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DHYANAVANA, INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY
Address: Rev. Dr. Rathan Almeida OCD, Director DHYANAVANA, R.S. Naidu Nagar, Mysore - 570 007, Karnataka State, India
Copyright ©
2014 DHYANAVANA.
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The
Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, popularly known as the Scapular feast was
celebrated on Sunday, the 16th of July, 2023 at Infant Jesus Shrine,
Pushpashrama, Institute of Philosophy and Religion. The Solemn Eucharistic
celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Rathan Nicholas Almeida, OCD, the
Director of Dhyanavana. Rev. Fr. Oswald Crasta, OCD, the Rector of Pushpashrama
preached a meaningful homily, highlighting the importance of this feast. After
the homily, 4 sisters (Srs. Jyothi, Sangeeta, Sirisha and Teena) belonging to
the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (MSI) and 3 sisters (Srs. Jessa, Josna
and Sherin) belonging to the Congregation of Mother of Carmel (CMC) renewed
their religious vows. 
On
Monday July 3, 2023, on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, the
Holistic Spirituality was inaugurated at Dhyanavana by Rev. Fr. Alphone
Britto, OCD – the Provincial Councilor in-charge of Spirituality. The
Inaugural Mass was participated by the community Fathers namely – Fr.
Rathan Almeida, the Director; Fr Augustine Robert, the Dean of Studies;
Fr. Dolphy D’Souza, the Administrator; and Fr. Jeevan Tauro, the first
professor of the week’s course, along with the participants of the
course. More than 40 sisters are registered for the course, for various
durations, out of which majority are for the long-term of 9 months.
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Dhyanavana
celebrated its 26th convocation day on March 19, 2023, making it a special day.
At 11:00 am, Rev. Fr. George Santhumayor, the Provincial Superior, Fr. John
Sequeira, the Rector of Pushpashrama, Fr Vinod Lobo and the community friars
celebrated the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist. Fr. John stressed in his homily the
importance of divinity in a person's life, which finally culminates in one’s
spirituality. The convocation ceremony started at 6:00 p.m. in the evening. Mrs.
Clara Fernandes' convocation address on the role of women in decision-making is
also very timely and relevant. Women's perspectives and voices are important in
all aspects of life, including spirituality and religious leadership. The
President, Rev. Fr George Santhumayor, OCD, Provincial Superior, released the
Dhyanavana Souvenir and congratulated the graduates. The Chief guest was
Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of
Mysore, who presented the diploma certificates to the sisters. Fr Dominic Vas,
the Director, welcomed everyone, and Fr Rathan Almeida, Dean of Studies, gave a
detailed report on the life and activities of Dhyanavana. The sisters, who came
from various parts of India, showcased their talents through cultural dance.
This is an excellent way to highlight various cultures and traditions while also
bringing people together in celebration and appreciation of diversity. It was a
joyful event attended by approximately 250 people, including priests, religious,
benefactors, and friends. Following the program, everyone was served a meal.
On
Sunday, March 20th, Dhyanavana, International Institute of Spirituality, Mysore,
celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the Diploma course. The Convocation ceremony
was held in the evening. Dhyanavana is an International institute of
Spirituality affliated both to Teresianum pontifical university Rome as well as
to the university of Mysore through St. Philomenas college Mysore. Dhynavana
offers 9monthe diploma course in Holistic Spirituality as well as 3 months and 6
months certificate courses. Further during the summer holidays we also organize
many short courses and retreats. The first Dhyanavana diploma course was started
in 1977. Thereafter every year between 50-60 participants attend this diploma
course. On March 20th in the Morning Bishop Emeritus Thomas Vazhapilly
celebrated the thanksgiving mass after which he distributed the Term paper of
the participants. In the evening Bishop K A William presided over the
Convocation function, released the jubilee Souvenir and gave away the Diploma
certificates to the course Participants. In his message Bishop William referred
to the recent document of Pope Francis where he emphasizes the real conversion
which consists in our relationship with God, with the church, with the other
Christians and with the people in the world.
The
25th Diploma course in Holistic spirituality was inaugurated at Dhyanavana
today, Sunday, July 4th 2021 during the Holy Eucharist. Fr John Sequeria ocd,
Rector of Pushpashrama presided over the Holy mass and inaugurated the course.
