Community
In 2026, the Sanctuary will serve as an oasis for communal living and interfaith dialogue, designed to accommodate both short and long-term stays. The Sanctuary embodies a spirit of devotion, simplicity, and openness to all spiritual paths, emphasizing Bhakti (loving devotional service) and Kirtan (spiritual singing). Guests are invited to participate in daily activities, attend one of the offered retreats or seminars, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings.
Spirituality
Spirituality and religion have a long tradition at Terra Vecchia. For decades, Terra Vecchia has been home to the community house “Casa Convento,” rented by the association Ritiro Terra Vecchia. Throughout the year, individuals and groups stay at the Ritiro “Casa Convento” who are seeking to encounter themselves, eachother and God. The centre focuses on fundamental elements of Christian life such as companionship, hospitality, care for fellow creatures, peace and reconciliation. The life of this group is guided by the rhythm of the Benedictine monastic wisdom ‘ora et labora’ (pray and work): times of silence and prayer alternate with activities.
Without a peaceful mind, there can be no happiness
- Bhagavad Gita
Sacred Space
A sacred space is the heart of the sanctuary. It serves as a place for meditation and prayer, as well as for celebration and dance. Here, we will be gathering in the mornings and evenings to sing songs, meditate, and discuss spiritual topics.
Courses
We will offer a variety of courses in collaboration with organizations and educational groups, such as the Centro Studi Bhaktivedanta in Ponsacco, Italy, and others. Our courses will cover a range of topics, including the study of spiritual scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Vedic culture, and Sanskrit. Additionally, we will teach the art of vegetarian and plant-based cooking, as well as playing temple instruments such as the harmonium and drum. We are affiliated with publishing groups and produce books on ecology, personal growth, cuisine, and spirituality.
Cow Seva
At the Organic Mountain Farm of the Ecovillage & Sanctuary Terra Vecchia Bordei, we will care for native Swiss cows and plan to supplement our herd with a small group of mini Zebu cows. All animals are treated according to the principles of Sanatana Dharma and Ahimsa (non-violence). This means that the cows, including the bulls, are allowed to live out their lives until their natural death and are not sent to the slaughterhouse. Animal welfare is always our top priority. Zebu cows are known for their gentle and caring nature; they are curious about people and enjoy being cuddled. We encourage cow-cuddling, and we will invite our guests to spend time with them.
Blessed Food
A well-known saying is that we are what we eat. In the culture of bhakti, the conscious preparation, offering, and eating (or ‘honoring’) of food is considered a spiritual practice and has a profound influence on the quality of our lives. The ashram is equipped with a fully professional kitchen, where we practice the Art of cooking.
Community
The Sanctuary is located in the secluded village of Terra Vecchia, a 25-minute walk through the forest from the retreat village of Bordei. A quicker way to reach the Sanctuary, which also hosts our Ashram, is via a small cable car from Bordei that brings you across in 4 minutes. At present we are making it suitable for the transport of passengers. The sanctuary at Terra Vecchia is intended as a place where a small community of spiritual practitioners live a contemplative life, where spiritual exchange and Bhakti-yoga forms the inspiration of the daily practice. Bhakti is the universal path of loving service from the heart. We maintain a daily Ashram routine with early rising, meditations, devotional chanting (kirtan), and a variety of daily services. We also offer courses one can follow, like reading scripture and the study of Sanskrit and Vedic culture. The monks and other residents live in a spirit of prayer and service, thereby awakening the eternal function of the soul. The sanctuary offers space for people that wish to have time for reflection, immerse in community life, write books, and exchange ideas. There are a variety of rooms and a total of about 40 beds. The Sanctuary Terra Vecchia is formed by a core team that follows an ancient Sanatana Dharma tradition of Vaishnavism. Pietro Leemann also belongs to this movement. The sanctuary is led by Swami Shri Rupa Madhava Maharaja (V.I. Streisand). In addition to the core team, the sanctuary is home to people from all over the world who are seeking reflection, new vitality, spirituality or time out for themselves. Daily activities will also be conducted in the spirit of “prayer and service,” where spiritual practices alternate with concrete work to maintain the properties of the foundation and their surroundings, to cook and to receive guests. The core team’s volunteer work helps to ensure that Terra Vecchia and Bordei can continue to offer community services in line with the foundation’s mission. The Ecovillage & Sanctuary Terra Vecchia Bordei works with various educational organizations – notably the University of Oxford – to create an authentic spiritual learning experience.