FAQ
What courses does Govinda Valley offer?
All yoga residents participate in at least one of the courses on offer during their stay. These currently include the below courses & dates:
Intake 1: 6th February 2024 - 3rd June 2024
Intake 2: 3rd June 2024 - 1st Oct 2024
Intake 3: 3rd October 2023 - 11th Feb 2025
Four-month residency starts only at one of the above arrival dates as participation in one of the above immersions is a requirement of our residency program. Please let us know on your application form which course dates you are applying for.
What does a day at Govinda Valley Look like for a Yoga Resident?
A day in the life of a Yoga Resident at Govinda Valley will vary depending on the team to which you are assigned. Some teams have morning shifts and finish by lunch, some teams will have afternoon shifts and depending on what service area you are in the shift may be split throughout the day. All residents also help out in the kitchen (with breakfast shifts and dinner shifts). In addition, you may also volunteer to teach classes for our guest program.
Outside of shift hours you are welcome to participate in any other morning and afternoon program, or simply enjoy your free time.
In addition to the below schedule, we also run various courses throughout the year. Depending on the dates of your residency you will be participating in one of our courses on offer. These currently include Meditation Teacher Training, Pranayama Teacher Training & Asanas for Healing & Transformation.
A typical day at Govinda Valley may run like this:
6.30 - 8.30 am Personal Asana, Pranayama & Meditation Practice (required)
8.30 - 9.15 am Breakfast
9.15 - 1.15 pm Service Hours
1.15 - 2.00 pm Lunch
4.00 - 5.00 pm Yoga Class
6.15 - 7.00 pm Dinner
7.30 - 8.30 pm Evening Event
This program is subjected to change and we are working on introducing more to the program.
What is the accommodation like?
On the property we have a women’s house, a men’s house and the main retreat building. The men’s accommodation splits up into smaller single rooms, while ladies’ accommodation is shared double rooms. In addition, if needed there are shared rooms in the main building. It really depends on what’s available when you first arrive. Over time, depending on your length of stay, your accommodation may be adjusted.
What are the costs involved for being a Yoga Resident?
There is no cost to participate in the residency program as the project is specifically designed to create a place for people seeking immersion into their spiritual and personal growth: through education, daily practice and selfless service. There is however a rigorous screening process to ensure the applicants are committed to the program and understand the expectations.
What do I need to bring?
As we provide beds and bedding as well as towels, you will only need a few extra things to make your stay more comfortable.
· Personal toiletries
· Sunscreen and a hat
· Good solid closed working shoes
· Suitable clothes for different weather conditions (such as layers and a raincoat in winter)
· A water bottle
Do you accommodate specific dietary requirements?
All meals at Govinda Valley (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are plant-based, most of them are gluten free, and there are always options that are nut-free. We cannot accommodate every individual with specific needs, but there are always plenty of options available. Fruit is always available for snacks.
If you have severe food intolerances or strict dietary needs, it is important you let us know beforehand and – if required – bring your own food in addition to what’s provided. Both women’s and men’s houses have big fridges, plus an area where you can cook for yourself.
Why no onion, garlic, or mushrooms?
As a Yogic community we follow a lifestyle that is clean, nourishing and uplifting. In our kitchen we prepare only sattvic food (food in goodness) which means fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes. Foods such as garlic, onion and mushrooms are considered either rajasic or tamasic (i.e. in the lower modes of nature) and can affect our consciousness accordingly. In Ayurveda, foods such as garlic and onion are sometimes used medicinally but are not included as part of a regular diet.
Can I receive mail to Govinda Valley?
Yes. Our address is 51 Lady Carrington Road, Otford, NSW, 2508
However please note that if you give this address to companies (like a mobile phone provider), remember to notify them of your new address when you leave – we can’t redirect your mail for you.
Do I have to be vegan to be a resident?
Govinda Valley advocates ahimsa (non-violence) as one of the key principles of yogic living. No living being, even those in the lower species, should be killed unnecessarily, nor are foods such as meat, fish, and eggs considered fit for human consumption, according to the yogic tradition. Such foods are not allowed at Govinda Valley. So although you do not need to be a vegan or vegetarian to come to Govinda Valley, for the time you are here you will need to follow our ethical standards in regards to food and living. While many of our volunteers are already vegan or vegetarian, regardless, we find that after enjoying 3 delicious vegan meals per day for a month or more, most people consider adopting a more conscious way of living as they progress further on their yogic path in life.
What dates are available for yoga residency?
We are currently only accepting applications that align with our current course offerings. Please read more about these course offerings and specific dates in our Conditions for applying as a Yoga Resident.
I know that caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol are forbidden - can I smoke/drink outside somewhere?
Govinda Valley functions as a community for residents and a retreat centre for visiting guests that are interested in improving their life. The people who live here, and most of our visitors come at least partially for the purpose of giving up unhealthy habits like cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. As such all these kinds of practices are opposed to the intentions of the project. Therefore smoking, drinking etc are not allowed on the property. In addition to any considerations of illegality, the same applies to other kinds of intoxication, natural or otherwise. Therefore you should only come if you are happy to completely abstain from these things both ON and OFF the property during your stay.
Please note in this regard, in order to keep things fair and unmistakable, we have a zero-tolerance policy! If people decide to go out on weekends to drink or take intoxication that is entirely up to them, but in that case they cannot continue their stay with us.
I'm spiritually interested and open-minded but I don’t see myself as a yogi. Is that okay?
Well, fill in the application form, write us about why you want to come here and we can discuss it further.
Please read more on what to expect in our Conditions for applying as a Yoga Resident.
I still have some more questions about the residency program. What is the best way to contact you?
If you have any further questions or need any additional information, please email Malini - yogaresidency@govindavalley.com.au