Core Principles
Integrity
Integrity
Integrity
To operate and serve the community, its members, Mother Earth, and all beings with honesty and a strong moral and ethical compass, CAYA Sanctuary is committed to facilitating Ayahuasca ceremonies that foster a deep spiritual connection. We maintain a profound awareness and transparency about our strengths and weaknesses, being forthright
To operate and serve the community, its members, Mother Earth, and all beings with honesty and a strong moral and ethical compass, CAYA Sanctuary is committed to facilitating Ayahuasca ceremonies that foster a deep spiritual connection. We maintain a profound awareness and transparency about our strengths and weaknesses, being forthright in all actions of CAYA Sanctuary Inc. We respect ourselves, others, and the ancestors who have paved the way for us to be here today, while honoring Mother Earth for the abundance she provides, acknowledging the pain she endures, and recognizing the security that she offers.
Gratitude
Integrity
Integrity
Living in gratitude means valuing life and all living things, enhancing our spiritual connection. By expressing appreciation for all aspects of the life we get to live, through our thoughts, words, and actions, we cherish all that is. This practice serves a purpose similar to that found in Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary, facilitat
Living in gratitude means valuing life and all living things, enhancing our spiritual connection. By expressing appreciation for all aspects of the life we get to live, through our thoughts, words, and actions, we cherish all that is. This practice serves a purpose similar to that found in Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary, facilitating personal growth and enjoyment. Gratitude acts as a medicine that expands our capacity to love and heals emotional wounds.
Unity
Integrity
Humility
Experiencing oneself as part of a whole system working together towards healing and spiritual growth within the community, particularly during Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary. By sharing our authentic truths—whether they are 'good or bad,' 'positive or negative' (including emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual experiences)—we
Experiencing oneself as part of a whole system working together towards healing and spiritual growth within the community, particularly during Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary. By sharing our authentic truths—whether they are 'good or bad,' 'positive or negative' (including emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual experiences)—we support the individual experience of belonging to the community. This devotion to the shared goal of transforming the state of humanity from disconnection, separation, and isolation to a deeper spiritual connection and divine oneness is essential.
Humility
Sustainability
Humility
To serve humanity, the earth, and all beings without pride, arrogance, prejudice, exclusivity, or righteousness is fundamental, especially in the context of Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary. Here, we strive to maintain equality regardless of title, status, or experience. By committing to living from your heart space, we embrace the
To serve humanity, the earth, and all beings without pride, arrogance, prejudice, exclusivity, or righteousness is fundamental, especially in the context of Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary. Here, we strive to maintain equality regardless of title, status, or experience. By committing to living from your heart space, we embrace the principles of compassion, forgiveness, and love, fostering a deep spiritual connection.
Generosity
Sustainability
Sustainability
Spreading kindness by being benevolent in thought, words, and actions is essential, especially in the context of Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary. Having an altruistic intention behind all offerings of service enhances the spiritual connection we share. It's important to give without sacrificing yourself, setting boundaries on who,
Spreading kindness by being benevolent in thought, words, and actions is essential, especially in the context of Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary. Having an altruistic intention behind all offerings of service enhances the spiritual connection we share. It's important to give without sacrificing yourself, setting boundaries on who, when, where, and how you can help. Serving for the betterment of individuals and the community honors oneself and others, creating a more harmonious environment.
Sustainability
Sustainability
Sustainability
The ability to maintain a balanced and equal energetic flow to and from the earth, ourselves, our relationships, and the community is essential. Through Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary, we can raise consciousness by advocating for and educating others on the importance of walking lightly on the earth, taking only what we need, and
The ability to maintain a balanced and equal energetic flow to and from the earth, ourselves, our relationships, and the community is essential. Through Ayahuasca ceremonies at CAYA Sanctuary, we can raise consciousness by advocating for and educating others on the importance of walking lightly on the earth, taking only what we need, and reducing our negative impact on society and the earth, thereby fostering a deeper spiritual connection.
Ceremony
Communing with the Divine
CAYA Sanctuary firmly believes that its sacramental use of Ayahuasca is protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. We sincerely hold that participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies fosters a profound spiritual connection with the divine, making it a protected religious exercise. However, due to a significant misunderstanding by our government, Ayahuasca remains federally illegal and is prohibited under most state laws.
At CAYA Sanctuary, the carriers of Ayahuasca are guided by the wisdom of indigenous practices that respect the ancient traditions from which this sacrament originates. We also recognize the complex challenges of modern life and strive to meet the unique spiritual needs of all individuals. Ayahuasca serves as a sacred sacrament that facilitates a direct connection with the Divine energy of Love. This communion not only illuminates but also heals the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life. To ensure the safety of all participants during our Ayahuasca ceremonies, CAYA Sanctuary follows a rigorous set of guidelines, which include:
- Preparation in the weeks leading up to the ceremony.
- Screening members to ensure their safety.
- Consulting with a medical doctor for any contraindications.
- Training staff, volunteers, and facilitators on proper and safe conduct during the ceremony.
- Providing pre and post-ceremony support.
Get to know Caya's Stewards
Crystal Espiritu
Crystal holds a master's degree in systemic psychology and has practiced counseling in Washington State, where she worked extensively with the Indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest. Her focus was on understanding the impact of individual and generational trauma on humanity's connection to their roots in a spiritual existence. Through her immersion into the spiritual and esoteric aspects of ancient indigenous wisdom, Crystal felt inspired to bridge the gap between spirituality and healing. This vision materialized into a community-based church known as CAYA Sanctuary, which offers holistic healing by fostering a spiritual connection through indigenous wisdom, ceremony, and faith. To maximize the potential for healing, ample time, space, and a dedicated support system are essential. Crystal's understanding of the relationship between healing and spirituality became crystallized after her first Ayahuasca ceremony. In the days, weeks, months, and years that followed, she gained a profound insight into the spiritual nature of the healing facilitated by Ayahuasca, leading to a transformational experience. Crystal has participated in Ayahuasca ceremonies across multiple countries in Central and South America, engaging with various traditions that imparted profound healing and wisdom. Aware of humanity’s disconnection and suffering, she and her beloved partner dedicated their church to safely and effectively provide people the opportunity to commune with the sacred spirit of Ayahuasca.
Damian Espiritu
Damian brings a deep understanding of trauma and addiction, having grown up in a family where it was a near daily experience and very prevalent. He has witnessed firsthand the impact that trauma and addiction have on a person’s life, causing suffering, dysregulation, and often more trauma. Dedicated to helping anyone willing to overcome their limitations, he aims to free them from the cycle of trauma. It wasn't until Damian's first Ayahuasca ceremony that he was able to see how unconsciously he had approached life. For the first time, he realized he has a genuine choice in deciding how to respond to life. Since that transformational experience, he has dedicated his life to serving others by creating space for connection and healing at CAYA Sanctuary. Damian leads integration groups where he provides a safe container for people to heal by processing their challenges and incorporating lessons from ceremony into daily life. He spent time living and working with a tribe in the Amazon of Brazil, not only learning about sacred plant sacraments but also building structures and tending to the land. He believes that to truly know the culture, it’s best to experience their existence as authentically as possible—working side by side with them, digging holes and sweating it out together. Damian brings a deeply grounded connection to CAYA, whether in ceremony, integration, or day-to-day logistics. He understands the importance of stepping into spiritual realms and then grounding the teachings into our daily lives. Damian continues to learn from his teachers and guides from many traditions and will work towards a deeper understanding of the healing traditions of the Americas.
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