Living Water
Monastery
Living Water Monastery is a mindful, interfaith community that lives, works and meditates together towards greater peace, awakening the spirit of loving kindness within.
Why a Monastery?
Living Water Monastery is an attempt to create the Beloved Community, a community Dr King spoke about - a diverse community, built on love, seeking transformation. Our monastery brings together people from diverse backgrounds to live, work and grow together in community. Our goal is to bless the surrounding communities through our service and by creating a safe space for spiritual practice.
Our monastery is not a formal monastery with monks and nuns. Instead, the monastery at Living Water is an attempt to reimagine what monastic life looks like for today’s world. We are an intentional community that seeks transformative personal and collective growth as we live and serve together.
Daily Rhythm (Mon-Fri)
Morning Meditation – 6:30-7:00 AM
Daily Community Work Time – 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Afternoon Meditation – 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Evening Meditation - 5:30 - 6:00 PM
Visiting/Residency
Living Water Monastery offers a 1-year residency program for those who want to immerse themselves fully into monastic and communal living. Those interested in our residency program can email livingwaterrva@gmail.com for more info.
For those who cannot commit to a full year and would like to visit the monastery for a shorter length of time, please email us to inquire about availability. All guests are expected to participate fully in all aspects of community life while visiting the monastery. This includes the daily practice of meditation and service/work.
More about the Monastery…
Living Water Monastery is more than just a physical location; it is an embodiment of the Beloved Community that Dr King and others dreamed about. Grounded in love and driven by a desire for transformation, our monastery is a vibrant tapestry of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a common purpose.
While we do not adhere to the traditional structure of monks and nuns, our intentional community at Living Water embraces the essence of monastic life. We believe that spirituality is not confined to the walls of a traditional monastery; rather, it should be woven seamlessly into all aspects of our daily lives. Our monastery serves as a space where people from all walks of life can come together, live harmoniously, and strive for personal and collective growth.
One of our primary objectives is to serve the surrounding communities. We understand that genuine service lies at the heart of building bridges and bringing about positive change.
Diversity is a cornerstone of our community. We recognize that by embracing people from various backgrounds, we enhance our collective wisdom and expand our capacity for understanding and empathy. We welcome all who are willing to embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, irrespective of religious affiliations or beliefs. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to break down the walls that divide us, fostering unity and mutual respect.
Living Water Monastery serves as a beacon of hope in today's world, an oasis of love and transformation amidst the challenges and complexities of modern life. We strive to inspire and empower individuals to live their lives with purpose and to embody the core principles of Loving-Kindness (Metta/Hesed).
In essence, our monastery is trying to create a more peaceful world, offering a dynamic interpretation of monastic life for today's world. Together, we continue on this journey towards creating the Beloved Community, where love, understanding, and service are the guiding principles that shape our lives and enrich the lives of those around us.
Get in touch.
Process for becoming resident:
If you would like to learn more about Living Water Monastic Community or interested in becoming a resident, please email us for more information about the application process.
Living Water Community Center began as an idea to better serve the local community and ecosystem. Now, we have a flourishing community supported garden that generates more than 500 lbs. of produce annually and a thriving backyard beehive program that cares for beehives throughout the city of Richmond. Your donations matter and make an impact.