Shared Earth Magazine

We asked two flourishing South African eco-communities some questions, and to share their advice for starting an eco-community.

Khula Dhamma Community

Location?
What made you choose the location?

Eastern Cape, between East London and the Kei river, 8km inland. When the land chose us we didn’t fully appreciate how ideal the climate is for growing a wide variety of food all year-round. We can also harvest an abundance of sun & wind energy. We are close enough to the sea for frequent beach trips, but far enough not to be too threatened by rising sea-levels (but who really knows what will happen!) When was the community formed? 2003 with three adults.

How many members?
Do you have any particular beliefs in common?

We are now five adult members and three little ones (and one on the way). We also have four adults and two children who are long-term visitors (with possible interest to join). Our community was founded with strong roots in Vipassana meditation.

While many of us have since come to embrace other teachings and personal explorations, we adhere that the practice of mindfulness or “presence” is core to our ongoing harmony. Living in community is in and of itself a powerful spiritual practice if it is approached as such. Open and ongoing talking circles are an essential tool to stay connected and attuned.

What were the “founding principles”, the purpose in forming the community? The founding principles were to live in a place that is far from pollution and the frenetic city-life. To create a place where we could live peacefully and grow spiritually through meditation and communal living. Understanding that our food quality has become severely compromised and adulterated for the sake of quantity, we realised that true health can only come from growing our own food.

Last, and most importantly, we wanted to create a natural, magical, supportive and stimulating environment for children to grow up in. We feel that what has been socially accepted as the “normal” way of raising and educating children lies at the heart of humanity’s troubles.

Is your community self-sufficient?
Do any members work in “normal” jobs outside the community to support it?

Financially our community is not self-sufficient. All members are either working in nearby villages or living off savings. Our project of building an Ecovillage Training Centre (Home Of Providence & Ecoliving- HOPE) will, among many other things, create a variety of livelihood opportunities for resident members. Other livelihoods that are currently developing are: honey and propolis production, a tree nursery and heirloom vegetable seed production.

In which ways is your community self-sufficient?
In which ways is it not?

There is still much room for growth around self-sufficiency. Our aim is to become completely self-sufficient apart from, perhaps, producing all our own clothing. We are already self-sufficient in terms of our water and energy requirements.

We currently grow 90% of the vegetables and about 10% of the fruits we eat. This spring we will be planting many fruit trees. One Elder couple will be establishing a “mini-farm” which will contribute enormously to our food supply, especially in terms of the community’s grain and pulse requirements.

What were the greatest challenges in forming/creating your community?

It was quite a challenge to be so few members for so long. But life here has always been full of learning and fulfillment.

What are the greatest ongoing challenges to keeping your community going?

Our current challenge is to manage our rapid growth. Where personal dynamics seem to be the biggest challenge for most communities we feel fortunate that our spiritual practice and commitment to honest communication have really helped us to remain free from any conflict worth mentioning.

Are there any things you would have done differently, looking back?

The garden. It teaches us so much. It was interesting that after about three years of living here we came across a very informative book (Creating A Life Together, by Diana Leafe Christian) on starting a community or an ecovillage. It was nice to read that so much of what was mentioned and advised affirmed what we were already intuitively practicing.

Could you share any information about what your community hopes to achieve?

Buckminster Fuller said “You never change anything by fighting the existing. To change something, build a new model and make the existing obsolete.” We are becoming a living solution to the severely imbalanced and disconnected way of life that has grown out of the “developing” world. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the global political-social-economic structure is verging on collapse. To not take radical measures to prepare for this is to deny it.

Ultimately, though, we feel that while it’s important and fun to explore practical solutions towards living in harmony with Nature, this cosmic crescendo that is upon us is all about launching humanity into a radical transformation of consciousness.

The type of ecovillage or eco-community we are creating is a space that explores and facilitates all aspects of that shift.

Are you accepting new members?
Requirements for eligibility?

To insure mutual compatibility we choose to go with a 6-12 month “integration period” for us to get to know each other. Entering into community is essentially akin to entering into marriage. The people joining will help raise our children and shape our common dream.

We hope to attract people of all races and ages who are skilled, hard-working, enthusiastic, committed and always open to growing, learning, sharing and evolving. Like I mentioned before, managing our growth is currently our biggest challenge. For now, we seem to be managing fine, however, I think we’re now at a point where we need to settle and give time and energy to getting to know the people who have taken the brave leap to join us.

Do you welcome/allow interested visitors?
Do you offer any courses?

We still allow people who are genuinely interested in joining or forming their own community to come for a short visit (3-7 days) so we can meet and they can get a feel for the place and people. Those interested in visiting can browse our website for more information or send us a letter. Currently we are not yet offering any courses, but this will change as we start building our Learning Centre.

What are the best ways to contact you?

The best way to contact is via email: info@khuladhamma.org or write to Khula Dhamma Community, PO Box 1 Haga Haga 5272

Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?
Any tips for creating an intentional community?

Firstly, I would like to say that the answers I have provided are my own. While they attempt to reflect the common ideas of the community, there may be different views held by some individuals. In terms of advice on forming/founding an intentional community I would recommend to start off with a small core group of friends who know each other well and share a common dream. Then spend ample time developing your vision and methodology together. Have lots of talking circles. If you keep working on your communication and on your individual spiritual growth then the most important work of forming a community will be well underway.

Other than that, you can contact and visit existing communities and read everything you can find about starting an intentional community.