Welcome to Guru Ram Das Ashram!
Sat Nam. Congratulations on your decision to celebrate your health, happiness and holiness at Guru Ram Das Ashram! We look forward to getting to know you better and supporting your experience of coziness and growth on this beautiful, blessed land. Ours is truly a spiritual village on Village Street — a place for people to connect with the earth, with each other, and with their spiritual discipline, in a deep and profound way. We also host visitors who come to experience Yoga and meditation, Gurdwara, healing practices like Sat Nam Rasayan, and workshops on a wide range of topics like vegetarian cooking and dance. \
Important information: A thru Z!
Index of Information
3HO Foundation of New England
3HO Team
Acclimating
Accommodations & Guest Space
Ashram Meetings
Ashram Secretary
Calendar of Events
Children
Classes and Workshops
E-Mail / Ashram Related
Emergency Response Systems
Events Committee
Executive Committee
Fall Festival
Garden Committee
Greening the Ashram
Gurdwara
Gurdwara Committee
Guru Granthi
Heart-to-Heart Time
Karma Yoga & Missal System
Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma
Laundry
Mail
Map of the Ashram
Meals
Medical
Membership Agreement
Mentors for Ashram Living
Ministers
Missal
Parking
Preserving a safe, beautiful environment
Phone Directory
Property Management
Restaurants, Shopping, Laundromats, etc.
Sadhana
Safety Officer
Sat Nam Rasayan
Security
Sikh Dharma Board
Sikh Dharma Training
Teacher Training – Yoga
Telephone Service
Transportation
Valuables and Insurance
Websites
White Tantric Yoga
Who’s Who at the Ashram?
3HO Foundation of New England
Guru Ram Das Ashram has always served as the regional center for Kundalini Yoga in New England. In 2010, it is our hope to reflect that tradition and intent by expanding our organizational name in our By-laws from 3HO Foundation of MA to 3HO Foundation of New England. It is also the intent of the current 3HO Foundation of MA Board to expand our 3HO Board membership from 3 members to 11 or 13 members maximum – bringing in expertise from Kundalini Yoga teachers and centers from the other New England states, including: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. In so doing, it is hoped that this communication and organization network will serve as both an important link between teachers and centers in the region, and a vehicle for promoting Kundalini Yoga and meditation throughout the New England area. [Until the By-laws are changed legally, our 3HO Foundation of MA Board includes: SS EkOngKar Singh, President, Harbhajan Kaur, and MSS Gurucharan Singh. The 3HO Foundation of New England Board will not oversee/manage Baba Siri Chand Yoga Center, as BSC is a property of Sikh Dharma of Massachusetts. Thus the Sikh Dharma of MA Board is the oversight body for the Yoga Center, with day-to-day management and operations under the purview of the Yoga Center Director, Victoria Haffner, and the 3HO Team.
3HO Team
If you would like to become part of a team that serves the Yoga Center on a regular basis, please contact the Yoga Center Director, Victoria Haffner. We would also encourage your participation in helping coordinate particular projects and events as the Yoga Center Director makes such requests.
Acclimating to the Environment and Surrounding Culture
Guru Ram Das Ashram is located in a rural/suburban setting southwest of Boston. One experiences all four seasons here. Tourists come to New England to experience our colorful foliage in fall, our blossoms in spring, winter sports, or summer days by the ocean. We are less than an hour’s drive from the cultural hub of Boston, with all its museums, universities and arts – or beaches, in Massachusetts, on Cape Cod or in Rhode Island.
Accommodations & Guest Space
Guru Ram Das Ashram has several buildings on its 20+ acres, and several different self-contained apartments, cottage or townhouses of varying sizes, offering a wide range of affordable living spaces, from a one bedroom cottage or apartment to 3 to 4 bedroom townhouse apartments. Prices take into consideration square footage and property assessments; and membership dues afford special privileges and discounts, as well as responsibilities.
Guest space is available for visitors; lodging may be arranged through the Ashram Secretary.Guests are expected to adhere to basic ashram policies .
