Meet Atmo Chaitanya | Meditation facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Atmo Chaitanya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Atmo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2001, I arrived in the United States from Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, with the intention of pursuing higher education. I developed a deep affection for America, appreciating the unparalleled freedom it offered, the material comforts it provided, and the vast opportunities it presented for individuals to excel in their chosen fields, both professionally and in business endeavors. Yet, I observed a void in America’s spiritual and meditative dimensions. Grateful for the opportunities America had afforded me, I felt compelled to share my own gifts with this land. I envisioned a harmonious fusion of meditation and the American experience, believing that America, enriched with mindfulness, could be akin to paradise. Thus, I made the bold decision to depart from my IT engineering career and embark on a new path by establishing “Atmo the Soul,” a service-oriented enterprise aimed at exploring the freedom within. The United States is indeed a diverse country with many opportunities for personal and professional growth, and it’s great to see individuals like you who want to contribute positively to the society that has welcomed them. Meditation and spirituality can have profound effects on mental and emotional health, and they can be powerful tools for personal transformation.

I initiated my business venture with a profound purpose – to share the wisdom of Osho, including his insights and meditation techniques, with the American community. These teachings hold the key to unlocking the truth and enlightenment inherent within every individual. Along this transformative journey, we tackle a myriad of challenges, from depression, anxiety, insomnia, and relationship issues to boredom and addiction. Through these practices, we guide individuals towards discovering their inner bliss, enabling them to lead lives filled with joy, celebration, meditation, and compassion. We understand that in our contemporary world, heavily influenced by science and technology, both the material and spiritual aspects of existence are indispensable. Our mission is to empower individuals to excel in both spheres, achieving a harmonious balance that brings material and spiritual comfort.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In all honesty, I never envisioned myself becoming a meditation facilitator or embracing this path of service. When I first arrived in America, my dreams were centered around amassing wealth and raising a large family, aiming for a life filled with comfort and joy. However, life had different plans for me, a series of events that gradually unfolded, revealing a deeper truth.

I came to realize that the happiness we often perceive from a distance can be profoundly deceiving, concealing a reality far more intricate. I grew weary of the relentless pursuit of material wealth, repeating the same patterns in various forms. I observed that many around me, from coworkers to friends, sought solace in sleeping pills, alcohol, or empty encounters, unable to find contentment within themselves. Life had become a monotonous cycle, prompting constant escapes through vacations, endless shopping, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, all in a desperate attempt to avoid the stillness of one’s own company.

The result was a society divided between those dwelling in the shadows of the past, plagued by depressive thoughts, and those anxiously attempting to control an uncertain future. It was then that I made a conscious decision to share my gifts and the profound wisdom of Osho’s vision. My aim was simple: to guide people back to the present moment, where happiness, magic, and life itself eternally reside. Osho’s teachings had transformed my own perspective on life, and I felt an undeniable urge to share this inner light I had discovered.

The greatest joy in my journey comes from the heartfelt feedback of my clients – stories of peaceful sleep, unexplained happiness, and the restoration of confidence and courage to align with their soul’s purpose, healing from past trauma and disturbing psychological memories. It’s as though the universe had a plan all along – leading me to America as a teenager in Nepal with the belief that it was the happiest place on Earth, only to unveil the deeper realities behind the facade of material success. This path eventually led me to explore the profound world of spirituality, and today, I stand here, sharing my realizations, my story, and the wisdom of my guru.

This journey was not without its challenges. In our Eastern tradition, turning spiritual wisdom into a business model was not a novel concept, one that I initially struggled with. I attempted to offer meditation sessions for free, but few people embraced the opportunity. It was only when I transformed my approach into a business model that I began to connect with more clients. The lessons learned along the way were profound – the importance of practicing meditation diligently, delving deeper into its essence, and cultivating purity, compassion, and kindness within myself so that I could serve my clients with the utmost sincerity. Now I conduct one on one private session in person or in zoom. 1-2-3-5-7 days meditation retreats, conscious birthday celebration and many more.

