Doris Duke and Spiritual Practices

One of Doris Duke’s associations with Eastern spiritual practices was her support and interest in the Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles, which was founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda, who is seen as the Father of Yoga in the Western World. She became involved with the SRF as early as 1955 when she received a number of meditations and enrolled in home study lessons.  Miss Duke left $500,000 to SRF in her will.

In addition to SRF, Doris Duke gave funds- both personally and through her foundation- to organizations and individuals who were studying alternative medicines, as well as Eastern based philosophies.

Perhaps the most lasting evidence of Doris Duke’s interest in Eastern philosophies can be seen by her use of the Guanyin as a decorative element in her homes. One of the most popular Buddhist symbols, she is the goddess of compassion and mercy. Doris Duke had several Guanyins in her homes, seen here at Rough Point in the Morning Room.  At Duke Farms (New Jersey), there was a large Guanyin sculpture in the main house.  Staff recounted that Miss Duke would often sit in front of it while she meditated and wrote prayer notes that she would slip under the base of the statue.

On June 12, 2013 All That Matters worked with the Newport Art Museum to create a wonderful evening of talks at the Doris Duke House in honor of her interest in Eastern Healing Arts.