CANADIAN YOGA ALLIANCE—OUR VISION FOR AN ECO DOME RETREAT CENTRE AND SCHOOL

 ... Ubuntu–the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality–Ubuntu–you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity. --Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The Canadian Yoga Alliance’s vision for a retreat centre and school is loosely based on the concept of Ubuntu. By creating a centre that will welcome members, guest speakers, lecturers, teachers and the yoga community at large, CYA hopes to contribute to the growth of yoga
energy in Canada.

According to Ubuntu, a philosophy lived by Nelson Mandela, a community becomes good and strong by recognizing and appreciating that everyone is unique, with different skills and strengths. People are not isolated. Through our interconnectedness and by coming together we can support and help each other to complete ourselves and bring greater warmth and humanity into the world.

The Eco-Dome buildings will be geodesic and partially off grid. Each building will be equipped with solar panels and geo-thermal technology. Permaculture will help to
sustain the Centre.

A main dome, with 30 ft. ceilings, will house a greenhouse, a guest area and rooms to accommodate visiting teachers and speakers. A second dome will house students and the third, a yoga conference centre and studio, will have a retracting roof for evening meditation. Tunnels will link the domes.

Giving, sharing, contributing to receive—these are cornerstones for the creation of the CYA Eco-Dome Retreat Centre and School. In yoga, our highest goal is liberation from the bondage of the material. Ubuntu philosophy is one path leading towards this goal and provides a strong foundation for a modern Ashram.

The karma of giving to others will support the on-going reciprocity of the Centre, creating a living, breathing, evolving entity.