Travelling Within Retreat

Travelling
Within
Study
Abroad
Program
in India
By
The Gnostic
Centre

The future looks out in front.
A flaming jewel of quiet beauty
Its blueprint beckoning us near.
All of us driven blindly, all of us driven against our will
We refuse to accept, yet have no choice
But to follow the hidden secrets of our soul...
Ameeta Mehra

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Travelling Within: Study Abroad Program in India
Contact Us
gnostic@gnosticcentre.com
http://tw.gnostic.in; www.gnostic.in

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The Gnostic Centre
Contents
Travelling Within: Introduction 7
Program Overview 9
• Program Components
• Special Features
• Logistics
• Fact Sheet
Faculty Profiles 12
The Gnostic Centre: A Brief Introduction 17
FAQs 19
Himalayan Campus: The Monk’s Retreat 23
Delhi Campus: The Gnostic Centre 26

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The Gnostic Centre
Travelling Within
Introduction
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on,
deep and permanent in the ideas of living.”
(Mary Ritter Beard)
Travelling Within, is a Study Abroad program designed by
The Gnostic Centre to provide an opportunity to deepen an
understanding of your self and your journey of life within the
dynamic backdrop of India and its multifaceted culture. The
Program, as all offerings of The Gnostic Centre, is inspired by
the integral vision developed in India by Sri Aurobindo and The
Mother.
The Program will guide you in exploring the depths of your
being and in beginning an inward journey of self-awareness. The
Program will open you to the possibility of living an integral life
that is conscious, authentic and meaningful.
At the core of the Program is the practice of mindful, conscious
living informed by the rich Indian spiritual traditions. The
Program blends urban and rural immersions as well as academic
and meditative workshops in order to heighten and deepen
your self-awareness. Travelling Within is designed to provide
all participants with an academic, emotional and intuitive
understanding of their inner resources and strengths.
India: the perfect setting
Ancient wisdom and modern living
India is a land of striking paradoxes. It’s not an easy place to
be in. Once you get past the initial cultural shock and get used
to its heat and dust, its sounds and colors, you begin to notice
the vibrancy of existence, the magic in the air. You immediately
notice that India is not just this or that — it is a bit of everything.

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It has a spiritual energy; you can almost breathe it in the air. It
is a living collage of religions and beliefs, and yet you feel that
subtle something which is above any religion or belief. India is
the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism — three major
religions in the world. This is the land on which extraordinary
sages and masters walked several hundreds of years ago. And
this is also the land where you’ll find contemporary living
masters, new-age gurus, monks and sadhus (anchorites).
But it is not all spiritual.
India is also unashamedly
material. You will find glitzy
malls and supermarkets,
state of the art airports
and seven star hotels, big
businesses competing
with the best in the world.
This is perhaps the only culture where materialism is as much
celebrated as spirituality. India is also the birthplace of karma-
yoga: the path to divinity through work and service. Indians,
through the ages, have celebrated desire (Kama) and wealth
(Artha) as much as the deeper laws and values of life (Dharma)
and the final self-realization and freedom of being (Moksha).
Yet India is not all about its cities and markets: most of India
still lives in its villages. From the coasts of India to the forests of
Madhya Pradesh, from the mighty Himalayan mountains to the
dry desert of Rajasthan, no one village is like another. There are
cultures within cultures, each unique. Every which way, India
challenges and provokes. That is what makes the journey of the
self so exciting, so relevant, and so immediate. That is the essence
of India: every path will take you inward.
As an Indian sage once said —
Here in India, the only way out, is in.

