In 1993, when Rinpoche came to Brazil for the fourth time, many people took the opportunity to see him. In Florianopolis, 1,200 people gathered and soon formed a center. In Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, the same thing happened: there were many people, many brighteyes, many bows, many hearts touched. The already active centers, Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in Sao Paulo and Chagdud Gonpa Dawa Drolma in Belo Horizonte,staffed by energetic and cheerful people, continued to grow. In Porto Alegre, we organized a public conference with 350 people and a weekend workshop on the Six Perfections with 200 in the audience; to foster the teachings there, Chagdud Gonpa Yeshe Ling was founded.
Rinpoche arrived in Porto Alegre (1,000 kilometers from Sao Paulo, 1,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Argentina), the capital of my state, on Friday, August 13, 1993, a full-moon day. The local organization, Centro de Estudos Budistas, an eight-year-old Buddhist cultural group, mostly Zen-minded,sponsored his visit. Rinpoche was received at the airport as an important dignitary, and a special car met him. With a katag in my hands I went into the airplane to greet him. When I saw his gaze, I recognized my master. I experienced a 220-volt shock sensation, but without pain or disturbance, only energy. I saw that his basis, his mind, was not bound by any conventional mode. I immediately trusted him.
Over the next few days, I told him about our plans to develop a retreat center and asked him if we should go forward. He agreed. I offered him land to begin the center under his guidance. I also asked him to be my master. That was the beginning for us in 1993.
In recent decades, interest in all schools of Buddhism has flourished in Brazil. In the sixties, the Theravada and Soto Zen traditions came to our country and greatly benefited people. More recently we were visited by many masters of different traditions, including Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, who came in 1989, gave teachings, refuge and initiations and, with the blessings of Karmapa, founded a monastery in Rio de Janeiro; and H.H. the Dalai Lama, who in 1992 visited Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, touching the hearts and minds of everybody.
Vajrayana centers of the Kagyu, Gelug and Nyingma lineages function in some state capitals, as do two centers of Tarthang Tulku, one in Sao Paulo and one in Salvador, Bahia. Most of these centers receive regular visits from lamas and engage in daily activities.
Almost all the people who are now members of the Chagdud Gonpa center in Porto Alegre have practiced zazen in the Soto Center, Sanguen Dojo, founded by Tokuda Roshi and connected with the Centro de Estudos Budistas. Some have previously studied hatha yoga, while many others connected with Centro de Estudos Budistas have an academic background and continue their work with local universities: there are, for example, five physicists or students of physics among our members. The sangha also includes other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, architects, engineers, economists and teachers. They are not people of "blind faith." They started to practice meditation and found it valuable for their lives, so they continue to practice. Most of them have a great interest in going deeper and deeper in their understanding of apparent reality by exploring the philosophical teachings of the Buddhadharma.
We have founded a publishing house, and local sangha members produce a newsletter. We have already published one of Rinpoche's books, Life in Relation to Death, in Portuguese, and we are now in the process of making Gates to Buddhist Practice available. Perhaps this year we will also publish Rinpoche's Journey to Realms Beyond Death.
Rinpoche's visit, with Jane and Tulku Ape, in the spring of 1994 was as successful as his 1993 visit. Upon their arrival in Porto Alegre, I again offered to show Rinpoche land; we all knew that he was thinking of moving to Brazil; we had a secret hope ...
The First Two Stupas under Construction Next to Guru Rinpoche Lotus Pond
-When should we see the land, Rinpoche?
-Tomorrow morning.
In that week we went to the land three times, and Rinpoche decided to buy a beautiful 100-acre area adjacent to the existing retreat area, increasing the total area for dharma activities to about 250 acres. It was that fast, that quick.
The new land, 100 kilometers from Porto Alegre and the nearest airport, shelters plenty of birds and insects (what do you do when a mosquito settles on you, or a spider crawls on your leg, while you are practicing like that solid, stable mountain?), and provides good soil, goodrain, wild flowers and fruits. The weather is relatively mild here; usually we don't have snow in the winter but some days it freezes. The homes are not as well insulated as in the United States, and we use wood heating during only some weeks of the year. We commonly require air-conditioning instead. Life here is not as expensive as in the United States, and the regulations and building codes not as strict.
