The Sacred Grove : Centre for Exploring Consciousness
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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.
For volunteer support, please send an email to [email protected] for more details.
Sacred Grove Updates
Crafting a Meaningful Life
An artisan sculpting a piece of rock, a weaver rhythmically weaving Tana- Bana, a potter moulding a pot on a spinning wheel, a woman embroidering a piece of cloth, or someone’s hand pounding grains – each movement is a meditation, a return to a pace of living that transcends the rush of the world, to the realm of timelessness.
Retreat with your children at The Sacred Grove
True learning environments go beyond traditional classrooms—they include family interactions and time spent in nature.
Ayurveda and Womanhood: A Holistic Approach to Female Health and Wellness
Women’s health is uniquely tied to their role as bearers of life, and Ayurveda celebrates the divine aspects of womanhood by recognizing the distinctive channel within a woman’s body known as the arthavavaha srotas.
A Navratri Special Self-Retreat with Sri M’s teachings on Shakti
This Navratri, immerse yourself in the divine feminine energy of Devi through Sri M’s teachings on Shakti with this special self-retreat from October 3rd to 13th at Sacred Grove, Chowdepalle.
Self-Retreat on Sri M’s rendition of Srimad Bhagvatam | 20-27 August 2024
Join us for a self-retreat on Sri M’s rendition of Srimad Bhagvatam, from 20-27 August at Chowdepalle.
Experiential learning at The Sacred Grove
These camps were designed to bring both parents and children to the same environment, so that the parents may provide the necessary support to the budding inquirers and also themselves connect with this aspiration for life and its true meaning.
ArogyaM Updates
Ayurveda’s Insight on Stress and its Management
A harmonious state, both within and without, fosters well-being by minimizing conflict and stress. Ayurveda extends this principle to all aspects of life, including the food we eat, and more.
Ritucharya and the Mahakumbh: Attuning to Nature’s Cycles
Ayurveda’s Ritucharya emphasizes the importance of aligning with seasonal cycles to maintain physical and mental balance.
Abhyanga – Oleation of the body in Ayurveda
Ayurveda,the ancient science of life and day to day living lays great emphasis on ‘Dinacharya’,or daily routines, for preserving the health of the healthy. Oleation of the body is an important aspect of Dinacharya, and is termed Abhyanga.
Beat the Heat : Stay Cool in Summer
With temperatures soaring above normal in many regions, the scorching sun poses significant health challenges. Amidst this sweltering environment, ancient practices of Yoga and Ayurveda offer invaluable wisdom to help maintain coolness and well-being.
Yoga and Ayurveda – The Intimate Link
We understand that there are only three ways in which we can engage this body-mind-spirit complex called the human being with himself and the world and beyond. The three ways are through the mind [which include the organs of sense], through words, and through actions [involving organs of action].
Pregnancy and Women’s Health through Ayurveda
Conception or Garbhadharana is detailed in the Shareerasthana of the classical texts of Ayurveda called the Samhitas. The first chapter is called ‘Garbhavakranti’, and may be translated as embryology.