Be at peace in Soul Nest

Susheela Nair

TUCKED away from the din and bustle, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is Soul Nest, a luxury resort on the premises of Pyramid Valley International, a globally renowned meditation centre nestling amid a serene locale of rocky terrain and lush valleys. I was yearning to be far from the madding crowd and traffic snarls of Bengaluru city.

I hibernated here for two days amid the soothing gentleness of unhurried activity and recharged my weary body and frayed nerves. The sprawling 40-acre Pyramid Valley is a gift to Bengaluru from the new-age Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement (PSSM).

I could sense positive vibes as I entered the open lounge surrounded by a sprawling garden with a profusion of indigenous plants and carefully nurtured trees.  Adding to the verdant ambience of this pastoral paradise was a small waterbody. The first thing that caught my attention were four gigantic swing cots hanging from the ceiling in this aesthetically designed lounge.  If you are the sedentary type, you can recline in one of the cots with your favourite book and disengage from the world. You can unwind in this lobby and soak in the peaceful and serene atmosphere. Or indulge in a game of chess or other board games. 

After a quick check-in, I was ushered into my room. It provided privacy with creature comforts sans any false notes of opulence. The interiors are minimalist, plaid upholstery and bedspreads. Some of the rooms overlook a central open atrium with greenery while others face a rock garden.

If you want more than the sylvan surroundings, there are several activities to choose from. You can go on a guided nature walk or a trek. Avid birdwatchers can indulge in birdwatching on the premises. Bonfires, trekking and kayaking are all part of the great outdoors here. Visits to an organic farm and Nandavan Gaushala are other activities one can savour here. At the adventure zone, I tried my hand at archery and target shooting while my friend opted to slide down a mega slide. And if you need to drain away the stress in your tired muscles, chill out with a refreshing massage at their Ayurvedic centre. If you are looking for nothing more than peace you can put your feet up and gaze at the surrounding hills, forests and peaceful environs.

There’s also an open-air amphitheatre that can accommodate about 10,000 people, which is as good as any concert venue in India. The place hosts regular summer camps for children, workshops and seminars on meditation and spirituality. After experiencing the varied activities, I headed to the meditation centre. A statue of the Buddha in meditation at the entrance of the Pyramid itself leads to an ideal setting to be with oneself.

The Pyramid, a meditation centre, is a symbol of peace  and love 

This towering, slate-grey, stately mass of concrete and steel is acclaimed as the world’s largest meditation pyramid. The founder of Pyramid Valley, Brahmarshi Patriji, had set up this place so that people could collaborate and work towards one common goal — of peace and love.

With a base area of 160 x 160 feet, the Pyramid soars 102 feet in height. The north face has murals depicting air, the south portrays fire, the west shows earth and the east is devoted to water. The vast space inside the pyramid is representative of the fifth element, space. It receives maximum energy inside the pyramid. The spiral and vibrant King’s Chamber is the most energetic spot of the Pyramid. It stands 34 feet tall and can accommodate 40 people at a time for meditation.

I found the design, influenced by the pyramids at Giza, Egypt, the oldest of the world’s seven wonders, simple yet inspiring.

Set to mathematical precision, over 640 natural Himalayan crystals are fitted inside the meditation hall to amplify the Pyramid’s energy and help achieve a more profound spiritual experience. The Pyramid illustrates Lord Buddha’s facets. The lower hall, also known as the base of the Pyramid, has striking murals of the Buddha and various other components pertaining to Buddhism. One can gaze at the reclining Buddha, a cement wall mural with an antique bronze finish. The end of the mural showcases the Buddha in meditation. I found the intense energy and stillness of the place penetrating.

“Pyramids are storehouses of energy. Their geometric design collects, radiates and stores cosmic energy. Meditation done inside a pyramid or underneath it is called Pyramid Meditation. And it is three times more powerful than usual meditation,” explained one of the devotees.

And, after experiencing meditation here, I realized that pyramids do indeed help to reduce the level of stress and tension in the physical body, a must in today’s world. I returned recharged, relaxed and reconnected.