Four months stay -A trip in Self Discovery

Kim Pihl August 2011 The owner of The Farm Yoga and Wellness Centre - New Hampshire The experience I had at the Satvik was very good for me.   I felt cared for and safe there.  Samrita and Shukl'acharya are wonderful and full of knowledge.   I enjoyed their company ,had nice talks, and outings together.   The staff was attentive and polite .  The food was good. There was always plenty to eat with occasional sweets and special requests. My room was neat and clean with a balcony to sit outside and enjoy the sounds and sights of the Hymalayas :)
  I would be happy to talk to anyone who is considering a visit. [Kimrpihl@aol.com]

Valerie Moselle - Yoga Teacher in California since 2001' and presently in Santa Cruz "I highly recommend yoga and Satvik Lifestyle Management study with Shukl'acharya. I came to study with him and his wife Samrita His integrity and devotion to the practice of yoga and to living an extraordinarily yogic life are inspiring. He is a skilled and knowledgeable teacher who cares greatly about his students. He is an adept at Ayurveda in the most classical sense, and is a student himself of an honorable line of yogic saints, among them, his Guru, Babaji.

His retreat center and school, the Satvik Sadan, near Bhimtal is both lovely, and conducive to health and wellness. I was fortunate enough to spend a few comfortable days there with my family. We received Ayurvedic massage treatments, complimentary tea brewed from Tulsi grown just outside our rooms, and served delicious satvik meals. A memorable highlight was the traditional fire ceremony at dusk.

Whether a student of yoga, or a traveler looking for a unique and restful experience in India, I highly recommend Shukl'acharya and Satvik Sadan.

Agnese & Yves Vander Velde European Commission Brussels 14h to 17th November 2010

We spent only three days in this gorgeous place.

The food was absolutely delicious, naturally prepared without much oil or spices, and no onion or garlic. We enjoyed every little bit of it. We learnt a lot about Ayurvedic lifestyle from Samrita & Shukl'acharya, the founders of Satvik Sadan. Both took very good care of us and we felt like at home.

I recommend this place, Satvik Sadan, to everyone who wants to find their inner peace and experience a beautiful part of India.

Agnese has been kind enough to allow use of her email id for those wishing to confirm this or in case they would like to ask them any questions. agnese.brence(@ ) ec.europa.eu

Monica Fontana (Sri Damini Ma) Italy lead a group of Italians on a spiritual tour to India in August 2010' Her comments and that of her group members are mentioned

Wonderful and enjoyable staying...... Too short to experience to the fullest. Delicious food, spiritual attitude and beautiful atmosphere. I will come back soon

Laura Conti Italy

This has been the first night of peace and tranquility, I have spent in India. I am happy to have known you and this paradise. You have made me feel in peace with myself and the universe. Thank you for your wonderfull food and spiritual moments. It has been a wonderful experience and thank you for the light that shines in your eyes. You are so sweet and strong. In the mean time I will remember you and take you in my heart.

De Benedittis Alessandro Italy

During our journey, it is necessary to stop for some honey for the soul. God is smiling and me too.

Grignolio Roberta Italy

Thank you so much for your hospitality. This place is wonderfula nd peaceful. Thank you.

Enrica Dubini Italy

It was the first moment of rest and silence after one week of tiring travelling. Thanks for the food, healthy and delicious and for the arti puja. I will take all these experiences with me in my heart.

Maria Biasin Italy

For me this experience is very interesting. Peace in my soul, very good food and very good stay. The satsang and puja very beautiful. Thank you

Cindy Anderson aka Sandhya Long Beach, California USA cindy@cindyandersonyoga.com Nov-Dec 2009'

Cindy or Sandhya as we called here, pursued and taught yoga while working in the corporate sector as Director Marketing. Her interest in yoga made her come here for a retreat to connect within as well as for a better understanding of traditional yoga and its practical value.

