The School of Life (SOL) is a live-in community based mainly on the teachings of Yoga, the Essenes, and spiritual science /the perennial philosophy. Victor (Vyasa) Landa, a Peruvian Yogi, founded it in 1985, in one family house in Bethesda, about 20 minutes from the nation’s capitol. A neighboring house was acquired in 2000. About 14 people live in the two houses at any given time (5 full time members plus short to medium term renters,) and our businesses are also run in-house.
The SOL is actually an umbrella term for Shanti Yoga Ashram and its service organizations: Spiritual Foods for the New Millennium (1999), the Essene Church of Peace (2006), and the Global Coalition for Peace (2011). Our public programs include yoga classes (Hatha and Philosophy); special guest lectures and films; and quarterly Solstice/Equinox events. We run a Biodynamic & Organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program); feed the homeless every Sunday; have a vegetable garden and fruit trees; and offer various health services like aromatherapy and reflexology. Our weekday communal spiritual practice includes morning prayers (with agni hotra, aarti, meditation, and yoga) and group meals. On Friday and Saturday evenings, we have Essene Sabbath or Yogic Satsang. Residents participate as much as they like; private practice is also respected and encouraged.
As mentioned, a core group of 5 full time residents manage the programs, and we also offer short and long term residency opportunities for those interested in a quiet, drug/alcohol-free, vegetarian environment, with the opportunity to participate in community activities as much as desired.
Shanti Yoga can be defined as the search for peace through Self-Realization. Regular spiritual disciplines purify the body, heart, and mind, making us more receptive to the higher Self, so we can realize the miracle of our existence. We believe that people who have attained–or are even on the way to attaining– inner peace, start radiating love and compassion to their environment, becoming “centers for harmony,” not only setting an example, but touching souls around the world, helping to bring us to the consciousness that we are all one, and contributing towards global peace.
Journeying to light, harmony and peace through holistic practices that nourish body and soul, and heal the individual and community.
Journeying to light, harmony and peace through holistic practices that nourish body and soul, and heal the individual and community.
After an initial meeting and trial stay of a few days, prospective members can fill out an application and then will receive an orientation, protocol, and residency agreement.
Please send us an email or call to set up a meeting and tour.
One person or partnership has ultimate authority.
Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Monthly fees/dues: $450
Labor: Encouraged or suggested
Members with pre-existing debt: Yes (some debt)
Common House, Garden(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Large Scale Kitchen, Gym or sports area, Internet, We have a beautiful indoor pool but is currently in need of repair and it may be repurposed. That room has been used as a semi-greenhouse.We don’t have a commercial kitchen but it is specious and once a week we cook for about 100 people.
Residential areas outside city centers but within metropolitan regions.
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