FROM THE FOUNDER

Raising consciousness as to the importance of practicing virtues to create a peaceful society based on love and cooperation is an important, ongoing mission of SFCSA.

the philosophy of the spiritual food csa

Part I 
By Victor (Vyasa) Landa
June 2012

Preamble: Philosophy = Philo life and sophy wisdom we understand it as: a  life without philosophy has no direction and a philosophy not applicable to everyday life has no purpose. Under that premise what follows is a refresher for the loyal members of the CSA and a reinforcement or clarification for the new members.

The overarching understanding of seeing ourselves as Spiritual Beings, that is a soul with a body, rather than a body with a soul is key to this philosophy. We strive to make Ethics the guiding principle for our actions, and our sense of responsibility with society, our planet and future generations.

Spiritual Food CSA intrinsically therefore is not about food. Food is the agent that allows us to learn, act out and practice the ethical principles.

Ecology is on the limelight worldwide, so we can use this as our starting point.

We have as human beings a responsibility for the well being of the planet. The soil is the outer skin of the planet, the source of the sustenance for our physical bodies and is subject to physico-chemical and etheric (subtle) forces that will determine whether it will provide the necessary elements (vitamins, minerals etc.) to replace all the cells of our body and guarantee the subsistence of the ecosystems of the planet.

It has been amply demonstrated that it depends on the form of agriculture and whether the conditions are met or not, and has also been amply demonstrated that the conventional form of agriculture destroys instead of building the nurturing capacity of the soil.

It is our ethical and moral responsibility to guarantee that within our limited power the source of our food corresponds to the requirements established by natural, spiritual and cosmic laws. We delegate that responsibility to individuals who have chosen to play that role in society, we must therefore verify if there is a common understanding of these principles between both parties.

The second step is to verify if both parties are fulfilling their part in accordance with those principles, that is if the farmer is growing the food with respect to the natural, spiritual and cosmic laws, and if the beneficiary is compensating the farmer adequately for this highly responsible task, of caretaker of the planet and of the human life, and all other forms of life dependent on it.

In the prevailing economic system under which present day societies operate, money has become the “driving incentive” and the determining behavioral factor to override ethical principles.

Spiritual Food CSA’s approach is to present an alternative that will allow those who share the same agreed upon ethical principles and operate in accordance with them. This is an upstream task given the overwhelming societal adherence to unconscious and many times unwilling straying away from the natural, spiritual and cosmic laws that regulate the functioning of life and the universe. To make things worse, manmade laws specifically override such laws and become the rule of the land.

This makes for very trying circumstances from a purely materialistic point of view on one hand; on the other, an enticing challenge for the soul force of those consciously aligned with the LAW. This LAW encompasses all natural, spiritual and cosmic laws. Some individuals recognize it as God, others as energy etc. the important thing is that we become aware of its existence, that we resonate with it and commit to living our lives to abide by it.

How those principles translate in practical ways: In the dynamics between the man and land, the farmer is the fulcrum around which this whole process takes place. The agreement consists in the farmer committing to produce the best quality and abundant food within the resources available. To grow, respecting the natural, spiritual and cosmic laws that guarantee the health of the soil, hence the vitality of the eco systems; the life forces, and nutrients necessary for life.

Our part is first and foremost to recognize the extremely important status of his activity in society and in that context provide the financial security and long term stability with - not free market ordained, but a just compensation, guaranteeing the proper income for a comfortable life for the farmer and his family.  

It is good to recognize that at present the farmer’s labor is not only not given the proper status in society, but on the contrary is subject literally to exploitation.  In the cases in which this labor of love is assumed by non law abiding, non human entities (corporations) using non human resources (technology, pesticides, un-natural chemical “fertilizers” etc.) it ends up in degradation and exploitation of the soil as well.

Our commitment therefore has been and continues being a steady and firm progression in approaching the just compensation for the food the farmer provides. This arrangement can only be sustained by like minded individuals committed to upholding the Law, thus creating a societal cell alternate to the generalized money driven behaviour.

This attitude entails a big amount of lifestyle changes that will on their turn contribute to strengthening ethical principles that shape a philosophy of life.

We will complement this introduction with practical details of such lifestyle changes, sometimes not so obvious but transcendental on the long term.

Peace Be With You
Victor (Vyasa) Landa

Part II: Practical Lifestyle Changes
By Victor (Vyasa) Landa
August 2012

PREAMBLE:

Namaskar Divine Souls:

Sorry for the delay on completing the message we shared with You at the beginning of the season. Summer has its own demands, but finally here it is. Our willingness is to bring us all more together in this important times in which community building plays an ever increasingly important role, given the economic, environmental (read climate change) and socio-political challenges.

Our personal attitude towards the work we do uses as an inspiration one of The Buddha’s most important precepts “Right Livelihood”. This means that The work to earn one’s living, that of our families and due contribution to society, should be of such nature that it results in no harm to any sentient being, nor causes unnecessary destruction, nor is useless for the basic necessities of life. This implies the principles of frugality and efficiency, which means no waste in any of its forms.

