ध्यानसेतु
Pronounced as Dhyā-na-se-tu
Project Dhyanasetu is an initiative dedicated to enriching society and our personal lives through mindfulness and community-driven initiatives.
Our Mission
The essence of Dhyanasetu lies in its meaning, "The island of peace and wisdom." This epitomizes our vision of a flourishing society as an island of wisdom wherein people are happy, enriched, and enabled. Through our projects, we want to give a revolutionary perspective and realization to the people that a peaceful life should be the goal of everything. Dhyanasetu is a living, breathing invitation to pause, experience, and explore the inner landscape often obscured by worldly noise. Through mindfulness and community-driven initiatives, we share an experience to wander, awaken, and reconnect. At its heart, the project seeks to cultivate a flourishing human society.
The Problem Worth Addressing
In this inspiring talk, neuroscientist Richard J. Davidson explains how simple mindfulness practices can actually reshape our brains and improve our emotional well-being. He shares fascinating research showing that by training our minds through awareness, compassion, insight, and a sense of purpose, we can become more resilient and less vulnerable to depression, loneliness, and constant distraction. Davidson highlights some pretty alarming statistics: the average person spends 47% of their waking life distracted, 76% of middle-aged Americans report feeling lonely (which can be more dangerous for our health than obesity), and depression diagnoses among women have risen by 33% in just the last few years. Even more concerning is the doubling of teen suicide rates over the past decade. However, the hopeful message is that even just a few minutes a day of mindfulness can make a real difference, not only in how we feel but also in how our brains function.
The Solution
The essence of Dhyanasetu lies in its meaning—"The island of knowledge and wisdom." This epitomizes our vision of a society that flourishes as an island of wisdom wherein people are happy, enriched, and enabled. Through our projects we want to give a revolutionary perspective and realization to the people that peaceful life should be the goal of everything. Dhyanasetu is a living, breathing invitation to pause, to experience, and to explore the inner landscape that is often obscured by worldly noise. Through mindfulness and community-driven initiatives, we are sharing an experience to wander, to awaken, to reconnect. At its heart, the project seeks to cultivate a flourishing human society.
The essence of Dhyanasetu lies in its meaning—"The island of knowledge and wisdom." This epitomizes my vision of a society that flourishes as an island of wisdom wherein people are happy, enriched, and enabled. Project Dhyanasetu has two interlinked pillars: Empowerment and self-discovery, both of which are aimed at bringing about meaningful differences in people's lives.
Empowerment through education among marginalized communities is the first pillar of this mission. Born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India, and a first-generation University attendee, I have personally experienced how education shapes lives if used to its full effect. My initiatives include working at the grassroots level with alienated communities, helping them use education as a path to self-growth and a better future. So far, these efforts have touched and shaped the future of more than 300 individuals, promoting morale and opportunities where it's needed most.
The second pillar of Dhyanasetu explores mindfulness and creativity as pathways to well-being and self-discovery. An idea born from my early experiences with monkhood and as a self-taught artist, I envision utilizing the creative side of humans with modern approaches to facilitate inner growth, exploration, and a wider perspective of life. My work in this direction is still under development with Praveen Maripelly, a yoga expert and a PhD. Student from UC Davis.
The essence of Dhyanasetu lies in its meaning—"The island of knowledge and wisdom." This epitomizes my vision of a society that flourishes as an island of wisdom wherein people are happy, enriched, and enabled. Project Dhyanasetu has two interlinked pillars: Empowerment and self-discovery, both of which are aimed at bringing about meaningful differences in people's lives.
Empowerment through education among marginalized communities is the first pillar of this mission. Born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India, and a first-generation University attendee, I have personally experienced how education shapes lives if used to its full effect. My initiatives include working at the grassroots level with alienated communities, helping them use education as a path to self-growth and a better future. So far, these efforts have touched and shaped the future of more than 300 individuals, promoting morale and opportunities where it's needed most.
The second pillar of Dhyanasetu explores mindfulness and creativity as pathways to well-being and self-discovery. An idea born from my early experiences with monkhood and as a self-taught artist, I envision utilizing the creative side of humans with modern approaches to facilitate inner growth, exploration, and a wider perspective of life. My work in this direction is still under development with Praveen Maripelly, a yoga expert with a PhD. Student from UC Davis.
