Lotus Chapel Colony x Dharma Guardians

THE MISSION

We're laying the groundwork for a new kind of future—one rooted in spiritual community, sustainable living, and active service. Inspired by the vision of Paramahansa Yogananda, we are helping to build World Brotherhood Colonies—living models for an ideal civilization where simple living, high thinking, and divine fellowship are woven into daily life.

The Lotus Chapel Colony (LCC), located atop Spyrock Ridge in Northern California, is a sacred sanctuary in the early stages of becoming a full-fledged World Brotherhood Colony.

The Dharma Guardians, our grassroots service corps of community builders, are dedicated to making this vision at LCC a reality.

The Dharma Guardians are a mobile field team focused on building a global network of Lay Disciple Intentional Communities rooted in universal spiritual values and grounded action. We believe in reviving the ideal of World Brotherhood Colonies, as envisioned by Paramahansa Yogananda, through practical service and long-term stewardship. Our work at LCC is a long-term partnership to help this land blossom into a thriving example of dharmic living.

This is a joint campaign between Dharma Guardians and Lotus Chapel Colony to raise $30,000 for critical infrastructure, team equipment, and foundational systems that will allow this movement to flourish.

GOAL: $30,000 total

Breakdown:

Joint Fund	$30,000
Lotus Chapel Colony	$15,000
Dharma Guardians	$15,000

How Funds Are Handled

All donations to this campaign are collected through Dharma Guardians. 50% of all funds raised will be transferred directly to Lotus Chapel Colony to carry out key development projects. This process allows for one unified fundraiser while maintaining clear and transparent distribution between both teams.

LOTUS CHAPEL COLONY (LCC)

Nestled in the mountains of Mendocino County, Lotus Chapel Colony was founded in 2020 and has since become a quiet refuge for spiritual seekers. It serves as a physical anchor for those inspired by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, offering a place to retreat, reflect, and reconnect with the Divine in nature.

Since acquiring the land, we've gradually transformed an existing building into a livable common house that now includes a chapel space, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas. This year has marked a turning point: with your support, we can complete the key upgrades that will allow this building to fully serve its purpose as a retreat center and world brotherhood community.

“I dreamed of being part of a spiritual family, and now, through this land and this team, we are living Paramahansa Yogananda's vision of World Brotherhood Colonies.”

- Michael, Founder of LCC

Guest Testimonials:

"The Lotus Chapel provided such a wonderful space for going within to contact and be with God."

- Devotee, Napa Meditation Group

"The retreat was the best combination of fellowship, solitude, and being with God and Gurus"

- Devotees from Bay Area Temple

Chapel Altar

PROGRESS SO FAR (LCC)

Thanks to the generosity and faith of our supporters, we’ve already been able to take meaningful steps forward this past summer season:

At Lotus Chapel Colony:

Constructed a new outhouse to support daily community life
Carried out major fire abatement and land improvements
Began deck restoration, improving outdoor gathering and meditation spaces
Advanced 501(c)(3) application filing, paving the way for long-term sustainability
Hosted our first ever SRF Young Adults Retreat

We're Raising Funds to:

install a pump house to provide a sustainable, year-round water source
Complete essential upgrades to the chapel and main house
Add simple, functional outdoor facilities
Improve trails, gardens, and gathering spaces for reflection and service
Support LCC’s transition to nonprofit status

These are the foundational pieces needed to welcome more seekers, families, and volunteers in the spirit of divine fellowship. Your support helps make the land ready to receive them.

DHARMA GUARDIANS

The Dharma Guardians are not just committed to LCC—we are laying the groundwork for a global network of Lay Disciple Intentional Communities, inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda’s vision of World Brotherhood Colonies. Our partnership with Lotus Chapel is the living expression of that mission in action. This is not a short-term project, but the beginning of a long-term collaboration to help steward this land and others like it for years to come.

“We’re not just building structures—we’re building a little model of ideal civilization grounded in service, spirit, and love. This is how the new world begins.”

- Mashida, Founder of Dharma Guardians

We’re streamlining our budget to focus on essentials. Our goal is to be fully equipped for travel, labor, and content production to support LCC and future colonies.

PROGRESS SO FAR (Dharma Guardians)

With the help of your contributions, we’ve made significant progress in establishing the foundation of our mobile service team:

Equipped a minimalist camping setup for travel and fieldwork
Funded our Winter Service Tour to communities including Ananda Village, Polestar Gardens, Song of the Morning, and Sunburst
Completed 501(c)(3) approval for Dharma Guardians
Performed repairs and maintenance on LCC’s shared vehicle for outreach and supply transport

WE’RE RAISING FUNDS TO (Dharma Guardians)

Secure a dedicated team vehicle to ensure reliable transportation for service and outreach
Expand our mobile basecamp with an additional tent and setup to welcome two new members
Equip our team with essential gear for travel, media, and construction work to support LCC and future colonies

These needs directly strengthen our ability to travel, build, and connect the growing network of World Brotherhood Colonies.

WHY IT MATTERS

This summer, the line between vision and action is being bridged by a team willing to live simply, serve joyfully, and build something that will last. LCC has the land and the long-term vision. The Dharma Guardians have the energy and commitment to bring it to life.

Together, we're not just building a retreat center. We’re proving that small teams, rooted in spirit and united in service, can help shape a new world.

HOW TO HELP

Donate to the joint fundraiser (split 50/50)
Share this campaign with friends or spiritual communities
Sponsor one of our specific line items (vehicle, pump house, tools)
Reach out if you have a used vehicle, construction materials, or tools to donate

Prefer to donate by check?
You can mail a check made out to:

Dharma Guardians
PO Box 1838, Laytonville, California, 95454
Memo: Fundraiser
Please include your email if you'd like a receipt.

Dharma Guardians is a tax exempt nonprofit under the designation 501(c)(3).

Learn More

LCC Development Plan
LCC Website
Meet the Dharma Guardians

Have questions? Want to connect more directly?
Email us at:
dharmaguardians@gmail.com
lotuschapelcolony@gmail.com

Thank you for believing in this mission. This is only the beginning.

Jai Guru!

With gratitude,
The Lotus Chapel Colony & Dharma Guardians Teams

Divine Vision: Build the Future of World Brotherhood Colonies

Support Lotus Chapel Colony and Dharma Guardians in launching a new way of life — rooted in Spirit, service, and community.