Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary

Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary invites visitors into a realm where inner peace meets purposeful action. Nestled in the lush, preserved landscapes of Glen Austin AH, Midrand, Gauteng, this extraordinary venue operates as both a registered non-profit charity and a serene wellness destination. The sanctuary harmoniously blends spiritual practice with humanitarian service, making it a unique pillar of hope and healing in the greater Johannesburg area. Every corner of the property—from the meditation gardens to the organic farm—tells a story of compassion, mindfulness, and community upliftment.

Since 2006, the organization has channeled the spirit of giving through a robust weekly feeding program that now serves over 500 individuals every Sunday across multiple low-income locations. Guests discover a space that transcends a typical yoga studio; it’s a holistic environment where the act of stretching on a mat directly fuels the meal prep for homeless shelters and orphanages. The team at Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary treats every donation and class fee as a seed planted for the vulnerable, cultivating a direct farm-to-table-to-community pipeline that nourishes thousands of hungry souls monthly.

Meditation Gardens & Spiritual Enclaves

The meditation gardens at Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary are thoughtfully designed to foster solitude and deep introspection. Set within an environmentally preserved area, the gardens feature multiple enclaves inspired by both Eastern and Western traditions, allowing visitors to sit in prayer, contemplation, or silent meditation. The lush greenery and local bird life create an acoustic blanket of calm that immediately lowers stress levels upon arrival.

• Peace Labyrinth: An ancient meditative tool built with natural rocks on gravel. Walking the single circular path barefoot for approximately 30 minutes reconnects you with the earth, eases tension, and heightens awareness.
• Nature Soundscapes: The gardens are free from urban noise pollution, replaced by rustling leaves and birdsong, making it a perfect location for guided and walking meditations.
• Open-Access Sanctuary: Unlike exclusive retreats, these gardens are open to the public at specified times, welcoming all faiths and belief systems to find common ground through stillness.

Health & Wellness Benefits

Regular visitors experience tangible physical improvements including lowered blood pressure, strengthened immune response, and significantly improved sleep patterns. The sanctuary positions meditation not as a rigid discipline but as a personal practice—achievable through breathing exercises, mantra repetition, or simply walking among the sacred statues nestled in the greenery. Those suffering from burnout find the recharge cycle particularly restorative, often reporting a reset after just one visit.

Yoga Shala & Donation-Based Practice

The aesthetically designed yoga studio is a hallmark of accessibility in Midrand. Accommodating up to 40 practitioners per session, the shala hosts classes three times a week on a donation basis, deliberately removing the financial barrier often associated with wellness. This philosophy stems from a core belief that the physical and mental benefits of yoga should be available to everyone, regardless of economic standing.

Adjacent comfortable change facilities ensure convenience, while the on-site yoga store stocks a variety of gear and spiritual goods to support home practice. Beyond regular sessions, the studio functions as a rentable sanctuary for intimate workshops, retreats, and spiritual lectures. The space transforms beautifully for yoga teacher training or full-day mindfulness events, surrounded by the tranquil backdrop of the meditation gardens.

Studio Rental & Community Gatherings

Those looking to host a private function or community event will find the studio a versatile asset. The team supports small functions with a focus on wellness and spirituality, offering a clean, energetically balanced environment that standard commercial venues simply cannot replicate. Whether it’s a intensive weekend retreat or an evening lecture on holistic health, the setting amplifies the message of peace and unity.

Humanitarian Projects & Community Feeding

While the sanctuary offers a peaceful escape, its heart beats strongest on the streets of Johannesburg. The flagship initiative is a weekly feeding program that operates every Sunday, delivering hot, nutritious meals to four designated low-income locations: Rosettenville-Hunt Square, Pioneer Park Old Age Home, Jeppe Street, and Eloff Street. This effort combats the stark reality that close to 20% of Africa’s population remains chronically undernourished despite global food surplus.

The operation is unique because of its direct integration with the sanctuary’s own resources. Produce harvested from the organic farm directly supplies the cooking pots, ensuring meals are not just filling but genuinely nourishing. This farm-to-table-to-community model eliminates middlemen and ensures quality control from seed to service. Seasonal clothing and blanket drives further extend support to disadvantaged communities during harsh winter months, while disaster relief efforts mobilize resources during times of natural crisis.

Supporting Orphanages & Old Age Homes

The commitment extends far beyond meal handouts. The organization plans full-day events for orphanages and old age homes that incorporate yoga sessions, sporting activities, and talent shows. These engagements bring joy and normalcy to children who have faced severe hardship. Celebrations of Easter, Christmas, and Hindu festivals like Diwali are often spent with the children, ensuring no one walks a spiritual path alone during significant cultural moments.

Organic Farm & Sustainable Agriculture

Over recent years, Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary has painstakingly cultivated an organic farm that now yields a diverse crop rotation. The harvest includes beans, corn, pumpkins, peanuts, butternut, squash, potatoes, broccoli, peppers, and spinach. Every vegetable grown is immediately channeled into one of two streams: direct cooking for the Sunday feeding programs or donation to other organizations facing food shortages. Surplus produce is sold strategically to cover operational costs, creating a self-sustaining loop of charity.

The farm serves as an educational space as well. Volunteers who join the meal preparation or gardening teams learn practical organic farming techniques that they can replicate in their own communities. This knowledge transfer aligns with the sanctuary’s broader mission of empowerment—teaching people to grow their own food is a sustainable solution that lasts a lifetime. The soil here is tended without chemical pesticides, preserving the delicate ecosystem of Glen Austin while yielding cleaner, healthier food for vulnerable populations.

Serving Midrand & Gauteng Region

Located merely 9 minutes from the Gautrain station, Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary offers surprising accessibility despite its deep, natural seclusion. The property on Belvedere Road in Glen Austin AH sits at the crossroads of convenience and escape, making it a quick retreat for Midrand professionals needing a lunchbreak meditation or an after-work yoga session. Visitors from greater Johannesburg find the drive worthwhile, often turning a single class into a half-day sanctuary experience that includes a stroll through the gardens and volunteer orientation.

The grounds are well-maintained with clear pathways and signage that guide guests from the entrance to the yoga shala, labyrinth, and farm. Managed by a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, the sanctuary operates with a soft schedule—open to the public at designated hours while flexing to accommodate pre-booked events. The welcoming atmosphere is palpable from the gates, where the immediate drop in ambient noise signals an entry into a protected, sacred space.

Visitor Amenities & Getting Involved

First-time guests will find clear direction on the official website and contact line. The volunteer program is particularly robust: anyone can join meal preparation, garden maintenance, or scheduled community events. This hands-on involvement often becomes the most memorable part of a visit, blurring the line between service and self-care. The sanctuary also maintains a newsletter signup to share insights and updates, ensuring regular visitors stay connected to the cycle of giving.

Why Visitors Choose Bodhgayashanthi Sanctuary

In a world filled with commercial studios and detached charities, this Midrand sanctuary stands apart by refusing to separate the spiritual from the social. A single donation here simultaneously funds a yoga mat and a hot meal for a homeless person. The five-star reviews repeatedly highlight the overwhelming peace that greets visitors at the door—a tranquility matched only by the vibrancy of its community projects. It is a rare place where the smell of incense mixes with the earthy scent of a working vegetable garden.

The sanctuary remains welcoming to all, openly LGBTQ+-friendly and religiously inclusive, with gardens adorned by divine imagery from various traditions. This inclusive spiritual posture ensures no one feels like an outsider. Whether you seek physical flexibility, mental stillness, or a meaningful way to give back, the venue delivers a cohesive experience that heals the practitioner while feeding the hungry.