Our Activities
01. School (Sri Matri Aurobindo Vidyalaya)
Nestled within the serene Kathmandu Ashram, Sri Matri Aurobindo Vidyalaya stands as a beacon of educational excellence. Founded by the Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir, our school embodies the transformative power of holistic education. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where students excel academically while flourishing intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our distinctive peer learning approach encourages students to learn from their elder peers, fostering empathy, leadership, and community. Guided by Veda and our passionate teaching staff, many of whom have deep roots in the Ashram, we nurture each student’s potential. From our humble beginnings with 12 students in a mud hut, we have grown into a thriving institution serving over 150 students in a three-story building. Join us in empowering students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals committed to making meaningful contributions to society.
02. Cow Farm
A Sanctuary of Care and Sustainability
At Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir, our cowshed is a sanctuary where our beloved bovine companions are cherished for their gentle presence and the nourishment they provide. Nestled within the serene Ashram surroundings, our cowshed is home to over 50 cows, each treated with the utmost care and respect.
Daily Bounty
Every day, our cows generously yield around 300 liters of milk, which forms the foundation of our diverse dairy products. From wholesome milk to nutritious ghee, creamy yogurt, succulent paneer, and delectable sweets, the dairy offerings from our cowshed are integral to nourishing the body and soul of our community. These products not only sustain the ashram’s residents but also embody the principles of purity and simplicity that we hold dear.
Hands-On Learning and Self-Sufficiency
Our cowshed is more than just a place of milk production; it is a living classroom. The students of the ashram play a vital role in maintaining the cowshed, learning the art of cow care as part of our familial ethos. This hands-on experience instills a sense of responsibility, compassion, and a deep connection to nature in our young learners.
Sustainability at Its Core
We take pride in our sustainable practices. The grass that feeds our cows is cultivated within the ashram, ensuring that our feeding practices are eco-friendly and in harmony with nature. The cow compost produced is used as natural fertilizer for our organic farm, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both the land and the animals.
Extending Our Goodness Beyond the Ashram
The surplus milk produced in our cowshed is sold in Kathmandu, extending our dairy goodness beyond the ashram and benefiting the local economy. This not only supports our self-sufficiency but also shares the fruits of our labor with the wider community.
A Commitment to Harmony
Our cowshed is a true embodiment of Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir’s commitment to sustainable living, holistic education, and community harmony. It celebrates the sacred bond between humans and animals, and it stands as a testament to our dedication to living in harmony with nature.
03. Incense Department
In our Ashram, the incense department is the oldest department which produces handmade natural and herbal incense. This department has been a cornerstone of our community, crafting incense that is both pure and natural. Each stick is meticulously made using traditional methods passed down through generations, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity. These incense sticks are commonly used for worship, filling our sacred spaces with soothing and spiritual aromas. Additionally, their therapeutic properties are widely recognized, making them a favorite for meditation and relaxation practices.
We offer a diverse range of incense flavors, each with its unique fragrance and benefits. Our collection includes Sandalwood, known for its calming and grounding effects; Jatamansi, which promotes relaxation and mental clarity; Pine, offering a refreshing and revitalizing scent; Austha Suganda Incense, famous for its rich and earthy aroma; Himalayan Cedar Incense, which provides a deep, woody fragrance that enhances spiritual ambiance; and Citronella Incense, celebrated for its fresh, citrusy scent that also acts as a natural insect repellent. These varieties ensure that there is an incense type for every preference and purpose, enhancing both spiritual and everyday experiences.
04. Shampoo Bar & Soap
Welcome to Shampoo Bar Kathmandu, where we blend the art of hair care with the essence of natural living. Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, our shampoo bars are meticulously crafted using only the finest organic ingredients. We believe in providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid shampoos, ensuring that your hair receives the best care without harming the environment. Each bar is enriched with essential oils and natural extracts, designed to nourish your hair, promote scalp health, and leave you with a radiant, lasting shine.
At Shampoo Bar Kathmandu, sustainability is at the core of our mission. Our packaging is minimal and biodegradable, reflecting our commitment to reducing plastic waste. Whether you have curly, straight, dry, or oily hair, our diverse range of shampoo bars caters to all hair types, making it easy to find the perfect match for your unique hair needs.
At Shampoo Bar Kathmandu, we offer a range of natural and sustainable products to enhance your personal care routine:
Shampoo Bars:
- Nettle and Clay: Perfect for soothing the scalp and adding volume to your hair.
- Neem and Lemongrass: Known for its antibacterial properties, it helps keep your scalp healthy and refreshed.
- Mint and Charcoal: Ideal for deep cleansing, removing impurities, and invigorating your hair.
Body Soap:
Experience the luxury of our handcrafted body soaps, designed to cleanse and moisturize your skin naturally.
Face and Body Butter:
- Palmarosa Flavor: Provides intense hydration with a delicate, floral scent.
- Sweet Basil: Enriched with the refreshing aroma of basil, it soothes and revitalizes the skin.
- Spirulina: Packed with nutrients, this butter nourishes and rejuvenates your skin.
Deodorant Cream:
Stay fresh naturally with our effective and eco-friendly deodorant cream, designed to keep you feeling confident all day long.
