Meditation Centers in India- Courses, Classes, Retreats and Workshops

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India has an age-old history of yogis and saints doing meditation, called ‘dhyaan’ in Hindi. We all know that Lord Buddha meditated under a banyan tree for 14 days and gained enlightenment. It is a well-established fact that through meditation, we are able to maintain healthy body and mind. When higher levels of meditation is reached, we are able to tread different dimensions of consciousness. There is no limit to discovery using the path of meditation.

For beginners and advanced level meditation practitioners, there are many meditation centers in India which offer suitable courses. The method of teaching meditation might vary from one ashram to another. While you have mindfulness meditation being offered by some, Buddhist, Vipassana, Osho or Isha meditation styles might be taught by others. All of these ashrams offer a chance to go deeper into spiritual practice away from the distractions of outside world.

Do check for the various courses and schedule of meditation classes offered by these best meditation schools in India. Contact details of these centers are provided as well.

This is just an indicative list and is based on a feedback from the valued readers. Feel free to contact us, if you feel we have missed out on any of the best and upcoming centres and ashrams that should be on the list.

1/16. Osho Ashram | Pune, Maharashtra

The main aim of Osho Ashram Pune is to combine self-understanding with awareness techniques, to bring about quick and intense changes. Way ahead of his time, Osho was India’s most controversial spiritual leader, misunderstood because of his views on varied subjects including Sex.

The Ashram having shed its mysterious image, the luxurious Ashram is like any other ashram that helps time and space for people to work towards gaining inner tranquility and to explore themselves. Most of the courses offered here are directed towards healing from traumatic past experiences and inner development.

Some of the Courses offered: Huge ranges of multi-diversity courses are offered including Tantra, Zen, Sufism, Meditative therapies, Esoteric sciences, Creative arts etc.

Address:	Osho International Meditation Resort 17 Koregaon Park Pune MS 411 001 INDIA
Phone:	+91 20 6601 9999
Fax:	+91 20 6601 9990
Online:	www.osho.com

2/16. The Art of living Ashram | Bangalore, Karnataka

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded this ashram, in1981. It is famous across the world for its stress-elimination and self-development programs, which are based mainly on breathing techniques (pranayama), yoga postures and meditation.

Art of Living is a voluntary organization and besides imparting education on yoga, it also undertakes various initiatives aimed at women empowerment, uplifting humanity and improving quality of human life.

Art of Living Ashram offers a perfect place for people from all religious backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural traditions.

Some of the Courses offered: Art of living I and II, Art of living Yoga, Meditation, Happiness program, Corporate programs and workshops, Employee rejuvenation program, Vedic Math and Youth training courses.

Address:	Office of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living International Center, 21st KM, Kanakapura Road, Udaypura, Bangalore South, Karnataka – 560082, India
Phone: Fax :	+91 8067612345 +91 80 2843 2833
Email:	secretariat@artofliving.org
Online:	https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/ashram/india

3/16. Isha Foundation Ashram | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Isha foundation Coimbatore, founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudeva in 1992, is a non-profit organization. The ashram is located on 150 acres of lush green foothills of the Vellangiri Mountains near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Isha foundation is a human service organization, which recognizes the capacity of each person to empower another.

The foundation activity of the ashram is a customized system of yoga called Isha yoga, which is a combination of ancient yoga with modern methodology, aiming at physical, mental and psychological wellbeing.

Besides yoga, it also implements various large-scale projects like: Action for rural rejuvenation, Project green hands, Isha vidhya among others.

A few Courses offered: One/two week’s program on Inner engineering and Isha yoga. Other courses offered are Yoga for children, advanced Meditation programs, sacred treks and Mind and Body retreats.

Address:	Isha Institute of Inner Sciences Isha Yoga Center Velliangiri Foothills Ishana Vihar Post, Coimbatore – 641 114 India
Phone:	+91 83000 83111
Email:	info@ishayoga.org
Online:	www.ishayoga.org

4/16. Sathya Sai Organization | Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh

The main objective of this Ashram is to help people to recognize the divinity in them.

The spiritual leaders teachings encourage a focus on God while leading a moral and righteous life.

People coming to the ashram are healed by an “incarnation of god”.

Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of supreme peace is the ashram of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, located in the anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh in south India.

A few Courses offered: There is a daily program of Vedic chanting, Bhajans (devotional songs), Spiritual talks, Aarti and Disccusions.

