Program Highlights

Under the mentorship of Baba Harihar Ram (Babaji), participants will engage in a blend of yoga practice and spiritual studies, gaining invaluable insights through a comprehensive curriculum. The program covers Aghor yoga philosophy, meditation, pranayama (mindful breathing), and asana (physical yoga practice) techniques, enhanced by lessons in Sanskrit and Ayurveda, all within the rich context of the Aghor tradition.

You will leave the program established in a healthy daily routine and a non-dogmatic practical spiritual practice that is good for the body, mind and spirit. It is the combination of the two that allows an individual to maintain and balance a busy lifestyle without losing stability.

Work-Study Commitment

As part of this immersive experience, participants will dedicate 20 hours per week to their personal practice and study and contribute 15 hours per week to community service. Service opportunities include:

• Gardening and farming
• General maintenance
• Cooking and kitchen assistance
• Administration
• Tech support

This harmonious blend of learning and service fosters a supportive environment, promoting lasting connections and a shared sense of purpose among participants.

Sample Daily Schedule

7:00 – 7:30 AM: Pranayama, Meditation, and Chanting
7:30 – 8:30 AM: Yoga Asana
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Ashram Life Readings/Discussion/Q&A
9:30 – 12:30 PM: Community Seva
12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30  – 3:00 PM: Rest/Personal Time
3:00 – 4:00 PM: Themed Teachings (Aghor philosophy, Sustainable Living, Ayurvedic Practices, Sanskrit)
5:00 – 6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 – 7:30 PM: Pranayama, Meditation, and Chanting
7:30 – 8:00 PM: Evening Reflections

Monthly Focus

Month 1: Basic Yoga Practices and Ashram Introduction

• Emphasis on establishing an Ayurvedic daily routine
• Learning foundational yoga asana sequence
• Introduction to pranayama and meditation.
• Learning basics of Indian and community cooking
• Introduction to Ashram life, Aghor history, and principles.

Month 2: Deepening Practice and Community Engagement

• Emphasis on subtle energetics within daily yoga sequence
• Introduction to rituals
• Introduction to Ayurveda and Sanskrit
• In-depth discussions on Aghor philosophy 

Month 3: Advanced Practices and Personal Growth

• Applying knowledge gained from preceding months through leadership opportunities
• Integrating personal practice outside of the Ashram setting 

Additional Activities

• Weekly Sunday Satsang: Community gathering for group meditation and spiritual talk by Babaji 
• Community Kitchen: Provide nourishing meals to the wider community in need.
• Special Ashram Observances:  Navaratri, Triratri, full moon fire ceremony

This program offers a balanced approach, combining physical yoga practice, spiritual teachings, community service with a focus on personal growth and development of healthy routines and practices. Adjustments can be made based on the specific needs and interests of the Ashram and the participants.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and service at Sonoma Ashram. Join our Sadhana and Seva Work Study Program to deepen your practice and enrich your life through meaningful community engagement, guided by our resident guru.