Question 1

Monastery Etiquette.  How do I interact respectfully with the grounds, spaces, and other beings present at Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery & Healing Center?

Accepted Answer

As a Monastery and Healing Center, we strive to observe a few simple practices when we interact with the grounds, the buildings and all living beings present. All these practices are rooted in acknowledging the countless beings that helped provide such an amazing space, and increasing our awareness of our surroundings.

Morning Noble Silence: 
We begin each day listening to and receiving what is around us, without adding to it: just simply being present.  We end this period at the breakfast table after giving thanks for the food we are about to eat.

When greeting or passing others, we perform a simply bow to each other as we pass, with palms together or a hand to the heart, honoring our individual and collective journeys.

Honoring the Spaces:  
When entering and leaving the Tantra Temple and Yogastan spaces, we show gratefulness to those who created the space, to the space itself, and to our higher selves for providing the opportunity to discover what we need to see. We do this by pausing at the threshold, and bowing our head with either our palms together, or a hand to our heart.  Cell phones are prohibited in all gathering spaces (Main House, Tantra Temple & Yogastan).

The Yogastan, our central meditation and event space.
 
Honoring the Surroundings:  
We are so fortunate to have this special place to connect, heal and share. Every being present has just as much right to be here and enjoy the space as you do!  This includes ants, bees, hornets, mosquitoes, crickets, spiders, snakes and bears!  Let them them enjoy their surroundings too by giving them the space they need.  Relocate any being that may be negatively impacting you.  If you need help, just ask one of the staff or facilitators.

An aerial view of our location in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.

We resonate with the energies this special part of the Earth provides. The land is always receiving and always giving.  Try to put yourself on receive as much as possible:
Listen to the "silence" as much as you can;
Interact gently with and respect the surroundings and beings we share Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery & Healing Center with, including the rocks, the water, the trees, insects, birds, snakes, animals and aquatic life.  
Get your hands dirty!  Offer to help in the garden. There is always lots to do;
Take a walk down to the creek and sit in meditation there for an hour or so. Listen to "water flowing through rocks," discover this "ordinary magic";
Respect our neighbors and their privacy.  We share this space with many others.

Honoring the Teacher:
It is customary to greet our Teacher, Swami Ravi Rudra Bharati, by stopping and performing a small head bow, with palms together or a hand to the heart. We do this to honor his dedication to his students, his wisdom and teachings, and the wisdom within each of us yet to be revealed, that, with his guidance, we may discover.

Honoring the Journey and Healing of Others:
This is a place to reflect and heal, always honoring the journey of ourselves and others.

During Morning Noble Silence,  we greet and acknowledge others with a simple bow, with palms together or a hand to the heart, honoring our individual and collective journeys.

Sometimes, this journey can be painful as we heal from past and/or buried traumas. We generously give the space for this to occur, without interference or judgment.  Some participants may be observing a silent retreat when they are here.  Allow others to interact with you on their terms, not yours.  Try to be open to and understanding of others' journeys to healing and self-actualization.

Question 2

Getting here

Accepted Answer

We are situated within the 329 acre eco-village, Earthaven, in the misty Appalachian hills of North Carolina, 35 miles east of Asheville, NC.

Once you sign up, you'll be sent clear directions to follow to get to both Earthaven, and Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery within the village.

If you can, arrive in daylight and enjoy the beautiful environment.  Also, some of our roads are very windy, and some turns within the village can become easily confusing.

Question 3

Is clothing optional?

Accepted Answer

Many of our practices, rituals, events and workshops do involve shedding our garments, and presenting ourselves as we were born.  We encourage you to participate in this "unburdening" to a level you are comfortable with.

Be mindful that this is a Healing Space, and that others may be more or less comfortable with levels of sharing nakedness than you may be.

There are also occasions where it is more appropriate to be clothed. Be aware of the surroundings and the energy.  Being naked is also not an open invitation for intimacy or sexual contact.

If in doubt, ask your event/workshop leader for guidance.

Question 4

How do I conserve power?

Accepted Answer

All our power comes from Solar Panels and energy stored in a modest battery array.  This is a finite resource.  Here are some suggestions to help you preserve and conserve:
If you can, use power during the day when the sun is shining as much as possible;
Turn off all lights when not using the room;
Ensure your electronic devices are only connected to power when you use them, or leave them in your car.

Question 5

How do I conserve water?

Accepted Answer

All our water comes from the sky (rain-water) and the earth (spring-fed).  This is a finite resource. Here are some suggestions to help you preserve and conserve:
Make sure all faucets are turned off when not in use;
Take a three-minute shower rather than a ten-minute one;
Wash-up in a bucket in the sink, rather than running water constantly;
Turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth;
In the warmer months, take a dip in the stream to get clean; it's both refreshing and your skin will love the natural water!  Just remember to use eco-friendly soap products if you use them, and please be mindful of our neighbors as you walk down through the shared open space.

Question 6

How do I use a Composting Toilet?

Accepted Answer

It's quite simple actually!
Remove the cover
Wipe the seat
Sit
Deposit
Cover with one or two scoops of wood shavings, being careful NOT to get sawdust in the pee-funnel of the toilet seat (located center front as you sit).
Replace the cover
Wash your hands

Question 7

Can I bring drugs and alcohol with me?

Accepted Answer

At Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery & Healing Center, we do not ingest intoxicating substances (including any drugs and alcohol).  Visitors to the Monastery & Healing Center are expected to observe this tapas.

Question 8

Can I smoke?

Accepted Answer

At Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery & Healing Center, we do not allow non-ceremonial tobacco products or use of any kind. (i.e no cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vapes, chews).

Question 9

I have physical mobility challenges. Can you accommodate my needs?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we strive to welcome all visitors, the terrain at Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery & Healing Center is uneven and unpaved, and unfortunately we are not well-suited for wheelchair or other mobility device usage on the property.

Some physical limitations may be able to be accommodated, depending on  individual circumstances.

Please contact us directly about personal mobility challenges before you visit us or book an event to check whether it may, or may not, be suited to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Monastery Etiquette. How do I interact respectfully with the grounds, spaces, and other beings present at Dancing Shiva Tantra Monastery & Healing Center?