The picture above is of the lake in the Himalayas which, according to legend, the swan flies to and feeds on pearls of bliss. Meditation helps us to discover the pearls of bliss hidden deep within the heart.

The aim of meditation is to connect with deeper realms of being within oneself. It makes it possible to find rest, to recharge oneself and meet life with greater energy and happiness.

“Through meditation I feel a connection to the wider universe around ‘me’ and more and more begin to experience an inner peace which I can keep returning to regardless of the tumult in my own head and in the world around me.” - University administrator

Meditation is not a quick fix. Slowly but steadily it works to transform life.

“Meditation is the single most useful thing I ever came across. Over time its practice has helped me to see the movements of my mind more clearly, free from my ideas about them. In my experience it eliminates fear and produces freedom to act more naturally.” - Design engineer

Students in the School have been practising mantra meditation for over 60 years.

Throughout that time, invaluable advice has been received from two great exponents of non-dual philosophy and meditation, Shri Shantananda Saraswati and his successor, Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati.

The meditation is introduced in a traditional way. Students are asked to make a donation, which is how it has been possible to make it available for over 60 years. The advised sum presently is £150. This may be less in case of hardship or more if desired. The intention is that the donation be generous, according to people’s circumstances.

Students in the School are introduced to the practice in the second year, or earlier if they wish. After the second year, meditation, as introduced in the School, is a necessary part of the ongoing philosophy courses as it helps to give deeper experience of the ideas discussed.