Anand Vihar Retreat, Badlapur
J.Krishnamurti Self Education Society

Almost a decade ago a small beginning was made. In a relatively unknown village of Rahtoli, a small modest structure, built to house an electrical pump was constructed. Small groups have been gathering here periodically to discuss the teachings of J.Krishnamurti. The gatherings have been held on weekends and people from different walks of life have attended them.

A sense of space is the first thing that strikes the city goers. The stark, barren, overgrazed landscape is the next thing that one observes. The distant hills and one particular hill with a temple are clearly visible from the retreat. One solitary road that winds its way towards the Barvi dam breaks the pattern of the landscape. An occasional vehicle interrupts the silence which pervades the atmosphere, probably a gentle reminder of the terrain one has left behind.

For city-tuned eardrums the silence is palpable. It is noticeably strange. The pace of life here is distinctly slower. The evenings of Badlapur are magical. The landscape is bathed in the golden yellow of the setting sun and one can sit or walk alone to sense the beauty of the moment. The sounds of the breeze and the birds are so refreshing. If you are lucky you might spot a lone kingfisher sitting still in quiet contemplation.

That’s what occurs to you the most, the stillness. Most of our misery, it is said, stems from our inability to be still. We are such activity driven people that the thought of doing nothing is scary. As long as we are occupied in material or spiritual pursuits we seem to maintain our sanity. What would you do if you went there, singly or in a group?

You have an opportunity to Retreat from all that you are used to doing back home. An opportunity to explore latent fears, reactions, boredom and loneliness. A chance to look at relationships in a completely new way. To confront oneself with questions like Can selfishness and fear be ended completely?