-Do you think, Rinpoche, we can construct a house for street children, a house for older people, an alternative medical clinic, a cemetery,a school for children?
-Yes.
Well, as you see, we have plans. But it is very clear for us that it is a display: these things are not to be done, they are not tasks; they are a compassionate way of keeping samaya. They are the garden of samaya, and this garden starts with the way–with the cultivation of the mind.
Rinpoche' s compassion is boundless–we see it in his move to Brazil, giving his support by his actual physical presence. His teachings don't exclude anyone, since there is no model to which we have to adjust. Nobody is asked to be a monk or nun or to be suddenly very virtuous. His unshakable view and flawless samaya attract people and inspire confidence. During his last visit, fifteen different heads of spiritualist and African centers in Porto Alegre went to see him. Rinpoche explained the importance of not killing animals in their ceremonies. He also attracted many people who would like to have a spiritual practice but for whom traditional religions no longer have any appeal.
In Brazil we have almost no masters. no empowerments, no teachings, no buildings, no retreats. Few people have received ngondro instructions. Rinpoche saw this. In the future the books will register, "In 1994, the emissary of the great Orgyan's heart, the holder of intrinsic awareness Padma Gargyi Wangkhyug, brought from the land of snows and from the land where 'iron birds fly' the Holy Dzogpa Chenpo teachings to the desolate region of South America, and pacified the demons of wrong view, white, black and red, establishing long-lasting dharma sanctuaries."
Alfredo Padma Samten
In 1993, when Rinpoche came to Brazil for the fourth time, many people took the opportunity to see him. In Florianopolis, 1,200 people gathered and soon formed a center. In Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, the same thing happened: there were many people, many brighteyes, many bows, many hearts touched. The already active centers, Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in Sao Paulo and Chagdud Gonpa Dawa Drolma in Belo Horizonte,staffed by energetic and cheerful people, continued to grow. In Porto Alegre, we organized a public conference with 350 people and a weekend workshop on the Six Perfections with 200 in the audience; to foster the teachings there, Chagdud Gonpa Yeshe Ling was founded.
Rinpoche arrived in Porto Alegre (1,000 kilometers from Sao Paulo, 1,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Argentina), the capital of my state, on Friday, August 13, 1993, a full-moon day. The local organization, Centro de Estudos Budistas, an eight-year-old Buddhist cultural group, mostly Zen-minded,sponsored his visit. Rinpoche was received at the airport as an important dignitary, and a special car met him. With a katag in my hands I went into the airplane to greet him. When I saw his gaze, I recognized my master. I experienced a 220-volt shock sensation, but without pain or disturbance, only energy. I saw that his basis, his mind, was not bound by any conventional mode. I immediately trusted him.
Over the next few days, I told him about our plans to develop a retreat center and asked him if we should go forward. He agreed. I offered him land to begin the center under his guidance. I also asked him to be my master. That was the beginning for us in 1993.
In recent decades, interest in all schools of Buddhism has flourished in Brazil. In the sixties, the Theravada and Soto Zen traditions came to our country and greatly benefited people. More recently we were visited by many masters of different traditions, including Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, who came in 1989, gave teachings, refuge and initiations and, with the blessings of Karmapa, founded a monastery in Rio de Janeiro; and H.H. the Dalai Lama, who in 1992 visited Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, touching the hearts and minds of everybody.
Vajrayana centers of the Kagyu, Gelug and Nyingma lineages function in some state capitals, as do two centers of Tarthang Tulku, one in Sao Paulo and one in Salvador, Bahia. Most of these centers receive regular visits from lamas and engage in daily activities.
