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Belfast, New York
3 hours
Live on Land
·
Animals

Govinda Goshala

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About the experience

What will I experience

At Govinda Goshala, you will meet and interact with cows and calves, participate in activities like hand milking, butter churning, and grain grinding. You can join barn tours and experience cow cuddling workshops. You'll also have opportunities to feed the cows with treats like carrots and hay cubes, and engage in farm-related arts and crafts.

Benefits of this experience

Interacting with cows and calves at Govinda Goshala, understanding their needs, and caring for them nurtures your empathy by connecting you with their experiences and emotions.

Incorporation in daily life

To incorporate empathy from this experience into daily life, actively listen and respond to the emotions and needs of others, mirroring the attentiveness shown to the animals.

About the destination

Govinda Goshala Cow Haven in Belfast, New York, has been a sanctuary for cows since 1983, founded on the commitment to humane animal care. For 40 years, the Goshala has championed the welfare of cows, ensuring they live full lives with dignity. Here, cows roam freely on lush pastures, and calves bond with their mothers for months, in stark contrast to commercial practices. By adhering to ancient sustainable husbandry principles, Govinda Goshala not only nurtures the cows but also fosters a balanced, compassionate community. This dedication reflects a deeper philosophy that all life—plant, animal, and human—is interconnected, aiming to restore harmony and wellbeing in society.

Context

Ancient & modern provenance

Ancient texts and treatises:

Ancient text name: Manusmriti (Circa 2nd century BCE - 3rd century CE)

  • Context: An ancient legal text among the many Dharmaśāstras of Hinduism.
  • Mention of connecting with animals: Outlines the duties of humans towards animals, suggesting that kindness and care towards animals foster compassion and moral rectitude, which are essential for personal and societal wellbeing.

Modern scientific researches:

Title: The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Wellbeing

  • Author(s): D. Wells
  • Date of Publishing: 2009
  • Abstract: This paper examines the contribution of companion animals to physical and psychological health. It discusses pets' roles as therapeutic companions and explores mechanisms underlying these health benefits. Findings highlight animals' importance in improving psychological wellbeing and social support.
  • Link to Paper

Full plan of experience

The following schedule provides a general outline of the duration and activities aimed at facilitating the integration of the experience's teachings into your daily life.

At the place
Belfast, New York
Duration
3 hours
Price

Experience Schedule

  • Introduction and Welcome: Begin with a brief introduction to Govinda Goshala, its mission, and an overview of the day’s activities.
  • Barn Tour: Conduct a guided tour of the barn, introducing the cows and calves, and explaining their care routines and the importance of humane animal husbandry.
  • Interactive Activities: Engage participants in hands-on activities such as feeding the cows, a hand milking demonstration, and possibly a butter churning or grain grinding session.
  • Cow Cuddling Workshop: Facilitate a cow cuddling session, allowing participants to interact closely with the cows, fostering empathy and connection.
  • Wrap-Up and Discussion: Conclude with a discussion on the importance of compassion in animal care and how participants can incorporate these learnings into their daily lives. Provide time for any questions and encourage feedback.

Inclusions

Exclusions

CONDUCTED BY

Govinda Goshala

A sanctuary to bond with Cows

Price
3 hours
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