I finally recovered, I knew I was lucky to be sick surrounded by these people, and I was inspired to more deeply study the teachings of Jnanda which they all accept. I have thus far learned that their unnecessary generosity was founded in a profound understanding of love, and now I return all the love which I can.

In all, I have found happiness; it’s in the people who live here, in the land they exist with, and in the understanding which we are all working towards. I love these people and what the Ashram stands for, and I hope for them to have many more volunteers looking to find happiness like me, for I know the Ashram will love them and help them the same.