Resident Program
In addition to general retreats of up to two weeks, Self-Realization Fellowship offers a Resident Volunteer Program at Hidden Valley Ashram. This program is available for single men who have been students of the SRF Lessons for at least six months and have verbal English skills.
  1. STEPS TOWARD BECOMING A RESIDENT VOLUNTEER
    (For those staying at Hidden Valley longer than two weeks)
    • APPLICATION: For those planning to stay longer than two weeks, a RESIDENT VOLUNTEER application form needs to be filled out and submitted to Hidden Valley for approval. This should be done before coming to Hidden Valley.
    • MEDICAL EXAM: Before coming to Hidden Valley, a medical exam will be required. Applicants must use a specific "General Medical Examination Form," provided by SRF, to be completed before final travel arrangements are made. A devotee must be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the farm work and ashram spiritual routine.
    • TRIAL PERIOD: Approval to live at Hidden Valley longer than two weeks is always based upon a trial period consisting of the first several weeks at the ashram. This gives the devotee who is applying and those in charge of the ashram a mutual opportunity to determine suitability for community life.

  2. COVERING EXPENSES
    While staying at Hidden Valley, all food and lodging is provided. However, you should have some funds in reserve for:
    • RETURN AIRFARE: It is important to have a ticket or sufficient funds for traveling back to your home city.
    • MEDICAL NEEDS: While living at the ashram, you are responsible for covering dental and medical expenses. Funds available from a bank account, assistance from relatives, or taking out a medical insurance policy are resources commonly used.
    • VISA: If you are a citizen from a country outside the United States, it is advisable to apply at the U.S. Consulate in your home country to obtain a traveler's visa that can be renewed without leaving the U.S. In the event that you decide to stay longer, you will need to allow funds for covering such renewal expenses.
    • EMERGENCIES: It is wise to have some financial reserves available for any personal emergency which might arise.
    • DONATION: We are asking all new residents for a $100.00 donation upon their arrival at the Hidden Valley Ashram. This money will be used primarily for the general upkeep of all ashram rooms and any incidental cost such as unforeseen damage.
If you are in question as to how much money will be needed to meet the above expenses, please inquire at the Hidden Valley office.

Hidden Valley Ashram
16455 Old Guejito Grade Road
Escondido, California 92027

Telephone: (760) 749-3399
E-mail: info@hvashram.org
FAX: (760) 749-3323