What happens to our consciousness that just by entering the ashram we feel happy and light?
Yes, the vibrations of the place does affect the mind. That is why, ashrams are there and temples of knowledge are there for you to meditate and soak in the atmosphere.
Whatever is happening, that energy gets absorbed by the trees, stones and everything around in the creation. Why do people go to Bodhgaya 2000 years after Buddha got enlightenment? The Bodhi tree is still there and people feel the vibration there. Why do we go to different temples or Jyotirlingas? All these temples have at one point of time, been places of knowledge and saints and sages have lived there. That’s why these places became Teerthsthaan (places of spiritual significance or pilgrimage spots).
But today, you see that all the energy has disappeared from most of these places. They have become places of rituals and not meditation. We should re-establish meditation in all these places. That is why it is said, ‘Swayamhiteerthanipunanthisantah’ (sages sanctify all the places of pilgrimage by their mere presence). This is needed.
What was Rishikesh some 40 years back? It is not what it is today. 40 years back people were discussing knowledge and wisdom. And today, there is only loud speakers and some activities there.