Yarpakuti Centre for Ancestral Wisdom
Location: Chavin de Huantar, Peru
Goal: US$ 80,000
Raised to date: US$ 13,500
ABOUT
We are seeking support from our global community for the construction of the Yarpakuti Centre for Ancestral Wisdom under the guidance of Maestra Cecilia.
Quechua elder Cecilia is the Maestra of the cactus medicine “Tsunaq” in Chavin de Huantar, Peru and the chair of Yarpakuti Cultural Association.
Chavin is home to the sacred 3500-year-old temple that was built with the master plant Tsunaq and used as a ceremonial pilgrimage site, an oracle, and an initiation temple. The wisdom of the temple is still alive today, and Maestra Cecilia works closely with the temple, the wisdom of the Chavin ancestors, and her family lineage to share this medicine with deep integrity through the path of prayer and remembrance.
There are a growing number of people around the world seeking to work with Maestra Cecilia, the medicine of Tsunaq, and the temple of Chavin. However, there are currently no suitable accommodations in Chavin to support the silence and depth that is required for this sacred work. Participants currently need to stay in local hotels in the centre of town, which is increasingly busy and noisy, and they need to eat at local restaurants which typically do not provide the food required for this ceremonial work.
In addition, once constructed, proceeds from programs held at the Centre will help to fund ongoing research, and cultural and social projects through the Yarpakuti Chawpin Cultural Association. These projects will include:
⋗ A bilingual intercultural autonomous pedagogy project.
⋗ Revaluation and strengthening of ancestral knowledge in the Valley of Conchucos.
⋗ Revitalization of the Quechua language.
One of the deepest prayers in Cecilia’s heart is to teach children their cultural practices, native Quechua language and the wisdom of their ancestors.
THE VISION
Maestra Cecilia’s vision is to build a Centre of Ancestral Wisdom in Chavin to provide the most suitable environment for this sacred work with the cactus, and for the reviving of ancestral and cultural wisdom.
This work includes:
Ceremonies, retreats, dietas and cultural workshops for people from all around the world and locally.
Teachings and workshops with invited elders from around Peru and beyond to share and revive traditional practices and wisdom.
Research projects of ancestral knowledge, cultural and social projects established by the Yarpakuti Chawpin Cultural Association.
These programs are for foreign visitors, local community members, and especially children of the region to receive the traditions and wisdom of their ancestors.
The Construction of the Yarpakuti Centre includes:
Retreat centre with 7 single rooms, one self-contained bungalow, bathrooms, kitchen and dining room.
A dedicated temple space including a maloka, kitchen, dining space, two accommodation rooms and bathroom.
The retreat centre is being constructed at Cecilia’s home, overlooking the Chavin temple.
The temple space is being constructed on a smaller site directly next to the Chavin temple.
Both are within 3 minutes walk of the temple and provide the ideal location for this ceremonial work.
BUDGET & FUNDRAISING TARGET
Although Peru is a developing country, construction costs are very expensive, which is why we are calling in the support of our worldwide community to bring this vision into reality.
The overall predicted budget is $150,000 USD for full construction and furnishing costs.
Currently, there are four single rooms, 5 bathrooms, a bungalow, kitchen and dining room already under construction, which sums up to $70,000 USD - already invested.
They are seeking to raise an additional $80,000 USD ($120,000 AUD) to complete the construction and furnishings for the entire project. This is the amount that we are aiming to reach through this campaign.
DONATIONS
We welcome donations of any amount ~ every dollar is a great support.
100% of the funds will be transferred directly for this project.
SHARING THIS FUNDRAISER
We invite you to share this fundraiser with your close ones who may wish to support this prayer.
We ask that you please do not share publicly, for example on any social media to protect the sensitivity of this sacred work.
Thank you for your support!
