abide in the experiential knowing of your own divine essence...
Reside in the Knowing of Your Own Self
Ashram FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Ashram? Can I stay at the Ashram?
Can I live at the Ashram?
What can I expect when I visit the Ashram?
What is the meaning of the candle flame ceremony at the door when I arrive?
Why did Swamiji create the Ashram and Downingtown Yoga?
Why does Swamiji have such a big house?
What is a Guru and do I have to have one?
Is Swamiji my Guru?
What are the “deeper teachings?”
What are all of the statues for?
Do I have to change my religion to be part of the Ashram or to get the deeper teachings?
Why am I asked if I want to give a donation?
Where do my donations and course tuitions go?
Who runs the Ashram?
Where can I learn more?
Can I visit the Ashram?
Yes, absolutely! Swami Nirmalananda loves to have visitors and considers the Ashram to be your home. Any Ashramite (participating member of Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram) can visit the Ashram, but not by just dropping in. Often, like in your own home, everyone is out doing the things of daily life. You need an invitation, which is easy to get when you let us know your availability. Click here to email your request.
We also have many public programs and satsangs that are free and open to the public. These are held at Downingtown Yoga Meditation Center, just 2 miles away from our residential Ashram, located at 30 W. Lancaster, Downingtown PA 19335 (www.downingtownyoga.org).
Can I stay at the Ashram?
Yes! Swamiji loves to have guests and frequently invites those who are committed to the deeper teachings. We have a formal B&B program, where we partner with a local B&B for your accommodations, with Swami Nirmalananda’s 2012 dates posted for you. Informally, she also frequently houses visiting yogis in the Ashram, so please let us know your availability by email.
Can I live at the Ashram?
Yes! We have openings for residency, whether short-term or long-term. Residents pay rent, and enjoy their gourmet vegetarian meals with the other Ashramites, as well as participate in many of the Ashram courses. There are prerequisites and an application to fill out. Email about your interest.
What can I expect when I visit the Ashram?
You will experience deep and profound inner experiences that continue to unfold in you well after you have departed. We recommend a two-night minimum stay in our B&B program, so that you allow time for unraveling into yourself.
Residents and visitors may participate in three daily practice sessions with Swamiji: early morning Guru Gita & meditation, lunchtime japa (mantra repetition), and evening aaratee plus chant & meditation. Swamiji loves to join you for meals and she often makes the morning chai for you!
In addition, B&B participants have a private meeting with Swamiji in her office/meeting room, after staying one or two nights.
You are allowed to help with the Ashram tasks while you are visiting, which can include gardening, cleaning, cooking or serving meals, etc.
There is sometimes a movie night, in which Swamiji shows some of the India teaching tales she has collected. These evenings are a very casual and lovely time with her, and they sometimes include popcorn!
As an invited overnight guest, you have plenty of time to meditate, do asana (all props provided in our meditation hall), stroll in the garden, read, or even nap!
The Ashram is a place that invites profound and deep experiences. It is a very sweet and wonderful environment, and the power of the place is palpable from the moment you enter.
What is the meaning of the candle flame ceremony at the door when I arrive?
This is called aaratee (or arati), a tradition in India, done to honor and recognize the your inherent divinity. When Swamiji performs this for you as you enter, she is bowing to you as a beautiful and unique form of Shiva, bowing to your own inherent beingness, just as she bows to that same beingness in herself and in her Guru. Soak in this loving expression; just place your palms together in front of your heart or place your hands on your heart, and recognize your own Self as Divine. Om Namah Shivaya. What a wonderful way to start your visit!!
Why did Swamiji create the Ashram and Downingtown Yoga?
For anyone who has spent time with Swamiji over the years in retreats or teacher trainings, you experienced profound things happening. This is because of the shakti, the divine energy of grace, that flows through her. While it is within everything, it is stronger in a yogi who has dedicated themselves in this way. The deeper Swamiji takes her own practice, the stronger the shakti flows through her. She needed a place to house it, to nurture it, to “plant” it. You’ll be able to feel it, perhaps when you first enter the Ashram or Downingtown Yoga, or you may notice it after you’ve been there for a while. Some people notice it after they’ve left. You can see how it works within you.
