Ashrams and gurukulas (spiritual schools) are the pillars of spiritual culture. If we perform sadhana according to the guru's advice, we need not go anywhere else. We will get whatever we need from the guru.
Mata AmritanandamayiFundamentally, what everyone needs is mental strength and confidence, to manage the mind, just as we manage the outside world.
Mata AmritanandamayiHappiness is within everyone, but we are not able to experience it because of our ego's likes and dislikes.
Mata AmritanandamayiYou can lead a truly spiritual life while remaining a householder. You will be able to enjoy the bliss of the Self, but your mind has to be on God all the time. Then you can easily attain bliss. A mother bird will be thinking of the young ones in the nest, even when she is out looking for food. Similarly, you have to keep your mind on God, while engaged in all worldly actions. The important thing is to be completely dedicated to God or the Guru. Once you have that dedication, the goal will not be far away.
Mata Amritanandamayi