SHANfi SADAN (REGISTERED CHARrrY NO 284076 EsfABUSHED 1981 REH)RT OF THE TRUSTEFS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENf5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Contents Content Reference and Athninistrative Details Report of the Trusteeg for the year ended 31 Dec 2020 16 Report of the auditor8 17-19 Statement of Financial Arttvlties Balance Sheet 21 Notes forniing part of the EAnancxal statements 22-24
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Reference and Admintrative Deta519 Charity Name SHANfi SADAN Regi8tered Chlty Number 2841YJ6 Charitys PrAncipal Address 29 Chepstow Vill&s. Londo W]13D Tru8tee8 The Shanti Sadan Company Ltd (Number 02541) is the clwity ttee. The directors of the company are: Mr P Houghton Mr F Clowes Professional Advisors L aI AdvisoTS Goodman Derrick LITr. 10 St Bride StreeL LL)ndon EC4A 4AD Bankers Metrobank. IfA>166 Kensington High SL IA)ndon W8 7RG Investtnent Mana TS Cazenove Capital Management Limite& 0der & Co. timited. I tA)ndon Wall Place, Londo EC2Y SAU Auditors Able & Young Limited., Airport House, Purley Way, Croyd0 CRO OXZ
SHANfI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Report of the Trnstees for the year ended 31 Dec 2(r20 Stryclure. Govern*ne¢ and MaDagemeDt Governing Document and Constitution Shanti Sadan was fournled as a Centre of Adhyatma Yoga and Advaits Ve(lanla in 1933. The Shanti Sadan Charity was fOrnd to serve as a corporate entsty to own and adn)intster the Centre's material resources. through a Charitable Trust Deed made 15th NovembeT 1981. The Deed. as amended by a &heme of Commil0nerS dated 4th December I. forms the Governing DrThment of the charity. ThIough the tked Shanti Sadan is constituted as a Tntst. Trustee5 Under the kheme. The Shanti Sadan Company Ltd, which is a dormant private lin)ited company without share capitaL was appointed Trustee of the Charity. The directors of the COLnpany serve as Ttee5 of the Charity and are referred tt) 35 such in this reporL The poweT of appointing and removing a director is vested in the board of direct. The Tntytees, overall responsibility is to fulfil the legal requirements pertaining to the Shanti Sadan Charity so that the Charity can materially support the aims of the Centre. The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Financial Reporting Standard IFR5102). The law applicable to charities in England & Wale5 requires the trustees to prepare fla1 statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charit! and of the incoming resouTces and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financiat statements. the trustees are required to: l. Select suitsble accounting policies and then apply them consistently Observe the methods and principIe5 in the Charities SORP: 2. Make judgments and accounting estinte5 that are Teasonable and prndent.. 3. State whether applicable accounling standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and exp]ained in the financi slatements, and 4. Prepare the financ statements on the going concern basis unless At is inappropriate to presume that the charity will conttnue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping suffAciert accounting Tecords that disdose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financ position of the charity and enabk them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2(K)8 and the Provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible foi safesuarding the assets of the charity and hee for taking reasonable steps foT the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitie& The Trustees are drawn from the active volunteers at knti Sadan with a thorough understanding of its activities and obiectives. To the end of preserving Shants Sadan as a Centre
SHANfI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REFt)RT 2020 of the traditionaI teachings in which the original ideaLs predominate, they Work in close consultstion with the presiding Warden of Shanti Sadan. On appo1ntnnt, the Trnstees are briefed about their respombilities, in particular their role in erLsuring that the nterIal resour$ of Shanti Sadan are rightly and effectively used to further the aims for which the Centre was established. They have been made fully aware of the requirement for all charities to demonstrate the public benefit of their work. The puryose of Shanti Sadan is to Provide InforntiOn aiK)ut. and OPPOTtunities to PTactise the teathings of the classical Yoga of SeJf-Knowledge (Adhyatma Yoga). and its philosophical basis. the philosophy of nonduality (Advaita Vedanta), as deScn1d further under'obj'ectives and activities, below. Since its foundation by the noted scholar and authority Hari Prasad Shastri in 1933, this work has been continued under the dtrection of subsequent Wardens of Shanti Sada each of whom has been nomiTthted by their predecessor as qualified to oversee the actItieS of the Centre in all their practical. ethtcal and philosophical aspects. Shanti Sadan has no paid employees, all work is conducted on a voluntary basis, irLduding that of the Warden. The present Warden is Ms BeTta DandieT, who was nominated by her predecessor, Dr Anthony M Halliday. in 2[. She is the author of four books published by Shanti SadaTh She presides at the principal nieetings and is infonned and coTh8ulted about all other ntterS. Shanti Sadan fulfiL8 its purpose by providing events. meelings. publications and on-line resource& All tasks are undertaken by a small team of active volunteers. workin8 in close cooperation with each other and the WarderL During the period under revlew the total nuniber of volunteers artive at any one time ranged tWeeft five and te The volunteers aTr people who have tyen drawn to the teachings offered by the Centre and have chosen to actively pursue and support its purEK>ses. They are gradually introduced to the Work of Shanti Sadarn according to their aptitudes and availability. Care is taken to emphasizE the importance of working in a spirit of service, for the Centre and the wider community, and not for material personal gaitL It is central to the ethos and prtICe of Shanti dan that serVe is undertaken without seeking to promote any individual personalities. Some activities are or&anized according to a tirnetable loosely based on the academic year. Typieally, a series of taIks at the Centre. and one or more major events. are held in each of the Sprin& Summer and Autumn tern. Accordingly. oTgani7Ation meetings are held prior to the Ee8inning of each tern] to nP out plaDS and priorities for the coming terrn. Further meetings. fornial and otherwise, (Kcur as required. This pattern w&8 initially sustained and then intemipted by the Covid pandemic after the £it quarter of the year in Teview, as discussed further below. In some cases specialist professional help has Eeen engaged: this has occurred recently for example in the technicaI development of oTr]ine Tesources and ePrt)okn