Frs. Dominic Vas, Ocd, Director; Fr. Rathan Almeida, ocd, Dean of Studies; and
Fr. Arun bennis, ocd, Administrator concelebrated at the Eucharist. Dhyanavana,
which means in Sanskrit a “meditation-garden” or better “the context of God
experience”, is aesthetically and artistically designed to offer a healthy
atmosphere and conducive facilities for the spiritual formation and renewal
programme. Since 1997, this institute has been conducting the long term diploma
course of nine months and other Short-term courses throughout the year, attended
so far by over 6000 religious men and women from India and abroad. More than 35
courses are offered on various subjects by specialised professors throughout the
year, such as Biblical Spirituality, Formation to Integral human maturity,
Psycho-spiritual maturity and emotional healing, spiritual life in Theology,
Sacraments, Prayer and Mysticism, Comparative Religious Spirituality and
Theology of Religious life..jpeg)
On
Thursday, March 25th, Dhyanavana International Spirituality centre, Mysore, held
its 24th convocation program. Advocate William D’Souza, president, Konkani
Christian Association, Mysore, delivered the convocation address on “Prophetic
Response of the Church to the Indian Situation Today “. Rev. Fr. Pius James
D’Souza, OCD Provincial Superior, awarded the Diplomas and certificates to the
students. Rev. Fr Deep Fernandes, OCD, Provincial Councillor for Spirituality,
was the Guest of honour and celebrated the Holy Eucharist. This year the
institute had 36 residential and 33 online participants and many day scholars
for the spirituality course. Good number of priests, religious and lay friends
participated in the whole convocation ceremony.
The
23rd Convocation program of Dhyanavana, International Spirituality Centre,
Mysore, was held on Thursday, March 19th at 6 pm. Prof. Cletus D'souza, M.Sc.,
Ph.D., gave an inspiring convocation address. V. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, Ocd,
released the Dhyanavana Silver Jubilee Annual. Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William,
Bishop of Mysore, conferred the Diplomas and Certificates to 60 student sisters.
The Dhyanavana sisters put up a few cultural items. Many Priests, Religious,
Well wishers and friends attended the function.
On
Sunday September 22nd, Dhyanavana Silver Jubilee was celebrated at Pushpashrama.
Dhyanavanais an International Institute of Spirituality where the Carmelite
Fathers (OCD) offer nine-months UG and PG Diploma and Certificate Courses from
Teresianum, Pontifical Institute of Spirituality, Rome; as well as from the
University of Mysore accredited to St. Philomena’s College, Mysore. Since three
years we have also begun M.A. in Holistic Spirituality from the University of
Mysore. Around 45 priests and 450 religious and lay people participated in the
Holy Eucharist and the Jubilee program. Most Rev. Sebastian Adayanthrath, New
Bishop of Mandya, Fr. Charles Serrao OCD Provincial and many other dignitaries
participated in the function. Bishop and Fr. Gregory D’Souza OCD, the founder of
Dhyanavana were felicitated. Dhyanavana Sisters put up a multi cultural program
which was well appreciated. We thank all of you for your support towards
Dhyanavana.
On
Sunday, 30 June, the 23rd Diploma Course in Spirituality of Dhyanavana was
inaugurated. Fr. Pius James OCD Vicar Provincial, was the Main Celebrant of the
Inaugural Eucharist. Around 125 Priests, Sisters and Friends participated in the
celebration. This year we have 52 participants for the Dhyanavana Diploma Course
from all over India from around 30 congregations.
The
Convocation of Dhyanavana, International Institute of Spirituality, was
held on 19 March 2019. 78 students received the Diplomas and
Certificates in Holistic Spirituality. Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Vazhapilly,
Bishop Emeritus of Mysore Diocese, was the Chief Guest and conferred the
Diplomas and certificates. V. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, OCD, Provincial,
released the Dhyanavana Annual. Mr. Clifford Pereira, Director, TV9
group, gave the Convocation address which was well appreciated. Around
200 Priests, Religious, friends and Benefactors participated in the
function. All appreciated this well organized program.
Dhyanavana
along with Mysore CRI conducted a very enlightening and inspiring seminar on
"Mass Media and Religious Life, Rewards and Regrets of Media" on Sunday February
17, 2019 at Pushpashrama Auditorium, Mysore. There were 4 erudite papers and a
panel discussion. Around 300 Priests and Religious participated in the seminar.
Bishop William inaugurated the seminar. All said that the theme of Mass Media
was very relevant for religious formation today. 
