Guests wrote ... - Satvik Sadan

Margarita Vergara
Margarita Vergara international transpersonal art therapist, hatha yoga teacher and writer stayed with her partner Michael Schmidt, mechanical engineer from Germany, for 6 weeks in April and May 2012
This place is to me a portal for humanity. I came here with my partner to reconnect and deepen our yoga-asana practice and knowledge.
I am deeply grateful for what happened in these 6 weeks. I feel I grounded myself, coming back to reality. At all times I felt looked after and safe. As a couple it was a great experience, we shared the learning of a language/code together. (webmaster’s note – by language/ code, she refers to the spiritual communication)
In a very simple and human way, Samrita and Shukl’acharya gave us everything we needed at the time. Personally, I was full of fear when I arrived to the Satvik, and by the time I left I was in balance. And thats a lot to say.

The food was incredibly amazing, the room beautiful and harmonic, the staff polite and friendly, and the teachings eye opening and enlightening. The place is easy to access, we took a train from Delhi and we had a taxi (arranged by the Satvik) waiting for us at the train station. But you can also get a taxi from the airport.
Words really dont make up for it, but they give a hint. In few words> my heart opened with this experience.
I am happy to be contacted by anyone wanting to come to the Satvik, just ask Shukl’acharya and Samrita for my email.
Michael Schmidt mechanical engineer Germany May 2012
Satvik Sadan is an ashram of rather surprising comfort.
The place has been built with a lot of love and detail to support the well being point of focus.
Rooms are equipped with everything you need and well designed to create a warm atmosphere. There is house keeping which allows you to really focus on what you came for without getting distracted. Ayurvedic food is personally chosen to suit your body constitution and focused to support an even mind and light body.

Margarita Vergara

Aditi Banerjee
Aditi Banerjee Corporate Tax Lawyer New York stayed for 4 weeks in Oct 2011
I whole heartedly recommend a visit to Satvik Sadan for anyone looking for a aptly named wellness holiday, yoga / Ayurveda therapy, a beautiful tranquil and spiritually restorative Himalayan holiday.; a yoga meditation retreat, self discovery and / or discovery of the ancient wisdom and knowledge systems at the root of Indo Vedic Hindu civilizations and traditions.
Everything at Satvik Sadan has been meticulously and thoughtfully designed to be conducive to one’s physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual well being – from the sacred location to the food, the disciplines and routines that are observed faithfully, the natural beauty all around, the every need and convenience is taken care of, so that one can focus on the higher things in life and most of all the tremendous amount of energy, compassion and tapas/ spiritual power poured into the Satvik Sadan by Shukl’acharya and Samrita.
What distinguishes Satvik Sadan from many other places dedicated to Ayurveda / yoga healing is the tremendous amount of sattwa that is generated and flowing here, which makes Satvik Sadan especially conducive as a place for retreat and healing. It is really like a rishi ashram from the days of yore and in addition to everything else a gurukul where one can learn gems from the ancient knowledge and wisdom of the Himalayan Masters.
Whether one comes to Satvik Sadan for a few days, a few weeks, or even months, one will certainly derive great benefits in every dimension of life. It is a rare opportunity in this day and age to be able to visit such a place and I urge you to try it for yourself .

Aditi Banerjee

Ruben Jara
Ruben Jara- Hotel Mangement San Diego California USA

I came to the Satvik Sadan in July of 2011 for a four month spiritual retreat.

With little words possible…it has been a life changing experience. I have learned, felt, and discovered so much about spirituality, health, nutrition, yoga postures, meditation, and most importantly the balance of earth and space (by this I mean the balance between your duty on this earth and to the universe or “god”).

For those who are interested in attending Satvik Sadan, I highly recommend it

As the spiritual teacher says, you arrive there because you were meant to be there. And, I personally agree. It is a whirlwind of new knowledge and appreciation to life.

This place is run by an amazing and very educated Indian couple.

It is a safe location, secure and safe transportation can be facilitated from Delhi, the location is on a great hillside in the Himalayan mountains on the outskirts of a quaint lake town. But what is at best is the retreat center…it holds amazing nurturing energies and vibrations if you allow to open yourself.

One thing to remember, it is a foreign developing country. luxury and serenity is a different experience and perception for us modern westerners. If attending this amazing place…I recommend an open mind and heart to everything and everyone. You will not be disappointed. Namaskaar

Ruben Jara

Kim Pihl
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]

Kim Pihl

Agnese & Yves Vander Velde
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

Agnese & Yves Vander Velde

Italian group led by Monica Fontana
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

Italian group led by Monica Fontana

Jennifer Earl
Jennifer Earl Australia 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.’

Jennifer Earl

Rebecca Munn
Rebecca Munn 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.’

Rebecca Munn

Madeleine McClelland
Madeleine McClelland Melbourne Australia Madeleine McClelland 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.’

Madeleine McClelland

D.S.Raman
D.S.Raman Chief Manager (Marketing)Vardhaman Textiles HP October 2010

The place is really peaceful. Excellent view from the balcony. The morning view of the sunrise between the mountains is really mesmerizing. Bhimtal lake is just a ten minutes walk. Daily yoga classes, ayurvedic massages give a new lease of life and energy. Over all a very good experience to unwind, destress and connectt with nature. There is nothing else that one has to do and that is the USP of Satvik Sadan.

The vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared in satvik style is worth appreciating. Less oil, less spices, yet very tasty …

The ambience of the dining hall with ts low seating tables ( chowkis) reminded one of how one ate at ancestoral homes. The rooms, tables, bedding, dining – all have a touch of ethinicity without compromising on modern comforts and hygeine.

D.S.Raman

Parul & Pankaj Bhayana
Parul & Pankaj Bhayana B7/27, DLF Phase 1, DLF City Parul is admin manager at Mckenzie, Gurgaon India

We came across this place by luck, while planning weekend trip. Luckily read the ad in Global Adjustments & instantly took the decision. It was fate which brought us here & we have enjoyed each moment of the stay. ………

The term `Athithi Deva Bhavo` — one understands the meaning after experiencing this place.

The objective of being with nature while away from the hum-drum of city is met very well in this Retreat. The cleanliness of the Retreat and rooms is good.

While departing from this place we feel like an extended family of The Satvik Sadan and will be visiting again.

08-04-07

Parul & Pankaj Bhayana

Satvik & Vicky Chotai, UK
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!

After a relaxing overnight train from New Delhi , we arrived at Bhimtal on an overcast morning. Having been met by a friendly taxi driver (arranged by The Satvik) we avoided the usual chaos of finding someone who knew where we wanted to go. The drive up to the Retreat took around 40 minutes through some truly spectacular scenery. The recent rains meant that everything looked very fresh and green, and with the clouds and mist trailing through the Kumaon hills we truly felt like this was a completely different world to the city we had recently left.

Our first view of the Retreat left a strong impression. As you will see from the photos, the entire structure is built onto the side of a very steep hill. A total of seven terraces have been stepped up the side of this hill and provide the Retreat with a unique style, as well as excellent panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

After a warm ginger and lemon tea (which became our favourite morning and afternoon drink) we were warmly welcomed by the Shukla family (Pulak and Mr & Mrs Shukla), the owners of the Retreat. It was nice to finally meet after having exchanged several emails. We were given a tour of the Retreat, its history and story of the construction. At this point it is worth noting that what has been achieved here by Pulak and family is exceptional. The construction style and materials used are all environmentally friendly and blend in well with the surrounding hill, but do not compromise on the necessary architectural features required for comfort. Our room was very clean and comfortable, and decorated with some simple but attractive furniture that has all been constructed on site by local artists and workmen. The large terrace in front of the room (beautifully enclosed by Tulsi plants) opens out to the spectacular panoramic view of the Kumaon hills. It is no overstatement to say that this view never remained the same in our 3 days at the Retreat. The constant shifting of the clouds and transfer of sunlight across the hills ensures a captivating and ever-changing picture. An electrical storm one evening provided a further perspective on this view.

After a healthy breakfast, Mr Shukla explained the essence of the Satvik lifestyle and what they are trying to achieve at the Retreat. The principles of moderation, healthy eating (for “Swast” not just “Swaad”) and healthy lifestyle (undertaking yoga, adherence to ayurvedic guidelines) resonated very strongly with us. This was followed by a consultation based on ayurvedic principles which elicited our dosha style via a series of questions relating to our physical and mental characteristics. Based on our responses and primary dosha, we were given a set of very useful (and quite practical) tips on how to achieve a better balance in terms of our health. This included a list of foods to avoid as well as other foods and ayurvedic supplements to increase in our diets.

Meals at The Satvik were a very pleasant experience in the specially designed dining hall. The food was prepared according to the ayurvedic recommendations and presented in beautiful (and eco-friendly) style on leaf plates and bowls, with local spring water provided in copper cups. The meals prepared by the friendly staff were both healthy and tasty without being overpowered by spices and sauces as is common of many meals in India . Some of the dishes were specialities of the Retreat, and for one meal the staff treated us to a set of local dishes. I would not hesitate to say that these were some of the healthiest and most pleasant meals we had in India , helped by the fact that we were not encouraged to overeat. One useful suggestion was that it is best to fill the stomach with 50% food, 25% liquid and retain 25% for air, preventing any feelings of having overeaten.

During the next few days we undertook various activities arranged by the Retreat. The local lakes are extremely beautiful and we were lucky enough to have a clear afternoon to go boating on SatTal Lake , as well as take a stroll around BhimTal lake which is less than 1km away. The second morning we had an ayurvedic oil massage and steam bath (body only as ayurveda does not recommend immersing the head in steam). This was a very relaxing and cleansing experience, the massage was conducted by 2 people in synchronisation which really enhanced the effects. We also were given yoga tips and lessons by Mr Shukla and the staff (both the famous Surya Namaskar routine as well as a practical 15 minute low impact series of stretches developed by Mr Shukla). Before leaving we also visited an excellent local folk museum run by Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal, a painter of great fame and also an archaeologist and a rock art scholar. The museum is a true labour of love and well worth a visit, especially as the new gallery section should be ready towards the end of 2005.

In summary, our stay at The Satvik Sadanwhich arose through our fortunate coincidence of names was one of the main highlights of our trip to India . The owners and staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, the setting is inspiring, the food is excellent and most importantly, we left with a feeling of having learnt something about what it means to live a Satvik lifestyle. On our return we have acted on many of these things (inc. dietary changes and yoga) and found them to be practical, achievable and beneficial to physical and spiritual wellbeing. I would recommend anyone to go along and experience it for themselves should the opportunity present itself.

Satvik & Vicky Chotai, UK

Satvik Sadan

stairway to heaven

Guests wrote …