The fabric of the Feathered Pipe is woven of a profusion of radiant threads of place, people, and spirit – all intersecting in sometimes unexpected ways, creating a wellspring that fostered and continues to nurture prescient souls in the communities of yoga, meditation, and personal growth. Beginning as the Holistic Life Foundation in the early 70s, Feathered Pipe Roots explore the other-worldly history and interwoven tapestry of one of America’s oldest and most revered institutions in the world of yoga.
Amy Stephan and Andy Vantrease sat down with longtime ranch manager Howard Levin in his one bedroom cabin, just past the Lake Tipi on the Feathered Pipe Ranch in Helena, Montana. After quieting the Hindi tunes and shifting seats—away from the armchair that “wasn’t for sitting”—the questions begin. READ MORE
Laughing Water sat down with Andy Vantrease to reflect on his marriage to India Supera and reveals how his personal passion for natural health became a lifelong business venture. He also admits that after 45 years, he still can’t nail an elevator pitch that encompasses the totality of the Feathered Pipe experience. READ MORE
India’s older sister VJ opens up about her life of wild adventure, travel-inspired service and the eternal bond of two sisters from California who were raised to cross boundaries and seek their own answers. Her life exemplifies a mantra we could all learn from, "The basics of a good adventure: Seek out the unknown. Come alive again." READ MORE
Jeannette Hermann was a member of the founding group at the Feathered Pipe Ranch, following her curiosity to the Helena after a vision quest and a “chance” meeting in Red Lodge, Montana. Now splitting her time between a boat in Paris and a desert house in Tuscan, Arizona, Jeannette reflects. READ MORE
Pioneering international yoga teacher Judith Hanson Lasater reflects on the expansion of yoga in America, the unparalleled experience of motherhood and the memories that still make her smile after nearly 45 years of teaching at the Feathered Pipe Ranch. READ MORE
With sun beaming through floor-to-ceiling windows of his treehouse-inspired abode overlooking the Feathered Pipe property, long-time Feathered Pipe Ranch caretaker Tom Ryan reminisces about memorable Montana winters, unshakeable determination and mishaps turned magic in this mysterious circle of life. READ MORE
Member of the core founding group and former director of yoga programs for the Feathered Pipe Foundation,, Heidi Goldman reflects on the early days at the Ranch, where her dreams of bringing body and heart-centered teachings to the world were inspired and facilitated. READ MORE
Paul and Gail Wilson reminisce about the very early years at the Feathered Pipe Ranch, when they milked goats by candlelight and grew vegetables according to the moon cycles. The two open up about their connection to the land, their extended Ranch family and joy-filled memories. READ MORE
"First Lady of Yoga" Lilias Folan and Marti Glenn, a powerful and dynamic duo who led retreats at the Feathered Pipe Ranch for 25 years, reflect on the gift of friendship with India Supera, the importance of creating space for women to show up as their full selves, and the lessons that continue to teach them to this day. READ MORE
Activist, Jungian analyst and renowned author Jean Shinoda Bolen shares laughter-inducing memories from early Feathered Pipe travel programs and sweet moments from three decades of friendship with India Supera. Plus, the importance of women’s circles and trusting the path that leads to the inner work. READ MORE
Dear Friend John Schumacher reflects on his journey with BKS Iyengar, memories of teaching at the Feathered Pipe Ranch and the aspects of yoga and a lifetime of self-discovery. The Feathered Pipe was honored to host John along with Patricia Walden for a week-long retreat that became an annual reunion-like gathering. READ MORE
Tibetan Children’s Education Foundation's Karma Tensum's life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a potent example of the role that education—of the heart and mind—plays in our individual and collective liberation. Here, he shares passionately about his life experiences, spiritual beliefs and his hope for the future. READ MORE