How It All Started
For the past few years, I’ve been working on this project on and off, driven by a mix of curiosity and a love for serving and learning with others. But it wasn’t until two years ago, after I lost my grandfather, that this project became something more—a mission. His absence inspired me to commit to Dhyanasetu with renewed purpose.
When I moved to the U.S. last year, everything seemed like a sudden halt. I lost access to the communities I’d been working with so closely, and Dhyanasetu entered this strange period of pause. But this summer/2024, I reimagined the mission, picturing a new path forward, with a fresh perspective. I am fortunate to have always found people with the same aspirations for this journey of service and self-discovery.
Support
My work has been supported at each step by various organizations and individuals. In 2021, my work was covered by Dainik Bhaskar newspaper. On a personal level, I’ve received unwavering support from peers, family, and other passionate professionals throughout my journey.
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Progress
Meetups
We are planning to organize meetups for mindfulness related initiatives in the Bay Area soon. If you are someone interested in mindfulness or have prior experiences with any mindfulness practices, Please fill out the contact form below. I'll reachout to you.
Writing
As part of this initiative, I am currently working on a book titled Ras: The Art of Being. If you are interested in mindfulness, I would love to share an early draft and get your feedback. Please fill out the contact form below. I'll reachout to you.
Support
Salik Ram Mishra, Founder and Director of IIT Ashram, has generously committed 500,000 INR (approximately 6,000 USD) to support this mission. He has also funded the education of 18 underprivileged students through high school as part of this initiative.
Collaboration
I am excited to welcome Salik Ram Mishra as a collaborator. His passion and expertise as an educator will greatly benefit us and drive the success of future initiatives in India.
Gallery of My Work
Computation life balance is a small step to integrate ancient Yogic practices of Asana, Pranayama, and more into our busy lives, promoting mental and physical wellness.
This initiative is intended to utilize education and learning as a tool to create impact among marginalized and alienated communities.
I am a self taught artist. Under Kala Setu, I utilize creativity as a medium of exploration and expression. Here are some of my artworks.
Yoga Setu
This initiative is designed to seamlessly integrate ancient Yogic practices of Asana, Pranayama, and more into our busy lives, promoting mental and physical wellness.
Vidya Setu
This initiative is intended to utilize education and learning as a tool to create impact among marginalized and alienated communities.
Kala Setu
Under Kala Setu, I utilize creativity as a medium of exploration and expression. Here are some of my artworks.
Connect with us.
If you also feel life moves so fast that sometimes you just need a quiet breath and a moment simply to be, you are more than welcome to join our little community.
Dhyanasetu
shivamshukla4338@gmail.com
Tel. (+1)-408-334-6768, (+91)-7397461642
431 El Camino Real, 95050-CA
© 2023 by Shivam Shukla | Best view in desktop
MISSION
Dhyanasetu is an initiative, where I hope to make a difference and ask myself and you what we can offer to the excluded communities and what these communities can teach us. In this journey, I’m not just figuring out what lies within—I’m also striving to become whole as I stand alongside those I seek to serve. Dhyanasetu is a journey where self-discovery navigates through people and society, creating a parallel growth path through learning, serving and inter-disciplinary approaches.
BIGGER PICTURE
Over the years, there has been a growing fascination with Indian spirituality in the West. People from all walks of life have turned to India’s ancient wisdom—yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual teachings—in search of something more profound than just worldly success.
From Steve Jobs to Barack Obama, their journey to India was transformative, shaping not only their personal philosophy but also their visionary approach towards life and work. In an interview Mark Zuckerberg quoted that he visited an ashram in India during his early days, seeking wisdom and clarity. The Beatles, in their time, famously found solace and inspiration in Rishikesh, embracing meditation practices that transformed their lives and music. These stories are just a few of the countless examples of people from all walks of life who have found healing, balance, and meaning through the spiritual traditions of India.
This initiative builds on this legacy, helping to share and reintroduce culture and practices that are in isolation, miss-communicated or on the verge of being forgotten. As more individuals and communities recognize the timeless relevance of Indian heritage, it’s essential to bridge the gap between modernity and tradition. By making this knowledge accessible, I intend to develop a collaborative approach towards personal growth, betterment of society and self-discovery for those who seek it, while preserving India’s spiritual heritage in the purest form for generations to come.
Abandoned Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, India (Source google images)