Statement of Beliefs

Seraphaya Spiritual Center: Statement of Beliefs

The Seraphaya Spiritual Center is dedicated to the reverence and celebration of the divine presence within the natural world and the universe as a whole. Our beliefs are rooted in the understanding that the universe is a sacred, interconnected whole and that divinity is present in all things. This document outlines the core beliefs and practices of the Seraphaya Spiritual Center, reflecting our commitment to personal spiritual growth and exploration, living in harmony with the natural world, and recognizing the sacred in every aspect of life.

The Divine in All Things

At the Seraphaya Spiritual Center, we firmly reject the notion of a separate, anthropomorphic deity. Instead, we embrace the idea that divinity is imminent in all things, believing that the universe is a manifestation of the Divine Creator and that every aspect of the natural world is sacred. The cosmos, Earth, and all forms of life are expressions of divinity deserving of respect, love, and care.

Interconnectedness of All Life

We affirm the interconnectedness of all life forms and the unity of the universe. Everything in existence is part of a vast, interwoven web of life, a wondrous and awe-inspiring reality. Our actions have ripple effects throughout this web, and we are dedicated to living in ways that honor this interdependence, inspiring others to do the same. We hold a deep respect and care for all life forms, understanding that our actions affect the entire web of life.

Reverence for Nature

Nature is our temple, and the Earth is our sanctuary. We hold a deep reverence for the natural world, inspiring us to live in harmony with it. Our practices include rituals and ceremonies that honor the cycles of nature, the seasons, and the elements. We advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainability, recognizing our responsibility to protect and preserve the Earth for future generations.

Mystical Experiences and Divine Guidance

We believe that mystical experiences are a profound means of seeking and receiving answers to both specific and ultimate life questions. Through these sacred experiences, often induced by the sacramental consumption of Ayahuasca, we are united by love, understanding, and a deeper connection to other beings in the universe. These experiences offer us direct communion with the Divine Creator, providing insights and guidance that shape our lives and spiritual paths.

Unconditional Love as the Essence of the Divine

We believe that the overarching message received from the Divine Creator through the sacramental use of Ayahuasca is that unconditional love is one of the most potent forces in the universe. This love is the very nature and essence of the Divine Creator. In our spiritual practice, we strive to embody and express this love in our interactions with all beings, recognizing it as the fundamental truth that connects us to the divine and each other.

Symbiotic Relationship with Nature

We believe that the sacramental use of Ayahuasca and Hapé teaches and empowers us to become more attuned to and connected with Mother Nature as well as our own minds and bodies. These sacred substances restore us to a more symbiotic relationship with the natural world. We are committed to conducting ourselves in a manner that respects and preserves Mother Nature, encouraging others to do the same whenever feasible. Our practices reflect a deep reverence for the Earth, and we advocate for environmental stewardship as a spiritual responsibility.

Honoring Ancient Traditions

We believe that the sacramental use of entheogens is an ancient practice with roots that may extend back over 100,000 years. Specifically, the use of Ayahuasca and Hapé in sacred ceremonies dates back more than 2,000 years. To honor and remain consistent with these traditions, we adopt and implement ancient practices and ceremonies, paying tribute to the wisdom of our ancestors and the sacred teachings they have passed down through generations.

The Spiritual Realm and Overcoming the Fear of Death

We believe that at the time of death, our spirits return to the same spiritual realm accessed through the sacramental use of Ayahuasca. By engaging in these sacred practices and exploring higher levels of consciousness and spiritual realms, we become more comfortable in the spiritual dimension. This familiarity allows us to overcome the fear of death, enabling us to focus more fully on loving others and contributing to the well-being of all living beings in the universe.

The Sacred Use of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca, a sacred plant sacrament, holds a central place in our spiritual practice. We believe that Ayahuasca is a divine teacher, offering profound insights into the nature of existence, the interconnectedness of all life, and the divine presence in the universe. Through carefully guided ceremonies, we use Ayahuasca to facilitate deep spiritual exploration, healing, and communion with the divine. These ceremonies are conducted with the utmost respect, reverence, and care, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. We recognize the sacred traditions from which Ayahuasca originates and are committed to honoring and preserving these indigenous practices.

The Use of Hapé in Ritual

Hapé, a sacred tobacco snuff, is used in our ceremonies to cleanse and align the energies of the body, mind, and spirit. We believe that hapé serves as a powerful tool for grounding, purification, and connection to the divine. Administered with respect and intention, hapé helps to open channels of communication with the natural world, clear mental and spiritual blockages, and enhance the focus and depth of our meditative practices. Our use of hapé is rooted in the traditional practices of indigenous peoples, and we are committed to preserving the integrity of this sacrament.

The Pursuit of Knowledge

We believe in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding as a spiritual practice. Science, philosophy, and the arts are valuable tools for exploring the mysteries of the universe and deepening our connection to the divine. We encourage a spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness, recognizing that truth can be found through multiple paths of inquiry.

Personal Spirituality

We honor the diversity of individual spiritual experiences and paths. Each person is encouraged to seek their own understanding of the divine and to cultivate a personal relationship with the universe. Our community supports a wide range of spiritual practices, including meditation and contemplation, breathwork, yoga, and artistic expression.

Community and Compassion

We are committed to building a compassionate and inclusive community. The Seraphaya Spiritual Center welcomes all who seek to explore and celebrate the sacredness of the universe. We strive to create a space where individuals can share their experiences, support one another, and work together to promote the well-being of all life.

Ethical Living

Our ethical principles are grounded in the recognition of the divine in all things and the interconnectedness of life. We believe in living in a way that minimizes harm, promotes justice, and enhances the well-being of others. This includes practicing kindness, fairness, and integrity in all our interactions, as well as advocating for the rights of all beings.

Sacred Rituals and Practices

The Seraphaya conducts rituals and ceremonies that honor the sacredness of the universe and the cycles of nature. These practices may include seasonal celebrations, rites of passage, and meditative gatherings. Our rituals are designed to deepen our connection to the divine, foster a sense of community, and inspire reverence for the natural world.

Vision for the Future

We envision a future where humanity lives in harmony with the Earth and recognizes the sacredness of all life. Seraphaya is committed to fostering a world where compassion, wisdom, and respect for the natural world are the guiding principles of society. We seek to inspire others to join us in this vision, working together to create a sustainable and just world for all.

Holidays

Seraphaya honors Mother Earth and acknowledges the solstices and equinoxes with reverence. These times of celebration are promoted to foster unity within the community. Members are encouraged to participate in all other holidays that resonate with their consciousness and spiritual beliefs.

Propagation

Seraphaya engages in some online marketing and community outreach to raise awareness of our spiritual practices and mission. To that end, Seraphaya will maintain a website and social media pages. However, under no circumstances should anyone affiliated with Seraphaya make concerted efforts to convince others that our beliefs or way of living are superior to or better than anyone else’s. Seraphaya prefers to attract members and participants through the positive changes and spiritual growth experienced by those who partake in our sacred ceremonies rather than through active promotion.

Conclusion

The Seraphaya Spiritual Center is a community of individuals who share a deep reverence for the universe and the natural world. Our beliefs and practices are rooted in the understanding that the divine is present in all things and that we are all part of an interconnected web of life. We invite all who resonate with these principles to join us in celebrating the sacredness of the universe and living in harmony with the Earth.