Our Philosophy

Twelve Paths is designed for people seeking meaningful pathways for spiritual growth within a loving, communal environment. While Descartes famously declared, "I think, therefore I am," an alternate expression, "I love, therefore I am," is what Twelve Paths seeks to understand and live out as the centerpiece of human spiritual growth.

Twelve Paths supports the spiritual growth of any seeker looking to live a more centered life. What does that mean?  How does Twelve Paths work?  And from what does it draw its inspritaiton? 

We draw inspiration from tried and true approaches that have stood the test of time.  In today‘s world, spiritual ideas about how to live a more grounded life are as relevant as they have always been. Twelve Paths draws inspiration from ancient and modern wisdom teachings, including: 

• Taoism: Emphasizes simplicity, naturalness, & balance
• Buddhism: Focuses on mindfulness, ethical living, and compassion in the midst of suffering
• Confucianism: Focuses on personal morality, harmony, & community
• Hinduism: Teaches realization of divine nature in all beings
• Aboriginal Spirituality: Teaches interconnectedness of all living & non-living elements
• Stoicism: Teaches self-mastery & emotional resilience
• Jewish mysticism: Seeks direct intimate knowledge of divinity & universe's hidden structure
• Christian mysticism: Direct encounter with divinity through intimate relationship
• Islamic mysticism: Emphasizes deep spiritual love & purification of one's heart
• Contemporary Spirituality: Focuses on holistic wellness, inner awareness, & ecological reverence for nature
• Perennialism: Proposes all major spiritual traditions share a universal wisdom
• Integral Spirituality: Teaches a holistic, inclusive approach to spiritual awakening, honors modern science, while incorporating wisdom of all major traditions.

The great Celtic poet & author John O’Donohue speaks from a place that is at the heart of Twelve Paths.  He wrote, “Meister Eckhart says that many people wonder where they should be and what they should do, when in fact they should be more concerned about how to be.  The love side of your life is the place of greatest tenderness within you. In a culture preoccupied with fixities and definites and correspondingly impatient of mystery, it is difficult to step out from the transparency of false light into the more candlelit world of the soul.”

Twelve Paths is currently a one person operation. Rick Eberhardt, Jr. founded the program and leads all retreats, provides all one-on-one spiritual guidance, organizes & hosts all sangha gatherings, and is the person to contact if interested in anything Twelve Paths. Register for The Urban Retreat anytime by contacting Rick directly. Rick is open to new cohorts throughout the year anytime six or more seekers say they’re ready for the journey. Time-slots for the retreat sessions are built around the availability of participants. One-on-one sessions with Rick are available to schedule anytime, for in-person or on-line spiritual support.

If this speaks to you, then contact us and discover how Twelve Paths can work for you.