Hridaya France: Participant Agreement for a Safe and Respectful Environment

1. Participants agree to treat others with respect, kindness, and consideration, and to refrain from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, bullying, or any form of abusive behavior.
2. Participants are asked to practice common sense regarding others’ physical, emotional, and personal boundaries. 
3. Participants understand that sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse of authority, or boundary violations are not tolerated. Consent for physical intimacy must be clear, freely given, ongoing, and may be withdrawn at any time.
4. Participants agree to respect the privacy of others. This means not sharing another person’s personal information, experiences, images, or recordings without their explicit permission and, where appropriate, prior authorization from Hridaya.
5. Participants understand that taking photographs or recording audio or video of classes is not permitted without the explicit consent of all parties involved and prior authorization from Hridaya.
6. Participants understand that Hridaya France is a non-profit association under the French law of July 1, 1901. For legal reasons, everyone must become a member of the Hridaya France Association before or upon arrival. Membership is valid for the duration of the calendar year.
7. Participants understand that alcohol, drugs, and smoking are strictly forbidden everywhere on the property. If a participant comes to the Château under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance, Hridaya may ask them to leave and may restrict their ongoing enrollment.
8. Participants understand that the use of candles and incense is not allowed in our accommodations. During meditations and other activities in practice halls and elsewhere on the grounds, candles and incense may be lit. However, they must always be monitored by a designated person and extinguished at the end of the activity.
9. Participants are asked to be considerate of others throughout their time at Hridaya France, especially in shared spaces. This includes keeping noise to a minimum—for example, not showering between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, walking softly, and closing doors gently—as well as keeping personal belongings tidy, washing dishes, and storing shoes with awareness on the racks provided.
10. Participants are asked to live in harmony with the planet and help us conserve resources by being mindful of their water and electricity use. This includes taking short showers, using electricity wisely, and always switching off lights when they are not in use.
11. Participants understand that our center uses an eco-friendly sewage system in which sand, plants, and microorganisms purify the water. Participants are therefore required to use only chemical-free, 100% natural, organic toiletries. A range of such products, including toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, is available in our on-site shop.
12. Participants understand that illegally downloading movies, television series, music, or other copyrighted material using the Wi-Fi in the library is strictly prohibited. France has strong laws protecting artists and culture, and illegal downloading may incur heavy fines.
13. Hridaya practices may involve deep emotional processes, but participation is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Participants are encouraged to seek support from a qualified professional when needed.

If you experience or witness behavior that feels unsafe or violates this agreement, please email confidential@hridaya-yoga.fr or fill out this form. 

To share general feedback about our center or your experience here, please email us at info@hridaya-yoga.fr.