A Residential Work Exchange Program

“ The path of Karma Yoga or selfless service develops equanimity of the mind.
It always purifies the mind by weakening selfish desires, attachment and ego.
So a Karma Yogi's effort will never be a waste of time and energy.
By its regular practice, one can attain liberation.”

- Baba Hari Dass

At the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, the primary goal is to attain peace. We are guided by the spiritual discipline of Ashtanga Yoga as inspired by Baba Hari Dass, and provide a supportive environment for all who share this aspiration. We accept those who share the common goal of peace and who want to offer their skills, time and experience to support the work of the centre, which is based on the ideal of karma yoga or selfless service.

“ The main aim of life is to attain peace.
At the land we are doing various things,
But underneath it all, that is our aim.”

- Baba Hari Dass

The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga is built on the foundation of karma yoga, which includes:

SERVICE - Using one's gifts and efforts to do the day-to-day work of maintaining and operating the Centre.

SELF-AWARENESS - Developed through the practices of asana (postures), meditation, and the study of yoga philosophy.

Through this process, you have the opportunity to learn and develop peace of mind, which infiltrates everyday life.

The program consists of service in various areas of the Centre, including cooking, dish washing, housekeeping, gardening, building and grounds maintenance and office support. You may also take part in classes on asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), meditation, and yoga philosophy. Other weekly activities include Kirtan (devotional singing), Satsang (a spiritual gathering of like-minded seekers), and some recreation in the context of community living.

Ashtanga Yoga
Classes in asana, pranayama and meditation are offered each week, depending on the size of the community. Variously scheduled asana classes taught by community members are open to KYSS participants at no cost. A study group, which discusses the Yoga Sutras or Bhagavad Gita, is offered each week. Satsang is held each Sunday afternoon.

Who Should Apply?

• Those wanting to practice spiritual principles in daily life and explore karma yoga as a part of that spiritual practice.
   
• Those with proven skills in vegetarian cooking, house cleaning, facility maintenance, landscaping, gardening, and office work.
   
• Those who are able to make a minimum commitment of two months. (One month during the summer).
   
• Assets include a healthy body, positive attitude, willingness to work with enthusiasm, and a spirit of co-operation and right intention.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is for adults. We are not able to accommodate parents with children who are interested in being with their family at the centre. We also do not have accommodations for couples.

All participants are expected to:

• Give their best effort to meet the challenges of the work through Karma Yoga and Sadhana.
   
• Comply with all procedures in effect.
   
• Respect that we are a vegetarian, non-smoking Centre with zero tolerance for alcohol or illegal drugs on the land.
  

Commitment
A minimum commitment of eight weeks is requested during the spring and fall, (one four-week stay is possible in the summer, and for returning KYs). During this time all volunteers enter the stream of daily life in our small community of staff and KYs. At the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga our main purpose is to attain peace. Our financial security is achieved by hosting programs and rentals. All community members contribute to this aim in various ways.

If you are interested in staying longer than eight weeks, please mention this on your application form. After your first month is complete you may submit a request to extend your eight-week stay. Each request is considered individually and based upon your engagement with the aim and activities of the Centre.

Program Dates 2008
Applications will be accepted for the following periods. (Some flexibility in exact departure dates may apply).

March 24 - May 19
May 19 - July 15
July 23 - Sept 15
* July 23 - Aug 27
Sept 15 - Nov 16

Program Schedule
Everyone is scheduled for twenty-eight hours in work/service and for approximately two hours in group meetings; making a total of thirty hours per week.

Accommodations
Indoor housing is available for nine participants from March 24 to the end of May, and August 22 - November 16, 2008. Most of the KY rooms are cozy, private rooms; we have one room with twin beds. NOTE: Due to the size of the rooms and storage space, please do not bring an excess of clothing or personal items unless you have a car to store your belongings in during your stay.

Tenting is available between spring and early fall, allowing for a greater number to attend.

During the first half of August all KYSS participants are required to tent.

Additional Information
The KYSS program is offered for short-term, residential stays during our season from mid March to mid November.

We serve vegetarian meals, which are mostly organic. Vegetables from our garden are used as much as possible. Meat, fish and eggs are not permitted.

For safety, and in consideration of others, as well as out of respect for the Centre's philosophy we ask all our staff & our guests to observe the following rules:

• No open fires, candles, smudges, incense or sparklers
   
• No smoking, alcohol or non-prescription drugs
   
• No nudity in public places
   
• Please do not bring pets
   
• Guests are requested to refrain from wearing scented or perfumed products as we wish to offer a scent free environment
   
• Quiet hours are 10 pm - 8 am

Fees
A fee of $100 for each four-week period is required to offset laundry, telephone, internet, facility maintenance and other administrative costs. (Note: If you are a returning KY applicant please contact us to enquire about a reduced rate.)

