We feel it is important to give those who may speak to us about VOL an understanding of what we are about.
First, VOL is not a cult. There is no specific leader, teacher, doctrine or faith which we all believe in and follow.
Second, we are not fanatics about anything.
Third, we are not trying to "save people" or save "the world".
Fourth, we are not trying to create a "revolution" in the physical world.
[We believe that the only successful revolution is one that takes place INSIDE a person.]
We are people who share many similar beliefs.
We believe that:
Sharing some sort of spiritual practice as a group on a daily basis keeps a community stable, peaceful and viable.
There is something to find, something beyond what we experience with our "basic physical" senses, and that finding the unknown something is part of our purpose for existing.
If we find the unknown something, we will be happier, healthier, more loving people.
There are many potentials in each human being that remain undeveloped by most people, especially in western cultures.
There are many "paths" a person can travel to find the unknown something and many methods and techniques that can bring growth and change to a person.
What methods work well for a specific individual may not work for another, because each is a totally unique beautiful being who has had different environments, different experiences, and have some different "genes".
All of these things have made each person who they are today. that seeking and exploring possibilities-potentials in ourselves is one way to find what there is to find.
Living a simpler lifestyle in the country, in a clean quiet peaceful environment, growing one's own food and being with friends who are supportive of growth and change is a far better way for people to live and raise their children.
We believe in "Ahimsa", a Buddhist term meaning: "action performed without the intention to harm anyone or anything by thought, word or deed."
[ many people interpret this to mean non-violence, which involves even refraining from defending oneself or others-this is a misconception!-one has the right to defend one's self, one's family, others, and one's property-and it is spiritually appropriate to do so. ]
We intend to live at VOL and and share living there with others who have similar beliefs. We intend for VOL to be our permanent home.
We want people to join us who want a permanent home and plan to live and share at the VOL Community for the rest of their lives. We understand that since the world and each of us is constantly changing, some who join us may eventually decide to leave. Such is life.