Why does Swamiji have such a big house?
For all of us, of course! Once you visit or stay at the Ashram, you will see that Swamiji lives in only a small section of the Ashram. She has one room with a private bath. That one room is her bedroom (complete with a Murphy bed), her office, and her sitting room. The rest of the house is for Ashram residents and Swamiji’s guests.
What is a Guru, and do I have to have one?
Technically, the Sanskrit word guru means grace; guru is not the person. However, we also use this term to honor the person through whom this grace flows freely, like sunlight shining through a window. The ancient tradition of yoga says you must have a Guru if you want to attain the highest, but each person gets to make their own choice about their goal and their process. As your yoga practice goes deeper, the Guru is your guide, your role model, your teacher, and the instrument of grace — the one who can propel you past your “stuck” spots.
Is Swamiji my Guru?
If you wish for her to be, she would be honored to serve you. You don’t even have to ask her. You simply decide that you will accept what she is always offering. There is nothing you have to do. Nothing changes, you don’t lose anything, and you don’t give up your choices. You are still you, but you are now with someone who opens up the deepest places in you, as described in the deeper teachings.
You are in charge. You decide if you want a Guru, if Swamiji is your Guru, and how much you wish to give and to receive in your relationship with her.
What are the “deeper teachings?”
There are many ways to do yoga. For many, the poses are more than enough, with all of the physical benefits they offer. The poses are very beneficial and you never need to go any farther.
For other yogis, adding some meditation, chanting, or mantra to their practice enhances it and provides a richer experience. That is may be enough for you. Wonderful!
There are some who feel a longing to go deeper, to the experiential knowing of the Self. This is why the Ashram exists, so that Swamiji can offer you the teachings that delve into the science of the Self, the mystery and majesty of your true nature. This is what Swamiji has dedicated her life to — giving us the knowledge and experience of Self, as her own Guru did for her.
What are all of the statues for?
These are known as murtis, meaning forms of the formless. When it is hard to wrap your mind around something as big as the whole of consciousness, it can be easier to approach that Reality when you see it with attributes your mind can grasp. Swamiji spent years collecting these murtis, knowing they would one day be in an Ashram and available to everyone who comes.
Do I have to change my religion to be part of the Ashram or to get the deeper teachings?
No, never! As a matter of fact, the deeper teachings will give you a more profound understanding and experience of your own faith. All faiths are honored, respected, and welcomed. You may participate in, or opt out, of any of the Ashram practices, as you feel comfortable. You may also talk with Swamiji about your faith and any questions you may have. She will support you in your practice of your religion as well as your practice of yoga.
Why am I asked if I want to give a donation?
Within the yoga tradition, it is customary and appropriate to offer a donation to the Guru. This is called dakshina, a gift that supports the Guru. It is selfless giving. This offering benefits not only the Ashram, but also you, the giver. Selfless giving is a heart opening experience, which also draws the Grace back to you. This is usually done privately, using one a donation envelope that enable you to offer whatever you feel is appropriate. Please do include your name so the Ashram can thank you as well as provide you with a receipt for your tax deduction.
Where do my donations and course tuitions go?
Please review our report of Ashram finances. In addition to the everyday operational costs for two facilities, we have paid staff, costs for putting on the retreats and courses, as well as the many free services we provide. In addition, we support two charitable projects in India. Swamiji does not take any compensation for her work for the Ashram. However, it is our goal that the Ashram will generate enough funds to care for her needs.
Who runs the Ashram?
While Swamiji is the head of the Ashram, there is also a Board of Directors who meet monthly by phone and votes on all matters for the operation, direction and growth of the Ashram. It is the Board’s duty to make sure the Ashram mission and Swamiji’s vision is brought to life and sustained.
We have a CPA who prepares the taxes and is currently performing a certified audit of the books. JenMarie Davis is Operations Manager, overseeing all day-to-day activities as well as assisting Swamiji. Maria (Rukmini) Abbruzzi is Swamiji’s teaching assistant. In addition to Swamiji, Rukmini and Vidyadevi will be leading meditation workshops in various locations in 2012. We have over 45 sevites assisting with bookkeeping, communications, correspondence, archiving Swamiji’s teachings, grounds and maintenance, and many other important support functions.
