Village Life Insights

Why We Don't Offer Wheat, Sugar, or Dairy

The choice not to offer or consume these three can be a big adjustment, especially since they can be found in most staples of the modern western diet. It's not a matter of renouncing them completely, rather replacing them with alternatives that promote health and balanced nutrition. Ancient grains, unrefined sweeteners, and eventually, milk products that come from the cows we protect; all are a part of the lifestyle here.

Let's address them one by one:

Ahimsa and Coexistence in Nature

rat bear eats berries

Vedic Living in the Wild

The Vedic Eco Village is situated in a mountain valley surrounded by dense forest. Villagers and visitors must coexist with many creatures, big and small, and take responsibility for the welfare of all.

Rodents: From tiny mice to fluffy packrats, everyone is looking for food, and human settlements are abundant sources. Please ensure all food items are kept inside buildings, and stored in rodent-proof containers (ideally glass or metal, they can chew through plastic and wood). Catch and release methods only, no lethal snap or sticky traps.

Ahimsa: Beyond Milk

milking calf

Vedic culture shows is that there is a right way to milk a cow. Upon seeing her calf, the mother releases milk as an expression of love and affection. Milk must be taken only when the calf is satisfied. If a cow loves you as her child, she will release milk for you.  

Cow contribute everything that is required for agriculture. Their dung, urine, and hooves fertilize and perforate the soil. They give birth to bulls which can be engaged in ploughing, milling, and transportation.  

In the cycle of cow products, consumption of dairy is a secondary consideration. Fire sacrifice brings rain, rain nourishes the fields, which feed the cows, cows produce milk which is made into ghee and used in fire sacrifice.

The Meaning of Pioneering

Rama strawberry

Many times across this website we remind people that the Vedic Eco Village is in the pioneering phase. Let's explore exactly what is meant by that statement.

Pioneering means doing something that has not been done before. Synonyms like groundbreaking and trailblazing can also be used literally for the work happening here. I the context of community development, it refers to introducing systems and infrastructure that allow more people to plug in.

Vedic Villages have certainly been done before, but not in the Canadian climate amidst the collapse of modern civilization. This is our novelty and what sets our innovations and challenges apart.

Pets in the Eco Village

hunting

Pets are welcome at Vedic Eco Village. Bringing animals into a natural habitat is a great service for them and their human companions.

Here are some things to consider if want to share the experience with non-human family members:

Natural predators: Depending on the species and size of your pets, there is always the risk of becoming prey to the native inhabitants like coyotes, cougars, bears, eagles, owls and hawks. Protecting your animals might require containment methods like keeping them inside or fencing a secure area. Also being mindful of the reverse situation, and not allowing pets to disturb the natural ecosystem.

Preparing to Go Off-Grid

potato

Many people around the world are considering an off-grid lifestyle, whether that means self-sufficient homesteading or a nomadic way of life. Whatever the reason, there is no better time to start getting ready for a shift. 

Whether it's disaster preparedness or the pursuit of freedom, this process is about more than just buying the right tools and stocking up on our favourite foods. It's a frame of mind, a way of being, and a detoxification that takes time and dedication. 

Here is a list of recommended processes to help prepare for the change: