This is about the very old concept of Olympuss which we concieved in the mid 80s
What is Olympuss?
At its core, Olympuss is a natural philosophy that elaborately explains the principles of cosmic life. At the same time, it is also a way of living — a transformation from the limited awareness of “I” to the expanded understanding of “We,” leading eventually to an awakening into the vast fabric of the universe. Olympuss is a philosophy, a fellowship, a lesson, a counter-discipline, a training, a hope, a realization, an emotion, and a state of “suchness” (tathātma). However, Olympuss is not a material object, an individual, a place, a religion, a political ideology, a dogma, or a sect.
Olympuss introduces the fundamental laws of life and nature:
- What is nature?
- What is the cosmos?
- How is existence distributed from the atomic to the cosmic scale?
- Where do we stand within this vastness?
- How does the movement of our daily life unfold?
- How can we guide this movement sustainably and successfully, and how far can we progress?
Through basic training, Olympuss emphasizes that this understanding must be transformed into the “language of the body” — into lived awareness. In this process, Olympuss helps an individual rediscover the essential nature that either lies dormant or awake within them. It also enables one to realize both their innate potential to understand nature and the limitations that prevent such realization.
Olympuss is a temporal tool for realization and harmonization. It acknowledges that it is not the final word in cosmic understanding. The relevance of Olympuss’s frameworks endures only until the cosmic will (pra-panja iccha) is fully realized within an individual. Once such realization blossoms, one need not continue to rely on Olympuss’s structures. Olympuss believes it must always remain open to self-correction and evolutionary change and asserts that in a world where its relevance ceases, it should not seek to persist.
Why Olympuss?
The realizers of Olympuss — through their extensive theoretical and practical explorations — affirm that Olympuss is an essential way of life. Each of us who participates in social living can recognize the numerous problems facing today’s world: environmental degradation, health crises, spiritual emptiness, cultural fragmentation, sexual disorientation, religious conflicts, unsustainable lifestyles, economic disparity, educational collapse, agricultural issues, consumerism, production crises, energy problems, governance failures, nationalism, overpopulation, identity crises, management failures, and more. Beyond the existence of these problems in individual sectors, we also find flaws, contradictions, and inconsistencies in how they are approached, managed, and understood.
Most social reformers have historically focused on addressing problems in one or two sectors at a time. Since the beginning of human civilization, various social reform movements have emerged, and each has contributed positively within its scope. However, these movements often lacked integration with other areas of social life.
Anyone with a holistic vision can recognize that all phenomena and structures in the universe are interconnected. When we take any social sector — say, healthcare — we realize that it is linked to food systems, agriculture, environment, education, economy, governance, and more. Therefore, addressing an issue in isolation is insufficient.
As all sectors of society are interconnected, it is erroneous to view societal problems in isolation. The structure and interrelations of a system must be considered together — and such an interconnected structure is called a “system.” Everything in the universe exists as systems, with each subsystem being a part of a larger system. Thus, every system is both holistic and interdependent.
The “problem” we are discussing here is systemic. Therefore, any real solution must be approached systemically — with a holistic vision, a comprehensive strategy, and an integrated practical roadmap.
For a holistic approach to emerge, it must arise from a deep inner realization within an individual. To bring that vision into the collective, a cultural evolution that fosters such awareness must occur. However, expecting such deep, widespread cultural evolution to happen quickly in today’s society would be unrealistic. Given the general societal and governmental tendency to mimic “successful” models, the only practical path is to create and demonstrate new, tangible models that embody holistic solutions.
Since this is aimed at a comprehensive social renaissance, it is impossible to set a rigid timeframe — it is a generational process.
In the present, even a partial renaissance initiated within a defined geographical area must have its goals democratically determined by the people living there. Since communities are made up of people with diverse perspectives, awareness levels, and practical capabilities, identifying a common basic need through open discussion and agreeing on a collective action plan is the ideal. This approach aligns with the methodology of Participatory Strategy Planning.