'"My time at the Satvik was exactly what I had hoped it would be in every way. As an American yoga teacher, I traveled there expecting to learn more about Hatha yoga in order to deepen my own practice as well as enrich my students practice. While I received this gift, I also got the opportunity to learn about and eat a true satvik diet - we were served healthy, seasonal, delicious satvik food 3X per day. Not only did I lose my excess weight but I feel better and notice the differences in my body, mind and spirit. It was hard to leave the little cocoon at the Satvik where I learned many things that have changed the way I think about yoga and my life. But since leaving I've already made positive changes based on things I learned and feel my life has been enriched because of my time there. The Shuklas could not be more generous, sweet and knowledgeable people. I happily recommend the Satvik for everyone and I definitely will be coming back for a visit !"

Thank you again!
Sandhya

Jennifer Earl Johannesburg, South Africa Jennifer Earl [jenearl80@hotmail.com] Jennifer is a dietician as well as a management person, who quit her banker's job in London in August 2009' and was here till late December to understand Vedic values, belief systems and the role of Ayurveda in wellness.

'The past five months have been one of the best experiences and times of my life.. No words can even begin to decribe how grateful and blessed I feel for this special time here with you all at Satvik Sadan.'

Rebecca Munn Devon UK Rebecca was here from June to November 2009' Though she came here for a quiet solitary retreat, she took keen interest in what we had to offer and studied with us, which she now has added to her existing knowledge of healing practices.

'This is to say the most enormous Thank you for everything. It's not easy to express in mere human words just how I feel and the depth of my appreciation.

I am so very blessed to have found myself a home in this most sacred place with such beautiful people and to have bben guided so expertly in this wonderful journey.

To you I am eternally grateful - for your truth, generosity, nature, skill, warmth and wisdom.

Wishiing you and Satvik Sadan, prosperity, peace and joy always.'

Madeleine McClelland Brisbane Australia Madeleine McClelland [madeleine.mcclelland@gmail.com] was here in October and November 2009' She is widely travelled and though she dons the corporate suit, she is also an avid craftsperson and is doing her bit in preserving ancient arts and crafts of the world.

' If you checked the Satvik Sadan website and had an instant intution you should come here, do not doubt for a second. I had no idea (and no expectations) of what might be in store for me, but now I feel amazingly blessed to have shared in the satvik lifestyle. My holiday became an exploration of spirit, mind and body that gave me a precious awareness of life and the divine. I recommend Satvik Sadan to anyone genuinely asking themselves ' what is the meaning of all this?' and in fact to anyone who needs deep rejuvenation and solitude.'

Leana Kay Brown Sydney Australia [leana.kb@gmail.com] Leana was here in July and August 2009'

She wrote: 'From the deepest level of my heart I thank you for welcoming me and sharing such knowledge, grace and love. I hope to send over other people to also experience the enjoyment I have.

Shukl'acharya, I feel so happy and happy to have had teachings from you. Thank you for being a great teacher, loving and understanding person.

Jaqueline Maree George, Yoga Teacher NSW Australia 220 Soldiers Pt Rd, Salamander Bay, NSW Australia 2317. phonen +61 409 503509 jackiegeorge@live.com.au

She was here from 18th April 2009 to 15th May 2009' Her son Luke George is the famous motorcycle racing champion.

Namaskaar!

Being drawn to yoga and mediatation for a few years now, I was offered to teach the yoga classes in town and to take over from my local teacher as she planned to be abroad for a couple of years.

While I was happy to take up this offer, I felt I needed to bolster my knowldge and experience of yoga by taking up a proper training programme. I lloked up yoga centres in India naturally. Though Ipicked up Satvik Sadan as it made the most sense to me, my well wishers were wary of my choosing a yoga centre simply based on the website and guest comments.

Having completed a month's training programme, I wish to share my experience with others planning a trip to Satvik Sadan, a place I fully recommend to anyone wishing to be there for any programme on offer. I assure you that you'll be cared for whatever your need is, in the most comfortable, professional, caring and picturesque surroundings.