Dhyanavana
Day was celebrated on Sunday, 23rd September 2018. Dhyanavana is an
International Spirituality Centre where presently 65 sisters are studying from
around 30 Religious Congregations. We conduct Diploma Course of 9 months and
Certificate Courses of 6 and 3 months to the Religious Women, along with M.A. in
Holistic Spirituality from the University of Mysore. On Dhyanavana Day
celebration, many Major Superiors and Junior Mistresses participated along with
our neighbouring Priests, Religious and Friends. In the morning we had a talk on
“Formation” and a Con-Celebrated Holy Eucharist by Rev. Fr. Pius James, OCD,
Vicar Provincial. In the evening our Dhyanavana sisters put up a very good
cultural program with the message “WE ARE WOMEN OF FAITH - United in God’s Love,
Sisters in Grace”. Most Rev. Dr. Antony Kariyil, Bishop of Mandya was the Chief
Guest along with Fr. Pius James. Around 200 people participated in the
program.May St. Teresa of Benedicta of the Cross – Dhyanavana Patroness,
intercede for us always. 
Discernment
is the quality of being able to grasp or comprehend what is obscure. It is an
act of perceiving or discerning something. Discernment has many dimensions, such
as, Religious, Moral, Mystical, Ignatian and Psychological. In Christianity,
Discernment is a seeking of God’s will in my life through the inner movements of
the spirit. We are all called to discernment because Christian life is precisely
a response to God’s will and call to discipleship. Hence it is important that I
learn to be in touch with myself and get to know myself better. Discernment of
spirits is also a challenging task. It requires maturity, inner quiet, and an
ability to reflect on one’s interior life. Discernment acts as a means of
protection, guarding us from being deceived spiritually. It also acts as an
instrument of healing, when exercised in grace. Further, discernment functions
as a key to Christine freedom by forming and educating our conscience.
On
Sunday March 19, 2017 convocation of Dhyanavana was held at 6 p.m. Prof. A. John
Siluvai, who is a professor at St. Philomena’s (autonomous) College, Mysore,
both in English and French, gave the key-note address. He dealt on the theme “A
call to the Religious to Confront the Challenges of Today”. Most Rev. Dr.
Anthony Kariyil, CM, Bishop of Mandya, awarded the diplomas and certificates to
the sisters and spoke how like Jesus we have to grow in age, knowledge, wisdom
and grace with God and men. V. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, OCD, Provincial of
Karnataka-Goa presided over the function, released the Dhyanavana Annual and
spoke on spirituality of worldliness and difference between spirituality and
spiritual exercises. 57 sisters received the Diplomas and Certificates. Around
160 guests participated in the function.
The
20th Diploma Spirituality of Dhyanavana was inaugurated on Sunday, 3 July 2016,
during the Eucharistic celebration which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Silvestre
D’Souza OCD, Councillor in charge of Spirituality. More than 25 Carmelite and
other religious priests and around 100 sisters and brothers attended the
celebration. During the homily Fr. Silvestre explained the spirituality of St.
Thomas the Apostle as relevant to the course participants and everyone. This
year God has blessed us with 41 participants. 
The
19th convocation of Dhyanavana, International Institute of Spirituality, Mysore
was held on 19 March 2016 at 6 p.m. A total number of 58 sisters received the
Diploma and Certificates. 85 sisters attended the different courses throughout
the year as residential and day scholars. The keynote convocation address was
given by Prof. Jose V.K., Principal, Teresian College, Mysore, on the theme “The
Debate on Secularism in our country and the response of the Priests and
Religious”. V. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, the President of Dhyanavana Institute
and Provincial of Karnataka-Goa Province, was the Chief Guest. In his address he
appreciated Dhyanavana students, their prayerfulness and resourcefulness,
academic and cultural performance.
On
21st February 2016, Dhyanavana International Institute of Spirituality, Mysore
in association with CRI ,Mysore and and KRCBC (Karnataka Regional Commission for
Formation) organized Seminar at Pushpashram Auditorium , Mysore. The seminar was
on “Extra ordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy” on the theme ‘MERCIFUL LIKE THE
FATHER’. Around 450 priests and religious attended this seminar belonging to 69
congregations from Mysore diocese. The seminar began at 9.00 AM with arrival and
registration. At 9.15 am our Bishop of Mysore Rt.Rev. Thomas Vazhappily
Inaugurated the seminar with a short reflection on the implication of mercy on
our community life. 
Dhyanavana
was full of joy and cheer as the day had dawned to celebrate “Dhyanavana Day” –
the Feast of ST. EDITH STEIN, our Patroness on October 10, 2015. The Director,
Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas OCD, welcomed one and all who amidst their busy schedules,
found time to join in our joy and celebration. The evening was made colourful
with a cultural programme consisting of various cultural dances, skits and drama
very well performed by our student sisters. In view of our “Institution Day”,
various competitions were held. Most of the judging was done by a penal outside
the institute. 
