Our Congregation
The Little Creek Monastery is highly inclusive, open to men and women of all ages and backgrounds.
One of our demographic focus points
Of specific interest to us, however, are Millennials and younger. This is due in part because the older generations — for all of their accomplishments — bear responsibility for at least some of the situations we find ourselves in. Younger generations, on the other hand, have opportunities to help us make course corrections. And there are signs they are starting to do that.
Religious inclusiveness
While we are not associated with Chapman University (although they are located near us), their religious inclusiveness — given they are an institution that was founded out of a religious tradition — is inspiring. That, and their high quality academic efforts including three (3) Nobel Prize winners, is notable.
Nobel Prize winners include “François Englert, a Belgian theoretical physicist and Distinguished Visiting Professor in Residence and founding member of the Institute for Quantum Studies at the private campus in Orange.”
“He and Britain’s Peter Higgs won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for predicting the so-called “God Particle” that has helped the world’s physicists solve some of the deepest mysteries of the universe.”
Since we’ve called attention to Chapman, we’d like to share their definition of spirituality. The following is from Chapman’s All-Faiths Chapel website:
What is the difference between spirituality and religion?
‘SPIRITUALITY’ can be defined as including:
1. gaining peace within — even in the midst of hardship;
2. pursuing a spiritual quest by asking and finding answers to the “big” questions, like: What is the meaning and purpose of my life? Is there a Higher Power?
3. caring about others and finding ways to be involved in community service;
4. developing an understanding of all of humanity, including cultures, religions, and how we are all connected.
‘RELIGION’ is an established spiritual pathway through which a community, with a shared history, practices, beliefs and culture, pursues these spiritual aspects of life.
Hence, some people pursue this spiritual journey through a particular religion. Others pursue their own unique spiritual path. At Chapman, we are dedicated to helping students connect with a community of persons in their religion, or to connect with a group to foster their spiritual growth.
Do today’s young people care about religion or spirituality?
We are also working with a population who identify spiritual growth as one of the most important components of college life, and even a primary reason for attending college. See “Spirituality and Higher Education,” a seven-year study examining the role that college plays in facilitating the development of students’ spiritual qualities, released by UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute.
Today, we are dealing with the most multicultural, multi-religious, technologically savvy, globally connected students we have ever known. Our goal at Chapman is to bring the spiritual dimension into their learning and growth as best we can. Contrary to what we hear in the popular press, many young people are deeply dedicated to their religion. They are also, on the whole, highly concerned with the welfare of others and seek ways to work together in community service.
The technological commitment of the monastery
The monastery’s ministry is committed to technological approaches to spiritual studies and communication, as well as providing tools, thoughts and ideas to help upcoming generations become better equipped to more equitably and fairly interact with our planet and humanity.
When it comes to improving our understanding of consciousness, it is the monastery’s position that practical applications, tools and practices dovetail very nicely with our sense of mission. You learn and improve by doing, not simply by talking or writing.
