03/09/2026
We’re almost there, and the roof project has begun! 🙏❤️
We’re so, so grateful for all the support we’re receiving in finally making the Under the Banyantree Yoga Shala waterproof again.
There are so many factors to take into account when choosing a new roof in the tropics — we’ve learnt the hard way from experience! How easy will it be for ants, snakes, lizards and bats to nest in it? How loud will it be during heavy tropical rain? Can it withstand falling branches and leaves? One time we had a one-metre monitor lizard nesting in one of the grass roofs! 😅🦎
This time we’ve chosen sand-coloured asphalt tiles, with flattened bamboo underneath for the ceiling. Although we love the natural grass roof, we’ve realised YlangYlang roofs nowadays last only a fraction of the time they used to. Because the grass is often grown faster with fertilisers and harvested younger, resulting in weaker, less durable fibres. We changed the roof only a few years back, but it started leaking again so quickly.
After such a long time with frequent leaks, most of the floor beams in the shala had become rotten. All the floorboards needed to be lifted and removed, and the beams underneath repaired and sanded so that the warped structure could become level again. As you can see, replacing the roof turned into a little more than just replacing the roof!
Right now, a very sweet family is living in Vasundhara House and taking care of the shala together with Sama Yogi Ingela. They will be on site, helping to bring the shala to life again, so that you can all come and enjoy it next time you’re in Bali. 🌴🙏
We’re also planning to broadcast a kirtan evening with Johan Narada live from the shala this autumn! If you donate, you’ll automatically receive an invitation — but everyone is welcome, keep your eyes open here. ❤️
We’re almost there. If you feel inspired to contribute towards the final part of the repairs, we would be deeply grateful.
Every little bit helps us bring Under the Banyantree back to life. 🙏
Link in bio
https://gofund.me/382a9757b