Ashram Guidelines
Ashram Guidelines
Ashram Conduct
For every Sat Yoga Ashram visitor and resident, the main guideline is to be in a state of mindfulness, care, and consideration for others. In this way, cooperation, respect, and love will be sustainable.
The ashram and monastic traditions invite us to:
Cultivate gentle ways of speaking and of working in silence, abiding as the Self.Encourage others to serve in peaceful silence. Avoid idle talk, gossip, or the use of aggressive or vulgar language. Please do not chant or hum aloud during seva, so as not to disturb the silence of the atmosphere.
Be simple, non-ostentatious, and self-contained. Please do not bring valuable jewelry or unnecessary and expensive electronic gadgets to the ashram.
Refrain from sexual activity. Our ashram residents have taken vows of celibacy. We ask all guests to observe this guideline while here, abstaining from flirtation, hugging, sexual touching, or masturbation. Sublimate sexual energy to attain higher levels of consciousness. Please contribute to the open, safe, and pure environment of the ashram. Everyone is asked to dress modestly and to refrain from entering each other’s rooms for socializing. Greet others with the reverent gesture of prayerful hands and “Namaste.” We ask couples to observe celibacy while here and will provide separate accommodations.
Healthcare, Safety, & Wildlife
Be safe outdoors. There are venomous snakes and other wildlife at the ashram. Please be mindful when walking through grass, and always wear boots. It is not permitted to wander the premises unguided past dusk or to go alone to the river.
Stay on official roads and paths. Please walk or run only on our well-defined roads and pathways. If you plan to take a long hike, please give notice to the appropriate person on watch of where you are going and when you plan to return. Please let the watch person know when you have arrived from your outing.
Use Flashlights. Paths are unlit. Always use a flashlight when walking at night—even if the moon is full.
Coping with Allergies. If you have known allergic reactions, you must inform the visit coordinator before your arrival and bring any appropriate emergency medication (e.g. EPI pen, etc).
If you get sick before you arrive, please follow our protocols. If you become sick, especially if you have any contagious conditions (i.e., head lice or flu) or are under medical treatment before you arrive for the retreat, please consult with the visit coordinator as to whether you should come or postpone your arrival until you are well.
If you get sick during your stay: If you become ill during your stay, contact the ashram staff immediately.
Prohibited Items
- Cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal drugs
- Clothes that are too revealing or immodest
- Candles, incense, or any fire hazards/flames
- Fragrances and strongly scented products
- Hair dryer
- Chewing gum
Food & Water
Vegetarian only. Please do not bring any non-vegetarian foods into the ashram.
Special diet. If you are following a specific diet, or you plan on fasting or abstaining regularly from meals, please let your visit coordinator know at least two weeks before the retreat starts.
Storing personal food. We do not allow food in our cabins nor do we have a communal kitchen that can accommodate the storage of personal food items.
Drinking water. Potable water is available from a water station in the lodge. Please avoid drinking from taps.
Personal Hygiene
- Scents. We do not permit the use of strong scents or perfumes.
- Body odors. Being in a tropical environment with high humidity and heat can lead to pronounced body odors. Because of this, we ask all visitors to shower at least once daily and we recommend that you wash your hair often.
Schedule & Communication
Class attendance. You are expected to attend all scheduled classes and meditation sittings. Please arrive on time.
Be punctual for seva. If you are scheduled for seva (community service, also referred to as karma yoga), please come on time and stay for the duration of the shift.
Emergency departure. If you must leave early from the retreat because of some emergency, please let the visit coordinator know immediately.
Lights out and quiet time begins at 9:00 pm.
No day trips. To honor and protect the integrity of your transformational process while at the ashram, we ask that you do not plan any trips away from the ashram during your visit.
Waste Management & Sustainability
- Take away what you bring. Please avoid bringing items to the ashram that will become unnecessary waste matter, such as food wrappers, bottles, etc. If you can take your garbage with you when you leave, it is much appreciated.
- Disposal of waste. If you have any doubts about how to dispose of items properly, please ask the ashram staff.
