Etica Vivente was founded in 1981 by Sergio Bartoli, a student of the renowned psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli, together with a group of eleven psychosynthesis practitioners.

Initially established as a residential center for psychosynthesis and creative meditation, the community expanded its activities over the years, inspired by the teachings of the Tibetan Master and Agni Yoga. In 1995, the name changed from "Psychosynthesis Community" to "Etica Vivente" (Living Ethics), to reflect its commitment to living human values guided by ethical principles. The goal was not only theoretical understanding but to gain direct experience, transforming every understanding into something "living" and applicable.

The Evolution of Etica Vivente

Over time, and thanks to the contribution of many, Etica Vivente has grown to include seven farmhouses, two villages within a 25-km radius, and a third recently established, now home to around fifty residents. With additional research centers throughout Italy and in India, Etica Vivente has become a lively laboratory of ideas and practices for personal and collective growth, with 200 regular members and 700 affiliates.

The pinnacle of the community’s physical space is the Cultural Hall, a large building constructed according to the principles of sacred geometry, designed as a Congress Hall. Seminar activities are held in designated classrooms and conference spaces, while the farmhouses offer places for silence, meditation, and group gatherings.

The Model of Community Life

Living intentionally in a community like Etica Vivente requires a continuous commitment to self-transformation. To maintain harmony, members believe it’s essential to develop a collective consciousness that centers on the value of the common good. Every morning, they gather in a circle to share thoughts and emotions, creating an environment of mutual understanding and support.

One of the core elements of community life is the continuous observation of oneself and others, in a spirit of awareness aimed at preventing conflicts and strengthening the sense of belonging. Three pillars uphold this experience: study, meditation, and service. These pillars not only promote individual growth but also support the community, creating a balance between inner development and contributing to communal life.

Education at Etica Vivente

Education is a fundamental value at Etica Vivente, which offers a parental school for younger members and training courses for adults. Here, education is not just academic but integrates multiple levels: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. Teachers are trained not only academically but also as conscious and present individuals.

Through the "Welcome Youth" program, the community also provides training paths for young adults who wish to embrace a sustainable lifestyle. This program is designed to offer a 360-degree immersion into community life, where participants can engage in active service, learning, and contributing to meaningful projects.

Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture

Agriculture is another fundamental dimension of the community. At Etica Vivente, they practice regenerative agriculture, following the principles of permaculture to work in harmony with Nature, preserving resources and promoting biodiversity. The soil is enriched through natural compost and crop rotation, and plants are chosen for their adaptability to the environment and to enhance soil quality. They practice companion planting, selecting varieties that support and protect each other, reducing the need for artificial interventions. This biodiversity enriches the soil and enhances the natural resilience of crops against diseases and pests.

Water is a precious resource, and every drop counts. To irrigate their organic garden, the community uses smart methods like drip irrigation and mulching, and they also harvest rainwater, helping the project reach self-sufficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

The agricultural approach at Etica Vivente is a true partnership between people and Nature – a virtuous model that cares for the soil and its people, producing healthy food for the entire community.

Spirituality in Daily Life

Spirituality is a central aspect of life at Etica Vivente. It’s not tied to any institutional religion but expressed through both personal and collective growth. A key influence for the community has been Roberto Assagioli, founder of psychosynthesis, a discipline that combines psychology and spirituality to promote self-realization. Psychosynthesis sees the human being as a union of body, mind, and spirit, aiming to cultivate a deep connection with one’s essence and others.

Every day, the members of Etica Vivente engage in meditation and psychosynthesis awareness practices, which help them restore inner balance and, in turn, contribute to the common good. This open, inclusive approach allows each individual to explore their spirituality on in daily life, freely and personally, while also as a group, through mutual support and deep connection.

Social and Environmental Sustainability

The Etica Vivente Community represents a model of social and environmental sustainability, where every action is guided by awareness and collaboration for collective evolution. Members face modern challenges together, seeking solutions that are respectful of both the environment and people.

The commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of daily life: from resource management to the use of natural and recycled materials. Through teamwork, Etica Vivente demonstrates that an alternative lifestyle is possible, one that values care for the environment and fosters authentic, supportive human relationships.

Projects and Initiatives

The community is actively involved in various projects to improve the quality of life for its members and the surrounding society. These include environmental education workshops, where sustainable living practices and ecological awareness are passed on, as well as cultural events promoting art, music, and local traditions. Additionally, there are gatherings for meditation and personal growth, offering spaces dedicated to both individual and collective spiritual development.

How to participate in Etica Vivente

The Etica Vivente community welcomes anyone interested in exploring a community lifestyle. On their website, you can find a calendar with guided tours, volunteer experiences, and training programs, available both online and in-person, offering everyone the opportunity to discover the values of the community and decide if this path might be their next step.

In a Nutshell

Etica Vivente is a community near Città della Pieve, in the heart of Umbria region, home to around fifty people. With psychosynthesis centers worldwide, particularly in India, the Etica Vivente community today engages nearly a thousand members. Founded on the principles of spiritual evolution rooted in psychosynthesis, creative meditation, and regenerative agriculture, this community unites people committed to living in harmony with themselves, others, and Nature, to promote personal and collective growth.