Michael Menahem Gottlieb was a master spiritual teacher who guided thousands of seekers to the experience of the divine through his teachings of meditation and higher consciousness. He devoted his life to his spiritual quest and shared his insights and practices generously. He was a teacher of extraordinary light and compassion, and everyone open to him was touched by his wisdom, clarity, and insight.

 

Michael founded Royal Way in 1979 after decades as a therapist, scholar, and teacher. His journey encompassed a vast range of experiences. He became an ordained rabbi at age 22. He went on to train in a number of fields of psychology, traveled widely, and studied Eastern and Western spiritual disciplines. He was a lifelong scholar of world religions.

 

During his years as a highly successful therapist in Los Angeles, Michael journeyed frequently to India, Nepal, and Tibet, where he lived with and learned from a number of spiritual masters. He deepened his understanding of yoga and meditation and studied Tibetan Buddhism under the tutelage of the lamas of Dharamshala.

 

Ultimately, he ceased practicing traditional therapy and devoted his life to bringing modern individuals to the experience of the divine. He established Royal Way Spiritual Center in the high desert of Southern California as an accessible spiritual community where seekers could come to learn meditation and explore higher consciousness.  

 

Drawing from the great spiritual traditions of both the East and West—grounded in his own experiences—he taught meditation and conducted retreats, workshops, and private sessions for 31 years.

 

Michael passed away on August 9, 2010, but his teachings continue to touch lives and open hearts. Royal Way Spiritual Center and the Royal Way community flourish under the guidance of Michael’s devoted pupil of more than 40 years, Maggi Hodge, who facilitates the center’s ongoing retreats and workshops.