I wish for the world to understand that true freedom resides within us, awaiting discovery when we pause, recalibrate, and turn our energy inward. Everything we seek externally already lies within us. This realization allows us to savor the material comforts, nurture fulfilling relationships, and appreciate the beauty of our Earth.

My brand, “Atmo the Soul – Discover Freedom Within,” holds a deeply personal significance. As we unveil our innermost selves, we unlock freedom and happiness. The butterfly in my logo symbolizes spiritual transformation and awakening, a journey accessible to each one of us. Right now, we may be like caterpillars, but through meditation, understanding, and life’s experiences, we have the potential to undergo a miraculous transformation into butterflies.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I consider myself truly blessed to call the most beautiful city in the world my home. San Diego, with its sunny disposition, has become my sanctuary over the past decade, a place that makes my heart sing and my body dance with life and energy.

I often have the pleasure of playing tour guide for friends and family who come to visit, and I take great delight in showcasing the treasures of this splendid city.

1. Ocean Bliss: San Diego boasts some of the most exquisite beaches in the world, and I often find myself gravitating towards the shores of Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Jolla, Del Mar, and Torrey Pines. Whether I’m gazing at the vast expanse of the ocean from a hilltop or basking in the sun on the sandy beaches, each visit is a rejuvenating experience.

2. Spiritual Exploration: San Diego is home to several spiritual havens that I love to share with my loved ones. We visit the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Encinitas, where Paramahansa Yogananda penned his “Autobiography of a Yogi.” The peaceful gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer a serene escape. We also explore the Deer Park Monastery, where Thich Nhat Hanh once resided, and where Sundays feature food awareness eating and meditation. Our spiritual journey also includes the Dia-dong Monastery, housing the temples of Bodhidharma and Buddha, as well as the Osho Nirvana, where we immerse ourselves in Osho meditation. San Diego’s valleys hide many beautiful Buddhist monasteries waiting to be discovered.

3. Nature’s Embrace: San Diego’s breathtaking hiking trails offer a chance to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and engage in delightful encounters with fellow hikers. These treks provide a refreshing dose of prana energy.

When it comes to dining, I tend to lean toward vegan and vegetarian options. My favorite spots include Swami’s Cafe, Gratitude Cafe, Loving Hut, and the Dancing Yak Nepalese Restaurant (a must-try for their delectable momos). For a taste of Himalayan cuisine, “Taste of Himalayas” never disappoints.

Don’t leave without experiencing the joy of picking fresh oranges at Osho Nirvana and crafting your own invigorating juice. San Diego truly is a city of wonders, offering not only natural beauty but also spiritual nourishment and delectable culinary adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Osho, my spiritual guru, whose wisdom and meditation techniques I share with profound respect. Special thanks go to Swami Ananda Arun from Tapoban, who initiated me to the Osho Neo-Sannyas movement, inspiring my mission to spread Osho’s vision in America. I’m deeply grateful to my life partner, Bodhi Purnima, for her unwavering trust in me and her belief in my gifts. Finally, I extend my appreciation to Osho Nirvana Temple in San Diego, where I’ve had the privilege to reside, delve deeper into meditation, and facilitate retreats.

Osho’s vision is founded on the principle that meditation and a profound understanding of our inner reality should harmoniously coexist with a joyful embrace of life itself. Osho’s fundamental teachings revolve around meditation, truth, wisdom, love, enlightenment, and more. He advocated for living life in its entirety, without the need to favor one aspect over another. Osho believed that balance naturally emerges from experiencing all dimensions of life, and it cannot be artificially manufactured.

Website: https://www.atmothesoul.org/

Instagram: atmothesoul

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atmodsoul

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMFeK6XiZ37si3j8EOnsbQ

Image Credits
Marina Shkolnik