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The Gnostic Centre
Program Overview
Towards an Integral Science of Living
“Essentially there is but one single true reason for living: it is to know
oneself. We are here to learn — to learn what we are, why we are here,
and what we have to do. And if we don’t know that, our life is altogether
empty — for ourselves and others.”
(The Mother)
Travelling Within draws on the Indian concept of an Integral
Science of Living. The Travelling Within program has a powerful
and transformative design, innovative and individualised,
where the participant is facilitated to come in touch with her/
his mission and goals, and develops an individualised theme to
work on as a project which is presented at the end of the retreat
to the group. The project provides a valuable tool to continue
Travelling within after the program. There are both group
and individual sessions with the facilitators and special topics
and themes are taken up to enhance the themes chosen by the
participants.
Travelling Within is a flexible program as it can be offered as a
one- to three-week program as per the group’s need.
Program Components*
• Developing a mission statement and goals that can serve as
guiding principles for one’s day to day life
• The nature of the mind and its unlimited potential
• Five powerful practices to transform one’s life
• The practice of the present moment - living fully now
• Learning to listen to oneself and others
*
The Program will contain a selection from these Components, based on participants’ needs,
interests and program duration.

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• Mindful and joyful living – conscious eating, conscious
sleeping and conscious work
• Gaining energy and doing more in less time
• Understanding the Secrets of delight in work
• What is Love? Relationship with oneself, others and the divine
• Understanding Money - the power of wealth and how to live
in abundance
• Listening to Music - appreciation of local music and spiritual
traditions
• Best Practices to live your best life
• Practising a Living Silence - equanimity of mind and heart
• Awareness in the Body - hathayoga, pranayama, and body
work
• Understanding and dealing with Death
• Other themes of discussion based on the groups needs
Special Features
• Critical Thinking applied to Existential Questions, such as
Celebrating Diversity, The importance of Beauty, the problem
of Pain, the difference between Religion and Spirituality, the
meaning and understanding of Death, Wealth and Love etc.
• Mindful nature walks in the oak forested hills of the
Himalayas. You will walk consciously, with controlled
breathing while being fully aware of every aspect of the walk.
• The Joy of Giving - the Art of Local Cuisine - walking in the
woods and collecting local herbs and preparing fresh food
together. You will enjoy the benefits of collaboration through
group cooking with indigenous spices and herbs.
On special request
• Cultivating Presence through the Integral Way of the Horse.
As the Delhi Campus is located on Usha, India’s premier
thoroughbred stud farm*
, you will see the Integral vision
*
Both The Gnostic Centre and Usha Stud farm are led by Ameeta as Chairperson.

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The Gnostic Centre
applied to the business of horse breeding.
• Glimpses and tastes of Delhi. You will have a day-long
excursion to historic places in Delhi that includes a heritage
walk and sampling of traditional Indian dishes.
Logistics
Travelling Within program is held at both the campuses of The
Gnostic Centre: at the Delhi campus and at The Monk’s Retreat,
which is the Centre’s Himalayan campus. A detailed itinerary
will be provided when participants sign up for this program,
based on their needs, interests and program duration.
Meals: Participants will be served three wholesome vegetarian
meals a day, and coffee/tea twice a day.
Fact Sheet
Duration 5-9 days. Can be shorter or longer, based on the
group’s needs. The program is self-directed and
flexible.
Where The Gnostic Centre, New Delhi; & The Monk’s
Retreat, in the Himalayas (Uttarakhand).
Format Primarily experiential: workshops, self-reflections,
readings, introspective activities, interactive
discussions, guided meditations, individual
sessions with the facilitator, hathayoga/pranayama,
communing with nature, mindful walks, cultural
visits and more.
Religious basis None. The program has a spiritual orientation.
Language English.
Availability April to November.
Health & safety Adequate measures for ensuring the health, safety
and well-being of participants, for example, filtered
drinking water.
For Program Fee & Other details, contact gnostic@gnosticcentre.com