Ashram Meetings
Ashram meetings are held quarterly, (more, as needed), to deal with matters of business and organization, to coordinate events or communications, or simply to “check in’ with one another for inspiration and coziness,. Occasionally, dues-paying ashram members are asked to vote on matters of policy, etc. at ashram meetings. Minutes are available online. <Embed link>
Ashram Secretary
While Mentors are available to assist each new Ashram Member, even long-time ashram members contact the Ashram Secretary as the “go to” person for sharing or receiving up-to-date information. Contact our Ashram Secretary, Dharma at <Embed link>
Calendar of Events at Guru Ram Das Ashram and Gurdwara
The Ashram Secretary keeps a master calendar of ashram, Gurdwara, and 3HO events. She sends out Guru Ram Das Ashram and Gurdwara e-notices; our Baba Siri Chand (BSC) Yoga Center sends out e-notices about upcoming yoga center events. To be put on the yoga center’s email list, contact BSC’s PR person at 508-376-4525, or info@KundaliniYogaNE.com <update email address>.
Children
Children are our future, as well as divine souls, each with his or her own spiritual destiny. We believe there are many yogic teachings and technologies within our yogic practices that support our raising children who are strong physically, mentally, socially and spiritually – beginning with their pre-natal experience. The adage, “It takes a village to raise a child” proves true at Guru Ram Das Ashram, where information and support is available for any parent interested in learning more about a yogic approach to child-raising. Each child is blessed with the love of extra “aunties” and “uncles,” and enjoys the blessing of living and romping on several acres– with a full-sized basketball court, swing-set/play area; and swimming pool (currently in need of repair/donations). For children 4 years or older, there is an after-Gurdwara Youth Program. There are special events programmed with kids or all ages in mind – like surfing or bike trips.
Just two doors down from the Ashram is a Montessori School located at 350 Village Street, as well as the opportunity to attend our international Miri Piri Academy in India. There are several other private schools within reasonable driving distance of the Ashram, and the town of Millis has public schools and bus service. Parents make their own decisions regarding their child and his/her education.
Classes and Workshops
Copies of the current schedule of yoga classes held at Baba Siri Chand Yoga Center at Guru Ram Das Ashram are available at the entrance to the yoga center. Ashram members attend daily yoga classes for free as part of their membership dues, and also receive discounted rates on some workshops and trainings held at Guru Ram Das Ashram.
Sikh Dharma Classes: (See “Sikh Dharma Training.”)
E-Mail / Ashram Related
To be included on the email list for ashram or yoga center notices, contact the Ashram Secretary and 3HO PR person.<Embed links> If you don’t have email, ask to receive hard copy &/or phone notices.
- Ashram Events Notices: Give the Ashram Secretary your e-mail address to receive notices of ashram events, 508-376-4387; dharmakaur@comcast.net <Embed link>
- Gurdwara Events Notices: Contact Siri Sevak Kaur <Embed link> to be on the Gurdwara phone list and the Ashram Secretary to receive events notices.
- Ashram Chat Group (Yahoo): If you don’t already have a Yahoo Account, start one, then contact Guru Ram Das Ashram’s Web Master, Gurukarm Kaur, <Embed link> to be put onto the members’ chat group: gurukarm@gmail.com
- Yoga Center Events notices: Give your contact information to Holly at 508-376-4525 or sign up on our web-site: YogaAtTheAshram.com <Embed link>
Emergency Response Systems
Contact people for the Emergency Planning Groups are
- Nam Joti Kaur 508-376-5528, 617-699-3369 (cell); nks_writer@yahoo.com <Embed link>
- Manjit Kaur 508-376-8104, 508-254-7956 (cell); .mjk@doctorkhalsa.com <Embed link>
Members may download the “In Case of Emergency” handout to post on their home’s fridge or bulletin board. We also ask each member to fill out an Ashram Emergency Response System Information Sheet.
Building Captains
Building A: Nam Joti Kaur
Building B: Jot Singh
Building C: Adi Shakti Kaur
Building D: Dharma Kaur
Sham Rang and Arjan Kaur offered to make their home “communication central” if the ashram ever had to be evacuated.
