DEAR GUESTS
WELCOME TO SWAMI RAMA SADHAKA GRAMA
Listed below is some information that we feel is important to know as soon as possible while spending time at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG). If you have any questions regarding the following guidelines, please speak with the Ashram staff and they will answer your questions. Thank you and enjoy your stay.
SRSG is an Ashram, so please maintain an atmosphere of quietude, and respect for the environment both inside and outside of your cottage:
· Use the resources on the campus sparingly - lights, water, cooking gas, etc. India has a shortage of water and power resources. Please always switch off the electric water heater in the bathrooms after use.
· In the spirit of ahimsa (non-harming), we do not consume or prepare any meat, fish, or eggs on the premises.
· Alcohol, intoxicants or mind-altering drugs are prohibited.
· Smoking is not allowed in the cottages or on the campus grounds.
· The distribution of money, pens, etc. to people outside the Ashram is strongly discouraged. It encourages a habit of begging and may give the impression of the Ashram as a distribution centre. If you are impressed by our services, please make a note in our visitors register and if you wish make an offering to the staff welfare kitty kept with the manager. Please refrain from giving any tips of any kind.
· Any cups, plates or steel tumblers borrowed from the dining hall must be returned to the kitchen at your earliest convenience and not left in the cottages and rooms.
· Should you find anything not working optimally in your cottage, please bring it to the notice of the management in the Mandala Building (main office) during office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and after office hours you may inform the guard who will notify a staff member.
· Should you require any emergency medical attention please let it be known to the management (or guard at off hours who will notify a staff member). Emergency numbers: Mandala Office (and Guard station at night), 2450093; Guard Room #1: 9319926841; Guard Room #2: 9319926842
· The main building has toilets located in the front below the staircase and on the right backside near the back of the meditation hall (mango grove side). There is an exclusive ladies toilet in the cluster.
· If you are interested in volunteering for karma yoga, you may add your list to the food service schedule posted on dining hall door and participate in karma yoga day, each Monday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
· Dust bins, one for food waste and the other for non-food waste, have been placed at several locations outside the cottages. Food wastes may also be collected in the cottages and disposed of in a special plastic bin in the dining hall washing room. Please help support the Ashram recycling programme by disposing of your wastes properly.
· If you have need for any other articles in or near your cottage, please notify the staff. Kindly do not move any furniture and other articles such as chairs, blankets, etc. from the meditation hall or other locations.
· We welcome any comments or suggestions and encourage you to leave them in writing at the reception desk.
· House-keeping is the responsibility of each resident.
The Sadhaka Grama staff are not authorised to clean your cottage while you occupy it. Please keep the cottage clean inside and out. Think of the entire campus as your own home while you are here.
MEALS SRSG meals are provided in the dining hall three times per day. Cooking facilities may be arranged in your cottage by request. A minor gas hook up charge is kindly requested.
If you will be taking any of your meals outside the ashram and skipping a meal, please sign your name in the sign out book in the dining hall at least 4 hours in advance.
TIMINGS FOR TEA AND MEALS Tea is served at 6:00 AM and then at 4:00 PM
Breakfast 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Lunch 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Supper 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Please note that a short prayer precedes the lunch and the supper. This prayer is found in the Ashram Handbook. You are invited to participate.
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET At this time only local phone calls can be made on campus. Please ask a staff member at Mandala office for assistance. Just off campus grounds there are S.T.D / I.S.D booths (public phone facilities) where long distance and international calls can be made. Internet facilities are available on campus at Mandala (main) office. Internet facilities are also available off campus at a number of locations. Please ask the management for assistance.
GUEST LIBRARY The Guest Library is located inside the Mandala (main) office. Please ask the office staff for assistance in checking out books.
TRANSPORTATION Help with transportation needs may be obtained from the management.
DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS Appointments are available with the doctors at the Himalayan Institute Hospital and in Rishikesh.