SHATrrn SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Shanti Sadan is not involved in regular fund-raising artivities or grant-nuking. The main source of funding is income from InVestn1ts, which have been placed under professional management. The Trustees meet annually with the investment managers to review and confirm that the agreed long-terni investment strategy is being fulfiw. The Charity Trustees meet periodicalty to review and address reCt developments COern the use of Shanti Sadan's Matla1 re)Urces. and to consider all niaior spending proposals. Objectives and A¢¢ivities The obiectives of the charity as stated in the governing diKument to advance public education in the dassical teachings of Adhyatma Yoga based upon the prirKiples of the highest standards of personal conduct and service to others, and to promote and advance for the publtc benefit the study and Practice of, and research into. the therapeutic effect of Yoga as a mearLS of improving the mental. physical and spiritual health and well-being of the community. and to pubIish the useful results of any such researth and in furtherance of such objects, but not otherwise, the Trnst&s niay at their sole discretion. l. Provide. maintain and conduct centres and similar establishments including resldential acconimodation where aspirants nY together receive Itruction and training in Adhyatma Yoga and practise the Adhyatma Yoga way of life. 2. Frode facilities for dasses to improve physical or mental health through Yoga postures, breathin& relaxation and meditation teckniques. 3. Organise lectures, courses and seminars for the study of the physical and mental benefits of the practice OE Adhyatma Yoga and of its philosophical and spiritual aspects. 4. Provide courses for teacher-training and for further study for PTactising teachers to increase their knowledge of. and profiLyency all aspects of teaching the inte8ral approach to Adhyatma Yoga. 5. Liaise with other organi5ations with similar ainls and obiectives in order to exchange inforntiOn about relevant tOPiCs ard provide facilities for research into education and practice of all aspects of Yoga. 6. Estab]ish a liary and by means of publishin& prinbng or advertsin& suppIy infonnation to those members of the public who wish to learn more aiK)Ut Adhyatma Yoga. Adhyatrna Yoga and Advaita Vedanta are anwng the oldesL most reSpd and widely practÈsed of the ethical and philosophlcal hL$ originating in the Indian suEt(mtinent. Shanti Sadan was established tn London as a Centre of Adhyatrna Yoga and Advaita Vedanta by Hari Prasad Shastri to nke these teachings available in this country and the West generally. in a suitable and entirely non-sectarian fornL Since the PaIng of the founder in 1956, Shanti Sadan has continued and developed along the Inies he established. In time, it was decided to establish a COTPOTate legal entity to be the owner of its material assets. leading to the forniation of the Charity in 1981.
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 The teachings of Adhyatrna Yoga and Advaitra Vedanta offer tried and tested methods for individuals to gain deeper self-knowledge and the abiIity to apply universal ethical ideals, for their own benefit and that of the community. Shanti Sadan fulfiLs its obiectives through the pri)duction of Ix)oks, journals and on-line resources, and by providing talks, gTOUP retIngS and events about nieditation, rdated practices. and the principles on which they are based. In this way re]iable. unbiased inf0mti0Th is provided for new enqui interested in the phijosophy and methods. For conunitted aspirants. guidance ts Provided on how to further their progress towards the yoga ideals, according to their individual cirCun. Publications Shanti Sadan has continued to develop &s a publisher on the wisdom traditioN SFEcial reference to self-understanding as rooted in the Advaita (non-dual) Vedanta philosophy and practice. It ain to provide writings on this tradition that are both clear and accurate. providing nuterial for reflection and methods for practice. The methods iade meditation and guide]ines on how to meet the challenges of daily life. All its publications are prepared in-house, and Shanti Sadan acts distributOT as well as publisheT. tnLTeasingly such WTiting5 are being made available di8itally as well as in traditional iK)ok forni. The book catalogue at Decemkn 2020 included 48 titles. ]n addition to the original list of twenty- two works by its foundeT. Hari Prasad Shastri. iKyth origi1 Works and translations of c]assic Yoga texts, the range has been extended to include works of subsequent Wardens of Shanti sada Marjorie Waterhouse. Anthony M Halllday and Berta Dandler. The collection also includes the works of A J Alston. a renowned SansknAt scholar and lifelong member of Shanti SadaTh These are translations of key philosophical texts. chief among which is a thematic compilation in six volumes of writings by the pre-eniinent exponent of classical Advaita. The title list indudes Ixx)ks of practical instnl0 such as Meditstion- Its Theory and Practice and Training the Mind through Yoga. spiritual pw, biogTaphies of people who exemplify the Adhyattna Yoga way of Iife. as well as a range of translations of philosophical classics, rnany with commentaries by Hari Prasad Shastri that show the relevance of the Kient wisdom to contemporary life, including Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Direct Experience of Reality. Among these is Dr ShastrÈ's complete translatio in three volumes, of The Rallyana of Vaimiki. one of the world's great Iiterary epics. Dr Alston has a]so provided anthologies of the poetry of Hafiz and Surdas. translated from the Persian and Hindi respectively. Shanti Sadan produces the journal Self-Knowledge. published four times a year. The purpose of the journal is to provide a regular source of fresh material alx)ut the non-dual teachlngs in a forni that can be readily understood and app]ied by interested enquirers. The content includes many articles on the common ground anwng all the great reJi8ious and cultural traditions, and the deeper insights of art and SLience.
