Alentejo · Portugal
Our Life in Portugal
Associação Mooji Sangha
Monte Sahaja, the Centre for Self Realisation, is situated in the heart of the Alentejo, nearby the village of São Martinho das Amoreiras—a tranquil region of Portugal rooted in cultural heritage that we are grateful to call home. It is also the place Mooji has been living since 2011, alongside the team that facilitates the sharing of satsang worldwide.
Explore our community connections
A Tribute to Alentejo
An ongoing series of short films by the community of Monte Sahaja, honouring the people, traditions and stories of the Alentejo.
Casa Nirvana & Café Bonanza
Our local restaurant and café are part of everyday life in the area, offering a place for neighbours and friends to meet and connect.
Vizinhos
Together with the local community
Vizinhos, meaning ‘neighbours’, is a space for sharing some of the many ways Associação Mooji Sangha (Monte Sahaja) has been closely connected to the local community, since its foundation in 2011.
Community Activities
São Martinho Saturday Market
Since the early days of the monthly market in the village of São Martinho das Amoreiras, Monte Sahaja contributed a chai stall, live music and pizza from our local restaurant, Casa Nirvana.
Over the years, the market has grown into a much-loved community gathering space, attracting people from across the region and evolving into the vibrant event it is today.
Community Activities
Christmas Concerts at the Local Church
These concerts at the church in São Martinho das Amoreiras are a cherished opportunity for us to come together with local families to share music, joy and togetherness in the spirit of Christ.
Care & Support
The Alcácer do Sal Floods Support
Portugal faced major floods at the beginning of 2026 and many areas of the country were devastated. In response to this calamity, a group from Monte Sahaja joined the relief efforts in Alcácer do Sal, a town which had been severely damaged by flooding.
Stories & Updates
GNR Officers Visit Monte Sahaja
In December 2025, Monte Sahaja hosted 15 members of the GNR from Colos for a special visit, at a moment when many officers were completing their local service before rotating to new locations.
It was a warm opportunity to meet, connect and express our appreciation for their dedication and service to the local community.
Care & Support
Monte Sahaja Volunteer Fire Response Team
In 2017, Associação Mooji Sangha established a volunteer team in response to the region’s high fire risk. Working closely with the local Bombeiros, the team has supported domestic and wildfire response, helping protect the community and surrounding land.
Community Activities
Musical Events with Cantores do Coração
Cantores do Coração was formed in 2024 by a group of musicians and has since grown into a choir. They embrace the local culture by singing popular Portuguese songs, especially traditional songs from the Alentejo, and bring joy to elderly homes in the area and to local events.
Community Activities
Spring Walk
When spring time comes, locals and visitors of all ages join a walk through the beautiful hills of the Alentejo, celebrating nature and togetherness.
These walks are organized by the local Câmara Municipal of Odemira (City Council), with support from the Junta de Freguesia of São Martinho das Amoreiras (Parish Council).
Community Activities
Celebrations at the Elderly Home
Over the years, we have the privilege to come together in different ways at our local elderly homes—through music concerts, special events like portrait sessions and lunch.
In December 2024, we refreshed the courtyard space of the elderly home in São Martinho das Amoreiras, contributing to a welcoming outdoor space for its residents.
Care & Support
Blood Donation Days
Since 2016, we have supported the annual blood drive in São Martinho das Amoreiras, organized by the Humanitarian Association of Blood Donors of Vale de Santiago, donating blood to local hospitals for those in need.
Community Activities
Football
With dedication, team spirit and fun, the young men of Monte Sahaja joined the local football team, helping bring the trophy back to São Martinho das Amoreiras. The team went on to win the competition two years in a row.
Stories & Updates
Community Safety Meeting
In July 2026, Monte Sahaja welcomed 10 representatives from Civil Protection, the GNR, the Bombeiros, TAIPA, the local Câmara Municipal de Odemira (City Council of Odemira) and the neighbouring community.
Civil Protection offered training for the Monte Sahaja fire team, and TAIPA offered to help organise first-aid training with the Odemira Bombeiros.
Care & Support
‘Summer Breeze’ at the Local School
In September 2026, we made a meaningful contribution to the local primary school by installing air conditioning, providing cooling in summer and heating in winter for the comfort of the children and teachers.
Community Activities
Christmas Markets & Santa Claus
We joyfully take part in Christmas events in our local village, including donating gifts for the children and dressing up as Santa Claus to surprise and delight them.
