The Sacred Grove: Centre for Exploring Consciousness is an initiative of The Satsang Foundation.
Inaugurated by Sri M on 3rd July, 2022, the Sacred Grove is located at Chowdepalle, Andhra Pradesh, 27 km away from The Satsang Foundation Ashram in Madanapalle.
At the core of this Study Centre is the spirit of Swadhayaya – Sadhana – To understand the Self. This spirit invites an enriching interaction between the inward journey and its outward expressions.
The Aranya Sanskriti (forest civilization) of ancient India is one of the finest examples of exploring the recesses of consciousness, in solitude and in relationships. In these sacred groves, the teachers and disciples interacted to share the essence of life.
Infrastructure to Facilitate the Journey
To encourage and nurture a seeker’s journey, the following facilities have been planned on the 17-acre serene campus, surrounded by hills and paddy fields.
Sadhak Nivas: A cluster of 12 cottages for self-retreat have been designed with each cottage consisting of two independent, self-sufficient units. Up to 50 participants can be accommodated at one time.
Swadhyaya Kshetra – the library, houses literature from the earliest and authentic works on Nath Panth (Tradition) and Kriya Yoga and more than 1300 books from all traditions, allowing winds of wisdom to blow in from all religions, ideologies, and practices. The library also provides an audio-visual facility to listen and meditate upon the teachings.
Plantation: Plantation of indigenous and medicinal plants defines one of the
primary aspirations of The Sacred Grove. Large clusters of trees connected with tradition, mythology, and Ayurveda, covers The Sacred Grove extensively.
Farms and Orchards: Around seven acres of land is being cultivated as natural farms of vegetables, fruits and grains, with the conviction that a simple agrarian lifestyle can be spiritually oriented as well as financially sustainable.
ArogyaM – Wellness Centre based on Ayurveda and Yoga : Programs and therapies for holistic wellbeing are offered regularly, in addition to regular treatments, under the care of a trained Ayurvedic physician. The wellness centre has two separate treatment rooms for men and women each, rooms for residence, reception area, and living quarters for the therapists.
Santrupti – Dining Hall and Kitchen: Hygienically-prepared simple, wholesome, nutritious food is served at the dining hall.
Goshala: A spacious home for 15 indigenous cows with ample open space for
them to move freely. Fodder is grown organically for these sacred inmates of the Centre.
Vrikshavalli is a plantation of more than 50 species of indigenous trees, flowering bushes, and creepers. After three years of careful selection, planting, and nurturing of these trees, the vrikshavalli is enriching the ambience around the library and Sadhak Nivas.
Yoga and Meditation Hall: The participants residing at The Sacred Grove for retreats as well as the Wellness Centre will benefit from this proposed facility.
Swadhyaya – Self Retreat at Sadhak Nivas
A cluster of cottages for self-retreat have been designed with each cottage consisting of two independent, self-sufficient units. Each cottage has a spectacular view and offers a quiet ambience for solitude and meditation.
With access to the well stocked library, the audio-visual collection and the serene surroundings, it becomes easy for everyone to commune with nature and self.
Aspirants interested in stay for Swadhyaya – self study at the Sacred Grove, please write to us at sacredgrove@satsang-foundation.org
ArogyaM – Wellness Center based on Ayurveda & Yoga
ArogyaM – The Wellness Centre is Sri M’s vision of bringing the goodness of Ayurveda and Yoga together for inculcating a holistic way of living.
At ArogyaM, the health and wellness programs are based on Ayurvedic therapies, along with Yoga, Asanas and Pranayama under supervision of doctors and yoga experts. Programs and therapies focus on detoxification to remove toxins accumulated due to one’s lifestyle and stress. They are aimed not only at relaxation and rejuvenation but also to prepare the body and mind for spiritual progress.
Wellness programs have been thoughtfully put together to address basic detoxification, de-stress and health needs:
- Swaasthyam : 10-day basic detoxification program for all.
