Ashram Time Table



Ashram Time-Table

	03.45	a.m.	-	05.00	Night Vigil, Meditation (Church)
	05.00		-	06.00	Lectio Divina, Meditation
	06.00		-		Bharatiya Pooja* followed by breakfast
					(On Sundays and Major feasts, Malankara Qurbana at 10.00 am)*
	07.30		-	08.30	Spiritual Reading, Study (For Ashram members)
	08.30		-	10.45	Bread Labour (For Ashram members)
	10.45		-	12.00	Spiritual Reading / Study (For Ashram members)
	12.00	p.m.	-	02.15	Mid-day Prayer, Lunch, Rest
	02.15		-		Prayer, Meditation
	03.00		-		Tea
	03.00		-	05.30	Bread Labour (For Ashram members)
	05.30		-	06.30	Bath,Study/Spiritual Reading (For Ashram members)
	06.30		-	07.15	Evening Prayer, Meditation
	07.15		-	07.35	Supper
	08.00		-	08.30	Satsang
	08.30		-		Compline, Meditation, Retire at will.

					* On Sundays and Feasts the Eucharist is celebrated at 10 a.m., on other days it celebrated at 6 a.m.





	A Word to our guests: Kurisumala Ashram is not a retreat centre. In line with the Benedictine-Cistercian tradition, we offer to our guests a silent life-witness in community. We accept around 20 guests for a residential retreat. Those interested can make a prior booking by letter or by e-mail. While you are here on retreat, please approach only guest-masters for your needs, as far as possible.



	NOTICE FOR OUR GUESTS
	1.	Welcome, in the name of Jesus, dear sister or brother who come to taste and see, in prayer and meditation, the God who dwells n our hearts, and manifests Himself in a special manner in solitude and silence.

	2.	Perfection is the fruit of work of Divine Grace, the work of the Holy Spirit in us and of our co-operation with Him.

	3.	May our Eternal Father be glorified by others through all good works undertaken on this Mountain of the Cross.

	4.	Those who stay here in prayer and meditation should conform to the rules and regulations of the Ashram.

	5.	Guests must greet Acharya on the day of arrival and departure. It is to him that offerings to the Lord are entrusted.

	6.	Those who come here are invited to ask necessary helps, stating their plans and aims, on the same day.

	7.	The books which are needed for spiritual enlightenment, prayer and renewal of life, are available from the library.

	8.	The Ashram does not provide guided retreats. Those who do not know Malayalam will be assisted in English for their retreat.


	9..	The books can be brought to your room after entering your name in the library register together with the author, title, and the date of borrowing.

	10.	Guests should not fail to return the books before leaving the ashram indicating the date of return in the library register. These books are better left on the table in the library when returning; the librarian will return them to their place on the shelves.

	11.	Strict silence should be kept in the church and in the surroundings of the ashram. It will be a great service to you all and to us.

	12.	Guests should not visit other rooms, nor invite others to come to their rooms.

	13.	Guests should avoid walking and talking with visitors and other guests who stay with them.

	14.	Visitors from outside India are required to bring along their passports. This is a very important detail that cannot be overlooked.

	15.	During the rainy season (June - September), it is advisable to bring along warm clothing and an umbrella/raincoat.

	16.	Men are not expected to walk through the surroundings of women's rooms and vice-versa. Even though they are relatives, the local customs which are followed at the ashram do not allow men and women to go for a walk together by themselves.

	17.	Those who come to stay should bring a pair of bed-sheets. Those who use the ashram sheets should wash them before leaving, as far as possible.

	18.	Blankets should not be used immediately over the body but only over the bed-sheets.

	19.	Bathrooms and toilets must be kept clean, and pieces of cloth, papers and hair should not be thrown in the closets.

	20.	Guests are requested to clean their room before leaving.

	21.	Guests should be mindful in keeping the times of prayers and meals.

	22.	Those who do not wish to have food at any time should inform the servers formally. Food should not be despised nor wasted. If there is excess of rice or curry in the plate, it can be returned when the servant goes around at the beginning of the meal.

	23.	Please remove your sandals when you enter the church and the ashram.

	24.	Guests are not expected to make visits outside, without previous information.

	25.	Smoking is strictly prohibited in and around the ashram.

	26.	Do not neglect to switch off the light when you leave your room.

	27.	Brothers of the Ashram are ready at any time to give assistance each one of you may need.

	28.	Priests of the ashram will be ready to hear confessions and to give spiritual direction. Please let those who are in need, ask for it. Spiritual directions and advices will be given by the ashram brothers. If you need, let it be asked.

	29.	Please do not disturb those who are praying and meditating in the church by talking in the vicinity of the church.

	30.	In case someone whishes to stay for a long time, the decision, whether they can adjust to the ashram customs and spirit will be taken after a common understanding between the ashramites and the guests. An ascent to the shrine on the top of the mountain with the Way of the Cross is recommended.

	31.	There is no charge for your stay at the Ashram but donations are accepted.

	The golden string of Ashram life is the search for a better life, personal holiness, the following of the Lord Jesus, whether in the solitude of the cell or in all the mutual services and manual works of the common life. The unchanging Gospel patterns can take many forms: Blessed are the poor... Blessed are they that mourn... Blessed are the meek... Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness... Blessed are the merciful... Blessed are the pure in heart... Blessed are the peace makers... Remember me Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom!