Ashrams/retreat Mega Thread

[egoless]

Let us here discuss possibilities to join different Ashrams and retreat centers. Do any of you have an experience of joining one and what would you recommend. What are the first steps for True seekers. It would be also great if you provided information about what kind of ashrams and centers do there exist, how to join, what are the cons and pros and etc. Are ashrams connected with religion or are they dedicated only for pure Enlightenment work?