Terre de Sacha — ShantiMayi (2024)

Terre de Sacha is a nature sanctuary nestled in the Pyrenees mountains in the South-East of France, right on the boarder of Spain. Our three stone houses are at least three hundred years old if not older, and are situated in a beautiful and peaceful environment.

Here we gather in the summer months and over the winter holidays for meditation, creativity and to receive the teachings of ShantiMayi. Those who come to Terre de Sacha are sangha (ShantiMayi’s students), family and friends. Part of the joy of being here is being together again. Terre de Sacha functions through participation in cooking meals, gardening and maintenance of the grounds and the houses. When we are together we live like a family. We all take responsibility for making our gatherings work very well and they do.

Those who come here must have association with ShantiMayi or be affiliated with Sacha sangha, family or friends. There are daily morning prayers for world balance and awakening hearts. We chant the ancient Gayatri Mantra together. Everyone is required to attend.

Seva is selfless service offered to maintain Terre de Sacha and the gathering: such as cooking, cleaning the area, gardening, shopping, and so on. Everyone is required to offer seva. There is your ‘own time’ everyday, time for yourself: enjoying the deep raw nature, walks through Terre de Sacha’s eighty acres, going down to the river and even perhaps walking in the mountains.

ShantiMayi creates the theme for the special time we have together according to the people in the gathering. Upon arrival, and meeting the mix of people, it becomes clear what direction we take. There are no set plans or programs, other than the daily morning prayer and the evening talks.

Anything can change here and often does. This is our way. Gatherings are over a two week period. We encourage the two weeks ( or more ) period. Being in Terre de Sacha is a blessing, a delight and… with ShantiMayi. And being with sangha and friends… and family ( like minded / hearted people )… is central to your time here. To gather together in Terre de Sacha is a benefit to you in every way.

Food

We serve nearly 100% organic, always vegetarian food. Our meals are simple, nutritious, and thoughtfully prepared. Due to the nature of our kitchen and the communal effort involved, we are unable to accommodate special diets. However, we do our best to address food allergies.

Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Free: We generally offer gluten-free options, but please bring your own gluten-free bread and cookies.

Snacks: You are welcome to store personal snacks in your room. A small plastic container will be provided for this purpose.

Kitchen & Cooking: Our cooking facilities are limited, so personal cooking and storage of food items in our fridges are not possible.Everyone contributes in cooking, cleaning, and upkeep of our environment.

Food offered here is Prasad, meals that are blessed.

Animals

We do not permit people to bring their animals to Terre de Sacha.

Dress Code

There is a simple dress code. Modest clothing, no short shorts, short skirts or sleeveless vests or shirts. Please no low cut, tightly fitted or revealing blouses / shirts. Tight pants must be worn with either a long shirt or dress over them to cover the behind. This is a guideline for many ashrams / sanctuaries and so on. It is not body shame… it is the honouring of Spiritual Teachings… as not to distract anyone for unnecessary attention. We do not come to find a partner. We at Terre de Sacha attend to the ‘inner realms.’

Sangha and visitors travel from all over the world to come to Terre de Sacha. For those travelling from abroad, the nearest major airport is Barcelona Airport – El Prat (BCN). From there you can take either a bus or train to Perpignan. A number of daily buses leave Barcelona Nord Station; there are fewer trains, particularly those travelling in the winter season, but those available begin at Barcelona Sant Station.

There is a regional bus that frequently goes from Perpignan to Arles Sur Tech (except on Sunday’s when there is limited travel). Those traveling on scheduled arrival/ departure dates (the fist and last date of the booking block), arrangements can be made to pick you up at the Arles Sur Tech bus stop and take you to Terre de Sacha.

While it is always good to confirm travel times directly with the travel provider, Rome to Rio provides a helpful internet search for transportation and scheduling options.

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Book for Summer 2024