1 Introduction

Welcome to the digital ecosystem of ShivBodh Trust (hereinafter referred to as "the Trust", "we", "us", or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("you" or "user") and ShivBodh Trust regarding your use of our website, applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

ShivBodh Trust is a dharmic community and spiritual education platform rooted in the authentic Shankaracharya tradition, dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Sanatan Dharma, Vedantic teachings, and civilizational values. Our Platform serves as a digital gathering space for seekers, practitioners, and community members to engage with spiritual resources, participate in campaigns, and contribute to the collective dharmic mission.

By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must immediately discontinue use of the Platform.

2 Acceptance of Terms

By using the Platform, you signify your unconditional acceptance of these Terms and agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of any changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.

If you are using the Platform on behalf of an organization or entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind such organization or entity to these Terms.

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify, update, or replace any part of these Terms at any time. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically for changes. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the most recent changes were made.

3 About ShivBodh Trust

ShivBodh Trust is a dharmic advocacy, spiritual education, and community engagement platform dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Sanatan Dharma. Our mission is to serve as a bridge between timeless Vedic wisdom and contemporary seekers, fostering a community rooted in authenticity, respect, and shared spiritual values.

Our Platform encompasses:

• Digital Ecosystem for Sanatan Dharma — A comprehensive online space for dharmic resources, teachings, and community interaction.
• Dharmic Community Platform — A welcoming environment for seekers, practitioners, and supporters to connect, learn, and grow together.
• Spiritual Education Platform — Access to Shiva Gita, Vedantic teachings, Guru Parampara awareness, and authentic scriptural knowledge.
• Civilizational Preservation Platform — Dedicated to safeguarding the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual heritage of Sanatan Dharma.
• Authentic Shankaracharya Tradition Platform — Grounded in the profound wisdom of the Advaita Vedanta tradition as transmitted through the Shankaracharya lineage.
• Dharmic Advocacy & Awareness Network — Engaging in thoughtful campaigns and initiatives that promote dharmic values and community well-being.

Through the Platform, we may provide spiritual and educational resources, articles and publications, community participation systems, user accounts and profiles, future social-community features, and opportunities for donations and voluntary support.

ShivBodh Trust is an independent spiritual and educational organization. We are not affiliated with any government entity, political party, or commercial enterprise. Our work is guided by the principles of Sanatan Dharma and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

4 User Eligibility

Use of the Platform is available only to individuals who are at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet this eligibility requirement.

If you are under the age of 18, you may use the Platform only under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who accepts these Terms on your behalf. Parents and guardians are responsible for all activities undertaken by minors under their care.

We reserve the right to refuse service, terminate accounts, or restrict access to the Platform for any user, at any time, for any reason, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

5 User Registration and Accounts

Certain features of the Platform may require you to create a user account. When you register, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to update such information as necessary to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, including your password, and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other security breach.

We may, in our sole discretion, suspend or terminate your account if we suspect any violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or any other conduct that we deem inappropriate or harmful to the Platform or its community.

6 Community Participation Guidelines

ShivBodh Trust is committed to fostering a respectful, harmonious, and spiritually uplifting community. All users are expected to engage with one another in a manner that reflects the dharmic values of compassion, truthfulness, and mutual respect.

We encourage:

• Respectful discussion — Engage in thoughtful dialogue that honors diverse perspectives within the framework of Sanatan Dharma.
• Dharmic values — Uphold the principles of satya (truth), ahimsa (non-violence), and dharma (righteousness) in all interactions.
• Constructive participation — Contribute positively to the community by sharing knowledge, asking sincere questions, and offering support to fellow seekers.
• Community harmony — Strive for unity and understanding, recognizing that the dharmic tradition encompasses a rich diversity of practices and interpretations.
• Authentic engagement — Participate with sincerity and integrity, representing your own views and experiences honestly.

By participating in the community, you agree to abide by these guidelines and to conduct yourself in a manner that upholds the dignity of the Platform and its members.

