Isha Kamala

Key Points
● Isha Kamala properties are offered as a possibility for meditators to live in a consecrated
space and to access the ashram and be part of the iii community.
● Isha will continue owning the lot and will provide a 99-year lease for the purpose of
building a house on the lot. It is a common practice in the real estate industry to lease
land for 99 years.
● Lessee will have many ownership privileges on the home built on the lot.
● Lessee will be able to transfer the house or sell it to others.
● Lessee will be responsible for home and lot maintenance.
● Properties in Isha Kamala may be rented.

Lot Allocation and Payment Structure

● Several lot sizes will be available for selection: 1/3, 1/2, and 1 acre.
● Leasing fees will be $42,000 for 1/3 acre, $55,000 for 1/2 acre, and $85,000 for 1 acre.
● At the time that the lots are released for allocation, one may choose a lot depending on
lot availability and the advanced payment deposit status.
● To be eligible to choose a lot when lot allocation is available, you are required to have paid
either a $10,000, a $25,000, or a $50,000 or more non-refundable advanced payment. Selection
priority is based per below:
$50,000 or more advanced payment - first priority, based on submission date and
amount.
$25,000 advance payment - second priority, based on submission date.
$10,000 advance payment - third priority, based on submission date.
The lot cost will be locked in at the time the deposit is paid. The price will be locked in
for a basic lot. At the time of allocation, there will be upgrade options available.
● The next Payment, after the advanced payment already made, will be due at the time of
allocation (which will occur at periodic intervals and the dates, when determined, will be
communicated by livingisha@usa.org.) Please refer to question/answer #17 for more
details.
● When ready to build, one can choose from one of the 17-plus home models available.
● For home construction financing, you can apply for a loan from any financial institution,
similar to a typical construction loan/mortgage.

Additional Resources:
• Home Model Pricing and Spec Sheets
• Home Model Plans
• Isha Kamala Lots & Map
• Isha Kamala Ordinances & Lease Policy

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 Isha Kamala – FAQs

1. What is Isha Kamala?

Isha Kamala Phases I and II are beautiful rolling pastureland, approximately 2 miles as the crow
flies from AdiYogi: The Abode of Yoga, offered for seekers who wish to live at Isha Institute.
Sadhguru has named this Living Isha offering Isha Kamala, which means lotus flower. Isha
Kamala provides the possibility of living in a consecrated space and an opportunity to pursue a
profound spiritual path.

2. How are the lots and homes offered?

Isha Kamala offers the option to build and own a single-family home on a leased lot, located on
consecrated land that is part of the ashram. With this offering, Isha continues to own the land
while the lessee owns the home. This structure allows Isha to continue having an oversight over
the development to ensure that this space, which offers such a powerful possibility for growth,
can be protected and maintained for all, and for many generations to come.

3. Why are homes offered under a lot lease structure?

The lot lease structure allows for flexibility to finance the home construction cost, as well as
allows Isha to maintain the integrity of the space and ensure it continues to be a powerful
source for raising human consciousness for generations to come. It is important that Isha
maintain a level of oversight over the property and residents joining the community. If every
individual comes with the single purpose of self-transformation, without any thought of
personal gain, then, with the powerful support of Sadhguru’s energies, Isha Institute can truly
become a catalyst for a more conscious world.

4. What are the benefits of the lot leasing structure for Kamala residents?
This structure allows meditators to own the improvement, the home, similar to a typical real
estate purchase. They also are able to finance the purchase/construction of the home using
typical mortgage financing options. It also ensures that all can make use of the space in the best
way possible to support their growth by:

● Ensuring that the appropriate guiding principles are in place and an atmosphere and
environment conducive to one’s growth is maintained across the ashram.

● Giving seekers in coming generations an opportunity to benefit from these

accommodations in the ashram.

● Increasing the security of the premises by allowing Isha to maintain necessary oversight
and processes for community guidelines and approving new community members.

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 Applying for Isha Kamala

5. Who is eligible to apply for the Isha Kamala Lot Lease Agreement?
Those who have taken, at least, Inner Engineering Completion can apply for an Isha Kamala
Lease.

