Who We Are
What Is Polestar?
Polestar is an intentional, spiritual community as well as educational nonprofit.
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Polestar offers year-round, hands-on experience in cooperative spiritual living based on the universal teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. We also offer opportunities for personal retreat and vacation, as well as many dynamic programs for families and youths.
Our core values are spirit, community and life-long learning.
As we often say, we try to "eat, pray, work and play" together. We strive to "keep the main thing, the main thing". That is, to keep our focus on spirit – maintaining our connection to our deeper Selves – at the center of our lives.
(Also see Vision & Mission)
Spirit
We draw our inspiration primarily from the life of Paramhansa Yogananda as well as the teachings of all true paths. Yoga, chanting and sacred music, and kriya yoga (a meditation technique) 
are the foundations of our practice. We all share a sincere desire to deepen our spiritual lives. We strive to take our practices seriously, finding joy in sharing our path with others.
Community
Selfless service (or karma yoga) is our community ideal. Along with making a contribution to others' lives, we aspire to relinquish attachment to the fruit of our actions. This is a lofty goal to say the least but many of our most cherished memories have come through volunteer work days and the practice of community service.
The magic of spiritual community is that it helps us keep the most important things in focus. If you hope to develop a consistent spiritual practice, there is no better way than to associate with others of the same intention. High minded company draws out and develops the highest in each of us.
The influence of spiritual community on our youth is particularly profound. Children that grow up amidst deep friendships, respect, and spiritual aspiration can see those possibilities for themselves. The friendships born in community offer a great treasure and an abiding influence on each of us.
Life-long learning
Each of us has unique knowledge to share and lessons to learn in our time here. Daily life, if we are open to it, offers a continuous flow of educational opportunities! Through creative service, spiritual practice, classes, meals, music and play, and through the deep relationships developed through all of these, we expand our knowledge and wisdom.