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEFS, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 The Journal carrtes no advertising and the content is conditioned by no comniercial interests. In general, the editorial policy is to nke little TefeTence tt) short-terni political and social developments: the content always on what is of m05t concern for individuals in the long terni. The Journal maintrdins absolute editorial independence, based on the non4lual principles, and it has always been made clear that the purpose is to share. but in no way to impose, these ideals. All publications, ineludin8 the journal, are priced so that the teachings DY Teach as many people as possible, not with the primary aim of generating revenue. Meetings and Event$ Durxns the fxrst part of the year under review p]an5 were made and resources allocated to continue with the established pattern of public meetings. These IrIllde weekly public nTretin85 with guided meditation and related practices, together with an introduction to the essential non- dual teachings on which they are based. These practice5 and PTizKiples are conducive to inner well-being for individuals and tolerance and cooperation within comniunities. The presentations are designed to be suitable for LK)th experieTKed nieditators and newcOnrs. For newcomers they provide an opportunity to discover the practices and learn how to take them up regularly. For others they are a chance to progress the practice5 in a supportive group settins. Regular talks were also planned and gj'ven during the first part of the year on the philosophical and ethical aspects of the teachings and their connection with other wisdom traditions and fonns of higher culture. These providc visitors with OPPOTtunitie5 to deepen their understanding of the Principles underlying meditation and related practices. Much of the material produced for these PentationS is subsequently adapted for inclusion in Self-Knowledge Journal, and pubIication on-line. In addition to these talks and guided meditstion sessions, Ven on weekday evenings at the Centre. plans were niade for longer weekend events, intended for people who live at a disiance from the Centre. This year the pkn had to be poStpOr at short raitice due to the pandemic. At all public meetings. advice and support is offered so far as possible to those who seek it. At the same time, no attempt 15 made to infiuee their reIigious or other affiliations, and the essential teachlli8s shared by all the 8Teat wisdom traditions are emphasized. All the events are organised and presented by volunteer members of Shanti Sadan. knording to the traditional practice, entry to the meetinss is always free of charge. An opportUDity is provided for visitQTS to niake voluntary donations (which is aIso traditional practice), but no personal approach 15 made to individuals. Generally. donations fall short of total costs and the events are subsidized by Shanti Sadan as part of its charitable work. All members of the community are welcomed. Shanti Sadan maintains the main ctre at 29 Chepstow Villas Wll 3DR where all or8anizatson and many meetings are conducted. and some residential units are maintained so that conunitted members May accommodated within reach of the Centre.
SHANfI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNLTAL REPORT 2(Y20 On-line Resouyces In recent years the development of on-line resources has become a rnaior part of Shanti Sadan's work. Central to this is the Shanti Sadan website. materi on the site is arranged broadly with the two audiences in mind: newcomers inteTested in dIng out nKffe. and those who wish to further their on-going understanding and practice. As well as written articles, there is an expanding range of audlo and visual ntertaI including recordings of guided meditation sessions which can be followed for individual regular Practice. A key obiective is that the Shanti Sadan website should IE as easily findable as possible to individuals who are looking for related inforn)ation but who nY not yet be aware spffifically of Advaita Vedanta or Shanti Sadan In practice this mearts actively engaging ]n'searCh1The optimization. (SEO). Apart from Shanti Sadan's own wetstte. selective use i8 made of Kla1 media platfornL8 as a way of Maxillg the opportunities for people who may benefit to Iorne aware of the non-dual teachings and practice& knial nlIa has proved to be an effective way of promoting Shanti Sadan events. During the later part of the year in review. the development of online resouTh was rapidly accelerated in response to the pandemic. While seeking to take advantage of on-line resources. those involved in the work of Shanti Sadan are fully aware that the Internet and s131 aiedia have the potential to distract and dissipate the mental energies of people in Unhelpful ways. &) care is exercised to take advantage o( the opportunities provided by online nHlia. while not contradicting any of Shanti Sadan's core values and obiectives. Achievements and Perfornwice dvrins 2020 The following achievements and activities were supported and enabled with niaterial Tesources admxnistered by the Shanti Sadan Charity. The Trustees consider this to have been an effective use of those resources in pursuit of the Charit)4s objectives. Publications The main development during the year was the pubIication of a new b)ok by the present Warden of Shanti Sadan, entitled Realising the Trnth at the Cenhr of Lifr. Released in oct0Fr, it aroused immediate interest, and quickly iwame the yearf5'bestseIlef. As with the previous three book8 by the Warden, this work brings together nuterial originally presented in public lectures, and the flS is on practxcal ways of applying the non-dual teachings. in order to verify their potential for lasting fulfilment 8md re]ief of fear. There are two chapters on meditation. and other topics include Life Skills for Inner Pea and Freedo The Greatest Freedom of ALL Actualising the Inner Light, and The S)urce of Joy. )me purchasers bought multiple copies for use in group saY.
