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Description
Nestled in the rural countryside of Amealco, Mexico, the spiritual retreat center known as "Jamadi" takes its name from the native Otomí word, signifying "gratitude to the Spirit." Within this haven, the region's first Hanuman temple stands out for its unique presence, catering to yoga practitioners and SBNR (Spiritual But Not Religious) audiences. In an intriguing juxtaposition of cultures and faiths, the temple dedicated to Hanumān shares space with a monumental Aztec shrine venerating Goddess Coatlicue. This paper explores the complex interplay of cultural and spiritual networks at Jamadi center, where the founders have forged “a deep connection between Mexico's indigenous traditions and a devoted and authentic relationship with Sanātana Dharma."
This synergy between diverse cultural and spiritual dimensions manifests not only in the unique amalgamation of architecture and iconography but also in the retreat center's diverse offerings from postural yoga and kīrtan, to reinvented pre-Hispanic traditions such as cacao ceremonies. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, this preliminary study aims to examine the discourses, practices, and implications of the convergence of Hanumān worship and revitalized Aztec ceremonies within the same sacred space. This research highlights the dynamic interplay of traditions offering insights into the particular forms that globalized yoga can take in local settings.
