Founder of Kirpal Meditation & Ecological Center

Leonard Sussman and the Story of KMEC

Founder Leonard Sussman created KMEC as an expression of gratitude to his spiritual teacher, Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj, and as a place where people from many walks of life could rest and seek meditation. KMEC’s account traces that inspiration to Leonard’s journey beginning in 1967.

KMEC founder Leonard Sussman holding books on a tropical walkway
Founder
Leonard Sussman
Spiritual teacher
Sant Kirpal Singh
Journey recorded by KMEC
Beginning in 1967
Center purpose
Meditation, service, human unity, and ecology

What experience inspired Leonard Sussman?

KMEC’s recorded history says Leonard entered the Surat Shabd Yoga path in June 1967 and traveled to India later that year, where he spent time with Sant Kirpal Singh. That relationship became central to how Leonard understood meditation, service, and human unity.

Why did he create KMEC?

Leonard envisioned a place where people could step away from mental and practical pressures, turn inward, and live closer to the land. KMEC describes the center as his expression of gratitude to Kirpal Singh and his wish to serve people from many backgrounds.

What does the founder story not claim?

Sant Kirpal Singh did not found KMEC. This site does not claim that KMEC is an official successor organization, represents every Sant Mat lineage, or holds exclusive spiritual authority. The connection is described through Leonard’s documented experience.

How does that intention show up today?

The center brings together quiet practice, welcome across backgrounds, retreat hospitality, ecological systems, and service. Guests are invited to experience those values without being promised a spiritual or health result.

A living intention

The values behind KMEC continue through place, practice, and service.

The center's story is carried forward through quiet spaces, welcome across backgrounds, ecological care, and everyday acts of service.

Warm natural light inside KMEC's Balinese Meditation PavilionMeditation sculpture surrounded by tropical gardens at KMECA retreat group gathering together on Hawaiʻi Island

The story continues in place

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