Q: What are some of the successes at Kanha Shanti Vanam that led to the creation of the Forests By Heartfulness (FBH) initiative? What are some of the lessons learned?
Kanha Shanti Vanam was transformed during the last 7 years as a result of several interventions backed by a combination of science and intuition guided by spiritual practice.
For example, one initiative is the ex-situ conservation of critically endangered species, like Syzygium travancoricum, with only 15 trees spotted in the wild. Most of the conservation of these rare and endangered species was done without erecting steel or concrete structures, by providing the right natural conditions using shadegiving plants, rain guns, and lots of loving care.
Another successful initiative was the translocation of hundreds of adult trees identified for felling during various road and housing developments in Hyderabad and other parts of the country." The survival rate has been astounding, given that tree translocation is fraught with many challenges.
But these initiatives are resource-intensive activities that can only be accomplished by committed teams, funding, and a lot of care.
I have personally learned the importance of involving the local community. Any project that is designed to benefit the community, can eventually become the community's, with FBH acting as a conduit or facilitator.
Q: Does FBH use the principles of permaculture, which was one of the key reasons for your involvement in the first place?
Yes, we have applied some of the core values of permaculture, like Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share, but our work also includes other aspects like species conservation, landscaping, creating meditative spaces, etc. I am a lover of permaculture principles for supporting ecosystems, food supply, and soil regeneration, but the main objective of FBH is conservation.
Esta historia es de la edición September 2022 de Heartfulness eMagazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2022 de Heartfulness eMagazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
BEYOND the Beat
The Heart’s Intelligence in Compassion and Healing
The Devil's Tree
DR V. RAMAKANTHA, retired forest officer, who lived, raised a family, and worked in forests for most of his adult life, returns to our pages in 2025 to share his vast knowledge of medicinal plants, and the fascinating stories associated with them. In his signature style, this month he weaves together science, folklore, and traditional knowledge to tell the story of the Devil's Tree, Saptaparni.
The Joy of Unity
SARAVANAN SUBRAMANIAM, Director of HeartyCulture Natural Products, India, introduces us to a new type of grafted mango at the nursery in Kanha Shanti Vanam. Not only does this new variety bring diversity to our taste buds, but also symbolizes the unity in diversity we all wish for in ecosystems that include human beings.
The Beauty and Transformative Nature of Prayer
In the first episode for 2025 on spiritual practices, DAAJI offers us an inspiring and scientific explanation of prayer and its importance on the inner journey. He demystifies prayer by going beyond the religious connotations to its true purpose and the benefits it offers us as a means of evolution.
Parenting: A Purifying Experience
MEGHA BAJAJ is a new mother. She celebrates the life-changing joy of parenting, and the way the equilibrium of parental love keeps the world intact.
The Sacredness of Human Development
CHRISTIANNA DEICHMANN is the Director of Education at the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH), where she educates both professionals and parents on fostering the most nurturing environments for welcoming new life into the world. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. With a multidisciplinary approach, Christianna blends Craniosacral Therapy, massage, and pre- and perinatal psychology into her holistic practice. Her work uniquely combines science and spirituality.In part 2 of this interview, Christianna continues to shares her expertise with DR. SNEHAL DESHPANDE, a Developmental Therapist, PPNE, and the Director of Heartfulness Family Connect Programs, offering a rich dialogue on Birth Trauma and Obstetrical Intervention.
ONCE UPON A Saturday
SULOCHANA SANTHOSH is a young and inspired writer who reminds us of the need to care for our ocean and the environment in general. What are you doing to make a difference?
Seven of Us
is a lecturer at the Bangkok School of Management, a wellness coach, and the co-leader of the Bangkok Women's Writers Group. Here, Bhavna writes about her inspiring experience of cleaning up the garbage in the city that is her home.
UNLEASHING OUR Extraordinary Capabilities
LYNNE McTAGGART is one of the central authorities on the new science of consciousness, and the award-winning author of seven books, including the internationally bestselling The Intention Experiment, The Field, The Bond, and The Power of Eight. Here, Lynne is interviewed by PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN about the transformative power of intention, the profound impact of group intention, and the potential for individuals to create significant change in their lives and the world.
FROM Annoyance Serenity ΤΟ
SARALA UPADHYA shares her experience as a college professor to come up with a working model for how to manage annoyance both usefully and kindly. She has now reduced her “annoyance factor” making life more serene for herself and those around her.
