50 years of MERU: Past, present and future

On 5th of June, we celebrated 50 years since the founding of MERU, reflecting on a journey that began in Weggis, Switzerland, before moving to Seelisberg, and then establishing our permanent home in Vlodrop, the Netherlands.

Over five decades, MERU has hosted thousands of meditators, assemblies, and teacher trainings, becoming a place of pilgrimage and a center for Maharishi’s knowledge for people around the world.

Honoring the Past with the Gala Dinner

Our 50th Anniversary Gala brought together key movement leaders and supporters of MERU for an inspiring evening at Kasteel Daelenbroeck, featuring a special video on MERU’s past, present, and future, heartfelt speeches, and a powerful address by Dr Tony Nader. He reminded everyone of MERU’s unique role:

Dr Tony Nader speaking at the MERU’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

The Gala also launched a new chapter of community engagement and support for upcoming campus developments.

Phase 2: Recent Developments on Campus

2025 has already seen important milestones:

✅ Operations Building Completed – In January, the MERU team moved into the new Operations Building, improving coordination of campus activities and supporting future projects.

✅ Academy & Residence Building Nearing Completion – This central facility will offer modern accommodations in Vastu-designed Academy suites, along with a multifunctional Lecture Hall for courses and gatherings. It will create a welcoming environment for residential programs and knowledge courses.

✅ Apartments Nearing Completion – Luxury apartments designed to host Friends of MERU—dedicated supporters who contribute to MERU’s growth through financial support, time, or expertise, helping ensure Maharishi’s legacy thrives for future generations. Learn more about becoming a Friend of MERU on the Who Are Friends of MERU page.

View of the three new buildings: the completed Operations Building (right), the nearly finished Academy & Residence Building (center), and the Apartment Building (left)

First team meeting in the new Operations Building

The MERU Academy: A New Home for Knowledge

The MERU Academy will be a place to explore Maharishi’s Vedic knowledge in-depth, offering in-person and online courses, wellness programs, and beautifully designed Academy suites for guests attending courses. The Academy’s goal is to help participants integrate this knowledge into their daily lives, supporting growth in all areas—mind, body, and spirit. Read more on the Academy page.

Rendering of the new MERU Academy & Residence Building, east facade (main entrance)

Looking Ahead: Phase 3 Developments

Phase 3 will bring several major projects to life, expanding MERU into a complete campus dedicated to knowledge, wellness, and community:

Tower of Invincibility
A landmark building symbolizing Maharishi’s vision, designed as a place where visitors can explore all aspects of Vedic knowledge and gain a deep experience of unity and purpose.

Wellness Resort
A world-class facility combining Maharishi Ayurveda with modern wellness practices, offering personalized programs and treatments for guests seeking rejuvenation.

Assembly & Meditation Hall
Planned to host up to 800 people, these halls will enable large group meditations and assemblies—creating powerful coherence and shared experiences.

Annapurna Community Dining Hall
A vibrant dining facility serving organic, nourishing meals daily for the MERU community and guests, supporting connection, health, and shared purpose.

The four future buildings at MERU: Community Dining Hall (top left), Maharishi Tower of Invincibility (top right), Assembly & Meditation Hall (bottom left), Wellness Resort (bottom right).

As Dr Tony Nader beautifully expressed during the Gala:

Stay Connected

Curious how you can be part of these exciting developments?

Visit our Development Page to see what’s planned and subscribe if you’re interested in living at MERU, joining the team, investing, or receiving updates on courses and campus progress.

If you’d rather reach out directly, we’d be happy to hear from you at friends@mdevco.org.

And even if you’re not looking to invest in construction, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the benefits of these projects and invest in yourself. Starting 2026, we’re excited to welcome you to MERU Academy for courses, rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, or inspiring retreats.

If you’d like to see how these developments got started, you might enjoy looking back at our earlier blog from April 2024, where we shared the first big steps on this journey together. You can find it here.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.

Watch the Video
🎥 “Let’s Complete This Legacy For Generations To Come”
A special 12-minute video showing MERU’s 50-year journey and bold vision for the future.

Darija is the Marketing Director of MDevCo, supporting its mission to create a thriving MERU campus where people can live in alignment with natural law and explore their highest human potential. She loves bringing ideas to life and is currently leading the development of a global platform for consciousness-based events, designed for those seeking personal growth, well-being and the full development of consciousness.