Happy house rules

These guidelines are formulated to make for smooth community living and support spiritual development. We ask you to please respect these rules so that our ashram may support you and others in their spiritual quest.

Code of conduct

Please treat all other residents and staff with compassion and respect.
Please participate fully in the daily schedule.
Please inform us each time you leave the campus, where you are going and when you plan to return for your own safety, in case we need to find you or if we need something from outside. Please return 7:00 pm if you having dinner and by 8:00 pm if not.
Please do not learn or teach each other any other practices without prior permission from Swamiji.
Please do not take anything that does not belong to you without first asking and put things back in their proper place.
To maximize sadhana time, we request that no drinks, internet or reading is done during sadhana time from 05:45 to 08:30 and 19:45 to 21:30.
Please do not try to talk to people who are observing mouna.

Karma yoga

Please ensure that you are aware of your karma jobs for the day and complete them with a loving heart, in silence.
Please be proactive in helping each other get chores done and keeping the space in order. When your assigned Karma yoga is complete, inquire where else you can assist.
Please enjoy your food fully, in silence. Try your karma yoga (work) in silence. Notice the difference.
Please be proactive in helping each other get chores done and keeping the space in order (which includes clearing up after all meals.)

Kitchen

Please ask before taking any food from kitchen cupboards and fridge. If you want to have your own supply, you can store in bags in the dining room and put your name on it.
Please help keep the kitchen and dining room tidy after all meals.
If you notice things running low, please inform ASAP so we can put it on the shopping list.
Please inform the kitchen staff if you plan to miss any meals so that we prepare properly and avoid wasting food.
Please conserve water. If water runs out, please inform ASAP. DO NOT SWITCH ON THE PUMP YOURSELF.

House

Please keep your room and the house clean and tidy. Pick up and wash after yourself.
Please clean and look after things, they also have divine energy. Please report any breakages.
Please respect and take good care of any books or literature you are loaned and replace in the library.
Please remove your shoes before entering the house or wash your feet outside if you go barefoot. Clean feet only indoors.
Please keep the outside doors closed to keep mosquitoes, bugs, and dogs out.
Please turn off all lights and fans if you are the last person leaving a room.
Absolutely no smoking, alcohol, or intoxicants allowed inside or near the campus.
Please keep your use of internet and mobile to a minimum, 15 mins per day or 2 hours once a week. If you need to work thru the internet, please discuss with Swamiji. We also invite you to surrender your internet device for safe keeping so that you can have a break from the internet's temptations.

If you are unsure of anything, please ask!

Dress code

"If you are going out to the village or to town, it is important to remember that you are representing our ashram and to dress and behave in a modest and conservative way"

Guests are required to dress conservatively. We are an ashram and live in a small, culturally conservative village and it is important to respect the cultural values of the area.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing during your stay. Tight and revealing clothing are not allowed. Please cover your upper arms, chest, and knees. Men must wear shirts at all times. Indian kurta with pajama pants are best for both men and women and can be made here inexpensively.

Silence

Please note that this is a spiritual center. Silence is required starting after dinner until after breakfast the next day. This time can be taken for your own meditation or other practices.

Please maintain silence in sleeping rooms at all times, this is a space for self-reflection and peace.

If you would like to observe full day(s) mouna(silence) or fasting, please see Swamiji for guidance beforehand.

We ask you to please respect these rules so that our ashram may support you and others in their spiritual quest. Thank you for your contributions to the Shankar Prasad Community, you are greatly appreciated!