Almost all the people who are now members of the Chagdud Gonpa center in Porto Alegre have practiced zazen in the Soto Center, Sanguen Dojo, founded by Tokuda Roshi and connected with the Centro de Estudos Budistas. Some have previously studied hatha yoga, while many others connected with Centro de Estudos Budistas have an academic background and continue their work with local universities: there are, for example, five physicists or students of physics among our members. The sangha also includes other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, architects, engineers, economists and teachers. They are not people of "blind faith." They started to practice meditation and found it valuable for their lives, so they continue to practice. Most of them have a great interest in going deeper and deeper in their understanding of apparent reality by exploring the philosophical teachings of the Buddhadharma.
We have founded a publishing house, and local sangha members produce a newsletter. We have already published one of Rinpoche's books, Life in Relation to Death, in Portuguese, and we are now in the process of making Gates to Buddhist Practice available. Perhaps this year we will also publish Rinpoche's Journey to Realms Beyond Death.
Rinpoche's visit, with Jane and Tulku Ape, in the spring of 1994 was as successful as his 1993 visit. Upon their arrival in Porto Alegre, I again offered to show Rinpoche land; we all knew that he was thinking of moving to Brazil; we had a secret hope ...
The First Two Stupas under Construction Next to Guru Rinpoche Lotus Pond
-When should we see the land, Rinpoche?
-Tomorrow morning.
In that week we went to the land three times, and Rinpoche decided to buy a beautiful 100-acre area adjacent to the existing retreat area, increasing the total area for dharma activities to about 250 acres. It was that fast, that quick.
The new land, 100 kilometers from Porto Alegre and the nearest airport, shelters plenty of birds and insects (what do you do when a mosquito settles on you, or a spider crawls on your leg, while you are practicing like that solid, stable mountain?), and provides good soil, goodrain, wild flowers and fruits. The weather is relatively mild here; usually we don't have snow in the winter but some days it freezes. The homes are not as well insulated as in the United States, and we use wood heating during only some weeks of the year. We commonly require air-conditioning instead. Life here is not as expensive as in the United States, and the regulations and building codes not as strict.
-Do you think, Rinpoche, we can construct a house for street children, a house for older people, an alternative medical clinic, a cemetery,a school for children?
-Yes.
Well, as you see, we have plans. But it is very clear for us that it is a display: these things are not to be done, they are not tasks; they are a compassionate way of keeping samaya. They are the garden of samaya, and this garden starts with the way–with the cultivation of the mind.
Rinpoche' s compassion is boundless–we see it in his move to Brazil, giving his support by his actual physical presence. His teachings don't exclude anyone, since there is no model to which we have to adjust. Nobody is asked to be a monk or nun or to be suddenly very virtuous. His unshakable view and flawless samaya attract people and inspire confidence. During his last visit, fifteen different heads of spiritualist and African centers in Porto Alegre went to see him. Rinpoche explained the importance of not killing animals in their ceremonies. He also attracted many people who would like to have a spiritual practice but for whom traditional religions no longer have any appeal.
In Brazil we have almost no masters. no empowerments, no teachings, no buildings, no retreats. Few people have received ngondro instructions. Rinpoche saw this. In the future the books will register, "In 1994, the emissary of the great Orgyan's heart, the holder of intrinsic awareness Padma Gargyi Wangkhyug, brought from the land of snows and from the land where 'iron birds fly' the Holy Dzogpa Chenpo teachings to the desolate region of South America, and pacified the demons of wrong view, white, black and red, establishing long-lasting dharma sanctuaries."
Alfredo Padma Samten
In 1993, when Rinpoche came to Brazil for the fourth time, many people took the opportunity to see him. In Florianopolis, 1,200 people gathered and soon formed a center. In Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, the same thing happened: there were many people, many brighteyes, many bows, many hearts touched. The already active centers, Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in Sao Paulo and Chagdud Gonpa Dawa Drolma in Belo Horizonte,staffed by energetic and cheerful people, continued to grow. In Porto Alegre, we organized a public conference with 350 people and a weekend workshop on the Six Perfections with 200 in the audience; to foster the teachings there, Chagdud Gonpa Yeshe Ling was founded.
