Seva, a unique form of yoga, is an act of compassion, love, and service to others. The Bhagavad Gita, a revered yogic text, advocates for selfless service as a means to spiritual development.
Unlike other forms of yoga that primarily focus on transforming the body and consciousness state, seva brings about profound transformation in your heart.
Serving meaningfully can offer profound connection, compassion, and gratitude. I’m so fortunate to be in a position to serve, and my experience at the Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation was nothing short of pure love and kindness.
After meeting Courtney, the foundation's retreat and volunteer coordinator, I was invited to visit the school and experience the selfless service that happens here.
The projects they are working on for underprivileged children and their families are beyond inspirational, and I recommend a visit for a retreat or stay longer to take part in their seva programs, which operate from August - 7th December, February - 7th April.
Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation
Nestled near the sacred city of Bodhgaya, Bihar—a region deeply rooted in Buddha's teachings but marked by poverty—Bodhi Tree School is a beacon of hope and equality.
Here, Dhirendra and his dedicated volunteers offer transformative education to 700 children and 60 differently abled children from marginalised communities.
At Bodhi Tree, everyone is embraced equally, transcending social divisions. This includes the cherished animals like dogs, cows, and birds that share the school space, reinforcing their commitment to compassion and unity for all beings.
“Every small action can have a great impact if it is done from the soul and heart.”
Dhirendra Sharma
My Time at Bodhi Tree School
Every day at the school was a new adventure, surrounded by a vibrant spiritual community. I found joy in teaching the children yoga, pranayama, and meditation, and on other days, playing with the differently abled children truly filled my heart. Serving lunch and witnessing the incredible projects at the school was profoundly inspiring.
Courtney and Dhirendra also guided me on spiritual journeys to temples and other sacred sites. The entire experience was eye-opening and deeply rewarding.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to give back, make a difference, and embody the kindness in humankind.
Opportunities at Bodhi Tree
Retreat:
At Bodhi Tree, each retreat is uniquely crafted to the needs of its attendees, whether individuals or groups. Hosted by Courtney and the Bodhi Tree team, these retreats are not just getaways but soul-nourishing experiences deeply embedded in local culture and interaction with the vibrant students. Every dollar paid for these retreats is reinvested into the school and the enrichment of the students.
Imagine days filled with the joyous smiles of children, local festivals, spiritual sites, and village life, all while contributing to a school that offers life-changing opportunities to these wonderful children. Some retreats may even offer a unique stay in a monastery.
For yoga teachers and group facilitators, this is your chance to create a seva retreat themed around the transformative energy of Bodh Gaya. We recently donated 30 Calm Buddhi Yoga Mats to the project, so if you choose not to take your Travel Yoga Bundle with you, your mats will be sorted! We're even planning a retreat with the theme of Service, Love, and Compassion—join us in making a profound impact!
Have the experience of a lifetime while offering a service that brings a smile to children's faces—what a gift!
Volunteer:
Volunteering and offering service is a holiday for your soul. Volunteers are willing to help, have a willingness to share, and adapt to a culture in India without prejudice. Offering service in this way is compassion in action.
You will spend time with children from underserved communities and be more hands on in making an impact. You could be involved in teaching, assisting teachers, being in the kitchen, doing activities with the children, or doing community work.
If you have special skills or interest in serving in a particular way, the team welcomes your ideas and supports you in putting your vision into action. Art, Music, teaching English, dancing, singing, and other wellness activities are welcome and well-received.
Meet Courtney
Courtney, from Australia, is the school's Volunteer and Retreat coordinator. She is also a Yoga Teacher and School Nurse and has a heart full of love and compassion. You will love her kind, warm, and welcoming energy.
Courtney works alongside the inspiring school director Dhirendra Sharma and will work with you on any retreat projects and activities and also support you if you wish to volunteer at the school.
Contact Courtney:
WhatsApp +61416341180
Email courtneyjanetucker@outlook.com
Instagram : @bodhitreeschool_official
aNGELA KNIGHT & Courtney Tucker
Calm Buddhi Founder + Retreat and Volunteer Co-ordinator at Bodhi Tree Foundation
2 comments
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?