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Faculty Profiles
Ameeta Mehra
Founding Trustee & Chairperson, The Gnostic Centre & ICIS
• Equine Management (Irish National Stud, Ireland) (gold medalist)
• Management Education Programme (IIM, Ahmedabad)
• BA Hons: English Literature (Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi)
Since the age of fourteen Ameeta had one dream — to change
the education system of India. It is this quest that started her off
on the road of Integral Yoga, Psychology and Education in 1986.
Over the years Ameeta has conducted growth of consciousness
courses and workshops such as ‘Explorations towards a New
Creation of the Self and Society’, ‘Foundation Course for
Facilitators’, ‘The Science of Living’, ‘Meditation for Inner
Growth & Cultivating Presence’.
Ameeta’s published works include self-discovery books such
as ‘Dhyana (Meditation for Inner Growth)’, ‘Abhaya (Fear:
Its Cause and Cure)’, ‘Karmayoga (Perfection in Work)’ and
‘Sadhana (A Guide to Self-Mastery)’. She is also the editor of The
Gnostic Centre’s journal ‘The Awakening Ray’.
Ameeta heads India’s leading stud farm, Usha Stud.
Anuradha
Founding Trustee & Secretary, The Gnostic Centre & ICIS
• Masters in International Education: Teacher Education (University of Sussex, UK)
• B.Ed. (DAVV, Indore) (gold medalist)
• BA Hons: English Literature (Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi)
• Certificate of Professional Studies: Foundation Course for Facilitators (ICIS, Delhi)
• Certificate: Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough
subjects (University of California, San Diego on Coursera)
Anuradha has been engaged in the field of Integral Education
since 1986, through teaching, research and curriculum design.

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The Gnostic Centre
She facilitates courses in Integral Education (online & onsite)
and self-development for teachers and teacher-students, as well
as parents, such as, ‘Scripting Pathways of Change’, ‘Integral
Education: From Reflection to Action’.
In Anuradha’s view, in the current world scenario, the most
important aspects to cultivate are — an inner connect with
one’s deepest self, a widening of the mind, and a refinement
of the aesthetic sense. She describes her work as a minuscule
contribution in this project.
Anuradha has co-edited The Gnostic Centre’s journal, ‘The
Awakening Ray’ and authored several articles.
Partho
Educator & Writer
• BA Hons: English Literature (St. Stephens College, University of Delhi)
Partho describes himself as a seeker of the Self, and his life’s
deepest aspiration is to realize the Self not only in knowledge
and consciousness but in the field of everyday life and living.
An exponent of the wisdom tradition of Vedanta and Sri
Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga, Partho specializes in the application
of psycho-spiritual practices in personal and corporate education
and training, He is associated as mentor and consultant to many
integral initiatives in India and the US, such as HTA (now known
as JWT), IBM, SmithKline Beecham, PCCW (telecommunication
multinational), Reach India (telecommunications), The Times
of India, Taj Hotels, media groups, healthcare software
multinationals, etc.
Partho’s published works include the book ‘Integral Education:
A Foundation for the Future’. He also writes on Vedanta and
Integral Yoga.

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Ritika Goyal
Founding Trustee & Treasurer, The Gnostic Centre & ICIS
• Postgraduate Diploma in Alternate Dispute Resolution (NALSA, Hyderabad)
(topper)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Justice Administration (Edith Cowan University,
Australia)
• LLB (Law Faculty, University of Delhi)
• BA Hons: Political Science (Hindu College, University of Delhi)
• Certificate of Professional Studies: Power of Attitude (CODE, Hometon College,
University of Cambridge, UK & The Gnostic Centre, Delhi)
Ritika has always been interested in social change — she
has worked with street children and was also involved in an
international youth movement. Her special focus of research
has been on how to develop the mind, and she has conducted
workshops with students, as well as teachers.
Ritika is passionate about Culinary Art. In the field of Green
Practices, her chief concerns are rainwater harvesting and
conservation.
Ritika is involved in the management of L’avenir, a research
based pre-school of The Gnostic Centre. She is the Coordinator of
The Gnostic Centre’s journal, ‘The Awakening Ray’.
Ritika is a practising advocate at the High Court (Delhi) and
specializes in Corporate Law. She is also on the Governing
Council of Shikshantar school.
Sanjay Prakash (adjunct faculty)
Principal Consultant, SHiFt (Studio for Habitat Futures, Delhi)
• Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects
• BArch (School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi) (gold medalist)
Sanjay Prakash is an architect with a commitment to energy-
conscious architecture, eco-friendly design, people’s participation
in planning, music and production design. Over the years, he has
integrated all his work with the practice of new urbanism and