Address:	Accommodation Office, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh – 515134, India.
Phone:	(+91)- 8555-287390 Extn 208
Email:	enquiry@prasanthinilayam.in
Online:	www.sathyasai.org

5/16. The Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram | Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Home of the Great and revered Sage Ramana Maharishi, this ashram is located at the foothills of the sacred mountain Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu).

One of the most sacred and revered ashrams in India, this ashram has everything that a spiritual seeker needs.

The main motive of this ashram is self-inquiry as a path to liberation. Everyday devotees gather at the ashram to Meditate, pray and chant holy Mantras. Although Sri Maharshi attained Maha Samadhi in 1950, people from all over the world still came here to be transformed by his silent presence.

It is recommended to walk around Mt. Arunanchala at least once during your stay at the ashram, preferably during the full moon day. Book a room at least 3 months in advance, if you wish to stay at the ashram.

A few Courses offered: Ashram offers activities like Meditation, Worship, Vedic chanting and Group readings and discussions.

Address:	Sri Ramanasramam Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606 603 India
Phone:	+91- 4175-237200, 237400, 236624
Email:	ashram@gururamana.org
Online:	www.sriramanamaharshi.org

6/16. Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram | Amritapuri, Kerala

At this ashram you are not only going to meet the popular guru of India “AMMA”, fondly known as hugging mother, the mother of all, but also receives her “Darshan”, a loving hug that is reported to change people’s life.

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi focuses on overcoming the lack of love and compassion in the world. Residents of ashram have dedicated their lives in helping humanity.

People around the world are welcome in the ashram to come and stay, and take part in ashram’s daily activities. We recommend pre-checking and registering in advance owing to a very busy schedule of Amma.

Darshans (audiences) are held with Amma at 10 am on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

A few Courses offered: Integrated Amrita Meditation technique (20 minute of yoga, pranayama and meditation). Other activities like morning and evening meditation; prayers and service are all integral part of everyday program.

Address:	Mata Amritanandamayi Math Amritapuri PO, Kollam Kerala, India, 690546.
Phone: Fax:	+91-476-289-7578, +91-476-289-6399 +91-476-2897678
Email:	Contact the website
Online:	www.amritapuri.org

7/16. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram | Neyyar Dam, Kerala

Founded by Swami Visnudevananda, Sivananda Vedanta Ashram Neyyer Dam is one of the most popular ashram in India to understand the Indian way of living. This Ashram offers the ancient Indian lifestyle with an integral approach to yoga including Raja yoga, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga and Jnana yoga.

Sivananda Ashram offers a yoga vacation program for people staying in ashram for at least three days and wishes to adhere to the daily schedule of yoga and bhakti. Yoga teacher training courses for one month is also offered at the ashram.

Ashrams are located in different locations in India and also worldwide.

A few Courses offered: Ashrams offer a wide range of courses on Yoga and related topics. Two intensive hatha yoga classes per day are scheduled everyday. Ayurveda wellness course, the practical ayurveda cooking workshop, fasting and detoxification program are integral part of courses offered at the ashram.

Address:	Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram PO Neyyar Dam, Trivandrum, Kerala 695 572
Phone:	M : +919495630951
Email:	guestindia@sivananda.org
Online:	sivananda.org.in/neyyardam/

8/16. Parmarth Niketan Ashram | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Parmarth Niketan Ashram Rishikesh is the largest ashram in Rishikesh and provides a clean, poise and pure atmosphere to the thousands of devotees coming from all corners of the world.

It is open to all visitors with no discrimination o the basis of caste, religious beliefs, upbringing and nationality.

Frequent camps on intensive courses on yoga, meditation, pranayama, stress management, acupressure and other ancient yogic practices are conducted regularly.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram also conducts one of the biggest Yoga festival called International Yoga Festival every year in the month of March.

A few Courses offered: Daily practice of Vinayasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra remains the integral part of the course. Activities like morning universal prayers, Meditation classes, daily lectures and discussions, world-renowned Ganga aarti at sunset are attended by hundreds of devotees’ everyday. Nature cure and Ayurveda treatment and training are also part of daily activities.

