The Integral Yoga is Sri Aurobindo’s synthesis of Hindu yogic (spiritual) practices. It combines the upward drive towards ananda or enlightened bliss with a grounded dedication to satchid  or joy in the material and natural world that surrounds us. By grounding upwards spiritual movement with a descending force, the Integral Yoga addresses how we can create material surroundings that are most conducive to our collective spiritual progress.

Contrary to images in the West, karma yoga means karma (work) as yoga (spiritual practice). The yoga most commonly practiced in the west is in fact a form of yoga called hatha yoga, which is also practiced here alongside karma yoga. What karma yoga looks like in SAYM is everybody sharing labor on the farm, kitchen, guest house, school, cow shed, pashmina factory and more for each of our individual and collective spiritual progress.

The Ashram is neither an orphanage nor a boarding school. Nearly all of the kids have parents with whom the Ashram maintains varying degrees of contact. Many of the kids visit their homes, which range from as close as Kathmandu to as far as the western edge of Nepal, upon completing grade 12. The Ashram is dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth in the new generation, providing a unique environment where children can develop both academically and spiritually.

At the Ashram, children engage in a holistic education that goes beyond traditional academics. They are taught values such as compassion, mindfulness, and self-awareness, which are integral to their spiritual growth. Through various activities like meditation, yoga, and community service, the kids learn to connect with themselves and the world around them on a deeper level. This spiritual foundation helps them navigate life’s challenges with resilience and a sense of purpose. The Ashram’s supportive community fosters a sense of belonging and encourages each child to reach their full potential, both as individuals and as contributing members of society.