No matter how great the goals or how well-drafted the plans are, the availability of necessary resources will significantly affect the outcomes. Thus, planning must always take resource availability into account.
The degree to which the philosophy, the strategies, and the available resources are aligned determines the effectiveness of any action plan. Therefore, meticulous planning and execution are absolutely essential.
What for Olympuss?
Our present reality is deeply polluted. A simple, open look around reveals many troubling signs: the loss of environmental balance, the extinction of species, the decline of sustainable agriculture, a fear-driven health culture, an education system drifting away from truth, polluted work environments, an increasingly insecure society, misinterpreted spiritual teachings, a faltering economy, a justice system losing its integrity, diminishing energy resources, broken social bonds, widespread ignorance, fading indigenous knowledge, and a growing web of complicated myths — these are just a few examples.
In this situation, it becomes essential for humanity to move toward a green, ethical, wisdom-centered, and nature-aligned culture. What we need to build is a sustainable way of life — one that is healthy, rich in knowledge, grounded in interdependence, low in toxicity, aligned with the rhythms of the universe, self-reliant, decentralized, dignified, hopeful, and imaginative.
Such a lifestyle once existed during the ancient tribal era, but today, as we study those times, we can clearly see many shortcomings. Therefore, it is time to consciously create a new tribal culture — one that minimizes past mistakes. We must work toward building a sustainable, joyful, self-reliant green world. Beyond all existing cultures, we must envision and nurture a NeoTribal community — at least in our hearts and minds. Even mentally, we must begin to see ourselves as part of it.
We need to create a borderless World Nation of Love, one that invites the broader society to join hands in building a harmonious world. Alongside this, we must provide sustainable lifestyles for rural communities and create life-enriching workspaces for urban populations — where work itself becomes an expression of life, not a burden.
It is vital that we transform divisions of language, culture, race, religion, and gender into bridges of connection — and make love, mutuality, and green values the very identity of our new civilization.
How is Olympuss Being Built?
Olympuss envisions creating a green world through a series of practical programs and initiatives.
Olympuss Learning
The first step is learning. Olympuss has a concise, well-structured curriculum designed for both theoretical and practical understanding, as well as experiential practice. The core center for this learning is the NeoTribal Gurukula, a permanent system established for in-depth study. It is also the residential space for those deeply realizing the Olympuss vision.
The learning journey is structured in five progressive stages:
Entry, Explanation, Immersion, Dedication, and Completion.
Each individual progresses through these stages based on their mind’s clarity, bodily discipline, natural tendencies, and inherent purpose. Through repeated participation in designated “Plenas” (immersive gatherings), students become familiar with each stage of learning. After completing these Plenas, participants engage in practical activities and assigned work within the Gurukula and various projects, moving steadily toward the next levels.
Upon completing the five learning stages, one attains a profound awareness and lifestyle referred to as the Olympuss Eco-Saint. However, Olympuss does not assume or insist that everyone who joins the learning journey must or will reach this state.
Olympuss’ Primary Practical Initiative
Olympuss puts forward a major practical project called the Eco State. This “state” has no political boundaries and can be manifested in various forms and initiatives, designed to include people from all sectors of society.
The Eco State initiatives are classified into three types according to their social nature:
1. Brown Circle
Projects that are entirely social in nature, executed by representatives from the community itself, independently of Olympuss’ internal campus activities — though connected through shared ideals. Named after the color of bare earth, this is called the Brown Circle.
2. Blue Circle
Projects established within or in close association with Olympuss’ or its partners’ campuses, developed with social participation, while adhering to specific sustainable living principles. Reflecting the color of the moist sky, this is called the Blue Circle.
3. Green Circle
Projects strictly governed by Olympuss’ internal principles and implemented solely by its dedicated members. Symbolizing the lush greenery of the Earth, this is called the Green Circle.
rown Wheel
Greencross Foundation Center for Ecosophy and Deep Ecology (for the General Public)
This is the official research and outreach institution of Olympuss, serving as the center for all Olympuss projects and acting as the environmental research and humanitarian wing rooted in Olympuss’ realization.