6. I am ready to book/reserve a lot; what are the next steps?

Recently we started accepting bookings/reservations for Isha Kamala Phase II lots. To
book/reserve a lot, one is required to choose a lot size (1/3, 1/2, or 1 acre) and make an
advance payment of either $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 or more. When lots are allocated,
which will occur at periodic intervals and the dates, when determined, will be communicated by
livingisha@usa.org, the selection priority will be per below:

$50,000 or more advanced payment - first priority, based on submission date and amount.
$25,000 advance payment - second priority, based on submission date.
$10,000 advance payment - third priority, based on submission date.

The lot cost will be locked in at the time of the booking and will reflect the cost for a basic lot.
Leasing fees (cost of the lot) will be $42,000 for 1/3 acre, $55,000 for 1/2 acre, and $85,000 for
1 acre. At the time of allocation, there will be upgrades available for an additional cost.

Please note that the Advanced Payment (Priority Deposit) is non-refundable.

7. I previously applied for Isha Enclave and was approved; do I have to reapply for Isha
Kamala?
No, you don't need to re-apply for Isha Kamala.
However, to be eligible to select a lot, you will be required to pay an advanced payment. See
Question/Answer Number 6 and 8 for more information.

8. I already paid a priority deposit fee; what do I need to do now?

If you paid a $3,000 priority deposit (Reserve Your Spot) before January 18, 2023,
the next step is for you to book a lot now. You can do so by selecting a lot size (1/3,
1/2, or 1 acre) and making the advance payment of $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 or
more (minus the $3k deposit from any one of the advance payments). Selection
priority during allocation will be determined based on the advance payment
amount (see question/answer number 6 for full details); and your position in the
queue will still be based on your previous $3k deposit payment date within the
booking group fee you choose ($10K, $25K or $50K or more).

Please note that if you choose not to make the advance payment, there is a chance
that all the lots that will be available for allocation (which will occur at periodic
intervals and the dates, when determined, will be communicated by
livingisha@usa.org), would have been reserved. Regarding townhomes and tiny
homes please see question/answer #16.

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9. I am not a United States citizen; can I still apply for the property
accommodations in Isha Kamala?
If your country’s regulations allow for a U.S. lease agreement and your immigration
status and visa status are valid, you should be able to do so; but we recommend that
you consult with an attorney.

Isha Kamala Terms and Conditions

10. What is the term of the agreement?

The agreement term is for up to 99 years. Upon the primary applicant’s death, the agreement
can be passed to the spouse, the children, or the heirs.

11. What are the transfer fees?

Transfer fees are based upon the following schedule:
i) 0-5 years - 10% of the value of the assets exchanged.
ii) 6-10 years - 8% of the value of the assets exchanged.

iii) 11-15 years - 6% of the value of the assets exchanged.

iv) Over 15 years - 4% of the value of the assets exchanged.

12. Will the house be passed to my heirs upon my death?

Yes. The house and lot lease could be transferred to your heirs, similar to any other asset you
own. The transfer would require Isha’s approval.

13. What happens if I wish to terminate the lot lease agreement?

You can transfer or sell the Lease at the market value. Isha will have first right of refusal.

14. Can I rent the property in Isha Kamala to others?

Yes, you can rent the house for not less than 1 month. 10% of the rental proceeds are required to
be paid to Isha.

15. Are there specific community guidelines that I have to follow?

Yes. The spirit behind these rules is to ensure that this space is conducive for everyone to
grow spiritually. These rules may change over time.

a. Lessee must have taken the Inner Engineering Completion program.

b. Please respect other residents in your area by refraining from playing loud music.

c. No display of romantic actions in the public or common spaces is allowed.

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 d. Lessee will respect, revere, and hold sacred the spaces of and within Isha Institute of
Inner-sciences campus and the surrounding Isha communities, and respect and support
the Isha programs and events, causing no harm or disruptions of any kind. Any
disrespectful or offensive behavior will be addressed appropriately by Isha.

e. Lessee agrees to follow the common spaces rules listed below:

i. Intoxication or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the use of
tobacco are not permitted in the common spaces.
ii. Drugs or alcohol consumption, offering, distribution or sale are not
permitted in the common spaces.
iii. Solicitation of any kind is not permitted in the Isha Kamala community.
iv. Firearms are not allowed in the Common Areas.
Please see the comprehensive guidelines in the Isha Kamala Ordinances & Lease Policy that
Isha Kamala residents and visitors are required to follow.

