Hello, my name is Shourya, and I am writing this to share my reflections and involvement with the Krishnamurti Retreat Centre, Jalna, during my four-month stay in the latter part of 2025. This note is mainly about my relationship with the place, the activities and development work that took place while I was present on the campus, and briefly about the vision.

Nature, Accommodation & Personal Connect
The quiet life in the mountains stood in sharp contrast to the pace, comfort, and constant stimulation of fast living that I was used to. Over a period of a few weeks, there was a steady slowing down. This was not only psychological but deeply physical, which felt as a gradual calming of the nervous system.

Living close to nature for an extended period made it clear how neglected this relationship had become in my life. My relationship with nature here was no longer an idea but an active presence, quietly nourishing.

Living in different parts of the retreat campus- the main cottage, the outdoor spaces, and the hermit huts, made it clear how much surroundings can affect the body and the mind. These differences could be felt quite distinctly.

Interestingly, the variety of accommodation options challenged the usual pattern of comfort without any sense of imposition. Having such a range of stay options broke the artificial uniformity generally seen in retreats, ashrams, and yoga spaces. The upcoming glass house reflects that same intent, and I am grateful to have watched it emerge from its earliest stages.

Senses, Routine & Integration
The daily rhythm naturally brought attention to simple physical actions such as eating, cooking, washing utensils, working with the hands, talking, and spending time outdoors. What I found interesting was that when these actions were done without haste, they brought a sense of grounding and quiet order, and the mind did not feel the need to constantly engage in psychological activity. It is difficult to articulate this, but such simple actions could be very meditative if one’s mind was not constantly circling itself – not eating its own tail. This aspect, though it sounds simple, was very important for me to realise.

Also, I appreciate how there was no pressure to move quickly or follow rigid rules at Jalna. I hope this quality is preserved in the future for upcoming volunteers as well.

Human Relationships, Conflicts & the Larger Picture
While living and working closely with others, the retreat made visible the mind’s tendency to withdraw, seek comfort in isolation, or get caught in words. Along with many warm and cooperative moments, conflicts also arose, often from habitual ways of speaking and reacting. Not every conflict was resolved but working with others became less about harmony and more about staying present to friction, without escaping.

The retreat quietly challenged one to stay attentive, not be carried away by reactions, and to keep a broader perspective while working with others.

December organised retreat
My time with guests and involvement in the month long retreat programme highlighted the need for both silence and dialogue.
It also made clear how difficult genuine dialogue was, as it required vulnerability. In group settings, vulnerability was not easy, and there was always the risk of discussions becoming intellectual rather than truly exploratory.
The retreat also revealed how rarely real inquiry takes place, as many conditions need to come together for it to happen.

Engagement
During my stay, I participated in small everyday tasks that supported the functioning of the retreat. This involved engagement with the glass house construction team, thatch roof installation team, attending to routine maintenance across the campus, and contributing to small creative tasks in the kitchen.

Vision
What I value most about the Jalna Retreat Centre is the lightness with which it functions as an institution. There is a sense of care, warmth, and informality that makes it feel like a home rather than a formal centre.
To be part of an institution without being inwardly weighed down by it is not easy, but this quality feels central to the spirit of Jalna and very important to preserve in the future.

Thank you for reading.