Rinpoche arrived in Porto Alegre (1,000 kilometers from Sao Paulo, 1,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Argentina), the capital of my state, on Friday, August 13, 1993, a full-moon day. The local organization, Centro de Estudos Budistas, an eight-year-old Buddhist cultural group, mostly Zen-minded,sponsored his visit. Rinpoche was received at the airport as an important dignitary, and a special car met him. With a katag in my hands I went into the airplane to greet him. When I saw his gaze, I recognized my master. I experienced a 220-volt shock sensation, but without pain or disturbance, only energy. I saw that his basis, his mind, was not bound by any conventional mode. I immediately trusted him.
Over the next few days, I told him about our plans to develop a retreat center and asked him if we should go forward. He agreed. I offered him land to begin the center under his guidance. I also asked him to be my master. That was the beginning for us in 1993.
In recent decades, interest in all schools of Buddhism has flourished in Brazil. In the sixties, the Theravada and Soto Zen traditions came to our country and greatly benefited people. More recently we were visited by many masters of different traditions, including Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, who came in 1989, gave teachings, refuge and initiations and, with the blessings of Karmapa, founded a monastery in Rio de Janeiro; and H.H. the Dalai Lama, who in 1992 visited Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, touching the hearts and minds of everybody.
Vajrayana centers of the Kagyu, Gelug and Nyingma lineages function in some state capitals, as do two centers of Tarthang Tulku, one in Sao Paulo and one in Salvador, Bahia. Most of these centers receive regular visits from lamas and engage in daily activities.
Almost all the people who are now members of the Chagdud Gonpa center in Porto Alegre have practiced zazen in the Soto Center, Sanguen Dojo, founded by Tokuda Roshi and connected with the Centro de Estudos Budistas. Some have previously studied hatha yoga, while many others connected with Centro de Estudos Budistas have an academic background and continue their work with local universities: there are, for example, five physicists or students of physics among our members. The sangha also includes other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, architects, engineers, economists and teachers. They are not people of "blind faith." They started to practice meditation and found it valuable for their lives, so they continue to practice. Most of them have a great interest in going deeper and deeper in their understanding of apparent reality by exploring the philosophical teachings of the Buddhadharma.
We have founded a publishing house, and local sangha members produce a newsletter. We have already published one of Rinpoche's books, Life in Relation to Death, in Portuguese, and we are now in the process of making Gates to Buddhist Practice available. Perhaps this year we will also publish Rinpoche's Journey to Realms Beyond Death.
Rinpoche's visit, with Jane and Tulku Ape, in the spring of 1994 was as successful as his 1993 visit. Upon their arrival in Porto Alegre, I again offered to show Rinpoche land; we all knew that he was thinking of moving to Brazil; we had a secret hope ...
The First Two Stupas under Construction Next to Guru Rinpoche Lotus Pond
-When should we see the land, Rinpoche?
-Tomorrow morning.
In that week we went to the land three times, and Rinpoche decided to buy a beautiful 100-acre area adjacent to the existing retreat area, increasing the total area for dharma activities to about 250 acres. It was that fast, that quick.
The new land, 100 kilometers from Porto Alegre and the nearest airport, shelters plenty of birds and insects (what do you do when a mosquito settles on you, or a spider crawls on your leg, while you are practicing like that solid, stable mountain?), and provides good soil, goodrain, wild flowers and fruits. The weather is relatively mild here; usually we don't have snow in the winter but some days it freezes. The homes are not as well insulated as in the United States, and we use wood heating during only some weeks of the year. We commonly require air-conditioning instead. Life here is not as expensive as in the United States, and the regulations and building codes not as strict.
-Do you think, Rinpoche, we can construct a house for street children, a house for older people, an alternative medical clinic, a cemetery,a school for children?
-Yes.
Well, as you see, we have plans. But it is very clear for us that it is a display: these things are not to be done, they are not tasks; they are a compassionate way of keeping samaya. They are the garden of samaya, and this garden starts with the way–with the cultivation of the mind.
Rinpoche' s compassion is boundless–we see it in his move to Brazil, giving his support by his actual physical presence. His teachings don't exclude anyone, since there is no model to which we have to adjust. Nobody is asked to be a monk or nun or to be suddenly very virtuous. His unshakable view and flawless samaya attract people and inspire confidence. During his last visit, fifteen different heads of spiritualist and African centers in Porto Alegre went to see him. Rinpoche explained the importance of not killing animals in their ceremonies. He also attracted many people who would like to have a spiritual practice but for whom traditional religions no longer have any appeal.
