YASODHARA ASHRAM'S
Young Adult APPLICATION
(Written by participants)
The intent of this question-answer information sheet is to provide Young Adults (18 - 30 years) interested in Yasodhara Ashram’s Young Adult Program, a clear idea of what Ashram life is like from a Young Adult's perspective. The questions at the end of this sheet are for personal clarification when writing your proposal to participate in the program. Anyone who comes needs to make a written proposal and include at least two work/character reference letters. We recommend a two-week commitment because this is the length of time needed to settle into the ashram. After this time, we evaluate whether it is the right time to extend the commitment, if desired.
What is Yasodhara Ashram?
The ashram is a spiritual community that continues to support Swami Radha’s teachings in yoga, which she has adapted for the western mind. Swami Radha established the ashram at Kootenay Bay in 1963. It is a registered charity and a certified Private Post-Secondary Educational Institution. It is a retreat and study centre for personal development through yoga. Physical yoga, that most people are aware of, constitutes a small part of what we do here. The courses and workshops that are offered are described in the Ashram's program brochure and on our website.
What is karma yoga?
The ashram’s focus is karma yoga, which is work as selfless service. It is the practice of clarifying spiritual ideals by putting them into action in all aspects of daily living. This entails working eight hours a day, six days a week. It is an approach to life using work as a tool for personal development and reflection.
What is the Young Adult Karma Yoga Program?
It is an opportunity for individual personal growth in a safe, spiritual and supportive environment. One also learns different types of yoga (hatha, karma, kundalini and mantra). This program is funded by donations. It is not a work exchange as one does not work for his/her room and board. It is an opportunity to support and contribute to a thriving spiritual community.
There are few rules here because the emphasis is on taking personal responsibility for actions and choices. Each person’s focus is on PERSONAL development. We support the best aspects in each other. Keep in mind that you are entering a community, which is the home of permanent residents who are committed to Swami Radha’s teachings.
What is a day like for a Young Adult at the Ashram?
You are asked to attend morning chanting or Hatha Yoga, evening Satsang and weekly classes to help strengthen your connection with the Teachings. Participating in all aspects of the Ashram also helps us support the atmosphere that has been built up over many years of spiritual practices.
7 - 8 am Hatha Yoga class, or Chanting in The Temple, if available
8 - 8:30 am Breakfast
8:30 am - 5:30 pm Karma Yoga (work as service) (with Reflection Break and Lunch 12:30 - 1:30 pm)
6 - 6:30 pm Dinner
8 - 9 pm Satsang in The Temple of Divine Light (Satsang is a Sanskrit word meaning “in the company of the wise”. The community gathers in the temple for devotional singing and talks about experiences on the spiritual path.
Please note that all meals are eaten in silence to support personal reflection.
Can I use drugs and alcohol?
No and no. The ashram is a spiritual community. Neither drugs nor alcohol are necessary for spiritual growth. Upon your arrival you will be asked to sign an agreement that you will not use or possess drugs or alcohol. Anyone found to possess illegal drugs would be asked to leave the Ashram within 24 hours. Smoking tobacco is allowed only in the parking lot before the entrance to the Ashram.
What about relationships and sex?
The Ashram is a celibate community. At the Ashram you have the opportunity to look inward and develop a solid foundation for yourself. Because our focus is on character building, self-reliance and emotional independence, we do not encourage romantic relationships. Men and women do not enter each other’s private living spaces.
Closed Retreat
Participants in the Young Adult program are asked to remain at the Ashram for the duration of their time in the program. If it becomes necessary to leave at any time due to unforeseen or extenuating circumstances, the applicant is asked to notify the office in writing.
QUESTIONS for CLARIFICATION (to be addressed in your application)
Please answer the following questions in-depth, essay style.
What is your work experience? What are your skills and interests? What is your education? What are you looking for in life?
Why do you want to come the Ashram?
What do you want to focus on or learn about yourself at the Ashram?
What are your expectations of yourself and the Ashram Community?
Have you studied Yoga? No ________ If Yes, please describe briefly:
At least two letters of work/character references are also required in your proposal to come as part of the Young Adults Program.
Further Information
It is helpful to look through the Ashram's Program Brochure to get a better idea of what the Ashram is and what is taught. A free copy is available by contacting the Ashram (see below). You can also find information on the web at www.yasodhara.org.
Name________________________________ Male/Female Birth Date ___/___/___Age______
Today’s Date ____________________________ (m) (d) (y)
Phone Day (____)___________________Phone Evening (____)____________________________
Fax (____)___________________ E-Mail Address _______________________________________
Permanent Home Address ______________________________ City________________________
Province/State________ Country _______________________ Post/Zip ____________________
PERSON TO CALL IN EMERGENCY Name__________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________
City __________________________________ ____________________Province/State_______
Country ____________________Post/Zip _______________ Phone (____)_____________________
E-Mail Address _____________________________________________________________________
Arrival Date ____________________How long do you want to stay? _____________________________
Would you be willing to make a minimum of a two-week commitment? Yes No
How did you hear about the ashram? Please Circle
Internet Yoga Teacher Program Brochure Ascent Magazine Ashram website
Retreats on Line Radha Yoga Centre Word of Mouth Publicity Card other
Food Preference – circle one or all.
Chicken Fish Vegetarian Vegan
We are located quite a distance from health care and emergency services. Health services can be quite costly for individuals who do not have adequate health insurance coverage. For example, one trip to the hospital in an ambulance costs about $400.00, just for the trip alone! What is the status of your health insurance coverage? (Briefly describe what is covered under your health plan). If you are from outside the country then you will need to send us a copy of your health insurance policy that is valid for your time in Canada. Your acceptance into the program is dependent on this document.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Also, do you have funds available to you to cover possible medical related costs that may be incurred while you are here at the Ashram? (Please describe how you would be able to access these funds in the case of an emergency.)
______________________________________________________________________________________
You will need about $35 per month to cover laundry, toiletries and other sundries.
Do you have these funds? _____Yes _____NO
Do you have a physical or emotional condition that may require medical attention or services of a specialist? No_____ If yes, please specify:
______________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any significant diet restrictions or physical conditions that could affect your participation in daily activities? No _____If Yes, please specify:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Do you smoke? No _____ Yes ____
Do you have any communicable health conditions that may require extra precautions be taken to protect others with whom you may be living? (e.g. athlete’s foot) No_______ If yes, please specify:
______________________________________________________________________________________
If you have been part of our Karma Yoga or Young Adult Program in the past, please give dates ___________________
When you register at Yasodhara Ashram you will be asked to sign an agreement taking full responsibility for yourself physically and emotionally. Drugs and alcohol are not permitted. We are a celibate ashram and the focus is on inner spiritual development.
There are a number of ways to reach us if you have questions or need to call for more information.
Yasodhara Ashram • PO Box 9 • Kootenay Bay BC • V0B 1X0 • Canada
phone (250) 227-9224 or 1-800-661-8711 • fax (250) 227-9494
• email: yashram@netidea.com • website: www.yasodhara.org
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