For eons we've been taught that it's not good to be selfish and that the world is a better place when people are unselfish by being thoughtful, giving and civilized towards each other. Selfishness itself can be understood as an extreme focus on only one's limited self (body, mind, ego, senses) and all matters relating to and of interest or benefit only to one's self, instead of being focused on the unlimited Self (the whole world and all beyond it).

As a result we all attempt to be unselfish and we all fool ourselves into believing that we are in fact unselfish to varying degrees. For the average person though, the issue of being unselfish is often just a passing concern, but for anyone genuinely on a path of spiritual growth, this issue is a matter of spiritual life or death.

Those on the spiritual path striving to evolve and grow will often pursue various activities such as:
* Meditation
* Breathing exercises
* Reciting or chanting of sacred prayers or mantras
* Attending various spiritual retreats

And as a result of pursuing these activities 'spiritual aspirants' often develop a very subtle yet real superiority complex, deeply believing that they are in fact better and more highly evolved people than those who do not pursue spiritual disciplines.

St. Helens, OR
15 miles west of St. Helens Oregon, Camp Emerald Forest is within Bauder's Emerald Forest, a working 240-acre Certified Timber Farm/Logging Operation in historic Old Wilark Log Camp area. Dimension lumber, and posts and beams were all products of our Forests.

Vallecitos Mountain Refuge
Taos, NM
It has been estimated that if all human inhabitants of this planet lived the typical U.S lifestyle, we would need 3 planets to accommodate us. What if there was a way to reduce our footprint on the Earth and still live elegantly and prosperously? Spend a week in the profusion of nature that is a northern New Mexico mountain autumn engaging with inspired others in the big conversation about how to live a fulfilling life by balancing ecological and spiritual needs.

Shepherd's Pasture
Jefferson, TX
Military ReEntry Retreat offered to members of the military returning from deployment. Retreat/lodging/food/travel stipend are offered to service members free of charge.

Shambhala Mountain Center
Red Feather Lakes, CO
The credo of our modern culture is individual freedom and rights. Unfortunately, we have failed to find any kind of lasting happiness or meaning through cherishing and protecting only our selves. The Buddhadharma encourages us to change our focus to the welfare of all beings—a radical but meaningful approach.