Events Committee
This group plans special event like parties, pot-lucks, and cook-outs. If you have interest in serving on this committee, contact <???? Siri Devta Kaur (if she is still willing).> Confirm
Executive Committee
A small management group selected by the Sikh Dharma of MA, Inc. Board meets at least monthly (and maintains constant contact through emails) to discuss and deal with day-to-day ashram maintenance, membership concerns and agendas – including financial, legal, property, social and spiritual issues. Ashram members are encouraged to bring agenda items to the EC – as well as to the all ashram meetings.
Current EC members include:
Manjit Kaur (EC Director), Guru Ras Kaur, Harbhajan Kaur, and Siri Karm Singh. Please feel free to contact any of them with ideas and concerns. <Embed links>
Fall Festival
Each October Guru Ram Das Ashram sponsors an all-day yoga, meditation and healing event, with wonderful teachers and healers, vegetarian food, and a bazaar.
Gardening Committee
We have a committee that manages our community garden located in the field east of the swimming pool (with varying degree of participation and membership possible). If you are interested in participating in the garden or serving on this committee, please contact GuruRas Kaur (gururaskaur@mac.com or 508-446-3082).<Embed link>
Please conserve energy and ashram resources whenever possible. As teachers or participants in any of our events, please make sure that
- Windows are closed when either the A/C or heat are on.
- Do not leave windows open where rain might come in and ruin either the wood floor in the Yoga Center or the carpet in the Gurdwara. The front windows on either side of the teachers’ bench in the yoga center are not covered by a porch, and the paned windows in the Gurdwara are vertically oriented, allowing rain to come in when they are open.
- Turn off any lights that are not needed/necessary – especially overnight – being careful not to turn off lights on timers considered security and/or safety lights because they illuminate our walkways. [See “Security” section for more details.]<Embed link>
- Conservation (and safety) also involves learning the proper use of any ashram equipment before use, and returning things to their proper place, not exposing them to outdoor elements unnecessarily.
- [We’re looking to organize interested folks and form a “Green Team” to oversee this work and help organize other ways to conserve. Pls contact us if you’re interested!]
Gurdwara
Gurdwara is a spiritual practice that uses devotional songs and uplifting music, called Gurbani Kirtan, to connect the individual soul with the Infinite. Ideally, a short Gurdwara service is be held each morning at the end of meditations. When a full Gurdwara is not possible, the sadhana leader reads a Hukam following the group meditations. Sunday Gurdwaras begin at 11 AM; langar (the group meal) is served at 12:30.
Gurdwara Committee
If you have an interest in serving on the Gurdwara Committee, please contact Siri Sevak Kaur or Dr. Sham Rang Singh, our Granthi.
Guru Granthi
A community’s Guru Granthi is chosen to serve the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and uphold the sacredness of Guru’s court. Granthis often oversee other Gurdwara Committee functions as well.
Heart-to-Heart Time and Ministry
Contact: SS Dr. Sham Rang Singh & Arjan Kaur
If you feel that you need extra support or a good listener to help you sort through an ashram or spiritual concern, please feel free to call either an ashram member with whom you already feel you have a connection, or the point person(s) for some Heart-to-Heart time with a long-time ashram member or Sikh Dharma minister. The Heart-to-Heart contacts will connect you with someone for a 20 to 30 minute heart-to-heart meeting/conversation. To speak with a Sikh Dharma Minister, feel free to choose a minister from the ashram phone list (ministers have SS in front of their names), or ask our Guru Granthi, SS Dr. Sham Rang Singh, to connect you with a minister.
Karma Yoga and Missal System
Karma Yoga is a purification of heart and mind, to annihilate ego and eradicate selfishness. Practicing Karma Yoga develops selflessness when performed with an attitude of Seva, serving without expectations of rewards.
Each of us plays a part in making the Ashram (and our larger communities) run. Ashram community buildings need to be kept clean, grounds need to be maintained, and we all support the events we sponsor through our participation and efforts. Ashram members play together, sing together and work together. The latter involves everything from helping to make Sunday langars (group meals)to helping organize our Fall Yoga Festival.
Ashram members are typically assigned to a missal for langar preparations (monthly) and Gurdwara cleanup (once in 2 or 3 months). There are always opportunities to beautify the property or support events. Karma Yoga not only serves your soul, it helps keep ashram rents and membership dues affordable.
