What is an
ashram?
Ashram means "spiritual home." Ashrams
present a particular lineage of teachings. Yasodhara Ashram
is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda Radha and is
open to people of all backgrounds to pursue their spiritual
development.
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What are
the accommodations like?
We have several guest lodges that provide comfortable shared
accommodation, usually with one other person. Laundry facilities,
a yoga room, pay phones and limited access to e-mail are
available on the premises.
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What is satsang?
Satsang is a time set aside each evening when we
chant in the Temple for people who have asked to be on our
prayer list. Satsang is a time for spiritual practice and
reflection together as a community.
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If I take
a course, what will my schedule be like?
A typical day looks like this:
• 7-8 a.m. Hatha Yoga class or chanting in
the Temple
• 8 a.m. Breakfast
• 10 a.m. Workshop
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch
• 2:30-5:30 p.m. Workshop
• 6 p.m. Supper
• 8-9 p.m. Satsang
There are variations in the schedule depending on the
course. For example, there is hatha yoga from 7 to 9 am
during the Yoga Development Course.
Many of the courses include Karma
Yoga to help you translate your insights into action.
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When does
the course start? When does it end?
All our courses begin in the evening after dinner
and end in the evening on the last day. You are welcome
to stay for the final night of the course and for breakfast
for an additional $50.
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What kind
of work will I do in Karma Yoga?
Depending on the season and the needs, work includes
cleaning, gardening, maintenance, building, kitchen work,
office work, transcribing. Let us know your special skills
and interests; we may find a use for them!
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What should
I bring?
Please bring outdoor work clothes, waterproof footwear,
loose-fitting clothing for Hatha Yoga, slippers or indoor
shoes, alarm clock and a phone card if you plan to make calls.
Bring a journal for your reflections or pick one up at our
bookstore. Please be sure to have adequate medical insurance.
Dress is casual, though you may want something special for
satsangs and celebrations. Summers can be hot in the day
and cool in the evenings. (Please note that as a celibate
community we ask men to wear shirts in the summer and women
to wear moderate tank tops rather than spaghetti straps or
cropped tops.) Winters range from mild and rainy to snowy
and chilly. Fall and spring are variable.
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What kind
of food is served?
We serve vegetarian foods at every meal, with occasional
chicken and fish for those who include it in their diet.
As much as possible, we buy local and organic foods. Our
own organic gardens and orchards supply us with much of our
produce during the growing season.
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Does the
workshop fee include food and accommodations?
Yes. The fees listed are all-inclusive.
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How do I get to the
Ashram? What are the ferry, bus and limo schedules and
fees?
We are located in southeastern BC, about midway between Calgary
and Vancouver, and north of Idaho. Click
for directions.
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Do I have
to be celibate when I stay at the Ashram?
We are a celibate community and ask guests to
respect this guideline during their stay. We also
ask that you respect a moderate dress code.
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What
can I expect to get out of my stay?
- A new perspective and an opportunity to experience
yourself in a different way
- Being with others on a spiritual quest
- Reflecting on your life and re-evaluating your direction
- View the web page entitled: Your
Stay
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Does the
Ashram have a bookstore?
The Ashram Bookstore is a beautiful compliment to
your stay at the Ashram. It carries a unique collection of
yoga and spiritual books as well as audio recordings, jewelry
and yoga clothing. Check out the Ashram
Bookstore.
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