Spiritual Practice at Lama Foundation

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"Spiritual" practice, or a "spiritual path" means the inner-journey, the self-guided path towards growth or awakening. Teachers act as guides for one's unique life-experience. There are as many different spiritual paths as there are different people.

Lama Foundation has been a “spiritual” community from the beginning. In the mission statement, “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…” Steve Durkee’s original image for Lama Foundation (established 1967) was a place that combined the esoteric spiritual visioning of the 1960’s with the practical details of supporting families who wanted to live “off the grid”.

In a nutshell, Lama’s spirituality is ecumenical, or we welcome all spiritual traditions. The main Dome (see below image) is devoid of religious symbols, but has been a home to numerous spiritual retreats from many different backgrounds in its 40 year history. The prayer room (used for meditative practices, see above image) is decorated only by a single candle. There is no resident designated “teacher”, but everyone is encouraged to explore the available spiritual practices, and residents take turns leading community practices.

Many who have spent time at Lama Foundation have experienced some form of spiritual awakening. Whether during a discussion with Ram Dass, a Dance of Universal Peace, an African drumming session, a Japanese Tea Ceremony, weekly Shabbat service, Kundalini yoga at sunrise, at 3am during an all-night chant, while hiking alone in the mountains, or simply while washing dishes, there is some quality at Lama Foundation that nurtures one’s journey along the inner-path. “Paths are many, but truth is one” allows each to have their unique experiences, looking beyond the form towards the underlying unity that unites all spiritual traditions.

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