Three years ago, on 3rd July, 2022, Sri M inaugurated The Sacred Grove: Centre for Exploring Consciousness, where those seeking space for Swadhyaya (Self-study) retreats and Well-being through Yoga and Ayurveda could be nurtured in their journeys.
Following Sri M’s guidance and emphasis on self-study and the need for occasional solitude, seekers come to retreat here and be supported by ‘Teachings’ enshrined in “Swadhyaya’- the library. Similarly, those seeking Ayurveda therapies retreat here to benefit at ArogyaM – the Wellness Centre for Yoga and Ayurveda.
The two Centers share the same umbrella – The Sacred Grove of seventeen acres, with a rich plantation of flowering and shade giving trees, fruit trees, natural farming, Santrupti the dining space, water bodies for water harvesting, Goshala of indigenous cows, Shrines of Krishna, Dhanvantri, Devipada, and the “Nartana Ganpati” who dances, inviting all to fall into the natural rhythms of the cosmos.
What was being much missed by the guests and visitors was a designated space for meditation, where, stepping out of their living spaces, the guests could sit quietly, without disturbing others while drawing inspiration from the fellow seekers. Though the whole campus provides an ambience for meditation, the vagaries of nature necessitate a secure space, while being engrossed in inner explorations. In the beginning stages of one’s Sadhana, a designated space is of great support.
Keeping in view that Yogasanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, and Dharana are part of the process of preparing to receive the gentle breeze of Dhyana to flow in, a space for these practices was much required. The guests from Swadhyaya and ArogyaM, require a dedicated space for the practice of these aspects of Ashtanga Yoga.
On July 20, 2025, A Dhyan Mandir was inaugurated by Sri M in a simple yet warm ceremony, attended by a select group of those who have contributed towards this elegant meditation hall becoming a reality. Sri M unveiled the beautifully crafted ‘Aum’ while inaugurating the Dhyan Mandir for Sadhaks from all walks of life. The all-inclusive symbol of ‘OM – the Pranava’, the soundless sound pervading the Cosmos is the only point of focus in this meditative space, to explore the inner being. He reminded us that this symbol, which represents the Pranava or the all-pervading Supreme Brahman, is everywhere and is responsible for the manifestation of everything around us. It is the bridge that makes one realise that which is there is also here.
Located near the southern boundary, this 1700 Sq ft enclosed space, with large doors and windows opening onto deep, covered verandas in the Eastern and Western directions, may spontaneously invite meditation, with spectacular views of the rising and setting sun.
Sri M shared the story of Advaita Ashram of Sri Ramakrishna Math, in the Himalayas, where no picture, even of the reigning deity of the Math, i.e, Sri Ramakrishna, was allowed by his illustrious disciple Swami Vivekananda. Sri M stated that just as Ramakrishna Math has Advaita Ashram in Mayapuri, Himalayas, this space will be known as “Advaita Meditation Hall”, opening the space to people belonging to every background. He specifically stated that this was not to be a place of worship with any form of rituals, and instructed that neither padukas nor images of Sri Guru Babaji, Maheshwarnath Nath Babaji, or any deity be hung on the walls. While allowing chanting of Om and Vedas, he instructed that only silent meditation should be practiced here.
So we welcome each one of you to make use of this sacred space as a part of your inner journey. Let this space be your refuge – a place to return to, again and again.
Join us for the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations and Srimad Bhagavatam Retreat with Sri M’s teachings on Srimad Bhagavatam, offering Bhakti Bhav to Madanagopala and meditations at “Advaita” the newly inaugurated Meditation Hall at the Sacred Grove in August 2025,
