Terms of Membership and Grounds for Removal

Dear Sadasya,

 

Welcome to the Vedic Study Circle, a sacred space curated by Acharya Shunya and Vedika Global, Inc., for self-motivated seekers like you who are committed to their spiritual journey. This platform offers you the opportunity to deeply immerse yourself in Vedic wisdom through our direct study sessions. As long as you honor the guidelines, we are delighted to have you continue your journey with us.

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Please understand that the Vedic Study Circle operates on a free-will donation basis, and your participation is entirely voluntary. This isn’t a typical customer-provider relationship but rather a collective effort to explore spiritual teachings together. Donations are at your discretion, and you are free to join or leave as you feel guided. Because we keep our operational costs low, we do not offer administrative or support services beyond what’s necessary to maintain the circle's integrity.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and tolerant environment where everyone feels valued. We have zero tolerance for any form of racism, discrimination, or disrespect based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. Religious tolerance and sexual respect are core values in our community, and we expect all members to uphold these principles. Any actions that violate these values or disrupt our sacred space may lead to your removal at the discretion of Vedika Global directors and Acharya Shunya. Remember, participation here is a privilege, and we trust you will help us preserve the sanctity of this sacred study community.

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Please take a moment to review the rules below, which help us ensure that everyone’s experience remains positive and aligned with our shared values.

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                                                  Membership Guidelines

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1. Commitment to Sadhana (Spiritual Practice):Encourage members to regularly engage in their personal sadhana (spiritual practice) outside of the sessions. This could include meditation, chanting, or any practice aligned with the teachings. Regular sadhana will help deepen their understanding and connection to the material.​

2. Mindfulness in Sharing Content:Members are encouraged to be mindful when sharing content from the Vedic Study Circle on social media or other platforms. Please consider the context and audience before sharing, ensuring that the teachings are presented respectfully and accurately.​

3. Feedback and Suggestions:Create a space where members can provide feedback or suggestions about the study sessions or the community in a constructive manner. This could be a designated email or form, allowing members to voice their thoughts while maintaining a positive and collaborative atmosphere.​

4. Respect for the Teacher’s Time:While Acharya Shunya is dedicated to guiding the community, it’s important to respect her time and energy. Limit direct communication to what is necessary and relevant, saving personal inquiries for appropriate times or forums.

5. ​Participation in Seva (Selfless Service):While the term 'selfless service' is avoided, encouraging members to participate in acts of seva within their capacity can enhance the sense of community. This could include volunteering to help with administrative tasks, assisting fellow members, or contributing in other meaningful ways.

6. No Additional Support:Participation in the Vedic Study Circle does not include personal support from Acharya Shunya, associate faculty, or administrative staff. This circle thrives on collective, self-driven efforts to learn and grow together.​

7. Code of Conduct:Respectful communication is essential. Please use language that uplifts and honors our shared purpose. Any use of curse words or inappropriate slang, whether in our sessions, on social media, or in the community portal, will lead to immediate removal.

8. ​Video Etiquette:We value the intimate nature of our study sessions. Please keep your video on, as it creates a sense of presence and connection, much like sitting directly with the teacher.

9. ​Text-Based Questions Only:We encourage you to ask well-considered questions via text, particularly those relevant to the topic at hand. This practice ensures our discussions remain focused and insightful. Please avoid questions related to personal issues or gossip, as our focus is on universal wisdom.

10. ​Recording and Media Sharing:Please be aware that our Zoom sessions are recorded and may be shared publicly on platforms like YouTube. By participating, you consent to this. If you have concerns about public sharing, we understand if you choose not to participate in the Q&A.

11. ​Medical Disclaimer:The guidance provided in the Vedic Study Circle is spiritual and educational in nature. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical concerns.

12. ​Religious Disclaimer:Our teachings may involve Vedic principles related to Hinduism. We ask that you approach these teachings with an open heart and mind, respecting their cultural and spiritual significance. Participation is voluntary and without the intention of promoting religious conversion.

13. Inclusiveness and Respect:Our community is built on mutual respect and inclusivity. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, and we strive to maintain a safe, supportive environment. Discriminatory or disrespectful behavior will result in immediate removal.

14. ​Commitment to Privacy:We expect members to respect each other’s privacy. Sharing personal information about other members without consent is prohibited and will result in removal from the circle.

15. ​Attendance and Participation:Your regular attendance and active participation are vital to your growth and the continuity of our group learning. Please be punctual and fully engaged during sessions.

16. ​External Relationships:While connections outside the Vedic Study Circle are natural, Acharya Shunya and Vedika Global, Inc. are not responsible for the outcomes of any relationships formed through this platform.

17. ​Online Community Forum Rules:Our online forum is for discussions that support spiritual growth. Please use respectful language, focus on spiritually relevant topics, and refrain from any inappropriate behavior.

18. ​Conflict Resolution Approach:While we encourage open and honest communication, it’s important to handle disagreements with a spirit of compassion and understanding. If conflicts arise, we recommend addressing them privately and respectfully with the involved parties. If a resolution cannot be reached, please consider stepping back rather than escalating the situation, keeping in mind the spiritual nature of our community. Please note that Acharya Shunya and Vedika Global, Inc. will not intervene in personal conflicts or disputes among members, as maintaining the focus on collective spiritual growth is our priority.

19. Respect for Diverse Perspectives:We recognize that members come from various backgrounds and may have different interpretations or perspectives on the teachings. We encourage an open-minded approach where all viewpoints are considered with respect and understanding. This diversity enriches our collective experience, so please engage with others' ideas thoughtfully.

20. Environmental Consideration:As part of our commitment to holistic living, we encourage members to be mindful of the environment. Whether participating in sessions or during personal practice, please consider ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and use eco-friendly materials. This aligns with our broader spiritual commitment to respect all forms of life.

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​​Posted August 1, 2024

By Acharya Shunya/Vedika Global, Inc.