About Indralaya

Indralaya’s Mission: Indralaya is both a sanctuary and a dynamic community engaged in an ongoing experiment in theosophical living and study. We honor and work with nature, and aspire to live according to the principles of altruism, peaceful engagement with the world (Ahimsa), tolerance, conscious simplicity, love, and the pursuit of truth. All who choose to participate are welcome.

Indralaya was founded in 1927 by members of the Theosophical Society (an organization whose mission statement is “to encourage open-minded inquiry into world religion, philosophy, science, and the arts in order to understand the wisdom of the ages, respect the unity of all life, and help people explore spiritual self-transformation”). Indralaya is a practical experiment in applying the theosophical principles of kindness, doing no harm, inclusivity, and oneness with nature. These principles continue to form the basis of our philosophy, community life, and programs. Indralaya offers a wide variety of programs attended by individuals and families of all ages, many of whom have attended for multiple generations. Programs begin in Spring and end in late Fall, along with work parties at the beginning and the end of the seasons.

Located on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands in Washington State on 78 acres of forest meadows and trails situated along ¾ of a mile of coastline, Indralaya houses a rustic camp consisting of xx cabins and small houses, and a communal dining hall, gathering pavilion, and communal bathrooms. Indralaya derives its name from Sanskrit and means “a home for the spiritual forces in nature.” We share the space with bald eagles, deer, rabbits, sea otters, and other wildlife. In this unique environment, facilitated by on-site general manager(s),* participants come for weekend- to week-long programs and work parties. All are encouraged to live in cooperative harmony with nature and each other, experiencing the interconnectedness of all forms of life while exploring individual pathways to wholeness. In keeping with this principle, no meat, fish, drugs or alcohol are permitted on the premises, and that there are no dogs, cats, or other domesticated pets. 

Volunteerism is at the core of Indralaya throughout its programs and work parties. Indralaya serves vegetarian/vegan meals, prepared by kitchen volunteers supported by the kitchen manager* in a community dining room. Everyone shares in after-meal chores. Indralaya is sustained throughout the year by community work parties. The maximum occupancy is 95 people who are accommodated in rustic sleeping cabins, plumbed cabins, and shared communal spaces.