Forging New Traditions of Contemplative Wisdom
Via Hesychia - meaning the silent way or the still path - is an independent contemplative tradition founded by Dr. Beverly Lanzetta that traces its roots to the spirit of the desert experience and the wisdom of feminine divine consciousness. Based on the unity of the holy in creation, Via Hesychia is committed to the practice and study of new spiritual traditions that are being realized in the hearts and souls of people from diverse backgrounds and orientations. This transformative moment in human consciousness heralds the advent of an integrated revelatory vision, which honors the centrality of the divine in the life of the individual and the prophetic call for spiritually transformed leaders in our communities.

As the center point of stillness open to the transcendent mystery of life, Via Hesychia follows the "wayless way" to the heart of a desert spirituality fully open to life. Intrinsic to all people and spiritual traditions, this monastic dimension of consciousness is the crucible in which the self is transfigured and new visions of the sacred gestate and are given form. Committed to this contemplative archetype, Via Hesychia celebrates the individual search for meaning in a context that is theologically open, deeply nonviolent, and receptive to the wisdom of the earth.

Via Hesychia provides a unique learning community for individuals who desire to maintain a schedule of spiritual study and practice in a contemplative environment respectful of our pluralistic world. Our programs bring professionals together to study, practice, and research how engaged theological discussion and spiritual reflection transform and renew their self-understanding and their respective disciplines. Through retreats, personal mentoring, and innovative education, Via Hesychia encourages the creative movement of the Spirit in each person as it is expressed in contemporary meditative practices, constructive theologies, vows of life, and literary and artistic forms.

Whether a person studies for personal spiritual development, or is committed to formal ordination or monastic vows, Via Hesychia supports the new visioning of sacred that is rooted in the earth, respectful of our shared religious heritage, and open to the emerging world culture. In celebration of our differences of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious creed, and professional and social vocation, Via Hesychia seeks to be an instrument of peace in our world.

Via Hesychia differs from the classical spiritual paths in five important respects:

*We hold that it is the particular mission of people today to explore new spiritual paradigms and a common spiritual language this is inclusive of the entire human-divine-earth community.

*We honor and uphold each person's spiritual source and tradition, whether understood and practiced in a specific religious or non-religious context.

*We embrace the shared legacy of the human spiritual quest directed toward the heart of the contemplative ideal, rather than toward one tradition, prophet, or savior.

*We realize that in order to become effective co-creators in the formation of new spiritual traditions, individuals need access to the sacred languages, traditions, and disciplines that have sustained countless humans through history.

*We are bound together in community- without adhering to a common location, religion, or structure- by the spiritual capacity for self-reflection, discovery, and growth, which from time immemorial has caused the human heart to measure itself against the splendor of an infinite horizon.