Lama Foundation

Lama Foundation's original mission was "dedicated to the awakening of consciousness, spiritual practice with respect for all traditions, service, and stewardship of the land.

In particular, Lama has held a Shabbat service for over 35 years which draws people from all over northern New Mexico, including travelers.

[3] Gardens and good land practices help maintain an environment in keeping with the surrounding Carson National Forest.

Lama holds visitors days, Shabbat, and other events for the surrounding community, which includes Taos and much of northern New Mexico.

In particular, Lama has a significant relationship with the Taos Pueblo, the Hanuman Temple, Contemplative Outreach, the Church of Conscious Harmony, Ram Dass, Neem Karoli Baba, Murshid Samuel Lewis, Rabbi Zalman Schachter, Fr.

[2][3] The Durkees had been in the communal media arts collective USCO in Rockland County, New York, before moving to New Mexico.

[citation needed] It was one of almost thirty communes (intentional communities) established in the region around that time, and one of the most well-known, along with Morningstar East, Reality Construction Company, the Hog Farm, New Buffalo, and The Family.

[3] Ram Dass was a friend of the founders, and he stayed at the Lama Foundation as a guest when he returned to America from India.

The community's residents edited, illustrated, and laid out the text, which ultimately became a huge commercial hit when published under the name Be Here Now.

Proceeds from the sales of Be Here Now helped to fund the Lama Foundation in subsequent years, as did other publications, craftwork projects such as prayer flags, and a few government grants.

[citation needed] The Lama Foundation is notable among communal religious movements in that it embraced an eclectic approach to spiritual discovery, rather than depending strictly on the teachings and authority of a single charismatic leader or discipline.

[14] This individual autonomy is also displayed by the relative lack of communality in its living arrangements, compared to other groups founded at the same time.