How to Apply
At the bottom of the page you will find a link to our application and further information on where to send it. If you prefer to use a word document application, please let us know. Once your application is received our HR Manager will contact you. Upon acceptance, your first month's fee of $100 will be required to hold your space.

Cancellation Policy
In the event that you need to cancel, the following will apply:

• Up to 14 days prior to your arrival date, your payment is refundable minus a $20 administration fee.
   
• Within 14 days of your arrival date, and during your stay, any refunds are at our discretion, and will be dependent upon how easily your space can be filled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who attends this program?

A: Many people from all lifestyles including young adults out of high school, to mature women and men have attended this program. We have accepted applications from across the world. Everyone shares a common interest in studying yoga. Some people are just beginning while others are already yoga teachers. ( A number of participants have come to the centre as a KY, and later returned to complete our Yoga Teacher Training Program.) In addition, many individuals who are in the KYSS program are also contemplating new steps and directions. Their time with us has helped them deepen their yoga practice, experience healthy living with others of similar intentions, and feel positive about being able to contribute to our work of bringing more peace into the world.

Q: What kind of work will I be doing?

A: Depending on your skills and the time of year you are with us, we will make up a weekly schedule and assign a variety of tasks including dish washing, food prep, housekeeping, office work, some landscaping or garden support, and miscellaneous projects. (Note - Many people express an interest in being in the garden and we will try to accommodate this as much as possible; however, just like at home, the "chores" need to be done. As the gardens at the Centre are managed by Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds, KYs wanting to work primarily in this area are requested to state this and their experience on their application.

Q: How many classes will I be able to take each week?

A: The time of your stay and how many other karma yoga participants are here will determine the number of classes available. In the spring, for example, there is usually a yoga class every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Qi Gong usually takes place Tuesday evening, Gita Study on Wednesday afternoon, Kirtan on Wednesday evening, and Satsang Sunday afternoon. An evening yoga philosophy discussion is held for KYs each week; as well there is a weekly check-in circle usually held Monday afternoon. Additional asana, pranayama and meditation classes are available if there is enough interest.

Q: Are participants given consistent days off?

A: Although we try to accommodate all requests for certain days off, during the weekends when we have guests attending a retreat we ask for "all hands on deck." There will be weekends when we do not have a program in session, and the request for a Saturday and/or Sunday off is possible. We also try to give two days off in a row if this is important, but some weeks this may not always be the case, and you will have one day off, then two half days spread out throughout the week. If you need to make plans or are curious to see what will be happening during your stay check out our annual calendar. (Note: Some dates or events on the calendar may change.)

Q: Do I need to bring my vehicle to the island?

A: A vehicle is not necessary to get around, although it does make it easier since there is no public transportation on Salt Spring. As the centre is located mid island, getting to town (Ganges) is possible by foot if you have lots of time for a walk. Hitch hiking is a popular mode of transport here. Some participants bring their bicycles, but we suggest doing so only if you are used to cycling, as there are some good sized hills to climb. The centre does have some bicycles, however these are not maintained regularly. If you wish to use them, please do so at your own risk and use a helmet.

Q: Do you have Internet access?

A: Yes we presently have high speed internet, two PC's, as well as lap top access set up in the lower level of our main house, near the KY accommodations.

Q: What if I need to receive or make a phone call?

A: There is a residents' phone line upstairs in a small office for your use. You will need a phone card or credit card to call long distance, unless calling collect. Anyone wishing to reach you may call you at this number where an answering system is set up to take messages - 250-537-2726.

Q: Where can I receive mail?

A: Our mailing address is 355 Blackburn Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2B8. Incoming mail will be placed in a box set up for KY participants. Outgoing mail can be left in our main office.

Q: Can my friends or family visit me at the Centre?

A: All guests need to be authorized by Centre KY staff. They are welcome to visit during the day, when you are not scheduled to work. If you would like your guests to stay for a meal, please check with the kitchen staff first, and pay in the main office.

Q: Can you tell me what to expect in regard to the food served at the centre?

A: Two to three vegetarian meals a day are available to Centre residents, staff and KYs. Lunch and dinner times are set, and we all eat together in the dining room or outdoors when weather permits. If you wish to have personal food items, fridge space is available when a program is not in session. Note: Our kitchen functions as a community kitchen during the week and a program kitchen on many weekends.

“ Work honestly,
meditate every day,
meet people without fear,
and play.”

- Baba Hari Dass

 Click here for application form. 
(If you prefer to apply using a Word document attachment for e-mailing, please let us know and we will send it to you.)

  Return by e-mail, mail, or fax to: 
kyss@saltspringcentre.com

The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga
355 Blackburn Road
Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2B8
Fax: 250-537-2311