SHATr SADAN TRusfEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2020 To tske advantage of the interest generated by the new Publicatio it was PTonwted through third.party distributors and selected S(La1 ndia An eBook version of the publication was prepared, using third-party specialists. bringing the number of eBooks available from Shanti Sadan to eight, including all the most recent and those most likely to helpful to new enquirers. Special care was taken with the visual presentation of the new publicatioTh The cover was designed to convey the idea of a SUbste underlying appearances. and a wide range of iIIu9trations were incorporated into the text. A volunteer at Shanti Sadan undertwk training in the use of b(x)k design and production software. in order to enhance the visual quality of this and future publications. Book sales in other respects were not sIfiCant1Y affected by the pandemic. There was a steady demand for scholarly texts. such as The Thousand Teachin8s of Shankara and Realisation of the Absulute by Shankara's immediate follower, Sureshvara. and sales of the Shankara Sxuce Book (in six volumes) were slfiCant[Y higher than those of the previous two years. Publication continued of the quarterly journal. Self-Knowledge, now in its llst year. Anwng the subjects included in 2020 were hishly practical matters such as: Inner Progress through Love and Knowledge. The Path Where None Can Fail, Practice in Challenging Txmes, and Awakening to the Supreme Truth. The essential universali8m and all-embracing nature of the teachings was reflected in articles on The Saving Clause (referring to the Islamic expression 'inshallah', meaning 'if God wills,), The Wisdom of China. and Help from Stories. the latter presenting a range of tales and anecdotes from different traditions whKh su8gest ways to a more expanded and sympathetic outlook. Several articles on the Bhagavad Gita. which is much studied by prarticants OE the Yoga of Self- Knowledge, appeared. fcKussing on specific chapters as an aid to understandin8 and practice. Each i55ue of the Journal was made available in eBk fornwts for download from the Shanti Sadan website by all subscribers. A number of readers Wrote to express appreciation of the help they derive froni the JournaL for example: 'Thank you for the helphd and insightful articles in the Self-Knowledge Journat. Also for the inforniative and calming on-line nltiOnS and teachings. I find them very peaceful and stabilizm& espeoally in these turbulent times of 8reat chan8e.' Public Meetings and Courseg During the first paTt of the year in review, the regular guided meditation meetings continued to be held each week. Meditation wa5 Presented as a reliable means of self-help in tttne5 of stress; the practice promotes calm, patience. tolerance and self-understanding. 10
SHAwfI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 At meeting a set of practices was given, including breathing exercises, vli7tiOrLs and affirmative meditations. These provide help for a wide range of individual needs and aptitudes that can be adapted and applied as appropriate. The presentations were made with due respect for the principles underlying and opportunities taken to demonstrate what the outlook and practices have in common WAth aIl wisdom traditi(In5 and branches of learning. Each netIng concluded with a practice in forrning and sustsining an attitude of goodwill to all, regardless of any apparent differences in opiniorL AfteT the meetings. free refreshments were made avai]able. and visitors were given the opportLU)ity to raise questions and dIll&S their own exE)eTience and perspectives. In accoTdance with traditional practice. this instruction and gUIde in Meditation was given completely free of charge. It is further nde dear that rned1tstiO practised in the Iight of the non-dual teachings, is more than'p5ychological first atd. for times of stress. The presentations show that if individuals choose to pursue meditation PTactice. it can lead through deepening self- understanding to all-round well-being and fulfiknt by means which do not depend on material resources or social status. Medttation and the related practices thus forn] a tnlly sustsinable response to the most pressing SI1a1 and Vironmental concen. During this period, alongside the medilation sessions, there was a]$0 a rIeS of pub]ic Iectures on the principles of non-duaiity and how they can promote the well-ITrg of individuals and the conununAty. The subieds ilUded, how it is p(]bLe to think aknut subjects that exceed the Tange of the mind; where the highest fulfiknt may be found: and effective ways of developing concentration. All these events were prornoted through s(Kial Th11a ajxl search engines. including selective paid PTomotiorL8, Tesulting in steady interest from new enquirers. During the first paTt of the year preparations were lar adved for a major event outside the centre. in Dublirn Online promotions had led to a particularly high level of interest. Although the event had to be cancelled at short noti. some enquire PUTsued their interest through other means. tn March 2020 with the intri)dudion of restrictions on public events and traveL all in-person meetings and events had to Fe cancelled for the remainder of the year. Use of the Internet and On-line Medla With the abrnpt cancellation of all public in-penon meetin8s. all activities and resources had to be re-focused ODJine. The inunediate respoTh8e was to create Imline presentations wifically adarsIng the ongoing sIatiOn. The first, produced within a few days of the initial restrictions, offered specific advice on maintaining caIm and developing inner resources with simple meditation practices. This was followed shortty afterwards by a presentationwith other methods including vÈsualisations that could be applied at times of acute anxiety.
