Hudson Valley Park of Study and Reflection
The Hudson Valley Park of Study and Reflection (HVP) is an open space where people dedicated to the construction of a better world can gather, study, exchange ideas, and be inspired in community.
HVP is dedicated, in particular, to deepening our understanding of the roots of violence and the development of nonviolence; to exploring ways of overcoming personal suffering; to building solidarity among people of all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures; and to helping people connect to the sacred within themselves as a source of guidance and renewal.
HVP is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, as long as they do not promote any form of violence or discrimination.
A Place For People of All Backgrounds
A beautiful space in nature
Hudson Valley Park is located near Kingston, New York in the village of Esopus. The Park is situated amongst 5 acres of rolling hills covered in a boreal forest of birch, hemlock and beech that is bisected by a stream and cascade. The Park has both a meditation hall and a center of study. Upon crossing the bridge that acts as a portal into the Park, one enters an opening amongst the trees where the meditation hall is situated to welcome all as they arrive.
Why is there a need for Hudson Valley Park?
HVP is one of more than 60 autonomous Parks around the world that were started in response to the growing personal, social and political crises of this era. In times such as these, it is easy for people to lose faith in themselves, in institutions, and in humanity. The work carried out at HVP and other Parks aims to reinforce a belief in humankind’s potential, open up images of the future, and engage people in the project of building a more human and nonviolent world.
The Parks are projects for the future to which we aspire; in them we focus not on “what has happened and who is to blame?” but rather “where are we going and how do we get there?”
What Happens at Hudson Valley Park?
HVP is available for individual reflection and meditation, for group study (workshops, seminars), for panels and presentations, and for social events and celebrations.
Based on the principle of “treating others as you would want to be treated,” HVP seeks to create an environment of openness, kindness, and reciprocity.
It is not intended as a place for people to isolate themselves from the world, but rather as a place to become inspired and to recover faith in themselves, in others, and in the possibility of change. That inspiration and faith, in turn, can support action in the world with a renewed energy and focus. Many of those who come to HVP, as such, are engaged in projects of personal, social and spiritual change in their own communities.
The Meditation Hall
The meditation hall offers a quiet sanctuary for reflection and internal work. Its circular design embraces occupants comfortably in a meditative space designed to unburden the mind. Spherical seating and empty space support a sense of openness and introspection. The four entrances surrounding the spherical dome reflect ancient historical principles of unity and balance and the hall embodies an environment of acceptance where all are welcome and may find opportunity for transformation.
What are Our Values?
HVP was founded upon the following values:
• We consider the human being to be the highest value—above money, the State, religion, and social systems.
• We promote liberty of thought.
• We promote equal rights and equal opportunities for all human beings.
• We recognize and applaud diversity in customs and cultures.
• We oppose all discrimination.
• We consecrate just resistance against all forms of violence: physical, economic, racial, religious, sexual, psychological, and moral.
About Us
HVP was started by volunteer members of the Humanist Movement [DR1] and The Communities of Silo’s Message[DR2] , the social and spiritual currents inspired by the works of Silo (1938-2010), an Argentine writer, spiritual guide, and proponent of Universalist Humanism.. Both groups share a methodology of active nonviolence and a proposal for personal change as a function of social transformation.
HVP is operated under the auspices of Pangea East, a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit established in New York State. The work of maintaining and developing HVP is carried out by volunteers who meet regularly to coordinate activities and responsibilities. HVP is funded solely through contributions from individuals who support its purpose.
“I have built community here and found inspiration with others who are doing their own work to overcome suffering.”
“My job brings me face to face with a lot of injustice in the world. HVP is a place that helps me develop internal tools to address my anxieties. I’m developing practices to accompany myself and to transform inner violence.”
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“My job brings me face to face with a lot of injustice in the world. HVP is a place that helps me develop internal tools to address my anxieties. I’m developing practices to accompany myself and to transform inner violence.”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
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