BOOK STORE SERVICES The Book Store inside the campus is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Audio CDs are available by order. However, should a guest need to buy books and other materials at different times, arrangements can be made to accommodate the request.
SWAMI RAMA MEDITATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MRI) LABORATORY A biofeedback laboratory is located in Cottage #2 near the Yagnashala. Testing of your brainwaves by electroencephalogram (EEG) and other physiological parameters during sitting meditation and yoga nidra is available along with biofeedback training. The biofeedback training includes therapeutic breathing, lowering blood pressure, heart beat rhythm balancing, headache reduction and relaxation. Please refer to the notice board at the lab for the timings and cost of the services provided.
DRINKING WATER A reverse osmosis water filter is in the dining hall where guests may fill their water bottles for drinking water. Mandala Office has a purified water dispenser. Also bottled water is available in nearby shops. The tap water at the ashram is untainted being drawn by our own deep well but you may use the filtered water for drinking.
EXCHANGING MONEY You can exchange foreign currency and travellers checks in Rishikesh. The Mandala Office will share the contact info of the local currency exchangers. There are also ATMs in Rishikesh accepting MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus and Visa Electron.
LAUNDRY A washer-man (dhobi) comes daily and will do your laundry off premises. Please ask management for the item cost. You may also do your laundry by hand in a bucket and hang to dry. Clean linens may be obtained at the Storage Cottage by trading in used linens. Toilet paper, soap, and extra blankets may also be obtained there. The Storage Cottage is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
DRESS PRINCIPLES Please adopt modest dress and use your discretion according to an Indian ashram custom. Comfortable, casual and less revealing clothing is recommended for both men and women. Light colours are found to be sattvic that resonate peace. Ladies will have to take care to not wear halter or thin strapped tops. Men will need to wear a shirt outside of their personal room. There are a few rules: No shorts and at least knee length skirts for ladies in the meditation hall.
ELECTRICITY The electricity is 220 volts and often drops causing dimming of lights etc. The power goes off at times as well. If there are persistent power cuts then the generator is operated for timings during morning, evening and meal timings. There is an energy shortage in India so please conserve as best as possible. The socket outlets are round 2 pin and round 3 pin which adaptors can be used to fit plugs of other types. Adaptors are available in electrical shops like Ajay Trading Corp., located on Tilak Road, Rishikesh.
CHECK-OUT AND DEPARTURE ü Please empty the garbage bin in your cottage.
ü Place the mink blanket (if used) in its plastic protector.
ü Remove the sheets and pillow-cover. Place the used sheets and towels in the pillow-cover.
ü Switch off the water-heater and if a gas cylinder has been provided turn off the valve on the gas cylinder beneath the cooker.
ü Switch off all lights and ceiling fans.
ü Check to see that all windows are latched shut.
Return your keys to the office if you leave during office hours or place key inside the lock and leave in the cottage at a visible location.
LOCAL EXCURSIONS The following are a few outside activities, each of which takes half a day or less. Some are within walking distance, others by 3-wheeler or taxi.
Temples: Many Shiva-Shakti temples are located throughout Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and surrounding areas.
Himalayas: An incredible view of the snow peak range can be seen on a clear morning from Kunja Puri (temple on hilltop visible from the ashram). Other temples have better views but at further distance (can be done in a one day round trip).
Caves: Vasishtha Gufa (Vasishtha was the teacher of the incarnation Shri Rama).
Devaprayag: The point of convergence of rivers to form the Ganges; a very holy spot (full day trip, there and back).
Arati: Sunset light ceremonies conducted by priests the at rivers edge in both Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Ram lhula and Lakshman lhula: Two foot bridges in Rishikesh which go over the Ganges (jhula = bridge). Both lead to various temples, ashrams and shopping areas.
Haridwar and Dehradun: Haridwar is the nearby holy city that periodically hosts the Kumbha Mela (the largest spiritual festival in the world), has many temples and shrines. Dehradun is the state capital, also with it's share of holy places.