In addition to our missal Seva system, there are opportunities to serve on various working committees, by volunteering – or through an election/selection process. E.g., one may volunteer to serve on the Events Committee, the Gurdwara Committee, the Yoga Center team, the Ashram Emergency Planning team, et. al.
Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma – how do they inter-relate?
Sikh disciplines share some of the technology and lifestyle elements of Kundalini Yoga. In addition to a yoga and meditation practice, the 3HO yogic lifestyle incorporates values of vegetarianism; abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and sex outside of marriage, and letting one’s hair grow. Headcovers are recommended whenever practicing or teaching Kundalini Yoga. In addition to the aforementioned yogic values, Sikhs cover their heads in public (typically with a turban); those who take Amrit vows wear bana (Dharmic clothing) and recite banis (daily prayers). Kundalini yogis typically wear white clothing – a combination of all colors (spin a color wheel and see white!). This enhances the aura and strengthens the magnetic field. Being in the ashram environment offers everyone a chance to experience lifestyle aspects of the technology, “standing under it” to “understand” its benefits – without any expectation other than that each individual will proceed, at his/her own pace, toward his/her own highest integrity.
Laundry
Laundry is each person’s personal responsibility. In some apartments, hookups have been installed for a washer and dryer. Some apartments may even have a washer/dryer left by former residents. Building C residents have a shared basement and a system for the use of laundry appliances regulated by those residents. There are also public Laundromats available in Millis and Medway. The Ashram Secretary can give you a list of local resources in the Guest Packet.
Mail
Mail is delivered daily to the mailbox in front of 368 Village Street. Either an ashram resident or the Ashram Secretary brings the mail from the mailbox to the mailroom in the foyer of Building C where Ashram members have mail slots. Some ashram members opt to receive their mail at the Millis Post Office, a mile and a half away, especially those who anticipate that they might want their mail to be forwarded to another address at some point [which the Post Office will not do for ashram mail , which is not delivered to separate lock boxes]. Though the postal service will also pick up any outgoing mail left in our street-side mailbox when its flag is up, the ashram cannot guarantee (nor can it be responsible for) the security of that mailbox. Most ashram members deliver important mail through the Post Office. If you move out, please talk to the Post Office about forwarding your mail. Please speak to our Ashram Secretary about any mailroom concerns.
Map of the Ashram
You may download the Guest Packet from the Guru Ram Das Ashram website, or ask the Ashram Secretary for a hard copy.
Meals
Meals are each person’s personal responsibility, though it is expected that only vegetarian meals will be prepared on ashram property. There is a group meal (lungar) served each Sunday after Gurdwara, and there are occasional potlucks or other group meals in conjunction with programs or events.
Medical Policy – First Aid
While we are blessed to have an MD, SS Dr. Sham Rang Singh Khalsa, as an ashram member, we do not count on his being available when medical emergencies arise. It is recommended that Ashram members have basic first-aid supplies in their apartments, as well as a list of emergency phone numbers (including ambulances and nearby hospitals) near your phone. Of course, one call always dial 911 to get emergency assistance. (Check with your telephone service provider to make sure you are connected with that service.)
Either Milford Hospital or Leonard Morse Hospital <Embed links> in Natick are approximately 20-30 minutes away, depending upon traffic. Remember to take your medical insurance information/card with you to any hospital. You can also supply that information, and a list of any required medications, to our Ashram Secretary if you would like the feeling of additional security in the event of unforeseen complications.
[Disclaimer: Kundalini Yoga is a powerful ancient tradition, but should not be used as a substitute for regular or necessary medical care. Also, Guru Ram Das Ashram is not in a position to offer long-term care or an assisted-living environment. Each individual is responsible for planning for his/her own medical care, disability, or retirement issues. ]
Membership Agreement
Our membership agreement states the Mission of Guru Ram Das Ashram, as well as our agreements as ashram members in supporting that mission and our own spiritual development. You may obtain a copy of our Ashram Membership Agreement from our Ashram Secretary. <Embed link>
Mentors for Ashram LivingIf you have questions or concerns about ashram living or policies, please feel free to call either a knowledgeable ashram member with whom you already feel you have a connection, or our Ashram Secretary, who can answer most policy/procedure questions, or connect you with ashram members willing to serve as mentors for new members.