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 After that, a pattern was estab]ished of presentations combining a full set of meditation practices together with taIks on aspects of the non-dual teachings particularly relevant to the preRnt situation. One, entitled 'The Source of Inner Security, disc how advantage could be taken of the re•evaluation of personal priorities occasioned by the crisis. Another, called 'Where the Help Comes From, showed how nwditation provides ways of enhanc8 individual powers of will and self-control without inner strain or imbalan. Following that there were meditations with intr(xluctory talks on The question of why meditation is needed if in fact the truths it seeks to uncover are. in a sense, always established. although apparently obscured: Why we have such a strong sense of 'identification' with thoughts and feelings although we are evidently mudi more than specific thoughts and feelings; A restatement of tho essential non-dual teachings in the light of the urgencies experienced in the on-going pandemic; The idea of a'supreme bein¥ in the light of the non-dual teachxngs. which builds on and harmonises the insights of all the great Wi5dorn traditions: How we can meaningfully think about and relate to the greater'whole, that is posited by nietsphysical research into a reality that exists independently of our mental faculties; Why we may not'feel, the implications of the teachings while understsndins them in theory. and how to overcome any discouragement this causes; Whether happiness is most effectively pursued through efforts to attain what we want, or by'giving up desires., and how guch teachings from various wisdom traditions can be best understood and applied. Just before the end of the year there was a presentati¢)n directly addressing the partic( diffictLlties for people unable to meet with families and friends duTing the festivals that usually take place in mid-winter, and reasons to k optimistic for the coming period. All these presentations were promoted through Sla1 media and search engines in order to reach a new audience who could potentially benefit. as well as those who regularly attend online meetings. In most cases the presentations were made'Iive'. and any te¢EicaL issues this caused were compensated by the benefits of immediate interaction. Afterwards, each recording was edited and added to the growing collection of audirfrvisual media now avaiIable online, addressing aspccts of the teachings of most direct relevance to individuals coping with current circUtarKe5 and deepening their understandin8 of the principles underlying Adhyatma Yoga and Advaita Vedanta. In all cases, accurate subtitles were prepared to accompany the presentations. As well as benefiting users of assistive technology, this can aid viewers whose first language is not English. It also imPToves the probabllity that the material will come to the attention of people making relevant onlinc scarch enquiries. To help onjine visitOTS acce this nterIaL a special page was created on the website to which it was added chronologically, as well as being listed in the n1n parts of the website. This speaal page was made the OE promotional effort5. 12
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REIURT 2020 Apart from the'broadcasy Presentations, new arrangements weTe nthde for teaching groups. Regular classes were arranged and conducted online, ix)th for people with an established interest in AdvaAta. and for those explorin8 the ideas for the first time. In both cases, appropriate texts froni the Shanti Sadan publication ]ist and eLsewhere were used as the basis for preparation and study, as well as open discussiorL It was found that the new Online teaching environment lent itse]f to particular study-nvterial. Once this had been identified and the technicalities arranged. the online study groups proved effecttve, and allowed people to participate from a much wider geographical area than had been possible for in-person meetings. With the increased reliance on online media, there was a corresponding increase in the number of enquiries and messages in response. In awiy cases. these enquiries require careful and individualized replies. usually via email. Providing these became one of the nmin tasks for active members and resources were allated accordingly. This became and is likely to develop further as one of the principle ways in which Shanti Sadan meets its aim of effectively conununicating. During the year an applicatton was completed for substantial promotion to be made available free of charge through the Google search engine. as a recognised not-for-PTofit organisation. Specific rnaterial was created on the Shanti Sadan website for this purpose and a growing number of eT4uiries through this media were received and answered. Technical developments During the year in review WOTk continued with the support of specia]ists to rnaxinwe the effecttveness of Shanti Sadan's online activities. Regular measure and review was made of the number of users. sessions and page views on the Shanti Sadan site. AL the Tanking of the site in online search results for relevant keywords. The results of paid promotions on KKial niedia were morritored and adjusted accordingly. Durin8 the year in Teview the total numIr of on the site rose by 133% over the prevtOUS year, md the total number of sessions rose by 118%. There was a slight decrease in the av¢rage length of visits, but this was to be expected given the extra nunthers of fiTSt tinie visktors who would not thid it relevant to their interesL There was a sustsined improvement in the search rankings for key terms. At the ginning of the year. a user of Gcx)gle searching for'non duality would find the Shanti Sadan website in 5th positioTh at the end of the year it was in the 3rd place. There was a similar improvement for longer search ternis such as 'what is non duality. This was achieved in part with the use of special coding features which allow for *arch results in a'frequendy asked questions, fonnat. For the key teTm'non dual meditation.. the position at nUllr one in the rankings was sustained. The significance of variations such as'non dual'.'nondual' and 'non-dual' were monitored, and adjusted accordingly. 13