19th
Dhyanavana Spirituality Diploma Course was inaugurated on July 5th. This
gracious event was officiated by Rev. Fr. George Santhmayor OCD, Vicor
Provincial of Karnataka Goa Province and Director of Dhyana Sadhana. Fr. George
celebrated Holy Eucharist and Rev. Fr. Alfred D Souza Rector of Pushpashrama
Philosophy College preached the word of God. He stressed on three dimensions of
spirituality namely ascending, horizontal and descending dimensions of our
spiritual growth. Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas Director of Dhyanavana welcomed and thank
gathering for their continuous support to the institute. 
“LEADERSHIP COURSE”
March
19, the eighteenth Convocation of Dhyanavana Annual Diploma and certificate
courses held at the Dhyanavana premises. Most Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly
Bishop of Mysore presided over the function. Very Rev. Charles Serrao ocd
Provincial of Karnataka – Goa Province and President of Dhyanavana institute was
the chief guest. Prof. A. S. Dasan Ph. D, Director of Tap – me Academy, Mysore
delivered the convocation Address. The day began with thanksgiving prayer to the
Almighty God for his marvelous blessings on the institution, staff and on
students.
and
Challenges
January
21 to 23, 2015, a mission exposure programme was organized for Dhyanavana
student sisters at Mariapura village in Kollegal district. It was guided by ODP
NGO’S Staff members and it was headed by Sr. Felicie U F S. They initiated this
exposure programme through P.R.A. method that is Participatory Rural Appraisal.
This method helps to trace the needs of the villagers. 
January
17 Dhyanavana institute of Spirituality celebrated Pongal festival with great
gusto. Pongal is the harvest festival of the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu.
It is a day of thanksgiving to the Lord who has blessed his creation with
multiple blessings. In an agriculture based civilization, harvest plays an
important role. The farmer cultivating the land depends on his cattle, timely
rain and the Sun.
On
January 16, 2015 V. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, OCD, Provincial of
Karnataka- Goa province along with Fr. Makoto Wada, OCD, from Japan and
presently working in Vatican radio and Fr. Gustavo Prats, ocd, from
Spain presently Rector of Seminarium Missionum in Italy, visited
Dhyanavana and celebrated mass in the morning for the community.
November
16: Carmelite family of Mysore organized a seminar
on “Collegio De Christo” in Pushpashrama premises
under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas.
The resources persons of the seminar were Rev. Fr.
Alfred Menezes and Jevan Tauro. Seminar began at
9:30 with registration and refreshments. At 10:00
a.m the seminar began with invoking blessings on
seminar and on each one, followed by warm words of
welcome by Rev. Fr. Dominic. Then Rev. Fr. Alfred
dealt on the theme “Colegio De Christo”. Colegio de
Christo means school of Christ. He began his talk by
referring to gospel text of Lk 6:12-37. 
Under the theme in your presence is our delight a
get together was held in order to meet the major
superiors and junior mistress of our student sisters
on 9th November. Meeting started at 9 o’clock.
Dignitaries were solemnly welcomed by our student
sisters and grace of God was invoked on all the
participants. Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas Director of
Dhyanavana welcomed all in his inaugural addressed
especially Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao Provincial of
Karnataka Goa province who is also the president of
the institute and Rev. Fr. Sylvester D’ Souza Councilor in charge of
Spirituality. 
The
Nine Month Course sisters of Dhyanavana had a study tour on Sunday 12, October,
2014. The day started at 6 am with a prayer in the chapel. We boarded the hired
bus for the tour, and proceeded to Dornahalli, Mysore, Shrine of St. Anthony of
Padua. We offered mass in the shrine and visited the place where the Statue of
St. Anthony was found. Fr. Gilbert D’Silva, Rector of the shrine explained to us
the history of the shrine. Around 150 years ago when a Hindu man ploughing the
field he got a statue of St. Anthony. 
Given
the multi-religious context of the world today, it shall be a regular feature in
the institute to give opportunity for the students to have a firsthand contact
with exponents and cultic structures of other Indian religious traditions. This
exposure is intended to avoid prejudices and know the phenomenon of inter-culturality
more objectively so as to appreciate the similarities and discern also the
fundamental uniqueness of one’s own faith. In addition, on request, there may be
also an organized visit to Christian Holy Places. 
The
challenge to Christian life today is from an exaggerated concept of individual
rights. The vibrant community life is the biggest challenge for the consecrated
life tomorrow. The diploma participants are introduced to leadership, community
building skills and administrative roles by roster by being involved in leading
the group for a time and by hands on method and thus learn to face the
challenges and pick up the skills of promoting and guiding the life in our
communities and organize services. 