Payment Options and Costs

16. What are Isha Kamala’s lot costs and sizes?
Isha Kamala is beautiful rolling pastureland that will include more options for lot sizes, ranging
from 1/3 acre to 1 acre lots. Home options will also be expanded, with tiny homes and
townhomes coming in the future.

Lot leasing costs will be $42,000 for 1/3 acre, $55,000 for 1/2 acre, and $85,000 for 1 acre. The cost
will be locked in at the time the required advanced payment (priority deposit) is paid.-(see
question/answer #6 for full details). The price will be locked in for a basic lot. At the time of
allocation there will be upgrade options available.

Please note that tiny homes and the townhouses will both be located in a specific area in Isha
Kamala. This means you can't build a tiny home just anywhere in Isha kamala, but only in the
designated for tiny home area. Also, we are presently not taking advanced payments (priority
deposits) for townhomes and tiny houses. When we do have more information about these two
specific types of accommodations, including taking advance payments (priority deposits), we
will send out an email.

17. Are there any payment options?

After having paid either a $10k, $25k, or $50K Plus deposit, the next payment would be due at
the time of allocation (which will occur at periodic intervals and the dates, when determined,
will be communicated by livingisha@usa.org) as shown in the chart below which is according to
the Advanced Payment (Priority Deposit) amount you submitted.

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 $10,000 - $25,000 $50,000 or more
Advanced Payment Advanced Payment Advanced Payment
(Priority Deposit) (Priority Deposit) (Priority Deposit)
1/3 Acre Lot $11,000 $11,000 $0
1/2 Acre Lot $20,000 $20,000 $5,000
1 Acre Lot $30,000 $30,000 $30,000

The remainder amount will be due 12 months from the date of allocation.

For home construction financing, you can apply for a loan from any financial institution, similar
to a typical construction loan/mortgage.

18. Are there any tax deduction options?

No.

19. Who is responsible for paying the real estate tax and home insurance on the house?
The lessee is responsible for paying all real estate property taxes and other taxes assessed
against the property. The lessee is also responsible for obtaining an insurance policy on any
improvement placed upon the lot.

20. Are there any annual fees in addition to the payments for the Lease fee?
Yes, there are annual fees, based on the size of the lot and home, that will cover the
maintenance of the common areas.

21. What are the total costs I should plan for when taking a property in Isha Kamala?

● Lot lease fee for the lot, paid in full.

● Cost of the home construction, which can be financed through financial institutions.
● General annual fees, which include maintenance of common areas, paid to Isha
annually.
● Property tax, paid to Isha annually.
● Home insurance, paid annually.
● Utilities, including water, electric, propane, trash removal, internet and phone, and
sewage.

22. If I am not able to afford a lot and home, what other options are available for me?
Costs of lots and homes are reflective of the costs for Isha to build and all contributions will
support the longevity of the ashram and ability for many more people to make use of this space
for generations to come.

Regardless of your financial situation, if you long to be in this space and continue your spiritual
growth, Isha is offering many options for long term accommodation. Apartment and studio
accommodations are centrally located in the ashram and offered at a lower cost. Additionally,
townhomes and tiny homes will be offered in the future. If none of these options are affordable

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for you, there is also the opportunity to come as a long-term volunteer where you will be
provided accommodation and meals without cost after paying for the first week of your stay.

Lot Selection Process

23. How many lots are there?

In Isha’s first two residential communities, Isha Village and Isha Enclave, there are a total of 180
lots, all of which have already been allocated. Isha Kamala Phase I has 186 lots. Isha Kamala
Phase II, located north and west of Phase I, will have approximately 400 lots.

24. Do I get to choose the lot?

Yes, when the lots are released, they will be offered for those that have paid a $50,000 or more
a $25,000, or a $10,000 non-refundable advanced payment (priority deposit). Please see the full
details in the answer to Questions #6 and #7.

25. When will the full payment for the lot be due?
Within 1 year; details will be shared at the time of allocation.

Home Construction

26. How many models are available?

Currently, there are 17 home models available, with several more in the design phase.