I knew my yoga teacher training programme was going to be more than just the basics Even before my arrival, any cocerns about he course or safety of travel were tken care of to the highest possible standard. The high level of personal care remained at all times during my stay, from food, comfort, education, wonderful staff and amazing nearby trips.I have only praise.

Shukl'acharya and Samrita took me in as part of their wonderful family. It is not just a livelihood for them, it is a way of life. They let you in their life with history, customs, endless knowledge going back thousands of years.

Yes, you go home very confident in your yoga asanas and knowledge of yoga to teach, Shukla Acharya makes sure of that, but also a small part of the ancent Vedic civilization goes home with you, which no money can buy.

Kathryn Kleypas

Professor English in Kuwait

Nino Margvelashvili Bates, a journalist by profession, is widely travelled and leads the yoga class at the local YMCA in Calhoun, Georgia USA. She was at The Satvik for an intensive yoga retreat from 13th to 20th June 2008'

"India is a fascinating country, but a first time visitor can be discouraged and frustrated by the prevailing chaos on the roads and markets. But the view of the magnificient Taj Mahal and experience of Satvik living at The Satvik Sadan, Bhimtal, Himalayas will let those first impressions fade away.

If Taj is a must see, so is the experience at Satvik Sadan for every visitor to India..

The Retreat is clean and has an unusual construction, thanks to one of the many talents of its founder , Shukl'acharya (Shri Pulak Ranjan Shukla.)

The staff is amazingly friendly and makes you feel right at home.

For my future trips to India, Taj and The Satvik Sadan would be the only two spots on my travelling list and worth showing to my son."

Wendy Billie, former Director Training at Pfizer, Washington, USA. She was at The Satvik Sadan from January 17th 2008 to February 17th 2008, for the Yoga Teacher & Vedic Lifestyle Counsellor Training programme.

"When I discovered the Satvik Sadan during an email search, I intuitively felt it was the perfect place to pursue my yoga teacher training. And even before my arrival to India, the sincerity of communication I received from the Satvik validated my intuition.

I was not only welcomed as a guest at the Satvik, but soon I realized that the yoga training immersed me into a new lifestyle and I felt at home and comforted in this Northern India retreat.

I was fortunate in that I received intense spiritual training into the ancient traditions of yoga and ayurveda by the owner and guru of the Satvik;.

So, whether I was giving thanks and praise to the sun during morning yoga in the rose garden, cooking in the kitchen with the staff as we jointly prepared meals that were best for my unique body constitution, or when I was receiving blessings from an elderly man who became known as the "feather healer"...each moment I cherished and learned ways to find my inner peace and strength.

The members of the staff touched my heart with their kindness and the yoga training I received reenergized my soul and it was during this experience that I felt healthier and more spiritually awakened than I had in years. At different times in life, we all realize the importance of peace and I recommend the Satvik to anyone who wants to not only wants to become certified in yoga training, but who is willing to step out of their normal routine and work with a yogi and staff that teaches you ways to make peace a part of each day by honoring and respecting your body, mind, and spirit. Om Shanti. "

Susan Shaw

Susan is a highly reputed fashion designer whose works are sold in leading malls and retail outlets like Walmart etc.

She took time from her busy schedule shuttling between LA , Europe and Asia to have an individual yoga retreat at The Satvik, Bhimtal, Himalayas – July – August 2007.

‘The location is amazing, the food incredible and the service gracious and attentive. The 10 day customized yoga and breath work (pranayama) retreat was so different from anything i have experienced before, leaving me feeling balanced and happy.

Since returning to "normal life" i have continued the practice worked out for me by Shukl'acharya (Shri Pulak Ranjan Shukla.)
, and have been able to maintain my equilibrium in a crazy out of balance world. if you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind and recharge this is definitely the spot. i recommend it very highly.

Nicolas & Valerie Moselle

Valerie Moselle a senior yoga teacher from LA USA, had visited with her husband Nicholas while the latter was on a brief assignment with Sapien Technologies, India in 2006.