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The Gnostic Centre
sustainability in his professional and personal life. His area of
practice and research over the last 37 years includes passive and
low energy architecture and planning, hybrid air-conditioning,
autonomous energy and water systems, bamboo and earth
construction, community-based design of common property,
and computer-aided design. Under his guidance, hundreds
of persons have developed capabilities in performing design,
conceptual or management work in these areas. He has taught,
conducted research, and in India and abroad.
Sanjay is also the Senior Advisor for Indian Institute for Human
Settlements (Delhi). He is the Team Director of the Core Team
of Shikshantar school. His publications include the book,
‘Solar Architecture and Earth Construction in the Northwest
Himalaya’.
Sunaina Singh
Coordinator, L’avenir (an integral education based preschool)
• BEd (Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi)
• Certificate of Professional Studies: Foundation Course for Facilitators (ICIS, Delhi)
• Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (IGNOU, Delhi)
• Teacher Training Course (Mirambika Teacher Education Institute, Sri Aurobindo
Education Society, Delhi)
• BA: Home Science (Magadh University, Bihar)
In the field of Integral Education since 1997, Sunaina has worked
with children, teacher-students and parents. At L’avenir, she
works in the areas of mental, vital and physical education and is
involved in curriculum development and administrative work.
Sunaina has a deep connect with Nature. She has extensive work
experience in organic gardening and farming, and is engaged in
the Gnostic Centre’s ecological works.
Sunaina is also good at painting in Indian folk styles of
Madhubani and Warli, besides watercolour. She likes learning
and experimenting with various art forms, such as, pottery,

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sculpture, puppet making, carpentry, papier maché, marbling,
weaving, macramé, knitting and embroidery, etc.
Durjee Bhoi
In-charge, Alchemy (an integral health centre)
• Vocational Training Course (Sri Aurobindo Education Society, Delhi)
• First Aid Course (Sri Aurobindo Education Society, Delhi)
• Mountaineering Course (Sri Aurobindo Education Society, Nainital)
• Automobile Repair & Service Course (Thatha Automobile, Trichy, Tamil Nadu)
• BA: Political Science (Sambalpur University, Odisha)
Durjee is a Physical Fitness instructor and facilitates Gym and
Yoga sessions. He has facilitated adventure sports, street and
folk games for children and youth. He has also worked with
preschoolers (at L’avenir) to provide physical education inputs.
Durjee has been involved in infrastructre development and
maintenance works since 1995. He has experience of working in
the field of public relations and as a team leader for empowering
the tribals, in a remote village of Odisha.
“Silence, the mystic birthplace of the soul.”
(Sri Aurobindo)

