Before You Arrive
Guest Guidelines
Preparing for Life at the Ashram
Sat Manav Yoga Ashram is first and foremost a place of practice. Its environment, daily rhythm, and community culture have been shaped deliberately—in service of clarity, quietude, and attention.
The guidelines below exist to preserve those conditions, while helping ensure a comfortable and meaningful stay for everyone who visits.
Peace & Quiet
What Silence Means During Your Stay
Silence is an important part of life at the Ashram. Meals are taken in silence, during classes and activities we keep speech focused, several areas are maintained as full quiet zones, and conversation during community projects is generally limited to what the work requires.
In shared spaces, guests are asked to speak softly, avoid unnecessary conversation, and remain attentive to the atmosphere they help create.
Silence does not mean coldness or social distance. Guests may always offer a greeting, ask a necessary question, or respond naturally when spoken to; warmth and human connection remain an important part of life at the Ashram.
Instructions will be given when needed, and there will also be appropriate times for conversation and connection.
Fragrance-Free Environment
What Fragrance-Free Means During Your Stay
Sat Manav Yoga Ashram maintains a strictly fragrance-free environment. Even a scent that seems subtle to one person may be strong or disruptive to another.
Before arriving:
Wash all clothing with unscented laundry products and arrive without perfume, cologne, essential oils, scented sprays, or fragranced personal-care products. Fragrance residue from conventional detergents remain through multiple washes, so please prepare your clothing well in advance by washing all items you intend to bring (inclusive of outerwear) in natural, unscented detergent.
During your stay:
Bathe daily, use unscented deodorant, and use only unscented soap, shampoo, lotion, hair products, and other personal-care items.
Off-Grid Living
Comfortable, but intentionally simple
Sat Manav Yoga Ashram operates entirely off-grid. The accommodations are simple, comfortable, and shaped by a close relationship with the natural world.
Powered by the sun, heated by wood, cooled by fresh mountain air, with water drawn by hand, hot hand-pumped showers, and indoor composting toilets, life at the Ashram leaves a remarkably small environmental footprint.
There is no public Wi-Fi or cell service on-site. Many guests find that time away from phones, email, and social media becomes one of the most valuable parts of their stay. Cell service can be reached a short drive away when necessary.
For emergencies, family members may contact the Ashram at (207) 485-1228 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Food & Environment
Meals Are Part of the Practice
Meals are shared with residents and taken in silence. Eating itself is part of practice at the Ashram
Meals are prepared fresh each day, entirely from scratch, using whole, plant-based ingredients. This way of eating reflects the understanding that digestion, energy, attention, and state of mind are inseparable. The food is prepared without onion or garlic, in keeping with the dietary discipline of the Ashram and its emphasis on clarity, steadiness, and sensitivity.
Alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs, nicotine products—including vaping—and caffeinated beverages are not brought to or used at the Ashram. These substances alter the body’s natural rhythms and the quality of attention, working against the stability that Ashram life is intended to cultivate.
Guests who regularly or heavily use alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, caffeine, or other substances must disclose this during the application process. Abruptly stopping regular use may produce withdrawal symptoms that affect physical health, sleep, mood, and participation in retreat.
Morning
Fresh juice/smoothie, 10 AM
Midday
Lunch, 12 PM
Evening
Dinner, 5 PM
Dress & Personal Presentation
Dress for Ashram Life
Guests are encouraged to dress simply, modestly, and comfortably, in clothing suited to Yoga practice, outdoor activity, and shared community spaces. Natural fibers are recommended for indoor layers where possible.
A significant amount of time is spent outdoors, and mountain weather can change quickly. Please review our What to Bring List and check the seven-day weather forecast before arriving so you can prepare appropriate layers, footwear, and rain protection.
Because life here is lived closely with others, guests are expected to maintain good personal hygiene, including daily bathing and the use of unscented deodorant.
Ashram Buildings & Sacred Spaces
Entering with Respect
Life at the Ashram is shared across guest accommodations, residential buildings, practice spaces, and temples. Guests are asked to move through each with care and attention.
Remove shoes immediately upon entering any Ashram building and place them in the designated area.
Residential buildings are private and should be entered only when invited.
Some areas of the Ashram are reserved entirely for private retreat and are not open to guests. Boundaries will be clearly identified and must be observed.
Do not bring food or drink into temples or designated practice spaces.
In temples and practice spaces, do not point the feet or sit with your back toward altars, sacred objects, or teachers.
Maintain a quiet atmosphere in and around temples and practice spaces, particularly before and after scheduled practices and ceremonies.
Preparing for Your Stay
A Few Important Preparations
Please review the What to Bring List and check the seven-day weather forecast before your stay. Some listed items may apply only to particular seasons or types of visit, but anything marked Required is nonnegotiable. The list has been prepared carefully with your comfort, safety, and full participation in Ashram life in mind.
Begin washing the clothing you plan to bring with natural, unscented laundry products well in advance, as fragrance residue may remain through several washes.
If you regularly consume caffeine, consider reducing your intake gradually before your stay to avoid headaches or other withdrawal symptoms.
Because there is no Wi-Fi or cell service on-site, please complete any necessary communications and share the Ashram’s emergency contact information with family before arriving.
Please review the Directions and plan your travel in advance. Transportation between the Ashram and the Portland International Jetport or Augusta bus station may be arranged for an additional fee. Pickups and drop-offs are available only during designated travel windows and must be coordinated with the Ashram before tickets are purchased.
Retreat Application Process
Every Multi-Day Visit Begins Personally
All multi-day visits begin with a retreat application followed by a phone conversation with our Head of Retreats. This gives us a chance to answer your questions, understand any dietary, health, mobility, or accessibility considerations, and ensure that the conditions and rhythm of Ashram life are clear before your stay is confirmed.
Questions are welcome at any point in the process. We are glad to help.
We understand that many of these guidelines may differ from daily life. They are not restrictions, but supports—helping create the conditions for stillness, clarity, and meaningful practice.
You are not expected to remember every detail before you arrive. The most important points will be reviewed during your orientation, and guidance will be available throughout your stay.
Come prepared, but not worried. You will be welcomed, shown what you need to know, and supported as you settle into the rhythm of Ashram life.
If you have any questions beforehand, we are glad to help.