One of Rinpoche’s projects here in Brazil, the Harmony Project, continues to benefit our local community. When Rinpoche first saw the hardships endured by the residents of neighboring Aguas Brancas, he conceived the idea of starting a foundation to help that community in any way possible. Located along the road between Três Coroas and Khadro Ling, the community is made up of about fifty families, the majority of whom live in abject poverty, many without sewage facilities or potable water. Most of them survive by subsistence agriculture and are unable to produce a surplus to sell. Many of the youth seek work in town at the shoe factories, but unemployment is high and it is difficult to find work. When they can, wages usually begin at thirty-five cents an hour.

Rinpoche approached the mayor of Três Coroas and proposed a partnership between Khadro Ling, the Town of Três Coroas, and the Institute for the Development of Agriculture of Rio Grande Do Sul (EMATER). That was the birth of the Harmony Project, the objective of which was to find ways to improve the social and economic situations of the residents of Aguas Brancas. Rinpoche designated Monica and Trajano Arantes de Oliveira, residents of Khadro Ling, as coordinators of the project. An unused schoolhouse along the road was renovated and equipment was purchased with funding from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. In response to research that identified the most urgent needs, a course was organized for illiterate adults to learn to read and write. Artisan courses were also given to help families learn skills to improve their incomes.

EMATER is currently implementing an organic agriculture project for small farmers. Courses have been given by doctors and psychologists concerning health, nutrition, and the proper care of children. Breast cancer exams and information have also been made available. A food and clothing drive provided much-needed support to the community during the difficult winter months, and sangha members made small repairs to some of the houses using materials left over from the temple construction. Research is currently being done on the possibility of creating cottage industries in the area to produce components needed in the shoe industry. A book drive is also under way to create a library for the community. And at Khadro Ling a dental clinic is being organized to treat the sangha and the local community, because the facilities in Três Coroas are overloaded and people have trouble getting to town.

Thanks to Rinpoche’s immeasurable compassion, these people’s lives will improve on both a relative and ultimate level. Through such a fortunate connection with him, they will receive his great blessings.

One of Rinpoche’s projects here in Brazil, the Harmony Project, continues to benefit our local community. When Rinpoche first saw the hardships endured by the residents of neighboring Aguas Brancas, he conceived the idea of starting a foundation to help that community in any way possible. Located along the road between Três Coroas and Khadro Ling, the community is made up of about fifty families, the majority of whom live in abject poverty, many without sewage facilities or potable water. Most of them survive by subsistence agriculture and are unable to produce a surplus to sell. Many of the youth seek work in town at the shoe factories, but unemployment is high and it is difficult to find work. When they can, wages usually begin at thirty-five cents an hour.

Rinpoche approached the mayor of Três Coroas and proposed a partnership between Khadro Ling, the Town of Três Coroas, and the Institute for the Development of Agriculture of Rio Grande Do Sul (EMATER). That was the birth of the Harmony Project, the objective of which was to find ways to improve the social and economic situations of the residents of Aguas Brancas. Rinpoche designated Monica and Trajano Arantes de Oliveira, residents of Khadro Ling, as coordinators of the project. An unused schoolhouse along the road was renovated and equipment was purchased with funding from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. In response to research that identified the most urgent needs, a course was organized for illiterate adults to learn to read and write. Artisan courses were also given to help families learn skills to improve their incomes.

EMATER is currently implementing an organic agriculture project for small farmers. Courses have been given by doctors and psychologists concerning health, nutrition, and the proper care of children. Breast cancer exams and information have also been made available. A food and clothing drive provided much-needed support to the community during the difficult winter months, and sangha members made small repairs to some of the houses using materials left over from the temple construction. Research is currently being done on the possibility of creating cottage industries in the area to produce components needed in the shoe industry. A book drive is also under way to create a library for the community. And at Khadro Ling a dental clinic is being organized to treat the sangha and the local community, because the facilities in Três Coroas are overloaded and people have trouble getting to town.

Thanks to Rinpoche’s immeasurable compassion, these people’s lives will improve on both a relative and ultimate level. Through such a fortunate connection with him, they will receive his great blessings.