"Without inner commitment, there can be no outer commitment" - Sri Swami Satchidananda
Commitment: Residential Volunteers commit to a minimum of one (1) week or up to three(3) months, renewable with the approval of the Volunteer Coordinator, while participating in sadhana (spiritual practice), svadhyaya (the study of spiritual texts), and Karma Yoga (selfless service).
Accommodations:
You are required to:
- Keep your living space clean and tidy.
- Sign up each week for dorm Karma Yoga tasks (on clipboard in the dormitory bathroom).
- Launder your bedding/towels during your stay.
- Observe silence between 10 pm and 8 am.
- Turn off lights no later than 10 pm.
Do not:
- Bring food in the dorm.
- Burn matches, candles, oil lamps, and incense.
Please check in with the Volunteer Coordinator at the beginning and end of your stay. Also, check in with any Integral Yoga mentor at least once a month during your stay.
Calm and Clear Mind: Please refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or unprescribed mind-altering substances: abstention from these substances applies on and off grounds. If a Volunteer is suspected of using mind-altering substances, the administration reserves the right to intervene as it deems appropriate.
Devices: Please limit the use of computers, tablets, cell phones, etc. to the LYT Lounge, MPR, Mandala Cafe only. Phone calls should be made in phone booths or the parking lots away from the buildings (unless there is an emergency). Although the use of cell phones and other electronic devices is not permitted in the dorms or other buildings, cell phones can be used as alarm clocks.
Diet: The yogic vegetarian diet prepares the mind and body for meditation. It is free from meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. Ashram residents are required to observe this diet on and off the property. We discourage drinking coffee during your stay.
Service:Please be punctual and ready for service at the beginning of a shift. If unforeseen circumstances arise and you’re unable to make it to a shift or find a replacement, please inform the Day Manager at extension 133 and the Volunteer Coordinator at extension 143.
Schedule Request Forms are submitted to mailbox #33 in Sivananda Hall by Tuesday at noon of the week prior to the request. (This includes requests for time off, medical appointments, changes to departure date, etc.) Schedule Request Forms are found on the table to the left of the mailboxes. Please speak with the Volunteer Coordinator before submitting a scheduling request.
Extended Illness: If you become ill, please inform the Day Manager and Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. In the case of extended illness–3 days–Residential Volunteers may be asked to return home until they are fully recovered.
When Residential Volunteers are ill, fellow Residential Volunteers support them in obtaining tea and light meals.
Weekly Sadhana:As a program that offers the opportunity for full immersion into the yogic lifestyle, the Residential Volunteer Program strongly encourages commitment to sadhana.
Dress: At Satchidananda Ashram, our daily spiritual purpose is to maintain a mindful, meditative attitude. One of the ways to fulfill this is by keeping the attention, the mind, from going out. Dressing in clean, modest and non-revealing clothing is an important aspect of this attention. Dress guidelines are available online click here, posted in Sivananda Hall and described in the Integral Yoga Lifestyle Principles.
Brahmacharya: Yogaville is a community devoted to spiritual disciplines. In order to remain focused on the practices, Residential Volunteers/Ashram Yogis/Support Staff/LYTs should not become involved in intimate/romantic relationships. In support of this policy and to help maintain a sattvic, or pure environment, people are asked to refrain from sexual activity and public displays of affection.
Teachings: To preserve the integrity of the program and gain maximum benefit from the Integral Yoga teachings and practices please refrain from proselytizing, promoting or selling any product, service or idea during your stay.
Community Events: Please check in with the Volunteer Coordinator for approved off-grounds events.
Departure: Upon departure, please return sheets and towels to the Housekeeping, remake beds with fresh linens, and clean the room so that it is ready for the next resident.
I certify that I have truthfully responded to all questions on this application. I further agree to assume full responsibility for any injuries or damages that might occur to my property or to me during my stay.