Sadhana Forest

India

A reforestation project and sustainable living community practicing veganism, water conservation, and forest restoration.

Key facts

  • Country: India
  • Founded: 2003
  • Members: 85
  • Land size: 70 acres
  • Governance model: Consensus-based decision making
  • Economy model: Volunteer-based with donations
  • Ownership model: Non-profit organization
  • Status: active

About

A reforestation project and sustainable living community practicing veganism, water conservation, and forest restoration.

Full description

Sadhana Forest is an internationally recognized reforestation project located near Auroville in Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 2003, the community combines ecological restoration with sustainable living practices. Volunteers from around the world participate in reforestation efforts while living a simple, vegan lifestyle focused on minimal water usage and zero waste practices.

Research summary

Sadhana Forest, located in Auroville, South India, is a vibrant intentional community that highlights the principles of sustainability and collective growth. Founded by Aviram and his family in December 2003, this community has transformed a barren land into a lush forest while simultaneously fostering a unique ecosystem of mutual support. Volunteers from all over the world are drawn to Sadhana Forest, attracted by its commitment to inclusivity and its focus on personal and communal development. The community operates under a gift economy model, promoting sharing and collaboration rather than competition.

Themes

Quotes from members

It's a huge amount of love for people. I really love people and really care for people deeply... you need this [love] in order to hold a space like this.

Aviram

Mutual agreement for me can be found only when there is your feeling of genuine care if I genuinely care for you, there is a chance that we will reach an understanding.

Aviram

I realized that actually I'm, I don't have the confidence to feel the time offering something worthwhile... I'm not asking for something that I don't deserve, and that was a huge learning for me.

Aviram

Timeline

2003
Founded by Aviram and Yorit Rozin with their daughter Osher on 19 December, on 70 acres of severely eroded arid land on the outskirts of Auroville in South India.
2007
After four years of intensive water conservation work (over 20 kilometres of trenches dug and 8 earth dams built, storing more than 50,000 cubic metres of rainwater), the underground water level rose from an average of 8 metres deep to an average of 2 metres.
2010
Launched its first project outside India, in the southeastern Haitian community of Anse-a-Pitres, beginning the shift from a single site in Auroville to a multi-country organisation.
2014
Began a reforestation and water-conservation project in Samburu County, Kenya, the community's first site in Africa.
2020
Started tree-planting and environmental-training centres in the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia regions of Meghalaya, northeast India.
2023
Launched a project in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, planting indigenous, drought-resistant, food-producing trees with rural communities in arid zones.
2023
Launched a project in the Kunene Region of Namibia, working with the Himba community. Sadhana Forest now runs eight permanent centres across India, Haiti, Kenya and Namibia.

Research insights (23)

  • The community prioritizes mutual care and emotional support over strict authority, emphasizing collaborative decision-making and a hierarchy of care that evolves with the presence and involvement of individuals. (Aviram) [governance]
  • Cultural practices within the community emphasize non-competition and collaboration, as shown in activities and shared experiences that foster an inclusive artistic expression and collective joy. (Aviram) [culture]
  • Belonging in the community is nurtured through a variety of acceptance practices, including a focus on empathy and care, where individuals from diverse backgrounds are welcomed and supported in their growth. (Aviram) [belonging]
  • The community operates on a gift economy model, offering resources and services freely, which cultivates a sense of inclusiveness and mutual support among participants. (Aviram) [money]
  • Conflict resolution in the community is approached with a focus on deep listening and non-violent communication, allowing individuals to express their experiences without immediate judgment or rebuttal, fostering a healing environment. (Aviram) [conflict]
  • The community emphasizes collaborative decision-making processes, facilitating mutual agreements based on genuine care and empathy, reflected in regular sharing circles and community forums that allow participants to voice their feelings and participate in governance. (Aviram) [governance]
  • New arrivals are integrated through supportive guidelines and an emphasis on mutual care, making the community accessible to individuals from various backgrounds and abilities. (Aviram) [joining]
  • Members are encouraged to feel at home and cared for in the community, which is underpinned by an ethos of acceptance and emotional support for all individuals, regardless of their personal struggles. (Aviram) [belonging]
  • Rituals such as sharing circles and non-talent shows are integral to community life, facilitating emotional expression and fostering a sense of belonging through artistic and personal sharing. (Aviram) [culture]
  • The community operates on a gift economy model, where all services are provided free of charge, promoting a culture of generosity and removing the barriers typically associated with economic transactions. (Aviram) [money]
  • Conflict resolution in the community focuses on genuine care and empathy, promoting deep listening to foster understanding among members rather than resorting to authority. (Aviram) [conflict]
  • The community fosters open communication and collective decision-making through regular sharing circles and community forums, which allow members to express feelings and contribute to discussions without immediate judgment. (Aviram) [governance]
  • Cultural practices within the community emphasize holistic well-being through shared experiences, rituals like tea time, and creative expressions such as performance art, enhancing social bonds. (Aviram) [culture]
  • The community fosters belonging by creating an environment of acceptance and care, explicitly excluding substance abuse and sexual harassment while supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs. (Aviram) [belonging]
  • Sadhana Forest operates on a gift economy model, where services and food are provided freely, reflecting a commitment to non-materialistic values and community support. (Aviram) [money]
  • Conflict resolution in the community emphasizes deep listening and understanding through structured sharing circles, allowing for emotional healing without immediate responses or judgments. (Aviram) [conflict]
  • The community relies on a deep care and empathy among members to facilitate mutual agreements and decision-making, rather than traditional hierarchical models. (Aviram) [governance]
  • The community establishes guidelines to ensure safety and inclusivity, allowing for diverse participation while setting non-negotiable terms regarding substance use and harmful behaviors. (Aviram) [joining]
  • Viram emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel accepted and included while highlighting the need for mutual care and understanding. (Aviram) [belonging]
  • The community engages in regular rituals such as sharing circles and talent shows to promote emotional health and foster a sense of belonging among members. (Aviram) [culture]
  • The community operates on a gift economy model where services and food are offered freely, reflecting a commitment to collaboration and non-competition. (Aviram) [money]
  • Viram discusses the importance of compassionate listening and creating a safe space for emotional expression as central to addressing conflicts within the community. (Aviram) [conflict]
  • The community emphasizes participatory decision-making and care-based governance, relying on emotional intelligence and mutual care among members to foster understanding and cooperation. (Aviram) [governance]

Interviews (1)