In Brazil we have almost no masters. no empowerments, no teachings, no buildings, no retreats. Few people have received ngondro instructions. Rinpoche saw this. In the future the books will register, "In 1994, the emissary of the great Orgyan's heart, the holder of intrinsic awareness Padma Gargyi Wangkhyug, brought from the land of snows and from the land where 'iron birds fly' the Holy Dzogpa Chenpo teachings to the desolate region of South America, and pacified the demons of wrong view, white, black and red, establishing long-lasting dharma sanctuaries."
Alfredo Padma Samten
In 1993, when Rinpoche came to Brazil for the fourth time, many people took the opportunity to see him. In Florianopolis, 1,200 people gathered and soon formed a center. In Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, the same thing happened: there were many people, many brighteyes, many bows, many hearts touched. The already active centers, Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in Sao Paulo and Chagdud Gonpa Dawa Drolma in Belo Horizonte,staffed by energetic and cheerful people, continued to grow. In Porto Alegre, we organized a public conference with 350 people and a weekend workshop on the Six Perfections with 200 in the audience; to foster the teachings there, Chagdud Gonpa Yeshe Ling was founded.
Rinpoche arrived in Porto Alegre (1,000 kilometers from Sao Paulo, 1,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Argentina), the capital of my state, on Friday, August 13, 1993, a full-moon day. The local organization, Centro de Estudos Budistas, an eight-year-old Buddhist cultural group, mostly Zen-minded,sponsored his visit. Rinpoche was received at the airport as an important dignitary, and a special car met him. With a katag in my hands I went into the airplane to greet him. When I saw his gaze, I recognized my master. I experienced a 220-volt shock sensation, but without pain or disturbance, only energy. I saw that his basis, his mind, was not bound by any conventional mode. I immediately trusted him.
Over the next few days, I told him about our plans to develop a retreat center and asked him if we should go forward. He agreed. I offered him land to begin the center under his guidance. I also asked him to be my master. That was the beginning for us in 1993.
In recent decades, interest in all schools of Buddhism has flourished in Brazil. In the sixties, the Theravada and Soto Zen traditions came to our country and greatly benefited people. More recently we were visited by many masters of different traditions, including Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, who came in 1989, gave teachings, refuge and initiations and, with the blessings of Karmapa, founded a monastery in Rio de Janeiro; and H.H. the Dalai Lama, who in 1992 visited Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, touching the hearts and minds of everybody.
Vajrayana centers of the Kagyu, Gelug and Nyingma lineages function in some state capitals, as do two centers of Tarthang Tulku, one in Sao Paulo and one in Salvador, Bahia. Most of these centers receive regular visits from lamas and engage in daily activities.
Almost all the people who are now members of the Chagdud Gonpa center in Porto Alegre have practiced zazen in the Soto Center, Sanguen Dojo, founded by Tokuda Roshi and connected with the Centro de Estudos Budistas. Some have previously studied hatha yoga, while many others connected with Centro de Estudos Budistas have an academic background and continue their work with local universities: there are, for example, five physicists or students of physics among our members. The sangha also includes other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, architects, engineers, economists and teachers. They are not people of "blind faith." They started to practice meditation and found it valuable for their lives, so they continue to practice. Most of them have a great interest in going deeper and deeper in their understanding of apparent reality by exploring the philosophical teachings of the Buddhadharma.
We have founded a publishing house, and local sangha members produce a newsletter. We have already published one of Rinpoche's books, Life in Relation to Death, in Portuguese, and we are now in the process of making Gates to Buddhist Practice available. Perhaps this year we will also publish Rinpoche's Journey to Realms Beyond Death.
Rinpoche's visit, with Jane and Tulku Ape, in the spring of 1994 was as successful as his 1993 visit. Upon their arrival in Porto Alegre, I again offered to show Rinpoche land; we all knew that he was thinking of moving to Brazil; we had a secret hope ...
