FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs

The below are frequently asked questions. If you have a question and cannot find the answer below or on our website, please feel free to contact us via the contact form and we will get back to you

It is not necessary that you have any previous exposure to the spiritual practices shared at the ashram, nor is it compulsory to learn any specific practice in order to attend. Attendees of the ashram come from diverse backgrounds. If this is your first time to visit the ashram, we invite you to join our email distribution list. It
is a helpful way to discover the various daily activities and practices, and to take part in those which appeal to you. We encourage you to sign up to our newsletter here and be added to the mailing list.

Hatha Yoga plays a key role in preparing oneself for meditation by promoting the development of physical well-being and harmonising the body’s energy. This is done through the practice of physical postures directed with awareness (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), deep relaxation (Yoga Nidra) as well as other advanced methods. Many people find Hatha Yoga deeply beneficial for improving overall bodily health and releasing stress. As their practice develops, they often discover that it also invites a deeper enquiry into yoga as a discipline for body, mind and spirit. Hatha Yoga classes are offered from Monday to Saturday at the ashram and cater to levels beginner to advanced.

Dress comfortably so you are able to move easily. Avoid tight, revealing clothing, tops with thin straps, crop tops, leggings and shorts. This is for your comfort and to ensure a respectful environment for everyone in the class.

No, you can arrive 15 minutes before class begins and speak to the receptionist. There is a Personal Information and Indemnity form to fill out.

Yes, you are welcome to attend only the Hatha Yoga classes if you wish, though we invite you to attend other activities which may interest or appeal to you. These include philosophy and meditation classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Saturday satsangs, as well as celebrating religious festivals and honouring important figures in the ashram’s lineage. Each of these offer ways in which one can explore various aspects of yoga.

Yes, there is a cost involved for our Hatha Yoga classes. Please see here for details about pricing.

It’s best to consult your doctor for guidance on how and if you should proceed. If you do attend class with an injury, please inform the teacher beforehand so they are aware of your condition and can suggest safe modifications. The ashram also has a yoga therapy teacher available who can provide assistance with all injuries in one-on-one classes.

Bhakti Yoga - The Path of the Heart - is the yoga of devotion, where we are encouraged to practice love and surrender to God. Bhakti Yoga guides us to develop and cultivate a deep personal relationship with God. This is greatly helped by prayer, kirtan (devotional singing) worship, keeping one’s mind fixed on God at all times, and through acts of service and love.

Satsang means to be in the company of enlightened masters or spiritual teachers or fellow seekers. Swami Sivananda encouraged spiritual seekers to seek the company of the wise, those established in truth, so that our faith and devotion continue to be inspired as well as strengthened. Such company helps us greatly to purify the mind and establish the soul in Divine love.

No, there are no costs involved to attend satsang, however devotees may offer a donation if they wish. All contributions help in supporting the upkeep and services of the ashram.

Yes. Tuesday evening classes offer an opportunity to reflect on spiritual teachings and concludes with a guided meditation.

Yes. The ashram does not impose any lifestyle, but merely shares the yoga principles.

All are welcome to sit in the meditation room during opening hours, as well as when there are no activities taking place in the meditation room (such as the satsangs, philosophy classes and meditation classes).

Kirtan is the devotional practice of singing God’s names and praises. It can take many expressions, such as repetitive chanting of a name or phrase. It is often sung in a call-and-response format, with the group repeating each line after the lead singer. It is typically lyrical and accompanied by musical instruments. Kirtan serves to focus the mind of participants on God and deepens the spirit of love, reverence and gratitude in their hearts.

Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of Philosophy. This is the study of scriptural texts under the guidance of an experienced teacher. Jnana Yoga is taught on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the ashram.

Every human being can be happy, experience love and wisdom and be whole and complete. This is the solid declaration of the Yogis (those who have attained self-mastery). Yoga and Vedanta are time-tested ways by which humans have been able to attain this state. Vedanta is one of the world's most ancient spiritual philosophies and one of its most expansive. It is based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India. To attain to a state of yoga requires us to harmonise body, heart, mind and soul and the most suitable way for us to achieve this is through an integrated approach to all the yogas. Through this integration we ensure every part of our being is harmonised, and in this state of wholeness we can attain true and lasting happiness, love, wisdom and peace.

Karma Yoga is selfless service. It is the practice of serving humanity and spiritualising daily activities. It is the art of actively living life in the spirit of yoga (union with all) whilst at the same time remaining centered in the self. Karma Yoga is the art of living in harmony with all of life. It is the expression of oneness in the form of selfless service. When one enters into the spirit of Karma Yoga, one proactively looks for opportunities to serve others without expectations of anything in return.

Besides being open whilst its programmes are running, the ashram is open Mondays to Fridays from 09h00-18h00 and Saturdays 07h30-17h00.

Silence is not mandatory, but we ask that voices be kept low during ashram activities.

There are no obligations placed on students, however you are encouraged to join any activity which interests you and supports the deepening of your yoga practice.

If they are of a spiritual nature or related to the ashram, please feel free to contact the ashram by filling out the contact form on our website here.

No. All are welcome and the teachings are open to everyone.

No, you do not. While much of the chanting is from the Hindu tradition, songs from all faiths and traditions are welcomed and sung.

Do you know what 'trial and error' means? You try, and commit an error, try again and commit another. It does not say 'try and stop erring'.
- Swami Venkatesananda