Karma Yoga Service & Study
A Residential Work Exchange Program
“
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
Overview
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 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.
Selfless Service Principles
The basic principles in practicing Selfless Service are (i) performing action with enthusiasm and concentration, but with no self interest, and (ii) having no attachment to the fruit of one's actions. These are high ideals and Babaji makes it clear that virtually all of our actions contain some self interest -- our task is to recognize this and slowly remove it. Over time this results in selfless actions that have at their foundation a deep peace and joy that is unaffected by adversity. Karma yogis who stay here for longer periods of time are guided by these principles, not as external rules, but through the understanding that they bring about the reduction of the ego, the "I-me-mine" concept, as the motivating force of all of our thoughts and actions. Included in your orientation package will be a small booklet on Selfless Service written by Babaji. There will also be occasions for the discussion of this central practice of yoga.
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.
Benefits of KYSS
- Opportunity to be a part of community living.
- An opening to practice yoga in all of its intricate aspects (karma yoga, asanas, meditation, philosophy, bhakti, etc.).
- Make a positive contribution to guide universal peace.
- Build skills in areas you've always wanted to.
- Meet like-minded people and develop great friendships.
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 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 stay. Each request is considered individually and based upon your engagement with the aim and activities of the Centre.
Karma yogis will be working 30 hours per week, including meetings. These include: a weekly community meeting, check-in circle, and yoga philosophy class.
Guidelines
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 and 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.
If you are a non-BC resident, you are required to make your own arrangements for health insurance, for the full duration of your stay with us. (NOTE: Canadian residents moving to BC from other provinces are insured for three months only by their home province. If they are staying
in BC longer than three months, they must take steps to acquire proper health insurance through BC Medical.) The Centre is not liable if you are in need of medical attention and do not carry proper health insurance.
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 with special skills in building, carpentry, cabinetry, finishing,
installation, electrical, painting, renovations, plumbing, automotive
mechanics, and lawn maintenance.
- Those with special skills in photography, video-editing, event planning,
and marketing.
- 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.
Program Dates 2010
March 8 - April 19 (6 weeks)
March 29 - May 10 (6 weeks)
April 19 - May 31 (6 weeks)
May 10 - July 19 (10 weeks)
May 31 - July 26 (8 weeks)
July 16 - August 4 (20 days) This term is for YTT participants only.
July 19 - August 16 (4 weeks)
July 19 - August 30 (6 weeks)
August 16 - September 27 (6 weeks)
September 7 - October 5 (4 weeks)
September 27 - November 23 (8 weeks)
Sample Daily 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.
| 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. |
|
Meditation (Mon. - Fri.) |
| 7:45 - 8:45 a.m. |
|
Yoga Asana Class (Mon. - Fri.) |
| 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. |
|
Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
|
Karma yoga |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. |
|
Lunch |
| 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
|
Karma yoga |
| 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. |
|
Yoga Asana Class (Mon. - Thurs.) |
| 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
|
Dinner |
| 7:30 p.m. |
|
Evening Session (on selected week nights only) |
Please note this is a sample schedule and time slots may vary according
to the needs of the Centre. Refer to the activity schedule to see times for weekly KYSS
check-in circles, as well as our yoga philosophy class. To learn about other class offerings
like the Bhagavad Gita class and Satsang, please refer to our class schedule.
Accommodations
Indoor housing is available for participants in the spring and late fall months (October-November). 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 May and early fall, allowing for a greater
number to attend.
What To Bring
Please bring the following with you: appropriate clothes for indoor and outdoor work and asana class, a journal, toiletries, alarm clock, book to
read, swimsuit, rain gear, hat, flashlight or headlamp, indoor shoes or slippers, yoga mat if possible, as well as outdoor shoes that you can slip off easily. Bed linens, blankets and a towel are supplied for in-house accommodation.
Laundry facilities are provided and the cost is included in your monthly fee.
Please do not bring the following: non-prescription drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, pets, or non-vegetarian food.
Due to fire danger, we do not allow incense, candles, kerosene lamps, or anything with a flame in our housing or campgrounds.
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.)
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.
How to Apply
STEP 1: Download and complete the KYSS Application Form (Word Document).
STEP 2: Send your completed Application, along with your current resume and two work-related references to kyss@saltspringcentre.com.
Once we receive your application, you will likely receive a response in two week's time. Upon acceptance, your program fee will be required to hold your space.
For more information please call us at 250.537.2326 or e-mail kyss@saltspringcentre.com.
|