Ministers
To be connected with a Sikh Dharma minister, contact our Granthi, Dr. Sham Rang Singh Khalsa.<Embed link> Several ashram members are ordained Sikh ministers, who are, generally speaking, available to administer Sikh Vows or weddings, as well as to serve as ministers/chaplains for those requesting spiritual support or answers to Dharmic questions.
Missal Seva
For background information, see the “Karma Yoga” heading and the Ashram Membership Agreement. Missal Seva Lists can be downloaded from the Guru Ram Das Ashram website, or available in hard copy from our Ashram Secretary, or Siri Devta Kaur, who manages that spreadsheet.
Parking
When possible, please park in spaces designated for residents rather than those allotted to ashram, yoga center and Gurdwara guests. Parking and driving on the lawns is generally not permitted; any damage to lawns, septics or underground pipes that results from violation of this policy will be the responsibility of the violator. The exception to this policy would be when the weather permits and there is a parking attendant knowledgeable about the location of septics and underground pipes, event participants will be allowed to park in designated areas of the lawn. When parking, be careful not to block any walkways to the community building or resident homes, or to leave a car running (allowing fumes to get into resident windows). As parking spaces are limited, our policy is to limit the number of cars per individual to no more than two. Tenants may not keep unregistered or inoperable vehicles, or parts thereof, on the property.
Phone Directory
A list of ashram members and their contact information is available from the Ashram Secretary. Please download the GRDA Phone Directory. <We need a new edition.><Embed Link>.
Preserving a safe, beautiful environment
In order to contribute to the good health and long life of the earth, the safety of our residents and buildings, and the aesthetics of our property, we observe normal precautions and practice common sense at Guru Ram Das Ashram.
- Drive slowly in the ashram driveway – no more than 5 miles per hour. We have children and pets to protect.
- Avoid driving on the lawns or over septic systems, especially when the ground is soft from rain.
- Park carefully in designated parking areas only. Make sure there is ample drive-through space for other cars to get past you, and do not block walkways.
- FIRE WARNING: Do not leave your apartment with the stove on, candles burning, or iron on…and attend to these items when you are at home as well.
- Do not leave water running unattended; the person living below you will appreciate it.
- Keep community space clear of personal items, including the outdoors, and any shared hallways. (Allowable items in the Building C shared hallway include a small shoe rack and shoes by each door)
- Observe our insurance company’s rules about what may and may not be stored in attics and basements. (Small list needed. Does Dharma Kaur have this, or Pat?)
Property Management
GuruRas Kaur keeps the Master Repair and Maintenance list. When there is something in an apartment or the community building that requires repair, please contact her or the Sanghat Reps.
* Phone: 508-794-9393
* Email: ashramproperty@gmail.com
You can call this number 24 hours/day 7 days/week. We’ll get back to you in 36 hours to arrange a plan to resolve your problem.
In case of a maintenance emergency, please call call Dharma Kaur (508-376-4387) or Pat (508-376-4526).
Restaurants, Shopping, Laundromats, etc. – See a list of local resources in the Guest Packet, downloadable from the Guru Ram Das Ashram website, or available from our Ashram Secretary in hard copy.
Sadhana
You may download our Sadhana Meditation Mantras from the Guru Ram Das Ashram web-site, or obtain a hard copy from our Ashram Secretary. (There are usually copies available at the community building entrance as well; please leave the laminated copies for ongoing use by visitors to sadhana).