Address:	Parmarth Niketan Ashram P.O. Swargashram, Rishikesh (Himalayas) Uttarakhand – 249304, India
Phone: Fax:	(0135) 2434301, 2434302 M: 7830060088 (Add +91 if calling from outside India) (0135) 2440066
Email:	Contact the website
Online:	www.parmarth.org

9/16. Bihar School of Yoga | Rikhia, Jharkhand

Founded by Satyananda Saraswati in Bihar in 1963, Bihar School of Yoga, Rikhia has a relatable look at the Purist and traditional Yoga.

If you are looking for a more intense, challenging and transformative experience then this is a place where you can indulge in a four months yogic studies course.

Any one, from a beginner to an advanced yogi can join and gain benefit from the courses offered in the ashram. It teaches yoga from Vedanta, Upanishads, tantric and other ancient philosophies including Yoga.

A few Courses offered: Bihar School of Yoga teaches a comprehensive Yoga philosophy teachers training course. Two main courses offered are (1) Yogic studies 4 months (2) Yogic lifestyle and science 3 months.

Address:	Rikhiapeeth P.O. Rikhia Dist. Deoghar, Jharkhand, 814113 India.
Phone:	+91 9102699831
Email:	rikhiapeeth@gmail.com
Online:	www.biharyoga.net

10/16. Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya | Mt Abu, Rajasthan

Brahma Kumari Ashram Mount Abu is a unique spiritual and value based educational institution. The vidyalaya and the institutions created by it, aims at establishing a value based society.

It focuses on human potential development with bringing harmony in human relationships.

It also educates people to change their attitudes and outlook in promoting the spirit of brotherhood, love and co-operation

This institution welcomes all people irrespective of their caste, creed, age, background, religion and nationality.

A few Courses offered: Many courses are offered at the center from time to time some examples of courses offered are: Stress free living, Self development leadership, Time and task management, Building interpersonal relationship, Rajyoga meditation, Overcoming anger and ego.

Address:	Spiritual Headquarters Pandav Bhawan Post Box No 2 Mount Abu 307501 Rajasthan
Phone:	(91) 2974 238261 to 68
Email:	abu@bkivv.org
Online:	www.brahmakumaris.org

11/16. Matrimandir, Auroville | Pondicherry

Auroville is a city situated in Puducherry and State of Tamil Nadu. The purpose of the city is to realize human unity and transformation of consciousness. The Matrimandir, a golden globe crystal structure is at the center of the city. This area is also called the Peace area and it also has gardens, amphitheatre and Urn of Human Unity which has soil from 121 nations of the world.

Visitors to Matrimandir inside central area are expected to remain silent and meditate, though this is not where meditation classes are organized. People are required to be silent and learn to concentrate.

There are 12 rooms for meditation, each representing a virtue and painted with a color resembling it.

The concept of the city is based on galaxy which signifies relation between human consciousness and cosmos. Also, there are programs and workshops on integral yoga and evolution, which, along with meditation avenues, allow people to discover the unison of body and mind with soul.

Through meditation, integral yoga, sustainable and environmental practices and by being creative, people are expected to be in tune with nature and cosmos.

Address:	Vilupurram District, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry
Phone:
Email:	vani@auroville.org.in; avi@auroville.org.in
Online:	www.auroville.org

12/16. Vipassana International Academy, Igatpuri

Vipassana is a way of meditation which has been practiced in India since the last 2500 years. This center teaches Vipassana as is taught by Shri S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. To begin with the meditation process, the learner is asked to focus on breath. As the awareness sharpens, there is greater self-realization. With this self-observation, slowly the self-purification process begins.

The center offers a standard 10 day course in Vipassana Meditation. Besides, there are long term courses of 20 days, 30 days, 45 days and 60 days which are held in the Tapovan center of the Institute. The long term courses can be joined only on meeting certain conditions. For example, these can be joined by those old students who have finished at least five 10 day courses, one Satipatthana Sutta course, provided the Dhamma service at least once in 10 day course period and have been practicing Vipassana for last 2 years.

Address:	Dhamma Giri Igatpuri 422 403, District Nasik
Phone:	+91-2553-244076/86, 244144, 244440
Email:	info.giri@vridhamma.org
Online:	www.giri.dhamma.org

13/16. Krishnamurti Foundation, Chennai

Late Shri Jiddu Krishnamurti was profound thinker and spiritual leader. His work has spanned across psychology, nature of mind, meditation, relations among humans and bringing positive change in society. For Krishnamurthy meditation is not a practice, not a prayer, not a method to control thoughts, not about learning how to concentrate and not a spiritual sojourn as well.

