The Meditation Hut, or the “Roundhouse,” was first built in the 1950s as a secluded writer’s studio for Dennis Murphy, brother of Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy. By 1961, a young Dick Price had moved in. It wasn’t until the ’90s that the space was officially transformed into the Meditation Hut.
The Roundhouse, as it was then known, was a gift from Michael and Dennis’ paternal grandmother, Vinny, after Dennis wrote his acclaimed first novel. The Sergeant, a daring bestseller, was written by Dennis when he was just 24 years old. While residing in the Roundhouse, the charismatic, swashbuckling author wrote the screenplay adaptation of his book, which would later star Rod Steiger of The Twilight Zone. The infamous wayfaring Hunter S. Thompson’s short-lived stint as a security guard for the baths (back when they were known as the Big Sur Hot Springs) came about in part because of Dennis: The teenaged Thompson, who would later become one of his generation’s most famous writers, was a big fan of Dennis’ work, and they became friends.
Dick Price took over the digs in 1961, as he and Michael began dreaming an early concept of what would become Esalen Institute together. Located at Hot Springs Creek, the Roundhouse was called home by many historical Esalen figures through the coming decades.
The secluded getaway became a place for some ’60s-era psychedelic experimentation, including a notable trip for Hannah Tillich, wife of Christian existentialist philosopher Paul Tillich. It was within the wooden walls of the Roundhouse that she took a well-documented psychedelic journey with existentialist psychologist Rollo May, who held space as her “sitter.”
It wasn’t until the 1990s that this space officially became known as the Meditation Hut. The writer’s desk, the bed, and the bathroom accouterments were all removed to create an empty space for those seeking to Be. The interior was completely reimagined to make it what it is now, what it feels like it has always been: our beloved Meditation Hut.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Photos: Esalen Archives, Rick Rasmussen.
We know there are always missing nuggets and gems within these origin stories — the untold tales and “lost chapters” of Esalen. With your help, we’re collecting and preserving the moving details, hidden surprises, and more. Send facts, corrections, clarifications, and unique tidbits to marketing@esalen.org!
Shira Levine is the Director of Communications & Storytelling at the Esalen Institute.
The Meditation Hut, or the “Roundhouse,” was first built in the 1950s as a secluded writer’s studio for Dennis Murphy, brother of Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy. By 1961, a young Dick Price had moved in. It wasn’t until the ’90s that the space was officially transformed into the Meditation Hut.
The Roundhouse, as it was then known, was a gift from Michael and Dennis’ paternal grandmother, Vinny, after Dennis wrote his acclaimed first novel. The Sergeant, a daring bestseller, was written by Dennis when he was just 24 years old. While residing in the Roundhouse, the charismatic, swashbuckling author wrote the screenplay adaptation of his book, which would later star Rod Steiger of The Twilight Zone. The infamous wayfaring Hunter S. Thompson’s short-lived stint as a security guard for the baths (back when they were known as the Big Sur Hot Springs) came about in part because of Dennis: The teenaged Thompson, who would later become one of his generation’s most famous writers, was a big fan of Dennis’ work, and they became friends.
Dick Price took over the digs in 1961, as he and Michael began dreaming an early concept of what would become Esalen Institute together. Located at Hot Springs Creek, the Roundhouse was called home by many historical Esalen figures through the coming decades.
The secluded getaway became a place for some ’60s-era psychedelic experimentation, including a notable trip for Hannah Tillich, wife of Christian existentialist philosopher Paul Tillich. It was within the wooden walls of the Roundhouse that she took a well-documented psychedelic journey with existentialist psychologist Rollo May, who held space as her “sitter.”
It wasn’t until the 1990s that this space officially became known as the Meditation Hut. The writer’s desk, the bed, and the bathroom accouterments were all removed to create an empty space for those seeking to Be. The interior was completely reimagined to make it what it is now, what it feels like it has always been: our beloved Meditation Hut.
Photos: Esalen Archives, Rick Rasmussen.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
We know there are always missing nuggets and gems within these origin stories — the untold tales and “lost chapters” of Esalen. With your help, we’re collecting and preserving the moving details, hidden surprises, and more. Send facts, corrections, clarifications, and unique tidbits to marketing@esalen.org!
Shira Levine is the Director of Communications & Storytelling at the Esalen Institute.
The Meditation Hut, or the “Roundhouse,” was first built in the 1950s as a secluded writer’s studio for Dennis Murphy, brother of Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy. By 1961, a young Dick Price had moved in. It wasn’t until the ’90s that the space was officially transformed into the Meditation Hut.
The Roundhouse, as it was then known, was a gift from Michael and Dennis’ paternal grandmother, Vinny, after Dennis wrote his acclaimed first novel. The Sergeant, a daring bestseller, was written by Dennis when he was just 24 years old. While residing in the Roundhouse, the charismatic, swashbuckling author wrote the screenplay adaptation of his book, which would later star Rod Steiger of The Twilight Zone. The infamous wayfaring Hunter S. Thompson’s short-lived stint as a security guard for the baths (back when they were known as the Big Sur Hot Springs) came about in part because of Dennis: The teenaged Thompson, who would later become one of his generation’s most famous writers, was a big fan of Dennis’ work, and they became friends.
Dick Price took over the digs in 1961, as he and Michael began dreaming an early concept of what would become Esalen Institute together. Located at Hot Springs Creek, the Roundhouse was called home by many historical Esalen figures through the coming decades.
The secluded getaway became a place for some ’60s-era psychedelic experimentation, including a notable trip for Hannah Tillich, wife of Christian existentialist philosopher Paul Tillich. It was within the wooden walls of the Roundhouse that she took a well-documented psychedelic journey with existentialist psychologist Rollo May, who held space as her “sitter.”
It wasn’t until the 1990s that this space officially became known as the Meditation Hut. The writer’s desk, the bed, and the bathroom accouterments were all removed to create an empty space for those seeking to Be. The interior was completely reimagined to make it what it is now, what it feels like it has always been: our beloved Meditation Hut.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
We know there are always missing nuggets and gems within these origin stories — the untold tales and “lost chapters” of Esalen. With your help, we’re collecting and preserving the moving details, hidden surprises, and more. Send facts, corrections, clarifications, and unique tidbits to marketing@esalen.org!
Shira Levine is the Director of Communications & Storytelling at the Esalen Institute.
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org