The First Two Stupas under Construction Next to Guru Rinpoche Lotus Pond
-When should we see the land, Rinpoche?
-Tomorrow morning.
In that week we went to the land three times, and Rinpoche decided to buy a beautiful 100-acre area adjacent to the existing retreat area, increasing the total area for dharma activities to about 250 acres. It was that fast, that quick.
The new land, 100 kilometers from Porto Alegre and the nearest airport, shelters plenty of birds and insects (what do you do when a mosquito settles on you, or a spider crawls on your leg, while you are practicing like that solid, stable mountain?), and provides good soil, goodrain, wild flowers and fruits. The weather is relatively mild here; usually we don't have snow in the winter but some days it freezes. The homes are not as well insulated as in the United States, and we use wood heating during only some weeks of the year. We commonly require air-conditioning instead. Life here is not as expensive as in the United States, and the regulations and building codes not as strict.
-Do you think, Rinpoche, we can construct a house for street children, a house for older people, an alternative medical clinic, a cemetery,a school for children?
-Yes.
Well, as you see, we have plans. But it is very clear for us that it is a display: these things are not to be done, they are not tasks; they are a compassionate way of keeping samaya. They are the garden of samaya, and this garden starts with the way–with the cultivation of the mind.
Rinpoche' s compassion is boundless–we see it in his move to Brazil, giving his support by his actual physical presence. His teachings don't exclude anyone, since there is no model to which we have to adjust. Nobody is asked to be a monk or nun or to be suddenly very virtuous. His unshakable view and flawless samaya attract people and inspire confidence. During his last visit, fifteen different heads of spiritualist and African centers in Porto Alegre went to see him. Rinpoche explained the importance of not killing animals in their ceremonies. He also attracted many people who would like to have a spiritual practice but for whom traditional religions no longer have any appeal.
In Brazil we have almost no masters. no empowerments, no teachings, no buildings, no retreats. Few people have received ngondro instructions. Rinpoche saw this. In the future the books will register, "In 1994, the emissary of the great Orgyan's heart, the holder of intrinsic awareness Padma Gargyi Wangkhyug, brought from the land of snows and from the land where 'iron birds fly' the Holy Dzogpa Chenpo teachings to the desolate region of South America, and pacified the demons of wrong view, white, black and red, establishing long-lasting dharma sanctuaries."
Alfredo Padma Samten
In 1993, when Rinpoche came to Brazil for the fourth time, many people took the opportunity to see him. In Florianopolis, 1,200 people gathered and soon formed a center. In Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, the same thing happened: there were many people, many brighteyes, many bows, many hearts touched. The already active centers, Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling in Sao Paulo and Chagdud Gonpa Dawa Drolma in Belo Horizonte,staffed by energetic and cheerful people, continued to grow. In Porto Alegre, we organized a public conference with 350 people and a weekend workshop on the Six Perfections with 200 in the audience; to foster the teachings there, Chagdud Gonpa Yeshe Ling was founded.
Rinpoche arrived in Porto Alegre (1,000 kilometers from Sao Paulo, 1,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Argentina), the capital of my state, on Friday, August 13, 1993, a full-moon day. The local organization, Centro de Estudos Budistas, an eight-year-old Buddhist cultural group, mostly Zen-minded,sponsored his visit. Rinpoche was received at the airport as an important dignitary, and a special car met him. With a katag in my hands I went into the airplane to greet him. When I saw his gaze, I recognized my master. I experienced a 220-volt shock sensation, but without pain or disturbance, only energy. I saw that his basis, his mind, was not bound by any conventional mode. I immediately trusted him.
Over the next few days, I told him about our plans to develop a retreat center and asked him if we should go forward. He agreed. I offered him land to begin the center under his guidance. I also asked him to be my master. That was the beginning for us in 1993.
