Between the craziness of home, work and life, sometimes we all need a little me-time. From city hideaways to escapes in the hills, these spiritual centres are perfect for some serious head-clearing and soul-searching:
Osho International Meditation Resort, Pune
Chief patron: Osho Philosophy: That the ‘new man' or ‘homo novus' is someone who is at home in this world and the spiritual one. The place: A garden with tall trees, plenty of black marble and wide open spaces. Against this stark vista of green and black, spend your mornings in deliciously relaxing one-hour drop-in sessions of Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Zen archery. There are 10 meditation sessions every day, starting at 6am. There's an Olympic-size pool, spa, gym, cyber café, tennis courts and three dining areas with everything from Asian mains to coffees and pastries. In addition to a small bank, the campus has a store (Galleria) where residents can buy the maroon and white robes required for meditation, magazines and more. And as night falls, the place comes alive with meditations under the full moon, music performances and movie screenings. Getting in: Anyone can go as long as they can pay for the stay and pass the HIV/AIDS test, but bringing children is not encouraged. Website
Auroville, Pondicherry
Chief patrons: Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa, known as the ‘Mother' Philosophy: Based on the Mother's and Sri Aurobindo's dual vision of an ideal, multicultural township. The place: The township hosts about 2,400 people from close to 50 countries, who contribute to its welfare and help build a sustainable community. At its centre is the iconic Matrimandir, a giant gold-plated orb surrounded by 12 parks, which symbolises the birth of a new consciousness. This is not so much a place for meditation, but for silent concentration to become aware of your own consciousness. It has an inner chamber, completely in white. Some parts have Internet connectivity. Getting in: Entry is free, but people who wish to live at Auroville must arrange for their own accommodation or wait until Housing Service makes options available. They also need to make monthly payments and support themselves financially. Volunteering, student exchange programmes and academic/field research are also possible. Website
The Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru
Chief patron: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Philosophy: Stress-free minds move us closer towards world peace. The place: Centred around the grand Vishalakshi Mantap, the meditation hall, 65 acres unfold in the Panchagiri Hills. The setting is meant to promote the main theme of stress management. Life here begins with yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast and seva (voluntary service). You can do a range of jobs for the rest of the day, such as cooking and cleaning as well as administrative and office work. The idea is to overcome personal barriers and live with no expectations. Sattvic meals are served, sometimes using vegetables and grains from the on-premises gardens. In the evening, everyone gathers for the satsang, where people meditate and celebrate with song and dance. Getting in: Anyone above the age of eight can go. Bookings and payments for courses and accommodation should be made online. Website
Vipassana International Academy, Igatpuri
Chief patrons: Sayagyi U Ba Khin and SN Goenka Philosophy: Self-purification/transformation by eliminating the three causes of all unhappiness—craving, aversion and ignorance. The place: This is among the more rigorous centres, training in ancient Vipassana meditation techniques, which go back to the Buddha. Apart from the standard rules, such as abstinence from intoxicants and sex, the academy also demands complete silence, disallowing even non-verbal communication, except limited interaction with a teacher or the management. Days begin at 4am, and most courses are for 10 days, but there are shorter ones as well. Some are open only to students who have already finished a 10-day course. Getting in: The academy is open to anyone, through an online application. People with serious mental health issues or highly restrictive diets are not encouraged. Website
Krishnamurti Foundation, Chennai
Chief patron: J Krishnamurti Philosophy: Truth is a pathless land. The place: Sprawled across 6.5 acres of green and quiet, this is essentially a library filled with resources about J Krishnamurti's teachings in a variety of media, but weekend retreats to explore his work at length are held periodically. Groups are limited to about 20 people, and discussions are centred on the fundamental problems of human existence. The format is meant for immersive study, breaking away from daily routines of work and home. Individual study for three months or longer is also possible, but this is not structured. Getting in: The online application is open to all. Website
Isha Yoga Centre, Velliangiri Mountains
