Cell phones: To ensure a full Ashram experience we ask that all cell phones are set to silent and/or are turned off. Making or awaiting phone calls or text messages while attending a yoga program can be distracting. You can follow the Ashram bell to guide you through the day.
Check-in/Check-out: The check-in time is from 3:00 pm. The checkout time is at 11:00 am. Check-in/out at reception in the Main Lodge. When checking out please clean your room of litter as best as possible then bring your used bed sheets and towel to the reception.
Conservation and recycling: Please conserve water while bathing and washing. Report any leaking taps and toilets to reception. Save electricity by switching off lights and electrical items when not in use. Be aware of how much paper products are used. Used batteries can be left at reception. Kindly use the recycling bins found in the common areas. Any used items of clothing can be donated at reception.
Dress Code: Please cover your shoulders, upper arms, midriff and legs at all times, including during asana classes & especially temple visits.
Fire Hazards: The burning of candles, incense, mosquito coils, etc. in your room, dormitory or tent is strictly prohibited.
Food: We serve a vegetarian diet, nourishing and balanced with proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and plenty of local vegetables. Snacks are available at our Health Hut during high season. There is no consumption of meat, fish, eggs, garlic and onions. The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs is prohibited
Hygiene: We encourage you to leave the premises, rooms and bathrooms as clean as when you arrived. For hygienic reasons, please leave your ashram pillows, blankets and sheets in your room.
Karma Yoga: The Ashram is run by volunteer staff members. Selfless service, karma yoga or seva is an essential part of the Ashram experience. Maintaining a positive spiritual atmosphere requires participation from all the guests and staff. We ask all students to participate for 1 hour each day contributing to the upkeep of the Ashram. A small task can make a big difference. Kindly meet the karma yoga coordinator at reception at 10:45AM, after morning meal, to arrange your assignment.
Laundry: Coin-operated laundry facilities are located in the building behind the Orange House (Vishnu Kutir) opposite the staff car parking lot. Quarters and dollar coins are required ($1.50). Approximately 30 minutes is required for a wash and 60 minutes for a dry.
Lights out: Kindly respect the silent time after evening satsang (group meditation) on your way to your room. Please turn all lights out and observe silence by 10:30 pm to ensure everyone a peaceful rest.
Massages: We offer Osteopathic treatments and Shiatsu massages year round. Appointments for these massages can be made at reception. Ayurveda consultations with our doctor are available at the Ayurveda Clinic during Ayurveda programs.
Note: the doors are locked at the start of the meditation sessions and opened once chanting begins.
Personal Belongings: A safety deposit facility is available for your valuables and cell phone. Ask reception. The Ashram cannot accept responsibility for anyone’s personal belongings. Consider labelling your yoga mat, bags, shoes and other items left in common areas.
Phone calls: A payphone can be found downstairs in the Lodge.
Photography: To ensure people’s privacy during their stay, photography or video recording is not permitted during satsang, pujas, or asana classes. See Ashram Director with any questions.
Physical Harassment: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers of Canada disapprove of and condemn any form of harassment directed at guests, staff or visitors. Specifically, no harassment, proposals or innuendos with a sexual connotation will be tolerated during any program or activity organized by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers of Canada. Guests participating in such programs are accordingly made aware of this policy and invited to apply it in their personal behavior whilst on our premises. Any guest who thinks she (he) may be the victim of unsolicited advances or any other form of sexual harassment is asked to notify a senior Swami or Director immediately in order for corrective action to be undertaken without delay. Complaints made to a senior Swami or Director will be treated confidentially and the alleged violator or any third party will not be advised of the complainant’s identity without the latter’s consent. See our Misconduct policy.
