On December 3, 2008, the Odsal Ling Temple was consecrated by DzongsarKhyentse Rinpoche, Jigme KhyentseRinpoche, OrgyenTobgyal Rinpoche, Jigme Tromge Rinpoche, and Tulku Sangngag Rinpoche, as well as Chagdud Khadro, Lama Pema Dorje, Lama Sonam, Lama Tsering, Lama Norbu, and many other lamas, wives of the lamas, students, friends, and members of the community who joined in the joyous ceremony.

Later that day, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche gave a teaching to more than 300 people, emphasizing the importance of a temple as a sacred place that both inspires and reminds us of the essence of the Buddhist teachings. The ceremonies marked the official opening of the Odsal Ling Temple and the fulfillment of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche’s aspirations to have a traditional Tibetan style temple to serve the city of Sao Paulo and the surrounding community.

The seeds of those aspirations were planted with Chagdud Rinpoche’s advice in 2002, when he told Lama Tsering, “It doesn’t have to be big, but it should be beautiful.” The actual construction did not begin until 2004, but thanks to all those who contributed and put their hearts into the project – the lamas, students, guest artists, and workers, and due to the vast blessings of Rinpoche, the temple was completed just in time for the consecration.

The temple, which sits high on a hill overlooking rural Cotia, was full to capacity for the consecration and cameras were set up in the shrineroom, with screens in the dining room for those who could not fit into the main shrineroom. Entering the temple, guests passed thru the new gatehouse and sun and moon courtyard and once inside, they were greeted by the splendor of the twelve foot high central Buddha statue and the accompanying statues of Garab Dorje, Guru Rinpoche, Red Tara, and H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.

The faces of the five statues were covered with veils, and at the appropriate moment in the ceremony the veils were taken off and the dynamic presence of the statues was revealed. Later, the entire sangha and all the guests followed the lamas in a procession, circumambulating the temple and showering it with blessing rice and flowers, thus participating wholeheartedly in the consecration.

From the beginning of its construction until its consecration, Odsal Ling Temple has counted on the contributions of so many individuals for both material resources and volunteer work. Beyond that, many blessings were received from the different lamas who were always willing to conduct the required ceremonies and provide direction and guidance, as well as all the necessary blessing substances, mantras, and mandalas required for a traditional temple.

Meanwhile, all along this path, the ever-present voice of Lama Tsering Everest emphasized that all offerings be made with a pure heart so that the temple would benefit not only those who could practice there, but, by means of a profound aspiration and compassion, all beings wherever they might be. In this way, Odsal Ling Temple would become “a rainbow bridge connecting all beings to enlightenment.” 

We welcome you to visit Odsal Ling Temple!