Ashram
Guidelines
Namaskaram
We are delighted to welcome you as an
ashram volunteer at Isha Yoga Center. Ashram
Volunteering is an opportunity to spend time
at the Isha Yoga Center with the intention of
transforming yourself.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity
to experience powerfully consecrated spaces such
as the Dhyanalinga, Linga Bhairavi and Adiyogi
Alayam. Additionally, you will share the space with
brahmacharis (monks), other ashram voluteers,
and guests.
In order to help you prepare for your journey and
make the most of your visit, we have compiled a
list of guidelines for you to review below.
In love, light and laughter,
Volunteers Reception Office (VRO)
Guidelines
1. Clothing Etiquette
Traditional Indian clothing is modest. Both
men and women are requested to bring
clothing that covers the shoulders, midriff,
and knees at all times. Proper attire includes
ankle-length pants and long shirts that cover
the upper arms and thighs (no capris, shorts,
sleeveless or transparent clothing). Please avoid
tight clothes such as T-shirts and jeans – both
for your own comfort and as a sign of respect
for the local culture.
Recommended Attire
Gents:
Long kurtas
with pants,
panchakacham,
veshti
Ladies:
Salwar kameez,
churidars, sarees,
traditional full-
length skirts,
kurta with pants
Kindly note that wearing a T-shirt and track
pants is only allowed during sadhana or while
sleeping. During your seva, we request that
you adhere to the traditional / formal clothing
guidelines mentioned above.
2. Luggage
Participants are advised
to pack light and only
carry essentials so as to
make the best use of the
limited luggage space in
the designated stay areas.
(1 Suitcase + 1 Backpack)
What to pack
Govt ID
5 to 6 sets of clothing (cotton clothes or
anything comfortable that adheres to the above clothing
guidelines)
Blankets, toiletries, and regular medications, if any
Umbrella or raincoat and sufficient warm clothing
Wristwatch (mandatory if you are going into silence)
Mosquito repellent
Yoga mat
Make sure that all of these items fit into one
suitcase and one backpack only. Other items
like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washing
powder, and other essentials are available in
the department store located on the ashram
premises.
Please do not carry any valuables. You can bring a
lock to secure your suitcase and belongings.
3. Check-in
Please plan to arrive at the ashram only on the
approved arrival date. You can reach the ashram
between 6 AM and 8 PM. (If you are arriving
before 8:30 AM, kindly inform us at least 24 hours
in advance.) You can complete the check-in at
Welcome Point – VRO.
Volunteers will be provided dormitory
accommodation with common bath and toilet
facilities. Accommodation will be separate for
men and women.
4. Check-out
While checking
out of the stay
area, kindly
empty your
locker and return
the key to the
VRO Reception. Please inform us about your
departure at least 24 hours in advance.
Please DO NOT leave behind items in the locker
or luggage in the room upon departure or
after checkout under any circumstances. Any
unattended items will be donated.
5. Schedule
The Ashram Volunteering schedule is as follows:
4:45 AM – Wake up time
5:30 AM – Guru Pooja and practices
8:30 AM – Finish your practices and go for seva in
your respective area
9:30 PM – Bedtime
Maintain silence after 9:30 PM until 4:45 AM
(Lights off, no mobile phone usage, no talking)
5. Devi Seva / Linga Seva:
On the first day of Linga Seva or Devi Seva, there
will be a meeting to share further details. All
participants are required to attend.
Devi Seva starts with 3 days of silence after the
meeting.
Linga Seva starts with 1 day of silence after the
meeting.
During Silence Sadhana, please carry your
wristwatch.
Participants cannot attend any other program
during their Linga Seva / Devi Seva.
“Volunteering is a way of
making your life a process of
willingness. Not just willing to
do this or that – simply willing.
Having no will of your own, you
shall become available to the
very power of creation.”