River Rafting: Can be arranged through local guides.
Shopping: Much to choose from in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
SRSG >>> SWAMI RAMA SADHAKA GRAMA<<<
SRSG is an Ashram, so please maintain an atmosphere of quietude, and respect for the environment both inside and outside of your cottage:
· Use the resources on the campus sparingly - lights, water, cooking gas, etc. India has a shortage of water and power resources. Please always switch off the electric water heater in the bathrooms after use.
· In the spirit of ahimsa (non-harming), we do not consume or prepare any meat, fish, or eggs on the premises.
· Alcohol, intoxicants or mind-altering drugs are prohibited.
· Smoking is not allowed in the cottages or on the campus grounds.
· The distribution of money, pens, etc. to people outside the Ashram is strongly discouraged. It encourages a habit of begging and may give the impression of the Ashram as a distribution centre. If you are impressed by our services, please make a note in our visitors register and if you wish make an offering to the staff welfare kitty kept with the manager. Please refrain from giving any tips of any kind.
· Any cups, plates or steel tumblers borrowed from the dining hall must be returned to the kitchen at your earliest convenience and not left in the cottages and rooms.
· Should you find anything not working optimally in your cottage, please bring it to the notice of the management in the Mandala Building (main office) during office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and after office hours you may inform the guard who will notify a staff member.
· Should you require any emergency medical attention please let it be known to the management (or guard at off hours who will notify a staff member). Emergency numbers: Mandala Office (and Guard station at night), 2450093; Guard Room #1: 9319926841; Guard Room #2: 9319926842
· The main building has toilets located in the front below the staircase and on the right backside near the back of the meditation hall (mango grove side). There is an exclusive ladies toilet in the cluster.
· If you are interested in volunteering for karma yoga, you may add your list to the food service schedule posted on dining hall door and participate in karma yoga day, each Monday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
· Dust bins, one for food waste and the other for non-food waste, have been placed at several locations outside the cottages. Food wastes may also be collected in the cottages and disposed of in a special plastic bin in the dining hall washing room. Please help support the Ashram recycling programme by disposing of your wastes properly.
· If you have need for any other articles in or near your cottage, please notify the staff. Kindly do not move any furniture and other articles such as chairs, blankets, etc. from the meditation hall or other locations.
· We welcome any comments or suggestions and encourage you to leave them in writing at the reception desk.
· House-keeping is the responsibility of each resident.
The Sadhaka Grama staff are not authorised to clean your cottage while you occupy it. Please keep the cottage clean inside and out. Think of the entire campus as your own home while you are here.
MEALS SRSG meals are provided in the dining hall three times per day. Cooking facilities may be arranged in your cottage by request. A minor gas hook up charge is kindly requested.
If you will be taking any of your meals outside the ashram and skipping a meal, please sign your name in the sign out book in the dining hall at least 4 hours in advance.
TIMINGS FOR TEA AND MEALS Tea is served at 6:00 AM and then at 4:00 PM
Breakfast 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Lunch 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Supper 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Please note that a short prayer precedes the lunch and the supper. This prayer is found in the Ashram Handbook. You are invited to participate.
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET At this time only local phone calls can be made on campus. Please ask a staff member at Mandala office for assistance. Just off campus grounds there are S.T.D / I.S.D booths (public phone facilities) where long distance and international calls can be made. Internet facilities are available on campus at Mandala (main) office. Internet facilities are also available off campus at a number of locations. Please ask the management for assistance.
GUEST LIBRARY The Guest Library is located inside the Mandala (main) office. Please ask the office staff for assistance in checking out books.
TRANSPORTATION Help with transportation needs may be obtained from the management.
DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS Appointments are available with the doctors at the Himalayan Institute Hospital and in Rishikesh.
BOOK STORE SERVICES The Book Store inside the campus is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Audio CDs are available by order. However, should a guest need to buy books and other materials at different times, arrangements can be made to accommodate the request.
