The term ashram (Sanskrit: आश्रम, Sanskrit pronunciation: [aːɕɽɐmɐ]) comes from the Sanskrit root śram- (श्रम्) ('to toil'). ... In contrast, according to George Weckman, the term ashram connotes a place where one strives towards a goal in a disciplined manner. Such a goal could be ascetic, spiritual, yogic or any other.