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The Gnostic Centre
The Gnostic Centre
A Brief Introduction
The Gnostic Centre is a research centre for the growth of
consciousness through education. It is located in Bijwasan,
New Delhi and is spread over a verdant 12 acre campus. The
Monk’s Retreat, which is the Himalayan campus, is in the state of
Uttarakhand.
The Gnostic Centre’s philosophical basis stems from the belief
that education cannot be merely for utilitarian purposes, nor for
purely spiritual ends. The need of the future is for an education
that is Integral and brings within its scope all aspects of the
human being (physical, vital-emotional, mental, psychic and
spiritual); an education that helps humanity bridge the outer
and inner dimensions of life. Towards this end, the Centre has
established an Academy of the Future, evolving new formats of
learning, new curriculum,
courses, structures and an
integral methodology and
practice.
The Centre offers courses
and programs in online,
onsite and blended modes
— such as, New Creation
of the Self and Society,
Psychology of Human
Development, Flowering
of Management, Scripting
Pathways of Change,
Study of the Vedas and
Upanishads, etc.
“What has perhaps been the most
influential to me were the study circles
led by Ameeta on ‘The Synthesis of
Yoga’. It was a time for me to nurture
myself by giving time to engage with
myself and the universe more deeply
through Sri Aurobindo’s words. The
presence of those attending created a
sangha energy where esoteric things
become more tangible. The Gnostic
Centre is a place that allows me to come
into my own with confidence and clarity
of vision. It allows me to anchor in the
deepest and highest in me while also
welcoming mundane — all of life is
indeed Yoga.”
- Natasha Nair (Psychotherapist)

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Designed to facilitate
self-reflection, along
with a sound conceptual
knowledge, the courses
encourage the students
to engage in a quest for
perfection and balance,
and living from within.
The student is facilitated
to find answers to his/
her dilemmas such as —
how to overcome stress,
how to be happy, how
to deal with anger and
negativity, how to create
positive relationships, how to lead a more meaningful life, how
to find one’s aim of life, etc.
The Centre’s faculty
includes practitioners
from diverse walks of
life, based in India and
abroad.
For further information on the courses and programs run by The
Gnostic Centre, please log on to www.gnostic.in.
“One workshop that really benefited me
was the workshop called ‘The Power of
Attitude’. The Power of Attitude really
gave us opportunities, information,
knowledge and techniques that one could
use to tap into one’s deeper resources and
live a life from within, tap into one’s inner
strengths and building on that be able to
cope with the world outside. Not to retreat
from the world but to find ways and
means in which to live one’s daily life and
deal with all its challenges from a position
of strength and peace — constructive place
so to speak. To learn not to let outward
circumstances affect one’s action.”
- Sumita Ghose
(Social Activist & Social Entrepreneur)
“Meditation workshops have been
phenomenal for me. It has shown me a
new path towards peace and happiness!
With today’s complex and fast life....these
workshops are like a breath of fresh air....”
- Pooja Lakhani (HR professional, IKEA)

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The Gnostic Centre
FAQs
What positive changes can I expect
after completing the Program?
The Program is balanced between outer and inner travel, and
the natural landscapes and interactive experiences evoke self-
awareness and insights. The Program will give you the skills to
better understand solutions to the challenges in your life, and to
cultivate equanimity and peace.
Will I have a better life after doing the Program?
The people who have taken our courses report leading a more
informed and self-directed life. We all have our individual
paths, though ultimately we are part of a collective future. If
you continue to follow the practices and fundamentals of this
program in your life, it will lead to greater self-awareness, peace
and finding your own special path.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of the
present moment. It requires focus, inner calm and steadiness.
Mindfulness can be used to combat stress by relaxing and
experiencing a gentler flow of life. Regular practice of
mindfulness in daily life leads to non-judgmental observation
of one’s own and other’s behaviour and, in turn, to greater
awareness of one’s actions and purpose.
How can mindfulness lead to deeper levels of knowledge?
When we try and understand an event or idea, we often impose
our own evaluation on our experience. Mindfulness can create
a deeper observational base and consequently help avoid hasty

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judgments, resulting in a greater ability to discriminate. The
‘here and now’ observations help us understand and refine the
nuances of a situation or an idea in an unbiased way.
How can the Program improve my relationships with people?
During the Program, we trust our own selves and others; and
we gently allow life to flow and unfold, as it is supposed to. We
are taught how to mirror others by understanding a situation
from the other’s perspective. And finally, we are taught to
communicate our understanding of their perspective with a
feeling of loving kindness, openness and humility.

