Thank your for your interest in our volunteer program at Vrindavan! We are looking forward to sharing our way of life with you and learning from each other. In Vrindavan we practice a holistic lifestyle focusing on spiritual development through yoga, vedic philosophy, vegetarian cooking, mantra meditations, sustainable living practices and connection with nature.
Vrindavan is nestled in the high jungle over a wide acreage of primary forest, cultivated land, rivers, and waterfalls. The weather changes every day but for the most part it is neither hot nor cold, with frequent rains giving life to a variety of native flora and fauna.
We hope that the beautiful surrounding environment and people you meet here will inspire you to make the most out of your stay.
An additional note to volunteers who have not previously traveled in Ecuador: Some travelers from Europe and North America become ill when traveling in Ecuador. So we encourage volunteers to bring pro bio-tics to help their digestive system adjust to the food and water in Ecuador and your own anti-bacterial hand soap.
Please remember that Ecuador is a Spanish speaking country and most Ecuatorians do not speak English. This includes most of the residents at Vrindavan. Usually there will be other volunteers there who speak English but it is strongly advised that you have basic knowledge of Spanish in order to communicate with the residents. You will find your stay much more enjoyable if you have this ability.
One last thing: If you are not familiar with Vaishnavism, please read a little information about it before coming. We never force anyone to adapt our philosophy or way of life, we just ask you to please respect our choices. Every night in the temple we have a musical ceremony followed by a reading and discussion from a Vedic text. We invite you to join us and learn about Vaisnava culture. This does not mean we expect you to adopt these principles or convert your beliefs; we simply want to share with you our way of thinking.
Here you have an interesting video from the founder of this Eco-Village and many more eco-villages in South America. : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5294870220048947618#
Everybody at Vrindavan is a volunteer! We have no hired help so we need assistance in all areas including daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and maintaining the land and facilities. In addition we are working on cultivating the land and hope to develop new projects soon to make our village more sustainable; such as a hydro-electric system for light and a biodigestor to make gas. We are also open to different skills and creative ideas you wish to share with us, as well as other things you may want to offer like language classes, art workshops, etc.
Prices : $12/day for stays up to 30 days. $10/day for stays longer than 30 days.
Included in this price you receive:
- daily 7am yoga class
- 3 vegetarian meals a day (no eggs)
- single or double room with blankets and beds
- twice daily temple services (6am, 6pm) where we sing in Sanskrit and discuss vedic philosophy
- temascal (sweat lodge) which occurs about twice a month
- free time to explore the beautiful forest landscape, swim in the river and shower in the waterfall!
Volunteers are required to work 4-5 hours a day and with the rest of their time they may attend the morning yoga class or philosphy class, or enjoy bathing in the river and exploring the land. All extra activities are completely optional.
We also offer massage and healing therapies at an additional cost.
Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes to Vrindavan. This is a wonderful place to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit and we support each other in overcoming personal challenges and developing a healthy lifestyle.
We recommend that you bring:
- raincoat or poncho
- flashlight or candles (we have electricity 24hrs but it is useful for power outages and walking on trails)
- rubber boots
- natural mosquito repellent
- bathing suit and towel
- clothing for both warm and cold weather
- watch with an alarm
- a desire to practice your Spanish!
Adress: Baños, Rio negro, Estancias (4km)
Directions:
Take the bus from Baños towards Puyo and get off in the town of Rio Negro (approx. 40 minutes bus ride, 0,75 cents)
ask the local taxi drivers to take you the 4 km to Finca Vrindavan (2 dollars for a shared taxi).
for futher information:
www.fincavrindavan.com
033-031-038
fincavrindavan@yahoo.com
Eco Village Network
Finca Vrindavan is part of a network of organic farms and Eco Villages across the Americas and Europe.
All Eco Villages aim to make friends who will carry our message of caring for our beloved land and simple living to other parts of the world. Principled Vaisnavas (a sanscrit word meaning: person with a good heart) can not only help in the development of our Eco Villages, but by living with others who share the same ideals will also learn how to be the best that they can be and live harmoniously.
Through this network, we care for others through an awareness of nature and universal love.
(Please visit Our Eco Village Network) http://ecoyogavillages.org/
