Discipline

View of the Ashram from the hill behind.

Along with simplicity, another key strand of Ashram Life is Discipline. This is not to say that the Ashram is in any way authoritarain. It is rather recognising the fact that to progress further along the Spiritual path, a sense of inner discipline is very necessary. The mind has a tendency to scatter itself in many different directions, always seeking new things in which to engage itself.
In Ashram life, we learn to gradually focus and discipline the mind, thus increasing our will power, concentration and sense of purpose.
Through disciplined practice, expert guidance and an open and trusting heart, one may be given the opportunity to slip the noose of the ego and transcend the limited individuality.

"Spiritual discipleship is the voluntary acceptance of constraints
in order to facilitate one’s inner freedom"

Georg Feuerstein, "Holy Madness", page 257

Early rising is encouraged in the Ashram to make use of the quiet early hours to engage in Yoga practices, such as Hatha Yoga and devotional chanting. During Courses the day starts at about 6.15am with the first class.

Mouna, or Silence, is fundamental to Ashram Life. Through the medium of speech, our awareness is directed outwards into the external world. This is fine when interacting with the world around us but just as important in the Ashram is interacting with the world within us. The practice of Mouna prompts the mind to go inward and to get in touch with our thoughts, emotions, desires, ambitions etc, on a deeper level. Mouna also helps us conserve energy which is normally dissipated through speech. This energy can then be used for other spiritual practices. With continued practice, Mouna helps us to sharpen our perceptions and awareness and bring a sense of stillness to the mind.
Mouna is observed in the Ashram from around 9pm each evening until the breakfast the following morning, and during lunch and dinner. During some courses there are longer periods of Mouna. The residents periodically practice extensive periods of Mouna during retreats which can last from a couple of days up to a few weeks.

Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not permissable anywhere within the Ashram grounds.