SHATrifI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Durtng the year a technical Teview of the Shanti Sadan website w&8 Conducted which identified a number of issues including page loading speed, invalid links, and missing'metsdata.. Wherever possible issues identified during the review were corrected. In some cases scope for remedial action was limited and a number of potential problems were identified relating to user expwience that will impact on search results in fuiure. As a result it was decided to scope a complete redesi8n and rebuild of the te. Work on this project was ongoing at the end of the year in review. An opportunity to improve the visibi]ity of the Shanti Sadan website was identtfied by ittreasing the number of links from other sites. This was acbieved in part through links from relevant article5 on the Wikipedia website. Live streams and recordings of presentations were made avaijable thiough the video sharin8 Slte YouTube. Advice was sought on how to enhan the effectiveness of Shanti Sadan material on this Medi Accordingly, a numbeT of features including lenstt¥ tittes, subtidAng and accompanying illustrations were adIte In the Course of the year. further inVesttt was made in audio visual equipment. leading to a nwked improvement in the quality of de0 and sound productio. Space in Shanti Sadan's n1n prernises that had previously iwi used for in-petson meetings was adapted for this purpose, to good effect. Some external support w.as employed, and training was also undertaken in the u* of audiovvisua] production and editing software. During the year, a total of 35 new audifrvisual items were produced and made available. On the Shanti SadarL website. the need was identified for a system that would accurately calculate the postal costs. Among the standard packages available. none was found that adequately managed the full range of geographic regions and service levels required. Subsequently a bespoke addition to an existing system was Conls510rLed from a specialist supplier. After extensive testing this was conipleted sucressfully. Volunteer Development During the year, established volunteers underbxik training in tKx)k and audio visual production software, to enhance inhouse skills. The Tole of newer volunteers was necessarily f(Thssed on online opportunities during the panaemic restriction A number continued to make useful contributions to online study groups. All volunteers actively participated in the online nLtation practice sessions. Public Benefit The Trustees are conscious of the Charitys obligation to provide public benefit and consider that during the year in review the obligation has been met by materially supporting Shanti Sadan's Work of providing information abouL and opportunities to practice. traditional teachings on the 14
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT 2(Y20 bases of ethics on n0TrSects ]ines,' the underlying commonality of the great Teligtons and cultures. the mearts of creating s(xial harniony. and the developtnent within the individual of the capacities for deep relaxation. COentratio tolerarKe. good-will and contentment, that can be sustained in titi8 of adversity. FinaneAal Review Total resources expended durins the year was £263530 and total Arorne was £158,217. Full details of these amounts are given within this report under the Statennt of finan(ial activities. The overall value of the investment porfolio was £7.7m at the end of 2020. The investments achieved a return OF 3.6% during the year. The TTUStees are satisfied that the investtnent nwugers continued to fidfil the o14ective of provlding adequate irKome to fid the Centre's activities. while preserving the capital and PTOtecting against infiatiorL During the year one residential property that had been unixcupied for an extended period was sold. This followed a strengthening of the residential property market. and the target sale price was attained. The proceelts were added to the investment portfolio. Reserves The Trustees consider that the reserves held are adequate and appTopriate 8iven that investments are the main source of income for the Charity. and that the olryective is to ensure that Shanti Sadan should remain viable for the indefinite future. Rlsk Management The Trustees consider that the principal risk8 to the charitys capacity to continue to serve its purpose have been addressed, through adequate insuraTKe, diversified investment strategy, and contingency planning. Future Plans The effect of the pandem during the year w&8 to shaTpLy accelerate a shift of emphasis to online activities and that will remain so for the foreseeable futtjre. To effectively disseminate InforntiOn to a new and expanding audience it will be essential that the Shanti Sadan website continues to be optsmised for search enquiry Tesults, and provldes tnaterial appropriate to individuaIs with a wide range of previous knowledge. Maintenance and redevelopment of the site to that end is therefore a Priority. 15
SHANTI SADAN TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REFORT 2(Y20 It will also be necessary to ensure that optimal use is made of s(Kial niedia, both paid and unpaid. Both inhouse knowledge and the use of spLaliSt expertt5e in this area is to be developed further. The main medium for delivering new material will be Online prentatioThs and practice sessions. predominantty made live and then available as recordings. The necessary equipnient has now been acquired, and it i8 gkill in using it that needs to t developed. Third-party support in this area will be used where expedAenL FaeiIities need to be developed for the 0Tr8oing support of interested enquirers and active volunteers throll study gr()ups online. In thxs area. struthred ajid progressive study materials and curricula are to be further Tefined. tn some cases, provi8ion needs to be nde for one-toI SUPPOrt in the online environment. In this. particular care needs to be tsken with the effectsve use of time Tex)urces. The Ttee5 are satisfied that Shanti Sadan is well p]aced to fulfil these and its overall objective5. Declaration The Trustees deelare that they have approved the Tntee5 Report aE#)ve. Signed on behalf of the Trustees 4 Oct 2021 16
