Guidelines to Adhere to While at Satori Valley

11 DOs at Satori Valley

At Satori Valley, embracing the Zen way of life ensures a harmonious and fulfilling experience. Here are 11 essential “DOs” to follow during your stay:

1. Do meet and talk to the Zendo leader
If you are visiting Satori Valley for the first time, make it a priority to meet the Zendo leader, whose name will be displayed on the notice board. The leader will help assign your seat in the Zendo, familiarize you with Zen practices, and assist you in settling down.


2. Do be on time for Zazen
Punctuality is essential, as the Zendo doors close promptly at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, please wait for the kinhin (walking meditation) break to enter.


3. Do open and close doors quietly and mindfully
If you need to leave the Zendo during a sesshin, handle the door with care. Closing it gently is not merely a rule but an act of mindfulness that reflects your Zen practice. Quiet and mindful actions honor the Zendo’s serene environment.


4. Do participate wholeheartedly in Samu
Community work (Samu) is a significant aspect of Zen practice. Approach it with devotion and generosity. This dynamic expression of Zen teaches humility and encourages selflessness as you serve others—whether within the ashram or the larger world.


5. Do dress appropriately for Zendo life
While Satori Valley is a Zen meditation center and not a monastery, modest attire is expected. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered out of respect for the Zendo environment.


6. Do abstain from intoxicants
Satori Valley is a space for mindfulness and clarity. Avoid drugs and intoxicants, and note that the premises are a no-smoking zone. You may consult the valley manager for designated smoking areas.


7. Do respect personal space
Mindfulness extends to respecting others. Remember that in this interconnected world, one’s freedom ends where another’s begins, and vice versa.


8. Do remain aware
Awareness lies at the heart of Zen practice. Be present with your breath, thoughts, feelings, motives, and actions. Cultivating awareness allows for spontaneous and authentic actions in every moment.


9. Do stay committed
Dedicate yourself to your practice, your growth, your sangha, and your master. Without commitment, your journey toward inner harmony and understanding cannot begin.


10. Do practice compassion
Show kindness and compassion to yourself and all living beings. Being compassionate in thought and action is a cornerstone of Zen practice and helps foster a harmonious environment for everyone at Satori Valley.

11. Do embrace silence
Silence of the mind and speech enhances your Zen practice. Many at Satori Valley observe periods of silence—respect this and create a quiet atmosphere for yourself and others.

Please note that Satori Valley is managed by the Dammapada Trust, founded by B. Tagoor Varma, to promote Zen living for a meaningful and joyful life. The trust ensures that the valley charges minimal fees, making Zen practice accessible to all seekers. Your generosity and contributions to the Dammapada Trust are welcomed to support its mission. For inquiries about becoming a member of the sangha, please consult with Tagoor Varma.

  • Keep your room clean and tidy
    Satori Valley expects all guests to maintain their rooms neatly.

  • Avoid using rooms as gathering spaces
    Respect the quiet nature of the retreat by refraining from loud conversations or gatherings in your room.

  • Do maintain silence during meals
    Practice mindfulness by eating meals in silence and appreciating the food.

  • Do wash your own dishes
    After eating, clean your plates, cups, and cutlery and return them to their designated places.

  • Do respect food and avoid wastage
    Take only what you need and ensure no food is wasted.

  • Do respect the silence time
    Silence hours are:

    • 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
    • 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    • 6:00 PM to 5:30 AM the next day

  • Do switch off or silence mobile phones
    Keep your mobile phone in silent mode throughout your stay. If you must make a call, step out to the gate area.

  • Do inform the Zendo leader if you need to skip Zazen
    If you are unable to attend a session for any reason, let the Zendo leader know in advance.

Dear friends, 

What the centre receives as payment for your stay here is just enough for running the centre on a daily basis. We are grateful for your gift. 

Yet, there are many demands on us, which we cannot manage to fulfil without your kind hearted generosity like: 

  • The unforeseen breakdowns, repairs and maintenance in the centre 
  • The education of the children of our village 
  • The social projects of the Dhammapada trust like, educational assistance  to the tribal students of the village. 

Our heartfelt thanks if you could contribute to these causes.  

(you can also specify for what purpose your donation is to be used such as : satori valley development/ children education/ tribal student assistance) 

May all beings be happy 

  • If you want to give any gift( cash or things) to the staff, please give it to the administrator who will give it to the staff. In order to avoid favouritism and disharmony, kindly do not give gifts to the staff yourself.  

If you need anything/ help, please feel free to approach the office or adminstrator. The administrator along with the office staff will help to maintain the discipline. Kindly cooperate with them. Thank you for your kind cooperation and understanding.  

We wish you a grace filled spiritual journey.