Spinoza's portal: Nature as a temple
Between philosophy and infinity, a symbol stands out at the top of Ibiti. At the top of Chapadinho at an altitude of 1,200 meters, a white and silent structure invites contemplation. It is the Portal of Spinoza, which combines architecture, philosophy and spirituality in perfect harmony with the landscape. From afar, the façade resembles that of a church. Up close, it reveals a monumental six-meter-high door, acquired more than 20 years ago. The bell rests at the top, completing the scene that unites the sacred and the earthly. The vision behind the Portal The inspiration came from a simple image. Renato Machado, creator of Ibiti Projeto, saw a church façade in the Northeast, remembered the old doors and, as he was reading "Spinoza's Secret", came up with the idea for the building. "You open the portal and see God, because if you can't see God in that wonderful view, you won't find God anywhere," he said, agreeing with the philosopher. Here, the beauty of nature is the very experience of the divine. Harmony and contemplation According to engineer Hugo Cambraia, the portal follows the proportions of the golden ratio, a principle that governs the most harmonious forms found in nature and the arts. It is 16 meters long, 11 meters high and just 1 meter wide, measures that reflect perfect balance and proportion. Made of masonry, the monument fits into the terrain, from where you can see a 360-degree panorama. From there you can see the eastern slope of the Ibitipoca State Park, Areião, Pico do Peão, the Pão de Angu and Cabeça de Formiga hills, the town of Pedro Teixeira and, in the distance, the lights of Juiz de Fora. On clear days, the view reaches as far as Pico da Bandeira, in the Serra do Caparaó. Deus sive Natura The name of the Portal pays homage to Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), the Dutch philosopher who redefined the notion of God and inaugurated a new form of spirituality. For Spinoza, God and Nature are one and the same reality, an infinite substance that manifests itself in everything that exists. "Everything that exists exists in God, and without God nothing can exist or be conceived," he wrote in his masterpiece, Ethics. Unlike the traditions that place the divine outside the world, Spinoza saw it in every mountain, in every stone, in every thought. Human freedom, he said, lies in understanding the laws of nature and living in harmony with them. For this reason, Spinoza's Portal is more than a viewpoint: it is a symbolic crossing between the rational and the contemplative, between thought and the direct experience of the sacred. A living space The space can host meditations, yoga practices, soundhealing, contemplative breakfasts, meetings and sunrise ceremonies. The place also serves as a backdrop for personalized events, such as celebrations and weddings, where the decoration is nature itself. Find out more ibiti.com @ibitiprojeto @ibiti.village @ibitiengenho
Vedanta Ibitipoca Retreat: Self-knowledge and wisdom retreat
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what your true purpose in life is? Meet Vedanta Ibitipoca Retreat, the annual Vedanta retreat at Ibiti Projeto. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we rarely have time to reflect on the essential questions of existence. How do we find mental clarity? How to reduce stress and anxiety? How to live with more purpose and balance? From August 27 to 31, 2025, amidst the serenity of the village of Mogol, the Vedanta Ibitipoca Retreat invites you to dive into these questions, reconnect with yourself and find answers in the ancient wisdom of India. Under the guidance of the experienced Sudhakar and Avania, from the Vedanta Academy in India, this immersion combines philosophy and self-knowledge. The program, all in English, includes inspiring classes based on the Bhagavad Gita, nature walks, yoga sessions and healthy meals, creating an ideal environment for reflection and transformation. "It's an invitation to slow down and go deeper into self-knowledge, based on ancient teachings. The expectation is to bring together a cohesive group, interested in the philosophy and seeking personal development, as happened last year" Dario Galvão, organizer of the event, which takes place in attractive locations in Ibiti Projeto Vedanta: The Ways of the Wise Vedanta is a philosophy of life that originated in India. It guides you towards a clearer vision of your personality and your purpose in the world. The retreat highlights the importance of prioritizing mental and intellectual health. Learn principles and practices to reduce everyday stress and anxiety. Delve into passages from the Bhagavad Gita and discover the true purpose of life. What is the Bhagavad Gita Written in Sanskrit, the Hindu work is the essence of India's Vedic and sacred knowledge and one of the world's greatest classics of perennial philosophy and spirituality. What to expect at the Vedanta Ibitipoca Retreat? Over the course of four immersive days, you will experience a combination of deep learning and moments of connection with nature. Mornings are dedicated to studies, hikes to the waterfalls and yoga practices that prepare the body and mind to absorb the knowledge. During the day, lectures cover essential topics such as Mind Management, The Middle Path, The Three Yogas, among others, always followed by enriching group discussions and question and answer sessions. In addition to intellectual learning, the retreat also offers the opportunity to experience practices that help reduce everyday stress and anxiety. By following the principles of Vedanta, you will discover how to integrate practical wisdom into your daily life, bringing more balance and clarity to your life. "We all need moments like this to renew our energies and see situations in different ways. We acquire more serenity and peace to make important decisions in life," says Christiano Freire, who took part in the first edition of Vedanta Ibiti. Connection with nature and healthy food At Ibiti Projeto, the experience is not limited to philosophical teachings. You can also enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan meals, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Healthy eating is an integral part of the retreat's philosophy, which values the holistic well-being of body and mind. Sudhakar and Avania's wisdom Sudhakar and Avania have more than 20 years' experience studying under the renowned philosopher Swami A. Parthasarathy. They have traveled to more than 15 countries, bringing the teachings of Vedanta to universities, companies and organizations around the world. With an approach that is both accessible and profound, Sudhakar and Avania are masters at making complex philosophical concepts easily applicable to modern life. Schedule - August 27 to 31, 2025 - Vedanta Ibitipoca Retreat - The entire event takes place in English Wednesday, August 27 4pm - Arrival 5:45pm - Classical Living 7pm - Dinner Thursday to Saturday, August 28 to 30 6am - Individual study7:15am - Yoga8am - Breakfast9:15am - Lectures: 10:30 a.m. - Hike to the waterfalls / Visit to the statues12 p.m. - Group session13:15 p.m. - Lunch14:15 p.m. - Rest16 p.m. - Q&A session17 p.m. - Tea17:45 p.m. - Lectures: 7 p.m. - Dinner Sunday, August 31 6 a.m. - Individual study7:15 a.m. - Yoga8 a.m. - Breakfast9 a.m. - Departure Transformation and renewal At the end of the retreat, you'll leave with practical tools for dealing with the challenges of everyday life, a greater understanding of your purpose and a new perspective on what it means to live wisely. It's an opportunity to slow down, reflect and take a new direction in your personal journey. Registration and practical information If you have any questions, please contact avania@vedantin.online Get to know Ibiti Village Book your place now and embark on this experience of transformation and self-knowledge in the heart of Ibiti Projeto! Reservations Center (32) 98449-2200