7 Acceptable Use Policy

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others or restrict or inhibit their use and enjoyment of the Platform. You may use the Platform to:

• Access and engage with spiritual and educational content offered by the Trust.
• Participate in community discussions, events, and initiatives.
• Contribute user-generated content that is respectful and aligned with the dharmic mission of the Platform.
• Support the Trust through voluntary donations and participation in campaigns.

Any use of the Platform that is inconsistent with these purposes or that violates these Terms is strictly prohibited.

8 Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited on the Platform:

• Hate speech — Any content or communication that promotes hatred, discrimination, or violence against any individual or group based on race, religion, caste, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
• Harassment — Any form of bullying, intimidation, stalking, or unwanted attention directed at another user or member of the community.
• Defamation — Making false, malicious, or derogatory statements about any person or organization.
• Spam — Posting repetitive, irrelevant, or unsolicited promotional content, including excessive self-promotion or commercial advertising.
• Misleading information — Knowingly publishing false, inaccurate, or deceptive content, including impersonation or misrepresentation of identity or affiliation.
• Illegal activities — Any conduct that violates applicable laws, regulations, or legal obligations.
• Religious hostility — Content that disrespects, disparages, or attacks any religious tradition, spiritual practice, or sacred text.
• Abuse of platform features — Exploiting the Platform's features for unauthorized purposes, including data scraping, automated access, or security breaches.
• Unauthorized commercial promotion — Using the Platform to sell goods or services, solicit business, or engage in commercial activity without our prior written consent.

We reserve the right to remove any content that violates these prohibitions and to take appropriate action against the responsible user, including account suspension or termination.

9 User-Generated Content

The Platform may allow users to submit, post, or share content, including but not limited to comments, articles, images, videos, and other materials ("User Content"). You retain ownership of any intellectual property rights you hold in your User Content.

By submitting User Content to the Platform, you grant ShivBodh Trust a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such User Content in connection with the Platform and our mission. This license extends to any format, medium, or technology now known or later developed.

You represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to submit the User Content and to grant the license described above.
• Your User Content does not infringe the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of any third party.
• Your User Content complies with these Terms and all applicable laws.

We do not endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of User Content. We reserve the right, but not the obligation, to review, edit, or remove any User Content that we consider to be inappropriate, unlawful, or otherwise in violation of these Terms.

10 Intellectual Property Rights

All content and materials available on the Platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, video clips, data compilations, software, and documentation (collectively, "Platform Content"), are the property of ShivBodh Trust or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

The Platform Content may be used solely for your personal, non-commercial use in connection with your participation in the Platform. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, or otherwise exploit any Platform Content without the express prior written permission of ShivBodh Trust.

All trademarks, service marks, and logos used on the Platform are the property of ShivBodh Trust or their respective owners. Nothing in these Terms grants you any right, title, or interest in any such marks.

If you believe that any content on the Platform infringes your intellectual property rights, please contact us at sampreshana.network@gmail.com with a detailed description of your claim.

11 Donations and Voluntary Contributions

ShivBodh Trust may offer opportunities for users to make voluntary donations or contributions to support our mission and activities. All donations are voluntary and non-refundable, unless required by applicable law.

By making a donation, you represent that:

• You are legally authorized to make the donation using the payment method you provide.
• Your donation is made freely and without any expectation of a return benefit, other than the spiritual and community support provided by the Trust.
• You understand that donations are used to support the general mission and operations of ShivBodh Trust, as determined by the Trust in its sole discretion.

We are committed to transparency and accountability in the use of donated funds. Donations are used, where applicable, to support educational resources, community initiatives, platform maintenance, and outreach activities. Specific campaign funds may be designated for particular purposes, as described on the Platform.

12 Campaigns, Awareness & Community Activities

ShivBodh Trust may organize campaigns, awareness initiatives, and community activities to promote dharmic values, spiritual education, and civilizational preservation. Participation in such activities is voluntary and subject to these Terms.

We make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of campaign-related information, but we do not guarantee the outcomes or effectiveness of any campaign. Campaigns are intended to raise awareness, foster community engagement, and support dharmic initiatives to the best of our ability.

Participants in campaigns and community activities are expected to act in accordance with the Community Participation Guidelines and to respect the dignity and rights of all individuals involved.

