Shakti's Musings & Travelogue

I ventured to Pune for my ex-colleague’s daughter’s reception, and in a bold move of spontaneity, I decided to stick around for an extra 2.5 days to dabble in some sightseeing. Little did I know, my grand tour would lead me straight to Osho’s Meditation Center in Koregaon Park! Who knew exploring could turn into a quest for inner peace—and possibly a search for my own sanity?

The day began with Nataraj Meditation, which, as the name suggests, is all about the uplifting energy of dance. It’s a joyful form of meditation where all inner divisions dissolve, allowing a subtle, relaxed awareness to flow in. The meditation lasts for 65 minutes, with the first 40 minutes dedicated to dancing freely to the music with our eyes closed, as if we’re completely immersed in the experience. The key is to let go of any control over our movements and sway joyfully with the rhythm. The second stage invites us to lie down still on the floor for 20 minutes, embracing tranquility. Finally, in the last 5 minutes, we engage in a dance of celebration. I have always been a tremendous fan of dance, believing it to be one of the most profound forms of meditation because, at the peak of the dance, the dancer fades away, and only the dance remains, creating a sense of pure bliss.

Before the next meditation, I took the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful 20 minutes of silent sitting in the hall, which really prepared me for the day ahead. After that, I headed to the cafeteria for a delightful lunch. At 3:15 pm, I joined the Nadabrahma meditation, a joyful experience filled with humming and the gentle movement of hands along with the music. This practice beautifully aims to bring harmony to our entire being. The first stage lasts for 30 minutes, where we sit in a relaxed position with our eyes closed and lips together. Humming together, loud enough to resonate with others, creates wonderful vibrations that fill our bodies. In yoga, when we chant OM repeatedly, those vibrations help us envision ourselves as vessels filled with the energies of humming. It’s amazing how we become pure listeners to this beautiful sound! The next 15 minutes are spent moving our hands in an outward circular motion, palms up, starting from the navel and gradually extending outward, creating two large circles that mirror each other, left and right. This slow, deliberate movement is so calming that it may seem like there’s no movement at all at times. Ultimately, this whole process is about channeling energy into the universe. For the next 7.5 minutes, we turn our hands palm down and gently move them in the opposite direction, bringing the universe’s energy inward, closer to our bodies. Finally, in the last 15 minutes, we pause the hand movements and simply sit back, relaxed, with our eyes closed. The goal is to unify our body and mind, becoming more attuned observers of our inner selves.

After a rejuvenating break of 1.5 hours, I joyfully embrace my Kundalini Meditation, a beautiful journey of unwinding and letting go. This uplifting experience lasts for 1.5 hours and features 4 dynamic stages. The first stage, lasting 15 minutes, invites us to loosen our bodies, shaking up and down with the lively music, as we feel positive energies radiating from our feet. In the second stage, we are free to dance however we wish, whether it’s jumping with joy or swirling like the Sufis! The third stage, another 15 minutes, calls for us to stand still, keeping our eyes closed, as we observe the wonderful sensations happening within. Finally, we relish the last 15 minutes lying down with our eyes closed, embracing stillness and tranquility.

One exciting aspect to highlight is the two beautiful outfits we get to wear. Throughout the day, we don the elegant maroon robe, which brings a sense of unity and pride. Then, as the evening approaches, we have the delightful opportunity to switch into a stunning white robe for the Evening Meeting, adding a touch of celebration to our gathering!

The highlight of the day is The Evening Meeting, a wonderful time for dance, celebration, and reflection. The meeting kicks off with vibrant, high-energy music that invites everyone to dance with complete abandon—it’s a joyful explosion of energy! You can express yourself in any style that resonates with you as you harness the energy within. Every few minutes, the music pauses, giving everyone the chance to shout “Hoo” or “Osho” joyfully while raising hands to the stars, symbolizing our yearning for higher consciousness. After three spirited shouts, we enter a peaceful silence, leading into Gibberish (a delightful way to clear the mind and release habitual inner chatter) and Let-go (a blissful moment to lie back and embrace total stillness and relaxation). This segment starts with electrifying drum beats and enchanting Indian music. Following our time of quiet reflection, we enjoy Osho video, designed to inspire creativity rather than impart traditional lessons.

Day 2 began bright and early at 6:00 AM with the exhilarating Dynamic Meditation, a favorite among all who participate. It lasts for 1 hour and consists of 5 invigorating stages, during which everyone keeps their eyes closed. The first stage, lasting 10 minutes, involves breathing chaotically through the nose, allowing for an intense, deep, and fast rhythm that focuses beautifully on the exhalation. The second stage, also 10 minutes, invites self-expression through joyful screams, laughter, dancing, or any other way to let go and embrace freedom. The third stage is an energizing experience, jumping up and down while shouting “Hoo, Hoo, Hoo” as loudly as possible until the music pauses, encouraging participants to push their limits. During the fourth stage, you freeze in the last position you found yourself in when the music stopped, taking a moment to witness the energy around you with a sense of calm awareness. The final stage is a wonderful celebration, bringing everyone together once again with uplifting music and joyful dance.

The rest of the day presents a wonderful opportunity to explore meditation sessions that resonate with your interests, whether it’s the calming vibes of Devavani, the serenity of Gourishankar, the creativity of Mandala, the joy of Whirling, the balance of Chakra, or the depth of Mahamudra. Additionally, there are engaging one-on-one sessions available, including the rejuvenating practices of Tai Chi and Chi Gong, all designed to uplift and empower you!

In all, I had a blast! It was totally worth my while to dive into the wacky world of new experiences, and honestly, I’d love to do it at every chance I get—because who needs a boring routine when you can spice up life with a little adventure?