![Sustaining the Soul, nurturing the Earth](https://cdn.magzter.com/1441393360/1695098299/articles/If36dxTFA1695472088244/SUSTAINING-THE-SOUL-NURTURING-THE-EARTH.jpg)
It’s an unlikely story: a lush, ecological paradise in the middle of a desert. Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute, emerges from the barren landscape like a mirage. A few hundred sprawling acres of dense forest, rich soil and an abundance of greenery is situated, almost improbably, just forty kilometers outside the bustling and smog-filled city of Hyderabad.
In Kanha, the trees arch gracefully overhead as they hang heavy with fruit ripe for plucking; stars sweep across the night sky, undiluted by any light pollution. The breeze is gentle and scented sweetly by the gardens bursting with colorful flowers weaving amongst the rows of endangered plants. Amidst it all, there is a striking sense of peace, simplicity, and profound connection with the natural world all around you.
Kanha opened its gates in 2017 with a world-changing vision: to create a modern model of a sustainable spiritual life guided by innovative technology in conservation and ecology. It’s a global center of spirituality unlike any other, built to be a refuge not only for the soul but for nature as well, allowing people to tune into their inner and outer worlds. Looking around, it’s easy to forget that before the ashram was introduced to the world as a fertile sanctuary, it was home to nothing more than endless acres of dry and barren land. So how did a physical and spiritual oasis take root here?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/uhwOCsyEg1725280928612/crp_aging-aging-gracefully-behavior-outlook-on-aging-maturity-growing-up-Heartfulness-meditation-time-alone.jpg)
Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”
Victor Kannan explores the process of aging, with a focus on aging gracefully. How can you be at peace with yourself as old age approaches? How can you develop maturity in behavior and focus on life’s best interests?
![Portrait Painting](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/k3x_bHovZ1725281573366/PORTRAIT-PAINTING.jpg)
Portrait Painting
FABIO KOHLER is an artist and musician.
![The Mountain of No Return](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/nCHL0YJtb1725281232456/THE-MOUNTAIN-OF-NO-RETURN.jpg)
The Mountain of No Return
SARA BUBBER tells a beautiful Japanese folktale on valuing wisdom and experience and asks you to do a personal reflective exercise.
![By Acts of Love](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/YapYRvmef1725281051313/BY-ACTS-OF-LOVE.jpg)
By Acts of Love
CHRISTINE PRISLAND shares her love of books, good storytelling, and a particular author that inspires and delights her
![How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/LG6ZR0zkA1725280541964/HOW-DOES-FEAR-AFFECT-OUR-ROLES-AS-MOTHERS.jpg)
How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers?
NEELAM SHIVHARE explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda, and realizes the importance of removing fear from our hearts in order to nurture our children.
![The Difference Between Trust and Respect](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/fRg3x_J0d1725280376728/THE-DIFFERENCE-BETWEEN-TRUST-AND-RESPECT.jpg)
The Difference Between Trust and Respect
DR. ICHAK ADIZES shares some thoughts on the nature of mutual trust and respect, and why we can trust without respecting, and respect without trusting.
![A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/i2JPQg4Ri1725280162902/A-SIMPLE-WAY-TO-IMPROVE-YOUR-HEALTH-AND-THE-HEALTH-OF-THE-PLANET.jpg)
A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet
DAAJI explains why a plantbased diet is good for your health and well-being, and for the planet. Some of the reasons may surprise you. Yogic science is very comprehensive on this subject, and now medical science is catching up. Daaji then challenges us all to do an experiment for three months.
![International Cities of Peace](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1817991/EDw1MutrR1725279769367/INTERNATIONAL-CITIES-OF-PEACE.jpg)
International Cities of Peace
J. FREDERICK ARMENT is in conversation with CHRISTINE JONES about his organization, International Cities of Peace, as well as other ways he promotes peace in the world. The foundation of it all is the importance of relationship, community, and love. This is the first of a series of conversations.
![THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1801922/Z1gHnJaxq1724239383848/THE-SEEKER-OF-KNOWLEDGE.jpg)
THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE
SARA BUBBER shares a story from the Upanishads about knowledge, communication, truthfulness, and courage. She then gives us a few reflections and an activity to connect with Nature.
![Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11306/1801922/dLZ96nj6S1724239195385/SERVING-SMILES-FROM-HEART-TO-TABLE.jpg)
Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE
NIROOP PRABHAKAR owns and runs the restaurant 615chutney in Nashville, Tennessee. 615chutney started as the only Indian food truck serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free South Indian food. Niroop's goal was to bring South Indian cuisine to the US. He believes that customer service is the key. The voices of his customers and employees matter to him. Here he is interviewed by the Heartfulness Wellness team.