Recently, Dhyan Foundation hosted a distinctive 6-night residential retreat in Jaipur centered around the Science of Yagyas and Divya Chikitsa Mantras. Under the leadership of Ashwini Guruji, the retreat promised not just theoretical knowledge but an immersive, transformative experience based on ancient Vedic practices — particularly the purifying power of fire rituals and the vibrational science of mantras.

Ashwini Guruji, a self-styled spiritual teacher and founder of Sanatan Kriya, has long positioned himself as a bridge between classical Indian wisdom and the modern world.

At the heart of this retreat were yagyas — fire-based rituals which, according to Guruji, are not merely religious rites but “a science to interact with the Divine.”

As per his explanation, when yagyas are performed in the correct manner, the environment changes perceptibly — no smoke in the fire, fragrant air, and often, so-called divine manifestations appearing in the flames.

Such phenomena, reportedly captured in unedited photographs, were used to lend credence to his claims. Notably, Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik, who attended a yagya at Dhyan Ashram, was quoted saying he had “never heard such a mantra uchharan before.”

Another focal point of the retreat was the introduction to Divya Chikitsa Mantras, a set of seven mantras taught by Ashwini Guruji himself.

These are said to target the body’s nadis (energy channels) and chakras, creating a healing and transformational impact on the practitioner’s mind and body. According to the Foundation, the mantras operate on the principle that “everything in creation vibrates at a specific frequency,” and Vedic rishis had mapped these frequencies to various deities through sound.

Dhyan Foundation had even conducted an experiment using a “Mantra Scanner”, which reportedly captured divine forms emerging from Guruji’s chanting — a bold and controversial claim that remains unverified by independent scientific bodies.

Dhyan Foundation promotes such retreats through its official platforms and affiliated events, branding them as both experiential and spiritually potent.

They promote these opportunities as direct interactions with Ashwini Guruji, offering participants not only teachings but also energy transmissions through guided practices like mantra chanting, chakra balancing, and advanced pranayama.

The Foundation has carved a niche by presenting ancient practices through a modern lens, often conducting sessions in luxurious settings and combining esoteric Vedic wisdom with a touch of spectacle.

Their humanitarian efforts — especially in animal welfare — and advocacy of non-commercial yogic teachings have won them a dedicated base of volunteers and followers.

However, this modern packaging of spirituality hasn’t come without criticism. Despite their spiritual claims and humanitarian image, questions about transparency, authenticity, and legality surround these operations:

Assertions such as diagnosing diseases via photographs at an Indian Medical Association event and scanning mantra frequencies for divine manifestations lack independent validation, inviting skepticism.

While Dhyan Foundation promotes a sattvic (pure) lifestyle, inconsistencies are observed — such as serving eggs and onions during high-end retreats, which contradict traditional yogic dietary norms.

The Foundation’s animal welfare activities, particularly cow rescues, have led to over 2,000 legal cases. While they frame these as resistance from vested interests in the meat industry, critics argue that their tactics often resemble vigilante activism, sometimes clashing with law enforcement and raising questions about legal and ethical boundaries.

Dhyan Foundation undeniably contributes to the revival and reinterpretation of ancient Indian knowledge systems. Their Science of Yagyas and Divya Chikitsa Mantras retreat offers a glimpse into powerful, lesser-known aspects of the Vedic tradition. Yet, the blend of spectacle,   and unverifiable claims creates a complex picture — both alluring and troubling.

As alternative spirituality continues to gain traction, the importance of discernment becomes ever more crucial.

Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of modern mysticism requires both critical thinking and a clear awareness of its potential benefits as well as its hidden pitfalls.

In conclusion, Dhyan Foundation’s Yajna retreat and Divya Chikitsa Mantras offer a compelling blend of ancient Vedic practices and modern presentation.

As the line between mysticism and marketing blurs, seekers must approach such experiences with open eyes and a discerning mind, honoring tradition while remaining vigilant about authenticity and ethical integrity in the spiritual space.

(The writer is a columnist writing on development, social issues and spiritual practices. Views expressed are personal)