Anyone who considers the state of the cities nowadays - the pollution, the concrete, the negative psychic vibes generated by millions of people all crammed into a small area and all rushing about hither and thither - will realise that, despite its obvious advantages the city is not the healthiest place to live. As time passes, and cities become more congested, and more and more negative karma is focused there, the situation there will progressively deteriorate.

In the country (there are only a few alternative communities where there is not the case) there is a depressingly negative attitude towards nature. Land is cleared, resulting in soil erosion and saltification; wildlife culled; livestock raised for no purpose other than slaughter; pesticides and herbicides used extensively; and wilderness sacrificed for inefficient government subsidised woodchip industries, leaving only barren hills denuded of trees. And because nature is something to be used and exploited, political orientation tends towards the very conservative mindset. Idyllic images of life in the country do not match the harsh attitude to nature that is tragically too often the norm

There are two problems with the alternative community in this country at least. The first is the ubiquity of recreational drugs, and a resulting spiritual apathy and degeneration that springs from this.

The second is that the alternative community is pretty aimless. People had the idea of a more wholesome, sustainable lifestyle, spiritual alternative from the mainstream, but apart from that there is no real guidance or gnosis. This probably why drugs became such a problem, there was no higher purpose, people just drifted along.

General ideas

It is proposed to set up a self-sufficient Spiritual Centre in the country. So far I'm thinking of North-East NSW (in the region of Byron Bay - Nimbin - Grafton or thereabouts - why? subtropical climate plus this is a region where there are many alternative communities already) but it doesn't have to be there if there is somewhere more suitable. Arrangement will be as co-op, with the legal side still be worked out (if only two or three people it probably won't be necessary, but with more something like a Corporation or Co-Op will be)

The idea is that everyone puts in a share of money, creativity, enthusiasm, resources, or anything else, and suitable land selected, along with equipment, etc. Agriculture will be by means of Permaculture and small gardens, and perhaps also Rudolph Steiner's Biodynamics, and energy will be as much as possible provided by natural sources (wind, solar, etc). There will also be an internet connection, perhaps by satellite dish. If everything works out, in addition to being a self-sufficient country home, the centre will serve as a country retreat, and maybe a place where workshops, gatherings, etc, can be held. With a minimum but reasonable fee charged for workshops, the project can be self-funding

If the project grows larger, then as well as everyone's individual home, garden, piece of land, and so on, there will be a central building which would contain a social center; a meditation room; a library; a computer room with a computer and good internet connection, printer, and photocopier. for the production and reproduction of newsletters, magazines, and even books; paintings, graphics, posters, etc; a small nature museum; and whatever else is useful for a harmonious spiritual life and the contemplation of nature.

There will be a comprehensive use of alternative technology. Part of the land will be used for agriculture, but the bulk will be restored to its natural state to serve as a refuge for wildlife. The possibility of various forms of cottage Industry can be explored and there will also be a network link-up with like-minded communities.

I would suggest that a community like Mirapuri offer a good paradigm of what this community could ultimately become.

After writing the above, I was interested to discover a page with all sorts of options covered in far greater detail than I ever could, at Project Eden. I wrote to the author, James, in late November 2006, and did not receive a reply. I have to admit that his CV page looks pretty manic, heaps of great ideas but little to show for them. Even so, some or many of his ideas and suggestions re Project Edebn could certainly be incorporated here. Other things he talks about, such as nudity and raw foods, should be optional only, upto the individual, and not guidelines

This community therefore would naturally and spontaneously be a

• A Community of Equals - there are no budding gurus or authoritarian leaders; everyone has something to contribute, and no-one takes with greed and selfishness. "'From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." (Marx)
• A Sanctuary for all Life - This means the reverence for all life and all of nature. As in the philosophy of Deep Ecology, all living creatures and even landforms etc are seen as having intrinsic value, and one realises oneself to be a part of a vast superorganism, which is Planet Earth (or "Gaia") as a whole. It means no unnecessary taking of life (of whatever sort, including insects and plants) - this also includes no fishing or hunting. In this way the community would be a sanctuary for all sentient beings. "All life is sacred" (Theon).
• Free of Drugs - this includes all drugs except tea and coffee. Exception would also be made in the case of alcohol and tobacco in small quantities as a social drink
• A Center of Light and Transformation - in the past spiritual teachings were one-sided, ascetic and other-worldly. A more integral spiritual paradigm in contrast shows that all faculties of one's being should be acknowledged, transformed, and developed. Only in this way can the Earth as a whole be healed.

and many other things besides.

Legal Stuff

Even with only a few people involved, some sort of legal agreement will be required to protect everyone's interests and the community itself, especially if money is invested. In addition, no-one should get involved without first consulting a lawyer. This will ensure that everyone's interests are safeguarded.

These matters will eventually have to be discussed at greater length as ideas for the community and acquiring property develop