Croydon Hall in Minehead, Somerset
Croydon Hall – a venue with a difference
Back in 1998 Guptadana, Shruti and Devageet had a dream to start a Buddhafield in the UK where sannyasins could live, work and meditate together. They looked at many places but it was Croydon Hall that was finally chosen. The mansion was built by a German baron at the end of the 19th Century on the land which once belonged to the nearby Cleeve Abbey. Remains of much older buildings – dating as far back as the 16th Century – can still be seen on the property.
When the first sannyasins arrived, the building, which had last been used as a school, was in need of a major refurbishment and a team of sannyasins were called in to do the necessary. It quite quickly became obvious that the original concept was not financially viable and, after Devageet left, the place was turned into a venue for conventions, trainings and workshops run by sannyasins who were able to weave a meditation schedule into the overall running of things.
Because of its high standard of décor, cleanliness and fantastic food the venue very soon became very popular, particularly with people doing ‘alternative’ workshops. It was as if they were drawn to the place because, without knowing why, they sensed that there was an energy here that supported their own processes and attempts at personal growth.
Of course we know what that energy is! Croydon Hall is unashamedly an Osho centre – there is a huge picture of Osho in reception, practically the first thing someone sees on entering. Whereas in days gone by Osho sannyasins were regarded with suspicion, there is now an enormous appreciation of the love and care and meditative quality we bring to all that we do.
Integrated with the work is a daily meditation schedule of Dynamic in the morning and the Evening Meditation in the evening, with Kundalini being an option if so desired. Twice a year, in summer and winter, there is a huge sannyasin celebration, a time to sing and dance and reconnect with friends, with people coming from all over the UK as well as Europe. In spring and autumn there is a meditation weekend, a time to find the silence within. At all events our band, ‘One Hand Clapping’, inspires us with their beautiful music.
The place is now steeped in that magical Osho energy and we are truly fortunate to be able to come here. Osho said that whenever his sannyasins gather together, he will be there.
He really is.
text by Veena – July 2007