You are invited to participate in the daily yoga and meditation practice called Sadhana each morning beginning with yoga at 4 am on weekdays, 5 am on Saturdays and Sundays, followed by 62 minutes of meditations. JapJi, the morning prayer/bani, and Gurdwara are also part of the Aquarian Sadhana.. Either the Sadhana leader, or another party who arrives 20 minutes before yoga is supposed to begin, may lead the recitation of Japji or put on a recording of it. If the recitation is not complete by the time yoga is scheduled to begin, those wishing to finish the recitation of JapJi should do so in the Gurdwara. Since we have not had the support/numbers to make a daily Gurdwara service possible, we conclude sadhana each morning with the sadhana leader or his/her designee reading a Hukam (“command”/reading of the day from the Guru) taken from the Peace Lagoon kept by the statue of Baba Siri Chand. There is a flashlight next to the Peace Lagoon that allows the sadhana leader to read the Hukam without turning on overhead lights – which might disturb Sadhana goers whose eyes have adjusted to the more dimly-lit meditation room. (Hukams are traditionally taken from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib; Peace Lagoon is an English translation of a portion of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, including the daily banis and Sukhmani Sahib/Peace Lagoon.
Safety Officer
Our Ashram Secretary Dharma Kaur is also serves as our Safety Officer, and will check in with members twice a year to see if our apartments are secure, including fire and carbon monoxide monitoring systems in working order. The Safety Officer also shares other tips on personal and ashram safety. She keeps a second set of backup keys for each apartment in the event that tenants lock themselves out of their own apartment, or in the event that fire should erupt while the tenant is away. A second lockbox of keys is kept in the 3HO/Sikh Dharma offices.
Sat Nam Rasayan
Sat Nam Rasayan is a subtle healing form taught by Gurudev Singh Khalsa. New England’s most highly qualified Sat Nam Rasayan teacher, Dharma Kaur Khalsa, organizes Sat Nam Rasayan courses taught by Gurudev Singh (from Italy) and Mahan Kirn Kaur (from New York City), as well as personally teaching and organizing practice sessions held at Baba Siri Chand Yoga Center.
Security – Lights, Locks, and Alerting the Right People
Lighting: In 2010 the Ashram updated outside lighting on Building A porches and the Gurdwara/Yoga Center building: both are now set to an Automatic Timer systems. Please help us to achieve our goal to keep this outside Ashram lighting on during night hours by observing the following simple security procedures.
- Please leave the outside lights ON. Do not touch the new timer light switches; allow the lights to turn on and off automatically at the times set (approximately sunrise and sunset. The timer will be updated seasonally by the Sanghat Reps).
Please note: If you turn the lights off the timer will not work.
The switches to the automatically timed outside lights are white with a panel and are located:
1. In the foyer of the Gurdwara in front of the Gurdwara lights,
2. In the interior hallway near the porch, and
3. Behind the Baba Siri Chand statue to the lanterns on the porch.
The outside porch lights on the front of Building A operate on a similar automatic timer type switch. The bulbs are the low energy type and cost just pennies a day to run. Residents of Building A keep these lights on for our protection as part of their contribution toward Ashram security.
Two new lights will be installed soon/isn’t this done? on either end of the back of building A. These lights use a photocell rather than a timer to go on and off with the sunset and sunrise.
Everyone is part of the effort to provide improved security at our Ashram property. Your conscious cooperation will make the outside lighting security systems work. Please leave all special timed light switches … ON!
Locks: Our offices and guest spaces use combination and key locks – so that guests may be given the combination, and a key lock can over-ride the combination if ever necessary. Two sets of tenant keys are maintained in the event that tenants lose their keys or lock themselves out, or in the event that a fire should erupt while the tenant is away. One lockbox of keys is kept in the Sikh Dharma/3HO officel the ashram Safety Officer keeps a second lockbox of keys, and can be contacted after office hours, should you lock yourself out of your apartment.
Alerting Appropriate People when you sense a security issue: If you ever observe a threat to the ashram or its residents, please do not put yourself at any personal risk, but alert the appropriate authorities. – whether it be the police, a Sikh Dharma Board or EC Committee member, the Ashram Secretary. If there is a malfunction of heating, electric, plumbing, or other equipment – contact the Property Manager. (See “Repair and Maintenance” for a succession of phone numbers of that type.)