How can I practice mindfulness and
integral living after the Program?
The programs at The Gnostic Centre teach mindful awareness
experientially, i.e. as part of daily activities, such as, the way in
which we converse with people, commune with nature, eat our
food and go about our daily work. To get the benefit of these
experiences and reflections, you can apply them in your daily
life. Some ways to do this are:
• Continue to practice meditation for at least 15-20 minutes
every day.
• During situations of daily stress, take a moment of quiet
reflection to focus and centre yourself.
• If you wish to go deeper, enrol for online courses with The
Gnostic Centre.
How much of India will I see/experience?
India resides in its people and their culture. Delhi, being the
nation’s capital, is home to Indians from almost every part of
India. Not only will you experience this variety through your

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The Gnostic Centre
time in different parts of the city (outskirts, new city, old city),
you will also have an insider’s view of its culture as you will be
residing in a community rather than a hotel. The train journey
and the use of local transport will add to your experience of
India. In Uttarakhand, you will experience a hillside village of
India, and its scenic beauty amidst majestic Himalayas — again,
as an insider, residing close to the village. The program itself is
rooted in the spiritual and aesthetic ethos of India and will bring
you a deeper understanding of the country as compared to that
of a tourist.
Will the journey within cut me off from ‘real life’?
Exclusive pursuit of the inner self can lead to a disconnect from
outer reality, and exclusive pursuit of the outer reality can lead
to a disconnect from the inner self. Therefore, Travelling Within
program is designed to create bridges between our ‘self’ and our
‘life’. It will, in fact, help you engage with ‘real life’ with all of
your ‘self’ rather than just from the surface being.
Himalayan view from The Monk’s Retreat

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“We do not belong to the past dawns,
but to the noons of the future.”
Sri Aurobindo

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The Gnostic Centre
Himalayan Campus: The Monk’s Retreat
At an altitude of 7200 feet, surrounded by oak forests, The
Monk’s Retreat has stunning views of the majestic Himalayan
snow peaks. The fresh air, mountain fragrances, scenes and
sounds from village life and glorious sunrises and sunsets will
suffuse your senses with the beauty and energy of the hills.
The campus is designed on organic principles and has rainwater
harvesting, waste recycling and organic cultivation. It is spread
over several acres, blending flat land with undulating terraces
and meadows.
Community House
You will live in the
beautifully designed
Community House at
The Monk’s Retreat.
The views from the
Community House are of
the Himalayan peaks, oak
forests, and distant village
habitation.
There is a meditation hall
that is also used for group
classes and/or workshops. The three-storied Community House
is a speciality lodging with aesthetically designed beds. It can

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accommodate up to 32
people. Guests are served
from the homely kitchen
in the dining area.
Filtered drinking water is
freely available.
A set of common
bathrooms are on each
floor. The bathrooms
are modern, clean and
equipped with hot water from solar heaters. Bed linen, mattress,
blankets, pillows, towels, toilet paper and soap are provided.
Laundry service is provided on a chargeable basis.
The Community House has power back-up and is Wi-fi enabled.
Meditation Spaces and Surroundings
Set on one of the highest
spots at The Monk’s Retreat,
six Meditation Caves are
being constructed. These
Caves will provide an
opportunity for quiet
reflection and meditation.

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The Gnostic Centre
The Meditation hall in the
Community House serves as
a space for group meditations
and the beautiful orchards
and terraced hillsides form a
calm and natural setting for
meditations.
Fruit Orchards & Villages
The Monk’s Retreat is located
in the fruit bowl of India,
with orchards of apples,
pears, peaches, plums and
apricots. Itself housed in the
quaint village of Dehra (with
just 12 households), it has
several other villages just a short walk away.
Some of the village folk are a repository
of knowledge about the use of local
herbs, found in the wild, for culinary and
medicinal purposes. Some are master
craftsmen in the dying art of stone masonry.
Almost all farm organically, and breed cows.
The village houses are a study in simple
beauty and
use of local
materials
with warm
and friendly colours. The village
folk welcome you into their homes
with remarkable generosity.

