Rules and Code of Conduct

Shunyalok Ashram is a dedicated space for spiritual ascent. It is neither a commercial health center nor a venue for tourism, leisure, or entertainment. To maintain the spiritual sanctity, discipline, and collective harmony of the ashram, all visitors and residents must strictly adhere to the following guidelines.

SECTION 1: GENERAL RULES (Applicable to All Visitors & Residents)

1. Arrival, Eligibility & Accommodation

• Spiritual & Physical Readiness: Only Sahaja Yogi brothers and sisters who are in good health and not suffering from any serious illness may stay at the ashram.

• Advance Notice: Visitors planning a short stay (1 to 2 days) must inform the ashram administration well in advance of their planned arrival so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

• Accommodation Charges & Provisions: For short-term stays, the cost of accommodation is ₹500 per night. The ashram will provide a mattress, pillows, and a basic bottom bedsheet.

• Personal Essentials: Visitors must arrange and bring their own personal toiletries (toothpaste, soap, towel) as well as personal covering sheets or blankets.

2. Ashram Lifestyle, Conduct & Environment

• Adopting the Lifestyle: Upon arrival, everyone is expected to gracefully adopt the simple ashram lifestyle. This includes sitting and sleeping on the floor, and washing one’s own clothes and personal utensils. (Note: Short-term visitors must hand-wash their clothes; the ashram washing machine is reserved strictly for long-term residents).

• Behavioral Decorum: Undignified behavior—such as shouting, quarreling, fighting, or loud crying—is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises. This standard applies at all times, including during phone conversations and private interactions.

• Photography & Social Media: Taking selfies or recording videos/reels in an indecent or casual manner (such as standing improperly, posing, or dancing) is strictly forbidden.

• Nature & Resources: Plucking flowers, fruits, or leaves from the ashram plants and trees is strictly not allowed. Please conserve resources by turning off water taps, lights, and fans immediately after use.

3. Food & Dining Guidelines

• Collective Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea must all be taken together collectively in the Annapurna Hall.

• Simplicity of Meals: The ashram serves simple meals; depending on the day, meals may consist of roti and vegetables or dal and rice. All food must be consumed gracefully and without complaint. No individual choices or special food requests will be entertained.

• Kitchen Entry: Unauthorized entry into the ashram kitchen is strictly prohibited. Only designated ashramites officially assigned to kitchen duties are allowed inside.

4. Dress Code & Personal Hygiene

• Women & Girls: Attire must be modest and completely cover the body. A dupatta must be draped properly to cover the chest at all times. Pants, t-shirts, and sleeveless clothing of any kind (including sleeveless blouses for sarees or sleeveless dresses) are strictly prohibited.

• Men & Boys: Men are permitted to wear full-length pants, pajamas, track pants, and t-shirts. However, wearing shorts or sleeveless vests on the premises is strictly prohibited.

• Personal Grooming: A daily bath is mandatory (warm water is provided during the winter). Hair must be properly oiled and neatly combed at all times; disheveled hair is not permitted.

5. Accommodation (Kutir) Etiquette & Technology

• Designated Kutirs: Meru Kutir is exclusively designated for women, and Govardhan Kutir is exclusively for men. Kutirs are strictly meant for resting during the afternoon and sleeping at night. At all other times, individuals must remain integrated within the collectivity.

• Cross-Kutir Entry: If a person needs to enter a kutir designated for the opposite gender, they must seek verbal permission from whoever is currently inside. 

• Audio Devices: Residents and visitors must use earphones or headphones when listening to audio, speeches, or stotras to ensure others are not disturbed.

• Ashram Telephone: The official ashram telephone and its designated number are strictly for administrative purposes and must never be used for personal tasks or private communications.

SECTION 2: ADDITIONAL RULES FOR LONG-TERM RESIDENTS (Ashramites)

(The following rules apply specifically to individuals residing in the ashram on a long-term basis, in addition to all the general rules mentioned in Section 1).

6. Daily Schedule & Strict Fines

• Morning Meditation (4:00 AM – 5:30 AM): Every long-term resident must meditate for a minimum of 30 minutes. Failure to participate will result in a strict fine of ₹500 per person, which will be deposited into the ashram’s account.

  • Exemptions to Fine: Children under the age of 8, women during their menstrual cycle, and individuals suffering from medical ailments (such as a fever) are exempt from this rule and the associated fine.

• Morning Duties:

  • 6:15 AM: Women are required to report to the kitchen for their daily cooking and household duties. Men are required to report for physically intensive tasks, such as agricultural work in the fields.

• Children's Morning Routine (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM): While adults are occupied with morning duties, children must not remain inside the kutirs. They are required to spend this time in common areas (such as the Annapurna Hall) where they may play, practice musical instruments, pass the time constructively, or perform their morning spiritual treatments.

• Standard Meal & Meditation Times: Breakfast is at 8:00 AM, children's academic study time is from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, lunch is at 1:00 PM, evening meditation is at 7:00 PM, and dinner is at 8:00 PM.

7. Ashram Responsibilities & Duties

• Core Activities: Giving self-realization to seekers, conducting Sahaja Yoga introductory sessions, and participating in Prachar Prasar are regular, expected activities for ashramites.

• Maintenance Duties: Except during the monsoon season, ashramites are expected to water the plants periodically.

• Thursday Cleaning Drive: Every Thursday, all ashramites must actively participate in a collective cleaning drive of the common ashram premises. 

8. Spiritual Collectivity & Disciplinary Action

• Trust Intervention for Sthiti: Every resident is responsible for maintaining their own spiritual state (sthiti) and should not expect clearances from others. The Ashram Trust closely monitors the collective environment. If the Trust determines that a resident's spiritual sthiti has deteriorated, the Trust will directly notify the individual. The resident is expected to listen and respectfully comply with the Trust's guidance, which may include being asked to vacate the ashram.

• Treatments & Pujas: Salt for foot-soaking is provided free of charge. Materials for other treatments (candles, ajwain, kapur) must be purchased from the stall at the Sunday center. Arranging and attending all collective pujas is a mandatory responsibility for everyone.

9. Long-Term Living Arrangements & Facilities

• Children in Kutirs: Male children are permitted to stay with their mothers in Meru Kutir only until they reach 8 years of age, after which they must relocate to Govardhan Kutir. Children must never be left alone inside the kutirs.

• Private Kutir Rentals: Married couples residing long-term have the option to rent a separate, private kutir at the current rate of ₹10,000 per month.

10. Specialized Food Guidelines

• Non-Vegetarian Days: Chicken is cooked collectively once a week. On this day, a proper vegetarian alternative will be prepared and provided for all vegetarians.

• Outside Food: Ordering outside food or snacks is permitted based on a majority consensus. The cost will be funded entirely through individual contributions; the ashram will not cover these expenses.

11. Technology Exemptions & Screen Time

• Leisure vs. Productivity: Screen time for leisure and entertainment must be kept to an absolute minimum. However, there are no screen time limits or restrictions for residents using devices for professional, work-related tasks or academic studies.

• Supervision: Children's use of electronic devices, whether for leisure or academic purposes, must be strictly supervised by parents at all times. Children must never be left alone with electronic devices.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that these rules and guidelines are subject to change and may evolve from time to time to better serve the spiritual growth, safety, and administrative needs of Vishwa Nirmala Dharma Religious Trust.