One of the biggest challenges for us in India was finding peace in the bustle and toil of this amazing and unusual place.  There seem to be few stops where one can actually step into the beauty and complexity of India's kaleidoscopic heritage without also being bombarded by the noise, congestion, garbage, pollution, and often well-meaning but invasive (by Western standards anyway) trades-people.  Thanks to the care and vision of Shukl'acharya and Samrita, The Satvik Sadan in Bhimtal was just the thoughtful and peaceful refuge we were aching for.  For us it was the perfect place to unwind from the hectic nature of our other travels.  The surrounding mountains are lush and beautiful.  There is green everywhere.  The Retreat is situated up off the roadside where the air is clean, and its terraced orientation, broad porches, and architectural design make it comfortable and breezy, with every room oriented to the view of the valley below and the mountains opposite (including Hairakhand Kailash).  The rooms are simple and clean, with an Indian feel and Western comforts.

Upon our arrival we were greeted with sweet holy basil tea and invited to relaxed on the terrace and take in the view.  Later we enjoyed Ayurvedic massage treatments, and a walk around the small lake in Bhimtal.  Hosted by Shri Murli Mohan Shukla we were given insight to the spiritual and historical significance of the concept behind the Satvik Sadan as well as invited to participate in some of the Vedic rituals, including the Agnihotra, .

One of the things that is most memorable about Satvik Sadan is the food.  Samrita's Satvik kitchen serves healthy, fresh, deliciously prepared cuisine.  The meals are light and satisfying, as well as being in line with the values of Ayurvedic food preparation for health and vitality.  My favorite was the rice pudding, bathed overnight in the light of the full moon. 

I would not hesitate to recommend this retreat for individuals or groups traveling in India.  Especially for those seeking yoga, and physical or spiritual rejuvenation.  

Thank you so much for your hospitality, care and attention. We appreciate all of the effort that has gone into creating this peaceful place.

We return home rested and happy.
Sincerely, Valerie Moselle along with husband Nick, and daughter, Poppy.

Eva and Thomas Kille

Thomas is in the sports equipment international business. www.tk-hockey.de

My husband and me are Indian lovers. In the middle of june 2007 I traveled for the first time alone through India because it was my sincere wish to find a place where I was able to relax and to find to myself. I was also very much interested to start with Yoga and meditation.

Through a very good friend from Goa I have found the place and I can't describe with words how lucky I am to have stayed there.

The way how I was treated here was wonderful. I have really enjoyed every minute of my stay. All the members of the Shukla family are so wonderful people and during my trip I have not only learned the first steps of meditation and yoga, I also got a deep understanding of Indian culture. On top of that I loved the food and I will never forget the time which we have spent together while cooking. After 12 days there I came home like a new born human being and I would like to pass my thanks again for such a wonderful trip.

The way how Shukl'acharya has taught me was unbelievable and I was proud to work with such a guru. Shukl'acharya (Shri Pulak Ranjan Shukla.)
you are a hero and I am promising you that I will continue in the way I have learned it from you. Being back in Germany my thoughts are still with you and I am already looking forward to come again to your place.

I will never forget my stay. Thank you so much.

Dirse Zoe:

Zoe Dirse from Toronto, Canada. Zoe is a highly reputed documentary film maker and widely traveled. She has come to India twice on work related travel.

"How blessed am I to have found this magical place! What good fortune fell upon me to have guided me to these stupendous mountains? I have spent a glorious week here, where my soul, spirit and body have been rejuvenated.

Under the guidance of Shukl'acharya and Samrita and the delectable presence of their daughter Mitaali, I have discovered a very special essence of India.

All was wonderful. Ambience, food, atmosphere, teachings, the view, the excursions, the staff, the hosts.

I could not have hoped for a better stay." Zoe

Bougard:

Andre Bougard of Spain is a principal of scuba diving colleges in various parts of the world.

"After the drive from Delhi, arriving here is like coming home.

The warm welcome, personal attention and loving feeling of its owners warms your heart right away.

