Swami Sivananda, a remarkable sage and doctor, dedicated his life to serving humanity. Born in Tamil Nadu in 1887, he displayed spiritual leanings from a young age. Despite his orthodox upbringing, he combined devotion with open-mindedness and a strong desire to serve. After practicing as a doctor, he felt a higher calling and renounced his medical career. Settling in Rishikesh, he meditated, found his guru, and embraced sannyas. Swami Sivananda embarked on extensive tours, spreading spiritual teachings and yoga practices. He founded the Sivananda Ashram, Divine Life Society, and the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy, with the goal of sharing the wisdom of yoga and Vedanta. His teachings emphasized universal principles, uniting all paths of yoga into the Yoga of Synthesis: “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize.” His life was a shining example of love and service, leaving a lasting legacy worldwide. Swami Sivananda left his physical body on July 14, 1963, but his teachings continue to inspire countless people to this day, reminding us to serve, love, and seek spiritual realization in all aspects of life.
Men and women must cover shoulders, midriff and legs. Tight fitting, transparent and revealing clothing are not permitted. This includes:
- Shorts above the knee
- Leggings
- Low cut and sleeveless t-shirts
- Tank tops
Guests’ behaviour and dress code should be respectful of the local culture and enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Observance of the dress code should be maintained at all times including during Asana classes or Kalari classess.
Prohibited Items
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, non-prescription drugs and non-vegetarian food are NOT allowed while staying at the ashram.
- The use of mobile phones is only permitted in designated areas outside of class times. Photography, video, audio recording during classes and ceremonies is only possible with the permission of the director. Pets are not allowed.
Male-Female Relations
To respect the local culture and the monastic tradition, kindly restrain expressions of affection such as hugging or kissing in public. Guests at our Ashrams are advised to observe celibacy (brahmacharya) as part of the spiritual discipline. Male and female dormitories are separate. Men are not allowed in the ladies’ dormitory and vice versa. The ATMAN Kalari Yoga Centre organisation of India disapprove of and condemn any form of harassment directed at guests, staff or visitors.
Attendance
Attendance at all Ashram activities is mandatory as part of the Ashram Kalari Vacation programme. As a mark of respect for the teacher and as a practice of self-discipline, guests are required to be on time and to remain for the duration of each programme. Asana and Kalari classes are open to resident guests only.
Free Day
Sunday is a free day in our Ashrams. Guests are required to attend morning and evening satsang. There are no lecture or coaching classes on the free day. The yoga asana classes, Kalari classes and meals run as usual.
Silence
Guests are requested to observe silence during meals, before morning satsang and after evening satsang. Lights out after 10:30pm.
Personal Belongings
We do not accept responsibility for guests’ personal belongings. Safe-keeping facilitiesare available.
Minimum Stay
An initial minimum payment for three nights accommodation at our Ashrams is required upon arrival and registration. This payment is non-refundable and non-transferable in the event of early departure.
Payments & Donations
Daily donation rates at our Ashrams include classes, food and accommodation. Dates and donations are subject to change without notice. For all programmes guests are subject to the suggested donation in effect at the time of payment. Personal cheques are not accepted. The Indian concessional rate does not apply to: non-resident Indians (NRI), Indian nationals working or living abroad, foreign nationals working or living in India, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO). Indian nationals may be asked to provide evidence of Indian nationality.
Sexual Harassment / Misconduct Policy
The policy approved and adopted by The ATMAN Kalari Yoga Centre (“the AKYC” or the “Organisation”) in terms of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, as may be amended from time to time (“the Act”) and other regulations including the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The Policy may be amended from time to time as provided under the Act and any applicable laws.
Refund Policy
For Domestic Payments
- For cancelling the registration before the start of the course, the original payment will be refunded less 6.5%.
- Once the course starts, if the student decides to leave within three days original payment will be refunded less 18%.
For Overseas Payments
- As refunds will be via international bank transfer, the cancellation fee has to be higher.
- Once the course starts, if the student decides to leave within three days of course start date, the course fee paid will be refunded less 25%.
- It may take six months to process,
- After three days into the course no refund will be issued.
- Students leaving the course before completion, are required to return manual and uniforms.
- Full refund of the course fee paid will only be granted where SYVC has had to cancel the programme.