Community Accomplishments

The land for the ashram, now known as “Arunachala,” consisting of 210 acres (110 hectares) of beautiful environment of rolling hills and forests high in the mountains above the town of San Isidro de El General, was acquired in 2009. Blessed with copious and diverse sources of pure water, abundant wildlife and the most basic necessities for living, like good roads, electricity and easy access to the south's main commercial center, the property provides an idyllic and peaceful abode for establishing a self-sustaining ashram and eco-village. For the first two years the land, buildings, plantings, payroll and all other disbursements were sustained solely by members of the Sat Yoga community. A lot has been accomplished in this time! A master plan has been developed. The first of what we hope will be many food forests has been planted. Six lovely and comfortable bamboo cabins have been constructed. The main lodge was improved. Worm composting, bees and various forms of organic permaculture solutions were developed, close relationships in the community forged, and the committed group of pioneers has powerfully synergized. The level of morale, love, and joyful engagement with one another on this high adventure is extraordinary. After nearly a decade of involvement with the volunteer community, many members are now committing their lives to the creation and growth of the ashram. In fact, some are surrendering everything they own to the endeavor. The work to be accomplished is enormous though and the resources finite.

The Sat Yoga community is now offering to people who would like to support our vision the opportunity to do so. Even if you cannot join us in person, if you wish to become a friend or guardian of the Sat Yoga community from afar, now is the time to do so. Or if you think you might want to join us some time in the future, and in the meantime, you want to ensure that our safe haven will be there for you to retreat to, now is the time to make sure we will be there for you. Additionally, if you would like to to join us for any of our monthly retreats or spend time each year in idyllic peace, now is the time to contribute to make sure our project is sustainable. And if the worst-case scenarios of apocalyptic disaster should occur, or if your current lifeworld should one day become untenable, you will want to know that Noah's Ark is seaworthy and has reserved a berth for you! Even more to the point, we hope you will visit our peaceful and inspiring eco-village soon and find that you want to stay and join us!

As Margaret Mead famously quipped, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

What makes the Sat Yoga community unique is the combination of permaculture farming with meditative practice, a shared philosophy based on the insights of the world's leading sages, a commitment to both outer and inner peace, and a willingness to do regular inner work in order to transform one's character and transcend the egocentric level of functioning.

A Herculean task is underway. We believe that communities such as Sat Yoga's are the best hope for ensuring the survival of the human family. Only if we succeed will we be able to offer a role model for other communities around the world.