05. Pashmina Department
Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, is dedicated to the craft of handmade textile products, including 100% Pashmina shawls, a blend of 70% Pashmina with 30% silk shawls, yak shawls, and cotton towels. Each product is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring high quality and the preservation of traditional techniques.
Pure Pashmina shawls are crafted entirely from the fine cashmere wool of Himalayan goats. These shawls are known for their unmatched softness, warmth, and lightweight nature. The creation process involves:
70% Pashmina and 30% Silk Shawls
The blend of 70% Pashmina and 30% silk combines the softness of Pashmina with the sheen and durability of silk. The production process includes:
Sourcing and Blending: Combining high-quality cashmere wool with fine silk fibers.
Spinning: Hand-spinning the blended fibers into smooth yarn.
Weaving: Using handlooms to weave the yarn, integrating silk for added sheen and drape.
Dyeing and Embellishment: Dyeing with vibrant natural colors and optional intricate embroidery.
Yak Shawls
Yak shawls are made from the wool of yaks, offering a unique blend of warmth and durability. The process involves:
Sourcing: Collecting yak wool from local herders.
Spinning: Hand-spinning the wool into robust yarn.
Weaving: Weaving on handlooms to produce thick, warm shawls.
Dyeing: Using natural dyes for rich, earthy tones.
Cotton Towels
Cotton towels produced at the Mandir are valued for their softness, absorbency, and durability. The process includes:
Sourcing : Procuring high-quality cotton.
Spinning: Hand-spinning cotton into fine yarn.
Weaving: Weaving on handlooms to ensure a tight, absorbent weave.
Finishing: Finishing the towels with natural dyes and optional hand-embroidered designs.
100% Handmade Process
The Mandir’s commitment to handmade processes reflects its dedication to quality and tradition. Each step, from sourcing raw materials to spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing, is performed by hand, involving:
Significance and Impact
The handmade textile production at Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir is not merely a craft but a vital part of the community’s economic and social fabric. The revenue from these products supports various educational and social projects, including schools and orphanages. This activity also provides valuable employment, preserves traditional skills, and promotes a sustainable, holistic lifestyle.
06. The Bakery Department
Nourishing the Body and Soul with Pure, Eggless Delights
The Bakery Department at Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir is dedicated to producing wholesome, nutritious baked goods that align with our commitment to purity and health. Every item we create is 100% eggless, reflecting our respect for all life and adherence to a vegetarian lifestyle.
Our Baked Goods
We take pride in offering a diverse range of baked items, carefully crafted to meet the dietary needs and preferences of our community. Our specialties include:
- Multi-Grain Bread: Packed with the goodness of multiple grains, this bread is a hearty and nutritious option.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Made from 100% whole wheat, our bread is a wholesome choice for those who prefer a more natural diet.
- Millet Bread: A gluten-free option that is rich in fiber and essential nutrients.
- Diabetes Bread: Specially formulated to support the dietary needs of individuals with diabetes, offering a low glycemic index.
- Cakes and Muffins: Our selection of eggless cakes and muffins are perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying a sweet treat. These are made with love and natural ingredients, ensuring they are both delicious and healthy.
Serving the Community
The Bakery Department plays a crucial role in the daily life of the ashram. We regularly bake bread and chapatis for the children, ensuring they have nourishing meals, particularly for dinner and sometimes as snacks. Our bread is often enjoyed as part of the evening meal, providing sustenance after a day of learning and play.
By focusing on natural ingredients and traditional baking methods, the Bakery Department not only fulfills the dietary needs of our community but also contributes to the overall well-being of those we serve. Our commitment to quality and purity in every loaf and cake reflects the spiritual values that guide our work at Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir.
07. Nursery (Plant and Trees)
Cultivating Nature, Nurturing Minds
The Nursery at Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir is a vibrant space dedicated to the cultivation of flowers, herbs, and trees, contributing to the ashram’s lush and serene environment. With a strong focus on sustainability and education, our Nursery plays a vital role in both the spiritual and practical life of the community.
Our Focus Areas
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Flowers: We are currently concentrating on the growth of a diverse range of flowers, which not only beautify the ashram but also enhance the spiritual ambiance of the space. These flowers are used in daily offerings and ceremonies, bringing color and fragrance to our sacred rituals.
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Herbs: Our nursery is home to various medicinal and culinary herbs. These herbs are used in the ashram’s kitchen and healthcare practices, promoting natural healing and wellness.
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Trees: We are committed to planting and nurturing a variety of trees that provide shade, fruit, and ecological balance. These trees contribute to the sustainability of the ashram, offering resources and beauty to our environment.
Teaching and Learning
Education is at the heart of our Nursery’s mission. We actively involve the children of the ashram in planting and gardening activities, teaching them the principles of horticulture, responsibility, and the importance of caring for the earth. Through hands-on experience, they learn how to plant seeds, tend to growing plants, and understand the cycles of nature.
Vegetable Garden Support
In addition to flowers, herbs, and trees, our Nursery also supports the ashram’s vegetable garden. The knowledge and skills developed in the Nursery are applied to grow a variety of vegetables that are used in our kitchen, ensuring that our community has access to fresh, organic produce.
Space for Growth
With ample space for gardening, the Nursery is an ever-expanding project that invites both experienced gardeners and eager learners to participate. Volunteers who join this department will find a rewarding experience in cultivating life and contributing to the ashram’s self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.