Sikh Dharma Board: Sikh Dharma of MA, Inc. owns Guru Ram Das Ashram and its properties; Sikh Dharma of MA is an affiliate of Sikh Dharma, International. Our Sikh Dharma Board, which oversees ashram management, includes at least two members selected by an international Sikh Dharma board, and two members elected by ashram members. Our current Sikh Dharma Board includes: SS EkOngKar Singh, President, and MSS Gurucharan Singh (a non-local member), representing International selections; SS Hari Narayan Karta Singh and SS Sat Bir Singh (elected by ashram members); Jai Singh (Chair person); Manjit Kaur serves as the Treasurer; Adi Shakti Kaur serves as Secretary for the Sikh Dharma of MA Board.
Other non-local board members include SS Sat Nirmal Kaur of NM and SS Deva Kaur of FL.
Sikh Dharma Training: The Guru Granthi, SS Dr. Sham Rang Singh Khalsa, is responsible for providing Sikh Dharma training opportunities for those who request it. You may approach him, or other members of the Gurdwara Committee, with requests for a particular kind of Dharmic training or ceremony.
Teacher Training – Yoga, Meditation, and Yogic LifeStyle
Is offered for those wishing training and certification in the various levels and specializations of yogic practice. Call 3HO Foundation (508) 376-4525 for information, and/or download up-to-date information from the YogaAtTheAshram.com website. Ashram members are usually offered discount rates in teacher training, for both Level 1 and 2.
Telephone Service
Telephone service is the personal responsibility of each ashram member. You may want to check in with other members to see what has worked well for them – particularly in this area.
Transportation
Each individual is responsible for his/her own transportation needs. The only public transportation available, other than taxis, is the MTA train system – with a station located five miles away in Norfolk. So it is advisable to own a car.
Trash – All residents are responsible for putting their garbage in trash bags and taking it to the dumpster located in a “cove” of the driveway north of the swimming pool. It is the tenant’s responsibility to dispose of any large or non-conformiting items such as furniture, mattresses, tires, and any items considered hazardous. There is a transfer station in the town of Millis; you may also purchase an auto sticker to the transfer station so that you may use the recycling center there. Air conditioners and refrigerators can be taken to Millis Used Auto Parts on Rte. 109 for a small fee.
Valuables and Insurance
The ashram is not insured for any individual’s valuables. Each person is responsible for obtaining any desired rental insurance
Web-Sites: Guru Ram Das Ashram.com is the web-site for our Ashram and Gurdwara. Yoga at the Ashram.com or KundaliniYogaNE.com will link you with Baba Siri Chand Yoga Center information and news. You will also find Guru Ram Das Ashram and YogaAtTheAshram on Facebook. You may check out links to our international organizations 3HO.org and Sikhnet.org, which provide links to other facets of our organizations, including KRI (teacher training) and IKYTA (teachers’ organization), etc.
White Tantric Yoga, sponsored by Guru Ram Das Ashram each March.
The White Tantric Yoga Video Course is a powerful meditation practice that clears the subconscious mind, allowing prosperity, success, and happiness to flow freely into your life. It is an ancient and unique yogic science that accelerates your psychological growth by dissolving deep-rooted subconscious blocks. White Tantric Yoga uses mantra, body positions, yogic breathing techniques and mental focus. It is done in a group with participants sitting in rows, facing a partner. This group meditation creates a transformational healing energy. Assistance in finding partners is provided for those who come without partners.
Each day of White Tantric Yoga consist of six to eight kriyas that incorporate a yoga posture or hand position, breath, mental focus and/or mantra, sometimes accompanied by music. These kriyas usually last 31 or 62 minutes. There are breaks between each kriya.
All levels of yoga students can participate in White Tantric Yoga; there are no pre-requisites. Participants tune into their internal strength to enjoy a deep and sometimes challenging meditative experience, and to make new inroads into their spiritual awareness. All participants are required to wear a white head covering during the meditations of White Tantric Yoga. [Headcovers help to filter the energy and prevent headaches; and white clothing and headcovers are less of a distraction to participants who become quite sensitive to anything within the range of their peripheral vision.]
As with most ancient Eastern wisdom, White Tantric Yoga is traditionally passed on from teacher to student in a mystical and selective way.
Who’s Who at the Ashram? It might be a good idea to consolidate a list of who to contact for what at the ashram, based on this A to Z list. Maybe Dharma Kaur can do this? Maybe in alphabetical order with our pictures! That wold be fun.