Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in Sai Anantam Ashram. Please review these frequently asked questions before making an inquiry about visiting.

Q: What is your religion?
A: The religion is Vedic, of Eastern tradition. The Vedas are the world's oldest scriptural documents, and known as the Grandfather of all religious literature.

Q: What is your particular path?
A: It is a path of bhakti (devotion to God).

Q: What are your teachings?
A: The teachings are ecumenical, respecting all the major faiths and religions in the world.

Q: What is your spiritual practice?
A: Principally meditation, including other spiritual activities such as hatha yoga, japa, bhajan chanting, and seva (selfless service).

Q: What is your philosophy?
A: There is only one God. Many are God's Names, Forms, Manifestations, yet there is only one God.

Q. What are your hours?
A: At this time, the Ashram is open to visitors only on Sundays. We have our Devotional Service from around 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The gates should be open by 12 noon. The bookstore is open for an hour after services.
During the services, recorded discourses by Swamini Turiyasangitananda are played on the 1st, 3rd and 5th (when applicable) Sundays, followed by chanting. Readings from her books and meditation & prayer preceed the chanting on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.

Q: Do you have accommodations for guests?
A: Due to space limitations, we are unable to accommodate overnight guests. A list of local hotels are provided on our Contact Info page.

Q: Is there food provided?
A: Only some beverages and snacks are available after Sunday services.

Q: Can I bring children there?
A: Children are welcome. However, parents are asked to keep children with them at all times.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Ashram students and visitors should dress modestly.
        Female visitors, please avoid wearing sleeveless dresses, sleeveless blouses, halter tops, shorts, pants or short skirts. Long skirts, dresses, sari's or salvar kameez are fine.
        While in the mandir building, ladies must wear a shawl or a wrap around their shoulders. Males, females and children over the age of 10 may not wear shorts above knee length.

Q: Do you have yoga classes or retreats?
A: Yoga classes may be scheduled soon. Retreats will be announced through this website and via email to those who registered to be part of our email list.

Q: What books do you recommend for meditation?
A: We recommend books on meditation by Swami Sivananda, Swami Satchidananda, and the late Swami Nityananda (of Siddha Yoga Foundation).

Q: What if you do not believe in God, can you still come?
A: Everyone is welcome.

Q: How did Swamini become a teacher?
A: “During the end of 1968, Swamini, directed by God, entered a most significant period of isolation. The Supreme Lord provided wisdom, knowledge, guidance, and instruction consonant with and essential to her designated life’s tenure... Swamini received her initiation into the renounced order of sannyas directly from the Supreme Lord." (From “Endless Wisdom I”)

Q: Who is her teacher?
A: Swamini took mantra initiation with Swami Satchidananda.

Q: When did Swamini leave her physical form?
A: Swamini Turiyasangitananda's ascension date was January 12, 2007.

Q: What is the Ashram’s relationship to Sai Baba?
A: The Ashram is blessed to have had Swamini Turiyasangitananda as its founder under the divine guidance of and inspiration from the Avatar of this age, Sri Satya Sai Baba. The Ashram is not an official part of the Sai organization, but because Swamini Turiyasangitananda was an ardent devotee of Sai Baba, her students continue to participate in Sai service projects and other activities of the Sai organization.

Guidelines for Visitors

The following are the dharmic* principles and guidelines we observe at the Ashram:

1. Students and visitors should dress modestly.  Dress or skirt length should be modest. The legs should be covered if seated in a cross-legged position during services or meditation. (See FAQ on Dress Code)
2. Shoes are not worn inside the buildings.
3. Meat products are not served at Sai Anantam Ashram; therefore, they may not be brought to the Ashram.
4. Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and drugs are not permitted on the grounds at any time.
5. Traditionally, it is considered disrespectful to point one’s feet toward the Guru in the mandir.
6. Quietness should be observed after services.
7. While on Ashram grounds, please refrain from mundane conversations and creating noise around the mandir. Do not sit on the mandir steps—eating, socializing, etc.
8. Earphones or headphones should be used when listening to music.
9. Men and women: “Mixing freely and sitting together do not promote a peaceful atmosphere. In sitting separately, sensory thoughts do not arise so easily.” — Satya Sai Baba

Guidelines Regarding Children

Sai Anantam Ashram is in the Santa Monica Mountains. There is plenty of wildlife and the terrain is rugged. So it is best to stay on the paved areas. The wildlife is respected here and normally left in peace unless they pose a danger. The Ashram is a peaceful sanctuary for all.

Please observe the following when visiting the Ashram:
1. In the interest of safety, children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times.
2. On Sundays, parents are asked not to allow children to play before service. This is a special day for spending quiet or spiritual time in the morning.
3. Parents who bring children to service must see that they are quiet and not disturbing to others.
4. Children are not allowed to cross or play in the streambed.
5. Children are encouraged to cultivate a peaceful attitude.

*Dharma: the righteous way of life, especially adhering to codes of right conduct and right principles. One’s dharma here is to cultivate devotion for the Lord and strive for the highest perfectional stage of life through engagement in spiritual thoughts, words, and deeds. An atmosphere of quietness and peace should prevail.