History · Geography and terrain · Other information · Join us
Anand Vihar is a small, simple retreat in the countryside of Thane district, looked after by the J. Krishnamurti Self Education Society, Mumbai. It is a place to stay quietly in nature and look into one’s own life in the light of J. Krishnamurti’s teachings.
History of Anand Vihar
The J. Krishnamurti Self Education Society was formed in the early nineties by friends living in and around Mumbai. They met regularly, held discussions and organised gatherings, with the aim of sharing Krishnamurti’s teachings and giving people interested in them a quiet, simple place close to nature to reflect.
Anand Vihar began with a small, modest structure built to house an electrical pump, in the then little-known village of Rahtoli. Small groups started gathering there on weekends to discuss the teachings, and people from many walks of life have joined them since.
Geography and terrain
A sense of space is the first thing visitors from the city notice. The land is open, with distant hills all around, and one hill with a temple clearly visible from the retreat. A single road winds towards the Barvi dam, and an occasional vehicle is all that breaks the silence.
The retreat is on Boradpada Road, near Ashtang Yoga Hospital, in Jambhilghar, Badlapur (West), PIN 421503. Like the rest of the region, it has hot summers, heavy rain during the monsoon (roughly June to September), when the land turns green, and pleasant, cooler winters.
Other important information
- The retreat has three twin cottages, a dining hall and a meditation room.
- Krishnamurti’s books and recordings of his talks are available to read and watch during your stay.
- Weekend gatherings are held every month.
- New to retreats? Read What would I do if I go for a retreat?
Join us / volunteer
Anand Vihar is kept going by people who give their time and skills. If you would like to help, whether with IT, administration, maintenance, the gardens, the kitchen, organising retreats or anything else, please tell us a little about yourself below.