Gold Lessons from an Indian Ashram: Embracing Mindfulness and Selfless Service
I want to share a deeply personal story from my time at an Indian ashram that taught me invaluable lessons about mindfulness, selfless service, and personal growth. These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to life and my work. I hope they inspire and empower you on your own journey.
The Ashram Experience: A Journey into the Heart of India
My journey to an Indian ashram was nothing short of transformative. Nestled deep within the forests, this ashram was a sanctuary for intense yoga and meditation practice. The schedule was rigorous, waking up before 4 AM to the sound of a gong, navigating through the dark forest by torchlight, and engaging in multiple sessions of yoga and meditation throughout the day. The living conditions were simple: concrete rooms, thin mattresses, and a single major meal served on the floor from communal buckets. This simplicity and discipline were designed to strip away the distractions of modern life and help us focus on our inner selves.
The Challenge of Selfless Service
One of the ashram’s core principles was selfless service—contributing to the community without expecting anything in return. This principle was put into practice through daily chores assigned to each of us. Some cooked, others cleaned or maintained the grounds. I was given the task of cleaning the toilets, which were essentially pits with ceramic foot areas.
Initially, I was dismayed. Cleaning toilets was the last job I wanted, and I couldn’t understand why the monk in charge kept assigning it to me. I even requested a different task, but the monk firmly declined, insisting that this was my job.
The Shift to Mindful Practice
At first, I approached the task with resentment, rushing through it just to get it over with. But the monk’s words lingered: “Do your best in this job, mindfully and with pride.” It was a challenge to shift my mindset, but I decided to embrace it.
I began cleaning the toilets with meticulous care, using a toothbrush to scrub every corner and make them shine. This simple task, done with attention and pride, transformed into a practice of mindfulness. I found a strange sense of satisfaction in doing the best job I could, even in such an unglamorous task.
The Lesson of Ego and Recognition
One day, feeling proud of my work, I approached the monk and boasted about the immaculate condition of the toilets. His response was a gentle yet powerful reminder: “Do not seek recognition. Perform your tasks for your own growth and satisfaction, not for the approval of others.”
This was a pivotal moment for me. I realised that true mindfulness and selfless service are about being present and doing our best without the need for external validation. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the act itself, not in the accolades that may follow.
Applying the Lessons Beyond the Ashram
The lessons I learned from cleaning toilets at the ashram have stayed with me ever since. They have taught me to approach every task, no matter how mundane, with mindfulness and pride. Whether I’m doing the dishes at home or engaging in complex work projects, I strive to be fully present and give my best effort.
This shift in perspective has enriched my life immensely. It has made me more conscious, grounded, and content. And it’s a message I share with my clients at Meditation HQ: mindfulness isn’t just for meditation sessions. It’s a way of life that can be applied to everything we do.
My experience at the Indian ashram, particularly the task of cleaning toilets, taught me some of the most valuable lessons about mindfulness and selfless service. It reminded me that every task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to practice mindfulness and find personal fulfillment. It’s about being present, taking pride in our work, and letting go of the need for external validation.
I encourage you to incorporate these principles into your own life. Approach each task with mindfulness and pride. Do your best, not for the recognition, but for the satisfaction of knowing you’ve given your all. In doing so, you’ll find a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in everyday moments.
Thank you for reading, and I hope this story inspires you on your own journey towards mindful living.
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With gratitude and best wishes,
Jason Partington
Founder, Meditation & Performance Coach