In Part I of the Philosophy of CSA given at the beginning of the season, we offered to give some examples of the practical effects and lifestyle changes that may be attributed to the CSA. These are best understood by looking at the ethical principles that are the foundation for the philosophy.

They are – nonviolence (ahimsa) – truthfulness (satya) – non misappropriating (asteya) – self-restraint (brahmacharya – and non hoarding (aparigraha).

These five principles, which come from yoga teachings will foster harmony with our fellow humans, sentient beings and the environment. esides those, purity (saucha), santosha (contentment), character guiding discipline (tapas), self-knowledge (swadyaya), surrender to God (ishwara pranidhana), are the five principles that will foster inner peace within ourselves. 

(These are the yamas and niyamas, the first 2 steps of the Raja system of Yoga by Patanjali.)

The lifestyle changes resulting from our participation in the SFCSA start with changing the habit of eating. This could mean more cooking at home for the family (could be a big change in some cases, but a beautiful labor of love) fitting perfectly under the discipline principle (tapas) and the practice of Karma (action) Yoga.  This has several offshoots - the first being eating what is provided by the farmer and another eating according to the seasons, which is part of a natural health-giving law. No more going to the grocery store and buying what our taste buds dictate, therefore eating not for pleasure but for real nutrition. That does not mean we have to suffer but it means we have to research or rely on the team work (yahoo group of the CSA) to find recipes that will make the use of the produce that comes in the CSA, even those we are not familiar with.

This can become a new and wonderful experience for the whole family. Unfamiliar produce will make it more challenging or fascinating depending on how we choose to perceive it. On the other hand when we eat out in restaurants etc, we eat food whose origin we don’t know, and that may be grown under exploitative conditions or be carriers of not only toxic elements (pesticides etc.) but negative energy of suffering laborers in the fields, handlers, preparers, etc. To some, the expense and additional stress waiting in line for a table, loud voices, etc, are also not ideal for a peaceful, appetizing, nurturing meal.

The new modality of picking our vegetables only on the established one day a week between certain hours, in a fixed location, means planning our day and our route, getting familiarized with rush hour, traffic patterns etc. No more easy stopping at any grocery store on the way and buying at the most convenient location and time.

Of course the upside is that the CSA model forces us to develop more awareness, concentration and discipline which are useful for all of our daily activities.

Evidently it is mounting to a lot of inconveniences, some would say even sacrifice ! They are right, because sacrifice comes from the word sacred. It is the conviction that we are doing something that is in agreement with the natural, spiritual and cosmic laws, which is a response to the impulse of the soul prompted by the spirit, that inspires us to choose the CSA option.

The “sacrifices” don’t stop here, There are other “sacrifices” that come with participation in an innovative, economic, morally-based modality like a CSA. For example, as a policy of solidarity for our fellow members it is suggested that when You pick up Your produce from the bins, take the ones that are most accessible, without choosing the best, which would mean leaving Your neighbor with the ones that are not the best. This doesn’t mean to pick the worst, but to allow life and circumstances to determine who gets what. This correlates to another, perhaps the most important practice in Yoga Ishwara Pranidhana – Surrender to God

Another change from ordinary practices is paying in advance for the whole year, or season, knowing that we run the risk of a bad crop due to weather or any other circumstance and that we would share in the loss. CSA members understand that this advance payment eliminates the risk that other farmers must take when they borrow money from the bank that would then need to be paid back even if it means losing the land or the loan collateral.

“Sacrifices” don’t stop here either. Our CSA involves Karma Yoga, selfless service. This is true volunteering, (no remuneration of any kind) There is no payment nor anything good for the resume. Would bagging beans be used for that purpose? Or setting up or pick up? Or washing the bins? (Although we must say that plenty of young members have earned community service hours for school requirements.)

Members are encouraged and most do participate! The reports are fantastic, as many have commented on the resulting benefit of such practice. One of the secrets is that when there is no ulterior motivation for an action but just the fulfillment of one’s Dharma – responsibility to oneself and to society - there is experience of real satisfaction that with time transforms into happiness. The realization comes that Happiness cannot be obtained from any external material or even immaterial source. These might bring excitement, or even temporary satisfaction but not the true lasting happiness, inherent to our spiritual nature.  The reason is that excitement may promote imbalance, and temporary satisfaction may result in a subsequent sense of loss.

So we can see that these practices have multiple benefits, i.e. that inconveniences turn into benefits. In contrast, in ordinary situations providers (chain stores for example) are motivated by profit making, rather than simply earning a living, (sometimes this is forced by law to compensate shareholders) and customers may be lured by deceptive practices and apparent low prices, We say apparent because the environment and workers pay for the difference in price in addition to paying the consequences of breaking natural, spiritual and cosmic laws. Selfish driven behavior leads not only to problems in the world but to isolation and separateness, which are sources of great suffering as they translate to depression and anxiety, which, along with violence, are among the most pervasive maladies today for humankind.  In other words, business as usual, if it is self-centered and not other-centered can lead to dire consequences for the population at large and miss the opportunity to contribute to the upliftment of soul force.  We believe that alternative models such as CSA offer the opportunity for right living that benefits all.

LETTERS

October 2009

Letter from Vyasa to then Farmer Sebastian when the farm had had a difficult season and shortages of some crops.