Olympuss Sustainable Lifestyle (for Individuals)
This is a lifestyle that supports an individual in maintaining the health, peace, and well-being of their body, mind, personality, wisdom, relationships, and nature/society connection—no matter where they live. Anyone who follows Olympuss can adopt this lifestyle fully or partially. A handful of people are currently living it completely, and fewer than a hundred are practicing it partially in their lives.
Olympuss Gramodaya (for Local Communities)
This project aims to transform existing family or village systems into self-sufficient, sustainable, and joyful communities through mental and lifestyle transformations, for socially conscious workers and learners who understand Olympuss’ holistic social vision. It is designed to create harmonious communities resilient to upcoming environmental, economic, and domestic crises. After studying Olympuss, anyone can implement this project anywhere in the world, either in association with Olympuss or independently. The Gandhian concept of Gram Swaraj and Sri Pankajaksha Kurup’s basic settlement system serve as the foundational models. Although it could not continue due to resource constraints, Olympuss has experienced the project’s viability during its active periods.
Campus Green (for Students, Employees, and Volunteers)
This is a voluntary network established under Olympuss in educational institutions and NGOs. Each campus will create a local resource division that serves nearby villages and continuously supports rural communities toward green sustainability.
Environmental Literacy (for Everyone: from Authorities to Workers)
Understanding that rigid, industrial-style environmental perspectives do not guarantee a sustainable future, this program offers environmental awareness training for all—from policymakers to grassroots workers. We envision that, within two decades, the entire population should undergo this training to ensure national and global survival. Trained facilitators under Olympuss will carry out this initiative locally. (A similar project is currently running successfully in California.) We are already conducting such programs in colleges and social service organizations.
Q Life (for Success-Oriented Individuals)
Q Life is a management training program for those seeking personal success while maintaining a nature-centered life. Life’s successes and failures are closely tied to the fundamental laws of nature and the universe. Through Olympuss’ theoretical and practical training, the doors to true success are opened for participants. Contributions from Q Life participants are one of Olympuss’ sources of income.
Nimuki Websites (for Environmentally Conscious Internet Users)
Nimuki is an ultra-fast web framework developed by the Olympuss IT Community. Nimuki websites consume minimal network resources and are hosted on fully pollution-free wind-powered servers. Selling Nimuki green websites provides another revenue source for Olympuss.
Olympuss Eco Hamlet / Center (for Those Implementing Model Projects)
An Eco Hamlet is a small sustainable community consisting of one or more houses, social interaction centers, and livelihood/production/marketing enterprises, based on Olympuss’ ecological philosophy. These should not be confused with Olympuss’ central projects. Anyone associated with Olympuss can start an Eco Hamlet using their existing offices, workplaces, or sales centers. Olympuss believes it is essential to have at least one Eco Hamlet in each village within the next five years to show a real path forward before upcoming societal collapses.
Other Undefined Projects (for the General Public)
In addition to the above, model initiatives such as Eco Communities, Eco Rooms, Eco Offices, Eco Workplaces, Eco Centers, Eco Houses, Eco Villages, and Eco Cultures should be established in different regions as inspirations and examples.
Gramodaya Private Forest (for the Green World envisioned by Olympuss)
This refers to artificial forests developed by Olympuss followers on private land. These forests can be maintained in collaboration with nearby Olympuss members. This platform is meant solely for study or caretaking purposes and should reflect private investment exercised with social responsibility, as per Olympuss’ principles.
Blue Wheel
Navagothra Gurukulam Eco Commune (For Learners, Facilitators, and Administrators)
This is the communal living system for those who come to learn, train, or take up responsibilities in Olympuss. It was initially founded in 1994 in Madras (Chennai) and operated in Kerala from 1997 to 2002. After four years of travel and study, it resumed operations in 2006 under the name Navagothra Gurukulam. Currently, the day-to-day functioning of Olympuss is coordinated from here. While Olympuss envisions a larger dedicated campus in the future, Navagothra Gurukulam will continue to serve as the common meeting ground for members and project activities, both internal and external.
