General Overview of Lama Foundation

Next page >

The Lama Foundation was founded in 1967 by Steve Durkee, Barbara Durkee and Jonathan Altman. Construction of the first buildings began in 1968. The following year, the foundation was incorporated as an “educational, religious and scientific” organization. The mission and function of Lama is still primarily what it was in the beginning.

Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Lama Foundation is to be a sustainable spiritual community and educational center dedicated to the awakening of consciousness, spiritual practice with respect for all traditions, service, and stewardship of the land.

Located approximately 20 miles north of Taos, New Mexico, Lama Fondation sits on about 109 acres, is bordered by Carson National Forest, and nestles up against the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east. There is a westward view of some 100 miles on a clear day. Water comes from a natural spring, and the land and air are imbued with a special vibration that endow this place with a mystical quality.

The name “Lama” comes from “la Lama” meaning “mud” in the local Spanish idiom, the term locals use to identify the mountain on which the Foundation sits. Many mistakenly assume the name characterizes Lama as a singularly Buddhist group. Another common misconception has been, since Lama is known as a “spiritual community,” that all members share one faith or are devotees of one guru or teacher. This is not the case; it is a unique feature of Lama that many different traditions and paths exist side by side as a “meeting of the ways”. This very diversity encourages seeing the unity beyond form.

Next page >