Community
The Sanctuary is an oasis for communal living and interfaith dialogue with a clear intention, designed to accommodate both short and long-term stays. The Sanctuary is imbued with a spirit of devotion, simplicity and an openness to all spiritual paths, with a focus on Bhakti (loving devotional service) and Kirtan (spiritual singing). Guests are invited to participate in the daily activities and follow one of the offered seminars, or just spend some time in the peace and quiet of the place.
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
Without a peaceful mind, there can be no happiness
- Bhagavad Gita
Sacred Space
A sacred space forms the heart of the sanctuary. It is a place of meditation and prayer, but also a place of celebration and dance. Here we come together in the mornings and evenings to sing songs, meditate and discuss spiritual topics.
Courses
We offer a variety of courses that we teach in collaboration with other organizations and educational groups such and the Centro Studi Bhaktivedanta of Ponsacco, Italy and others. These courses include studies in spiritual scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vedic culture and Sanskrit, the art of vegetarian and plant-based cooking, as well as the playing of temple instruments like the harmonium and the drum. We are affiliated with publishing groups and publish books on ecology, personal growth, cuisine and spirituality.
Cow Seva
At the Organic Mountain Farm of the Ecovillage & Sanctuary Terra Vecchia Bordei, we take care of native Swiss cows and plan to supplement these at Terra Vecchia with a small herd of mini Zebu cows. All the animals are kept according to the principles of Sanatana-dharma and Ahimsa (non-violence). This means that the cows (including the bulls) are kept until their natural death and are not sent to the slaughterhouse. Animal welfare is therefore always at the forefront.
Zebu cows have a gentle and caring nature. They are interested in people and love to be cuddled. We therefore support cow-cuddling and our guests are invited 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.