Navagothra Vocational Hamlet (For Those Who Depend on Employment)
In a society dominated by a career-centered culture, the Navagothra Vocational Hamlet is a sub-project initiated by the Greencross Foundation to enable socially committed individuals and communities to collaborate easily with Olympuss initiatives. It is a green, ethical, and socially responsible work model that allows individuals to dedicate half of their working hours to social and environmental transformation without compromising their income. Environmentally conscious young men and women can engage in independent, income-generating professions while participating in grassroots renaissance activities. Since a monthly salary is provided, individuals can contribute to Olympuss’ mission without disrupting their current professional and social obligations. Launched in 2008 and operating through a telecommuting model with a small number of members, the project aims to relocate to its own campus by 2014, with a vision of creating over 50 employment opportunities each financial year.
Navagothra Green School (For Children)
A green alternative school for children who choose to follow the Olympuss path. Currently functioning as a small-scale parallel vacation school with a handful of children, it is envisioned to evolve into a full-fledged green school once its own dedicated campus is established.
Navagothra Eco Farm (For Temporary and Permanent Residents)
An agricultural system within Olympuss that produces food and other natural resources through sustainable and nature-centered farming practices. The farm primarily caters to the needs of those living, volunteering, visiting, and staying at Olympuss. The produce is not marketed commercially; rather, it supports the internal ecosystem of the community.
Navagothra Primal Forest (For Non-Human Inhabitants of Olympuss)
A sacred forest area within the Blue Wheel dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats. Olympuss envisions that 33% of the total Blue Wheel area should be maintained as a protected primal forest. Human access is restricted to designated meditation and learning spaces within this forest. Furthermore, Olympuss mandates that in any project initiated within the Blue Wheel, 33% of the land should be reserved for primal forest conservation.
Haritha Chakra
Olympuss Eco Village (For those who aspire to live a sustainable, model life)
Olympuss Eco Village is a consciously designed human settlement that minimizes our impact on the Earth and nature, making life itself the central focus. It is a collective effort to reclaim traditional wisdom and indigenous knowledge that humanity has lost during its growth.
Here, humans, animals, plants, and natural phenomena move and grow together, shifting from an individualistic existence to the profound security of community living. The Eco Village is enriched with eco-friendly housing, alternative energy systems, alternative education, holistic healthcare, sustainable agriculture, spiritual training, celebrations, music, dance, collaborative work, meditation, and outreach programs for the outside world.
Unlike the mainstream middle-class perspective — where one works merely to survive and ultimately survives merely to work — the Eco Village fosters a “celebratory life” without the necessity of traditional employment. Spirituality here is also generally free from religious dogma.
Among the various projects envisioned by Olympuss, the Eco Village is the largest. Backed by decades of experience in communal living and clear guiding principles, the Olympuss community now seeks kindred green-hearted souls and the necessary resources to bring this vision into full reality.
Olympuss Ashram (For committed seekers)
The Ashram is a monastery for those green-hearted souls who dedicate their lives to the Olympuss path of wisdom and conscious action. It is envisioned to be completely self-sufficient and off-grid, independent of external systems.
Olympuss Wilderness Sanctuary (For non-human residents of Olympuss)
At the heart of the Olympuss campus lies a sacred forest space — a “Kavu” — protected entirely from human interference. Olympuss mandates that 66% of the Haritha Chakra area must be preserved as untouched wilderness. Entry is restricted to committed members during full moons and to village residents on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
Most of these initiatives have already been explored and refined at Olympuss through small-scale pilot models. We have learned that the greater the scale at which they are implemented, the greater their impact can be.
At present, Olympuss possesses only the theoretical and experiential capacity to bring these visions to life. To realize them on a large scale, we need more conscious individuals, greater awareness, and abundant material resources.
We invite you to extend your hand toward these efforts. Let not the magnitude of the vision deter us. Let us do what we can, with what we have, as much as we can.
This is not merely our need — it is the need of all of us… and the need of the generations yet to come.