June 6–8, 2025 | Vellimalai Hills
In the serene and spiritually charged environment of Nithyavanam at the Vellimalai hills , a deeply transformative Advanced Meditation Retreat was conducted from June 6th to 8th, as part of unified Wisdom movement ,bringing together over 31 committed participants—ranging in age from 22 to 70—who had been consistently practicing foundational meditation for anywhere between four months to over five years.
This immersive retreat was structured and facilitated by Thillai Senthil Prabhu, an experienced yoga teacher and founder of the Ananda Chaitanya Foundation. The program was also a special initiative of the Foundation in alignment with International Yoga Day (IDY) 2025 celebrations. Notably, it was one of the ten signature events (SE10) recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH and organized in collaboration with the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) as part of the national movement to deepen the impact of yoga-based living.
The retreat marked a major milestone as participants were initiated into Chaitanya Swarupa Meditation (CSM)—a powerful yogic process developed by Thillai Senthil Prabhu that trains practitioners to observe and transcend the mind, enabling them to glimpse the pure Chaitanya Swarupa, the ever-present conscious reality within. This core principle lies at the heart of Yoga Darshana, where self-realization is not a concept but a living, experiential state.
Over the three days, participants engaged in advanced meditative practices and were led through profound explorations of Samkhya and Yoga philosophies, with an emphasis on the four states of human experience—Jagrata (waking), Swapna (dream), Sushupti (deep sleep), and Turiya (the transcendental and foundation of all states). Not only were these states studied, but participants were guided in methods to access and abide in the subtle awareness of Turiya—a rare and sacred opportunity.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Vellimalai’s hills, the retreat created a powerful field of silence and awareness, allowing each participant to deepen their personal sadhana and align with the inner goal of yoga—not merely asana or breath, but the realization of one’s true nature.
Ananda Chaitanya Foundation continues to offer such profound programs aimed at reviving the authentic yogic spirit in modern times. This advanced meditation retreat stood as a shining example of how ancient wisdom for modern times , when practiced with sincerity and structure, can lead to tangible inner transformation.