SWAMI RAMA MEDITATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MRI) LABORATORY A biofeedback laboratory is located in Cottage #2 near the Yagnashala. Testing of your brainwaves by electroencephalogram (EEG) and other physiological parameters during sitting meditation and yoga nidra is available along with biofeedback training. The biofeedback training includes therapeutic breathing, lowering blood pressure, heart beat rhythm balancing, headache reduction and relaxation. Please refer to the notice board at the lab for the timings and cost of the services provided.
DRINKING WATER A reverse osmosis water filter is in the dining hall where guests may fill their water bottles for drinking water. Mandala Office has a purified water dispenser. Also bottled water is available in nearby shops. The tap water at the ashram is untainted being drawn by our own deep well but you may use the filtered water for drinking.
EXCHANGING MONEY You can exchange foreign currency and travellers checks in Rishikesh. The Mandala Office will share the contact info of the local currency exchangers. There are also ATMs in Rishikesh accepting MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus and Visa Electron.
LAUNDRY A washer-man (dhobi) comes daily and will do your laundry off premises. Please ask management for the item cost. You may also do your laundry by hand in a bucket and hang to dry. Clean linens may be obtained at the Storage Cottage by trading in used linens. Toilet paper, soap, and extra blankets may also be obtained there. The Storage Cottage is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
DRESS PRINCIPLES Please adopt modest dress and use your discretion according to an Indian ashram custom. Comfortable, casual and less revealing clothing is recommended for both men and women. Light colours are found to be sattvic that resonate peace. Ladies will have to take care to not wear halter or thin strapped tops. Men will need to wear a shirt outside of their personal room. There are a few rules: No shorts and at least knee length skirts for ladies in the meditation hall.
ELECTRICITY The electricity is 220 volts and often drops causing dimming of lights etc. The power goes off at times as well. If there are persistent power cuts then the generator is operated for timings during morning, evening and meal timings. There is an energy shortage in India so please conserve as best as possible. The socket outlets are round 2 pin and round 3 pin which adaptors can be used to fit plugs of other types. Adaptors are available in electrical shops like Ajay Trading Corp., located on Tilak Road, Rishikesh.
CHECK-OUT AND DEPARTURE ü Please empty the garbage bin in your cottage.
ü Place the mink blanket (if used) in its plastic protector.
ü Remove the sheets and pillow-cover. Place the used sheets and towels in the pillow-cover.
ü Switch off the water-heater and if a gas cylinder has been provided turn off the valve on the gas cylinder beneath the cooker.
ü Switch off all lights and ceiling fans.
ü Check to see that all windows are latched shut.
Return your keys to the office if you leave during office hours or place key inside the lock and leave in the cottage at a visible location.
LOCAL EXCURSIONS The following are a few outside activities, each of which takes half a day or less. Some are within walking distance, others by 3-wheeler or taxi.
Temples: Many Shiva-Shakti temples are located throughout Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and surrounding areas.
Himalayas: An incredible view of the snow peak range can be seen on a clear morning from Kunja Puri (temple on hilltop visible from the ashram). Other temples have better views but at further distance (can be done in a one day round trip).
Caves: Vasishtha Gufa (Vasishtha was the teacher of the incarnation Shri Rama).
Devaprayag: The point of convergence of rivers to form the Ganges; a very holy spot (full day trip, there and back).
Arati: Sunset light ceremonies conducted by priests the at rivers edge in both Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Ram lhula and Lakshman lhula: Two foot bridges in Rishikesh which go over the Ganges (jhula = bridge). Both lead to various temples, ashrams and shopping areas.
Haridwar and Dehradun: Haridwar is the nearby holy city that periodically hosts the Kumbha Mela (the largest spiritual festival in the world), has many temples and shrines. Dehradun is the state capital, also with it's share of holy places.
River Rafting: Can be arranged through local guides.
Shopping: Much to choose from in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
SRSG >>> SWAMI RAMA SADHAKA GRAMA<<<
