The Lama Foundation

The Lama Foundation is a spiritual community, educational center, and retreat located near Taos, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico.

Established in 1967, it has become known for its commitment to spiritual growth, sustainability, and the preservation of various religious and cultural traditions. Unlike Arcosanti, which focuses on architectural and ecological experimentation, the Lama Foundation's inception and evolution are deeply entwined with the countercultural movements of the 1960s, including a significant emphasis on communal living, spiritual exploration, and environmental stewardship.

Founding and Early Years

The Lama Foundation was founded by Steve Durkee (later known as Nooruddeen Durkee) and his wife Barbara Durkee (later known as Asha Greer), along with Jonathan Altman. The foundation was born out of a desire to create a sustainable spiritual community that could serve as a sanctuary for people of various faiths and beliefs to study, teach, and work together in harmony with the natural world. The name "Lama" does not refer to the Tibetan title but rather was inspired by the location's proximity to the village of Lama in New Mexico.

Philosophical and Spiritual Foundations

From its inception, the Lama Foundation was envisioned as a place of spiritual pluralism, welcoming teachings and practices from a wide array of traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity, Judaism, and Indigenous spiritualities. This inclusive approach reflected a core belief in the underlying unity of all spiritual paths and the importance of ecological balance and sustainability.

The Communal Experiment

In its early years, the foundation quickly became a magnet for seekers, artists, activists, and thinkers from across the United States, drawn by its unique blend of spiritual focus, communal living, and environmental consciousness. Residents and guests participated in daily practices that included meditation, prayer, communal work (or "seva"), and the maintenance of the foundation's facilities and natural surroundings. The communal ethos was not just spiritual but also practical, as members worked together to build structures, grow food, and develop sustainable systems for living in harmony with the environment.

Impact and Influence

One of the most significant contributions of the Lama Foundation to the broader cultural and spiritual landscape was its role in the dissemination of Ram Dass's seminal work, "Be Here Now." Published by the foundation in 1971, the book became a key text of the spiritual counter-culture, blending Eastern spirituality with Western psychotherapy and personal transformation. Lama Foundation's publication of this and other spiritual texts helped to bridge Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, making the teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Challenges and Renewal

The Lama Foundation has faced several challenges over the years, including a devastating fire in 1996 that destroyed many of its buildings. However, the community rallied to rebuild, with support from former residents, friends, and spiritual leaders from around the world. This period of reconstruction led to a renewed emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly building practices, further cementing the foundation's commitment to living in harmony with the earth.

Today's Lama Foundation

Today, the Lama Foundation continues to thrive as a place of spiritual retreat, educational programming, and communal living. It hosts a wide range of workshops, retreats, and events that reflect its foundational commitment to spiritual diversity, ecological sustainability, and community service. The foundation remains a living experiment in communal and spiritual life, continually evolving while staying true to its core principles of unity, service, and respect for all creation.

The Lama Foundation's history reflects the broader currents of American spirituality, environmentalism, and communal living. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a life dedicated to spiritual exploration, community, and the stewardship of the natural world.