I have been a passive hippie, but a passionate one. Born in the 70s in India, I did not have the means or the will to rebel the establishment. But I watched communes and Communism collapse. Ont he other hand, I am very encouraged to see the revival of communities whose philosophy is deeply rooted in freedom, mutual respect, respect for the environment and minimalism.
I do believe that communes have a major role in shaping humans who in turn shapes the world we live in. The key is that communes should be a part of the solution and not the solution itself. Free for all, all for Free while a noble Utopian concept , didnt quite work very well. I am not sure if it will work in our life time.
OpenFree Commune is formed to further commune values as a part of human development cycle. In the Vedic culture of India which is shaped by Yoga, Meditation and vegetarianism , it is important to follow and fulfil life as it is meant to be at that stage. I see Commune and communal living as an essential part of human life, just like Buddhists become monks once in their life cycle.
The fundamental vision of OpenFree commune as the name implies is to foster openness and encourage freedom in being the individual you are, without being judged or prejudiced.The vision of the commune is to strengthen positive thoughts and to shape an individual who is free from consumerism and its pressures and to develop a relationship with oneself and their well being while being in harmony with nature.
In an ideal scenario, students after graduating from high school and after the age of 18, would join the commune to learn life skills. This could be a trade, technology or art. Part of the experience is to travel around the world to different communes and learn different cultures, cuisine and experiences which are unique to the region. All this is done with a primary focus of living minimally and in harmony with nature, with self-reliance and minimal consumerism. After spending anywhere from 2-6 years in the commune, the individual would be ready for a job in the mainstream world, a college education and mainstream life. Marriage and kids follows.After performing Grihastha, 'the household life' and when their kids are in college, they return to the commune to teach and educate and contribute finalcially to the commune so that young recruits can benefit from the experiences of the elders.
The communal life will encourage youngsters to lead a better household life and return to contribute back to the upcoming generation. Communes usually breakdown due to attachment and attachment comes from families and children. If this part of the life is spent outside of the commune , it has better chances of survival and has a role to play in our society.
OpenFree is a forming community. Please email your thoughts and ideas and interests. The intent is to have a healthy mix of members who could financially contribute , teach skills and member who could benefit from the same. Tell me what you could offer. Initally this would be a virtual community with meetings in the weekends and expand it to a fully functional commune.
