Living Water
Monastery
A Practice of Intentional Living
The Living Water Monastery is an intentional, lay community rooted in shared practice, meaningful relationships, and service to the world. Drawing from contemplative traditions, this way of life is lived fully within ordinary responsibilities rather than apart from them.
Residents do not withdraw from the world. Instead, they commit to living with greater attention—learning how daily life itself becomes a place of formation, healing, and growth.
A Shared Life of Practice
Life at the Monastery is shaped by simple, repeatable rhythms that support presence and steadiness. These include:
Daily meditation and contemplative practice
Shared meals and common life
Meaningful work that supports the community and the land
Time for study, reflection, and rest
These practices are not about perfection or spiritual achievement. They are about learning how attention, consistency, and care shape the heart over time.
Daily Rhythm (Mon-Fri)
Morning Meditation – 6:30-7:00 AM
Daily Community Work Time – 9:30 - 12:30 AM (varies seasonally)
Evening Meditation - 8:00 - 8:30 PM
Who This Is For
The Living Water Monastery is for people who:
Are seeking a more intentional way of living
Desire growth through practice and relationship
Feel drawn to contemplative life without leaving the world
Are open to shared responsibility, simplicity, and service
Residents come from a variety of spiritual and religious backgrounds. What unites the community is not belief, but a shared commitment to practice, presence, and care.
An Invitation
The Living Water Monastery is not a finished vision. It continues to take shape through the people who live here, the land that is tended, and the practices that anchor daily life.
If you feel drawn to explore this way of living, we invite you to learn more, visit the community, and begin a conversation.
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.
If you’re ready to apply for a short term visit or a long term stay, click here for the application.
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.
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.