Returning Light · Our shared life
You can begin with a question.
Our teaching takes shape through shared life. These questions offer an introduction to its embodied and spiritual practices.
How are the Foundation and the Order related?
They are the same community. The Returning Light Foundation is our public institutional name; members also call the community the Order. Outreach, household life and spiritual practice are parts of the same work.
What place does sexuality have in spiritual life?
Sexual expression is part of embodied recognition. Compassion gives a couple’s intimacy a place in communal worship, with women guiding the rite. Relationships and monogamy are encouraged within the community.
Who leads the community?
Rue, Selene and Edna founded the Foundation. Rue directs institutional stewardship and Selene guides spiritual and ritual life. Edna’s contribution of the estate and community connections provided a home for their shared work. Women lead the Order’s embodied worship.
What does Return mean?
Light seeks return to its source. In the fullest teaching, the Ascension is the willing offering of a life. Members at the witness tier encounter this meaning before choosing whether to continue.
Does everyone follow the same sequence?
The path describes stages of practice and responsibility. This introduction follows the active progression into Integration; Presence is not presented as a required separate stage.
Is this a real organization?
No. The Foundation and Order are fictional parts of Belief and Love. No visits, services, membership or donations are offered. About the novel.
Where can I read the Foundation’s introduction?
Return to the community’s welcome or read about our founders.