This affection also reflects itself in the design of the rooms and gardens, which you will not see very often.

I see this place as a perfect place to seek tranquility, introspection and spiritual guidance.

I consider myself lucky to have been able to come here.

Thank you."

Andre Buogaard


Tracy Mel & Carol Mathisen

Mel Tracy, dentist from Vancouver. Carol Mathisen, cpa –They were on a paid RCI holiday at a four star category hotel in, Bhimtal, which they sacrificed to shift to The Satvik

"We came upon this Retreat by chance only, as we were looking for somewhere to have lunch and the cabman let us off across the street.

After having a wonderful lunch, we immediately decided to leave our hotel and spend our remaining time in Bhimtal here - and it was our best decision !

The food and service was spectacular, the rooms were so pleasant and clean, and the views serene and peaceful and lovely.

Our only regret is that we didn't have more time to spend at this Retreat, but we would love to return at some later date.

Thank you to the staff and the owners."


Joanna:

from New York, had come to India to study opportunities in the tourism sector

"The Satvik Sadan is a quiet sanctuary located at the edge of the Himalayan town of Bhimtal , 300 Kilometers North East of Delhi . This Retreat faces east and its construction fuses itself with one of the peaks, creating a very natural feel.

The Satvik method is a spiritual practice that this Retreat implements in its food, philosophy and technique. Although there is room for long explanations, a sufficient description would entail simplicity. Food is prepared lightly in order to maintain the savor and integrity of the basic ingredients (i.e. minimal spice and oil). Exercise is an essential, since in order to achieve wellness of mind one must first achieve wellness of being. There is a common room for yoga and meditation and yoga instruction is available by prior arrangement.

Satvik offers a uniquely Indian spiritual experience. Guests are welcomed as members of a family. The Retreat manages to renounce extravagances yet fulfill the comfort level of travelers.

No Alcohol or tobacco is available or encouraged here. "


Adrienne Angel

6053 Mayflower Hill Waterville Maine o4901 USA

" My experience with Satvik has been better than I could have imagined.. I have nothing but compliments for everyone here. ... they made my stay the best it could be. Thanks- a- million."

Email message on 16th March 2006'

Hi there,

Although I spent 5 weeks in India, my favorite part of the trip is my time at The Satvik. I recommend it to anyone looking for an oasis to escape to. I found The Satvik to be a beautifully serene place to both relax and grow in.

Thank you,
Adrienne


Claudia and Thomas (Germany)


We had a very nice and wonderful stay here in Satvik.. The meals were the best we got during our 2 weeks trip through India.

The massages were great! The nice service of the staff was amazing.

In German language remarks by Thomas, ` Das Essen was Das Beste anf des ganzen Reise. Und dos wasser hier das sauberste.`


Petra Franz, Mohna Jolly, Benjamin MacNeille

(Cologne, Germany )Petra works with Taschen publishing house in Germany Mohna Jolly practices architecture in England.

17th July to 19th July 2007

Very relaxing atmosphere. Very friendly staff and good service. Perfect arrangement.

The food was very good and the massages excellent.

Zwar liegt das Retreat direkt an der Strasse, aber die wunderschoene und entspannte Atmosphere dieses Ortes laesst einen diese dirket vergessen. Das Essen ist hervorragend und wunderschoen angerichtet, die Stimmung wunderbar und die Massagen sehr empfehlenswert


Satvik Vicky Chotai, August 2005.London UK

Due to a coincidence of names I first made contact with The Satvik Sadan a number of years ago. At the time I remember thinking that this sounded like something very different, a unique place that I would love to experience. However, living in London , I had no immediate plans to be back in India and so left the idea at the back of my mind.

However in August of 2005 I visited India again with my wife. In order to escape the heat, pollution and crowded nature of the cities, we planned some time to visit The Satvik Sadanin Bhimtal. A decision which proved to be one of the best we made during our trip!

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Satvik & Vicky Chotai, August 2005.