A gathering place for buddhist people in Portugal.
Samten dzong's location is in the province of Alentejo, close to Ferreira do Alentejo in Beja's district. It is about one hour and a half distance by car from Lisbon's airport.
Building Samten Dzong
On a plot of 25 acres, Samten Dzong association is engaged in the process to build a tibetan buddhist center to give the possibility to those who want to significantly engage in a meaningful life, living in an appropriate environment to practice Dharma for all sentient beings sake. The project is based on a permanent structure of about 13 000 sq ft, organized around a huge central court, which will comprehend among others, a temple of 1657 sq ft , 15 double bedroom with their own bathroom and 2 dormitories with a toilet and shower block, classrooms, a community clinic, a canteen, etc…
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People who will apply will be selected, and will engage in full time karmic activities which are necessary for the center's management. They will be able to reside in the center providing they engage in Dharma 's practice and in participating to all useful activities according to their capacity. They will have board and lodging in the center and will receive a minimum living wage for their personnel needs.
Before the full realisation of the center, and as a way to find means to get to it, teachings (Summer camps) will be organized with camping tents or wood bungalows, depending of the financial resources at the time. Tibetan masters will be able to teach in optimistic conditions due to the space, the silence of this place far away from town's turpitudes.
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Samten Dzong monastery will shelter a Three Years retreat center.
Portugal offers exceptional conditions for the realization and the durability of this project. Indeed, being a poorly industrialized country it is by the way not polluted and has vast natural spaces and a very good climate.
Winters are mild (it scarcely get frozen there) and one can grow almost year long, most of fruits and vegetables which can be found from North to South of Europe.
"Samten Dzong" will have its own organic garden which will produce most of its inhabitants food. A big area of the land planted with olive trees will provide olive oils as well as olive byproducts. The maintenance of the land and cultures will be partly made by the people living in the center and occasionally by volunteers during teachings periods.
The standard of living in Portugal is low and construction cost 4 to 5 less than in countries like France or Northern Europe. Diet is simple and of excellent quality, and one can easily find fresh products and fish. As for Portuguese, they are very nice people with a good temper.
Due to an excellent and important road network, motorways and railways, local communications are easy and quick, and it is very simple to come to Portugal by plane from any place in Europe in about two or three hours for a low cost.
The quality of accommodation the center proposes, three meals included, for a very competitive price, will enable any one to follow teachings in best possible conditions and for a lower price (including airplane tickets) than if they had to rent a bedroom in a big town hotel, spend some more for food in a restaurant and for travel expenses, as in the same time teachers work will be eased and their expenses lowered.