Simplicity

The ashram garden

Leading a simple life, free from unnecessary complexity and in close contact with nature, is a key aspect of living and staying in the Ashram. Most of us surround ourselves with so many different layers of ‘clutter’ (habits, comfort zones, conditioning, expectations as to how life should be ... ), which we think are so important. In order for us to awaken our innate inner sense of clarity and harmony, we need to gradually strip away these layers to discover what really is important in life. In simplicity lies contentment, wisdom and joyfulness. In complexity can lie bondage and superficiality and hence dissatisfaction, turmoil and mental strife.
The Ashram is a place for Spiritual practice and growth. It offers an excellent opportunity to use Yoga practices to go within ourselves to begin to find out how the mind functions and who we really are.

There is a limited place for social interaction in the Ashram. This can be valuable in making new contacts and lasting friendships. However the emphasis should be very much on deepening our understanding of ourselves.
There is no television or newspapers in the Ashram. No doubt these forms of media can be instructive and entertaining at times. However for a good deal of the time they can bring distraction and unnecessary clutter to our minds, keeping our awareness at a very superficial, and often disturbed, level.
In the Ashram we have no choice but to come face to face with our Selves. This is essential if we are to deepen our awareness and to go deeper into Yogic and Spiritual Life. It is by no means always an easy process but with perserverance and a clear focus, we can begin to get in touch with our inner source of joy and peace.

Meal time

The Ashram diet consists of simple and nutritious vegetarian food. This nurtures and purifies the physical body and mind and encourages Yogic practice and meditation. We endeavour to use organic foods where possible and to minimise the use of processed (often highly sugared) foods. The food we take in has a very direct effect on minds and emotions. Therefore as much as possible, the cooking is done with awareness and apart from breakfast, all meals are eaten in silence.

Accommodation in the Ashram consists of single or double rooms and dormitories. In the summer people also bring tents to sleep in. All the accommodation is very basic. Its purpose is simply to give guests a space to sleep and rest in.

Laundry facilities are limited and guests do their laundry by hand.

Ashram water is drawn from two natural springs. Extensive work has been carried out over the years to ensure that the spring water is of the highest quality. People are asked to be aware of the water they are using and to minimse it as much as possible, especially during periods of extensive dry weather.

A payphone is available for use when necessary. People are advised to endeavour to cut ties with the outside world for the period of their stay in the Ashram. In this way they can become more centred and gain more from their time in the Ashram. Therefore the payphone should not be used for purely social purposes. Writing a letter is often a preferable option.