- Shaantam : 10-day de-stress program ideal for professionals to relax, detox and improve one’s quality of sleep.
- LanghanaM : 15-day weight management program.
- VishraM : weekend program for rest and rejuvenation
- Customised program for specific concerns
For participating in the well-being programs offered at ArogyaM, please write to us at wellnesscenter@satsang-foundation.org
Goshala and Natural Farming
In harmony with the surroundings, the Goshala complex includes a spacious abode for 12 cows with a barn for the new-born and the young ones, living quarters for the farmers, storage room, dairy room, and a fenced grazing ground for free movement of the bovine. The complex also has an open shrine of Lord Krishna (Go-pal – the one who looks after, nurtures and nourishes the cows) not just for the cows but also for the commune of seekers flock here.
The Goshala with desi cows (A2) of Gir and Sahiwal breed, natural farming and tree plantation are integrating well, as mutually supportive activities.
Natural farming and Goshala have a symbiotic association. Panchgavya, Jeevamrutam and organic manure made from cow dung and urine, are used for paddy and millet cultivation, vegetable farming, and fruit orchards.
We are glad to share that our experiments with chemical free cultivation have been quite promising. Vegetables grown here are utilized in the kitchen, where simple food is prepared for the residents.
For any offerings to the Goshala, click here
Going Green – Tree Plantation
The hills around The Sacred Grove are dry and denuded, with large rocks precariously placed. We decided to take a step towards contributing to the eco-balance by planting varied species of trees and plants. In 2018, plantation process was commenced with Sri M planting two Neem and one Gulmohar tree on the Western Boundary of the land. Following this, large flowering trees and shade giving trees have been planted along the boundaries of the land. Kanuga, Amaltash, Sita Ashoka, Aakash Malli, Gulmohar, Tamarind, Rain trees, Peltaphorum, Spethodia, Largesstroemia adorn this area.
Indigenous trees, of rich medicinal, mythological and religious significance have been planted on almost an acre of land. In this area, we have planted Neem, Peepal, Rudraksh, Palash, Kadamba, Bakul, Shami, Bilva, Amala, Nagamali, Srigandha, Kanchan, Parijat, Amaltash, Champaka, and Devganner Arjuna and Avadumbar trees.
In the tradition of forest cultures of our ancient past, a Panchavati has been created with Neem, Peepal, Bilva, Amala, and Rudraksh trees, to invite meditation and Sadhana.
In addition to the three year old plantation of Mango grove and other fruit trees like Sapota, Guava, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Fig, we have planted Papaya, Apple-ber, Rose-Apple, Green apple, Sweet lime and lemon trees.
As the Wellness Centre, with a therapeutic intent, is a significant part of The
Sacred Grove, we have planted a herbarium of medicinal plants, shrubs, and
trees commonly used in Ayurveda.
Water Management
Water Management is one of the primary initiatives at “The Sacred Grove”, The Foundation has inherited a working borewell and an open well from the original farmers. For ongoing requirements, we plan to organize additional water resources and better management of these.
In consultation with a water-management expert, the architects and engineers, a pond of 145 by 145 feet dimensions has been created to collect rainwater from the overlooking hill, a part of the Eastern range of Palakonda hills. The surface water that would otherwise have drained off into the adjoining lands or caused water logging harming the plantation, has been directed into the pond. Strategically located in the midst of fruit plantation, fodder plantation, vegetable farms, it not only takes care of irrigation needs but also enriches the soil and helps raise the depleting underground level.
The excavated soil and
rocks have been largely used for creating pathways and boundaries of the pond.
A Yogi has envisioned a space for Yajna Karma – a sacred offering from the core of one’s being. We invite you to be part of this vision and make offerings of participation and commitment
The Sacred Grove is bound to evolve along many more unchartered paths.
Contribute
We look forward to donations and volunteer support
For volunteer support, please send an email to connect@satsang-foundation.org for more details.
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