FOURWINDS COUNCIL
Mission Statement
The Fourwinds Council is a cooperative association of four spiritual
centers located in the Santa Lucia Mountain range of Central California
in what is known as Big Sur. The centers are all located in and adjacent
to the Ventana Wilderness and the Los Padres National Forest. The membership
includes:
New Camaldoli Hermitage
|
Esalen Institute
| Esselen Cultural Center
| Tassajara Zen
Mountain Center |
The Fourwinds Council was formed following the guidance of the Esselen Indian
prophecy of the reconvergence of the four original root races, the red,
yellow, black and white tribes from the four directions who would come back
together here at the western edge of the universe: The Ventana Wilderness,
Big Sur.
The Fourwinds Council is developing cooperative initiatives among the four
centers to promote a deeper understanding and respect for the paths of personal
and social transformation which each center represents. To that end quarterly
gatherings are held at each of the centers. Although each of the member
organizations has its own unique mission, we have similar objectives and
values. We were drawn to this area to create places of learning for a larger
culture; to provide places of retreat and spiritual renewal; to explore
the deeper dimensions of what it means to be a human being; to learn and
to teach respect for the Earth, and to live in balance with her limited
resources. We also share similar interests in the land that sustains and
connects us, the Los Padres National Forest and the Ventana Wilderness.
The Fourwinds Council views wilderness as a precious resource, a resource
not to be developed or exploited, but to be appreciated and enjoyed for
itself. For us this land of Big Sur is a sanctuary, a sacred place where
we may meet ourselves and nature in a simple, yet profound way. With the
noise, pollution and busy-ness of our cities pushing at us relentlessly,
the peace and solitude of the wilderness is a gift to treasure and protect
against all pressures for development. To that end we are taking an active
role as advocates for the wilderness and will work with all appropriate
agencies, public and private, who have jurisdiction and responsibility for
gathering information and making decisions about its use.
Many Blessings!