In recent decades, interest in all schools of Buddhism has flourished in Brazil. In the sixties, the Theravada and Soto Zen traditions came to our country and greatly benefited people. More recently we were visited by many masters of different traditions, including Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, who came in 1989, gave teachings, refuge and initiations and, with the blessings of Karmapa, founded a monastery in Rio de Janeiro; and H.H. the Dalai Lama, who in 1992 visited Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, touching the hearts and minds of everybody.
Vajrayana centers of the Kagyu, Gelug and Nyingma lineages function in some state capitals, as do two centers of Tarthang Tulku, one in Sao Paulo and one in Salvador, Bahia. Most of these centers receive regular visits from lamas and engage in daily activities.
Almost all the people who are now members of the Chagdud Gonpa center in Porto Alegre have practiced zazen in the Soto Center, Sanguen Dojo, founded by Tokuda Roshi and connected with the Centro de Estudos Budistas. Some have previously studied hatha yoga, while many others connected with Centro de Estudos Budistas have an academic background and continue their work with local universities: there are, for example, five physicists or students of physics among our members. The sangha also includes other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, architects, engineers, economists and teachers. They are not people of "blind faith." They started to practice meditation and found it valuable for their lives, so they continue to practice. Most of them have a great interest in going deeper and deeper in their understanding of apparent reality by exploring the philosophical teachings of the Buddhadharma.
We have founded a publishing house, and local sangha members produce a newsletter. We have already published one of Rinpoche's books, Life in Relation to Death, in Portuguese, and we are now in the process of making Gates to Buddhist Practice available. Perhaps this year we will also publish Rinpoche's Journey to Realms Beyond Death.
Rinpoche's visit, with Jane and Tulku Ape, in the spring of 1994 was as successful as his 1993 visit. Upon their arrival in Porto Alegre, I again offered to show Rinpoche land; we all knew that he was thinking of moving to Brazil; we had a secret hope ...
The First Two Stupas under Construction Next to Guru Rinpoche Lotus Pond
-When should we see the land, Rinpoche?
-Tomorrow morning.
In that week we went to the land three times, and Rinpoche decided to buy a beautiful 100-acre area adjacent to the existing retreat area, increasing the total area for dharma activities to about 250 acres. It was that fast, that quick.
The new land, 100 kilometers from Porto Alegre and the nearest airport, shelters plenty of birds and insects (what do you do when a mosquito settles on you, or a spider crawls on your leg, while you are practicing like that solid, stable mountain?), and provides good soil, goodrain, wild flowers and fruits. The weather is relatively mild here; usually we don't have snow in the winter but some days it freezes. The homes are not as well insulated as in the United States, and we use wood heating during only some weeks of the year. We commonly require air-conditioning instead. Life here is not as expensive as in the United States, and the regulations and building codes not as strict.
-Do you think, Rinpoche, we can construct a house for street children, a house for older people, an alternative medical clinic, a cemetery,a school for children?
-Yes.
Well, as you see, we have plans. But it is very clear for us that it is a display: these things are not to be done, they are not tasks; they are a compassionate way of keeping samaya. They are the garden of samaya, and this garden starts with the way–with the cultivation of the mind.
Rinpoche' s compassion is boundless–we see it in his move to Brazil, giving his support by his actual physical presence. His teachings don't exclude anyone, since there is no model to which we have to adjust. Nobody is asked to be a monk or nun or to be suddenly very virtuous. His unshakable view and flawless samaya attract people and inspire confidence. During his last visit, fifteen different heads of spiritualist and African centers in Porto Alegre went to see him. Rinpoche explained the importance of not killing animals in their ceremonies. He also attracted many people who would like to have a spiritual practice but for whom traditional religions no longer have any appeal.
In Brazil we have almost no masters. no empowerments, no teachings, no buildings, no retreats. Few people have received ngondro instructions. Rinpoche saw this. In the future the books will register, "In 1994, the emissary of the great Orgyan's heart, the holder of intrinsic awareness Padma Gargyi Wangkhyug, brought from the land of snows and from the land where 'iron birds fly' the Holy Dzogpa Chenpo teachings to the desolate region of South America, and pacified the demons of wrong view, white, black and red, establishing long-lasting dharma sanctuaries."
Alfredo Padma Samten
