Seva Program

The Seva Program offers a unique opportunity to experience a taste of community living while offering your time and efforts toward both the Himalayan Institute and your personal spiritual journey.

  • DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE
  • BE IN COMMUNITY
  • LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFE

About the Seva Program

Seva, a Sanskrit word that means “selfless service,” refers to actions performed with a sense of gratitude, compassion, respect for others, and a heartfelt desire to benefit humanity. The Himalayan Institute relies on the spirit of Seva to enhance its day-to-day operations and to nurture and support the growth of its mission to help and serve others.

The Seva Program is a month-long experiential program that offers participants a transformative opportunity to immerse themselves in our vibrant residential community, focusing on three essential pillars—community, service, and education.

Seva program

A Healthier Life Awaits You.

If you’re feeling called to expand your spiritual practice in a supportive environment of like-minded people, it’s time to join our community.

Three Essential Pillars

Together, the three pillars of community, service, and education create a powerful synergy that guides our Seva program.

Community

Community

At the heart of our program lies a deep commitment to experience a strong and interconnected community.

Service

Service

By embodying the principles of service, participants experience the sense of fulfillment that comes from selflessly serving others.

Wisdom Tradition

Education

Education which supports personal development and empowerment is a key aspect of the Seva Program.

- Himalayan Institute

Community

At the heart of our program lies a deep commitment to experience a strong and interconnected community. We believe in the power of gathering with other seekers, recognizing that together we can achieve profound and lasting positive change. Through shared experiences of study, practice, and service with like-minded people, we can grow and expand our individual capacity while contributing to the greater mission of the Himalayan Institute.

Service

The second pillar of our program revolves around service—a sincere commitment to giving back to society and making a positive difference. Embodying the spirit of Seva (selfless service), our program encourages participants to explore the practice of karma yoga. By embodying the principles of service, participants experience the sense of fulfillment that comes from selflessly serving others.

- Himalayan Institute
- Himalayan Institute

Education

Education which supports personal development and empowerment is a key aspect of the Seva Program. Through community yoga classes, study sessions, dedicated practice sessions, and Himalayan Institute seminars, we offer a range of educational opportunities designed to support your experience in the Seva program. Our vast educational resources on HI Online also provide Seva participants inspiring content to support the study and practice of yoga, meditation, wellness and holistic health. We encourage participants to explore their potential, deepen their understanding, and benefit from the collective wisdom of our community.

Participant Testimonials

Seva - Himalayan Institute

“The Seva program is the perfect blend of giving and receiving. We get the opportunity to serve the community as well as have the space to practice, heal, and care for ourselves. I highly recommend it!”

James D., Brooklyn, NY

Seva - Himalayan Institute

“I learned more in my two months of Seva Program about being a part of a community, and a family, than I had in my whole adult life! This experience was alive in every being, every nook and cranny, from the physical to the subtle. I’ve never felt more connected to others, and to myself. I will be back!”

Nancy G., Cincinnati, OH

Seva - Himalayan Institute

“Seva was a wonderful opportunity to meet great people from different walks of life, immerse myself in practice, while deepening my connection to the Himalayan tradition. I grew into myself in unexpected ways.”

Andrea L., Charlotte, NC

How it Works

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Choose a Date

The Seva program starts at the beginning of every month–see the FAQ’s for Arrival & Departure dates.

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Apply Online

Fill out the secure form below to start the application process.

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Transform your life

Explore your full potential and benefit from the collective wisdom of our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Private room accommodations with a shared bathroom
  • Three freshly prepared vegetarian meals daily
  • Educational practice and study sessions designed to support your experience in the Seva program
  • Participation in select online and in-person Himalayan Institute programs
  • Complimentary access to the Himalayan Institute’s HI Online educational platform for the length of your Seva Program participation
  • Seva + Health Program: discounted sessions at the PureRejuv Wellness Center on campus
Participants may apply to participate in the Seva Program for up to six months. A minimum of one month is required.

Join the Seva Program for one to six months. Arrive and depart on the following dates:

  • Arrival: March 4, 2024 | Departure March 29, 2024
  • Arrival: April 1, 2024 | Departure April 26, 2024
  • Arrival: May 1, 2024 | Departure May 26, 2024
  • Arrival: June 3, 2024 | Departure June 28, 2024
  • Arrival: July 1, 2024 | Departure: July 26, 2024
  • Arrival: August 5, 2024 | Departure: August 30, 2024
  • Arrival: September 3, 2024 | Departure: September 28, 2024
  • Arrival: October 1, 2024 | Departure: October 26, 2024
  • Arrival: November 4, 2024 | Departure: November 29, 2024
  • Arrival: December 2, 2024 | Departure: December 27, 2024
Seva service hours are 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Afternoons, evenings, and weekends are free for personal practice, time in nature, rest, contemplation, and participation in yoga classes, study sessions, satsangs, programs, and other community activities as they are available.

Possible service activities may include:

  • Food Services Support: veggie prep, meal serving, dishwashing, cleaning
  • Housekeeping Support: cleaning guest rooms and laundry folding
  • Operations Support: day-to-day operations support, maintenance of grounds and facilities

Have additional questions? Email us | Call us