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Abstract

Although bits and pieces of the practice and theory of yoga have been accepted by Western psychology in recent times, little is known about the daily lives of those who have committed themselves to practicing yoga under the guidance of a guru while living in a yoga ashram. This article describes how the guru disciple relationship and the structure of the ashram set up conditions that foster personal and spiritual growth in residents of an ashram in the United States. It also discusses the meaning of the concept "energy" within the yogic tradition and how it is used among residents to refer to their personal growth. Data suggest that growth occurs because residents are encouraged by theyogic lifestyle to strengthen and maintain their personal energy levels. Furthermore, they learn to accept changes in energy (peaks and depressions) without resorting to the escape and avoidance tactics most people use to minimize the intensity of such experiences. The article also shows how the various mundane problems encountered in communal living can be used to further spiritual growth.

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In Pursuit of Energy

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