Aryavarta Society

A fellowship dedicated to the serenity and sanctity of Spiritual Retreat, where peace, tranquility and harmony inspire our Higher Purpose in life and where self reflection of the outer and inner life restores mental and physical balance, health and well being.

The ARYAVARTA were the ancient forest sages of India who retreated from the world to live a life of simplicity, silence and solitude, to perfect their knowledge and later return to society to serve and to share their understanding and wisdom.

Our Society is a community with a higher purpose, where the spiritual aspects of life are fostered through healthy living, knowledge, spiritual practices and creative endeavor.

Our Purpose and Commitment

• To promote physical, mental and spiritual well being thru Retreats, health and fitness programs, transformational teachings, philosophy and cultural initiatives

• To sponsor Retreats, seminars and trainings which help to source and sustain our Higher Purpose in Life

• To support individuals and groups who are active in spiritual life through yoga, meditation, philosophy, education and art

• To offer support and sanctuary for those in need of spiritual awakening and renewal

• To offer both individuals and groups resources and training to better cope with life’s challenges and the rigors and stresses of modern life, and provide a refuge from breakdown, burnout and overload, a time out of mind to recover and regain the inspiration and energy to return to Life with renewed vigor and commitment to serve

• To provide a refuge from breakdown, burnout and overload, a time out of mind to recover and regain the inspiration and energy to return to Life with renewed vigor and commitment to serve

• The Recognition and appreciation of Sacred Space in our conscious awareness and in the preservation of Sacred places, where the beauty and vitality of the natural environment restore our exuberance for Life

• To preserve and protect places of environmental significance,  inspiration and beauty- the sacred spaces and foster and support groups and local communities that caretake sacred land and preserve cultural heritage

• To create non profit Retreats and Teaching Centers and financially support the Mentors, qualified Teachers and staff to enable all interested students to participate at an affordable price

• To offer creative spaces in beautiful and inspiring locations for artists, writers and musicians who invoke the Spirit, expand our vision and awaken higher human emotions

Our Story

Aryavarta Society was founded in 2007 by Marie Theresia Stofer and Richard Lee Willis, friends and associates for over thirty years, in Recognition of the need for Retreat, to pull back from the relentless pursuits and incessant demands of the world, for a few moments each day, for a day or week or a longer sabbatical. They felt that the need is almost existential, not only for spiritual growth but for psychological health and wholistic well being.

But they realized that very few people knew how to disengage from the world and find inner repose. Aryavarta came into being from their commitment to make the need for personal Retreat known and to make it easier for people to find a way back to the inner center and the stillness within.

Marie Theresia was a woman of great spiritual depth but also fully engaged in the practical concerns of the world. She was successful in her career with Capital Records as head of Artists Relations, as event planner for Zurich festivals and as a considerate and conscientious landlady for her tenants. She lived by the measurement that a person is known not only by the work they do but by the quality of presence and passion they bring to it.

She was committed to a life of Higher Purpose and searched for Truth in mysticism, eastern philosophy and western psychology.

Both Richard and Maria Theresia believed that to be of service in life is as important as one’s individual pursuits for happiness and self realization and that our humanity is formed through our reciprocal relationship with God and with others.

With these as our guiding principles, the Society is committed to serve as best we can the needs of the community, by creating centers of beauty and stillness, supporting a return to a more natural, healthy life through Retreats and Teachings, and safeuarding places of pristine wonder.

Marie Theresia Stofer