stone circles are universally holy constructions.
They symbolize the sacred doorway,
the center of the universe,
the dwelling place of the life force.
our mission
stone circles at The Stone House strengthens the work for justice through strategic action, spiritual practice and a sustainable relationship between land and communities.
We know another world is possible, and to stay engaged while creating that world requires training, practice and support. This is transformational work, the value of which has been recognized in every human era, in every human culture. Today, agents of change are hungry for the deeper aspects of being that support the doing and an action that is rooted in the best of humanity. Liberation is both our birthright and our responsibility. This is what we’re about. This is why we’re here.
a new paradigm of social change
Since 1995, stone circles has been on the leading edge of a national movement toward a more spiritually-based form of activism. We have introduced thousands of social change leaders and organizations to spiritual and reflective practice through workshops, retreats, trainings and strategic convenings.
rooted in place
Much of our work is based at The Stone House, a center for spiritual life and strategic action on 70 acres in Mebane, NC. The Stone House is a place of sanctuary, community and training where thousands have gathered to share strength, stories, food, strategy, and practice. It is a place for people of all traditions and no tradition.
our names
stone circles is inspired by formations (like Stonehenge) which show up in 
cultures across the world and throughout time. These circles were used to measure time and as meeting places for ritual. Both graceful and mysterious, stone circles represent the coming together of strong individuals in a powerful, time-tested pattern.
Stonehouse was a 14th Century Chinese hermit poet who spent twenty years living in a secluded mountain hut before being assigned to serve as abbot of Fuyuan Temple near present day Hangzhou. His poetry is an inspiring expression of the importance of the contemplative life. While we do not seek to emulate his hermetic life here at The Stone House, we want to always be reminded of the value of solitude, contemplation, and peace in the cultivation of a better world. Of course, we are also inspired by the story of the three little pigs. While the wolf was easily able to blow down the straw and wooden houses, he was unable to blow down the house made of stone.
We are indebted to Red Pine for his wonderful translations of Stonehouse’s writing. Here is just a bit of his work:
The shame of dumb ideas is suffered by the best
but lack of perception means a fool for sure
among those who say it’s all an illusion
who sees that wealth is due to luck?
leaves in the stream move without a plan
clouds in the valley drift without design
once I closed my eyes everything was fine
I opened them again because I love mountains
~
My broken down hut isn’t three rafters wide
perched above a thousand peaks
clouds unveil an empty sky
the horizon extends in all directions
the world is a flower in space
its bloom and decay are illusions
after sunset the wind turns cold
I close my door and face the fire
~
I built my hut on Redcloud Peak
ploughing and hoeing make up my day
half-a-dozen terraced fields
two or three men of the Way
I made a pond for the moon
and sell wood to buy grain
an old man with few schemes
I’ve told you all about me
~
The moon lights up my door
the wind blows open my robe
sit down on a rock my friend
hear my mountain song
black hair turns to snow
dawn to evening shade
everything is dew on the grass
how can anything last
~
