Satvik Vegan Society

Sthitaprajna is a private forest, grown on vegan principles on a plot of about 3 acres of land near the hills, along a seasonal stream about 12kms from Byndoor on the West Coast of Karnataka in South India (about 450km west of Bangalore and 200km south of Goa). It has thousands of plants and trees, many of which are fruit-bearing, both for humans and animals. Such wild animals as deer, boar, porcupine, peacock and rabbit are regularly sighted, especially during nights. Many varieties of birds, especially the hornbills, many types of insects including fireflies and wild mosquitoes (seasonal) and some rodents and reptiles are regular visitors here. And dogs and cats from nearby homes visit us, too.

The temperature varies from 10 degree to 40 degree celsius, depending upon the season and the time of the day. During the monsoons (June to Oct), nature at Sthitaprajna is vibrant and lively, though every season is different and special here.

It is a place relatively free of pollution (water, air, noise, light and human), close to nature and away from busy city life.  There are several rain-water retention pit-holes/ponds and an open well which supplies drinking water. It is a plastic/litter-free zone, too. It is also the place where Shankar Narayan, the founder of the Satvik Vegan Society, resides.

There is provision for short stays for individuals or small groups with advance booking.   

Accommodation at Sthitaprajna:

Dhyana

Samadhi

                 Dhyana                                         Samadhi

There are two simple tile-roofed cottages* - Dhyana (larger, about 1000 sq.ft) & Samadhi (smaller, about 150sq.ft),  While the Dhyana is used by guests, Samadhi is occupied by Shankar Narayan. The guest cottage, Dhyana, has a room/hall of 500sq.ft, 2 toilets (1 Indian and 1 Western), bathroom, a kitchen and a veranda. The veranda doubles as stage during the Vegan Festivals.

There is piped cold water for the toilets/bathroom and filtered drinking water in the kitchen. There is also solar lighting and outside electricity for charging gadgets.  Though table fans can be provided, they are hardly a necessity here. The guests are provided with very basic necessities including a mat, bed-sheets and pillows to spend peaceful nights. 100% plant food is served here which is either cooked here or supplied by a neighbourhood vegetarian family who cook specially for us as per our requirements. Just as consumption/use of animal products, alcohol and smoking won't go with our principles, making unnecessary noise, speaking loudly, etc.,are to be avoided.

The best things one can do here, apart from spending restful nights, are reading, listening to music, meditation, yoga, star/sky-gazing and getting lost in nature. 

*Yog or Yoga has eight limbs (astanga), viz., Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.    The last two names are chosen to represent two cottages symbolising the last two stages in becoming a yogi or sthitaprajna or the perfect human being.

Recently, 'Nakshatra' - a sky observation tower and 'Nirvana' - a meditation platform have been added.

How to reach Sthitaprajna?:  Visit is always with prior appointment.  Your transport from Byndoor to Sthitaprajna and back is either arranged by us or you will be guided properly upon confirmation of visit.

How to reach Byndoor?:

Bus: There are many luxury overnight buses from both Bangalore and Mumbai. While bus journey from Bangalore may take as few as 8 hours, buses from Mumbai may leave early in the afternoon, to reach Byndoor in the next morning.

Train:  Byndoor train station is also called Mookambika Road. There are two daily trains from Bangalore which are not recommended as they take a winding route and take more than 15 hours to reach.   From Mumbai, there are several trains which are quite fast and dependable.

Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore, about 130 km away. The airport in Goa, which is about 220km away can also be used. The journey from Airport to Byndoor and back  can be either by a cab, bus or train.

Please take our guidance before booking your travel to make your travel experience better.

write to indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com for more details

Note:Photos presented above are seasonal, actual conditions may vary depending upon the seasons.

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Some more pictures of Sthitaprajna:

Would you like to visit Sthitaprajna? 

Except during the special occasions like annual Satvik Vegan Festivals or monthly Satvik Vegan Satsangs, only day visit options, for up to 3 hours, between 9am and 6pm are available.

Please write to indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com for a registration form.

Please keep the following in mind when you come to visit Sthitaprajna:

1. Please go through our website www.vgan.in completely to understand our ideologies and activities.

2.  Please discuss in advance, your arrival & departure plans, and follow the instructions completely for a smooth visit (many people who don't give enough attention to our guidelines get lost on the way, causing anxiety and inconenience to both).

3. We can recommend you accommodation options, available nearby,  which are convenient to visit Sthitaprajna.

4. Please respect the sanctity of the place when you are here and help us maintain silence. Please speak slowly and with low voice, respecting the existence of other beings. 

5. Please do not make or receive telephone calls when inside the campus, unless it is absolutely necessary.

6. Please be extra careful about poisonous snakes and insects while moving around.

7. This place is not suitable for children, pet animals, fun seekers and pinickers. For a deeper spiritual experience, please come alone or with maximum one accompanying adult person. 

8. Please do not leave the campus without informing us in advance.

9. Please do not smoke or consume alcohol or bring any animal derived food or packed food either for your consumption or for feeding animals. However, you may carry fresh/dry fruits and vegetables.

10. Please follow all Covid norms as required by the government.

Applicable for Overnight stays: 

11. Our accommodation facilities are bare minimum keeping our objectives-simplicity, solitude and silence- in mind.  We have a small hall of 500sq.ft at Dhyana cottage (to share with others) and some shaded or open area for sleeping. For those staying overnight, we provide a mat and a pillow for sleeping (no cot) and cold running water for bathing. You may carry your own sleeping bag or even tent during non-monsoon time.    

12. We use minimum light during the nights. If you need extra assistance, please let us know.

13.  Please carry mosquito repellants, a torch, some sheets, toiletries and required clothes for your use.

14. Please discuss your food preferences and requirements in advance.

15. We have spent a lot of money and other resources for building and maintaining the forest, for the achievement of our spiritual objectives. Therefore, please do not use your visit for commercial purposes/work from home. 

If you are interested in visiting Sthitaprajna, please write to indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com for a registration form.