Growing Together in Portugal
Associação Mooji Sangha (Monte Sahaja) has welcomed over 3,350 visitors from 78 countries, many of whom have returned to the Alentejo region several times to spend time here.
We have welcomed thousands of visitors coming to meditation retreats with Mooji in Lisbon (mainly hosted in the Aula Magna, in the University of Lisbon) and other parts of Portugal. Mooji has also been regularly sharing satsang at the annual Bem-Estar Festival in Lisbon.
Associação Mooji Sangha is committed to supporting the local economy and works in partnership with hundreds of local and national Portuguese businesses.
We have contributed more than €69,000 to local firefighter associations, particularly in Odemira and Ourique, to support their vital work in serving and protecting the community.
We have donated over €32,000 to local care homes, supporting the wellbeing of elderly residents.
We have contributed over €5,000 to the local public school, helping to improve educational opportunities for children in our community.
The Association has created more than 75 jobs, bringing new employment opportunities and helping to revitalise economic activity in the area.
Community Activities
Fundraisers for Our Local Church
In December 2023 and 2024, we helped raise significant funds for the local church through organizing and participating in a Christmas Market and concert. This supported important restoration and improvement works both inside the church and to its exterior façade.
Stories & Updates
Nurse Gonçalo and Nurse Diogo
During the September 2026 Guest Period, these nurses visited Monte Sahaja for the first time, to offer medical support to those in need. Here, they share a little about their experience, their impressions of the community, and the moments that touched them along the way.
Nurse Gonçalo
Nurse Diogo
Portuguese Media
Linha de Frente – RTP
A documentary by RTP’s Linha de Frente about São Martinho das Amoreiras, and the contributions and impacts of the foreign residents.
Care & Support
Renovating a Local Resident’s Home
Together with the Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council) and Câmara Municipal (City Council), in August 2026, Associação Mooji Sangha helped to restore the home of an elderly lady in the village. After many years of exposure to the elements, the house is being renovated to provide her with a safer, more comfortable and welcoming living environment.
Stories & Updates
Nazaré’s Bench
Mooji made this bench for our neighbour, Nazaré, who often sits by the roadside on her daily walk from her home in the rural surroundings of São Martinho das Amoreiras to the village centre, sometimes waiting for the bread baker’s van, sometimes simply pausing to rest.
Stories & Updates
Mural Artwork for the Community
In 2024, this beautiful mural came to life in the village thanks to the initiative of the mayor at the time, Nuno Duarte, bringing colour, creativity and a lasting expression of community spirit to the local surroundings.
Portuguese Media
Rota Vicentina – Sacred Land
A video about the preservation of the Rota Vicentina trail in Portugal, featuring Mooji speaking about his love for the region, its people, the land, and natural surroundings.
Care & Support
Community Clean-up Action
In October 2016, more than 30 Mooji Sangha members joined a clean-up action in São Martinho das Amoreiras, collecting large amounts of plastic and waste and helping to improve the local landscape.
Portuguese Media
Supporting the Junta de Freguesia with Re-opening Train Station
Nuno Duarte, the former Mayor of São Martinho das Amoreiras at the time thanked “all those who, in some way, contributed to the continuous reopening of the Amoreiras-Odemira station to passenger service. This is, without a doubt, a battle won.”
The re-opening of this train station in Amoreiras-Gare marked an important step for the region, especially as more young people and families are choosing to move into the area, bringing new life, energy and a growing need for connection and transport.
Monte Sahaja made a contribution to the re-opening by using it as a station for many guests coming for a retreat in 2018.
A Tribute to Alentejo
Documentary series
coming soon
A glimpse into the people, stories, and living traditions of the Alentejo
Over the years, we have been deeply touched and inspired by the people of this part of the Alentejo. There is a quiet wisdom and kindness that permeates everyday life. Mooji felt moved to capture some of these stories and this tranquil and authentic way of life that feels increasingly rare in the world.
Each film offers a glimpse into the heart of Alentejo, honouring its living traditions, cultural heritage, and the people who keep them alive.
Shepherd Henrique
Dedication and a deep love for living the Alentejo way
Dona Florinda
The village’s well-respected seamstress looks back on her work and romance in the old days.
Senhor José e Dona Adelina
The joy of olive picking and a life shared, built on love, companionship, and the simple things of everyday life.
The Viola Campaniça
Discover the people behind this distinctive sound of Alentejo, carried from one generation to the next—where music, friendship and craftsmanship come together.
Dona Raquel and Senhor José
Great faith, trust, and love will carry us through life’s hardest times.
