Community Guidelines

1. Respect for the Spiritual Nature of the Ashram

Pohoiki Ashram is a spiritual community. Visitors are asked to respect the sacred nature of the space and the practices that take place here.

This includes:

• respecting prayer and meditation times

• maintaining a peaceful and considerate presence

• approaching the land and community with humility and care

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2. Participation in the Daily Rhythm

Life at the ashram follows a simple rhythm of prayer, service, and community.

Visitors are invited to participate in this rhythm, including:

• morning aarti before sunrise

• evening aarti at sunset

• karma yoga (service work on the land)

• shared meals and community activities

Participation helps sustain the life of the ashram and creates a meaningful experience for everyone.

3. Spirit of Service (Seva)

Work on the land is an important part of life at Pohoiki Ashram.

Visitors may be invited to help with activities such as:

• gardening or farming

• land stewardship

• moving natural materials such as lava stone

• preparing meals

• cleaning or maintaining shared spaces

These activities are performed in the spirit of karma yoga, where service itself becomes part of spiritual practice.

4. Simplicity of Living

Life at the ashram is intentionally simple.
Visitors should be prepared for:

• outdoor environments

• shared responsibilities

• simple vegetarian meals

• camping accommodations for overnight stays

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This simplicity allows space for reflection, connection, and meaningful work.

5. Respect for the Land

The land at Pohoiki Ashram is young volcanic land formed by the 2018 lava flow.

Visitors are asked to treat the land with respect and care by:

• staying mindful of natural terrain

• avoiding unnecessary disturbance of the landscape

• supporting efforts to care for the land through service

The ashram is being built in partnership with the land itself.

6. Community Conduct

To maintain a peaceful and respectful environment, the following are not permitted on the property:

• alcohol

• recreational drugs

• illegal substances

• weapons

• aggressive or disruptive behavior

Visitors are expected to treat others with kindness, patience, and respect.

7. Silence and Reflection

Certain times of day may be observed in quiet reflection, particularly during early mornings and evenings.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace moments of silence and allow space for contemplation.

8. Care for Shared Spaces

Visitors share responsibility for maintaining the ashram environment.

This includes:

• helping clean communal areas

• caring for tools and materials

• leaving spaces better than they were found

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9. Children and Families

Families and children are welcome at Pohoiki Ashram.

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are supervised and respectful of the community environment.

10. Stewardship of the Community

Pohoiki Ashram is still in its early stages of development. Every visitor who comes here becomes part of the process of shaping the community.

Visitors are encouraged to approach their time at the ashram with:

• openness

• humility

• willingness to help

• respect for others

Together we create an environment where spiritual practice and service can flourish.

11. Gratitude and Shared Responsibility

Pohoiki Ashram exists through the generosity, effort, and goodwill of many people.

Visitors who come here are part of that shared effort and help sustain the spirit of the place through their presence and participation.

Acknowledgment

By visiting Pohoiki Ashram, visitors acknowledge that they have read and agree to respect this Community Agreement and the spiritual environment it is intended to support.

May all who come here contribute to a spirit of harmony, service, and goodwill.

Shanti Mantra (English)
Let us proceed together
Let us take sustenance together
Let us act courageously together
Let us meditate together on the highest Divine Light,
God let us not quarrel or be jealous of each other
Om peace peace peace

Shanti Mantra (Sanskrit Pronunciation)
Om sahnavavatu
Sah nau bhunaktu
Sah viryam karvavahai
Teja svinava dhitamastu
Mah vidvishavahai
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः