Comments About Ms. Dantes

Brief Biography

For over 30 years, Ligia Dantes has been assisting people in discovering peace of mind and awakening to their own inner wisdom. She emphasizes that "truth cannot be taught." Therefore, she does not present a specific teaching. With great freedom, each person discovers his or her own unique process of unfolding. Ms. Dantes was born in Uruguay and came to this country at the age of eighteen. She was educated at UCLA and California State University at Northridge, and studied Jungian and Freudian psychology at the Institute of Psychology, Los Angeles.

She trained with Zen Master Kobun Chino Roshi, and traveled extensively in India and Nepal, speaking with Hindu and Buddhist spiritual leaders as well as medical and healing professionals. But a profound experience completely altered the course of her life. In a brief but intense vision, she experienced the suffering of humanity and the urgent need for a transformation in consciousness. She gave up a career as a psychologist and began a path of ceaseless self-inquiry which has brought her to clarity and a life of service. Her work is done without remuneration; she is supported by friends.

Ms. Dantes presents classes, workshops and retreats at University of Southern California, Hancock College and San Francisco State University. She gives public and private dialogues, and leads regular meditations and retreats. She is the author of two books: The Unmanifest Self: Transcending the Limits of Ordinary Consciousness, and Your Fantasies May Be Hazardous To Your Health.

About Her Work

(also see Comments on Ms. Dantes Approach)

Awakening Inner Wisdom

"Spiritual unfolding," says Ms. Dantes, "occurs with or without the practice of a particular religion, special techniques or physical or mental disciplines." Regardless of one's background, her unique holistic approach allows the individual to awaken naturally to his or her own deepest truths in the activity of everyday living.

People who join Ms. Dantes in this work discover the truth of life as they awaken to their inner wisdom. With her guidance, the subtleties of thought which keep us trapped begin to reveal themselves. Fears give way to joy. Peace of mind and a sense of balance and purpose begin to take root. The capacity to experience love and compassion grows within a silent mind.

For 25 years Ligia Dantes has been assisting people in this process. Pragmatically and with unwavering honesty, she cuts through the layers of concepts and misunderstandings that inhibit the unfolding process, guiding people to their own insights.

Objective Self-Inquiry

"Your life is your own book, the same as has been written many times over! Would you read that book?"
-from The Unmanifest Self by Ms. Dantes.

Objective self-inquiry is a powerful, self-correcting practice. M.A. Shaeer, Ph.D., a retired professor of physics, observes that this process "integrates the left and right brain functions and establishes the 'Middle Way' by unlocking a subtlety of perception and heightening sensitivity."

Objective self-observation is a life-changing practice when done with a clear and compassionate guide like Ms. Dantes. Perseverance in this process liberates the mind from its repetitive and mechanical patterns, bringing joy and peace.

Dialogues with Ms. Dantes awaken the natural inclination to inquire into life. She urges people to trust their own intuition. Speaking in direct and simple language, she helps the individual to see what is impeding his or her spiritual unfolding.

Mindfulness & Contemplation

"Mindful living is being in the moment of life itself, aware of living on the planet, and caring for the whole of humanity." -from a Dialogue with Ms. Dantes.

Those participating in the work, regardless of their specific activity within the group, discover the joy of living in the present moment. The contemplative environment Ms. Dantes provides encourages a natural opening to ever deeper dimensions of consciousness. Her love, patience, and humor give participants a sense of lightness about the work and their own lives.

She also conducts contemplative retreats on a regular basis in Santa Barbara and other cities. Wherever she is, she provides an example of mindful attention and joyful living.

Service To Others

"Most people are not aware that they really want to live a life of giving, a life of service . . . We are divided between wanting to accumulate, wanting security, and the desire to be free of everything-to be able to give totally to humanity."
-from a Dialogue with Ms. Dantes

It has been proven that people in service are healthier, happier people. Genuine service to others is one of the purest joys in living. Even the smallest act of service has both overt and subtle effects in consciousness. Ms. Dantes herself provides a clear example of responsible and compassionate service to others in daily living. For participants at retreats, and especially for those who join in the work, she provides an opportunity to experience true service.

Experiencing the need for transformation in human consciousness is another important aspect of her approach. The true experience of this need seems to naturally bring about genuine service in our everyday living.

At retreats, whether for a weekend or longer, Ms. Dantes provides a sense of community where people find support in her love and compassion. They discover the perfume of genuine love and get a glimpse of the immense and breathless moment of Life itself.