Quote of the day
Truth is a pathless land.
J. Krishnamurti · Ommen, Holland, 3 August 1929
Start with a question
No need to begin with a biography or a long essay. Begin with what is going on in your life.
About Anand Vihar
Krishnamurti felt that many people, because of the distractions of work, family and daily life, find it hard to give themselves fully to the teachings. Retreats like Anand Vihar are set in places of natural beauty and quiet, where one can look at oneself in the light of his teachings.
Anand Vihar began simply. In the village of Rahtoli, a small building made to house an electric pump became a place where small groups met on weekends to talk about Krishnamurti’s teachings. People from many walks of life have come ever since.
Visitors from the city first notice the sense of space: open land, distant hills, a temple on one hilltop, and a single road winding towards the Barvi dam. An occasional vehicle is all that breaks the silence.
J.Krishnamurti Self Education Society
The J.Krishnamurti Self Education Society, Mumbai is an organization formed in the early nineties by friends residing in and around the city of Mumbai. They have been meeting, holding discussions, and conducting gatherings for the last several years.
The Society was formed with the objective of disseminating the teachings of J.Krishnamurti and to give an opportunity to the people interested in his teachings to stay in a quiet, simple place in proximity to nature and to reflect in solitude about the diverse problems faced by humanity.
The Retreat has three twin cottages, a dining hall, and a meditation room. It has all the books and Video Cassettes of J.Krishnamurti. Monthly weekend gatherings are held.
Life at Anand Vihar
Simple, quiet and close to nature. Here is what you will find during your stay.
Upcoming retreats
Weekend gatherings are held every month, with residential retreats during the year. A group usually watches one of Krishnamurti’s talks together and then explores the questions it raises.
- Next weekend gatheringDates to be announced
- Next residential retreatDates to be announced
Guidelines for guests
We hope your time here offers an opportunity to pause, observe and explore the teachings of J. Krishnamurti. To help keep a comfortable environment for everyone:
- Confirm your dates, accommodation, meals, charges and travel with the retreat contact before you arrive.
- Smoking and alcohol are strictly not allowed anywhere at Anand Vihar during your stay.
- Respect the quiet atmosphere and the time and space of other visitors.
- Follow the instructions for silence, dialogue and scheduled activities during your retreat.
- Use mobile phones discreetly in shared spaces.
- Keep rooms, common areas and natural surroundings clean.
- Ask permission before photographing or recording other visitors.
- Take part in dialogue respectfully: listen without interrupting and let others speak.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get there?
Anand Vihar is in Jambhilghar, Badlapur (W), about 4–5 km from Badlapur railway station on Mumbai’s Central line. From the station, take an auto-rickshaw or shared tuktuk and ask for Ashtang Ashram (Ashtang Yoga Hospital); it is about 15–20 minutes away. See how to reach us from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik and elsewhere.
How do I book, and what does it cost?
Fill in the enquiry form, call +91 90672 15747 or +91 98928 18205, or email jksesbadlapur@gmail.com, and we will confirm dates, accommodation and meals.
Rates are per person per day, whether or not you stay overnight: ₹500 with breakfast and lunch, ₹1,000 with dinner as well. See Rates.
New to this? What happens during a stay?
No experience is needed, of the teachings or of meditation. There is no teacher, method or course.
You may walk in nature, read, watch a recorded talk or join a small group dialogue, with periods of quiet in between; you need not force the mind to be silent. At the monthly weekend gatherings the group watches one of his talks and explores the questions it raises. New here? Read What would I do if I go for a retreat? or start with a question.
What is provided, and what should I bring?
There are three twin cottages, a dining hall, a meditation room, and Krishnamurti’s books and recorded talks. Each guest gets a towel, hand towel, liquid hand soap and bathing soap. See Facilities.
Bring loose, comfortable clothes, walking footwear, a torch, medicines and insect repellent. Summers (March–May) are hot; the monsoon (June–September) is very wet, so bring an umbrella; October–February is pleasant, with cool winter nights. See the seasons.
Are there any rules?
Smoking and alcohol are strictly not allowed anywhere at Anand Vihar. Phones are fine if used discreetly; please ask before photographing or recording other visitors, and use water and other resources thoughtfully. Read the full guest guidelines before you come.