Diet
What place does the alimentary diet have in our community?
We consider the alimentary diet of principal importance. Food, when it is prepared in consciousness, is medicine for the body and spirit. It’s at the same time a physical and moral support; food being one of the primary remedies that nature offers us. It’s why our recipes are at the same time nutritious, balanced and flavourful; and become even better dishes when they are shared. We prepare them as an offering, to express our gratitude. In our particular path this is called Prasadam.
What is our alimentary diet?
We are lacto-vegetarians, for our respectful relation with animals and our reverence for the sacred cow. We do not consume alcohol, nor meat, nor fish, nor eggs, nor onion, nor garlic. We always put a bit of clarified butter in our preparations as this is part of the offering.
How do we prepare our meals?
Outside of our programmes where the three meals are provided, we prepare our own meals, in rotating teams of two people, every day, for the whole group. Which frees up time for each one, all the while allowing everyone to participate regularly in the preparations, as such benefiting from the sacred space of the kitchen. For breakfast and dinner everyone has access to the communal kitchen and is autonomous, respecting the alimentary rules of the community. It is also possible to request a portion of the house-made preparation to defrost for those who don’t themselves wish to cook.
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Our lunches are prepared in part with products from our organic garden, based on the season and our capacity to take care of the garden.
Do we make homemade products?
We also prepare a variety of homemade products: lacto-fermented products like sauerkraut, kombucha, paneer, pizzas cooked in a traditional oven, peppers in oil, clarified butter, fruit purées and jams with fruits from the garden, hazelnut spreads, candied ginger, granolas, etc.
Do we practise fasts?
In the fast that we practise, according to the Vaishnava tradition of India, we abstain from grains and cereals two days per month. It’s called Ekadasi. We propose that you experience it, without any obligation. Even though it seems subtle, it is very deep.
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