27. Where can I find the floor plans?

Floor plans can be found on the website here: lsha Kamala Home Models and Pricing.

28. Can I choose any model?

Any model can be chosen so long as the model is not the same as that of the house on the lot
directly adjacent to or directly across the street from you. For example, if the lot you want is
next door to someone who chose to have home model 101 built, you would need to choose a
different model. Also, the model chosen must fit on the selected lot.

29. Are there any restrictions as to model homes and lot sizes?
There will be 1/3 acre, ½ acre, and 1 acre ranges available for leasing. Most of the ½ acre lots
are 100 feet wide, and the ⅓ acre lots will be 70-80 feet in width. The minimum side setback for
the lot is 15 feet on either side, so only a home less than 70 feet wide can be built on a half-acre
lot. Note that the Daffodil and Violet models are both more than 70 feet wide and are the only
two models currently available that cannot be built on a half-acre lot.

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30. Will I be required to have the house built within a certain time period once I reserve the
lot?
You are required to build within four years of the date that you lease the lot. There
will be a $1,800 incurred fee for the fifth year the home is not built, which will
increase exponentially each year that the home is not built.

31. Why do I need to build the home within four years?

Many people are expressing their intent to move now or in the near future. Rather than have
empty lots in the community and delay those wishing to be here now, those who are not planning
to move in the near future can wait to take a home lease or consider taking an apartment or
studio initially and transferring to a home at a later time.

32. When can home construction start?

Putting in place the infrastructure needed for the development (grading the land, getting the
necessary permits from authorities, building roads, installing main water lines, etc.) will likely
take 9-15 months from the initial lot allocation. Once the infrastructure is in place, construction
of the homes can begin.

33. How long will it take to complete home construction?

Once a lessee chooses a house model and completes all selections and upgrades, construction of
the home can begin. Once construction begins, it will take approximately 10-12 months to
complete, depending on the size of the house. Move-in dates for Isha Kamala Phase I will likely
be 18-24 months from June 2023 at the earliest. Phase II will be available soon after.

Utilities and Services

34. What utilities and other services will be available (e.g., water, electricity, gas, cable,
phone, etc.)?
Municipal water, electricity, phone lines, and internet/cable services will be available
once you have contacted the respective utility/service providers. There are no natural
gas lines in the area, but propane gas (LPG) is available.

35. What about sewage facilities?

A city sewer system is not available, necessitating a communal septic installation under
the state’s guidelines. There will be a septic system operator who will own and operate
this system for the community. There will be a monthly fee for this service paid to the
provider.

36. Does Isha provide any lot keeping or landscaping services for Isha Kamala residents?
Isha will provide options for approved contractors for landscaping. Each Kamala resident will be
responsible for the maintenance of their lot. If the lessee fails to get the needed maintenance
done in a timely manner, Isha will contract the maintenance and bill the lessee for it.

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37. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the common areas?
Isha will be responsible for maintaining the streets and common areas, as well as the ambiance
of the community.

Choosing between Homes, Apartments, and Studios

38. If I pay the non-refundable deposit for an Isha Kamala Lease, can I later switch to a studio
or apartment?
No.

39. If I move into a home and later wish to switch to an apartment or studio, will that be
possible?
No.

40. If I choose to take a studio or apartment to start, can I switch to a home later?
No.

41. How should I decide between studios and apartments vs. homes?
Studios and apartments are ideal for those who wish to be centrally located, may not have as
many guests visiting or coming at once, and want to minimize time spent for maintenance and
upkeep of the space. Access to ashram meals (even when one is not volunteering full-time) will
be available for those in studios and apartments. Homes are ideal for those who wish to have
more space or have pets.

Living in Isha Kamala

42. What facilities will be available for this community?
Similar to the rest of the Living Isha community, Isha Kamala will have yoga shalas built
throughout the community. Community members will be able to gather together for Guru
pooja in the morning and do their practices together, as well as evening practices and presence
time. The common space could also be used to offer various yoga programs and to hold various
events.

There are also plans for a recreation center, grocery stores, medical clinics, an Isha Day
School, locally produced organic food sources, a shared car service, and long-term care
facilities for the elderly.

43. When will consecration of the land take place and will we be able to attend?
Sadhguru has not yet shared details for the land consecration. We will provide updates as we
have them by email and through the Isha newsletter.

