Ashram Retreats

Sevadhari Program

Live, study, and serve at the Sat Yoga Ashram for 3-6 months or longer

Why Become a Sevadhari?

The word sevadhari is a revered term in yogic discourse. It signifies that one has transcended the ego and has become an authentic server of God, constantly in divine Self-recognition. Only the highest-caliber souls are capable of dedicating their Being to altruistic service of the Infinite Self. As a sevadhari, you will become a member of our vibrant tribe of aspiring sages, united by a shared commitment to awakened living. You will be present in every satsang, retreat, and seminar given by Shunyamurti. You will also be included in all community classes, cultural events, and meditation gatherings—not to mention many informal activities. This is a priceless opportunity to experience spiritual friendships in which we learn to guard one another’s solitude.

Your seva will be diverse and meaningful. Whether it relates to the kitchen, food gardens, website support, animal husbandry, or housekeeping, every function is essential to the harmony and sustainability of our ashram. In addition, you will be able to cultivate and deepen your meditation skills, while also increasing your capacity to shed all ego defenses through inner work in optional one-to-one transformational sessions.

This program is designed to accelerate to the maximum your attainment of the highest level of consciousness.

The path of service is for those who understand that victory is gained through surrender. To embody the dharma of egolessness is to know total freedom. This is where the rubber meets the road.

"To serve the Whole is to be free of the illusion of separate parts—and absorbed in ecstatic Oneness." ~ Shunyamurti

What Will Qualify Me to Be a Sevadhari?

Study

Have a strong desire to understand and actualize the teachings of Sat Yoga. We hope applicants are already regularly engaging with this wisdom by participating in online retreats and becoming members of our online sangha. It is also highly recommended that you read our book publications.

Meditation

You must have an urgent drive to put an end to mental chatter through earnest meditation practice.

Service

All depends on your readiness to work zealously wherever you are needed, for 3.5 to 4.5 hours a day, six days a week, with care and dedication to excellence.

Inner Work

You must have the courage to face your subconscious mind in regular individual sessions of Atmanology. This process of dialogue and Self-investigation will greatly accelerate the rise of kundalini and final release from all psychological shackles. Atmanology sessions are charged separately. Individual meetings with Shunyamurti may also be scheduled from time to time.

Dharma

We expect your commitment to uphold our Ashram Guidelines and the Yamas and Niyamas.

Finances

You must have access to sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of the program and any personal needs that might arise (e.g., insurance, medical or dental procedures, out-of-ashram transportation, visa costs, etc.).

Diet

We hope you’ll thrive on our vegetarian/vegan cuisine. At times, you may also need to adapt to simpler or more garden-based meals, depending on the availability of ingredients.

Flexibility – Embracing the Ashram Lifestyle

You must be healthy, resilient, and independent. We live in a remote location 45 minutes away from clinics, shops, and other services. We encourage visits to town for urgent matters only.

Q&A WITH SHUNYAMURTI

Karma Yoga is the Highest Practice

The highest and most important practice is karma yoga, meaning that we lead an active life of service to God, community, and world while in full realization that all is consciousness, nothing is outside consciousness, and thus no one is working and nothing is happening—only the manifestation of the free Self-expression of the Supreme Intelligence.

What's the Process of Application and Admission?

1. Submit Your Application

Fill out the application form, providing details about your background, intentions, and interest in joining the Sat Yoga community.

2. Application Review

Our admissions committee will review your application to assess your goals, your readiness for this lifestyle, and whether there is a strong resonance with our teachings and community dynamic. We’ll consider your aspirations and how well you align with our values.

3. Phone Interview

If your application resonates, we'll schedule a phone interview to discuss the program and life at the ashram in depth. We'll clarify expectations related to diet, dharma, early morning meditation, rainy climate, and remote location. This is your chance to ask questions and ensure that you fully understand the lifestyle you're committing to.

4. Final Decision

After the interview, the admissions committee will review everything and make a decision as soon as possible.

5. Arrival Arrangements

If you’re accepted, we'll work with you to finalize your arrival date and ensure a smooth transition into ashram life.

6. Trial Period

Your first month at the ashram will be part of the Shakti Saturation Immersion, which serves as a trial period for both you and the community. During this time, you'll dive into ashram life, connect with the community, and begin your seva (selfless service) duties. This is a chance for us to get to know each other better and ensure that there is a mutual resonance. If, after the first month, it’s a good fit, you’ll transition to a full-time sevadhari.

7. Monthly Assessment and Reflection

At the end of the Shakti Saturation Immersion, and at the end of every month of your stay thereafter, we'll sit down together to reflect on your experience. We'll discuss how things are going, listen to your feedback, and make any adjustments needed. This helps us ensure you're thriving and aligned with the community and to see if this program and the ashram are the right fit for you for the remaining months of the program.

SEVADHARI DAILY SCHEDULE

The schedule below shows the full range of seva hours. You will be assigned approximately 3.5–4.5 hours each day within these periods, according to the needs of the Ashram.

4:00 - 4:45am

Morning meditation

5:00 - 6:30am

Personal Time

6:30 - 8:00

Morning Seva

8:00 - 8:35

Breakfast

8:35 - 12:10 am

Midday Seva

12:15 - 12:50 pm

Midday Meditation

1:00 - 1:45 pm

Lunch

1:45 - 2:30

Community Clean Up

2:30 - 5:30 pm

Personal Time

5:30 - 7:00 pm

Evening Class / Meditation

7:00 - 7:30 pm

Evening Meal

Specialized Service Opportunities

We’re looking for highly skilled applicants!

The majority of service opportunities are in our gardens, greenhouses, and kitchen, helping to maintain the daily cycle of abundance from farm to table. Most of our sevadharis will be doing hands-on physical work that may require, in some instances, endurance and strong physical fitness. We also offer a very few select opportunities for highly skilled and professionally trained applicants in the areas of media/outreach, healthcare, and animal husbandry.

Apply

KARMA YOGA PROGRAM

Sevadhari Program

$2100(Incl. all taxes)

13 Weeks

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Serve and Study Program

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Onsite Retreats

$2100 for the first month: This is a four-week introductory program that includes a 3- or 5-day retreat led by Shunyamurti, plus a program of wisdom classes in the fundamental teachings of Sat Yoga to get you oriented to our way of life and our approach to transformation. You will be immersed in our sangha’s daily activities— including meals, clean-up seva, and other daily tasks—as we get to know you. You will stay in a private room with a shared or private bath in one of our charming cabins.

$1400 each additional month: Includes all Shunyamurti retreats and seminars, community classes and meditations, meals, accommodation in our cabins, and a full seva schedule.

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