Living with Consciousness

The Vision

Essentially the vision of the Shekinashram is to express a way of life that is both totally conscious and effortlessly selfless, which deeply honours the One in all its miraculous forms. We aim to provide spaciousness and facilities where all who are drawn to join us are made welcome.

Purpose and Aim

The Shekinashram has been conceived in response to a powerful impulse for a new way of living. This impulse may be seen in many guises around the world today on both major and minor scales. It intends to expand beyond the accepted codes of practice that dominate the socio-economic model upon which material wealth and the distribution of power have been based. It expresses an evolution of consciousness where individuals work together, taking responsibility for themselves and for the impact that their actions have in the world. It is pro-active in creating a new paradigm, a ‘softer’ paradigm that puts individuals, not market forces, at its core; a paradigm that offers service as its core principle and promotes consideration for the more subtle rhythms of life. It is not the purpose of the Shekinashram to make a political point, rather to offer a way in which individuals can deepen self-understanding, live inter-dependently and find a symbiotic relationship with nature.

The Shekinashram is a spiritual community, developed and functioning in accord with holistic, social and environmental values. The common vision of its members is that of deepening self-realisation through honest self-inquiry, which leads naturally to a respectful relationship with self, others and the environment. Modern eco-principles will be adopted in all aspects of its development, construction and operation. It is a centre for a wide spectrum of educational opportunities from the practical to the transformational. The community will reach out into the local area to share resources and facilities, and will create alliances with organisations internationally that espouse similar principles in order to share learning and to join in research on issues of ecology and human potential. Whilst fulfilling its research and education ambitions, the Shekinashram will also offer a sacred space and hospitality to spiritual aspirants from around the world.

The Shekinashram promotes a new way of spiritual growth and devotion that frees individuals from externally imposed models of belief, or obedience to any particular individual or ideology. A contemporary blend of eastern and western wisdom is reflected so that each may tread a meaningful path to self-discovery that is relevant in the world today. It is the purpose of the Ashram to create a sense of unity and connectedness that honours all life equally and creates ways in which profound spiritual expression may be integrated with the demands of living as a part of modern society.