Light of the Spirit Monastery

Light of the Spirit Monastery is a monastic community for those men who wish to follow the paths of Original Yoga and Original Christianity in their search for God. This is done each day through three hours of Pranava Yoga meditation (see Pranava Yoga), Christian sacramental worship based on esoteric and yogic principles (see The Yoga of the Sacraments), study of Eastern and Western spiritual texts, personal discipline and dedicated communal life.

The monastery’s basic approach is one of emphasis on the interior spiritual reality of “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) as revealed by the illumined mystics of East and West. Major emphasis is placed on the spiritual wisdom of India as the basis of Christ’s original teachings (see The Christ of India).

The monastery exists solely for the spiritual practice of its members. Therefore it has no outside activities or programs within the monastery for non-residents.

The monastery’s service to others is the ocoy.org website through which it makes available to all seekers those spiritual writings and instruction which the monks have found to be of personal spiritual value and relevance.

The monastery life is totally communal, all engaging in the same schedule with common meals and a common dormitory. Each member engages in several hours of assigned work daily except for “rest” days.

The monks are vegan, never eating animal protein or anything derived from it to any degree. They also abstain absolutely from nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and mind-altering drugs.

The monastery is located in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, near Albuquerque, in the forest of the Sandia Mountains bordering the Cibola National Forest. Its uninterrupted quiet is conducive to the life of contemplative stillness for both visitors and residents.

The monastery has limited facilities for male visitors, who are expected to meditate and work along with us, keeping the same schedule. Visitors have their own sleeping quarters.

Those who are seriously interested in becoming members of the monastery may contact us and express their interest, giving us some information about themselves, and requesting an application form.

The front of the Monastery building