13 Educational and Informational Disclaimer

The content provided on the Platform, including spiritual teachings, articles, publications, and educational resources, is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive to present accurate and authentic information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of any content for any particular purpose.

Nothing on the Platform constitutes professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or psychological advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any specific concerns or questions you may have.

ShivBodh Trust and its contributors are not responsible for any decisions you make based on the content of the Platform. Your use of the Platform and reliance on its content is at your own risk.

14 Religious and Spiritual Content Disclaimer

ShivBodh Trust is a spiritual and educational platform rooted in the Sanatan Dharma tradition. The spiritual and religious content offered on the Platform is presented in good faith, drawing from authoritative scriptures, traditions, and teachings as understood within the Shankaracharya lineage.

However, we acknowledge that interpretations of religious texts and spiritual practices may vary across traditions, schools, and individuals. The content provided on the Platform represents the views and understanding of ShivBodh Trust and its contributors and is not intended to be the sole or definitive authority on any spiritual matter.

Users are encouraged to exercise their own discernment, consult with qualified spiritual guides, and engage with multiple sources of knowledge. We respect the diversity of spiritual practices within Sanatan Dharma and beyond.

15 External Links and Third-Party Services

The Platform may contain links to external websites, services, or resources that are not owned or controlled by ShivBodh Trust. We provide these links for your convenience and do not endorse or assume any responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or terms of use of any third-party sites or services.

You acknowledge and agree that ShivBodh Trust is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your use of or reliance on any third-party content, goods, or services. We encourage you to review the terms and privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

In some cases, the Platform may integrate with third-party services such as payment processors or social media platforms. Your use of such services is subject to the terms and conditions of those third parties.

16 Privacy and User Data

Your privacy is important to us. The collection, use, and protection of your personal information are governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we handle your data.

By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in the Privacy Policy. We take reasonable measures to protect your data, but we cannot guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge that no data transmission over the internet is completely secure.

We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze usage patterns. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

17 Account Suspension and Termination

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to suspend, restrict, or terminate your access to the Platform or your user account at any time, with or without prior notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms or any other policies applicable to the Platform.
• Conduct that we believe is harmful to the Platform, the community, or the reputation of ShivBodh Trust.
• Illegal or fraudulent activity.
• Inactivity or abandonment of your account.
• Any other reason deemed appropriate by ShivBodh Trust.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. You may request the deletion of your account at any time by contacting us. We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

18 Website Availability Disclaimer

We strive to ensure that the Platform is available and functioning properly. However, we do not guarantee that the Platform will be available at all times, uninterrupted, or error-free. The Platform may be subject to downtime, maintenance, updates, technical issues, or other interruptions.

We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from the unavailability of the Platform, delays in operation, or any technical issues that may affect your ability to access or use the Platform.

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Platform at any time, with or without notice, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

19 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, ShivBodh Trust, its trustees, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform or these Terms.

This limitation applies whether the claim is based on contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or any other legal theory, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

If you are dissatisfied with any portion of the Platform or with these Terms, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue using the Platform.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for certain types of damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

20 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless ShivBodh Trust, its trustees, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in connection with:

• Your use of the Platform, including any content you submit or transmit.
• Your violation of these Terms or any applicable laws or regulations.
• Your infringement of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights.
• Any claim that your User Content caused damage to a third party.

We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which case you agree to cooperate with us in asserting any available defenses.

21 Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update, modify, or replace these Terms at any time, at our sole discretion. If we make material changes to these Terms, we will provide notice through the Platform or by other reasonable means prior to the changes taking effect.

Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must discontinue using the Platform.

The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the most recent changes were made. We encourage you to review these Terms regularly to stay informed of any updates.

22 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be brought exclusively in the courts of India, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, ShivBodh Trust may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any jurisdiction where necessary to protect its rights or the rights of the community.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

23 Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms or the Platform, please contact us using the information below. We welcome your feedback and are committed to addressing any issues you may have.

We aim to respond to all inquiries within a reasonable time frame. Please allow 2–3 business days for a response during regular operations.

🙏 "।। विज्ञानम् ब्रह्मेति व्यजानात् ।।"