SHANTI SADAN AUDIT REFORT For the ear ended 31 December 2020 INDEPENDENT AUDrroR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHANTI SADAN Opinion We have audited the finalKi statements of Shanti Sadan (the 'Charity") for the year ended 31 Decenther 2020 which comprise the Statementof Financi Activities. the Balance Sheet and the related notes to the financial statements. ]lUding a summary of signifAcant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UnÈted Kingdoni Accounting StandaTds, including Financial RepoTling Standard 102: The Finala] Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practtce). In our Opinio the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the slate of the Clwity's affaiTS as at 31 December 2020 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended,. have TrEen properly prepaTed in acCOrdae with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice" have been pTrpared in aCcOrdae with the requiretnents of the awities Act 2011. Basis far opirrion We eondurted i)ur audit in aCcor(lae with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable ]aw. Our r&sponsibiJities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's respOlbIlItieS for the audit of the finan statements section of OUT reporL We are Éndependent of the arity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financ statements in the UK including the FRC'S Ethical Standard and we have lfIlled our other ethicaj responsibilities in accordance with these requirenients. We Edieve that the audit evideTKe we have oblained is sufficient and appropTiate to provide a basi8 for (nir opinioiL Conclusiom relating to going concern We have nothing to report in respect of the following ntterS in relation to which the ISAS (UK) require to report to you where: the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is notappTopriate: or the trustees have not dtsclosed in the kncial statpments any identsfied material unceTtainties that Y cast signifAcant doubt about the Charity's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a F)eriod of at least twelve months from the date when the financ statements atr authorised for issue. 17
SHANfi SADAN AUDIT REPORT For ihe ear ended 31 De¢ember 2020 Other ixfonnation The trustees are respoTLsible for the other InfOrntioTh The other infornv4tion comprises the inforntiOn included in the annual report other than the financial ststements and our auditor's report theroon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infOrntiOn and, except to the extent otherwise expIicitly stated in our report, we do not express any forni of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection wtth our audit of the finala1 statements, OUT responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other inforniation is nteriallY inconsistent with the Einancial statements or our knowledge obtsined in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material ineorusistencies or apparent material niisgtatements. we are required to deterniine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If. based on the work we have perfornied, we conclude that there is a material misstatenient of thx8 other informatio we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Matters on which we are required lo report by exeeption In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its environment obtained the COUTse of the audit, we have not identified DterIal missiatenients in the Trustees, Annual Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following nvdtters in relation to whidi the Charitie5 Act 2011 require5 US to report to you if. in our opinion: sufficient accounting records have not been kept: the fAnancial statements are not in agreement with the acrounting records and returns: or we have not obtained all the infOrntion and explanations necessary for the purposes of OUT audit. Re8pongibilities of the trugteej As explained more fully in the trustees, resporLsibAlities slatement set out on page 4. the trustees aTe TesporL8ible for the preparation of the finanaal statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair vÈew, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the Preparation of financ statements that are free from material misstatemenL whether due to fraud or eryor. In preparing the financial statements. the trustees are resporLsible for assessing the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, di105]n& as applicable. nutters related to going concem and using the going concern basi5 of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquÈdate the Charity or to cease operations. or have no realistic altemalive but to do w. 18
SHANTI SADAN AUDIT REPORT Foi the ear ended 31 December 2020 Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable uranCe about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material niisstatemenL whether due to fraud or erroT, and to issue an auditor's report that itKludes our opiniorL Re&wnable arance is a high level of assurance. but isnot a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with TSAS (UK) will always detect a llterial misstatement when it exists. Mi&statements can arise from fraud OT error and are considered material if, individually or in the awegate. they could reasonably be expected to infiuence the econornic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit ol the knncial staternents is Iocated on the Financi Reporting Council's website at wwwjrc.or . auditorsres onslbilities. This description fornts part of our auditor's reporL Use of our report This report is made solely to the Charity's tntee$. as a Trx)dy. in aCCordare with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and the gulationS nde under 5tion 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no otheT purpose. To the fullest extent perniitted by law, we do not accept or assume Tesponsibility to anyone other than the Charity's trustees as a kndy. for our audit work. for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Mrs Rekha Shah ior Ststutory Auditor For and on behalf of Able & Young Limited Airport House Purley Way Croydon Surrey CRO OXZ Dated. 8 OCYa&E£ IOZ I 19
