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02 October 2002

Italy: The Federation of Damanur

Oct 2
Damanhur

Founded in 1977, Damanhur is an internationally renowned center for spiritual research. Situated in Valchiusella Valley, in the Alpine foothills of northern Italy, Damanhur is a Federation of Communities and Regions with over 800 citizens, a social and political structure, a constitution, 40 economic activities, its own currency, schools and a daily paper.

The big attraction is a hidden underground temple of 4,000 cu. metres, carved by hand out of the rock. Rich in mosaic, glass, painting and sculpture, with the largest Tiffany cupola in the world. It's the result of over twenty years of work, at first done in secret. But what is most interesting is how a large, cohesive community sprung from this work. I believe that this is the single largest "intentional community" that really works. My theory is that it works because they are pushing human potential to its edges there. They are working with spirituality, healing, art, science, technology. They have discarded the boundaries and constraints that we as humans have set upon ourselves. They must have, in order to be seriously studying time travel, the stuff of science fiction novels to most of us, but a reality to them! Their one constant is change. If all this doesn't frighten you, it probably attracts you.

I think that it was Teilhard de Jardin who said, "We are not human beings being spiritual. We are spiritual beings being human." One of Damanhur's asserted goals is the re-awakening of the human being; as a spiritual, material, divine being, free from the patterns that reduce its essence. In Damanhur every citizen chooses one of the spiritual paths called 'Ways' to experiment with their spiritual growth, according to their own aspirations, preferences and skills. In Damanhur the most significant aspects of the day and year are marked by ritual moments in which the meaning and the awareness of existence is celebrated.

Those who have lived in or are familar with spiritual communities always ask me, who's the guru? The guru is Oberto Airaudi. He is described as rather reserved and not inclined to promote his own image, and he does not hold decision making positions within the political and social structure of Damanhur; this is run by the elected bodies. I have not met "Falco," and look forward to meeting him this trip, if possible.

Initially an Italian community because of geography, Damanhur is attracting an evermore international citizenship and there is a special Prima Passi program for this, co-created by Ron Anastasia who co-produces the Arcosanti Paradox Conference with Michael. He and his wife Kim are moving to Damanhur quite soon. Ron is already living there.

Check the reports starting with my first dispatch in 2001 for a background in Damanhur, and visit their website. Then check in with me for updates from my second visit, starting with today.

Carla