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44. When is the Isha Day School expected to open?
The tentative launch date for the Isha Day School is Fall 2023. The curriculum will be developed
with guidance from Sadhguru and in consultation with the Isha Home School in India. For those
planning to move in the coming years with school-aged children, or if you wish to volunteer to
be a part of creating the day school, you can email school@ishausa.org for more details.

45. What schools, public and private, are available in the area for my children right now?
The Isha Day School, for the academic year 2023-24 has begun. This school will primarily be
offered for families who are living within the Isha community. For more information, please
contact school@ishausa.org.

Public schools are available locally, with school busing services, and there are private schools in
the larger nearby metropolitan areas, such as Chattanooga. Information on Van Buren County,
TN schools may be found at http://www.vanburenschools.org/ and
https://www.warrenschools.com/.

46. How far is it from Isha Kamala to typically needed services, such as food stores,
hardware stores, pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, car maintenance/repair facilities,
department stores, etc.?
Most services are within a 20- to 25-minute drive. The long-term vision is for most needed
services and amenities to be located on the premises.

47. Are household pets and other animals allowed in Isha Kamala?
Household pets are allowed; please see the Isha Kamala Ordinances & Lease Policy for more
details.

48. What is the weather like in the Isha Kamala area?

Isha Institute is located on the Cumberland Plateau, a stunningly beautiful area with mountains
and forests. The climate is temperate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally very
pleasant with a few hotter weeks in July/August. Winters are crisp with temperatures that can
fall below freezing in January and February, with an occasional light dusting of snow. Spring and
Fall are mild with variable rainfall, which makes this area the “nursery capital of the world,”
ideal for growing shrubs and trees!

49. What is the dress code at the Ashram?

Please support the spiritual focus of the ashram by not wearing tight-fitting or revealing
clothes, including short-shorts, tank tops, etc. Simple, loose-fitting clothes in good condition are
appropriate. Women: full-length pants or capris are appropriate. Men: pants or long shorts
(knee-length) are appropriate. Shoes are removed when entering the Abode, Mahima Hall,
Rejuvenation Center, lodges, and the studios.

50. How can I stay involved with the Isha community?

“Volunteering is a way of learning to make our lives into a process of just giving and being
willing. Not just willing to do this or that, simply willing. No spiritual process will happen to any

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human being unless he becomes willingness.” - Sadhguru

Volunteering is woven into the fabric of life at Isha. As all of the ashram daily activities, support
systems, and programs are run solely by volunteers, volunteering is an essential part of
contributing to the functioning of the ashram and its offerings. More significantly, volunteering
is a way to make yourself into an offering and is a powerful process for one’s growth. Once you
are here, the Activity team can coordinate with you to ensure you are integrated into
volunteering opportunities according to your schedule and availability.

51. Is there a volunteering requirement if I live in Isha Kamala?

There is no specific requirement for volunteering while living in Isha Kamala. You are free to
volunteer to whatever extent your schedule and life situation allow. However, volunteering is a
very powerful tool for individual growth, and additional guidance about volunteering will be
provided as part of the Kshetragna program.

52. If I volunteer full-time at Isha, will I be able to eat my meals on campus?

Yes, Isha Kamala residents who volunteer full-time with Isha will be able to enjoy
complimentary wholesome vegetarian meals on campus.

53. Are there additional guidelines for being part of the ashram?
You can see general ashram guidelines here.

Visiting or Touring at Isha Kamala

54. May I visit the Isha Kamala area?

Guided tours of Isha Kamala happen every Saturday and Sunday and as part of all programs
offered at Isha Institute. The tour features a completed four-bedroom home, visiting the Isha
Kamala land, and the location site for the Isha Apartments. For updated tour times and to RSVP,
please register here.

For location map -see link.

Contact

55. If I have other questions, who do I contact?

Please email: iii.community@ishausa.org.

Important First Step – Please complete the Interest Form, linked here.

The information provided by Isha on the Living Isha website, https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/living-isha,

and all its pages and documents are for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site

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is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or
implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information on the Site. Under no circumstance
shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the
Living Isha website or on any information provided on the site and its pages and documents. Your use of
the Site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely your responsibility.
5-2024

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