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| 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)
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
