Venerable Thubten Chodron visits the dharma point. Pomaia, March 31, 2026
Some encounters are real interweavings of stories and visions.
It is with deep joy that we tell you about the precious moments spent with the Ven. Thubten Chodron, a guest of the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute where she will give teachings, honored our new dharma point with his luminous presence.
For the Western Sangha, Ven. Thubten Chodron is not just a guide; she is a pioneer. Founder of Sravasti Abbey in the United States and author, together with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, of monumental works such as the 11-volume "Wisdom and Compassion" series published by Wisdom Publications, of which Nalanda Edizioni has translated the first five volumes into Italian, she has dedicated her life to making the Dharma accessible and alive for us Westerners. Her work is invaluable for all students of Buddhism in the West and beyond.
Upon crossing the threshold, Ven. Chodron immediately took in the dharma point, appreciating it as a fundamental place of openness and aggregation for the local community.
But the most vibrant moment was the discussion about the future Monastery: as she looked at the maps and renderings, his eyes lit up with curiosity. Together with Ven. Massimo and the Sangha present, a lively conversation ensued, filled with questions and valuable suggestions.
An experience that shortens distances.
Across the ocean in the Tuscan hills, we discovered that the challenges of a large-scale project are universal. Ven. Chodron opened her heart to us, sharing the secrets and challenges she overcame with the recent dedication of her Buddha Hall, a 1.579-square-meter temple and library, which serves as a practice and learning center for monks and laypeople.
This structure, described as a place to cultivate love, compassion, and wisdom, serves as a hub for teachings, retreats, meditations, and ceremonies.
His compassion knows no bounds: we saw it in the warmth of his gaze towards the little dog Tara, reminding us that every creature is part of the same circle of life.
The most exciting moment? Climbing the hill together, into the heart of the land where the Monastery will be built. There, amid the wind and silence of the future sacred area, his advice became a compass for our journey, instilling in us the strength needed to make this dream a reality.
Thank you, Ven. Chodron, for walking with us into the future.
Visit of the Venerable Paloma Alba
Venerable Paloma Alba visits the dharma point. Pomaia, March 31, 2026
On the same day at the dharma point we also received a visit from Ven. Paloma Alba e of his traveling teddy bear Teddy Tulku, directly from Valencia. Meeting her is always a joy: her kindness and charm are contagious!
Venerable Paloma is a Buddhist nun and teacher. In 1986, she received ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India, after a period of intense practice and study. Her principal teacher is Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche.
Since her ordination, she has actively collaborated with the FPMT Centers in Spain as director and spiritual coordinator. She was coordinator of the Latin American centers and a member of the Senior Council of the International Mahayana Institute (IMI). She is a founding member of the Interreligious Forum Transcendence. She has given courses and lectures at the centers in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. She has collaborated in the translation and editing of several Buddhist books. She is the translator of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
She is currently the spiritual coordinator and coordinator of online programs at the Nagarjuna Center in Valencia.