Namaste Sebastian:
 
Thank you for your heart felt message about the CSA. We are sorry that you feel that way, especially since it is unnecessary.  We, as a matter of fact, welcome that such a situation has come up in order to validate what we espouse as a principle, that is to support Biodynamic Farming and Biodynamic Farmers as part of the stalwart founders of civilization on this planet. * 
 
Our commitment is based on Spiritual Principles, that means money is not a main part of the equation, on the contrary, it is the deification of money that has and is undermining the spiritual nature of the human being.
 
We welcome this situation because it will also be an opportunity for our members to test our resolve and find out whether we put our money where our mouth is.
 
Financial challenges have been with the world for the last year and a half, and there are still voices of concern whether there will be a real recovery or not; climate change is another ghost looming over the planet, and violence in the form of war seems to be here on the planet to stay (a fact acknowledged by those responsible for "…war without end..." ).
 
It is evident therefore that one way or another we need to be prepared for challenging times, for new ways of thinking and acting. This gives us a tiny taste of it.
 
Our membership so far has proven enthusiastic and convinced that this model, with its economic implications, is quite rewarding not only in direct benefits but also in indirect such as learning to prepare different foods, to eat with the seasons and local, to offer time to volunteer, experiencing the satisfaction of cooperation and working for the good of all etc., etc.
 
It is not our intention to put pressure on you, and you must evaluate your strengths, time constraints and limitations, but having a year round CSA seems almost an imperative. Self-sufficiency in trying times is a saving proposition; the symbiotic relationship between farmer and members makes it more relevant.
 
We learn through our mistakes and through harmonious and persistent interaction with Mother Nature, learning her ways a bit at a time, until we find a way that works. We trust your professionalism and beautiful spirit but realize that there are many personal factors and time constraints that need to be considered in such a decision.
 
Your vision of an Agricultural Community as the future for Kimberton Hills Camphill Village is an heroic and beautiful task that surely demands most if not all of your time.  The demands of time and ingenuity for such a transformation could certainly even force you to sacrifice the time that otherwise you would allocate to make a year round CSA a reality, and that we understand.
                                                           
 Om Shanti,
 Peace be with you,
 Victor (Vyasa) Landa
 
* Daniel Webster:  “Cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The farmers, therefore are the founders of civilization.”

Fall of 2010

Letter from Vyasa to members:

Namaste Revered Selves:
 
First, a word of praise for all the members of the CSA: it is so wonderful to know that there are 150 like-minded families that participate in an endeavor that is not necessarily self-centered, but oriented to the well-being of the community and world. It is really a joy to see the number of volunteer tasks taken on by the members, especially because there is no reward attached to their service, no reduction in the price you pay to join the CSA, nor it can be used to "improve their resume" (i.e., it will not say much in a job application that you spent a whole afternoon bagging beans!). It is wonderful to hear how people enjoy working with their hands, instead of in a concrete box in front of a computer.
 
It is very uplifting to read the messages in the Yahoo group, people providing recipes to those who need help, sharing their experiments with new food preparation and their excitement about the quality of the food-- its life giving properties, and their happiness to know that they are truly nurturing their family and that we are helping the whole world by supporting the Biodynamic form of agriculture which takes care of the soil and the environment. Also, that we are working our way towards paying a fair price for the food the farmers are growing so that more young people feel attracted to this mode of service and "right livelihood "as Buddha said. Agriculture should be understood as holding an enlightening treasure. It is said about the Essene Brotherhood that in comparatively desert areas they produced a large variety of fruits and vegetables of the highest quality and great abundance. They considered gardening educational, a key to the understanding of the whole universe, revealing all its laws. Nature was their Bible, they say; "Man is an integral part of nature. Individual and society's health depend on the degree of harmony attained with the natural laws and cosmic forces. Unity with nature is the foundation of economy, social relationships, and society. Societies flourish when based on a simple agrarian lifestyle, and decay when distanced from nature."
 
Sadly, in our times, we see the contrary: day by day it becomes more clear how the food sources are deteriorating faster than global warming, as a matter of fact the effect of global warming on this process of deterioration is minimal compared to the effect that agribusiness has on this process.
 
As you know The Essene Church of Peace, a non profit, is an off-shoot of our efforts to promote true food and extend the opportunities for Karma Yoga (Selfless service or volunteering) to the wider community. Feeding about 100 homeless persons on a biweekly basis has attracted now the presence of three families (father, mother and children.) It started with the Banks family, followed by the Thomas - Gulden family and last time by the Luck family. Children really enjoy the opportunity to use their skills and are very happy to extend a helping hand to those in need. This is a good preparation for testing times to come. As we see the financial situation also deteriorating, we need to be willing and ready to work together in harmony and love and to extend a helping hand to those troubled ones.
 
To end on a good note, we must remember that throughout history man has been able to cope with the hardest challenges and come out on top. There is no reason why now it is not going to be that way, but we must contribute with our positive thinking to ensure the outcome, Courage and Faith in God being the main ingredients.
 
Om Shanti
Peace Be With You
Victor (Vyasa) Landa
(301) 654 6759