MIRROR Article about Tsegyalgar West

Melong.com

MIRROR 2015 #128 

TW Article by Laurie Pearce Bauer

Tsegyalgar West retreat land, historically called ‘Ranchos de Los Naranjos’ by the local community, is comprised of 3,000 acres of unique tropical desert in the mountains of Baja Sur, close to beaches on the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific.  It has several springs, a huge arroyo with perpetual pools, giant white fig trees, many native palm trees, cacti and grand vistas. The land has its own feeling and vast mystery.

Norbu Rinpoche, when first walking the natural areas of this property in 2004, looked intently at the land. He especially loved the granite ridges and rocks formations along the way to the valleys. He remarked several times at the similarity to Derghe in Eastern Tibet in some respects and of the ‘Beyuls’, historically known to be valleys that are hidden from people with ordinary vision. The recognition of a Beyul in this context is more of a call to participation than it is one of speculation.

The Tibetan tradition of ‘Beyul’ hidden valleys is generally traced back to Guru Padmasambhava, but have a more pragmatic base than just legendary. Today, in central Khams-Derghe, called by some the ‘Dzogchen Holy Land’, you will find what is perhaps Tibet’s cultural and Buddhist center.

Near the mountainous region of this area are located about a thousand natural caves still populated by practitioners of various disciplines. It is said many secret yogis achieved realization at the Beyul Jong caves. Beyul places, at their core, have always been about the life of a Community – whether it be Mahasiddhas or simple mountain people – where even the earth itself participates.

So while history and imagination regale us, we also must be aware that there is a development possible, not just in the individual, but also more importantly in the Community as a whole, at the land of Los Naranjos.

The worldwide Dzogchen Community ultimately shares in what we do with that. As the world progresses in many directions, we as practitioners have a responsibility for the continuation of the Dzogchen Teachings we have received.

The Baja Sur retreat land definitely holds a place for our future, ready for accomplishment. Fast forward over a decade of dedicated efforts of a small group of members holding the torch for magnificent possibility of this natural, verdant wilderness, welcoming practitioners to live within its sanctuary and flourish.

Tsegyalgar West is the largest Gar ‘landwise’ but with the smallest population of people living here; it’s amazing to have gotten this far. Usually the Community exists first before securing retreat land, but this land was given as an extraordinary donation to Rinpoche and the Dzogchen Community has followed his lead. We need everyone’s help to grow this retreat center, to come practice, to support and benefit from this refuge jewel in the natural wilderness at Baja California Sur.

2105 Update  There is now a large new Gonpa with sliding panels to the outdoors, a Vajra Dance Hall, efficient Kitchen and open-air Dining hall. Casita houses are available to rent for short or longer retreats for groups and for individuals. Campgrounds have been created and native tropical/desert gardens surround all common areas. The Community in nearby Baja area offers a wide variety of programs for all. Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance are ongoing at the Gar and in the local towns. Dzogchen teachers offer retreats every winter at the Gar.

This coming winter season:

Several Santi Maha Sangha (base level) retreats

Mandarava Retreat  Christmas/New Years Holiday

Permaculture Workshops on the Land

Dream Yoga Retreat in Feb 2016
Yantra Yoga and Vajra Dance (Intro and Advanced)

Schedule: http://bajagar.blogspot.com/2015/07/201516-tentative-schedule_26.html

We encourage you to make a gift, large or small, to support the new development phase about to begin. It is a place for ongoing ecological living, restoration and education; a place to be with other practitioners and live in health and well being in nature; a place where organic vegetables and fruits are abundant, a place enriched by the many talents of Community members. Come and join us in person, so that this Gar’s infrastructure develops – a place to relax and regenerate one’s natural state, unfettered by the modern world.  This unique resource for the International Community is a sanctuary to preserve and ensure the Dzogchen tradition flourishes in the experience of all those it touches.

For more information
Visit: Tsegyalgarwest.org 
and
Http://bajagar.blogspot.mx

Please help us repair and renovate after Hurricane Odile :

Donate: Tsegyalgarwest.org