According to his teachings, meditation is the state of awareness with which we meet life every day. According to his practice of meditation, which is a concept close to mindfulness meditation, by only watching one’s actions, thoughts and emotions, without making efforts to alter those, brings calm to mind. His meditation is also about being aware of relationship and action.

The foundation provides ample books and videos on his teachings. The education programs here also dwell on meditation.

Address:	Vasanta Vihar, 124 Greenways Road, RA Puram, Chennai – 600 028
Phone:	91-44-24937803 /24937596.
Email:	info@kfionline.org
Online:	www.kfionline.org

14/16. Transcendental Meditation, Delhi

Transcendental Meditation has been made famous by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, though he himself learnt it from Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath- His Divinity Swami Brahmanand Saraswati. Transcendental Meditation is way of accessing deeper states of mental awareness by calming down the mind. It takes your consciousness to the level of source of thought. There is no effort made but it happens automatically. Once the meditators reach that level, they experience infinite bliss, creativity and intelligence.

The organization has many centers around India and globe which can be joined for learning how to do transcendental meditation. There is an introductory class of about 2 hours which deals with the history, usefulness, differentiation from other meditations and scientific research basis for this meditation. Thereafter, there are continuous sessions for 4 days. The Day 1 is a personal one-to-one session between the instructor and the learner. On rest of the days, small group sessions are held. At last, there is a follow-up session of 1 hr.

Address:	Multiple centers
Phone:	91-8800345408
Email:	info@indiatm.org
Online:	indiatm.org

15/16. Root Institute, Bodh Gaya

The Root Institute of Wisdom Culture in Bodh Gaya was set up 1988 by Kabir Saxena after a visit from Tenzin Osle in 1987. Besides teaching meditation in the Buddhist tradition, the center also has Shakyamuni Buddha Health Care Clinic, Maitreya School of Universal Education, Stupa Garden of Compassion and organizes the annual event of Festival of Lights and Merit (FLAM).

Among the courses, discourses and retreats organized by the center, Mindfulness Meditation course holds significance. This is mindfulness retreat wherein learners are taken to Mahabodhi Stupa. The students are taught how to focus on breath initially and then gradually move inwards being mindful of awareness of awareness.

Besides learning meditation, you also know Buddhist way of life and participate in social service activities of the center.

Address:	PO Bodhgaya, Gaya District, Bihar 824231 India
Phone:	+91 (631) 2200 714
Email:	Contact form on website
Online:	www.rootinstitute.ngo

16/16. Tushita Meditation Center, Dharamsala

The word ‘Tushita’ means ‘the place of joy’. Tushita Meditation Center was set up as Tushita Retreat Center in 1972 in a colonial house in McLeodganj in Dharamsala. The center is one of the foremost centers in India for Buddhist learning, including their way of meditation.

The center offers introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in Buddhism to the students. It also offers online courses which are run by use of video conferencing. It provides drop-in classes, group retreats and short courses in Buddhism and meditation. The Science of Happiness Through Meditation and Healing and Transforming Emotions are two popular regularly run courses by the Tushita Meditation Center.

By enrolling in these courses, you get answers to many queries relating to meditation, from common queries such as how to meditate to intermediate and advanced uses of meditations in treating various illnesses.

Check out the various courses, schedules and other information about the center and its activities at its website.

Address:	Dharamkot, McLeod Ganj, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176219, India
Phone:	(+91) 8988 160988
Email:	Contact form on website
Online:	www.tushita.info

The article is an overview of top and popular Yoga Meditation Ashrams in India where thousands of tourists across the world come to experience peace and tranquility through Yoga and Meditation. Please do your due diligence before enrolling into any of the programs/retreats and centers.

A writers note: I get emails inquiring about the safety, comforts and legitimacy of some of the ashrams in India. I also get a whole lot of emails inquiring about “what are the affordable and peaceful retreats”, “how to join an ashram”, “I want to live in an ashram”, “how can I join ashrams without money?”, “which are the peaceful ashrams in India?”… The list of these enquires is increasing everyday.

I always suggest to these seekers to do the due dilligence and contact the respective ashrams directly and/or read the experiences/blogs posted by people who have already found answers to these queries.

Needless to say, you can always write to me, I will try and give you an honest and unbiased feedback, based on my experience. All the Best!