Where can I learn more?
You can learn more about what the Ashram has to offer, by perusing our many offerings on this website.
Or come to one of our free programs at Downingtown Yoga & Meditation Center.
Or enroll in one of Swamiji's free phone satsangs.
Or just email or phone 610.644.7555 to ask questions. We’re honored to be able to serve you.
OM svaroopa svasvabhavah namo namah
Yes, absolutely! Swami Nirmalananda loves to have visitors and considers the Ashram to be your home. Any Ashramite (participating member of Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram) can visit the Ashram, but not by just dropping in. Often, like in your own home, everyone is out doing the things of daily life. You need an invitation, which is easy to get when you let us know your availability. Click here to email your request.
We also have many public programs and satsangs that are free and open to the public. These are held at Downingtown Yoga Meditation Center, just 2 miles away from our residential Ashram, located at 30 W. Lancaster, Downingtown PA 19335 (www.downingtownyoga.org).
Can I stay at the Ashram?
Yes! Swamiji loves to have guests and frequently invites those who are committed to the deeper teachings. We have a formal B&B program, where we partner with a local B&B for your accommodations, with Swami Nirmalananda’s 2012 dates posted for you. Informally, she also frequently houses visiting yogis in the Ashram, so please let us know your availability by email.
Can I live at the Ashram?
Yes! We have openings for residency, whether short-term or long-term. Residents pay rent, and enjoy their gourmet vegetarian meals with the other Ashramites, as well as participate in many of the Ashram courses. There are prerequisites and an application to fill out. Email about your interest.
What can I expect when I visit the Ashram?
You will experience deep and profound inner experiences that continue to unfold in you well after you have departed. We recommend a two-night minimum stay in our B&B program, so that you allow time for unraveling into yourself.
Residents and visitors may participate in three daily practice sessions with Swamiji: early morning Guru Gita & meditation, lunchtime japa (mantra repetition), and evening aaratee plus chant & meditation. Swamiji loves to join you for meals and she often makes the morning chai for you!
In addition, B&B participants have a private meeting with Swamiji in her office/meeting room, after staying one or two nights.
You are allowed to help with the Ashram tasks while you are visiting, which can include gardening, cleaning, cooking or serving meals, etc.
There is sometimes a movie night, in which Swamiji shows some of the India teaching tales she has collected. These evenings are a very casual and lovely time with her, and they sometimes include popcorn!
As an invited overnight guest, you have plenty of time to meditate, do asana (all props provided in our meditation hall), stroll in the garden, read, or even nap!
The Ashram is a place that invites profound and deep experiences. It is a very sweet and wonderful environment, and the power of the place is palpable from the moment you enter.
What is the meaning of the candle flame ceremony at the door when I arrive?
This is called aaratee (or arati), a tradition in India, done to honor and recognize the your inherent divinity. When Swamiji performs this for you as you enter, she is bowing to you as a beautiful and unique form of Shiva, bowing to your own inherent beingness, just as she bows to that same beingness in herself and in her Guru. Soak in this loving expression; just place your palms together in front of your heart or place your hands on your heart, and recognize your own Self as Divine. Om Namah Shivaya. What a wonderful way to start your visit!!
Why did Swamiji create the Ashram and Downingtown Yoga?
For anyone who has spent time with Swamiji over the years in retreats or teacher trainings, you experienced profound things happening. This is because of the shakti, the divine energy of grace, that flows through her. While it is within everything, it is stronger in a yogi who has dedicated themselves in this way. The deeper Swamiji takes her own practice, the stronger the shakti flows through her. She needed a place to house it, to nurture it, to “plant” it. You’ll be able to feel it, perhaps when you first enter the Ashram or Downingtown Yoga, or you may notice it after you’ve been there for a while. Some people notice it after they’ve left. You can see how it works within you.
Why does Swamiji have such a big house?
For all of us, of course! Once you visit or stay at the Ashram, you will see that Swamiji lives in only a small section of the Ashram. She has one room with a private bath. That one room is her bedroom (complete with a Murphy bed), her office, and her sitting room. The rest of the house is for Ashram residents and Swamiji’s guests.
What is a Guru, and do I have to have one?
