The Temple aims to become a self-sufficient producer of yagé and to model a responsible production method for this sacred medicine, through incorporating the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) into our biodiversity systems on the Temple’s grounds.
The growth and sustainability of ayahuasca is part of the Temple’s broader mission to develop habitats that are not only self-sufficient, but also give back to the land. Although there is limited modern scientific information on how banisteriopsis caapi grows in its natural habitats, current evidence suggests that ayahuasca encourages biodiversity. Crucially, this is supported by traditional understandings about the numerous varieties and growth stages of Banisteriopsis caapi and where and how it grows under optimum conditions. We are committed to participating in further research into the impact of ayahuasca production on the local ecology and how to protect these sacred plants from external environmental threats and extortion.
One of the key practices of permaculture is respecting the symbiotic relationship between the parts and the whole. The Temple understands that our production of ayahuasca takes place in a context of cultural and economic sustainability in the broader region of the Putumayo.
We believe sustainable production must benefit both local communities and our guests, and ensure this powerful healing medicine is available for all who wish to approach it with respect for the healing traditions from which its usage has emerged.
We are also aware to both the positive and negative implications of the growing interest in ayahuasca healing in the Amazon. At its best, the demand from Western visitors can benefit local communities and shamans. At its least helpful, commoditization can compromise the integrity of the traditional usage of ayahuasca. We are mindful that respect for the critical training required to develop traditional plant-spirit healing skills is being eroded because of its perceived lack of status as the effects of Westernization and evangelism permeate Amazonian society. There is also concern about inadequately trained practitioners claiming the status of curanderos solely for financial gain. We seek to train more facilitators in the traditional ways that are truly interested in such knowledge.
Our Temple aims to bring honor and respect to traditional Amazonian healing practices of the Putumayo, and legitimize their use; not just in the modern world but also among local communities. Through working only with highly experienced Ingano healers whom are deeply committed to the practice of their ancient healing art, the Temple is re-establishing local respect for traditional Amazonian healthcare as a cultural practice and an economically viable occupation. We hope to add to the benchmark for all ayahuasca centers in the Amazon to reinforce a minimum standard of curandero experience, safety protocols and culturally sensitive interactions between healers and guests.
The other significant economic concern is the exploitation of ethno-botanicals in the Amazon. The Temple recognizes traditional knowledge-holders’ rights to benefit from the sale and use of traditional medicines such as ayahuasca, while still ensuring that local people have access to plant materials at affordable prices.
The Temple further promotes research that validates traditional knowledge-holder’s intellectual property and we aim to serve as a model for the sustainable production of ayahuasca and the practice of ayahuasca healing that appropriately remunerates all stakeholders. We are dedicated to acting with total social responsibility within a reciprocal relationship with the environment and our local communities.