ASHOKA | अशोक
An Ashram where one may pursue knowledge and peace.Dynamis, Rafflesia, Lavender Beds, W19 P38In Lore Location: Thavnairian Jungle
GURUDEV VEDACHARYA
A man as old as Thavnair itself, Gurudev Vedacharya is a spiritual guru and scholar. He is an ardent practitioner of Thavnairian mysticism. As a man of faith and discipline, he teaches and imparts wisdom to those who seek it.Vedacharya is a man who is versed in Thavnairian music and dance, aetheric theory, and many more. To pass along these skills is ever Vedacharya's Dharma; thus, should you ever seek knowledge and wisdom, he invites you to join him in his Ashram, Ashoka.
Rules for the Player (OOC)
This is a strictly Safe for Work venue. NSFW Content is not permitted. Please take adult topics out of the venue.
Bigotry such as homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, etc. will not be permitted. This will result in an immediate ban.
Please do not bring outside drama into the venue. If you have an issue with someone, please resolve it in private or outside of the venue.
No server side mods (sleep anywhere, sit anywhere, etc.)
Please limit OOC talk to a minimum or to private messages. Of course, it's fine to comment OOC on something relevant.
Please keep minion use to lore and in character relevant purposes only.
Much of this venue experience will be held outdoors. Please do not talk about mods unless it is inside the building itself.
You can find the playlist here: https://cytu.be/r/AshokaAshram
Rules for the Character (IC)
To maintain the sanctity of the Ashram, please adhere to the following:
Please bathe in the lake outside before entering the Ashram.
Please leave all footwear at the gates outside before stepping into the property of the Ashram.
Armor and Weapons are not permitted in the Ashram unless expressly given permission beforehand.
As this is a sanctum, please don modest attire. Garments that are flashy or luxurious are not appropriate for Ashram attire.
Please do not bring outside food and drink.
Please clean up after yourself should you use the Ashram's facilities, such as the kitchen or training ring.
Inappropriate language is not permitted.
Please refrain from flirting while visiting the Ashram.
Please refrain from sitting on the chairs inside as they are reserved for the elderly, disabled, and those who cannot sit on the ground due to any other circumstances.
INTRODUCTION
At the Ashram's entrance, well before one even reaches the front door to the building, a young man stands prepared to greet you. The ascetic smiles, folding his palms in greeting. He is a Hyur of average height with a head and face devoid of hair - and a saffron Tilak marked upon his forehead."Namaskar and welcome, my friends," the young man says. "I am Deepak, one of Gurudev's disciples. I have been tasked with welcoming you and showing you the world which you will be stepping into. Please, do leave your shoes here and follow me."As Deepak turns and leads you into the Ashram's grove, you find yourself in the heart of dense jungle trees. The Ashram has been built into the space without disrupting the home of these trees; not a single one cut down before its time. An air of tranquility looms overhead, as though the concept of peace itself made this place its home.In the grove is a single firepit and a single boulder. All else is strangely empty. "Many of Gurudev's lessons and spiritual practices happen outdoors in the grove. Here we are challenged both in mind and spirit, made to grow from our shell and develop our thinking."Deepak approaches the boulder that sits before the open field of the grove. Kneeling before it, he touches the boulder before touching his eyes. "This boulder is Gurudev's seat when he conducts his lessons. Proper decorum states that we as the students sit on the ground before him and refrain from seating ourselves on the boulder. The same is true for the seat inside the Ashram."Deepak rises from where he had knelt, smiling sagely as he welcomes you into the Ashram itself. As you are led inside, it becomes quite apparent that this is no place of luxury. This is a home of ascetism, where one hones themselves with very little comforts to distract them. It is a place of simplicity, housing a very simple kitchen and an open area with but a single seat once again."The kitchen is free for anyone's use, but please be aware that there is a very limited selection here. The kitchen is self-service, though Gurudev encourages us to serve one another as well. 'There are few things more noble than acting in service to one another,' is something he often tells us."Seated in the open area, students partake of deep meditation - their shoulders and chests rising as they take focused breaths. A few others practice music and raagas, while others discuss their sorrows with others. From downstairs, sounds of wood striking wood reverberates distantly."Downstairs is where the Kshatriya and visitors train. Honing one's body is also a form of honing one's mind. Please do feel free to partake. Make yourselves one with the world around you, my friend. Pranam," Deepak says, leaving you to enjoy the Ashram however you might.
SERVICES
Services are by appointment and entirely free of charge.
1. Pujas - At your request, Guru Vedacharya will conduct Pujas (rituals and prayers), which your character can perform under his tutelage and guidance. Such Pujas involve blessing of one's house, the blessing of a new vehicle for safe passage, a blessing for victory or health, and many more.2. Spiritual Guidance - Should your character ever need advice on the journey known as life, Guru Vedacharya would be happy to provide insight and guidance.3. Carnatic Music Lessons - For those whose characters are interested in learning South Thavnairian music, Guru Vedacharya will be offering lessons. One may learn on their own or be accompanied by others if so wished.4. Thavnairian Marriages - If you wish to be wed in the customs of Thavnair, Guru Vedacharya will conduct and oversee the ceremony in his role as a priest.
ACTIVITIES
Activities may be done at your leisure. There is no requirement for commitment. All that is asked is that no disruptive conduct takes place when going from one activity to another or leaving.
1. Vihar - Classes are conducted by Gurudev Vedacharya for all to participate in. From lessons of mysticism to worldly detachment, Vedacharya has much to teach - a great deal of which may result in debates amongst peers. Classes are conducted outside when Vedacharya sits upon the boulder.2. Pākasevā - The kitchen is available for use and is self service. Please be mindful of others; cooperation and serving others food is also highly encouraged. All ingredients available abide by Sattvic custom - a category among three to describe certain foods. Sattva is considered the highest guna - denoting harmony and balance. The ingredients listed as categorized as Sattvic as per Thavnairian traditions. Herbs and spices, while available, are Sattvic only when taken in small amounts. Please keep this in mind.Whole Grains: Millets, Buckwheat, Amaranth, Barley
Dairy: Milk, Ghee, Fresh Curd*
Legumes: Lentils, Chickpeas, Kidney Beans, Pigeon Peas, Mung Beans, Lima Beans
Nuts: Cashew, Walnut, Almond, Pistachio
Fruits: Mango, Apple, Banana, Berries, Coconut, Melons
Vegetables: Eggplant, Bittergourd, Cucumber, Spinach, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale
Natural Sweeteners: Jaggery, Honey, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar*If curd begins to sour, it becomes Rajasic and is not intended to be eaten in the Ashram.3. Rangabhumi: In the lower floor of the Ashram is a training area in which one might hone their skills as a warrior. Training weapons, such as wooden swords, spears, and maces are provided. Weapons of the bludgeoning nature as carved in such a way as to reduce their mass without compromising structural integrity. These adjustments are done to ensure permanent damage is not sustained. The torches in the Rangabhumi are imbued with white magic to naturally heal those who draw near. Sparring is welcomed - so long as it is conducted with respect for one another.