How a permaculture association became a creative learning hub
It started with soil.
Not metaphorically—literally. A small group of people gathered on a patch of land in rural France, near the German border, and began planting. Trees, vegetables, ideas. They called it Vaikuntha, after the Sanskrit word for a place of peace and fulfillment. Back then, the dream was simple: build a self-sustaining community, rooted in permaculture and aligned with the rhythms of nature.
But the story didn’t stop there.
Over the years, the fields of Vaikuntha became more than garden beds. They became a canvas. A rehearsal space. A classroom. A fire circle. Slowly, a new kind of learning emerged—one that embraced transformation, not just of land, but of people and work itself.
From Permaculture to Purpose
When Benedikt Irsch, now chairman of the association, asked himself:
“What if work didn’t mean fluorescent lights and endless meetings?”
—something shifted. He saw potential not just for farming, but for a regenerative way of working and learning.
A Kanban board went up in the community house. Sticky notes mapped out projects—retreats, workshops, water systems, artistic residencies. SAFe and Agile trainings began—yes, in yurts. Nature wasn’t a backdrop anymore; it became the teacher.
Learning in Motion
At Vaikuntha, learning happens with hands in the soil and minds in motion. You might come to learn about compost toilets and end up in a dialogue circle on the ethics of AI. You might arrive for a concert and end up helping build a clay oven. The boundaries blur—between teacher and learner, artist and farmer, manager and meditator.
Permaculture is still the heartbeat. But it now pulses through every encounter—how we host, how we make decisions, how we shape the space itself. Weekly check-ins, seasonal gatherings, and a handcrafted Kanban system (yes, handmade) keep everything flowing.
The community is guided by shared values:
Self-sufficiency and biodiversity
Intergenerational knowledge-sharing
Hands-on repair culture
Creative freedom and cultural exchange
This is learning that regenerates—not just the land, but also our capacity to connect, create, and contribute.
Why Vaikuntha Matters to Vishnu Artists
As Vishnu Artists, we believe in transformation—of systems, of teams, of consciousness. That’s why our collaboration with Vaikuntha is so vital. It offers something the digital world can’t: tangible, embodied spaces for change.
Whether it's hosting Agile trainings in the forest, prototyping new leadership formats, or co-curating immersive events—Vaikuntha is more than a location. It’s a living laboratory for regenerative work.
And it’s open for you.
Ready to Book or Co-Create?
Are you planning a retreat, workshop, offsite, or cultural event? Looking for a space where you can not only teach, but grow? Vaikuntha welcomes initiatives that align with our values.
You’ll have access to:
Yurt spaces and tent areas
Fire circles and sound setups
Outdoor kitchens and compost toilets
A community that gets involved
(Workshops, Retreats, Team Events, Art Projects, Concerts & More)
Let us know what you need—stage, sound, space, or just a place to explore the new.
What’s Coming in 2025?
Vaikuntha is growing, literally and figuratively. Here’s a taste of what’s brewing:
Sommercamp for creatives & changemakers (Aug)
New food forest & seed library project
Expansion of DIY infrastructure (toilets, solar, water)
More Jam Sessions, more spontaneity
Social pricing models to make participation inclusive
And always: open hands, open soil, open minds.
Come plant something.
Whether you’re an artist, coach, facilitator, or just someone looking for a place to think and feel deeply—we invite you to experience Vaikuntha.
It’s not just a place.
It’s a process.
It’s a practice.
It’s a prototype for the world we want.