A Pilot Project: Future Vision Eco-village

NOTES FROM BRAZIL
The founder of CSV, Maya Verzonilla, recently visited The Future Vision Eco-village in Sao Paulo Sate, Brazil. Here are some of her impressions.

Didi Anandamitra (a.k.a. Dr. Susan Andrews * see bio below *) and her team at the Future Vision Eco-village are ecologists with a lofty vision: To them, low entropy, or sustainability, is intimately linked to spirituality. Their philosophy is based on the perennial wisdom and realization that Cosmic Consciousness both creates and is part of the world. Nature is thus a conscious, living being. The main cause of our many environmental problems is due to our ignorance of this simple, yet profound, spiritual truth. Because, if nature is just matter, just a thing, we tend to exploit her as just that. This kind of exploitation creates "high entropy" and destruction. Living in accordance with natural law creates "low entropy." The Ecological Park's term for low-entropy living is "bio-economics."

Since its inception in 1992, memebers of the village have planted thousands of trees in this dry, barren district of Sao Paulo State. Previously, the whole area had been deforested for cattle ranching. Today, however, the wildlife, and, especially, the birds are back! I have not experienced such an abundance of birds since my childhood in the Philippines! The whole ecology is returning to its original state.

Rain water is caught in many small, man-made lakes. This water is used for both irrigation and drinking. These lakes are much more sustainable than wells as the latter lowers the watertable in dry areas. The drinking water is filtered through an elaborate system of rocks, sand and plants. The waste water from the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry is likewise filtered through a similar, biological wetland system.

The organic gardens are abundant with fruits and vegetables and are beautifully designed. Sumptuous and nutritious vegetarian meals are served in the kitchen every day! The place is powered by solar and wind energy. The ayurvedic medical clinic serves the village members and seminar visitors. Volunteer doctors serve the medical needs of the local villagers. They produce organic herbs, oils, lotions and soaps. The village has a bakery, a sewing coop, a school, shop, and various public seminar programs.

This eco-village has indeed proven that it is possible to restore a once barren, impoverished area back to ecological health and abundance.

Didi and her crew are working closely with Jamie Lerner, three-term mayor of Curitiba, a Brazilian city the size of Philadelphia. Curitiba is considered one of the most innovating and environmentally friendly cities on the planet. It has been featured in Utne Reader magazine as one of "the seven sustainable wonders pf the world," and it is also featured in the recently published book Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken and Amory Lovins.

More than 20 people live and work in the eco-village. In addition, about 30 people from the neighboring area are employed as gardeners, bakers, cooks, etc. Many of the local children play and learn in the kindergarten. Most of these kids were severely malnourished when they first arrived, but today they are healthy and happy. Many enjoy school so much that they even show up on holidays! Students from other schools regularly come to learn about ecology, low entropy technology, and bio-economics. On weekends, about 80-100 adults come from all over Brazil to attend an 8 month long course that integrates art, ecology, economics, and spirituality.

The eco-village, which is spread out over more than 120 acres of land, features dozens of beautifully constructed buildings surrounded by colorful gardens and pathways. The whole atmosphere is one of beauty and simple elegance.

Last but not least, a spirit of deep love and care for all beings was present throughout the village. There was an atmosphere of warmth, contentment and peace. And lots of song, dance, hugs and laughter! One cannot help but become part of the overwhelming love and joy of this innovative village. It was truly an awesome and liberating experience!

Best Wishes, Maya Verzonilla

• Didi's bio:
• Didi Anandamitra (aka Dr. Susan Andrews) is the founder and coordinator of Future Ecological Park in Parangaba, Sao Paulo Sate, Brazil. She is a psychologist and anthropologist and graduated from Harvard University, USA. Anandamitra studied with Mayan shamans in Mexico before being trained as a yoga and meditation teacher in India by noted philosopher and spiritual master P. R. Sarkar. The author of more than 12 books on health, spirituality, education, psychology and nutrition that are translated into 15 languages, Anandamitra has lectured in 42 countries and speaks 6 languages, including Sanskrit and Chinese.