Hills, Christopher (1926-)

New Age teacher and director of the University of the Trees. Born in England, he left home at an early age and attended a naval school, serving in World War II. By age 30, Hills had become a businessman in the West Indies with an international organization of ten companies, but in 1957 he became concerned with psychic and spiritual life after his son was miraculously healed through prayer. Hills retired from his business practice and spent two years in India, studying yoga and Hindu philosophy.

In 1960 he became honorary director of research at the Indian Institute of Philosophy, Psychology and Psychical Research and was elected president of the World Conference on Scientific Yoga, attended by 800 yogis and 50 Western scientists. In 1962 he formed the Commission for Research into the Creative Faculties of Man, bringing together the work of scientists, psychical researchers, philosophers, holy men, educationalists, and politicians.

One aspect of this project was the formation in 1965, with Professor Hiroshi Nakamura, of the International Union of Leading Microbiologists, advising on production of edible algae as a means of solving world food problems. During 1966 Hills founded the Centre House community in England, a free fellowship for those interested in spiritual development, serving a social and educational program aimed at "a conscious evolution towards a society based on love and peace." Training was given in yoga, meditation, awareness, sensitivity development, and related subjects. Hills left Centre House after a few years and spent some time as a lecturer. Then in 1973 he established the University of the Trees in Boulder Creek, California, an institution offering a comprehensive program of New Age teachings and granting degrees in consciousness research. The university has also formed the Research Institute for Super-sensonic Healing Energies for practical research into subtle energy therapeutics.

Sources:

Hills, Christopher. The Christ Book. Boulder Creek, Calif.: University of the Trees, 1980.

——. Christ Yoga of Peace: Proposal for a World Peace Center. 1970. Rev. ed. as Universal Government by Nature's Laws. N.p., 1978.

——. Creative Conflict. Boulder Creek, Calif: University of the Trees, 1980.

——. Exploring Inner Space. Boulder Creek, Calif.: University of the Trees, 1978.

——. The Golden Egg. Boulder Creek, Calif.: University of the Trees, 1979.

——. Nuclear Evolution: A Guide to Cosmic Enlightenment. London: Centre Community Publications, 1968.

——. Rays from the Capstone. Boulder Creek, Calif.: University of the Trees, 1976.

——. Rejuvenating the Body Through Fasting With Spirulina Plankton. Boulder Creek, Calif.: University of the Trees, 1980.

——. The Secrets of Spirulina. Boulder Creek, Calif.: University of the Trees, 1980.