Karma Yoga and Seva-study Program

Karma Yoga and Seva-study Program

AT THE SIVANANDA YOGA RESORT AND TRAINING CENTER

Do you want to add meaning to your life?

Seva Study is a residential program in which volunteers become fully immersed in the activities of the Yoga Resort for a minimum of one month. The idea of selfless service (seva) is an important concept in all yogic traditions.

Serving others is considered an essential practice to open the heart and to expand your idea of your self. Karma yoga is the foundation of all yoga paths.

This residential program is designed following the philosophical formula of oneness. You add meaning to your life by this practice of selfless service.

The seva-study participant puts into practice the yogic teachings of concentration and focus in action.  Furthermore, the participant will learn to sublimate the emotions and practice the teachings of Swami Sivananda “adapt, adjust, accommodate”

Happy Karma yogis Cleaning dishes

Karma Yoga is selfless service Most of our staff are volunteers.

Karma Yoga is the main practice according to Swami Sivananda

“Work done for the individual good binds; work done for the common good releases”

“You can elevate others only if you have elevated yourself.  A prisoner cannot liberate other prisoners.”

– Swami Sivananda

“Perform action, O Arjuna, being steadfast in Yoga, abandoning attachment and balanced in success and failure. Evenness of mind is called Yoga”

Bhagavad Gita 2:48

What is Karma Yoga?

Elevate yourself by elevating others

Right attitude - Work as worship

Have the attitude of offering, humility, and selflessness

Right motive

It’s not what you do that counts but your real motive behind.

Do your duty

Do your duty according to your particular situation

Do your best

 You should not hold back from fear of effort required or from fear of criticism.

Give up results

You are not the doer. You are only the instrument.  Detachment from results means freedom.

Serve the Self in All

Serve the Self in all.  Love your neighbor as yourself.

Follow Discipline

Follow the discipline of the job.  Every work experience has something to teach you.

Qualifications of a karma yogi

Generous, amiable, loving, sociable nature, humble, Free from hatred, harshness, judgement.

Benefits of Practicing Karma Yoga

Develop and learn new skills

Help personality growth and fulfillment

Thin out the ego.  Remove selfishness

Overcome likes and dislikes

Eliminate prejudices

Purify the heart, Feel oneness

Become more loving

Have a more flexible mind and tolerant attitude

Broaden your outlook on life

Find meaning in every activity

Karma Yogis in action

Develop Yourself through Karma Yoga Life

Be Supported by the Community

sitting under tree studying book

Practicing in a dedicated group can help overcome isolation and give you support to do daily practice of yoga.  You will be empowered by being part of a team of dedicated volunteers.  Also, you will be able to channel your energy by serving an international mission of peace.  Furthermore, you will expand your horizons.

Work without stress in Nature

Live in the clean fresh air and beauty of the Dalat mountains and forest. In this beautiful environment, you will discover the secret of success, how activities and work in the right environment with the right attitude can reduce the experience of stress. Working with others is more enjoyable when nobody has a personal motive.

Get inspired to be better

Sadhana (practice for personal growth) is built in to the program.  Get guidance and counseling from qualified teachers. Learn more about us.

 

“Service is love in expression.”

-Swami Sivananda

Be Part of a Living Tradition

You will feel daily connected to the sacred teaching of the Yoga masters and feel empowered in following their footsteps.  The Yoga Resort schedule and ways of functioning are passed on by the disciples of the living lineage. What is being taught in books will be alive in front of you.  Furthermore, you will feel the palpable love and support of the teaching through daily interactions and happenings.

Be Part of the Peace Mission of the Founder

Swami Vishnudevananda opened his network of Yoga centers to enable individuals to learn the art of true peace.  Inner peace leads to outer peace.  Inner peace needs to be cultivated in daily life through self-discipline and controlling the mind.  Be inspired to be part of this network of peace-loving and dynamic volunteers, knowing that together we are making the world a better place.

“Be the change that you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi

Head, Heart, and Hands Together

Karma yoga life is the only way to apply integrally the 4 paths of yoga in daily life.  The head, the heart, and the hands have to pull together to be productive while feeling genuinely happy in the soul.  This is a marvelous way of holistic life leading to well-rounded development.

serving food with a big smile

More Information

Daily Schedule

  • Guided morning and evening Satsang (meditation, chanting, lecture)
  • Staff meeting
  • 2 hr yoga class
  • 2 nutritious vegetarian meals
  • Selfless service: seva-study : 4-5 hours
  • Personal time and relaxation
  • Personal study
  • Staff Svadyahya (weekly meeting with senior staff and swamis)

Suitability

This program is suitable for those who are ready and willing to follow the yogic discipline.  
  • Applicants must be willing to follow the guidance from senior staff members regarding karma yoga duties and spiritual practice
  • Attendance at the morning and evening meditation and one yoga class daily is mandatory.
  • Alcohol, tobacco, meat, fish, eggs, coffee and drugs are prohibited on the premises.

Accommodations

  • October – April: dormitory room is recommended
  • May – September: tenting is also available. Bring your own tent, airbed and sleeping bag.

Testimonials

The Nature, the Prana (Energy), the Staff and the Knowledge available here cannot be described in words as words have too little power to convey the whole. This is where one has to come and to experience to believe that such a great place does actually exist.

Kenny Lam
March 23, 2017
Ceo 4U Tour

I went to the Sivananda Ashram in Dalat with the intention to cement my meditation practice. What I got was a lot more. With the help from the staff I discovered an inclination for selfless service and attained tools to be affirmative with my mind. I learned about how the mind works, how I work and got deeper into my yoga practice. After a week, I decided to go back. The food is delicious, the space is amazing, the people are amazing.

Jane
San Diego, California
June 30, 2017
Marketing

Peaceful and beautiful place, with real yogi life My experience was fantastic. I was able to learn a lot about theory, meditation and Asana practice. People were very kind, helpful and keen to share knowledge. The training center is located in a gorgeous area in the mountains of Da Lat. The food was also great. I can’t wait to come back and my daily life has changed with the new things I learnt there.

Deborah B
October 8, 2017
Rio de Janeiro
Chef

Main Yoga Hall from side
Group of guests and staff taking a photo by the lookout
Guest enjoys the sunlight under the tree canopy
SIVANANDA YOGA RESORT AND TRAINING CENTER

K’lan Resort, Hoa Hong Street, Ward 4
by the Tuyen Lam Lake
Dalat, Vietnam
[email protected]
Telephone: (+84) 263 650 1100