A Sacred Confluence of Nature and Spirituality

B. RATHINASABAPATHY, Ecologist at Forests by Heartfulness, describes the building of the Asana Mandala Garden, which blends Vedic wisdom, sacred geometry, and ecological harmony. This living Mandala offers seekers a serene space for meditation, transformation, and alignment with nature's rhythm.

- B. RATHINASABAPATHY

The Asana Mandala Garden is a Tree Temple that embodies the profound spiritual synergy of sacred geometry and nature, integrating the square and the circle—symbols deeply rooted in the traditions of all cultures, ancient and modern. In Sanskrit philosophy, the square (chaturbhuja) represents stability, structure, and the earthly realm, while the circle (mandala) signifies wholeness, cosmic unity, and the infinite cycle of life. Their harmonious integration channels spiritual energy, aligning the five elements or pancha bhutas (earth, fire, water, air, and ether) within the temple, creating an environment conducive to meditation and inner transformation.

A sanctuary within Nature

At Kanha Shanti Vanam, the serene headquarters of Heartfulness near Hyderabad, nature thrives in abundance. Residents and visitors alike delight in exploring its verdant landscapes. While the formal Yatra Garden and the tropical rainforests are well-loved, there are hidden gems that offer quiet reflection. One such sacred space is the Tree Temple, a unique mandala-inspired grove just beyond the nursery.

At the heart of the Tree Temple lies a lotus pond, embraced by a geometric arrangement of Indian Bullet Wood trees. Four entrances, marked by pairs of standing stones, invite seekers into this tranquil sanctuary. A circumambulatory path allows you to walk in quiet contemplation, immersed in the rhythm of nature's symmetries.

The role of geometry in temple design

Great temples arise from profound simplicity. Much like a mighty tree grows from a tiny seed, the architectural marvels of the ancient country of Bharat (India) can be traced back to a single, potent point, a bindu. (The Sanskrit “