How I see the Garden of Nâm
Yoginâm is a yogi in the way of Nâm
Nâm is a yoga in the original sense of the word
It is a useful instrument in order to reach a goal
Nâm is such an instrument it does not consist in beliefs
But develops inner instruments for living optimally
Such living optimally is both in the ordinary sense
Of living in contentment, free from anxiety and stress
And in the more transcendental sense as coming closer
To the deeper or wider meaning of life
Such instruments are hidden within ordinary attitudes and behaviour
All that is consists in resonance and acting and thinking
Contributes to this resonance and reflects back as resonance
This requires a refined attunement of the senses
And a conscious managing of the kind of memory
With which we establish the notion for us of who we are
This is the message of Yoginâm and he invites anyone
To share in this endeavour of Nâm
Everybody has a Responsibility for living
Both in an individual sense as well as a communal sense
As well as for human beings as well as for environment and culture
Such Responsibility is carried through the appreciation of life
In the discovery of the beauty within often hidden behind a thick veil
Modern life is certainly not very helpful
For expressing his Responsibility Yoginâm founded
The Garden of Nâm opposite to his hermitage in Nijar
The Garden of Nâm is a place that welcomes everybody
Regardless of background, culture or religion
In order to find this attunement in the silent beauty of the place
The guest rooms are a collection of one room houses
Built in the traditional style of the area
They are placed in such a way that they give optimal privacy
And express an openness towards the garden
They allow visitors to be in silence to themselves
Or share with others on one of the many terraces
In the layout of the garden Yoginâm
Tried to express a way of life through different moods
Contemplating their walks visitors may find
Greater attunement to themselves and the environment
Several times a day visitors are free to participate in a communal meditation
According to the Asha tradition that Yoginâm initiated
Whereby a period of silence is preceded by a rhythmic drum
That prepared the brain for the quiet state the follows
Meals are buffet meals that can be taken communally
While there are plenty of places to eat separately
In general silence and a quiet atmosphere is maintained
While a small staff is available to attend to your needs
—Yoginâm
About uS
We are an organisation inspired by the life and works of the mystic Yoginâm, who is also known as drs Frédéric Antonious, cultural sociologist and founder of Nâm Living. Yoginâm is author of many books, expressing the transcendental nature of human living. In this vision, it is essential for the human species to live in full Awareness, for its present and future to be harmonious and sustainable. For a human being to live in a state of Well-Being.
With Nâm Living the human transcendental nature itself becomes a practical handguide for living optimally in wellbeing and for sharing in the awe and wonder of all aspects of human living. The Nâm Foundation is a body that in a variety of ways carries out the objective of harvesting this work and to bring it to its fullest fruition in a global environment.
The fact that as human beings we are sharing in a deeper source and wider whole is the single binding essence for all. It is the single red thread that allows the human species to evolve as civilisation. Losing connection with this Red Thread, means losing our civilisation and our humanity, one of the risks inherent in the current era. In its infinite potential all cultures and eras have found their own unique expressions of bringing to life the transcendental nature of living. We need to recognise its common ground and find a universal language. This is what Nâm facilitates in its phenomenological acknowledgement of the transcendental nature of human living.
To further the work of Yoginâm, two organizations were established in the early 1990s. One is Nâm Society, an accredited non-profit organisation that aims to create places of beauty where people can stay for shorter or longer periods of time and orientate to a pro-life optimal way of living. This organisation has an official recognition as a charitable foundation (the so-called ANBI status in the Netherlands). The other organisation is Nâm Foundation which focuses on making the works of Yoginâm available through books, educational programs, music, lectures, retreats, podcasts, and the exploitation of the places of beauty.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE GARDEN OF NAM
The origins of the garden of nâm
At the advent of the 21 st Century, an antique characteristic building was purchased in the Belgian Ardennes. This has been completely restored and converted into a peaceful retreat centre aimed at facilitating meditation and contemplation. This centre is open to everyone who wishes to unwind and explore. For more information, please take a look at www.amonines.com.
In 2020, with the support of a group of enthusiastic sponsors, the Nâm Society purchased a large piece of land with a few old Spanish houses on it. This object was located exactly adjacent to the Hermitage which is the residence of Yoginâm. The old houses have been entirely rebuilt, and the premises have transformed into a tranquil and serene meditation retreat centre. The gardens have evolved into an edible park with symbolic images and meandering paths running through it. The centre is called ‘’The Garden of Nâm Living’’.
What is Nâm
This attitude of affirmation and consistence of thinking, expressed in daily living is called Nâm. It is an attitude that breeds states of creative imagination, awe and wonder, and guidance in living. It elevates the human being from a creature living in a world of separation to a responsible creator focused on a pro-life and optimal course in living.
Nâm represents with a few concepts what all truly spiritual traditions aspire to. Nâm provides a skilful vocabulary with which the essence of a spiritual endeavour, and of human living as a whole, can develop and acquire meaning and ultimate purpose.
Life wants to live optimally
It shows you how to do so
You only need to listen