What Would You Like to Know?
Answers to common questions about Vast Self, our mission, our apps, and how you can get involved.
Vast Self is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the root cause of human suffering and global conflict — the belief in separation. Through free educational apps, articles, and visual tools grounded in the principles of nonduality, we help people discover that peace is not something to achieve, but something to recognize.
Nonduality is the understanding that reality is not fundamentally divided into separate, independent parts. The sense of being a separate self — distinct from others and from the world — is a mental construction, not an objective fact. When this is seen clearly through direct observation, conflict, fear, and suffering naturally dissolve. This is not a belief system or philosophy — it is something anyone can verify through honest looking.
No. Vast Self is not affiliated with any religion, spiritual tradition, or belief system. Our approach is based on direct observation of reality — not on faith, doctrine, or ideology. It transcends all divisions of nationality, race, gender, religion, politics, and status.
Vast Self was founded by Alek Balos, who recognized that all human-made problems share a single root cause — the belief in separation — and dedicated himself to making this understanding accessible to everyone through practical, free tools.
We currently offer two free educational apps: Peace Booster, which helps you dissolve conflict at its root through understanding non-separation, and Mind Detox, which guides you in observing and releasing mental patterns that create unnecessary suffering. Both are available on the App Store and Peace Booster is also on Google Play.
Yes, completely free. There are no subscriptions, in-app purchases, or hidden fees. Our mission is to make these tools accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The apps are funded entirely through donations.
Not at all. The apps are designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of background or experience. They guide you through simple, practical exercises that help you observe reality directly — no special training, beliefs, or preparation needed.
We're always looking for passionate volunteers. All positions are fully remote and flexible. Visit our Volunteer page to learn about available opportunities and fill out the application form. We're currently looking for app developers, translators, social media specialists, film makers, and more.
You can make a donation through our Donate page. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 83-1669166), all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every contribution helps us keep our apps free and reach more people worldwide.
No formal qualifications are required. What matters most is genuine passion, honest intention, and a willingness to contribute. We welcome people from all backgrounds and skill levels. You'll have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside our global team.
Most peace organizations focus on resolving specific conflicts or addressing external symptoms. Vast Self takes a fundamentally different approach — we address the root cause that all conflicts share: the belief in separation. Rather than treating individual problems, we help people see that the very mechanism creating problems is an illusion that can be directly observed and seen through.
Direct observation means looking at your own experience honestly, without the filter of preconceived ideas, labels, or beliefs. It's not about thinking differently or adopting a new worldview — it's about seeing clearly what is already the case, before the mind adds layers of interpretation. Our tools are designed to facilitate this kind of looking.
Every conflict — personal or global — arises from the perception of "us vs. them," which is rooted in the belief in separation. When enough individuals recognize that this division is a mental construction and not an objective reality, the very foundation of conflict collapses. This is ambitious, but we believe it is not only possible — it is inevitable once the understanding spreads.
You can reach us by email at info@vastself.org or by phone at +1 (530) 925-2987. Our mailing address is Vast Self Corporation, 207 N. Mount Shasta Blvd, Mount Shasta, CA 96067. For media inquiries, please visit our Media page.
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