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Delhi Campus: The Gnostic Centre
At the Delhi Campus, peacocks languidly crisscross the verdant
landscape that houses two meditation spaces, a seminar hall,
library, a pre-school, a gym-cum-yoga studio, a cafe and guest
accommodation.
While walking around the Delhi campus, visitors instinctively
speak in quieter, softer tones; breathing becomes slower and
deeper and the feelings of negativity, worry and stress recede as
they absorb the calm and serenity.
“I don’t know
whether it is
because of
the ecological
principles or the
materials or the
ambience or the
tweeting of the
birds, or whatever
it is, but every time
I have come to the
Centre and spent
a little bit of quiet
time with myself, I have gone back really smiling, deep from within
me.”
- Sanjay Prakash (Ecological Architect)
Meditation Spaces
The Shrine: In a space designed with light, space and fluid
lines, the Shrine is home to Sri Aurobindo’s relics. Located in a
silent zone, the Shrine is meant exclusively for silent meditation.
Cushions are spread over a tiered bamboo floor and the

27
The Gnostic Centre
ambient temperature
is maintained at a
comfortable level
through a fresh earth
tunnel system that
warms in winter and
cools in summer. The
Shrine can accommodate
up to 50 people.
The Meditation Hall: The hub of The Gnostic Centre, the
Meditation Hall stands as a sentinel, serenely at the back of
the campus. The large
French windows
overlook the central
vista that has trees
planted to enhance
balance and positive
energy. Circular alcoves
attached to the central
hall have floor cushions
where visitors can either
meditate or read quietly. Guided meditations, workshops and
meetings are conducted here. The Library is also housed here.
Seminar Hall: Synthesis
With projecting, recording
and editing facilities,
Synthesis is a modern, air-
conditioned, fully equipped
conference space that can
seat up to 50 people. The
spherical, domed roof offers

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beautiful acoustics such
that even a soft-spoken
person on stage can be
heard clearly at the back
of the hall. The inside
walls have been treated
innovatively with mud
mixed with cow-dung,
hay and fiber pulp to
provide a sound-absorbent surface. Tiered wooden flooring
allows seating to be both informal (on the floor) and formal (on
chairs) as the occasion demands. The chairs are handcrafted with
wood and jute rope.
Accommodation:
Quietude
Adjacent to the main
campus sits Quietude, a
black and white bungalow
that accommodates up
to 10 guests in single
rooms. Set amidst rolling
lawns, with lily-filled ponds on either side, the environment and
ambience reflects its name.
Furnished with steel, cane
and stone, each room in
Quietude is named after a
quality such as Progress,
Joy, Sincerity that is meant
to serve as a mantra for
the person staying in that
room.

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The Gnostic Centre
Wi-Fi connectivity is available in the rooms and also in the
shared community space Harmony which has a pantry equipped
with a fridge, microwave, and an electric kettle. All rooms are air-
conditioned and have solar-heated water.
Alchemy: Café, Gym and Yoga Studio
As the name suggests, the food from the Café and the exercise at
the Gym, can magically transform one’s physical body.
The Café has a wide
variety of food made
with organically
grown ingredients,
from herbal teas
and infusions to
muffins and crepes.
Tables shaded with
cheerfully striped
umbrellas are set on
a lawn overlooking
trees that are half-a-century old. Hanging bamboo planters with
herbs such as thyme, parsley and basil surround the outdoor
sitting area.
The Gym is well equipped with treadmills, cross-trainer, multi-
gym, weights, exercise balls etc.
The Yoga Studio has specially designed yoga mats and a sports
flooring making it suitable for Yogasanas, Aerobics, Tai-chi and
other free hand and floor exercises.
With a view of greenery, natural light floods both spaces giving
users a feel of being out in the open while exercising in air-
conditioned comfort.

30

http://tw.gnostic.in; www.gnostic.in

Travelling Within Retreat

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