sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya
shivakhara

Traditionally, only if a 'Shiv Akhara' could not be kept up by a 'Gurdev', were alternative means sought.

It became accepted that the 'Shagird' or some patron of the Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya would provide at least minimum 'Rast, Bast, Chara' (see below for description) for the Gurdev so as he could sustain the Akhara:

1. 'Rast' – 'food and drink'. If the 'Akhara Gurdev' is unmarried, then he is provided with enough to sustain him. If he is a householder, then enough is given to the Gurdev to sustain him and his family.

2. 'Bast' – 'clothes and housing'. If the 'Akhara Gurdev' is unmarried, then he is provided with enough money to keep clothes on his back and a roof over his head. If he is a householder, then obviously, enough clothes for his family and roof over their heads is provided for. In the modern context in England this means having enough money to pay the mortgage, heating bills, etc.

3. 'Chara' – 'fodder for the horse' of the 'Akhara Gurdev'. In the modern world, this translates to providing traveling expenses (petrol, vehicle maintenance, train tickets and other travelling expenses).