Ashram Lifestyle and Routine

An Ashram is not a temple or monastery, or a place for sannyasins or the guru, it is an embodiment of simple living, where one can develop a positive attitude and an understanding of selfless service. It is a place of inspiration because it does not teach or preach; it exhibits and you imbibe what is applicable to you.

Ashram life does not require renunciation or rejection of the world, rather its goal is to change one's perspective on everyday life. It is recommended that all householders should stay in an ashram for at least 15 days in a year to relax, unwind and re-establish a more wholesome and balanced perspective on life.

One can visit the Bihar School of Yogashram at Munger or Rikhia to attend a sadhana course, a health course, a teacher training course, or just to experience ashram life.

Below is the current ashram timetable.

Time	Event
4.00 am	Waking up and personal sadhana
5.00 am	Classes start at 5 am. Timings change as per winter or summer season.
6.00 am	Breakfast
6.30 am	Between 6:30 and 7:30 am there is seva yoga for all visitors and residents.
7.30 am	Departmental seva yoga is assigned to individuals in administration, maintenance, publications, transcriptions, art, gardens, kitchen etc.
11.00 am	Lunch
12.00 am	Time from 12.00 am to 4.30 pm is devoted to classes or departmental seva yoga.
1.30 pm	Afternoon tea
4.00 pm	Gardening
5.30 PM	Dinner
6.30 PM	Kirtans (mantra chanting and singing) with Satsangs (discourses and discussions).
7.30 PM	Private study or sadhana in one's own room.
8.00 PM	Gates of residential buildings close.
8.30 PM	Lights out.
	Observance of Mauna (silence) is obligatory at all meal times and from 6 PM to 6 am.

Ashram lifestyle

During the courses students are expected to follow ashram lifestyle and discipline. The rules and regulations for course participants, as well as for permanent residents, are designed to make the yogic lifestyle and training smooth and simple and to create a suitable atmosphere in which to absorb the practices.

Rules

Any kind of hallucinogenic drug, cigarettes, alcohol, radios, weapons or firearms are strictly prohibited on the Ashram premises. Anybody found in possession of any of these items will face disciplinary action and be asked to leave the Ashram.

• Guests are strictly prohibited from entering all buildings. Residents should avoid gossip and are not permitted to enter the rooms or buildings of other residents.
• Mouna, silence, is strictly observed from 6.00pm to 6.00am and during all meal times.
• The Ashram takes no responsibility for the security of valuables and luggage.
• It is the responsibility of each individual to cover the cost of any damage to or loss of Ashram property.

You may encounter difficulties during your stay in the ashram if you do not follow the rules and regulations.

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