SHANTI SADAN STATEMENT OF FINNcIAL ACllVIllES For the ear ended 31 December 2020 Notes Unrestrfcted RestrictÈd Endowment 2020 2019 In¢omè and endowmtrtsfrom: Oonqtions, legvdesund5inthr lrtw Gift ld, Covenants and 8eneral donations InmIng resowce5from thurftobleartl¥rftlts Publications 50 50 313 4,354 13,100 4.354 13.100 5,613 2,800 Rent Other thcornlng re5vurc Investment tncorr 140.713 140.713 149,350 Totsl incoming resources 158217 158,217 158,076 Expendtture on: ¢IrItable octlvitles Publication5 and Public Talks Premises - repair5 and mainan¢t Prernises - other costs Insurance Other miscdlèneous costs Depreciation 84.000 56.582 53.717 4.731 36,482 21.559 84,000 56582 53,717 4,731 36,482 21,559 68.537 3.594 54,247 4.523 41,999 24,179 Examlner's fee Auditfe kcountsncy fee5 528 3A1) 3.459 3.000 3,459 2,748 Total resource5 expended 263.530 263.530 200.355 Net incorning loutwin81 resources forthe year Transfers between funds Net Gain on disposals of fixed a55ets Net Gain Ilossl on inve5trnent assets Net Gain Ilossl on revaluation of fix* a$5ets Net nVeent in funds Funds at l January 2020 Funds at 31 Dember 2020 11053131 400.000 68798 142A60 IIOS,3131 f42.279) 1400,0001 687.598 142160 464.700 1.125.145 8538274 9,663A19 1400,0001 725,145 422,421 400.000 8,938274 8,515,853 9.663.419 8.938,274 Approved by the DIrOr5 of The Sha1 Sailan Conwany itd on ....t._t2fi.Y....lo£.l.... and signed on thtir bthalf by . IP ughtOnI 20
SHANTI SADAN BALANCE SHEET For the ear ended 31 DecemEer 2020 Unrestricted Resrrirted Endo4Yment 2020 2019 Notes Tan8iblefixed assers Investments IA09.105 7,740.166 9549.271 1809,105 7,740.166 9549271 2.209,618 6.590,562 8.800,180 Total fixed assEts Pubjication stock 83.641 25201 3.749 14.157 126.748 83,641 25,201 3,749 14,157 126,748 83,428 39,413 3.481 19252 145.574 Short term bank deposits Debiors and prtpayrn Cashètbankandln hand Total current assets Creditor5 and accrued tharges {12.6ty)1 112.6001 17.480) CURRENT ASSErs 114.148 114.148 138,094 NEf ISSETS 9.663,419 96319 8.938.274 FUNDS Gtneral / Rtstr1ct&JlEndo¥mt 9.663.419 9,663,419 8.938.274 TOTAL FUNDS 9,663,419 9.663,419 8.938.274 proved bythe Directofs of The Shano Sadan Company Ltd ID21 on..-......-........................... and signed on thwr behalf by P HotonI 21
SHANrt SADAN NOTE TO THE FANCIAL STATEMETrf15 For the ear ended 31 December 2020 l. A¢countln8 Polkles l. The accounts have been ppared under the historic cost convention expt for investments, which a valued at market value. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the CharftTre5 statement of Recommended Prattice ISORPI. "Accountin8 and Reporting by Charit*s' and the Charities Art 2011. 11. Income and expenditure is brought into account Using the accrua15 concepL 111. Grants Including grants forthe purchase of fixed assets are reco8nised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receNable. IV. Restritted fun(ts are to be used for specifK purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure meeting this criteria 15 identiFd to the fund. V. Unrestrlcted funds comprise those funds which are free to be used for any purp05e In fLFrtherance of the charitable objects. Vl. Endowment fvnd5 present those assets which must be held pernianentty by the Chartty. Vll. Provision lor depreciation of fixed assets held for use by the charity is made at annual rates calculated to spread the cost (less antKipated residual db5ttyl valuel of each asset evenly over its useful life. Fixtures and rtIng$- 21)% per annum on a straight Ilne basis. Freehold and leasehold properties- 1% per annum on a straight line basls. Vlll. All gain5 and tQsses aretaken iothestatement of financial actrvities asthey arise. Realised gains and losses are calculated on as the difference between saS proceeds and opening market volue Ipurchase date rf later). Unrealised gains and losses are cakulated as the drfference between the market value at the year end and opening market value (purchase date if later}. Realised and unrealised 8ains are not separated In the Statement of Financial Activitie5.
SHANTI SADAN NOTE TO THE FANCIAL sfATEMEN For the ear ended 31 December 2020 l Fixed Assets FrthAd Leasehold pr¢)pth prop Furnitttre Total tDngs Cost/valuation Broughtforward Additions Transfer to/from Tevaluation reserv Disposals Carried forward DeprKiation 3rou8ht forward Chargeforthe year Disp9501s Carried forward 125520 2.13915 45371 2,311,306 I4.000) 125520 1.739I15 (400,0001 1,920,350 55,015 3,138 628 64,194 17.398 112.000} 69.592 34,356 3,533 101,688 21559 (12,01) 111.247 3.766 37089 Net book value At 31 December 2020 121,754 1.670.223 17,126 I09.]03 At31 Dttember 2019 122.382 2.075.621 11,615 2,209.618 3. Flxed Asset Investments 2020 2019 Ca2enovt Capitsl Mana8e¥iieiit Carrying Value atthe beginning of theyear Additions Disposals at Carryin8 Value 6590562 1,105.183 6.112266 7ffi95.745 142.860 1238.7791 140,340 7,740.166 6,112,266 464.700 1135,4481 149,045 6590,562 Unreali5ed En Ilossl on r*ai ned In¥tts Other Transfers IreFer note below) InveStsnl incorne Carryin8 Value at the end of year The charty's investments are manage(1 by Cazenove Capital Mana8ement Limrf(ed and tonsists of various investments in equities. bonds and other investmeni funds. They are included in the financial statements at market value as at the year end per the Cazenove Capital Management report. Other transfers of £238.77912019: £135,448) represent management charges £30,40412019: £30,448) and cash transfers £208,37512019: 105,¢XIO) to Shanti Sadan's currènt account for fundin8 ihe normal day to day working of the charity.
SHANTI SADAN NOTE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEN75 For the ear ended 31 DeceMr 2020 4. Tntee5, Remuneratlon and Exper None of the directors of The Shanti Sadan Company Ltd. which 15 the sole trustee of the charrty. were paid anv remuneration by the charfty. One director was provth with accomrnodation as part of the charitable activities of Sharbti Sadan during 2020 land 20191- S. Grants and Restrirted Furbd5 No grant was recelved or made by Shanti Sadan during the year. & Rent The rents receNed during the year of £1310012019: £28001 indude5 £1020012019= £NILI rents received at market rates. The balance of the amount £29)012019: £281xII represents amounts received from beneficiaries occupying properties kept by Shanti Sadan to enable committed aspirants to attend the centre regularty. The occupants do not pay a commercial rent. 7. Transfer from Endowment Fund to UnrestrScted Funds The charity had previously recewed a bequest of 3 leasehold property which was erroneously believed to be a specrfic endowment and has always been treated within its own separate fund since receipt. This property was sold durin8 the year gNing rise to its treatment being reconsidered. After consultstlon with both the Charity Commi55ion and the solicttors acting for the estate of ihe donor it was established that the will dld not attach any speclfic lernis or conditions. Accordingly. the bequest was unrestrirted in nature and thi5 fund has been corrected by reallocation to unreslritted funds during the year. 24