Tiradores de Cortiça
Meet the skilled hands behind the cork harvest, and discover how warmth, camaraderie, and shared laughter make the demanding work under the Alentejo sun lighter.
Dona Cândida and Daughter Tina
At 97 years old, Dona Cândida reflects on the core values that truly matter in life.
Casa Nirvana & Café Bonanza
Our restaurant and café in the heart of the village
Casa Nirvana
Where love is served as food.
Casa Nirvana is our restaurant in the heart of São Martinho das Amoreiras. More than just a place to eat, it is a space for connecting and coming together and serves as a bridge between Monte Sahaja and the wider community. Attracting people from all corners of Portugal, it is a place to nourish the soul and to feel at home in the heart of the Alentejo.
Café Bonanza
Since 1963, Café Bonanza has been at the centre of village life in São Martinho das Amoreiras. For generations, it has been one of the main neighbourhood meeting places. After being closed for a year, Café Bonanza has reopened its doors. Dedicated to the local community and serving homemade traditional food, Bonanza continues as an important part of village life.
Meeting Mooji
Together with our local community
A glimpse into the teachings of Mooji and his retreat centre, Monte Sahaja
Mooji is a world renowned spiritual teacher, whose presence, wisdom and loving guidance point us to who we are beyond the limitations of our personal conditioning and ego identity.
Born Anthony Paul Moo-Young in 1954 in Port Antonio, Jamaica, Mooji grew up with the Bible, developing a deep appreciation for its stories and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. When he was 16 years old, Mooji moved to England. Later in life, after a profound spiritual recognition and period of deep silence and reflection, he was drawn to India. There he met his spiritual teacher, the great sage Sri Harilal Poonja, affectionately known as Papaji.
Back in England, an increasing number of people were drawn to Mooji, attracted by his presence and love. Gradually, some of them began asking questions regarding the true purpose of life and the search for lasting peace. It was in this simple and natural way that Mooji began sharing from his own direct experience. These interactions with the intention for true self discovery are called Satsang.
Mooji’s connection with the Alentejo began during a holiday in Portugal. While visiting a friend, he was unexpectedly and deeply touched by the beauty of the region—its vast open landscapes, and the simplicity and quiet rhythm of daily life.
In 2011, Mooji moved from his small apartment in Brixton, London, to the Alentejo. From humble beginnings, Monte Sahaja organically evolved into what it is today—an internationally known retreat centre.
In Satsang, people from all backgrounds and traditions are shown the way to real happiness and self discovery through strikingly simple and practical guidances.
“Your heart is the light of this world,
don’t let your mind hide it.”
~ Mooji
Satsang in portugal with mooji
Lisbon Retreats
Since 2017, Mooji has been holding meditation retreats in Lisbon, where visitors from around the world come to be immersed in contemplation and meditation inquiry with Mooji in the beautiful city of Lisbon.
Festival de Bem-Estar in Lisbon
The Festival de Bem-Estar is a festival held annually in Lisbon, dedicated to wellness and conscious living. Throughout the past years, it has become a fixture of the city’s cultural calendar and a much-loved opportunity for Mooji to share satsang.
SILENT RETREATS IN ZMAR, ALENTEJO
Until 2019, Mooji held silent retreats at Zmar Eco Experience.
Located near the Alentejo coast, Zmar provided the ideal setting for a contemplative retreat with its numerous spacious and peaceful spaces.
Monte Sahaja
Surrounded by the tranquil hills of the Alentejo, Monte Sahaja is a place to slow down and step away from the busyness of everyday life.
People visit from around the world, coming from diverse cultures, traditions, and backgrounds. Mooji created many of the centre’s quiet spaces, including the Christ Chapel and Temple of Emptiness. These spaces offer a peaceful setting for contemplation.
A Prayer for Portugal from Mooji
A message for peace, harmony, and prosperity for Portugal, its people and land. May love, kindness and understanding continue to flourish and bless this country.
“Peace be upon all.”
KEY POINTERS FROM MOOJI
Transcend Mind
The Art of Detachment
What Is Awareness?
More Satsang Resources
MOOJI ON YOUTUBE
An excellent resource for both dedicated seekers and those new to Mooji’s sharing
MOOJI’S BOOKS
Our collection of books sharing Mooji’s teachings, available in 24 languages
MOOJI’S SIMPLE PATH TO AWAKENING
A simple and profound guidance which contains Mooji’s core pointings in a nutshell
Photographs and Videos
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