Yacu Yura, which means Aguas Claras in Quechua, is a project of the Latin American Institute for Ecological and Sustainable Development and an integral education center for consciousness, art and ecology. We are located on 1,000 acres of land, in the wilds of Cordoba, a fertile seedbed for new ideas relating to integral ecology and sustainable development. By integral we mean a dynamic and healthy balance between body, mind and spirit; or, in other words, science, culture and self.

In 2003, we came to Yacu Yura to protect the land, water, plants and buildings from invading cows, goats, horses, ants, bats, and rats. Four adults and three children lived on the land for the first couple of years; at present the group comprises only two adults and one child. We have been learning to grow organic food, recycle, irrigate and create rain catchments, to keep bees and chickens and to maintain the adobe houses and other buildings which were left to us. The earth, the trees, the animals and the elements are teaching us to be aware of the rhythms and cycles of our nature and live a more balanced and integral life. We have observed and listened to the secrets of the land and the larger cosmos. Now we are opening ourselves to the outside world to ask for help in creating this integral, sustainable and ecological development project.

At Yacu Yura we aspire to create a balance between the invisible and visible structures: between building healthy houses and creating healthy homes; between designing harmonious human settlements and transforming human consciousness; between creating rich, fertile top soil, and creating healthy beliefs, attitudes and thought forms. Our programs therefore reflect a balance between the so-called inner and outer realms.

A summary of our purpose:

1. To build a Center of light and love, a place of spiritual energy, positive vision, and hope for the world.
2. To be a non-profit educational center, offering programs for the public.
3. To support the integral/spiritual growth of its members and visitors.
4. To honor the presence of God/the Divine within each person and within all life, and to see everyday life as our spiritual teacher.
5. To be a center for the demonstration of attunement to nature, and a cooperative and ecologically based lifestyle; with organic gardening, recycling, water management, reforestation, cottage industries and energy-efficient building.

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