Technically, the Sanskrit word guru means grace; guru is not the person. However, we also use this term to honor the person through whom this grace flows freely, like sunlight shining through a window. The ancient tradition of yoga says you must have a Guru if you want to attain the highest, but each person gets to make their own choice about their goal and their process. As your yoga practice goes deeper, the Guru is your guide, your role model, your teacher, and the instrument of grace — the one who can propel you past your “stuck” spots.
Is Swamiji my Guru?
If you wish for her to be, she would be honored to serve you. You don’t even have to ask her. You simply decide that you will accept what she is always offering. There is nothing you have to do. Nothing changes, you don’t lose anything, and you don’t give up your choices. You are still you, but you are now with someone who opens up the deepest places in you, as described in the deeper teachings.
You are in charge. You decide if you want a Guru, if Swamiji is your Guru, and how much you wish to give and to receive in your relationship with her.
What are the “deeper teachings?”
There are many ways to do yoga. For many, the poses are more than enough, with all of the physical benefits they offer. The poses are very beneficial and you never need to go any farther.
For other yogis, adding some meditation, chanting, or mantra to their practice enhances it and provides a richer experience. That is may be enough for you. Wonderful!
There are some who feel a longing to go deeper, to the experiential knowing of the Self. This is why the Ashram exists, so that Swamiji can offer you the teachings that delve into the science of the Self, the mystery and majesty of your true nature. This is what Swamiji has dedicated her life to — giving us the knowledge and experience of Self, as her own Guru did for her.
What are all of the statues for?
These are known as murtis, meaning forms of the formless. When it is hard to wrap your mind around something as big as the whole of consciousness, it can be easier to approach that Reality when you see it with attributes your mind can grasp. Swamiji spent years collecting these murtis, knowing they would one day be in an Ashram and available to everyone who comes.
Do I have to change my religion to be part of the Ashram or to get the deeper teachings?
No, never! As a matter of fact, the deeper teachings will give you a more profound understanding and experience of your own faith. All faiths are honored, respected, and welcomed. You may participate in, or opt out, of any of the Ashram practices, as you feel comfortable. You may also talk with Swamiji about your faith and any questions you may have. She will support you in your practice of your religion as well as your practice of yoga.
Why am I asked if I want to give a donation?
Within the yoga tradition, it is customary and appropriate to offer a donation to the Guru. This is called dakshina, a gift that supports the Guru. It is selfless giving. This offering benefits not only the Ashram, but also you, the giver. Selfless giving is a heart opening experience, which also draws the Grace back to you. This is usually done privately, using one a donation envelope that enable you to offer whatever you feel is appropriate. Please do include your name so the Ashram can thank you as well as provide you with a receipt for your tax deduction.
Where do my donations and course tuitions go?
Please review our report of Ashram finances. In addition to the everyday operational costs for two facilities, we have paid staff, costs for putting on the retreats and courses, as well as the many free services we provide. In addition, we support two charitable projects in India. Swamiji does not take any compensation for her work for the Ashram. However, it is our goal that the Ashram will generate enough funds to care for her needs.
Who runs the Ashram?
While Swamiji is the head of the Ashram, there is also a Board of Directors who meet monthly by phone and votes on all matters for the operation, direction and growth of the Ashram. It is the Board’s duty to make sure the Ashram mission and Swamiji’s vision is brought to life and sustained.
We have a CPA who prepares the taxes and is currently performing a certified audit of the books. JenMarie Davis is Operations Manager, overseeing all day-to-day activities as well as assisting Swamiji. Maria (Rukmini) Abbruzzi is Swamiji’s teaching assistant. In addition to Swamiji, Rukmini and Vidyadevi will be leading meditation workshops in various locations in 2012. We have over 45 sevites assisting with bookkeeping, communications, correspondence, archiving Swamiji’s teachings, grounds and maintenance, and many other important support functions.
Where can I learn more?
You can learn more about what the Ashram has to offer, by perusing our many offerings on this website.
Or come to one of our free programs at Downingtown Yoga & Meditation Center.
Or enroll in one of Swamiji's free phone satsangs.
Or just email or phone 610.644.7555 to ask questions. We’re honored to be able to serve you.
OM svaroopa svasvabhavah namo namah