Chief patron: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Philosophy: To explore the science of inner well-being to realise the ultimate potential within. The place: The headquarters of the Isha Foundation in India are spread across 150 acres and host a community of full-time volunteers, Brahmacharis and residents. There are four paths of yoga offered here—kriya (energy), gnana (knowledge), karma (action) and bhakti (devotion). On-site accommodation is available to support people with families and help them participate in the centre's activities. There is a massive meditation hall—a pillarless structure with a dome—and an underground water body. Many events are held here through the year, but the Mahashivratri celebrations in spring attract more than a million people for a satsang that lasts through the night (fashion designer Donna Karan has been spotted in the past). Isha Fest, a carnival of sorts in September, is also an annual highlight. Getting in: The foundation course, called Inner Engineering, is open to all. There's yoga for children, too. Website
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Chief patron: HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj Philosophy: To serve God and humanity. The place: Journalists from The New York Times and CNN-IBN have stayed in the 1,000+ rooms, which are surrounded by gardens, with the Himalayas as a backdrop. At Pujya Swamiji's heaven in the hills, you can focus on yoga and meditation while having the option of returning to basic comforts such as a western-style bathroom with running hot water. At the end of each day, devotees attend the Ganga Aarti—sunset prayers accompanied by music on the banks of the holy river. Accommodation is strictly for devotees, who can stay for a maximum of 15 days, which can be extended with special permission. Smoking, drinking, drugs and cards are forbidden, as are listening to the radio and watching television. Even eating onion and garlic is frowned upon. Getting in: Anyone can register (via email or telephone) up to seven days prior to the course. There are yoga courses for people with no prior experience, five-week teacher training courses, a specific Kriya Yoga course, a more advanced intensive yoga course and a spiritual retreat. Parmarth Niketan also hosts an annual one-week International Yoga Festival. Website
Sivananda, Kerala
Chief patrons: Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda Philosophy: Serve. Love. Give. Purify. Meditate. Realise. The place: Part of a country-wide network, this 12-acre property dotted with coconut palms is the perfect location for sun salutations. Sivananda is popular with celebrities, which is not surprising, considering that Deepika Mehta, trainer to Aishwarya Rai and Deepika Padukone, did her teacher training here. High season is from October to April, when children under six are not permitted. Meals (vegetarian) are served twice a day, and snacks, salads and juices are available at the Health Hut during high season. Men's and women's accommodation is separate, and everyone is expected to stay silent from 7.30am till when the lights go out at 10.30pm. Participants can leave the premises on the weekly day off, but they are expected to attend morning and evening satsangs. Getting in: Anyone can sign up for the beginner or intermediate courses, which are about two weeks long. A residential programme for kids is offered as well. Website
Transcendental Meditation, Delhi
Chief patron: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Philosophy: TM has nothing to do with religion, belief, lifestyle or diet. The place: It has centres in more than 100 countries, including several in India, with the main national centre in Delhi. The emphasis is on the teaching, which is notably different from what is generally considered as meditation. The aim is to learn how to quieten the conscious mind and go beyond all thought to reach a state of pure consciousness. In other words, a state of restful alertness, a state of rest that is so relaxing, it is reportedly twice as deep as the deepest sleep (bonus: it does help you sleep better). TM does not require concentration or effort. There is no force or control involved. The effects include an improved memory and focus, alertness, problem-solving skills and creativity, and increased self-confidence. It also reduces exhaustion and blood pressure problems, as well as the likelihood of heart disease. Course content is standard around the world, with sessions lasting about two hours a day, for five days. Getting in: Anyone can go. Children as young as 10 years old can be taught the technique. Website
Root Institute, Bodhgaya
Chief patrons: Lama Tsong Khapa, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche Philosophy: Tibetan Buddhism The place: It was in Bodhgaya that Buddha received enlightenment. And at Root institute, surrounded by tall trees in flower-filled gardens, every year from October to March, students are taught meditation and philosophy in order to feel peace, happiness, wisdom and compassion for others. Courses range between two to ten days, but there are one-day sessions as well. Even if you are not enrolled in a course, you can stay here. During courses, men and women live separately and celibacy must be maintained. Asian, Western and Indian vegetarian meals are served three times a day. Students in strict private retreat can even have their food delivered to them. Laundry services are is provided, but students can't leave the premises during a course and there's no telephone or Internet access on the premises. Getting in: Anyone can apply for the introductory courses, which are offered in English and Hindi. Website
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