FAQs

Q: Is Red Lotus Society a religious organization?

A: No, RLS is a 501 (c)(3) educational non-profit organization. We offer beginning classes in an array of authentic faith and non-faith based meditation traditions, and encourage students to explore and find their owns truths.

Q: What style of meditation do you promote? What lineage are you?

A: We do not promote a particular style of meditation. Rather, volunteer teachers and instructors facilitate classes in a variety of authentic meditation traditions. Our organization is not of a lineage, rather, we are bound by the core values of wisdom, compassion, respect and gratitude. Individually, we are all students, with many teachers and practices. We promote peace regardless of where or how it is found.

Q: Are Red Lotus Society and the Ideal Hotel the same? 

A: No. Red Lotus Society is an educational non-profit organization (est. 2006). The Ideal Hotel (est. 1912) is a historically designated building that RLS restored (2007-2008) and operates it programs. The Ideal Studio, Tea Room and Residency, are at the Ideal Hotel.

Q: If RLS renovated an entire building, it must be well-funded.

A: Like many young non-profits, we struggle each month to meet our basic operating budget. Although we raised nearly $250,000 dollars and more than 40,000 volunteer hours of labor, we have $100,000 in debt to repay, incurred during the restoration. Your donations, membership, and general support, are of great significance to our volunteer-run organization. No nail is wasted, nor is any dollar. Please consider contributing any amount today.

Q: Is it impossible to park downtown to go to the Ideal?

A: No, see our Parking Tips!