Guiding Principles

DHARMA REALIZATION

At Ananda Lodge, we extend our family’s soul purpose to embrace a profound mission: to spread love, healing, and kindness to all those in need. Our commitment is to share our story, not only as a personal journey but as a source of inspiration and transformation for others and the world at large.

We firmly believe that by sharing our experiences, our healing processes, and our deep connection to the transformative power of love and kindness, we can contribute to positive change in the lives of individuals and communities. Through these actions, we aim to create a ripple effect of compassion, healing, and positive transformation that extends far beyond the boundaries of our retreat center, touching the lives of many and fostering a more harmonious and compassionate world.

“May all beings awaken to their true nature.”

Gautama Buddha

ACCESSIBLE healing

At Ananda Lodge, we are dedicated to the principle of “Accessible healing.” We strive to construct a bridge that provides equitable access to ancestral healing modalities, always viewing our work through the lens of fairness and inclusion.

Our mission is to make the profound benefits of ancestral healing accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. We recognize the importance of creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected in their healing journey.

This compassionate approach extends to war veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, survivors of abuse, and those from traumatic or marginalized backgrounds. We understand the unique challenges and traumas that these individuals may face and are committed to providing them with the support and healing they need.

By promoting accessibility and inclusion in the realm of healing, we hope to break down barriers and ensure that the transformative power of these ancient practices is available to a diverse and inclusive audience. It is our belief that healing should be a universal right, accessible to all who seek it, and we are committed to making that vision a reality.

“May all beings awaken to their true nature.”

Gautama Buddha

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

Safety is our foremost priority at Ananda Lodge, and we operate with trauma-informed guiding principles that are deeply rooted in ensuring your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Our commitment to safety goes beyond physical security; it extends to creating an environment where you can feel safe to explore, heal, and transform. We recognize that each individual’s journey is unique, and we are dedicated to providing the support and care needed to navigate it with sensitivity and respect.

Our ten step, trauma-informed approach is a testament to our commitment to understanding and responding to the unique needs of each guest, especially in the context of past experiences and healing processes. Your well-being is our primary concern, and we take every measure to ensure that your time at Ananda Lodge is a sanctuary of safety and healing.

“May all beings be free from danger.”

Gautama Buddha

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is at the heart of our mission at Ananda Lodge. We hold deep appreciation and acknowledgment for the land on which we reside, the sacred medicine practices that guide our work, and the indigenous wisdom keepers who have generously shared their knowledge and traditions with us.

We understand that our ability to facilitate healing and transformation is rooted in the wisdom and practices that have been passed down through generations. We recognize the profound importance of honoring and preserving these traditions, showing gratitude for the land that sustains us, and respecting the indigenous cultures that have paved the way for our work.

It is with the utmost reverence and gratitude that we approach our mission, with a commitment to upholding the integrity of these sacred practices and giving back to the communities and cultures from which they originate. Our work is a testament to the deep appreciation we hold for the foundations upon which it is built.

“May all beings have ease and well being.”

Gautama Buddha

Sacred reciprocity

Sacred reciprocity is an integral part of our ethos at Ananda Lodge. We hold a deep commitment to Ayni, a Quecha word that means “today for you, tomorrow for me.” Our philosophy of giving before receiving not only to our guests and to the local Costa Rican community, but also to the indigenous wisdom keepers who have shared their traditions with us, and the land that sustains us.

Our belief is that healing, well-being, and dharma realization should extend beyond our retreat center. We actively engage in initiatives that support the local community and the indigenous cultures we collaborate with. Mutuality may include sharing of knowledge and resources, education, sustainable practices, or economic support to ensure that our presence brings a reciprocal benefit to all..

Furthermore, we strive to be conscientious stewards of the land. We are dedicated to regenerative land practices that not only minimize our environmental impact but also actively contribute to the health and vitality of the ecosystems in which we reside.

Through these efforts, we aim to create a circle of reciprocity, where the benefits of our work return to those who have contributed to our journey. Our commitment to sacred reciprocity is an essential part of our mission to promote healing, well-being, and sustainability in all aspects of our work and beyond.

“Generosity brings happiness at every stage of its expression.”

Gautama Buddha

PURA VIDA

Pura Vida, translated to pure life or simple life, is the living, breathing essence of the land of Costa Rica. It encapsulates the friendly culture, the thriving biodiversity, and the feeling that all will be OK.

At Ananda Lodge, we lovingly embrace the spirit of Pura Vida through our reconnection to self and nature, through living in alignment with our hearts and souls.

For our family, Pura Vida means spreading happiness, optimism, and the belief that life is meant to be lived to its fullest. It’s about cherishing the simple joys, finding beauty in the mundane, and nurturing a deep connection with nature and community.

As you embark on your healing journey with us, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality that define the Costa Rican way of living. We invite you to embrace Pura Vida as not just a phrase, but a philosophy that infuses your time at Ananda Lodge with positivity, gratitude, and a celebration of life in all its richness.

“Happiness is the path.”

Gautama Buddha

Guiding Principles

DHARMA REALIZATION

ACCESSIBLE healing

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

GRATITUDE

Sacred reciprocity

PURA VIDA

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