Tobe Terrell put a cushion on the floor, sat in the Lotus position and began the daily meeting in the meditation room. He started by reading a list of 15 things that will make your life happier if you give them up.
This is a regular 10 a.m. meeting at the Gainesville Florida Hostel, better known as the Zen Hostel.
Located at 404 SE Second St. behind the Hippodrome State Theatre, it is the only hostel in Gainesville and was opened in January 2005 by Terrell.
The hostel consists of two bright-colored buildings connected by a large open patio. Terrell said he originally wanted to open just a Zen center but added the hostel to make money.
“People can get along fine without a hostel, but there’s a need for a Zen center where you can advance your spiritual understanding,” he said.
The hostel offers private or dorm beds, shared kitchens, bathrooms and an outdoor shower. There are no televisions, but there is free Wi-Fi.
One of the current residents, who calls himself Pirate, said he and his girlfriend were hitchhiking in Ocala when they picked up a ride to Gainesville.
The driver took them to the hostel, and they’ve been staying there for the past three months.
“I was so grateful for it because it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he said.
Cindy Monaco, a manager, used to live in the St. Francis House before walking by the hostel. Back then, she had $60 to her name, but now she helps run the house.
“It’s the best place I’ve ever been,” she said.
During the meeting, the managers and travelers kept describing the Zen Hostel as a shared home where they live, eat and work together.
“This is a place where we work as a community so that we don’t have to be so burdened individually,” Pirate said.
“Don’t believe any of that stuff,” owner Terrell joked. “It’s just a place where a bunch of fools get together.”
The hostel doesn’t charge visitors, according to its website. Instead, it accepts gifts of usually $20 or $25 a night. Travelers can work for rent as well.
Every day except Wednesdays, the hostel holds a meditation session, which the visitors and managers feel is the most important aspect of the house.
“Welcome to the Zen,” Pirate said. “Take off your shoes.”
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 4/18/2014 under the headline "Hostel helps visitors find Zen"]
