Farm Internship (YOGI)
Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville Virginia Resident Intern Opportunity
YOGAVILLE ORGANIC GARDEN INTERNSHIPÂ (YOGI)
The YOGI program is designed to allow people an opportunity to explore their interest in organic/sustainable agriculture and through hands-on experience while learning about Integral Yoga practices and principles. Our farm manager, Cory Hunsdon, brings 25 years of experience in managing successful vegetable farms, u-pick operations and farm stands to Yogaville’s farming effort. As a father of seven, Cory raised his family on their self-sustaining farm and offers his vast knowledge with warmth, enthusiasm and an open way of teaching that inspires new ideas while lending the benefit of his experience.
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The farm consists of two acres fenced and two greenhouses, a farm stand and a growing CSA. The farm is irrigated with water from a spring-fed pond and is located along the banks of the James River in view of the LOTUS Shrine. We are growing food mainly to provide for our Ashram kitchen. The farm stand is open to the greater Yogaville Community and is a summer tradition for many who live here.
The entire Yogaville environment supports the discovery of Yoga for the YOGI program participants. The schedule provides for the study of Raja Yoga – yogic philosophy; Hatha Yoga – the physical yoga poses; Karma Yoga – the offering of selfless service; Meditation – the intentional focusing and calming of the mind; and spiritual mentoring with a senior member of the community, Swami or Reverend.
New YOGI’s who have not completed a qualifying resident program will be required to spend one month the Yogaville LYT program (see www.yogaville.org and go to the volunteer programs page)to get to know the Yogaville culture. Once service at the farm commences, the daily schedule will include two group meditations (10/wk minimum) and guided hatha classes (2/wk minimum) in addition to daily service on the SAYVA Farm, plus some additional general Ashram service. The work week has Tuesdays set aside for raja yoga classes and group meetings, and alternating Saturday afternoons and Sundays off. Preparing for and running the farm stand on Sundays will be done in rotation. Attendance at Saturday evening satsang is a required component of the YOGI program. The needs of the farm may require alternate hours or days determined at the discretion of the Farm Manager. In case of rain, the Farm Interns will report to the Day Manager to serve in other areas as needed.
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Housing in dorms or trailers, laundry facilities, $30/month allowance and pure vegetarian food will be provided in addition to the rich yoga and gardening training.
A typical daily schedule – changes with the length of days and needs of the farm:
05:45 – 08:00 AM        Garden
08:00 –0 8:45 AM        Breakfast
09:00 – 11:45 AM     Garden
12:00 – 14:00 PM     Meditation, lunch and rest
14:00 – 15:30 PM        Alternate Service (lunch clean-up, etc. on some days)
15:30 – 17:00 PM     Garden/Farmer’s Markets/Meetings/Research
1700:-- 18:30 PM Â Â Â Â Â Hatha Yoga/Meditation
18:30 – 19:30 PM        Dinner
19:30 – 21:00 PM        Scripture study/evening program
New YOGI’s – First time to Yogaville: A completed application and interview is required to enter the program. There is a three month minimum commitment. First time applicants should plan to attend a Welcome Weekend prior to the commencement of the program. The first month at Yogaville is spent in the Living Yoga Training (LYT) Program to establish familiarity with the Ashram environment/culture. The cost of one month in the LYT program is $300. After the completion of this phase, one would move to serve at the Farm full-time. Please click here to download an application - word document. Please click here to download the Ashram's Lifestyle Principles - word document.
Current LYTs, SrLYTs, Karma Yogis: A person who is currently enrolled in a resident program and is interested in extending their stay with their service focused at the farm may do so for a minimum of one month at the Support Staff rates. LYTs who offer to serve for less than one month may do so – current daily rate for LYTs will apply.
Former Resident Program Enrollees: A person who has completed the Integral Yoga Teacher Training or LYT, SrLYT, or Karma Yogi Programs may apply to be a YOGI for a minimum of one month.
A commitment to live in harmony with the Yogaville community and to conform to the Integral Yoga Lifestyle Principle is part of the YOGI program.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
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