Odsal Ling Retreat Center

Please join us at the Chagdud Odsal Ling Retreat Center. We have always referred to it as Refúgio, since it is situated in a beautiful area of rural woodlands near Cotia, yet is only 15 miles outside of São Paulo, and provides a natural environment for meditation, teachings, and retreat.

Refugio was established in 2001 by Lama Tsering Everest, under the auspices of His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, and is an appropriate environment for both short term and long term retreats. It's the official residence of Lama Tsering and Lama Norbu, which allows for the opportunity of receiving teachings and guidance in retreat.

Any student interested in doing retreat at Refúgio must first obtain authorization from one of the resident lamas. You can contact us through the email sangha@odsalling.org. In order to plan your trip, please refer to the information below.

LOCATION

Refúgio is located near Cotia, approximately 20 miles from the City Center in São Paulo, and a one hour drive from the Guarulhos International airport.

DOCUMENTATION

Citizens from the USA and other countries will need an entrance visa for Brazil as well as a valid passport. You should check with your local Brazilian consulate for details.

WEATHER

The weather in the region is usually mild, with normal temperatures ranging from 65ºF to 80ºF. However , during the summer months from December to the beginning of March, temperatures can get up to the low 90's and in the winter months from June to September the temperatures can occasionally drop into the 40's.

CLOTHING

Come prepared for both rain and sun, with cold weather apparel for the winter months as well as a light jacket or sweater in the summer months. It is required for students to wear the traditional ceremonial clothing (chuba and zen) during teachings and practice, which can be obtained at the urban center if you don't have them. Refúgio has a small pool, which is available during certain hours, so it is advisable to bring your swimming suit

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ACCOMODATION

Refúgio offers three kinds of accommodation:

• Retreat house I. Bedrooms with two bunk beds. Bathroom is shared between three bedrooms.
• Retreat house II. Bedrooms with two twin beds. Bathroom is shared between two bedrooms.
• Suites Rate. Apartments with one double bed, bathroom and a mezzanine (can accommodate one more guest).

Fees

Spending the night (no meals)

Spending the night (meals included)

Monthly fee

Other

LAUNDRY

Refúgio has a laundry service available for practitioners in retreat.

FOOD

Food served at Refúgio is mostly Brazilian cuisine. If you're vegetarian please let us know in advance.

REGULAR PRACTICES

Tara, Vajrakilaya, Protectors, Lion-faced Dakini and Chod feasts happen daily at Refúgio as well as at our urban center. We urge you to bring your sadhanas and favorite sitting pillow.

ITEMS FOR PRACTICE

You should bring your bell and dorje and optionally a dhamaru and chöd drum. During Tara practice, we also use the mandala pan for offering, but you should bring only your pan, and no grains, since perishable food is not allowed to enter the country.

TRANSPORT

We are able to offer you a shuttle service - airport/Refúgio or airport/urban center - for US$ 20. You must request this service in advance.

ACTIVITIES AT THE URBAN CENTER

Teachings take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at the Odsal Ling Urban Center. An offering of R$ 10 is suggested. The staff at Refúgio can organize transportation for practitioners, so that they can attend the teachings. Cost will depend on the number of people per trip.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

The cost for weekend teaching retreats and extra activities that take place at Refúgio or at the Urban Center are not included in your daily accommodation rate.

TRANSPORT IN COTIA

The town of Cotia has a public transportation system (buses and taxis). In São Paulo you can also use the subway.

KHADRO LING

Khadro Ling is situated in Três Coroas, a town in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, 750 miles south of São Paulo. The trip takes approximately 2 hours by plane or 18 hours by bus. If you wish to visit Khadro Ling, we can provide the contact information of local airlines and bus companies.

INTERNET

The Refúgio does not have an internet connection service. We are limited to phone services.

As with all Chagdud Gonpa Centers,
Refúgio is a no smoking zone.