Date:05/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/05/stories/2005080507930200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

At Fireflies the earth is the first mother

Special Correspondent

The secular ashram is concerned with personal growth, social engagement and environmental action

BANGALORE: It is not much as far as "ashrams" go. In fact you could mistake it for a weekend holiday resort, except for the lack of tourist traps. Fireflies Ashram, off Kanakapura Road in a hamlet called Dinnepalya is a different kind of place. The people who run this ashram, make it clear that it is not part of any religious sect or cult. It is a secular ashram open to all spiritual traditions, concerned with personal growth, social engagement and environmental action. You can practise Advaitha or Zen Buddhism and still belong here.

Its aim is to bring together a community of friends and soul mates who revere the earth as their first mother. Members of the ashram have opportunities to study and participate in local environmental issues.