October 6, 2008
Pics by – Prajwal Ukkuda
A three crore meditation centre christened the Sri Krishna Dyana Kendra is fast coming up barely 25 kms away, in the city’s horizons. Nestled atop Mudipu’s tallest mountain peak, with a commanding view of the city, it’s an area abounding in rich native flora and fauna. The upcoming edifice will be made of both steel and glass so as to be in complete harmony with nature. It is being made to blend with its surroundings through its tall turret. The latter, in fact, signifying the objective behind the Dyana Kendra, of binding all religions together in universal love, peace and bliss.
At the Kendra will also be installed a huge Buddha statue in meditative posture and a statue of Lord Krishna, both considered to be symbols of meditation, love and peace. Keeping it august company are IT giant Infoysis, and the city’s best institutions like Mangalore University, engineering institutions, medical colleges and other prestigious organizations.
Madan Mohan Naik
The idea behind the Dyana Kendra has emerged from the pure intent and vision of Dr Madan Mohan Naik. An avid antique collector, a medical doctor by profession and an intrepid politician, Dr. Naik has been indefatigably working behind the scenes to make this dream of his a reality. A dream which he saw as a 10 year old from his home near Mudipu, from where he used to see the mountain top and envision a beatific image which when completed would embrace the stressed out city folk in warmth, peace and bliss.
As a crystallization of that dream, he wanted to provide a meditation centre in a pristine and serene locale far away from the hustle and bustle of city. In a poetic vein he discloses “the breath of a not so distant past dream, fanned me further to build a centre in Dakshina Kanara, based on such a dream.” And adds rather touchingly “I believe, I have exchanged my entire lifetime dreaming about this venture.” Moreover, according to him, he was keen on having a monument which would architecturally put Mangalore city on the world map.
The Dyana Kendra will be dedicated to society, with an objective to inspire people to attain outer and inner peace. On completion it will welcome people from all backgrounds into its fold, irrespective of caste or creed so that they may benefit from its various programs. It will be a place where people can find rest and refuge from the problems of busy modern life and draw inspiration by bonding with others, thereby discovering one’s innate capacities for wisdom and compassion. Dr Naik says “The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this life. It’s only through meditation that you can undertake the journey to discover your true nature and find the stability and confidence needed to live and die well.”
Practically speaking the Meditation Center will be offering a setting for practicing meditation and studying other ancient forms of yoga. There is a famous quotation in the Bhagavad Gita (Chap. 6:20) which states "In the still mind, in the depths of meditation, the Self reveals itself ". This statement identifies both the process and the objective of meditation - stilling the mind in order to experience one’s inherent divinity. The everyday human mind is a whirlpool of fleeting thoughts and sensations, which dissipate one’s energies and create a veil that obscures the reality within each one of us.
In meditation, what is being done is to gently seek to quiet one’s mind and focus the thought processes, thereby allowing one’s spiritual essence to manifest as well as training the mind to follow the dictates of the will. On the other hand, the various yogic ‘asanas’ taught at the Kendra will aim at bringing into ordinary human lives a natural sense of goodness, fearlessness, and humor. It will offer something suitable for every person. The discourses here will aim at touching all hearts, teach all to be happy and lead meaningful lives and in turn have the power to even heal and benefit others.
The said structure is still under construction with funds pouring in gradually from dedicated members, nevertheless work on it is going on at a brisk pace and the growth of a definite spiritual presence, has already begun to emerge. In a circumspect vein Dr Naik avers “There have been several obstacles in building this project, but I have used it all, as a stepping stone to concretize my venture.” In the same breath he adds gratefully “Lots of people have supported me in many ways, and I only hope that I handle appropriately this fragile thing called trust which people have reposed in me so earnestly.”
The noble task of promoting the Sri Krishna Dyana Kendra will only be possible through the concerted effort and large hearted support of all those interested in the preservation of our ancient rich cultural heritage. To make this venture a success Dr Naik joins all the other trustees K Keshava Bhat (Advocate), A S Bharath Naik, Ravi Shanker Shetty, Ravindranath Alva, Rajesh Naik, K N Alva in cordially soliciting the support and generous patronage of all individuals, corporates and philanthropic bodies. Needless to mention, all contributions will be suitably acknowledged by the Dr.Naik and the trustees of the Kendra. Those interested may contact Dr. Naik at the following address:
Dr. Madan Mohan Naik
Bayadi House, P.O Kunjathabail, Marakada Village, Mangalore,
Mobile No: 9945997654
Resi.No: (0824) 2481364