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

Accomodation
Refúgio offers three kinds of accommodation:

• Amithaba Bedroom
  Bedroom: R$ 67, equivalent to US$ 42/ day pp Bedrooms with two twin beds. Bathroom is shared between two bedrooms.
  
• Amithaba Suite:
  R$ 154 (for two persons), equivalent to US$ 96/day. Apartments with one double bed, bathroom and a mezzanine (can accommodate one more guest - please consult about price).
• Temple dormitories
  R$ 52, equivalent to US$ 32/ day pp - A large dormitory room for men with a capacity of ten and three smaller rooms for women, also with a total capacity of ten people. One bathroom for men and another one for women.

Note: rates include three daily meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner)

Bedding and towels are not included but are available for rent at a nominal fee in case you need them.

Monthly rates (meals included)

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$ 60. 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 (offering of R$ 15). 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.