Prayer Mountain

The inspiration for Prayer Mountain came during a health crisis that I had some years ago. While waiting for a CT scan, and completely unsure of my fate, I asked myself, “What was the one experience that seemed important to have if I were to die fairly soon?” The answer came that I wanted, at least once more, to meditate on the horizon.

Although I live in Nevada City, California as of this writing, as you may have concluded, I have a strong interest in moving to Los Angeles and presently go there about twice a year. When there, one of my most meaningful experiences is to meditate at the beach or in the Santa Monica Mountain Range, looking long and steadily at the horizon. That method of meditation was suggested by my guru, Paramhansa Yogananda.

There’s something about looking at that dividing line that causes the mind and consciousness to change. Physically, I suppose, it looks as if it is the dividing line between water and space. I wonder, however, if our soul recognizes this sight as the dividing line between the astral and physical world. Yogananda states that this is what is meant when in Genesis it says, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.”

When I travel, and even at Ananda Village, where I live, I enjoy climbing to high places and looking out at the vastness of the earth below. I think our soul loves that sense of freedom, the confirmation that it is not this little person in a body that lives in a small house on a small plot of land, but is something much greater, much more expansive.

PRAYER MOUNTAIN

Personal reasons aside, Prayer Mountain is meant for two primary purposes.

First is to provide others that same expansive view and uplifting experience that I myself often seek. If I seek it, I know that others do as well.

Second is to create a pilgrimage spot for those seeking a place for prayer, meditation and healing. Pilgrimage is a very important and useful form of worship. Yogananda said that “Environment is stronger then will power.” Through the ages, certain places have been magnetized by the spiritual effort of others and the blessing of saints. Those who visit such places are uplifted by this past effort, which is imbued not only by the prayerful effort of individuals, but also and more importantly, by Spirit’s response. With God’s blessing, may we not just take from these holy places, but also give of our love and devotion as well.

A SEARCH FOR LOCATION

The exact location for Prayer Mountain has not at this time been found. It will probably be one of the tallest hillsides behind one of the properties along Triunfo Canyon. I have no doubt it will include a wonderful expansive view, and if there’s even a little bit of ocean view, then all the better.

NEEDED NOW

1. People interested in developing this concept.