"O Refúgio" (The Refuge), as the plot of land where the Temple is located has been affectionately named, was acquired in 2002, as a result of the generosity of the Chagdud Gonpa sangha members around the world.

It was the ideal site to build a Tibetan-style temple in the metropolitan São Paulo area -- approximately 30km (19 mi.) from the heart of the city, at the top of a hill in a semi-rural suburban area.

When Chagdud Rinpoche visited Refúgio in 2002, he was very pleased and immediately gave Lama Tsering and Lama Norbu instructions on the specific location of the future Temple on the property.

The physical construction of the Temple began in 2004, but before this several ceremonies were held to consecrate the land and remove any obstacles that may have existed.

Here are some photos (at the right?) from the first ceremonies conducted by Jigme Tromge Rinpoche along with Lama Tsering, Lama Norbu and the entire sangha.

Below, please find links to a video clip of Lama Norbu telling a story with photos, beginning in 2006, of the first ceremony held in the Temple, while it was still under construction.