Karma Yoga
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Swami Vishnudevananda learnt from his teacher Swami Sivananda that an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory and created a karma yoga programme throughout the organization for those interested in pursuing a spiritual training. We have over forty centers and ashrams throughout the world, all run by karma yogis.
Karma yoga, voluntary service or seva, is the practice of serving without the idea of agency or reward. It allows us to transform our daily activities into spiritual practice, as we offer our services for the benefit of others. |
Swami Sivananda says that work is worship. Work is meditation. Serve all with intense love without expectation of reward. All work is sacred. There is no menial work from the viewpoint of karma yoga. The spirit of service must be ingrained into our very bones. A karma yogi does not expect even a return of love, appreciation, gratitude or admiration from the people he is serving.
Karma yoga leads to the removal of negative qualities such as anger, greed, jealousy and fear. With commitment and over time, selflessness, purity of heart and humility develop. The result of karma yoga is the eradication of the sense of separateness. Selfishness diminishes; tolerance, compassion and love manifest. Without these qualities no spiritual development can take place. The practice of karma yoga, by giving natural expression to devotion and wisdom provides an excellent opportunity to go deeper into spiritual practices and at the same time to be of great service to others.
| Participants are expected to follow the Ashram guidelines below. The Ashram and the Karma Yoga program are designed to give support in maintaining your daily schedule and discipline. In cases where participants have discipline issues, they will be notified/counseled through/by their Karma Yoga Supervisor. However, in case of repeated offences, if needed to be counseled more than thrice, the matter will be escalated to the Ashram Director and the said Karma Yogi may be asked to leave either the program or the Ashram.
All Karma Yogis are expected to participate daily in satsangs, staff meeting, asana class and karma yoga assignments. They should arrive at classes, events and satsangs on time. |
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To apply for Temporary Staff please fill in the application form after reading the Ashram Karma Yogi Guidelines and Sexual Harassment Policy.
The Temporary Staff Program is suitable for those who wish to spend up to three months at the Ashram. The amount of time engaged in karma yoga is up to six to eight hours a day.
Minimum duration for sign-up: 1 month
Maximum duration: 3 months
We welcome applicants with all levels of yoga practice or experience – you could be a teacher or not or be completely new to the practice – all that is needed is a desire to serve and learn. Following are the other requirements:
- Participants should be 18 years of age or older.
- Participants must disclose any physical or mental issues or ailments in their application.
- Valid Health Card
- Participants are responsible for all travel arrangements to and from the ashram.
- All participants will mandatorily serve a two weeks probation, on satisfactory completion of the probation period, the participant will be confirmed as a Karma Yogi for the stipulated period as per their application. The confirmation will be informed to you by your karma yoga supervisor.
Participants are required to attend:
- Both morning and evening Satsangs
- Daily staff meetings
- One yoga class daily
- Complete their karma yoga assignments each day
Due to the covid situation we must limit the number of staff members present at the ashram. Applications will be reviewed but we may not be able to accept you when requested.
Participants are required to attend:
- Both morning and evening Satsangs
- Daily staff meetings
- One yoga class daily
- Complete their karma yoga assignments each day
Accommodations available:
ONLY Tent (June, July and August) and Shared room (rest of the year)
The karma yoga program at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp provides a wonderful opportunity to participate in and become part of a vibrant spiritual community. As a karma yogi you are an integral member of the Ashram family and will be fully immersed in Ashram life, closely involved in serving the Ashram guests. You will follow a structured program with a specific daily schedule which includes asana and meditation practices, Satsang, staff meetings and selfless service. You will be required to engage in philosophy studies and submit a spiritual diary documenting your practice.
Through your karma yoga practice, you will gradually develop both dedication and commitment to your service at the Ashram enriching your life and the lives of those around you.
The lifestyle within the Ashram is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding, but at the same time immensely rewarding. It is important that you read and fully understand the Guidelines, Rules, Regulations and Policies. You will confront challenges from your own mind that you may not have previously faced, but with the support and guidance from senior members of staff you will find the strength to address them. You will develop wisdom and grow spiritually, as have thousands of karma yogis before you.
The Karma Yoga program (Temporary Staff Program) along with guiding policies, rules and regulations are detailed here, to help you with an overview of the program before sign-up.
Participants are expected to follow the Ashram guidelines below. The Ashram and the Karma Yoga program are designed to give support in maintaining your daily schedule and discipline. In cases where participants have discipline issues, they will be notified/counseled through/by their Karma Yoga Supervisor. However, in case of repeated offences, if needed to be counseled more than thrice, the matter will be escalated to the Ashram Director and the said Karma Yogi may be asked to leave either the program or the Ashram.
All Karma Yogis are expected to participate daily in satsangs, staff meeting, asana class and karma yoga assignments. They should arrive at classes, events and satsangs on time.
| 5:30 am | Wake Up |
| 6-7:30 am | Satsang (Meditation, Chanting, Lecture) |
| 8-10 am | Yoga Asana Class |
| 10-11 am | Brunch |
| 4- 6 pm | Yoga Asana Class |
| 6-7 pm | Dinner |
| 8-9:30 pm | Satsang (Meditation, Chanting, Lecture) |
| 10:30 pm | Lights Out |
To apply for Temporary Staff please fill in the application form after reading the Ashram Karma Yogi Guidelines and Sexual Harassment Policy.
The Temporary Staff Program is suitable for those who wish to spend up to three months at the Ashram. The amount of time engaged in karma yoga is up to six to eight hours a day.
Minimum duration for sign-up: 1 month
Maximum duration: 3 months
We welcome applicants with all levels of yoga practice or experience – you could be a teacher or not or be completely new to the practice – all that is needed is a desire to serve and learn. Following are the other requirements:
- Participants should be 18 years of age or older.
- Participants must disclose any physical or mental issues or ailments in their application.
- Valid Health Card
- Participants are responsible for all travel arrangements to and from the ashram.
- All participants will mandatorily serve a two weeks probation, on satisfactory completion of the probation period, the participant will be confirmed as a Karma Yogi for the stipulated period as per their application. The confirmation will be informed to you by your karma yoga supervisor.
- Participants are required to attend:
- Both morning and evening Satsangs
- Daily staff meetings
- One yoga class daily
- Complete their karma yoga assignments each day
Participants are required to attend:
- Both morning and evening Satsangs
- Daily staff meetings
- One yoga class daily
- Complete their karma yoga assignments each day
Accommodations available:
ONLY Tent (June, July and August) and Shared room (rest of the year)