A Sample Retreat Schedule

Each Seva Retreat follows the established rhythm of life at the Ashram while allowing the work to respond to what is most needed. Projects and timing may shift with the season, the weather, and the capacities of those attending.

Day One ~ Arrival

The purpose of the first evening is simple: to let the pace of travel fall away, become familiar with the Ashram, and prepare to enter the following day’s work with steadiness and attention.

1:00-3:00 p.m. — Arrival & Settling In
Guests are shown to their accommodations and given time to unpack, rest, walk the grounds, or simply sit quietly.

3:00 p.m. — Ashram Tour & Practical Orientation
Become familiar with the temples, gathering spaces, accommodations, and surrounding land. We will review the Ashram guidelines, the rhythm of meals and practice, what to expect from off-grid living, and the practical details of the weekend’s work.

5:00 p.m. — Mitāhāra Dinner
The first meal is shared with the residents and eaten in silence, as all meals at the Ashram are. Mitāhāra is the Yogic practice of eating in the right measure, with attention to what supports balance in the body and mind.

5:45–6:15 p.m. — Shared Cleanup
Guests join the residents in caring for the dining space and completing the community-wide cleanup after the meal. This simple shared work begins the retreat’s movement from guest to participant.

6:30 p.m. — Introduction to the Retreat
The work of the weekend is introduced, along with the meaning of Sevā as a Yogic practice. Projects, responsibilities, safety considerations, and any remaining practical questions are addressed before the first full day begins. Guests who would like to participate in group meditation will also receive a brief introduction to the practice.

7:30–8:30 p.m. — Group Meditation
Guests who feel ready may join the residents for an hour of shared meditation. Those who would benefit from more time to settle are welcome to remain in their accommodations, rest quietly, and prepare for an early night.

8:30 p.m. — Personal Time & Silence
The remainder of the evening is reserved for quiet personal time, journaling, reading, or rest.

Day Two ~ A Full Day of Sevā

Saturday is devoted to entering the work of the Ashram directly. Projects vary throughout the year and may include caring for trails and gardens, preparing firewood, maintaining buildings, constructing needed spaces, or tending the sacred grounds.

Until 10:00 a.m. — Free Time
The day could begin with a silent walk along one of the Ashram’s forest Pradakshina paths—moving with sustained attention prepares the body and mind to approach the day’s work as practice rather than mere labor.

10:00–10:30 a.m. — Juice or Smoothie & Morning Meeting
Join the residents for a fresh juice or smoothie as the work of the day is considered together. The meeting begins with five minutes of silence, followed by project assignments and any practical instruction needed for the work ahead.

10:30–11:30 a.m. — Morning Work Period
Guests join residents in the projects selected for the retreat. Instruction, tools, and responsibilities are provided according to each person’s experience and physical capacity.

11:30 a.m. — Shower Time
Bathe in the Ashram’s sauna bathhouse. Personal hygiene is an essential piece of Yogic living.

12:00 p.m. — Mitāhāra Lunch
A nourishing meal eaten in silence, supporting the body without weighing it down and allowing the work of the day to continue with steadiness.

12:45–1:15 p.m. — Shared Cleanup
Guests join the residents in caring for the dining space and completing the community-wide cleanup after the meal.

1:15–4:00 p.m. — Afternoon Work Period
The principal work of the retreat continues. Depending on the project, guests may return to their morning responsibilities or join another area where help is needed.

4:00 p.m. — Rest & Personal Time
Time to rest, change clothes, walk quietly, or prepare for dinner.

5:00 p.m. — Mitāhāra Dinner
A simple, nourishing meal shared in silence as the day turns toward evening.

5:45–6:15 p.m. — Shared Cleanup
Guests join the residents for the cleanup following dinner.

6:15 p.m. — Evening Restoration
A quiet period of guided stretching, breath, or meditation supports physical recovery and allows the nervous system to settle after the day’s work.

7:30–8:30 p.m. — Group Meditation
The day concludes in shared silence with the resident community.

8:30 p.m. — Personal Time & Silence
Guests return to their accommodations for journaling, reading, quiet personal practice, or rest.

Day Three

Practice, Work & Departure

The third day brings the retreat’s physical work into the wider practice of Yoga. Guests start the day together in silence, participate in the Ashram’s weekly Yoga class, and then return to Sevā.

Until 9:00 a.m. — Free Time
A second silent walk allows the attention cultivated through Saturday’s work to deepen before formal practice. Or enjoy a peaceful morning in the cabin.

9:00–9:45 a.m. — Traditional Yoga Class
Take part in the Ashram’s weekly public class, led by a resident and shared with members of the wider community. The guided practice includes classical Āsana, the physical postures of Yoga, and Prāṇāyāma, the regulation of breath and vital energy. The class supports physical restoration while placing the weekend’s work within the complete discipline of Yoga.

10:00 a.m. — Juice or Smoothie
A fresh juice or smoothie is served following practice.

10:30–11:30 a.m. — Morning Sevā
Guests return to the weekend’s projects and continue the work begun on Saturday.

11:30 a.m. — Shower Time
Bathe in the Ashram’s sauna bathhouse. Personal hygiene is an essential piece of Yogic living.

12:00 p.m. — Mitāhāra Lunch
A nourishing meal eaten in silence with the resident community.

12:45–1:15 p.m. — Shared Cleanup
Guests join in the community-wide cleanup following lunch.

1:15–2:00 p.m. — Full Seva Afternoon Work Period
Full Seva Retreat guests return directly to their projects. Seva Retreat guests have time to rest, gather their belongings, or prepare for the final work period and departure.

2:00–3:15 p.m. — Final Work Period
All guests return to the weekend’s projects, complete remaining work, and help leave tools, materials, and work areas well cared for.

3:15 p.m. — Closing Conversation
Seva Retreat guests gather to reflect on the retreat, ask final questions, and consider how the practice of Sevā may continue within daily life.

4:00 p.m. — Seva Retreat Departure
Seva Retreat guests depart following the closing conversation.

Full Seva Retreat Guests

3:15–5:00 p.m. — Final Full Seva Work Period
Full Seva Retreat guests continue the afternoon’s work, allowing for a complete second workday and bringing the weekend to approximately ten hours of project Sevā.

5:00 p.m. — Mitāhāra Dinner
Dinner is shared with the resident community and eaten in silence.

5:45–6:15 p.m. — Shared Cleanup
Guests join the residents for the community-wide cleanup following dinner.

Dinner and an additional overnight stay are included in the Full Seva Retreat at no extra cost. Guests depart the next morning after resting.

Participation & Schedule

The Seva Retreat includes approximately six hours of project work. The Full Seva Retreat includes approximately ten hours. Meal cleanup is shared by all retreat guests as part of the daily rhythm and is not included in these totals.

Guests are encouraged to enter fully into the retreat while working honestly within their physical capacities. Responsibilities can be adapted when necessary, and no particular skill or prior experience is required unless stated for a specific retreat.

The schedule shown here is representative. Projects, practices, and timing may shift with the season, the weather, and the needs of the Ashram.